The Shadow Girl

Chapter 1

I open my eyes and see white am I dead or is this just a dream. I turn my head and see the other side of the room. The bell for breakfast rings. I groan and sit up. The room is split in a way. One side is blue and covered in posters of mountains and stuff like that my side however is pink and covered in posters of MEGA cute movie stars. Before I say any more I will introduce myself. My name is Anjelika Brown. I turn 13 in 4 days and finally I have lived in this orphanage for as long as I can remember. Now back to the room I share it with a tomboy called Joanna. We’re ok friends I mean I would never climb a mountain and she absolutely hates wearing dresses but she’s not that bad. Atleast she’s not as bad as Amelia who is only my friend to be popular. Now you are all probably wondering what I look like so I will tell you: I have long dark brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. I wear a heart necklace I’ve had ever since I was born. I also wear short shorts, strapless tops and purple converse. Joanna is a lot different; she has light brown hair which is always in a ponytail. She wears t-shirts and knee high shorts but enough of that now where was I… oh yeah the bell for breakfast rang as Joanna ran into the room “the people who have adopted Adam are coming to say when they will pick him up!!” she exclaimed excitedly ‘no that’s not right’ I think ‘that’s tomorrow’ She runs out again and I close the door and start to get dressed. I pulled my shoe on as a boy walks in. his name is Adam Smith, I have known him all his life and there is no way he would comb his hair unless… “Ssshhh…… sugar bunnies” I shout, quickly putting make up on then cursing at my unbrushable hair “Morning lazy head. Bad hair day” Adam says teasing me as per usual but he still walked over and took my brush from my hand. “Look at me Annie” he says lifting my chin. I never noticed how tall he is “your hair looks fine and so do you so don’t fret” Adam is as calm as ever in fact I don’t think I've ever seen him angry apart from that one time he beat up this guy who was mean to me “you’re right” I decide and walk down with him “can we see him now??” we hear an impatient American voice ask. We look at each other I curse again and sprint down the stairs with Adam not far behind

The two Americans are sat on the only sofa in the living room. I was invited in to join the chat though I don’t speak much I just avoid eye contact because the Americans seem to not understand why I was asked to join them when they asked Miss Park just said “they are very close and I don’t know how she would cope not knowing how long till he leaves” they just looked at me then each other “I’ll leave if you want” I say standing up to leave but Adam practically shoves me back down “no don’t go” he whispers in my ear. Once again the Americans look at each other “we will pick him up in 5 days” the woman finally decided. My gasp must have been quite loud as everyone in the room turned and looked at me as I stood “may I be excused” I say not breaking eye contact with Adam who is the only one who can see the tears welling up in my eyes. As soon as I left the room they started rolling down my cheeks and burning my skin as I run up the stairs and flop onto my bed sobbing. “Anjelika?” a girls voice calls my name from the door “leave me alone” I say not looking up “Annie it’s me Lizzie” I then lift my head to look at my all-time best friend. She comes and sits on the edge of my bed “Adam will come back, you know that” Lizzie’s right and I know it but I’ll miss Adam with his messy black hair and white t-shirts. His scruffy grey jeans and scuffed dark blue converse, his bright blue eyes and wide smile. I’ll definitely miss him.

Chapter 2

“Hey don’t cry. I promise I’ll come back” Adam said. It’s the day after my birthday and the Americans are here to pick Adam up. I smile and hide my face. “I know but… I can’t believe your actually leaving” I say, my voice betraying me by cracking on the last word. Adam steps forward and holds me in his arms tightly. He then walks off to the taxi “I promise!” he shouts as he gets into the taxi. I can feel the tears burning in my eyes as I wave goodbye. As soon as the taxi is out of sight I run inside and up to my room. When I get there I let myself fall as I cry into my pillow. I hear Miss Park shout for everyone to come downstairs so I look up to see a shadow come forward and stroke my cheek. It feels familiar but I can’t help but thinking about how it could do that. I lean against it as it lifts my chin as if...... no it can’t be my…… “Mum?” I say and the shadow recoils quickly. I hear Miss Park shout again and head downstairs. I watch the shadows dance and then hear Adams name and see them flare up almost angrily. Well that’s weird I mean is that me doing that or are they doing that themselves? I guess I will never understand.

Chapter 3

1 year later (Anjelikas Birthday)

The bell for breakfast went later today or maybe that was just me. “Annie wake up” says a calm voice next to me. Its Lizzie. I open one eye to see what she wants and see she's holding a perfectly wrapped present and a card “happy birthday sleepy head” She says smiling I practically fly up “my birthday!!” I cry a little too excited. She passes me the card and lets me open it. When I read it I give a startled gasp. At the bottom of the car it says ‘love Joanna, Lizzie and…… Adam.’ I look up at her “but how?” I ask she taps her nose and laughs “Adam sent it over from America duh” I laugh with her and then open the present. It’s a pink box and when I open the box I see a locket with emerald vines embedded into it. “How much was this?” I look up and see the shadows dancing over her shoulder. She taps her nose smiling then sees my face and her smile fades. “Whats wrong” she asks. “Nothing” I say smiling and changing the mood her smile comes back. “So how do you like it?” she asks. “I love it” I say and jump off the bed and hug only to see the shadows dancing and making shapes. I can tell Lizzie is concerned. I hear heavy footsteps on the stairs and say “I think we are late for breakfast” giggling. “LIZZIE, ANJELIKA!!” Miss Park doesn't sound happy. I go to the door “yes Miss?” I ask as innocently as possible. “You are late for breakfast what have you been doing?” I saw the shadows behind her flare and this time I understood why “we were celebrating my birthday, Miss” I say as politely as I can even though I'm seething with anger. “Ah yes your birthday…” she says as one shadow poises its self perfectly to stab her in the back. “What are you doing young lady?” Miss Park says breaking my train of thought. It is now I notice that my hand is out in front of me. I had had the shadow poised. It didn’t poise itself. “I…I don’t know Miss” I confess “Well find out. Oh and miss breakfast again and you will be making it yourself!” She shouts before stomping down the stairs.

“Are you ok Annie” Lizzie asks an hour later after I have come back from the library with my school bag so filled with books I can’t close it. I am deep in a book “yeah” I say absentmindedly. It isn’t often I read books only when I really need to. “Annie?” I sigh and look up to see Josh Hutcherson’s face. That’s it. I stand up roughly and rip the poster down. I continue to do the same to all of my posters then fall to the floor sobbing. Lizzie runs over to me and holds me. Joanna walks slowly into the room probably hearing what just happened but she still has news “there's a new guy at the orphanage!” I sniff and go to clean myself up before I go down to see him. “Hi I'm Anjelika. Whats your name?” I ask looking at the new guy “Bolek” he replies looking surprised because I was the first to speak and break the awkwardness. “Do you want a tour of the place?” I ask smiling warmly at him “sure” he says smiling back. Bolek has dark brown eyes and scruffy black hair. He’s quite thin and pale. He is wearing a grey t-shirt with black skinny jeans and black converse. He generally looks quite dark. As we start up the stairs and we are alone he says “Finally. Anjelika?” I look at him inquisitively “yes?” He looks around “I see the shadows I was sent to help you control them” he replies. I gasp “prove I can trust you.” I say cautiously. He sighs and then brings a shadow out and swirls it till it writes my name. I think for a moment “fine I can trust you” I decide smiling at him. “But first the tour” as I show him round the orphanage and I get to know him better I find out that he is actually really sweet and funny. “So the shadows when did you first notice them” he asks looking at me. I look up at him and just fall into those big brown eyes “L…last year” I stammer “why?” he just looks at me then asks if the tour is finished. I notice now how we are back at the living room again “yeah I guess it is.” I reply slightly surprised. He looks at me curiously “are you ok?” he asks. I just walk up the stairs to my room like he isn’t even there. “Anjelika?!?!?!?” He shouts after me. I turn and look at him and see Adams face in him. I gasp and carry on up the stairs.

