Metamorphosis

By Megan Carlton

The Dark Castle is a reminder to all who come close: Don’t mess with Queen Slindra. In the land of Drion, the Moon Queen reigns over the west, casting her icy grip on every heart in the fairy world. Roland is her adopted child. Twenty and handsome, he enjoys passing through the human world gate and seducing young women.

Jessica is his latest conquest—a goth groupie he meets at a bar—but she piques his interest more than he intends. Jessica askes Roland to meet him at a house party. While there, he senses a light fairy, beings that are barely endured on Drion. Jessica introduces Kate as her best friend. Roland knows what Kate is, but her mother has hidden the truth behind her identity.

Their collision leads Roland away from his mother’s tyranny and Kate fleeing to a new reality at the White Nights Stronghold. There she will find a place filled with magic, intrigue, and secrets. Whatever challenges await them both, Kate and Roland will never be the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781489732163

Megan Carlton

Megan Carlton strove to overcome brokenness, abuse, and despair through the guidance of Jesus Christ. Eventually, she earned a Masters of Arts in Ministerial Leadership from South Eastern University. Twenty years later she lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two kids.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-3217-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-3218-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-3216-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020923365

LifeRich Publishing rev. date:  03/05/2020

Contents

Dedicate

d to

all the broken vessels in the world.

Prologue

A child was born into darkness on the planet Drion. She was gifted to govern the night, for she was the lesser light. As the child grew into adolescence, she became the Moon Fairy. She received immense amounts of power plus majestic beauty that all admired. Her aging halted at eighteen. She was a female indeed but not an adult. She saw her beauty as unequaled, but it rivaled her pride. The darkness wrapped around the fairy in physical form, enacting her commands. Her melodies sounded throughout the dimensions, pulling and swaying to her ambitions. The stars danced as she approached, while the world of humankind fell before her domination.

In her contempt, she sought to control the dark knights who would stand beside her. They wielded unlimited power in her presence. The Moon Queen was the first of many in the long line of dark fairies. Most saw her as the mother of them all. Some worshipped her as if she were God, but she was not. God noticed that the Moon Fairy reflected only night. He watched in horror as she displayed malevolent tendencies to all around her. Against God’s will, darkness arose on the land, encompassing everything. It spread through every atom of all Creation, causing evil to consume the earth and the sea. The Moon Queen dragged the stars from the sky, killing them one by one. The few lights that remained were terrified, running from the coming slaughter. One Light shone in the darkness, refusing to move. One family of fairies stayed powerful enough to stand, but the Moon Queen stood by, waiting to crush them with her might. They acted without consoling the Light and suffered a terrible blow. As a result, all who were left had to kneel to the dark queen or die.

God is a powerful being unlike anything humankind, any fairy, or any creature has ever known. Some try to understand Him, but all fail. He is the very essence of light, hope, and love. When God created the world of humanity, He made sure that every mathematical principle was in line. He gave humans free will, in addition to unconditional love. He allowed humanity to make as many mistakes as they wanted, which humans did. The fairy world was not given a choice about their essence. One side was inherently brighter, and the other was innately darker. The two would collide if they refused to work together in harmony. With this decision, He knew that they would need extra grace, plus some magic too. He would always make sure that light would outshine the darkness. He gave all fairykind legends to teach them the way. Drion increased in darkness, turning away from the ways of the Light. They imitated the actions of humankind, seeking selfless gain that lasted only a moment, while they forgot the former things. Fairykind chose to linger in the dark, causing the Light to withdraw His presence. Eventually, the fairies did what they thought was right in their own eyes.

The world of fairies and the world of humankind were more aligned than ever before. Many fairies roamed the earth to play cruel tricks on humans. The Moon Queen ordered them to keep humans in her power. She knew that if they were wandering in the dark, she would rule her lands forever. She commissioned dark knights to go among mortals and deceive them into perilous enterprises. The dark knights enjoyed tempting humans to the darkness. The humans quickly fell into deceptions of corruption. They left the God of all to stumble in the night. The dark fairies believed humans had too many freedoms with little power. The balance between light and dark shifted in the world. Humans no longer knew the difference between right or wrong. They turned to darkness, throwing morals aside to do what they pleased.¹

The fairy world labels these times as the Dark Days. The world of humankind and the fairy world were edging closer than God would permit. For a time, He still restrained His hand. God bestowed humans with a gift of light and hope for all humankind. The light was more glorious than anyone comprehended. Though the dark fairies spread their sickness, the light far outweighed the damage done to humankind.

