Chapter 35

Chapter thirty-five—Eyes of Silver

I froze, realizing who was talking. With strong doubt, I couldn’t believe it could actually be her.

What would she be doing here from Wizard City?

The hand moved away from my mouth, and I whirled around the see the face I expected. Taking in her half shaded face, her green eyes, and her raven black hair- I saw that she has grown in the years I’ve seen her last.

“Remember me?” She smirked, putting her pale hand on her hip.

“Abigail.” I breathed out. “What in the worlds are you doing here? In my room?”

“It was the only time I could talk to you. Plus, we need to be alone in what I need to tell you.” Abby spoke and I noted a bit of worry in her voice.

“Sit down.” I ordered, and I took a broom and swiped the glass into a corner with one big blow. Looking up, I saw myself in the mirror. I looked cordial, and not myself. I sighed, and realized how different I must look to Abby. I turned around, and sat next to her on my canopy bed.

          “I’m sorry to frighten you, Mary.” Abby avoided my eyes. “But this thing is… Different.”

          “Why are you here, Abby?” I asked again.

          “It’s difficult to explain.”

          “Just tell me.”

          Abby twirled a lock of black hair with her fingers, standing out in the pale moonlight. “I know why you left, and why you’ve been traveling.”

          I laughed at that, but only to drown out my disbelief. “What are you…? Talking about?”

          Abby grimaced. She sat up, and I watched her as she took the ruby-hilted knife that I unconsciously put on the window sill. Before I knew what she was doing, it was too late- she sketched a gash into her arm before I could shout.

          Blood poured out of her arm, but I didn’t rush to help her. I was hypnotized by what color the blood was.

          It certainly was red- but gold was deeply mixed in the color. Unlike my blood, which was full gold, hers still had the maroon color. “How do you have that gold in your blood..?”

          “I’m half of what you are. That’s why.” She replied.

          “But that doesn’t make sense.” I stared in astonishment at the idea of it. “Your either full Seraphina-Alleyen, or your not one at all.”

          “Do you honestly don’t believe this?” She stuck out her arm, and I winced. She grabbed a thin towel from a rack near the bathroom, and tied it around her arm.

          I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts so I could think intelligently. I sat up, and walked to the door. Abby looked confused when I turned the handle. “Stay here, I’m getting somebody.”

          “Mary, I’m not crazy- you know that..?”

          “I’m not getting some mentalist, Abby. There is somebody who will be able to help you.” I sighed.

          “Oh, by the Fates, you are thinking that I’m crazy! I trusted yo-“Abby cried out.

          “Shut up and sit down, Abby, I’m not getting some kind of enforcement on you. Just wait here.” I left the room, and starting making my way to Nikki’s room silently.

Knocking gently on the door, Nikki opened it suddenly. I gaped at her.

“Light sleeper. I heard voices. Are you alright?”

I stared at her. “Why is everybody in a paranoid mood tonight?”

Nikki rubbed her temple. “Sorry, I just had a dream…”

I raised my eyebrow. “Well, I can’t ask you about it at the moment, even though I wish I could, because something has happened to me, too.”

Nikki’s mouth went into an “o” form. “What is it?”

“Just… Follow.” I replied numbly. I took her wrist, and led her to my door. Bringing Nikki into the room, Abby looked up in surprise. Nikki cocked an eyebrow.

“Who is this?” Abby spoke, eyes burrowed in interest.

“Abby, this is Melissa Nicole, but you can call her Nikki. Nikki, this is Abigail Silvereyes.” I introduced them, and they shook hands awkwardly.

“Who is she…? Is the one of the..?” Abby started, and I interrupted her.

“Nikki is the Seraphina-Alleyen of Knowledge and Remembrance.” I started, and Abby suddenly stared at her with intensity.

Nikki’s eyes widened. “Abby is a Seraphina-Alleyen, isn’t she?”

“Uh… Err…” I stumbled. “She is half  S.A.”

Nikki moved her head over near her shoulder, and with a large frown, she spoke: “That’s impossible.”

“I know, but it’s true. I’ve even gotten powers.” Abby murmured. We stared at her.

“Does the S.A. even withhold powers?” I studied Nikki’s face, and she had no expression.