Chapter 4

I sit on a swing at the park with Bolek on the other swing we are talking about the shadows. “So why do I have control of the shadows?” I ask. Bolek looks away awkwardly “erm I don’t think I should tell you that.” He replies still not looking up. I look over the wall and see a strange man with flying goggles on. “Who’s he?” I ask. Bolek looks up and stands up quickly “let’s go.” I look at him curiously “why?” he just grabs my hand “NOW!!” he shouts pulling me away as the man runs towards us. I hold his hand tightly as I run behind him “Bolek who is he?” Bolek just keeps running not saying a word. We run until we reach the orphanage I then feel a sharp pain in my back "Bolek I think my t-shirt is on fire” He turns round “damn” I can almost hear his thoughts: Fire Powers. “But how?” He just looks at me “get inside now!” I run inside and up to the bathroom I jump in the shower fully clothed and then change into some dry not burnt clothes. I walk back downstairs to meet Bolek who is now indoors “who was that?” I ask again he just looks at the floor “Bolek!” I say getting angry now. “Just don’t ask please” he says looking at the floor. I walk upstairs loudly and slam my door. Why can’t he just tell me who the man was and why I have shadow powers it’s just not fair. I sit on my bed heavily as someone knocks on my door. “Annie? It’s Joanna. Am I ok to come in?” she asks. I sigh “sure” she comes in and sits carefully on her bed. She looks at me and tilts her head slightly as if asking what is wrong. I just turn away and read more books on necromancy and the control of shadows. Someone else knocks on the door I look up its Bolek. Joanna looks at us both, sees the look Bolek is giving her and leaves the room quickly “what do you want?” I ask him not looking up from my book. “I want to explain who that was and why you have powers” this makes me look up. “Go on then.” He sighs then starts. “Your parents were powerful necromancers. They were one of the royals and you were their first and only child.

They were so happy that you had been born that they threw a massive party inviting everyone they knew. But none of that is relevant. There were these people who hated royals and they heard about you and how you could be the most powerful necromancer of your time. They decided that so you couldn’t for fill that prophecy that they should kill you and your family. A week after the celebration these people bombed your home. Your parent supposedly were killed but somehow you survived you were brought here to this orphanage. I have been brought up hearing stories about you and your family and that man was one of the few left who still hate the royals he was after you. he heard you had survived and decided to finish the job.” As he finishes he looks at me with those big brown eyes and says “and I promise to protect you” I look at him and feel an urge to kiss him. He comes and sits next to me. “I never break my promises” he says as the urge becomes stronger and I just can’t help myself. I lean forward and kiss him on the lips. At first he is just surprised and then he puts his arms around me and kisses me back. I hear a knock on the door and Lizzie’s voice but I ignore it. She walks in and Bolek lets go of me quickly. She is wearing a white crop top with LOVE written on in pink with short shorts. Her long black hair is done up into the Elsa plait. “Hey Annie, Bolek” she says as I stand and go mess with my hair at the mirror. I see the shadows reacting to what just happened. In fact they look almost a dark pink. “Hi Lizzie what do you want?” I say then I realise that probably sounded kind of mean. “Sorry I'm not thinking right” I say going and hugging her. I can almost feel the look she is giving Bolek. “It’s fine. I was just wondering if you want to go to the park.” She suggests. I gasp louder than I expected. “Its fine you don’t have to.” She says sounding a bit scared. “I'm sorry. I'm just a bit tired” I reply apologetically fake yawning. I see Bolek write something with the shadows it says ‘go with her I will be nearby I promise’ I think then say “oh you know what I will come with you some fresh air will do me some good” when I see Lizzie’s face brighten up I can’t help but smile.

Chapter 5

As me and Lizzie walk into the park I see Bolek walk into a bookstore across the road and smile as he looks through books and occasionally through the window. “You know it’s been so long since we spent some girly time together.” Lizzie says forcing me to look away from Bolek. I can’t stop thinking of what happened in my room. How does he really feel about me? “Annie come on we have gotta go shopping.” I look up surprised “NO!!” I shout quickly when I see a girl behind Lizzie with an earth dagger ready to stab her right in the back. I do the signal and Bolek appears behind Lizzie as I push her towards the slide quickly looking at Bolek what to do. I’ve never used my powers before and he knows it. He makes a movement with his hand and I understand. I swipe my hand to the side sending a wave of darkness towards the girl. I hear Lizzie gasp but carry on my hood falling and I see my hair is black. Bolek looks at me and mutters “oh no” as I fall backward and send a wave of shadows all around. I laugh menacingly as Bolek grabs Lizzie and shouts at her to run. She looks at me nervously then runs off as quickly as she can. Bolek grabs my hand. I turn and see my face in his eyes. My eyes are completely black and my teeth have sharpened to a point. My hair, black as night, is emitting shadows and as I whip round to pull my hand from Bolek’s grip it lets the shadows go and fires them towards the girl. The girl is wearing the same green outfit as the man was apart from the fact she is wearing a bodice and skinny jeans. She wears knee high boots with a heel and black gloves up to her elbow. She leans on one leg and laughs when she dodges the shadows without even taking a step. “Is that all you've got your majesty” she says mocking me. I shove Bolek off me and run at her “DON’T YOU MOCK ME!!” I shout with the voices of my ancestors intertwined with mine. The girls’ eyes widen with fear and surprise. I hit her with a wave of shadows before she has a chance to move she doubles over and coughs up blood and something else that is covered with the blood. She throws a cascade of rocks my way. One hits me in the face and I hear the sickening crack of my nose breaking. I throw spears of shadows at her and pull shadow swords out of my back. Bolek runs behind me and pulls my hood up as the girl hits my stomach with a stone. I fall to my knees and cough up blood. The girl looks at me then at Bolek and runs. I feel vomit and blood burning up my throat. I throw up as Bolek tries to help me up. I wake up on my bed. The sky is dark but the stars and moon cannot be seen. I try to sit up but a hand pushes me back down. “Don’t try that.” I hear the soothing voice of Bolek “I really don’t want sick on my converse or blood.” I hear the smile in his voice and laugh “I promise that won’t happen” he laughs and then decides to let me sit up because he doesn’t try to push me back down. “What happened? How did I get here I don’t remember walking back?” he looks at me and smiles “after you had finished puking and coughing blood up you passed out. I carried you back here without anyone noticing. How’s your nose?” I remember the crack of my nose breaking and put my hand to my mouth. Bolek looks ready to move out of the way but I shake my head and burst out crying. He just stands there at first but then he comes closer and holds me tightly. I bury my face in his t-shirt. “It’s going to be ok I promise” I look up at him and smile. “And you never break your promises.” He looks at me smiling then kisses me on the forehead. “I've got to go downstairs for tea. I will say you are ill and are sleeping.” I smile in appreciation then lie back onto my bed and actually fall asleep.

Chapter 6

1 year later

I sit listening to music as I draw in my brand new sketch book. “Knock knock?” says Bolek as he walks in. I look up and smile “Hi” he walks over to me and looks over my shoulder. “Now what in the world is that?” he is talking about my drawing. “It’s just a rough sketch nothing amazing” I say looking back at it. Lizzie comes into the room. I haven’t spoken to her since the incident at the park. I look at her and she stares at the floor. “I like what you've done with your hair.” She mumbles. I know what she means. It stayed black after the fight but not as black. “thanks.” I stand up and go over and hug her “I'm sorry if what happened was a surprise but I miss talking to you.” She smiles “me too!” I look at her and she understands immediately “MAKE OVER!!!!” we shout simultaneously we giggle like we are six again and then turn to Bolek smiling who looks at us then tries to run “you’re not going anywhere” I say holding back a grin. We put on my iPod and listen to Avril Lavigne, Here to never growing up, as we walk to town and go shopping. As we come back Bolek says “what are you going to do?” I grin at him and kiss him in reply. I hear a sound behind me and turn swiftly. Nothing. It must have been my imagination. “Come on Annie!” Bolek shouts. I turn round, run to him and jump on his back. Laughing he gives me a piggy back all the way back. When we get back we throw the bags at him and get him to try the different combinations of clothes.