God grew weary of the ways of darkness and knew it was time to end the suffering of all fairykind. He sought to bring the birth of the Sun Fairy. God chose a couple who were pure, true, and full of love. As a reward for their good works on the land, He gave them a child to govern the day. This child was like no other, wielding the power of light from the sun. It was to be born of goodness and love. The energy that it could use would be as strong as humanity’s sun compared to its moon. Fairies from all the kingdoms would stand behind the great force. The Sun Fairy’s allies would drive the dark back into the night, bringing hope back to the fairy world of Drion. They would once more walk in the truth. The Sun Fairy would glow with the glory of the Son. God would endow her with the wisdom never to force her will on others. She would mature in humbleness. God gifted the child to be able to turn the darkness into light. That power was far beyond any the Moon Fairy had. Just as the Moon Fairy was darkly enchanted, the Sun Fairy would be a dazzling star. She would have pale yellow hair, soft as the warm summer sun, with eyes that reflected the crystal-clear sky of a hope-filled day. God did this so she could reflect His essence. Her spirit would evoke faith, hope, and love. To Him, this was the purest form of beauty. If the child listened to wisdom and submitted herself entirely to the Light, she would be the queen of all.

Drion

How can someone describe the night? Most would give a quick response, saying that it is dark. But the night, as the moon fairies know it, is certainly not black. Contrasting colors of alizarin crissum and phthalo green collide with phthalo blue to make the purest darkness. It has infinite arrays of shadows that swirl out of control to make the night. The night is the force that is the very lifeblood of the dark fairies. With their essence, they morph it into whatever they desire. If you have spent any time in the dark, you know that it is much more than a color or a texture. It is a heavy feeling that slithers down to your very soul with crushing heaviness and despair that clings to your bones like rot. It holds you captive, like a raging fire consuming you alive. No joy is found in the dark, but instead a shadowy awareness of abandonment. There is a feeling of walking around day after day, only wanting to end your suffering. Yet to do so would condemn you to a dreadful fate. What awaits you after death but torment? Hell is a place where the worms eat your flesh as the fire burns you alive. The smell of your flesh burns in your nostrils, but no one hears your screams. There, no one knows your suffering because your anguish doesn’t carry through the flames. The eternal flames never relent or cease. So what hope is there for a dark fairy?

The land of Drion had a place that was so close to eternal damnation that all fairykind trembled before it. The area was a barren desert searching for water when there was none. The darkness sucked all life from the environment. Dead trees lay fallen on the dry ground, deteriorating like the moon fairies’ souls. The plants, desperate for life, developed spikes to prevent anyone from harming them. Rocky, shattered remains of mountains littered the land like carcasses cascading along the ground. Memories of war stained the earth, left by a tyrant no one could overthrow. Like a great dragon perched on its rocky nest, the Dark Castle sat looking down on all.

The castle was a reminder to all who came too close: Don’t mess with Queen Slindra. The Moon Queen reigned over the west with domination. She watched to make sure no one defied her. Slindra had swept her tyranny throughout Drion, leaving her icy grip on every heart in the fairy world. She had long ruled the fairy folk, causing all to quake at the sight of her exquisiteness. Her pastel skin was reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, and her hair was darker than the night sky. It cascaded along the curves of her body like the ocean’s current. She had an hourglass frame with eyes that were as black as death itself. The fairy’s looks halted at the peak of her youth. Slindra was gorgeous, but after more than a hundred years, most had lost their desire for her beauty. Her dark eyes frightened most with their death stare. Even though Slindra looked eighteen, her scowl made her face appear to be one hundred years in age. Slindra’s husband was the overbearing Lightning King, the general of the Dark Army. Barak was a western fairy with light gray skin and solid muscle. His rugged, handsome looks paled in comparison to the power Barak could cascade off his body. He could call fire down from heaven to kill anyone who stood in his way. Although his eyes shone with the rage of lightning itself, he could not see anything but his queen. His only desire was to please her, but their love was sick and twisted.

Queen Slindra did not care for Barak at all. She saw him only as a chess piece on her board. Barak was at her side because she had not found anyone powerful enough to take his place. Yet Queen Slindra killed any fairy who looked at him longer than she deemed fit, and he loved her for it.

Slindra took pleasure in manipulating him. She always probed the depths of his love for her. On several occasions, she had slapped him to watch how he would react. He relished her touch even when it was harsh. Barak would do anything to please her. If she asked him to kill a thousand fairies, he would do it for her without thought. Barak would never leave because he savored the pain too much. Yet neither of them had any clue about love or care for one another. Their minds were corrupt and filled with despair. They wanted only the death of every light fairy in existence. Malevolence can never understand love, and Slindra would never have allowed anything to hold sway over her. She was driven by only one thing: dominating power. Slindra longed for the day when everyone would be under her fingertips with unquestioned control.