“Of course we do. When I had turned eighteen, all a sudden I saw things.” Abby frowned in displeasure. “Spirits. Ghosts. Spirit animals, even.”

“Spirit animals?” Nikki looked as though she wanted to laugh. “No such thing.”

Abby folded her arms. “I always see a person’s animal at first sight, or at grave danger. Since I’ve met Mary before, I can’t see her animal. However, you Nikki, have a beautiful animal.”

Nikki raised an eyebrow. “And it is..? Not that I’m curious…”

“A pure white owl.” Abby smiled, and she lifted out her arm. I saw six pink marks grow on her arm, as though a bird was perched upon it and its claws her digging into her.

Nikki blinked. “So you can see.”

Abby nodded. “Sometimes it feels like a curse; like when I saw my own parent’s aura’s were black and red, with horrid vultures as their animals. They are pure evil.”

I’ve never seen Abby speak about her parents that way, or even so as abruptly. “So, you can see aura’s too?”

Abby smiled again, but it did not disguise the sorrow in her green eyes.
”You guys have the most beautiful aura. It’s so golden and colorful.” She glanced at her skin. “I have a tint of gold, but not as colorful. Probably because I’m only half Angel.”

I sighed. “You ran away from home, didn’t you? Because of your parents?”

Abby nodded. “I’ve been working as a potion master’s apprentice in the castle. I may be Death, but potion making is so fun.”

“How did you figure out about the S.A.?” Nikki asked curiously.

“Well, I figured out my powers. Then, I saw my aura, which was strange.” Abby looked lost in thought. “And then I connected it with Mary. I remember when Malistaire gave Mary that box, and that he had said that he wanted something from her. What else would Malistaire want but power? So, I figured… Mary’s mother must have put something in that box for Mary, because Mary had special powers that Malistaire wanted.”

“And since Malistaire didn’t have the powers that you figured Mary had, you decided that Sylvia had them instead-” Nikki added thoughtfully.

“My mother was not an S.A. She was only of Angel blood, perhaps a descendant from an Angel, but she wasn’t chosen by the Fates. She thought she was, but she failed, because she wasn’t one of the S.A. She was only an Angel by blood, not by destiny.” I interrupted. “My youngest sister, Sabrina, inherited her father’s blood more than my mother’s. She may have the tiniest bit of Angel blood in her, but not enough to call her an Angel. If she ever could have grown into one, then I don’t know, because she is long dead. I’m quite reminded of that every single Christmas day.” I announced quietly.

Abby and Nikki looked at each other with concern. “I’m sorry to bring that up, Mary, but it had to be said. If we’re going to figure out where Malistaire is and kill him, then we need to bring up our pasts.”

I nodded, understanding. “While we are on the conversation of the past, you could tell us that dream you had, Nikki.”

Nikki nodded, and winced as if she had a headache. Slowly, she began to tell her story:

“I was on the rooftop of a huge clock tower, where the Krokonomicon is hidden. Stars twinkled in beauty, and the sky was black as ebony. There was something wrong with the place, though, because it had this feeling of big regret and guilt. Suddenly, I had heard a chorus of moans, almost in a song, but they were in horrid emotions of moans. Pain, sadness, anger, and betrayal.”

I nodded, and she continued.

“In this place, I suddenly saw you, Mary. It was Mary and Abby.” She looked at Abby sadly. “This was before I met you, Abby; and when I saw you, you were lying on the ground, bleeding and dying.”

Abby shifted her position uncomfortably at the sound of herself wounded. Nikki continued. “Then, there was this woman with marble white skin, and it was glowing and looked so unreal. She had rosy lips, and cheeks were pink as a sunset. Her eyes were moonstone, like Mary and I. In fact, she looked a lot like Mary; she even had the golden hair.”

I frowned. “That sounds like my mother, but… Exaggerated.”

Nikki nodded.

“She began to talk to you, Mary. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but you began to cry. She circled around you, and she looked as though she was floating. She stroked your face with a finger, and wiped away your tears. All of a sudden, the woman started to glow red, and I saw her eyes grow all white… She had no pupils.”

I stiffened. “So, we were being attacked?”