Finally he comes out wearing faded grey skinny jeans and a black Game of thrones t-shirt with black converse. I stand up, walk over to him and ruffle his hair. “perfect.” I say smiling. I stand on my toes and kiss him. “Why are you so tall?” I ask smiling “well who knows maybe you’re just small” he replies then lifts me up and spins me round. “I will leave you two alone.” Lizzie says. Grinning, I mouth ‘thank you’ as she leaves. I turn back to Bolek and smile. “Well what now?” I ask. He looks at me thoughtfully then kisses me “who knows” he whispers. I spin him round and push him onto the bed following him. I stand up and grin “the door.” We burst out laughing and I go and lock the door. “Now where were we?” I ask walking over to him. He grabs hold of my waist and kisses me. We fall onto his bed……

Chapter 7

I wake up and the moon is up. Bolek has his arm around and is snoring softly. I smile and lift his arm off me gently. I find my clothes and get dressed. As I try to open the door as quietly as I can I hear voices. “She’s here somewhere I know it.” It’s the girl from the park. “Are you so sure I mean we haven’t found her yet so she can’t be here. It must be the wrong orphanage.” A man’s voice he sounds over 40. Bolek rolls over and grunts as they get closer. I hold my breath and the shadows withdraw. “Did you see that?” The girl says. “What is it Dani?” the man sighs. He’s angry I can hear it in his voice. “The shadows got smaller.” Dani whispers eventually. I hear their footsteps slow to a halt. “You are right. They did.” I hear them whisper about that I'm definitely here. “Come out your majesty we won’t hurt you.” The man says coming close to the door. I recognise his voice. But from where? “I refuse to come out until I know who you are.” He follows my voice and when he tries to open the door I slam shadows into him and he falls back into the railing. The noise woke most of the boys up however Bolek somehow manages to stay asleep. They boys come out of their rooms as I throw my jacket off and let my eyes and teeth do their thing. “Come near me and Bolek again and I promise I will kill your precious Dani.” I say as the shadows lift him into the air and start to pull his intestines out of his mouth and his brain out his nose. I see the pleading look in his eyes and laugh. “You want me to stop. Well if I do you will die. So make your choice. Die or Leave.” I hear someone puke. A thing that would normally make me want to run and hide. This time it doesn't even phase me. “ANJELIKA PUT HIM DOWN!!!” I hear Miss Park shout normally I would do as I was told and apologize so many times until I could barely breathe. This time I laugh. “And why exactly would I do that?” I ask still laughing. Miss Park’s shout woke Bolek up. He ran shoving his jeans on and grabbing me by my free hand he pulled me close. “Now how about we stop this and put this man back together. Yeah?” Knowing he’s taken me by surprise he places his trilby on my head and catches me as I fall. “Are we gonna put him back together now?” he asks quietly. I manage to whisper “ok” before I black out. When I wake up I am still in Bolek’s arms. I now realise he is topless. “Is he back together?” I ask. Bolek looks at me grinning. “You are one amazing girl.” He says. “You put him back together in your sleep and he grabbed his girlfriend and ran.” I look up at him surprised “wait really?” he nods. I place my head against his chest and hear his heart beating. It beats only once and very faintly. I am about to ask him about it when I realise we are moving. “Wait? Where are we going” he just smiles mysteriously “somewhere… new” I really do hate mysterious Bolek. “But where???” I ask with an angry tone but softly at the same time. “Just wait and see…” ugh he is so annoying. “Put me down.” I say trying to climb out of his arms but he held on tight. “Nope I can’t risk you falling down again” I sigh and he looks at me smiling “don’t worry I really won’t hurt you.” His eyes are completely black and I see past his protective barrier for the first time.

Chapter 8

Bolek’s past

I run along the hill being chased by James, he shouts at me “get back here you know you have to look after Libby” I keep running getting faster and faster “Bolek slow down!!!” his shouts get quieter and quieter. I keep running till I reach the Hollow Tree. The Hollow Tree is a big oak tree with the inside completely hollow so I go to practice the shadows. If they knew they would hunt me down I mean they hate the necromancers so... “BOLEK!!” I hear James shouting I cower in the corner of the Hollow Tree. I then hear them. I run from the Hollow tree the shadows egging me on making me run faster. I run straight past James. “Bolek???” he says as I run past “it’s them. They’ve come to take me away!!!” he stares at me terrified. He knows about my necromancy but has never seen it. I make the shadows pick him up and carry him along with me. “Hurry” I shout “there’s no time!!!” as soon as I reach the house I shout for my parents and Libby to run “why Bolek?” Libby asks. “THEY ARE HERE!!!!” James and I shout simultaneously. I grab my Pa’s hand and Libby’s hand. James grabs Ma’s. I hear a knock on the door “hide!” I whisper. Libby and I run to the basement. “Open this door now!” I hear a bang and a crash as the door is kicked down. I hear someone scream and shout “MA!!” I run out of the basement and see a hand with blood running down it. I walk into the room and see Ma only it’s not Ma it’s her body pieces splattered around the room the walls covered in her blood. The tears roll down my face as I walk to the bathroom and see Pa and James in the same state as Ma but worse. James’ head is in the sink half way down the plug hole and Pa is still half alive only it’s just his head and his torso that is still working. “Bolek” he says weakly. “Yes Pa” I run over “look after your sister for me ok” I nod then run out to Libby “Let’s go!!” I say running out of the house and screaming as they grab hold of me “Bolek!!??!!??” Libby runs out getting caught “Libby! NO!!”

Chapter 9

They take us to the Institute and try to brainwash us but we don’t give in. “Bolek how are we going to get out of here?” Libby asks. I don’t answer I just stare at the wall not acknowledging her presence. “Bolek please!” I hear her and turn my head and stare at her “what am I supposed to do? It was James who always knew what to do” She looks at me with tears in her eyes. That’s when I knew. How could someone look so sad but smile and have that slight glint in their eye. “They got you oh Libby I'm so sorry” I hug her then stand and hit the door. “YOU GOT HER!! YOU HAPPY NOW I'M THE ONLY ONE LEFT!! I DO HOPE YOU ARE HAPPY!!!!” I feel my teeth sharpen and go to the mirror through all the grime I see my face. Eyes, completely black. My hair has gone as black as shadows. And my teeth. As sharp as a sharks. This was new. I turn and run at the door it explodes into dust and then turns to shadows. I slice the guards in half and run as their blood hits my face. I promise to kill anyone in my way. I have to get to the King. “Bolek don’t run. I won’t hurt you. Why would I?” Libby is flying by me using the air to help her keep up with me. “GET AWAY FROM ME NOW!!!!!!” I shout swiping shadows at her she dodges them easily. “Don’t you dare” she says staring me down. I feel her anger and know that I have to kill her before she gets to the king or anyone I know or care about. “LIBBY DON’T YOU HURT ANYONE OR I SWEAR I WILL KILL YOU!!!!!” she just laughs then throws fire at my face I dodge it then slam her into the wall. She then picks up a stone only it is the size of a boulder and throws it at my head. It smashes and turns to dust before it even touches me. She looks at me, scared, then stops and stays still as I jump through the wall and land on the concrete. I run as fast as I can towards the general direction of the palace.

When I reach the palace I talk to the guards at the gate. “Let me in.” I say. They laugh in a slightly mad way. They are drunk. Well of course they are. It is Christmas why wouldn’t they be drunk. I knock them both out with shadows and smash the lock on the gate as quietly as I can. I sneak round the back of the palace and through the servants’ entrance. I pass a guard and hit in the chin before he notices me. I hear the sound of a woman crying and realise it’s the Queen. I enter the room in my Institute uniform and ask her majesty if she is ok. “I hope your spirits are brightened by this small gift from my father” I say then hit her with shadows cutting off a maids scream by ripping her body apart. I kill the other maids who look like they might scream then put my finger to my lips before running out of the room. I hear the sound of guards running down the corridor and leap up to the ceiling to hide. I smash the first twos heads, slice the other 3 in half and stab the last one. I crawl along the ceiling until I reach the throne room. I hear a man talking to the King. “There has been a breakout at the Institute. We fear one may come for you your majesty.” I don’t hear the kings reply however I do see the man leave the room. I chop off his head with the shadows as his blood splashes on my face I jump down from the ceiling and go into the throne room and am greeted by Guards drawing their swords. I laugh and slip on the newly polished floor. When I land a massive wave of shadows knocks them off their feet. I scramble up and hold up my hands. I pull them down quickly and it disintegrates the Guards and all that is left is me and the King. “Who… who… who are y…y…you?” he stammers I start laughing then bring my hands in close to my body clenching my fists. I release them letting shadow dogs rip at the Kings Legs and arms “I am your worst enemy” I say before leave, laughing. I feel my teeth go back to normal. And then I see darkness and a face… a girl’s face…