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ONE

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Roland

Roland was the adopted child of Queen Slindra. He was now twenty years old and aging, unlike her. Roland was handsome, but so was all fairykind. His favorite pastime was traveling to Earth to seduce human girls. At times, he fooled them into thinking he was a vampire. His favorite type of female fell prey to such ploys. He was built and had pale skin, dark eyes, and long black hair. All he needed to do to look like a vampire was to wear black leather pants or a black shirt. In truth, that’s what he was: a creature of the night. On a couple of occasions, Roland had the fortune of making girls fall in love with him. He would tell them he loved them to get what he wanted, then disappear. Roland enjoyed using the girls to satisfy his flesh. He thought they were foolish, and he enjoyed it when they did anything he wanted. Roland’s latest victim was no different. He met a local groupie at a bar watching a goth band. She was just his type. She liked the darker side of life, and she was three years younger. It made her the perfect naive prey—ripe for the plucking. Jessica thought it was love at first sight.

Roland saw it only as a game of cat and mouse, and he liked to play with his food. He fully intended to smack her around with manipulation for his own sick pleasure. Roland knew that she was obsessed with him. She was beautiful, was clothed in tight black, and had bright red hair and blue eyes. Roland didn’t understand her fascination with jewelry. She wore so much of it that she jingled when she walked. She wore heavy eyeliner and bright red lipstick. He felt Jessica was too beautiful to be wearing all the eye makeup, but he would not stop her. She was a treat to him in every way. Just thinking about her curves made his mouth water.

Roland had plans to meet Jessica at a friend’s house that evening. He picked up on the fact that she did not want her mommy and daddy to know that she was going to meet an older boy. It made him hunger for her innocence more. Roland was heading to see her when he crept through the halls of the castle. He watched his image out of the corner of his eye as the glassy surface distorted his reflection. He felt that everything in his home was just as warped as the image on the wall. Roland passed through the corridors without being seen by the slaves. He was headed for the human world gate, knowing it was lucky for him that mommy dearest was out playing tyrant for the hundredth time.

Roland slipped into the throne room, glancing at the enormous spiked throne. Slindra had it set on a stage to make sure it was more significant than any other seat in the castle. It had five-inch spikes along the back top. It was hard and topped with deep blackness, just like everything else in the castle. He shook his head in disgust as he thought about how much he hated the place. It was always full of death. He was glad to leave one more time and put the darkness behind him. He walked around the throne to a door behind it that led to the gate—his entrance to freedom. Roland slipped in, shutting the door behind him. He knew that if someone discovered him, he would see time in the pit for sneaking out. Yet Jessica was waiting, and he felt his playtime was worth a little pain.

The enormous moon-shaped gate was a massive mirror made of hematite. Around the edges of the mirror was a decoration of thick, black spiked vines. Nothing else was in the small room. The only reason that the gate stood behind the throne was so Slindra could control who went to the Earth. She had cast her magic on the mirror years ago, hoping to shift the power of good and evil. Slindra built the gate for this purpose. The dark knights had permission to go to the human world. Slindra permitted only short visits. Lencho was the only one who had found a way to live on Earth. Roland had no clue how he did it, but he felt he was the luckiest fairy alive.

Tonight, however, Roland was seeking personal pleasures. His flesh was driving him to meet its needs, and he willingly obeyed. He walked up to the gate, sliding his face into the mirror. The force of the magic in the gate pulled him immediately through to the other side. He came out under a bridge near River Street in Savannah, Georgia. Roland liked the strange mix of people he found in the area. There were local art students, a bar scene, plus a few humans who wanted to play with magic. He fit in without anyone suspecting he wasn’t human.

Roland headed out for his destination, down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and through the old Victorian district. Just the thought of Jessica’s skin drove him to step faster in her direction. Her friends were all gathering at some abandoned house. He knew kids always liked to play away from the prying eyes of their parents. He passed a few run-down houses as he headed to the location. Roland gazed up to see Jessica running to him like some long-lost lover. His heart stirred in anticipation as his flesh became ravenous. She looked up at him with longing in her eyes. It made him want to grab her like a wolf going after its prey. I have been waiting for you to show up, she said with a shy voice that made her even more tempting.

He tried to sound mysterious, giving her some lame excuse, saying he had been here and there looking for a bite. He was too distracted by her black corset top and miniskirt to think clearly. He stared into her beautiful face, getting caught in her blue eyes for a second. Jessica’s world was safe. Roland wanted it, the safety, the carefree life, and the hope he saw behind her eyes. Something about this girl drew him in deeper than any other girl he had played with before. It made him long to have her as his prize. She stood there, letting him reach his arms around her body. Her arms willingly slid around him, pulling him even closer. Roland forgot who or what he was. It was as if time had stopped. He gazed deep into her eyes, letting the blue sky carry him far away from his dark world. His heart began to pump as his skin begged for more of her. The wind picked up, causing her to start shivering in his arms. For the first time in his life, he cared what happened to someone. He did not want her to get cold or suffer. There’s a party to get to, right? he asked. She reluctantly left his arms, never letting go of his hand. She dragged him down the street to a half-rotten old Victorian house. It appeared as if it was going to fall on itself at any moment. The paint was peeling off, revealing the wooden slats that held it together. Roland was sure that if he blew on the house, the whole thing would come crumbling down around them.