Nikki squeezed her eyes shut. “I… Don’t remember the ending. I don’t remember if I was there, or if I was just watching…”

Nikki put her face in her hands, trying to remember.

‘Well, we know one thing.” I decided. “That woman wasn’t my mother, because she was dead. Evidently, she was a demon, and I bet she is working for Malistaire.”

“Something doesn’t seem right here.” Abby’s voice shook.

“Well, when the time comes.” I held my knife tightly, wondering if I’d ever let go of it. “We will be ready for it.”

Most beautiful love poem :)

She Walks in Beauty
                                      1
    She walks in beauty, like the night
        Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
    And all that's best of dark and bright
        Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
    Thus mellowed to that tender light
        Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
                                      2
    One shade the more, one ray the less,
        Had half impaired the nameless grace
    Which waves in every raven tress,
        Or softly lightens o'er her face;
    Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
        How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
                                      3
    And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
        So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
    The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
        But tell of days in goodness spent,
    A mind at peace with all below,
        A heart whose love is innocent

I'm going to add this poem to my story :D

Making dinner and blogging :P

Guess what i'm making for dinner??? Pepperoni and vegetable vegan pizzas, WITH non-dairy chocolate ice cream. :P yep, thats what my mom wants!
Anyways, around 12 o'clock, i was really jizzed (In a bad way). I cant blog at my school :'(
Woah, something in the oven just exploded x_x i'm not even trying to be funny...
Anyways, back to the school thing-- I write during lunch (which my friends think i'm weird for) and it wouldnt let me post. SOOO i will have to post later tonight I: Dang the district for blocking blogging. Heh, that ryhmed; i will underline it cuz i'm just that cool.
Oh, guess what! I got a new nickname! Anybody wanna hear it? I know you do ;)
Here it is:
SugarPuffHoneyMonsterPlushToyQuakerOats.
Yep, thats it. Some shortened name, right? It sounds even better when you say it real fast XD
Well, i got to go eat some vegan pizzas, and i will be online later.
Cya suckers ;)

WATCH IT :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcuI6K9daIw

Quotes (kind of a sneak peek)

“I don’t ever believe in mistakes… I believe in failures of the right side of mankind’s mind. One person cannot have one right mind, without its half being wrong. One, who impossibly has a right mind, is as stupid from never learning from right and wrong.”

“A clever person knows the difference from small troubles and little troubles. A wise person would know how to make all troubles go away without war. A smart person would know if small troubles or large troubles are not any troubles at all, or at the same height of balance.”

“Love should not hold secrets. Love should never be a lie. Love is truth, and a diligent adventure. It should never be ratified, or spurious, or withhold such adversity. After this experience, you shall dare not recur the amount of pain you immorally cause. Dare not improvise.”

“The sight of the sky’s many magical colors shall never be judged by the amount of times you see it in one lifetime.”

“The weak and the strong make pure harmony of Fate’s intentions.”

Alright, so these arent really scenes for upcoming chapters... But they are words. However, each quote has something to do with an upcoming event (so think wisely, as though its a riddle) :P Have fun. Also, I'm not sure if I made these up or not... I just found them in a random folder in my Word thing, and I know its for the story. There are words I tend to use in them, though, so I think I found quotes like these, then changed the words and meaning :P I dont have time to make up quotes XD even though I'm good at it!

Chapter 34, guys :)

Chapter thirty-four-- Tracking the Rooftops

“Wake up! Now!” A sudden white light burst through my eyelids, my head sending up waves of pain. A sharp voice rang in my ears, and I opened my eyes with irritable resistance, noticing the dark ringlets and strut of a woman. Of Rachel.

“Ugh, how did you get in here?” I grumbled, putting my hair into a quick pony tail. As thick and messy as my hair was, it didn’t look half bad as usual.

“You left your door unlocked, and its time to get ready to investigate.” Rachel opened another curtain and more sunlight burned into my eyes. I grimaced.

“What investigation?”

“Sierra told Courtney that you and that red-headed girl favor some case. I don’t know what.”

The Mysterious Woman. I suddenly shot up out of my bed, and glared at Rachel to leave me alone so I could get dressed. She sighed and rolled her eyes, and walked out of the room. I could hear her tapping the heel of her foot outside my door.