Chapter 10

Present Day

I slap Bolek and his eyes go back to normal. “W…what happened?” he stammers. I am out of his arms and stood over him as he is on the floor next to a pool of sick. “Well isn’t that a question” I sigh “when were you gonna tell me you murdered the entire royal family?” I hear him mutter something as he tries to stand “I… well I don’t know.” He says looking at me. “Well when you find out, do tell me until then stay away.” I say and walk away from him “Annie!” I turn round my eyes going black and my teeth sharpening and my hair as black as can be. “NO! YOU DON’T CALL ME THAT TILL YOU DECIDE WHEN TO TELL ME THE ACTUALL TRUTH!!!” I shout running at him as he stands and punch him knocking him down again. I run off crying. We don’t speak and Lizzie can sense the tension between us. When she finally plucks up the courage to ask me what happened I just burst out crying. She hugs me tightly. The next day she comes to me and asks me what I like most about Bolek and I say him just him. She then asks Bolek and comes back to me. “Annie, Bolek says his favourite part of your body is your hair and your smile.” Lizzie says nervously. I turn round and look at her. I then stand and walk to the bathroom, root through my drawers for my big scissors and place them against my hair. I then start hacking at it roughly and I start crying as I hack at my cutting it off till all I have left is a big side fringe that covers my eyes and the rest is short. I turn round and look at Lizzie who has her hand to her mouth. She has gone pale and her eyes wide. “My smile is long gone,” I say, “and now my hair is too.” She just stares eyes wide. She runs out of the room. Probably to Bolek.

Bolek walks into the room Lizzie following nervously behind. “WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO!!?!?!?!?!” He shouts when he sees my hair. I just look at him. Once he has calmed down enough to see what I am doing he mouths ‘oh’. I am sat on my bedroom my face red and blotchy from crying, holding my hair in my hands. Joanna is comforting me. We have separated and now have separate rooms. He stares for a second then goes to leave. “Bolek… wait!” I say. He turns round and I smile. “I can wait till you are ready to tell me even if it takes forever,” I say. He turns to leave again, “But! I can’t last forever without you.” I look at him as he turns round and looks at me and my blotchy face. He is smiling. He walks over to me, goes down onto his knees and hugs me tightly. “I feel exactly the same.” I smile and kiss him. “Now please do tell me. Why do it? Why cut your hair off?” I just look at it and start crying again. He, instead of getting mad, holds me closer to him. “Hey there its ok, we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” I look at him smiling a tired smile then I just start laughing and not soon after everyone has joined in. “you know,” I manage to say between laughing and gasping for air, “that was probably the longest and weirdest fight I ever had.” I say making Bolek laugh harder which then makes me laugh harder as his laugh is so infectious. I hear the bell ring for lunch and stop laughing. Oh no. I hear the loud footsteps coming up the stairs. “Hide!” I whisper. We all run and hide as quick as we can. The footsteps stop outside my door and stay there for about 2 minutes. They then walk back down the stairs as we run through the back kitchen entrance into the dining hall, laughing, and sit at our table just as Miss Park enters the room frowning at our hysterics. “Quieten down over there!” she says loudly over the noise of the other children. I hear an extremely loud gasp and the table gives a collective sigh. Amelia. “OMG!!! What did you do to your hair Annie, Babe?” Bolek starts to laugh and I know what he is laughing at “Babe?” I just give him a cold look and he stops. “And who is this cutie?” Amelia asks looking at Bolek as if expecting him ask her out there and then. “That is Bolek.” I say. Then just to prove a point I lean my head against his shoulder and kiss him when he turns his head smiling. “My boyfriend” I finish satisfied with Amelia’s look. She is absolutely horrified. Oh but of course. How could I, of all people, get an extremely hot boyfriend before she did? I mean it’s just completely impossible. “Well anyways, Babe, what is with your hair I mean it is absolutely disgusting.” Bolek snorts then says “I think it’s beautiful, it brings out your……. eyes” I laugh because it took him a while to decide what it brings up. “Oh well if you love it I guess it must be amazing,” Amelia says quickly. I know what she is trying to do she is trying to get Bolek’s attention, he looks at her then looks at me and walks over to her. She straitens up trying to look taller and pushes her chest area as far out as she can (and that’s not very far). He then acts like he is considering her. However, not like she wants, he bursts out laughing and nearly collapses with hysterics. Amelia looks like she is about to cry then walks off to her other ‘friends’. I run over to Bolek to help him back to his seat because he can barely stand up he is laughing so much. “Calm down!” I say as Miss Park comes over to our table. He is still laughing as she comes over to the table and asks what is happening. “Oh nothing Miss just a funny joke.” I say as Bolek starts falling off his chair laughing. She looks at him worriedly then walks back to her table. I then start laughing when Bolek falls off his chair still in hysterics.

Chapter 11

As we walk towards the park Bolek asks me why I covered for him, “well why wouldn’t I stupid, you are my boyfriend, duh” we laugh and sit on the swings, “so what do you wanna do now it’s the weekend?” I ask. He looks at me thoughtfully and then smiles mischievously. I understand immediately and shake my head, “No! No! I won’t it’s a girls thing only!” he just carries on grinning and jumps up, grabs my hand running to town dragging me along “NO! Bolek get off!” I squeal as he pulls me along to the shops.

We get back with many bags of clothes “Bolek I hate you” I say as he throws a bag at me and I go into the bathroom. I come out wearing a purple mini skirt and a strapless top when Bolek sees me his face just makes me blush. I turn round and get another bag and change into what is inside. Finally I come out wearing skinny jeans and a hoodie, “perfect” Bolek says, stands up and kisses me. I smile and look at my feet. I am wearing black converse. He laughs “why so shy all of a sudden hey?” I giggle slightly and nudge him. I think of Adam. I miss him like a lot. I wonder when he will come back. I would love to introduce him to Bolek I mean I bet they would get along so well. I look up at him and he is looking at me with those big sad eyes. I fall into them again like the first time we kissed. His mouth moves but I don’t hear the words. I stand on my toes and kiss him mid word “shh” I whisper and kiss him again. He grabs hold of my waist and kisses me back. He spins me round and pushes me against the door locking it in the process. I pull his shirt off smiling, I kiss him and we fall onto the bed.

“I love you” I say to Bolek. My head is leant against his bare chest and his arm is round my neck. I am woken by my head hitting the mattress. “Wait Bolek. What are you doing? Where are you going?” he doesn't reply “Bolek??” the door opens and I hear a girls voice “Ah Bolek. You came here of all places seriously?” I hear a kiss and gasp. He must think I am still asleep “what are you doing here?” Bolek asks. “What you thought I wouldn’t come when the time was right?”

“Of course I knew you would come but now isn’t the right time she isn’t ready yet.”

“Oh but isn’t she? Oh is this her?” I hear footsteps and then the feeling of breath on my neck. “What were you two doing?” the girls voice is closer now “That’s none of your business, Libby” Bolek says, Libby, that’s his sister. I turn my head in the direction of Bolek’s voice and open my eyes. He’s facing me and sees my eyes open and his mouth opens in an ‘oh’. Libby must have seen him do that because she now says “she’s not awake is she?” Bolek looks up with a look that just says he’s lying “No why would she be awake?” Libby laughs then goes to pull the duvet off me “NO!!” Bolek shouts “don’t do that!” he hastily adds. I hear Libby laugh “oh I see now… well I will be off,” I hear the smile in her voice, “nice to meet you, your majesty.” I sigh and sit up holding the duvet up when I hear her leave. “Why the hell was she here?” I ask Bolek “I… I have no idea.”