When they walked in the door, he saw a group of menacing teens. Most of them were wearing black baggy jeans with chains hanging from their pockets. Roland saw several boys with Mohawks. He saw a couple of girls with green or blue hair. Most of the teens had piercings on their faces and tattoos somewhere. No one had a smile, but they all looked like they were trying to appear tough. Beer bottles were in the hands of some of the teens. An odor in the air told Roland that there were drugs at the party.

The room had a thick layer of cigarette smoke that hung from the ceiling. The furniture was from a dump or had been found along the side of the road and placed in the house. There was an old brown leather couch that resembled something torn apart by a wild animal. It was sitting against the wall near the front door. In front of it lay an antique coffee table that was barely stable. The teens lit the place up with different sizes of candles in every color and shape they could muster. One of the teens even went as far as to bring some old-style candelabras that were five feet high. Roland thought they looked as if someone had stolen them from some castle in Drion. The carpet had a yellowish barf-brown color, the kind that had not been around in fifty years or so. He glanced down, realizing the rug could have been tan at one time, but now it was covered with stains of every shade of brown reaching to deep black gummy stuff. The house smelled of mold, drugs, beer, and cigarette smoke. A draft carried wind through the house, causing the flames to flicker and the smoke to swirl. He did not mind the cold breeze or the smell. His home was worse than the party house.

Roland turned to Jessica, inquiring, Where did your friends find this place?

We have known about the house for ages. Do you like it? Oh, by the way, there are some refreshments in the kitchen. Do you want me to get you one? She’d held her fingers up to make a symbol when she said the word refreshments. Then she pointed to a swinging door and headed toward it before Roland could answer.

Jessica was so eager to make him happy that she didn’t give him time to respond. He did not understand her fascination with him. Roland wondered if she just liked bad boys or if she was a glutton for punishment. When several of the teens came by nodding their heads at him, he realized that she had asked him to the party to show him off to all her friends. Roland knew it was their way of saying hello and paying him a little respect. The air shifted as something familiar hit him like a slap in the face. There was a being of light at the party. He could not fathom what it would have to do with any of the wild teens. Yet Roland was confident that lightness was what he was feeling. The light shattered the dark, forcing the dark away from its presence. There was only one thing that could shine so vastly. It had to be a light fairy. Roland knew he was feeling a knight from one of the royal lines. There was no way a peasant could produce large amounts of brilliance like this. The entity had to be extremely gifted. Roland scanned the crowd for the source of virtue. He hated all light beings.

Hardly any of them endured on Drion’s lands. Those that did were in confinement. He could not comprehend what one was doing on Earth at a goth party. The only one he knew was roaming around in the human world was Jayson. Roland hated him more than any other light fairy. He pictured Jayson as the worst self-righteous goody-two-shoes he had ever met. Roland knew just how much Jayson liked to tell everyone what they were doing was wrong. Yet he claimed that he had all the answers. Roland was sure that Jayson would ruin his fun with the humans.

When he finally found the source of light, it was not Jayson. A young girl came from the back room. As she made her way to the living room, radiance beamed off her body. Her presence was so strong that the teens parted to let her pass. She was a pretty young pale female with a thin frame. Just like the other goth kids, she wore a T-shirt, pants, and boots, all in jet-black, as was her hair. She wasn’t any older than Jessica. The air around Roland filled with the fragrance of flowers. This told him that she was a female knight from the Earthen kingdom. She was unnaturally fair-skinned, making her a dead giveaway for a fairy.

Jessica came out of the kitchen carrying two red Solo cups. When she saw the girl, she headed straight for her. Roland watched as Jessica talked to the light fairy before they both headed in his direction. When Jessica was back in front of Roland, she handed him his drink as she introduced her. Roland, I would like you to meet my best friend, Kate. We call ourselves the baby blues. Jessica laid her arm on Kate’s shoulder as if she were her only friend in the world. She lifted her cup to take a sip before starting again. We are the only two goth girls who have blue eyes that match the sky. She leaned her face next to Kate’s to show Roland that their eyes matched. Then Jessica let Kate go and leaned close to Roland’s ear. She is an albino! Isn’t it cool? Jessica stood back in front of her friend, talking.