While I was looking for combat boots, I only found high heels. I got dressed in the least dressy outfit I could manage, and the darkest; a black dress with slim pants underneath. It showed off my curves and not so much fabric as the long gowns.

Then, I began to search for combat boots once again. However, when Rachel became too impatient, I just slipped on a pair of black high heels, and rushed out the door.

“What the hell took you so long?” Rachel screeched like a bird, but she didn’t look too grumpy. Maybe she just didn’t like me.

“I can’t find any other shoes but these damn high heels.” I growled, stabbing the floor with the tip of my shoe.

“It’s Marleybone. Get used to it.” Rachel led me stubbornly to a group of people. I noticed Nikki, Blaze, Courtney, and four other boys. Sierra must have the day off.

“Yay, you’re ready!” Nikki rushed towards me. I noticed her wearing a similar dress to mine, but dark blue, with another pair of high heels. Her hair was down, as always, but in a loose braid. Her eyes dazzled in excitement.

“Hey, Nikki.” I greeted. I looked over to Courtney. “When are we to depart?”

“Right now.” She grinned. “Follow me, officers. We’re going to the rooftops. When we get there, I will explain the whole situation.”

We nodded, and began to follow Courtney’s footsteps. She led us through a few spiral staircases, through many stone hallways, and up a large flight of stairs. My legs were burning when we reached the morning air, and we were on a rooftop of a very strange area.

It was a rooftop: anybody in the world could know that. However, the roof tops were connected to each other by little wooden bridges, and it created a whole new street, in a way. The area was blank and empty as a desert. But with stone, not sand.

“This place may seem empty to you, but the case we have is deadly. Follow me, and you shall discover that this area holds many secrets. One, including a murder related to the Mysterious Woman. Follow me, Ladies and Gentlemen.” Courtney announced curtly, and we followed her to a landscape between a brick wall of a tall building against the roof, and a large metal chimney.

People gasped, and I made myself push up to the front of the Department, besides Nikki. Her eyes glazed in sorrow. I narrowly moved my eyes to the thing they were watching, and dreaded the outcome. It came anyways.

There was a woman, with silver black hair and a wide eyed expression. Her eyes looked as though they may have been beautiful once, but now, they were just green and blank. Her skin was pale as snow; as she had lost a lot of blood. In her arms, small and fragile, was a baby boy, also slaughtered. The woman’s stomach seemed to be torn up, and the child’s body was mutilated with five large gashes throughout its limp body. “By the Fates.” I gasped. “What in the worlds happened here..?”

“The Mysterious Woman, that’s what happened.” Blaze spoke up bravely. I gazed up at him, and I realized that he looked sick. I didn’t feel too well either.

Nikki had a blank expression on her face, but I could see the distaste in her eyes. She walked forward, and put two fingers on the woman’s face. Somebody hissed in anger. “You idiot girl! You know better to not touch the damn evidence..!”

Nikki shot up, her long hair turning into fire in the quick flash. Her skin was too pale, and she looked stressed. Ignoring whoever yelled at her, she rushed towards me and took my arm. Pulling me away from the crowd, people watched us in slight interest.

“Nikki, what is it?” I demanded. I don’t know how she could even touch the corpses, and shivered at her cold hand on my arm. I noticed a golden tint on my skin where she had clutched my arm, but I took it as the sun’s reflection.

“An S.A. wouldn’t have done that.” She decided immediately.

“I know.” I agreed. I glanced back at the corpses. “One of them is a baby boy. How could something be so cruel?”

Nikki nodded. “That’s why I think its something else. Remember those marks?”

I thought back to the five gashes drawn across the baby boy’s body. “Yes. They are similar to the gashes the Hellhound put on you.”

“Exactly, but not quite. I don’t think it was a Hellhound.” Nikki spoke quizzically. “I’m not sure what it is, but it’s obviously demonic and it has monster claws. Not to mention, it most likely has powerful jaws.”

“Nikki,” I reminded, “We are in Marleybone, remember? What would a demonic creature, relevant to a Hellhound, be running around on rooftops?”

“How do you think I know? I’m not the controller of these beasts.” Nikki sighed.