Chapter 12

3 Years Later

Saturday

I laugh at a joke Bolek has just told when the doorbell rings “Huh, I wonder who that could be no one ever comes here at the weekends” I say and run out of my room Bolek following. I hear the voices of some Americans then a car driving away. A boy walks in smiling at Lizzie. Wait no not just any old boy… its Adam. I run down the stairs and hug him tightly “Adam!!” I let go and smile as Bolek walks down I can almost feel the tension. Bolek puts his arms around my waist and kisses me. Adam gives him a cold stare. “Adam this is Bolek, Bolek this is Adam.” I feel that tension again then look at Bolek. “Bolek, let’s go back upstairs yeah?” I pull him off me and start walking up the stairs. Bolek stays staring at Adam for a while then joins me.

Adam comes up and I hear him go into the room that I used to share with Joanna and I hear her scream. “OMG!! ADAM!!!” He really needs to figure stuff out. She is not mountain girl any more she’s now pretty pink girl. “That way, see you later” I hear a knock on my door “Annie?” I smile and say “come in” Adam walks in and gasps “what are you doing?” I smile he came in to see me and Bolek packing boxes “we are moving out.” Bolek says sharply I shake my head knowing that he feels challenged by Adam “we are packing up my room because we bought a flat together.” I say smiling Adam looks at us both with his sad eyes. “But… when? How old are you now Annie?” I laugh. “I turn 18 tomorrow.”

“What really” I smile “yeah you would know if you had actually been here the past 5 years,” Bolek retorts harshly. I slap him with the shadows. “Bolek be nice he's just a friend” I glare at him. He mumbles a ‘sorry’ and goes back to packing up. “Sorry about him Adam.” I smile at him grateful he is back but still a little surprised “so what was America like?”

“It was ok”

“How was being adopted?”

“It was ok”

I gather that he doesn't want to talk about it “so… erm do you have a flat?” he nods “the Americans bought me one before they left. We have been back a few weeks just moving my stuff into the flat.” I smile then I look at him and see he is looking at the floor. I know what he is thinking. What happened to the girl he left behind? Where did she go? “Adam?” he looks up at me. I walk over to him and kiss him on the cheek. “I'm right here. The girl you left behind is me.” The next thing I know I am on the floor and Bolek is on top of Adam punching him in the face over and over again. “BOLEK NO!!” I shout running over to him and trying to pull him off “Bolek stop it please. Stop” I pull on his t-shirt. I start crying and I fall to the floor with a bad headache “B…o….l…e…k” I manage to say before I fall and hit my head on a shelf knocking myself out. My eyes flutter and I start to wake. Bolek is carrying me like a baby and I smile. “Hey there” I say and he looks down. His face is one of thunder. He throws me down and says “you are awake so why don’t you walk yourself now,” I look at him confused. “What's wrong?” I ask. “You kissed another guy what do you think is wrong?”

“It was a sign of friendship!”

“Yeah right,” he sighs, “do you love me?” I look at him with tears in my eyes. “Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I love you?” He sighs again, “no really. Do you love me?” I look at him then start crying and run off not knowing which direction I'm going in and not caring anymore. Why won’t he believe me? What did I do so wrong? I run into someone. “Oh sorry” I say as I try to get by but they don’t let me “oh you are not going anywhere your majesty” I look up. It’s Dani. “Leave I'm really not in the mood.” She laughs. “Your boyfriends not with you. That’s a change.” Someone grabs my hair and pulls it back. It’s the man again he has a scar over his mouth. “You did this to me.” When he talks blood runs out his mouth. He tugs my hair harder and I scream. Dani pulls out her earth dagger and starts cutting into my face. I cry and scream with agony “BOLEK!!!! HELP PLEASE!!!” She digs deeper into my face and my screams get louder and higher pitched. Dani laughs, “Your boy isn’t coming to save you this time.” She lifts her head. “Let’s go babe before Mistress finds out” she runs off with her boyfriend who dumps me on the floor. I have enough strength to push myself up and lean against the wall “Bolek help” I say crying as my tears run into my cuts I scream because of the salt.

Chapter 13

I hear a voice then feel someone pick me up. I try to open my eyes but it hurts too much. A few minutes later I am placed on a bed and hear more voices 1 female, 2 male. “Annie? I'm gonna need you to open your eyes.” I try to and wince when they open a little bit then close again. “I can’t, why can’t I open my eyes? Where is Bolek?” I feel a hand slip into mine. “I'm right here.” He tries to lift my eyelids but I scream and he leaps backward letting go of my hand. “oh.” I turn my head frantically “where are you??” he grabs my hand again. “Here right here don’t worry” I feel a hand on my eyes. “I think I can heal it but I can’t be sure” I feel a searing pain and scream then the pain fades and I feel someone lift my eyelids. This time I feel no pain. I put my hand out and feel for Bolek's face. I feel the stubble on his chin and smile as the darkness fades and I see his face. I put my arms round his neck and kiss him. He runs his hands through my hair and down my back to my waist and kisses me back. A hand taps me on the shoulder. I turn and see Lizzie smiling at me. I hug her. I then notice Adam in the doorway he looks me in the eye then walks off. I open my mouth to say something but change my mind. I turn my back to the door and smile. Why? Why didn’t I say anything? Oh well it’s too late now. I remember the boxes. “We need to finish packing the removal van will be here soon!” I say as I run up the stairs. Bolek swears as he follows. We finish packing just as the removal van arrives. “Anjelika Brown?” the man says “that’s me!” I shout out my room and come out to the stairs. “I will start bringing boxes down now.” He nods and comes to help me bring them to the van. When we finish packing up the boxes into the van. The man drives us to our new block of flats then helps us take everything into the flat.

“Thank you so much.” I say as the man leaves he smiles “it was my pleasure” I smile back as he walks off and close the door. “Finally.” Bolek says as we start unpacking stuff. “Are we gonna sell the beds and get a double?” I ask and he nods “probably.” I smile “ok.” We unpack in silence from then on until we hear a knock on the door. We look at each other and he nods I look out the small hole in the door. “It’s her.” I whisper he inclines his head toward the bedroom. I hide in there. It’s so blank. I then hear her voice, Libby’s voice. “Well hello Bolek. I didn’t expect to see you. Well I did but I'm just pretending I didn’t oh well. Oh and did you moles like to hide in their holes.” I hear a punch and someone hitting the floor. I pray it’s not Bolek. “Your Majesty?” damn.

Chapter 14

“Come out come out wherever you are.” I stay in the empty bedroom as Libby calls my name and tries to find me. “Come on Your Majesty you can’t hide forever.” Oh but I can. “Don’t worry I won’t kill you I’ll just kill someone close to you.” No. I stand in front of the door hesitant to open it but I can’t let her kill anyone. I open the door. “Here I am.” I fall to the ground as she swings and kicks my head. “I know.” She hits me over and over never giving me the chance to hit her back. She has a break to laugh but realises a little too late that it was a bad decision and I immediately hit her with a wave of shadows. “Ouch. You know that hurt.” I then pull my jacket off remembering Bolek’s words. ‘Don’t let your hood down you could kill not only yourself but everyone around you.’ I ignore the memory and hit her over and over again with the shadows as she stands there letting me hit her. As I hit her I feel my teeth sharpen and my evil self close in on me. I have a feeling she won’t let go this time. I laugh and step back when she tries to punch me in the face. Her nose is broken and her lip is split. Her once beautiful face has been messed up by yours truly. I laugh “well isn’t this a sight and a half. The Mistress being beat up by the Princess.” She looks at me with fear in her eyes. A look that has not been seen on that face for nearly 10 years. “What a beautiful look. Would you mind keeping it?” I say and start kicking her. She falls and I kick her in the stomach. I then smash a shadow jug over her head. She smiles then throws fire at me distracting me for long enough to escape. “Well well well. Don’t we have a wuss in the family.” I walk over to Bolek and hit him in the face with shadows. He wakes up and tries to hug me and kiss me. No I will not allow weaklings to kiss me. He sees my eyes, grabs his jacket off the wall and tries to shove it on me. It makes no difference. She screams to be let out but I won’t. Not again.