Roland looked at Kate, wondering if she thought she was human. He tried to grasp what game she was playing. Roland found himself speechless at her sight. Not because he thought she was pretty, but because a being of the light had found its way to the same party as he had. Roland contemplated if he should tell Queen Slindra, but he understood she would only punish him for leaving the castle. The light no longer held the Earthen kingdom, so Kate had no chance to rule. She did not tell Jessica anything to make her wary of him. Plus, Kate wasn’t concerned about his presence. Her age also meant that she had no power yet. So she was inconsequential. On the other hand, Roland did not want her around. It wasn’t worth losing his chance with Jessica or putting up with a being of the light. Roland hatched a plan to get Jessica out of the room. That way, he could get a moment alone with Kate. Jessica, why don’t you get your friend a drink too? Jessica smiled as she jumped with excitement because Roland had asked her to do something. She ran back into the kitchen in a flash.

Kate, was it? Roland glared at the fairy with a cruel smile. He moved close to the girl so that he towered over her. Roland grabbed a strand of her black hair, picking it up to twirl it around his finger. He smiled his wicked grin at her. It looks like you are far from home, little one. What are you doing here? Are you trying to hide from Queen Slindra? You know it does not matter where you hide. She always finds your kind. You are lucky tonight that I have other things to do than report you, Earthen. It would only bring me trouble when I am looking forward to my fun. He leaned in over the strand of hair as he smelled it. He glanced up toward the spot Jessica had vacated, then he got right in Kate’s face, fixing his eyes on her for intimidation. "I will not have you ruin my chances at pleasure. If I were you, I would run along like the good little girl you are." He made sure to emphasize the word girl to hint that he knew what she was.

Kate glared at Roland as if he were a freak. She slapped his hand away from her hair and pushed him back a little. Leave me alone, creep! I don’t think Jessica would like to see you playing with my hair. You have some nerve to think Jessica would want a loser like you. I am sure she will see what you are before you have a chance to get whatever you’re after. She angrily marched around him, heading out the door.

Roland only laughed that Kate had gotten cross enough to storm away. Kate had too much pride. There was no way she knew her origins. Roland was glad to be rid of her because he didn’t want a light fairy messing with Jessica. He did not need her kind giving Jessica any ideas about right or wrong. Morals would ruin his plans for conquest.

Jessica came out of the kitchen, making her way through a string of teens. The first thing she did was to ask, Where is Kate?

Roland smiled, remembering how easy it had been to get rid of her. I don’t know, he said, shrugging his shoulders a little. She just ran out all of a sudden. He took a sip of his drink, watching Jessica over his cup. Roland lied, but lying was a way of life. It was what he did to survive, plus it was his very nature. Roland didn’t even have to work at convincing Jessica. She bought every bit of it in her naivety. Roland put his drink on the rickety coffee table as he focused on Jessica. He lifted his hand to push her hair out of her stunning face. Then he slid his hand gently down the side of her face, making sure to feel every sensation. Jessica was soft and delicate as the petal of a rose. Roland looked deep into her endless blue eyes as his mind went blank. Jessica was the only thing he saw. Roland unknowingly got lost in what Jessica’s eyes were offering. Her eyes shone with more love than he’d ever experienced. He watched her longing for his touch. Jessica’s face flushed into soft pink shades of enthusiasm. Roland forgot about Kate, moving onto his prize. He scooted right next to Jessica, leaning down to kiss her softly. He ran his hand up her arm to her red hair to feel its silky texture. He noticed goose bumps appearing on Jessica’s arms. He whispered in her ear as smoothly as he could, making sure that she would feel his breath, Cold? She turned pink in her cheeks, lowering her head to say no. Then she quickly looked back up at him, taking him off guard with how debilitating her gaze was.

She leaned into his chest, making his arm wrap around her. She was gazing starry-eyed at him. Jessica said, I guess we don’t need this extra drink then. Roland grabbed the cup and quickly drank down its contents before throwing it in a nearby bin. Loud music began to blast out from every angle of the decaying painted lady. Roland was surprised by how well the place held up with all the vibrations. Jessica yelled to Roland, trying hard to make sure he heard, "I guess the party finally started!"

Roland leaned close to her ear, yelling, "Do you want to sit down?" Jessica nodded her head, making Roland head over to the old leather couch. He gracefully floated to his seat. Jessica flopped down beside him, not caring about anything. Roland figured that she was eager to be close to him. He slid his arm around her as they sat there, looking at teens dancing. Some of them acted like they were robots; others just swayed their bodies back and forth to the music; while a few made some weird moves no one could recognize. Roland admired these teens. He had never stayed long enough to hang out with them.

Usually, Roland took what he wanted, leaving before anyone was any wiser about what he was. He could see the teens were free. It was a freedom that he had never known in his world. They had a future to look forward to, no endless war. Darkness was the farthest thing from their minds, whereas Roland could not get away from it. He wished to have the freedom to choose what he wanted. Roland thought about what his adopted mother made of their world. If Slindra had her way, there would be nothing left. His thorough detestation for her caused him to have a strong desire to leave the party. He was claustrophobic from all the hope there and the realization that he had none. "I need some air," he yelled over the music. He walked out the door, making his way to the street.