“So, the Mysterious Woman is possibly being framed?” I asked. “How do we even know she could be an S.A.?”

“I wasn’t sure at first, but now I am.” Nikki opened up her hand. “Look at my two fingers. There’s blood.”

“Yes, there’s blood, but wha-“I gasped, staring at the incredible evidence smeared on Nikki’s fingers. Instead of red and normal blood, it was as though she dipped her fingers in gold paint. “So that’s why you walked over to them; you saw the S.A.’s blood.”

“Just a little, not enough to be noticed by anybody who is not part of the S.A.” Nikki took out a vile, and tried to get as much as the blood on her fingers into the vile. “It’s evidently the Mysterious Woman’s blood, and she is evidently an S.A.”

“How do we know that? We don’t even know if the Mysterious Woman was even here at the crime scene.” I ran my fingers through my hair.

“Yes, but what I do think… It may be a bit disturbing.” Nikki bit her lip, and rubbed her hands along her arms, as if cold.

“Sooner or later, you’re going to have to tell me; I wouldn’t even bother hesitating.” I coughed, looking everywhere but at Nikki.

“The beast that killed those two victims…” Nikki whimpered. “Mary, I think that its after an S.A., not innocent, mundane people.”

I suddenly saw in terror in my mind, of a girl with whatever angelic powers, dead and torn apart by a bloody, hungry monster. I shut my eyes to block out the thoughts. “Are you sure?”

“The beast had attacked the S.A. that was here; we know that because of the golden blood. However, the S.A. somehow got away. I hope.”

I nodded. It made sense. “Do you think it has something to do with the Fairytale curse?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” Nikki grimaced. She looked frustrated, that she didn’t have the answers.

“Well, the most we could do is to look for clues.” I considered the Department, whom completely ignored us, looking around for evidence. About four people were studying the corpses.

Nikki glanced at her wristwatch. “We have about three hours. Lets get to work.”

Unfortunately, as much as we looked, there we no tracks. No more evidence, but that little bit of blood. The best part is, however, was that if we sent the blood to the Order, Alhazred could make us the tracking potion he made for Krokopatra, and we could find the next S.A. With this idea in mind, with the evidence of the crime collected (nearly nothing), Nikki and I stayed behind the group walking back to the Palace.

Slipping the vile with the tiny bit of golden blood in an envelope, I quickly wrote a note to Alhazred of our plan. Nikki sealed the envelope with a spell, to protect it from everybody but Alhazred: which was the smartest thing I’ve ever seen.

Quickly putting the envelope in the mailbox- how ordinary- we rushed away, making sure that nobody saw us.

Sneaking into the Palace was the easiest part. Nobody seemed to notice us, and once dinner was made, everybody was heading to the same place anyways, so it was easy to follow. Together, we made it through and secretly sat the tables that the Force were sitting at.

The dinner was grand; hot roast beef, sweet baked potatoes, roasted chicken, vegetables, fruits, apple ciders and dressings, hot and cold drinks, salads, beef, fish, and more. The tables were made out of gold, and the walls out of fine white marble. Long red rugs cascaded down steps of stone, and people danced around the large dining hall with shimmery silver gowns.

I would have never known in my entire life that I would see sights like this. I sighed, as if hypnotized, at the beauty. Then, with sorrow, I remembered what got me here in the first place. I sat up stiff and tense for the rest of the dinner.

Around ten or so, we were led back to our guest rooms, and bid our goodnights. Tomorrow, Courtney had told us, we would be analyzing the evidence in the Observatory. It seemed like a good idea, but I dreaded the fact being around those corpses again.

Sleep dawned on me, and I listened with serenity in the wind blowing in the curtains, the rustle of a bird flying by the window, my mother’s wedding present glowing in the moonlight.

All of a sudden, I heard something crash onto the floor. I jerked up, pushed my hair back, and got to my feet. With courage, I rushed to my dresser and obtained a ruby-hilted knife from my socks drawer.

I spotted the thing that had crashed. In front of the open window, glass littered the marble floor. Walking silently over, careful with my bare feet, I saw nobody.

Studying the glass, I recognized it as the glass lamp that was on a decorated table. I then studied the window, and wondered if somebody could escape. However, this was a four-story room: how could something that high be an escape route?