Chapter 15

“Give me back my Anjelika!!” I laugh and shake my head. “Oh but don’t you get it.” My smile fades and I grab his t-shirt pulling his face up to mine. “She’s gone.” I hiss then throw him at the wall. He stands up and hits me with shadows. I smile and try to turn his lungs inside out. He starts to choke and kick at me I give up and he falls holding his throat gasping for air. He then stands up smiling. “Do you really think that can beat me?” He throws something hard and I stagger but laugh and smash a wall of shadows toward him and attack him nonstop till he can no longer stand but when he looks up his eyes are black and his teeth sharp. “Dammit” I mutter as he throws himself at me. I jump up and don’t land. The shadows hold me up as he attacks from below. He looks at me. I feel a sudden pain as I fall my hand starts bleeding slowly. He's more powerful than I expected. She screams to get out again. No I won’t let her out. Never again. This is my place now. Bolek looks at me. “What happened to that soul of yours?” I look at him and laugh “Souls are for Babies, children, not princess’” he looks at me like I'm talking crazy. He shakes his head “you see that’s were your wrong.” He hits me with the shadows and throws me at the wall. I stop laughing and start concentrating on the shadows that are inside him. Oh so many of them. Memories, dreams, deaths. I pull at them dragging them out of his mouth. He falls to his knees shadows pouring out his mouth. A never ending waterfall of darkness. He looks at me with a smile in his eyes. Bolek waves then disappears. I feel him behind me and turn round but not quickly enough. He hits me flinging me across the room and into some boxes. I scramble up and throw all of my shadows at him. I jump up onto the ceiling and crawl toward him dropping and hanging from the ceiling, I swing my legs and kick him in the back of the head. Bolek falls and I laugh then she screams so loud I scream as well. I start falling and stumbling as Bolek hits me over and over. I black out as I hit the floor….

Chapter 16

I wake up to Bolek and Adam fighting. “Stop it” and that’s Lizzie. I sit up and shake my head. “ITS YOUR FAULT SHES ON THE FLOOR WHY WOULD SHE MOVE IN WITH IN WITH YOU ANYWAY!!!” Adam is shouting however Bolek is quite calm “She moved in with me because she loves me. She got over you maybe you should try the same. As to why she is on the floor it is really her own fault for letting her evil side take over so easily.”

“HOW CAN YOU BE SO CALM YET STAND HERE AND WATCH HER DIE!!” I sigh Adam and his dramatics “on the contrary she is barely dead just slightly injured.”

“And waiting for you losers to stop fighting.” They turn and look at me. Adam runs over and hugs me “thank god you are ok.” Bolek stalks over with his hands in his pockets and I smile “you are such an idiot.” I say as I ruffle his hair. He smiles and kisses me “I know I am I know I am but isn’t that why you love me?” I roll my eyes and kiss him. I then kiss Adam and thank him for being so concerned he kisses me back but I step backward “no Adam I'm with Bolek. Sorry” Bolek seems unfazed by it all which is odd. He then steps forward and punches Adam then stands behind me and puts his arm around my waist “well their goes your calmness” I say looking at him. He just stares at Adam to wait for his reaction. He makes a game out of this I can tell. I slap him and he looks at me with a surprised look on his face. “Why… why did you slap me?” he asks and my only reply is to look at him coldly “don’t be mean. He is still my friend so I don’t want you hitting him anymore.” Adam looks at me gratefully as I give him a tissue for his bleeding nose. “Thank you Annie.” I smile at him “it’s no problem really.” He smiles back “nice place”

“Thanks” I look at my feet as Bolek comes and turns me round “I'm sorry Annie I didn’t mean to upset you yeah?” I look at him “yeah that’s ok” I say then kiss him. I smile and then turn back to Adam who is looking at the floor. “Oh Adam.” I hug him and when his mouth comes close to my neck I hear him breathe deeply as if trying to hold something back Bolek must have seen something because he pulls me away. “BOLEK! What was that for?”

“He is not the person you know.”

“Yes he is.”

“No something has changed”

“He is exactly the same and nothing has changed about him”

“Then did he always look at your neck”

“No he never did and…”

“Then why is he” I turn and see Adam looking at my neck like its food “erm, Adam?” he looks at me with a look I have never seen on him before. “Adam, are you ok?” I ask just as he pounces at me. Bolek shoves me out of the way and grabs his neck, pushing his head to the side. I see two bite marks on his neck. I gasp then look at Bolek. This isn’t the kind of vampire you see in twilight. All his teeth were sharp and his eyes flared red. His neck, though at first looks like just two marks, is ripped up and his face shows no emotion other than hunger. “No it can’t be… Adam how did this happen?” I ask hoping it’s not real. “ While I was in America. Idiot.” Of course he had been looking at peoples necks ever since he got back but never mine. I noticed that. He never looked at my neck till now. That’s why he was always looking at the floor when he was near me. “Oh Adam I'm so sorry.”

Chapter 17

I sit on the sofa and think about how to deal with Adam. A vampire. How… how could this happen? I mean…. Never mind. He is what he is and that’s that……… right? Yeah. The door opens and I stand. “Hey Annie.” I smile and kiss Bolek as he comes in. “Hey you” he kisses me back “is pizza ready?”

“I ordered today it’s on its way.”

“You didn’t use our amazing kitchen”

“Couldn’t be bothered”

“You are so lazy”

“I know but that is why you love me right?”

“Yep that’s why I love you” he replies distractedly. “Are you ok?” he just goes and sits on the sofa and smiles at me. He pats the seat next to him and I go and sit. He puts his arm round me and smiles. “Fine, just fine”

“Ok…” he sighs then smiles at me. “I promise I'm fine just…thinking.” I look at him then put my head on his shoulder as he puts a movie on. Its Guardians of the Galaxy “we have watched this so many times.”

“I know I just like it.” Someone knocks on the door and I go and get it thinking it’s the pizza man. I get pulled out of the flat and turn to see a girl with emerald eyes and ginger hair. Her face is flawlessly heart shaped and she is the perfect body size. “Anjelika?”

“That’s me” I recognise her from somewhere. “Why?”

“I need your help.”

“With what?”

“With her.”

“Who”

“Libby.” I gasp “Libby?” I repeat. The girl nods “Please your majesty please help your friend.”

“Friend?”

“I knew you when you were younger; I am the same age we grew up together till your parents died.”

“That wasn't very long then was it?”

“No but I was hoping you would recognise me.”

“Well I don’t sorry.”

She looks at me intensely and my head starts to ache so bad I fall against the wall. I remember who she is immediately after my head stops hurting. “Krystiana?” she nods smiling. “Will you help please me and Izabella really need your help. Libby has killed our parents and Izabella has developed a new power. She sees the future and can feel other peoples pain I don’t really understand it.”

“Well don’t ask me I don’t know what to do, I only know how to go evil and nearly kill my boyfriend!!” I shout getting the attention of Bolek. “What's going on Annie? Why are you arguing pizza guy?”

“I'm not and if you want to know what's going on then maybe you should come here!!”

“Fine, calm down seriously.” He mutters and comes to the door saying “if it’s not the pizza man then who……” he come out and stares at her. She is wearing a tight dark green tank top with black short shorts. The top pushes her boobs out and he just stares. “And who is this?” He asks smiling. I slap him “erm you are my boyfriend!!”

“Sorry I erm…”

“Oh you know what Krystiana let’s go somewhere else where there are no disrespectful boyfriends.”

“Why don’t we go back to mine?”

“Great idea. Bye Bolek” he looks at me and then at her as we start walking off. “No sorry. Come back!!”

“Fine but no more looking at her boobs” Krystiana laughs “well I'm gonna have to get Izabella now so I will be right back ok?”

“Yeah sure.” I glare at Bolek and go and make a cup of tea “I am so mad at you.”

“Why?”

“Why do you think?”

“Oh… that… yeah.”

“Are you even gonna apologise?”

“Course I am.”

“Well go on then.”

“Sorry?”

“You don’t mean it.”

“Of course I do”

“Really?” he comes over and grabs my waist “yes I do.” I sigh as someone knocks on the door. “Is that the pizza man?” Bolek asks “Probably.” I go and get the pizza. As the man is leaving I see Krystiana holding Izabella up. I run over and grab her other arm “Thanks Annie.”