Jessica called to him, Where are you going?

Roland stopped in his tracks, wondering what he was doing. Yet against his will, he stopped, waiting for Jessica. She ran to his side, getting in front of his face. He gazed at her. She had no understanding of his reality. Her freedom, her hope, and now even the love she was giving to him was more than he could bear. They stood on the dark paved road in the middle of the night. Their only company was the streetlights along the sides of the boulevard. At that moment, no party or fairy madness was distracting them. Jessica, I have a lot on my plate right now. Your friends have life easy. Roland sighed, looking down into her eyes. Her skin glowed a warm orange shade from the streetlights. Her eyes were begging him to stay. They were glowing with the hope of future love as she stared at him.

I know that you’re older and everything. I just hoped that you would enjoy hanging with me, that’s all.

Roland waved his hands around while talking. I do like being with you. That’s what makes it so hard. I do not need to get swept up in your world. My life is not as easy as yours. I have a tyrant to deal with, crazy laws, and darkness you cannot understand. Roland turned back to her, wondering if she could ever have a clue about his existence.

Jessica thought she understood as she commented, We all have parents and bad bosses, and some of us have addictions we must face, but please, do not run away from what could be. I know there is good in you, Roland. He was startled by her comment. Roland laughed, wishing that his life could be as easy as hers. He grabbed her, squeezing her into his chest. Jessica hugged him back and laughed with him. She enthusiastically smiled as she gazed into his eyes. They stood there, holding each other on the night street. He leaned down so they could kiss. As he released her from his lips, his mind filled with thoughts of home. Roland had forgotten why he was there. Now he remembered what he would return to.

A red car came barreling down the road at full speed. Roland scooped Jessica up in his arms as he ran off the road as fast as he could. The car squealed past, just missing them, then continued down the road as if nothing had happened.

Roland! Jessica looked at him in wonder. His reflexes showed Jessica that he was more agile than most men. By acting without thought for his life, Roland had saved her in one swift move. She gazed up at him as if he was her hero. Just think of what could be. He knew she was speaking her hopes as if they could come to life. She reached up to his face to touch him. To his surprise, his heart leaped at her touch as he began to feel strange. Roland was still out of breath from everything that had happened. When he stared down at her, motionless in his arms, Jessica looked at him with pity. Her expression made him feel broken.

Roland did not appreciate it. He did not want her pity, yet he knew she was concerned. Jessica genuinely cared for him more than anyone had ever cared about him before. He gently put her on the soft grassy patch on the side of the road. As she slid from his arms, goose bumps rose on his skin. He secretly wished there could be a future. Roland wanted to be free to hold her in his arms for a long time.

Her shoes hit the ground lightly as she stood up. She was standing there staring at him, inches away from his heart. Roland spoke up, After that, I will not let you go without watching after you. I would not want anyone taking you away quite so soon. The house was getting a little crowded. Besides, I can’t hear anything you have to say. That is not a good way to get to know you. Jessica stood there with her eyes glowing. Roland lit her heart’s fire, a fire that would not willingly extinguish itself. I can walk you home. That way, we can talk on the way. Roland found himself desiring to understand more about the girl who cared for him. He wanted to know what she did each day. Roland wanted to figure out what it was about Jessica that drove him to desire to be next to her.

My house is not close. We would have a long walk, she said, staring up at him as if her world started and ended with him at the center. It might even take an hour to get there. I don’t have a car. Do you?

I don’t mind walking; besides, how else will I get to know you? Roland told her the truth but avoided the question about the car. He did not want her to think he was from anywhere other than Earth. Additionally, if he were to leave, it would mean an earlier arrival time at home, which was the last thing he wanted. They both walked down the dark streets, heading toward her house. Jessica talked the entire time with Roland patiently listening. He did not tell her a thing about his life, knowing that it was dangerous. Their hour walk, down through the old Victorian homes to a better area of town, took seconds. Her family owned one of the large houses off Forsyth Park Square. They were remodeling the old Victorian to its former glory. Jessica told Roland she did not want anything to do with her parents. She talked about how they were controlling and cared only about money. Jessica’s family was part of the aristocratic society. They expected her to live and act a certain way. She was doing all she could to upset their family’s upper-class status. Her mission was to fight back against corruption. She talked about her family’s criminal activities plus how they always got away with what they did. Jessica said she did not want to be part of a family who hurt people. Roland knew too well what she meant. He wished he was as courageous as Jessica.

How will your family respond to me? he inquired. Roland could see she was growing tense while slowing down.

It would be better if they did not know about you right now, Jessica confessed. Then she stated, That is, if you … would ever like to see me again? She rolled her fingers together and turned her foot over. Instantly Roland knew that she was nervous. He looked her in the eyes, reassuring her that such was his desire. He questioned which house was hers. Jessica pointed at a giant house that towered over the rest. The old Victorian house reminded him of how far he was from his own home.