Looking out the window, I held on to the window sill in panic. The street down there was deserted; just a few parked carriages and a white cat.

Suddenly, I felt something close over my mouth. The skin of the hand was pale white, and was warm and clammy. A felt a pair of lips near my ear, as I clawed at the hand, trying to scream for help.

“Shhh.” The voice was recognizable, and I would have gasped if I had access. “It’s me.”

Chapter 33

Chapter thirty-three—the team and the Invitation

The trip to Marleybone took two days and a half. We arrived around the evening, with the sun setting, stars twinkling with difference. Smelling the air, I smelled none of Krokotopia. Instead, I smelled a damp city.

And as it smelled, it was. I stepped out of the boat, with a suitcase in hand. Sierra had given Nikki and me new clothing- a slim fit gown with a floppy hat. In a way, I was no kind of girl for wearing dresses. I’d rather be able to spread my legs, like in pants, and run. I held a suitcase tightly, holding on to the belongings I have. The heels of my shoes stepped lightly on the pavement, making a sharp noise. The ground was too hard for my taste; I was used to the soft sands.

Nikki seemed to feel the same way. I didn’t know how long she stayed in Krokotopia, but she wobbled a little bit in her high heels. However, with our special abilities, nobody noticed us stumble. We knew how to correct ourselves daintily and perfectly- especially Nikki. I, however, was as clumsy as… Something clumsy.

I moved my hat away from my head, so I could see properly. Stars now shone, as if watchful and sweet, even though they were just astral balls of fire. Old town buildings rose as high as a cloud, and I sought out a church, museum of some sort, and a large building.

Suddenly, as if in a dream, a dog walked past. At first, I thought it was Professor Wethersfield- but it had a different fur. Also, it was wearing an orange gown, with delicate designs and patterns. “This is where Professor Wethersfield comes from, right?”

“Yes.” Sierra replied. “Make sure to be very polite. Everything here is very… Fancy.”

I nodded. Nikki came up behind me, and set her suitcase on the ground, wringing her hands. “Where are we staying?”

“The department’s home area. It’s grand.” Sierra smiled a charming smile, and we followed her, annoyed by the clacking of our shoes. I wished to take them off and run.

We walked, my slight curls flowing in the wind. I had the temptation to run my hands through my hair in stress, but it was neatly made up in some kind of bun/ponytail that Nikki had done for me. Already, it seemed like I’ve known her forever.

We stopped at a white mansion, with pillars of stone and marble. It was exquisitely intense. Carriages stood in the front of the building, between a large fountain and a statue. Many lights were turned on in the estate, and I could see shadows behind them, laughing and drinking. I wondered if there was some sort of party.

After Sierra was done gazing in wonder at the landscape, she waved us over, and we hurried up the white stairs of the mansion. I almost fell, but I gained back my posture by turning my heel. I was not good with heels.

Sierra rang the doorbell, making an echoing sound that sounded like a bird. After half a minute, somebody opened the door. It was a woman, with dark brown ringlets for hair, and dark, mysterious eyes. She filled us in with her fair eyes, and smiled a shapeless smile. “Hello, you must be Sierra Winterbreeze.” Her eyes flitted to me, and her smile vanished. “And Mary Ravengem. I didn’t think that it was true; that you would join such an association.”

I smiled a sweet smile, disguising the fire in my eyes. “I’d do much to help. Tell me an order, and I shall do it correctly.”

She didn’t look convinced, but Sierra changed the subject nervously. Nikki shifted slightly, irritated as I am at the woman’s mocking personality. “You must be Rachel?”

“Rachel Ice is my full name. Step in, if you please, so we can get you sorted out with the boss.” Rachel stepped back, and waved her hand inside. I did not look her in the eye as I walked past her, but I felt a shiver go down my spine. I did not like Rachel at all.

Before Rachel could lead us to the “boss,” a boy hurried over to her, and spoke loudly. “You’re needed in the Observatory, Rachel. Robert needs you in there.”