“Anything for a friend” I say smiling as we scramble through the door. Bolek comes over and lifts Izabella up over his shoulder and carries her to the sofa placing her down carefully. “What's going on Krystiana?” I ask “She is having another vision”

“Of the future?”

“Yep”

“Is there anything we can do?” she shakes her head sadly “All we can do is wait for it to pass. You could get her some water ready though.” I go off to the kitchen and grab a glass of water. When I get back the vision has passed and Izabella is sat on the sofa explaining what had happened in the vision. “…And then this big dark shape loomed over me and then it was over.”

“Here Izzy have this.” I hand her the water and sit next to her “Oh and just before the vision ended I heard a voice shout a name … Katie… I think” I think for a second about that name but I don’t recognise it at all. “Doesn't ring a bell sorry” she sighs. “It’s ok.” I hear a noise and go to the balcony. I look over the railing and see Adam.

Chapter 18

I close the balcony door and jump down cushioning my fall using the shadows. “What do you want?” he looks at me “I just want to talk. I'm sorry about trying to bite you.” I shake my head “It wasn't your fault I know but if that’s all I would very much like to go back to my other friends”

“No! That’s not all.”

“Then what is it.”

“Katie” I gasp “Where did you hear that name?” he taps his nose then sprints off. “Adam!!!” I hear Bolek going to the balcony door. I hook a shadow round the railing and pull myself up. “Sorry I just needed some fresh air.” I say as Bolek comes out. “It’s fine but come back in the pizza is gonna get cold.” He goes back in and I glance over the railing one last time. I see a girl with shoulder length brown hair staring at me I blink and she’s gone. I shake my head and look again but she is gone. I go back inside and grab a piece of pizza and start chatting with everyone.

I give Krystiana a hug as she and Izabella leave “It was so nice to see you again.” She smiles and hugs me back “Bye Annie see you soon.” I can’t stop thinking about Adam and how he knew about the name and who was that girl. I sit on the armchair and stare into space. I see my sketchbook in the corner. I go and pick it up sitting on the floor and sketching while I think. “Annie?”

“What?” I say sharply. “I was just wondering when you were planning on sleeping this week?”

“What I have slept fine this week.” I then realise it’s a girls voice. I turn just in time to see the brown haired girl fade away. “Wait!!” I shout but it’s too late she is gone. I don’t sleep at all after that. I just sit and draw all the time. “Anjelika?”

“What do you want Bolek?” he only calls me Anjelika when he is concerned or scared. “Why are you not sleeping?”

“Because I can’t.”

“Well, sure you can!”

“NO! BOLEK I CANT!”

“WHY NOT HUH WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT SLEEP THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO STAY AWAKE ALL THE TIME???”

“you don’t understand.

“WELL I WONT IF YOU DON’T EXPLAIN WILL I!”

“WHAT HAPPENED BOLEK YOU WERE SO CALM!! WHY ARE YOU SO MAD RIGHT NOW?!?!?!?!” he looks at me then turns and walks out “Bolek wait!!”

“NO!! For once listen to me. Ok I have had it with you telling me what to do and never listening to me. You need to sleep or you will get ill I love you Annie and I need you to understand that everything I do is to help you and I am tired of living in your shadow. If you would let me help you we could have already beat Libby and her little servants but you don’t. You never let anybody help. If you did you would be stronger and able to beat me in a fight but because you don’t you are a weak link and I only ever have tried to help. If you loved me then you would let me help.” I gasp “That’s the first time you have said you love me.” His eyes widen in surprise. “Really?” I nod. “Oh Annie I am so sorry but I do love you I really do.” He tries to hug me but I push him away. “I’m a weak link?”

“I didn’t mean it I really didn’t.” Tears start rolling down my cheeks “BUT YOU DID DIDN’T YOU. YOU DID MEAN IT!!” he shakes his head “I didn’t really.” I look at him and then push past him and run.

Someone grabs my waist and stops me from running. “Now where are you going Princess?” Kicking their shin I say. “None of your business” they let go of me and I turn to see Adam shaking his leg “You know that really hurt.”

“Oh sorry.” He shakes his head then smiles “Its fine heard any more about the mystery girl Katie?”

“No… you?”

“Maybe I have maybe I haven’t what would it matter?”

“I hate the new you.”

“No you don’t”

“Yes I do.”

“Nope I don’t think you do.”

“Yes I am very sure I do now I need to go back home.”

“Wait a sec there Princess.”

“Stop calling me that, now I need to go.” I try to push past him but he doesn’t let me past. “I’m afraid I was paid to do a job and cannot just let you go.” He hits me on the head and I am able to punch him and run for a bit before I blackout. I see a slender figure ahead of me as someone is holding me up dragging my feet along. The figure slaps me again and again till I am able to stand by myself. “Annie! Annie are you ok?” it’s Dani. She is in shackles hung up on a wall. “Dani?” She looks at me with bloodshot eyes. ‘Run’ she mouths before being bludgeoned to death. I turn away and look at the slender figure. She has shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes and a very nice smile. “Now I wonder who this little weak one is.”

“Katie.” She smiles and nods “Exactly.”

“I take it you know me as well”

“No how would it be if I didn’t know someone of the same class as me.” She laughs. “The Queen of Elements at your service” she bows “The Queen of Elements huh. What can you do then?”

“This.” She clenches her fist then opens it and a flame appears in her open palm. She smiles and closes it again the flame extinguishing. When she opens it she throws her open palm forward nearly blowing me over with the air. She looks at me with her menacing eyes and pulls her hand up nearly hitting me with a rock. “Whoa there be careful I'm not in the mood to die.” She laughs. “Sorry.”

“Doesn't element include water.”

“Yes it does.”

“Well?” she smiles and closes her eyes. She looks like is taking all of her power to make water appear in her hand. “Well that was a lot harder than I remember.” She opens her eyes and smiles at me widely showing off her bright white teeth. “Ok so I guess you don’t use water often.” She nods “indeed I haven’t used it recently”

“Why did you kill Dani?”

“Aaahhh yes the girl. Well I am the good guy right?”

“Not if you kill an innocent girl!”

“But didn’t she try to kill you?”

“Well… yeah but that was not purposeful…… in my own opinion.”

“In your own opinion?”

“Yeah in my own opinion she wasn’t a bad person. She was corrupted by Libby.”

“Corrupted you say yet do you believe it?”

“Of course I do… I think” she laughs and then smiles. “Why wouldn’t you believe your own lie?”

“It’s not a lie if it was a lie I would know!”

“BUT WOULD YOU?!?!?!”

“YES!!!” I throw my biggest wave of shadows at her “You are the bad guy and you always will be!” I hold her against the wall with shadows “nothing can change that you killed an innocent girl.”

“Oh but I can erase it from your memory”

“NO! No you can’t you….” She smiles but her smile fades quickly. “Libby” I turn and Libby is behind me. She leans in and whispers into my ear. “So, Princess, this time you can’t save anyone. A war is starting and it can’t be stopped” then she fades away smiling. I turn to Katie but she is gone………

Chapter 19

“Bolek!!!” I shout when I get back to the flat. “Bolek where are you??” he comes round the corner from the kitchen. “Bolek….war….Libby….can’t be stopped”

“Calm down calm down.” He says coming over and kissing me “Now what where you saying.”

“Libby says there is a war starting and that it can’t be stopped.”

“What??”

“I know it sound really fake but Libby isn’t one to lie now is she?”

“No she isn’t. Well we had better start preparing” I nod and look at the door. I then go to my room and get changed into some not messed up and burnt clothes. I walk back into the lounge and see Krystiana. “Krystie.” She turns to look at me her face is dark and her eyes no longer bright. “I take it you heard then” she nods as Bolek walks in Lizzie at his side. She smiles sadly. I smile back. There is a knock at the door. I go and get it and a few necromancers walk in. Some I have met others I haven’t. Then I see Dani’s boyfriend. “What are you doing here?”

“Libby killed my girlfriend. I'm here to get my revenge on Libby.”

“I see.” He looks at me then walks past. I shake my head then close the door. Why does he think Libby killed her I mean Dani was killed by Katie. Yeah I remember watching one of Katie’s thugs beating Dani to death. Unless my memory has been messed up from Adam hitting me on the head. Whose side is Adam on anyway. I mean yeah he is a vampire but he- “Annie!!” I turn my train of thought being lost. “Yeah?”