Roland turned to her, remembering what he would face for this night’s freedom. He placed his hands on the sides of her arms. He looked at Jessica intensely in the eyes. I want you to know if I don’t come around for a while, that it doesn’t mean I have forgotten you. He lifted her chin, making her look him in the eyes, Or that I do not want to see you again. My family is out of town, and I must return home soon. There you will not be able to reach me, plus I do not know how long they will keep me.

Should I be worried? She spoke as if her hope for their future was drying up.

He drew Jessica into his arms for a deep embrace. He breathed in deeply, trying to remember her sweet smell of hope. He gazed down into her stunning blue eyes. I have told you so that you won’t be worried. I will come to visit you as soon as I can. You can count on that. Then Roland leaned in to whisper in her ear, Just imagine what could be. She looked at him lovingly, and then she wandered off down the road under his watchful eyes. Jessica turned back to look at him on several occasions. He could tell she was wondering if she would see him again. Roland was stunned by his own actions. Words were coming out of his mouth before he could realize what he was saying. Jessica’s presence was an all-consuming compulsion that never satisfied. Roland would indeed see her again if he could get away from Queen Slindra.

Once Jessica was out of sight, Roland headed back to the bridge near River Street. Deep in the shadows, he slipped through the dark gate heading to Drion. The magic pulled him through, then he came face-to-face with his stepmother. Although Slindra appeared younger than he, her glare made her monstrous. The expression on her face was demanding that he kneel. Something about Jessica gave him more strength than he had had in a long time. Roland chose not to bow to her but to stand his ground.

Did you think that I wouldn’t recognize the absence of your presence? Queen Slindra said, interrogating him.

I was trying to gain ground for the dark, My Highness. Roland looked her straight in the face as she eyed him clearly, not believing what he’d said. She gestured for him to follow. Then she led him to her favorite spot in the whole castle. Roland watched as Slindra climbed the platform to sit down on her throne. He was at the bottom of the steps waiting for her to punish him. He hated the way she always liked to place herself above everyone so that she could stare down at them, reminding them of how powerful she was.

I expect better from you, Roland. You are my adopted son. Everyone knows that I have chosen you to live in my house and eat at my table. I have watched you every day of your life. I know you even more than you know yourself. Did you think that I would buy that pathetic lie? I have the power to put an end to all your luxuries. I could take your life in seconds. I don’t know why you defy me. Do you want to join the slaves? She glared down at him for only a moment before starting in again. You know that I am the queen, and that means you must obey. No one can challenge my authority. I don’t expect you to, either. The others who have tried died bleeding out on the floor. I have given you everything your heart desires. Name one thing that I have held back from you. Yet you still run off to the human world without my consent. You know how the law works. It is my law; therefore, you will do as I say. If you cannot, I will find a way to make you. Now make Mommy proud so that I don’t have to kill you.

Roland turned without a word and walked away. He knew his punishment was inevitable, so he did not want to listen to her anymore. He mumbled so that no one could hear him, ‘Make Mommy proud.’ That twisted witch is anything but my mother. Roland spat on the ground, gathering all his muster. He walked away before he could attack her, causing his blood to spill on the ground. Roland tried a couple of times to attack her with no success. He screamed in his head at the madness that he was facing. She was no more his mother than the devil was his father. He had listened to her hogwash long enough. Roland didn’t want to hear propaganda about how powerful she was to make him obey. Slindra’s word was law, so he could not act without her will. Roland quietly spoke to himself, Moon Fairy, dark fairy, more like a demon than anything. He could not understand why he had to live in a house so full of blood and darkness. The blood of all fairykind had been spilled on the floors of the castle. He accepted she would only take pleasure in pouring out his too. This night must end. He had had enough of his world and its hate. He questioned if what he felt was useless, rambling in his mind. All she does is babble all the time. When will this ever stop? I am out of here! If I escape, I will never come back. He knew better than to whisper what he felt, because if he did, she would kill him.

Queen Slindra was still reprimanding Roland when he decided to march away, leaving her presence. She turned to him, screeching like a cat scratching on a chalkboard, How dare you walk away in the middle of our conversation! You presume you have the right to do as you please, but let me remind you who is in charge. You will wish that you would have obeyed. I will see to that. Her screams echoed with vibrations that shuddered the walls of the dark, cold castle. Blackness slithered from around her body and coiled itself in Roland’s direction. The shadow formed into an enormous hand with protruding bearlike claws. The dark force wielded by Queen Slindra’s cognizance flung its full force around Roland’s neck, threatening to shove every ounce of life from his body. His knees gave, forcing him to the floor in submission, as he reached up to his neck, trying to relieve the pressure of her grip. He had little time before his eyes rolled back into his head, causing pitch-black silence to hit his brain. Queen Slindra released him, making his body cascade to the floor in a big mound of flesh. She yelled at Roland’s unconscious body, "Next time, you will not walk away so easily! Slaves! Take his body and throw him in the pit!"