Rachel groaned in irritation. She poked the boy harshly in the shoulder. “Make sure the guests are escorted to Courtney, Blaze, and keep your head on the ground; instead of being up in the clouds all day. Got it?” Blaze nodded, his thin blonde hair going over his eyes. Rachel stalked off somewhere, her dark curls bouncing with dignity.

“Is she always like that?” Nikki asked, with her hand on her hip in disapproval.

“Yep.” Blaze moved his hand over his hair, smothering the strands of hair on top of his head instead of on his face. “It’s a hand-full, but she means well.”

“Tsk, tsk.” I spoke through my teeth. I had a strong urge to become better than Rachel; to show her whose boss.

I hope that’s not my father’s genetics in me, this urge. I threw away that thought as we followed Blaze down a hall and onto a room on the right. We entered a very dark room, with only candles alight. A tall lady was sitting at a fancy desk, with golden-brown hair, like waves, by her shoulders and some in her eyes. She seemed to be writing something with a black quill, which matched her black dress and a ring made out of onyx.

Sierra knocked on the door gently, and the woman looked up, showing startling sea-blue eyes. She was a pale woman, but when she smiled, her cheeks turned rosy. “You’re here.”

“Hello Courtney.” Sierra walked forward, and I half expected her to bow. “You’ve got the council staying in a nice place.”

“The Queen gave me full respect. It even surprised me so that she even let us in the Palace.”

I saw Nikki glance around suddenly, as if in wonder. “Are we in Barkingham Palace? I mean, Queen Cecilia’s home? Are you serious?”

“I am serious.” Courtney nodded to Nikki and Nikki blushed at her outburst.

“Who is Queen Cecilia?” I asked stupidly. They all stared at me in wonder. “What? It’s my first time here.”

Courtney sat up, and walked around me, studying me with a strut. She lifted a blonde lock of my hair with one pale finger, and looked me straight into my eyes. Before I could turn away, Courtney spoke. “You and the red-headed girl are different. Very beautiful. Same eyes. Are you related?”

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. I’ve only been called beautiful once. I felt Nikki suddenly become interested in a thread on her gown. “No, but we are like sisters.” I lied.

Courtney smiled. “I wonder what Queen Cecilia will think of both of you. She is the Queen of Marleybone, and is the wife of King Harold the 3^rd. However, the King has just departed to Krokotopia yesterday morn’, and you will not be seeing him.”

“We’re going to meet a Queen?” My jaw dropped.

“Why, of course, Mary.” Sierra tucked a white strand of hair into the back of her ear. “You’re quite famous, you know.”

I grimaced. “I have been told.”

Nikki gave me a joking side hug. “I feel bad for you.”

“Thanks.” I laughed.

“She will be very pleased to be informed of your arrivals.” Courtney laughed pleasantly. “And you shall join the Law Enforcement team at once tomorrow morning. Now, its time for you to be escorted to your rooms. You must all be very exhausted.”

“Thank you for your time, Courtney.” Nikki thanked with a smile and we attempted to leave the room. However, Courtney stopped us, as if remembering something.

“You know… You ladies seem very polite. Evidently you know nothing of this world. However, I want to invite you to a ball. It is being held for the Enforcement team, and it will be such a pleasure for you to attend.”

I gasped. A ball? As in story book balls?

Courtney chuckled at my sudden gasp. “Darling, it will just be like a large party with gowns. I trust that your maids shall bring you packages from the Queen, obtaining your dresses. They are absolutely wonderful.”

We all replied with thanks, and excited, Sierra hurried us out the door. I was dead tired, and I looked around to see if anybody was as tired as I was.

And they were. We were all brought to separate guest rooms; however, they were all right next to each other.

Mine was pure white, with dark purple settees and canopy bed spread, along with the curtains and paintings. The floor was made out of cold white marble, and the paintings of things seemed to watch you.

And, by surprise, Xena was there, sleeping on the end of my bed like a dog. I giggled, and stroked the Hydra’s back, as it shivered pleasantly. I tried to focus on everything that had happened, however, I was too tired to think. I fell asleep instantly when I hit my pillow.

And, of course, I dreamt of the bad dreams. I dreamt of murder, killing, and the secrets kept away from me.

It was too foggy in my dreams to realize that it wasn’t just a nightmare. It was my past; and unfortunately, perhaps my future.