“You ready to give weapons out?”

“Wait weapons?”

“Yeah. Weapons” I look at Bolek with a confused look on my face. Where did we get weapons from I mean. Wait I know. “Yeah weapons of course.”

“And your speech?”

“Speech?” what speech? I don’t remember a speech. What has happened to my head? “Oh speech ok” I think to myself then decide that I will make it up as I go along. “Ok so are you ready?” Bolek asks me looking concerned by the fact I don’t remember much. “Erm yeah….” He looks at me then comes over. “You don’t have to do this.” I look up at him and shake my head. “Yes I do”

“Are you sure you want to?”

“Yes this is not a matter of choice anyway. This is war.” He looks at me again then nods “ok off you go then.”

“Ok so you all know why we are here. There is a war. We know that it cannot be avoided and we have to do what we can to keep it hidden to keep it secret.” They all nod and look solemn their faces darkened and a few look scared. I don’t blame them. I am petrified of this. “I know some of you are scared. So am I. But we can’t run and hide like six year olds. This is war and we must fight. We need to do what we can to stop Libby and protect the mortals. We need to get as many people as far away as we possibly can. I know a few of you have got your family to help and I am extremely grateful. Ok so…. Erm…. Let’s go and win this war!!” they all cheer and Bolek smiles. ‘Well done’ he mouths. I smile back then hug Kristie “thanks for this.” She shakes her head as if to say it’s nothing to be thanking me for. We all grab a weapon if we need one and leave.

My name is Anjelika Brown. I am 18 years old. I have control of the shadows. I am leading my friends and many others into war. A war against my boyfriend’s sister. My life is on the line. I will win. We will win.

Chapter 20

As we approach the nearby farm the farmer runs and waves at us to move but I shake my head and mouth I'm sorry to him as one of the necromancers comes up behind him and slits his throat clean and silent. The necromancer the hides him in the wood and joins the rest of his group. We have some necromancers in the field on the right and some of them in wood on the left. What is left of them are with me, Bolek, Krystie and Dani’s boyfriend, Luke. I nod and we head toward the farmhouse. Libby is there. I go round the back and blast the basement door open with shadows. I jump down and listen to the conversation. “They’re here” Libby says. “How can you-…” the man’s sentence is cut off. “I just can ok” I sneak up the stairs. “The basement” shoot she knows where I am. I look round to find somewhere to hide but see nowhere. Great. Just great. I decide to lead her outside. I run up the stairs and burst into the kitchen throwing shadows at Libby as I do. “Come at me Libby.” I run and jump through the window Libby chasing me. “Princess don’t even try to run” when I land on the floor glass landing round me there is already a full on fight. I can smell gunpowder and blood. There is burnt grass everywhere. I hear a bang and get thrown back with Libby and a few others. I land on my feet in a crouching position. Libby is on her feet as I stand up straight. “Oh I have been looking forward to this.” She says smiling and throws fire at me. I dodge it and smash her head with shadows. “Libby I know this isn’t the real you! I know you were brainwashed. If you would only remember who you really are we could finish this before anyone else dies.”

“Ha you think you know me. I wasn't brainwashed I was awakened the real me is this me!” she yells at me before throwing me back using air. I push back with shadows and get close enough to punch her smashing her nose and knocking teeth out. “Just finish this. Call your people back. WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT!” I shout over the noise of gunfire and war. She just laughs and throws burning stones at me. I shake my head and throw them to the side with the shadows hitting her over and over with big waves of shadows. She falls to her knees and laughs. “You think I can stop this? You’re wrong! War cannot be stopped by calling people off.”

“Have it your way” I say smashing her head in with shadows. “Wow so amazing you are. Got more control have you.” That hit a soft spot. “SHUT UP!!” I say hitting her with shadows as hard as rock. Blood starts running out her mouth as she laughs. She stands up and throws fire at my feet. I jump back and close my eyes. I take a deep breath and cross my arms over my chest. When I open my eyes and swing my arms open it’s already too late. Libby has moved away and is no longer in sight. Adam is fighting someone. Who exactly is unclear in the blur of what is happening. My strongest wave of shadows so far hits Adam in the stomach when he turns. His eyes widen and he falls. The sound of war seems so far away as I watch him fall to the ground his eyes wide. His hands on his stomach. Adam. The boy with his light blue eyes. His grey t-shirts and scruffy black hair. His dark blue converse with scuff marks all over them. The vampire who was so calm. The one who had helped me through school. Who had always been there for me. The one whose blood in now on my hands. The one I had loved and will still love. Who I had needed and still need, will need forever. I hear nothing as I watch him lying there. Instantly dead.

Chapter 21

I fall to the ground the sound of war hitting me when I do. “STOP!!!” I shout “STOP!!” I send a massive wave of shadows out stopping everyone. The noise stops immediately. “Please!! Bring him back!!! BRING HIM BACK NOW!!!” I shout tears streaming down my face. “Annie.”

“NO!! BRING HIM BACK! HE CAN’T BE DEAD! BRING HIM BACK NOW!!!”

“ANJELIKA! GET A GRIP! HE'S GONE AND HE ISNT COMING BACK” I breathe in and don’t breathe out again. “That was too far dear older brother.” I stand and turn sharply my hand held out to Libby. I hold her in the air my hair blacker than black. My eyes the same and my teeth sharpened to a point. “YOU DID THIS!! YOU KILLED HIM!!” I shout and tighten my hold on her neck. She struggles and I loosen my grip.

Libby is strapped to a wooden chair with leather straps. I am stood by her slicing her fingers up slowly as she screams in complete agony. Her hair has been set on fire and her feet cut off. “STOP PLEASE STOP!” She screams I just slap her with the shadows. “Shut up.” She is crying. Her perfect face a mess. I keep cutting at her hand with the shadows. Slicing through the bones effortlessly. “Your Majesty please have mercy.” Ooh begging I love it when they beg “I won’t have mercy on a cold hearted murderer.” She screams and sobs harder as the flames reach her ears and I slice the rest of her hand and go onto the other hand. Once I have sliced that hand off I leave the room and let her die slowly. However before I leave the room I set the wooden floor on fire and let her burn.

I walk into the flat and collapse in tears. My hair is back to its normal shade of black. My teeth and eyes are back to normal. I can barely breathe. “Anjelika!!” Krystiana runs and holds me tight. “I'm so so sorry” she says even though it’s not her fault. Bolek stands in the kitchen doorway and just stares. Lizzie runs over and hugs me tight. Her hair is different. Its waist length and half blue, half red. She has a fringe that covers her eyes. I cry into her shoulder. “Do you want to say anything?” she asks and I nod. She steps back and lets me speak. “He died… I killed him… but I blame it on her… she knew… she killed him… she is the killer… I did nothing…she is to blame…… though the blood… is on my hands…… she is the killer………… I am just a pawn in her giant game of chess… my shadow may have taken his life but whose side was he on?”

“Annie you didn’t kill him.”

“I HAVE HIS BLOOD ON MY HANDS VAMPIRE OR NOT! I AM STILL THE KILLER HERE!!” Bolek comes over and wraps his arms round me. I collapse into him and start sobbing into his t-shirt. “Its ok. You are home. Here in Lancaster.” The name of my hometown helps me relax but I am still distraught. “This isn’t the end.”

“What do you mean.”

“I mean that there is a girl who has come and told me that the apocalypse has started.”

“Huh? What's her name?”

“Violet. Violet Smith.” Smith she isn't related to Adam. Is she?

Chapter 22

Adam opens his eyes to see a man bent over him. “Ah you are awake” he nods. “I have something to ask of you” the man asks as Adam stands slowly putting a hand to his stomach. “But… but I was dead”

“Yes you were. But being a vampire has its perks such as being able to come back to life.”

“Oh” Adam remembers what happened. The look on Anjelika’s face when she realized what had happened. “Now the thing I needed to ask.” The man turns to Adam. He shows his teeth. “Adam. I need you to help me take over the world. Us vampires will rule again.” Adam smiles and nods. “Sounds like a pretty cool plan to me”