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TWO

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Katerina

I left the party madder than I’d been in a long time. I marched down the street to my house out of pure rage. The nerve of that guy, laying a finger on me. How could he flirt with me while he was dating my friend? It was the creepiest thing I had ever experienced. His eyes were dark as night. It was as if there was no light in him. The way he tried to intimidate me was repulsive. What was he talking about anyway? He rambled on about some nonsense. What is an Earthen, and who is Slindra? What a creep! I wondered how Jessica could date someone that grotesque. My whole body shivered just thinking about it. Roland looked like some wannabe vampire with greasy hair.

Where in the world had she found a creep like him? I was becoming angrier with each step. Just thinking about how he towered over me, playing with my hair, made my body shiver.

My house appeared in front of my face so fast, I almost passed it. When I walked in, Mom was on the couch staring at me, livid. Her gray eyes glared at me, allowing me to see the storm behind them. Just where have you been? I had forgotten that I’d snuck out without telling her where I went. My mother was overprotective. You would have thought I was a criminal, but I never did anything wrong. It’s hard to do anything wrong when you don’t have friends. I finally had a friend for the first time in my life, yet my mother was still glaring at me indignantly. It was not past my curfew, nor had I done anything wrong. I scowled, annoyed that Jessica’s new boyfriend was causing me more trouble than he was worth. As I looked at my mother’s face, I understood what was coming: punishment. All because of some lame guy in a vampire costume.

I met her glare with my own, daring her not to push me at that moment. Mom, I went to meet Jessica’s boyfriend, okay!

Her facial expression showed me she was annoyed with my attitude. She crossed her arms, getting ready to give me the third degree. Was Mister or Misses Banks there?

I threw my hand out, waving at the clock on the wall. It is not even nine o’clock, Mom. Do you want me to have a life? She rolled her stormy gray eyes at me, calling me overdramatic. She picked up one of her cheesy romance novels so she could begin reading it. At that point, I knew she had calmed down and was not going to push me. I needed her to recognize that I was responsible. I am not a little kid anymore. I can be around boys if I want to. I am not the kind of girl who goes out looking for trouble. I don’t have a boyfriend, plus I don’t do any of the other stupid stuff kids my age do. Jessica is the only one who wants to hang out with me at all. Everyone thinks I am a freak because I am an albino. She glanced over the edge of her book, staring at me. I huffed, knowing she was telling me I was overreacting again. Roland’s image towering over me flashed before my eyes, sending chills down my back. Besides, her boyfriend was a total creep! He wore a vampire get-up, if you can believe that.

I walked past the living room, heading in the kitchen for a soda. I opened the refrigerator to lean down to get a can of Coca-Cola. I held the refrigerator door open as I popped the tab, raising my voice so my mother could hear. His name was Roland. I think he was way older than her, plus he said some of the weirdest stuff to me. He called me an Earthen. Then he claimed someone named Slindra was coming for me. I turned around with my soda in my hand to see my mother’s gray eyes staring at me, filled with panic. I didn’t hear one of her footsteps as she made her way through the living room and into the kitchen at a lightning pace. She grabbed my arm as if I was a toddler and started yanking me out of the room. Everything happened so fast that I dropped the soda pop. It hit the ground hard as the can of Coke burst, spilling on the floor. She began dragging me through the house toward the bedroom. I tried to pull my hand away from her as I was yelling frantically, confused by her behavior, What is going on?

Her face glared back at me as if she was hurt, making me even more scrambled. Get your stuff! We are leaving now! She was pulling me so hard, I was sure I was going to have a bruise.

I pulled back, not being able to stop her as she dragged me forward. Stop having a spaz fit, Mom! You’re acting ridiculous. She forced me to go into the small bedroom that we shared. It was full of boxes that we’d never unpacked. I had no clue what was in half of them—just odds and ends we had collected over the years. She walked over and grabbed a few of her always ready black bags. Then she carried them out of the room. I stood there, trying to grasp what I had said that had put her on the warpath. It was clear that whatever I’d done was going to cause me to lose my only friend.

Mother stopped in her tracks, glaring crossly at me. Get your stuff now and get in the car. We are leaving! I turned to grab one of the boxes that never had gotten opened. She looked at me furiously, causing me to shrug my shoulders, wondering what the big deal was. We will only be taking clothing. Grab whatever you can, as fast as you can. I dropped the box back in its place, knowing that whatever was in it was gone from my life forever. Great, now I was going to have to move again. I grabbed the first thing I saw as I headed out to the car. I tried to think of something I could do to slow my mother down. For the first time, we had lived somewhere long