"Your beloved? Like a spouse? Where is she now?"

His eyes darkened, and he stepped back. "He was murdered."

"I'm sorry--"

"Why all the questions?"

She wrapped her hands around herself. "If you're into men, then why did you take my key?" Although the night he selected her, he didn't seem uninterested. He had her fooled.

He seized her hand and pulled it close to once again try to insert the key, but she jerked out of his grasp. His brows furrowed. "Is this not what you want?"

"I wanted you to summon me. You might find this difficult to believe, but guess what? Two thousand dollars a month is not enough for me to survive."

"You live with Frederick, don't you?"

"I only agreed to live with my uncle for a year. I wanted to move out after saving enough money. I thought becoming a blood donor would be great since it supposedly paid well, but you haven't been much help. I have nothing against you being gay, but then why the fuck claim my golden key? I want to make the five thousand."

A vampire headed in their direction, along with Catalina, who paused for a moment before glancing at Anastasia in confusion. "Where is Ann?"

Realizing she still wore the mask, she removed it, and Catalina hugged her. "I heard what happened. Are you alright?"

"Did you kill the bastard?" the vampire asked.

"Yes."

"Good." The vampire approached them and bowed to Anastasia. "I promise we're not all heartless bastards."

"Anastasia, this is Zayne."

"Nice to meet you." She turned her attention to Declan. "Are you going to answer my question? Why did you choose the key when you had no intent on following through? I'm pretty sure there are male blood donors for vampires who like men."

Zayne appeared to choke on air before recollecting himself.

"Ann, what are you talking about?" asked Catalina.

"Declan hasn't come to see me because he..." She paused momentarily, uncertain if everyone was aware, but surely they must have been. His beloved had been a man, so his clan must have known him.

"What did you tell her?" asked Zayne.

"About Connor."

Zayne's eyes beneath his mask welled up with tears. "Oh."

"I heard that name before," Anastasia said. "Rose called Maverick by that name. Why would she do that?"

"Rose hasn't been feeling the best lately. Pay her no mind."

Anastasia stared at Zayne for a moment. "That's what Maverick told me."

"Ann." Catalina smiled, amusement written all over her face. "He isn't gay."

"What? His beloved was a..." Realization hit her then, and her face became ten times hotter. "I'm an idiot."

"Go home," Declan said. "Take a couple of days off." 

He moved to follow Zayne, but she seized his forearm. "I will return in three days and I expect you here."

A hint of a smile crept to his lips before he recollected himself. She released his hand, and he headed into the club along with Zayne.

"I think this has nothing to do with the money," Catalina teased, bumping her shoulder against her. "You hate that he doesn't fall to his knees for you like other men."

"All lies." They laughed.

Catalina embraced her. "I'm glad you're okay."

Anastasia relaxed in her friend's embrace. "It was fucking terrifying." Catalina hugged her tighter.

For the next three days, they spent it together at the house, relaxing in the backyard. Colton and Malakai brought them snacks and joined them. Colton sat with her in the hammock and she laughed, saying, "Woah, it's not going to hold both of us."

"Hey, I'm not that heavy."

"Where's Maverick?" asked Catalina.

"He is still working at the shop, but should be home around seven," Colton said. "Why?"

"I was just curious."

"Uh-huh."

"What? Maverick and I are friends. Can't really compete with a model-type beauty."

"You mean Rose?" Malakai inquired as he leaned on the bark of the tree. The leaves fluttered to the ground as the wind picked up pace. He caught one in his hands before tossing it aside. "Rose was his first love, but that's in the past."

"Didn't look like it," Catalina pointed out, and Anastasia would agree. When they first met Rose, she could see the love in Maverick's eyes.

"I have to agree with Cat." The men fell silent. "What happened between them that tore them apart?"

"Lies tear people apart all the time. Rose and Maverick were no different," Malakai said.

"Maverick lied to Rose?" inquired Catalina. "She said Declan warned her about Maverick... that he played his cards well."

Anastasia rose from the hammock and wrapped her arms around herself. For the past few days, she had hesitated to ask questions about what the bastard that assaulted her had said. But, not asking, was eating her inside. "The vampire who attacked me asked what fae gave me this." She clutched the key resting just below her collarbone. "Your father told me this belonged to my mother." The men exchanged glances. "Was my mother human?"

"Yes." She turned to meet Frederick's eyes.

"Then, who gifted her this?" she asked, choking on her words. "I want to know. Declan recognized it, and so did the vampire who attacked me. It protected me."

He moved closer and held her gaze, tears glistening in his eyes. "Alison gifted it to me, and I gifted it to your mother in hopes that it would protect her against any supernatural. Before she left, she returned it to me... She wanted nothing to do with everyone in this town, so she refused to take it."

"Alison is?"

"A fae. I gifted it to you so that if any vampire attacked you in that club, it would protect you."

She embraced him. "And it did."

He hugged her tighter. "Its magic isn't as potent against powerful vampires. I'm glad it helped, but I wish it had done so sooner."

"I'm fine."

As she pulled away, he cradled her face. "It's okay to admit you're not. Madam has informed me you can take as many days off."

Anastasia shook her head. "It's okay. I'm not going to let one awful night affect me." Yet, her words didn't convince anyone, including herself. Even if she did have some fear of returning to the club, she wasn't going to hide away. "I'm going to go get ready."

Before anyone could stop her, she headed inside the house. As she passed the door that led to the attic, a sound stopped her in her tracks. She opened the door and ascended the stairs, approaching the mirror.

The crow was at the opened window, watching her.

"Are you some sort of supernatural? A fae?" She removed her necklace. It's eyes locked upon it and it let out a sound like a normal bird. "I'm losing my mind talking to animals."

"Yeah, you are."

Anastasia jumped, her heart about to burst out of her chest. "For fuck's sake! Cat!"

"I'm sorry." She laughed. "I didn't mean to scare you." Her eyes shifted to the bird. "That thing is back."

Anastasia inserted the key into the mirror, and a soothing melody emitted from it. The bird flew into the room and perched on it.

"What the hell is going on, Ann?"

"I don't know."

As she stood in the mirror, once again, it was not her eyes who met hers, but that of a handsome man far taller than she was with burgundy hair. "Do you see him?"

"See who? No. I see you. Ann, are you alright?"

Anastasia extended her hand toward the glass as waves rippled through, as though composed of crystalline waters.

"Ann, stop. What are you doing?" Catalina asked.

The bird took flight once again and headed directly toward them. With a startled scream, Catalina seized Anastasia's hand. Anastasia stumbled backward. Instead of colliding with the glass and sending shards to the floor, she fell into an endless abyss, her hair billowing around her. As they spun, Anastasia held Catalina's hand, but she slipped out of her grasp before the darkness seized hold of her and pulled her into unconsciousness. 

Her body ached as her eyelids fluttered open. She pushed herself off the snow-coated floor and stared at the woods surrounding her. "Catalina!" Her eyes widened at how deep her voice was.

"Ah!"

Catalina's scream propelled her to run through the heavy snow, despite her feet sinking in deep.

"Cat!" At the icy kiss of the air, she closed her overcoat and paused. This wasn't her clothes. Or her voice.

Catalina jogged to a stop a few feet from her, wearing a gorgeous gown that sparkled like rubies under the sunlight. "Who the fuck are you?"

"It's me." She couldn't get used to the voice coming out of her mouth. "Anastasia."

"The hell you are." Catalina whirled around, but Anastasia stopped her, gaining herself a slap across the face. "Back off! Anastasia is not a fucking man."

Anastasia touched her chest to confirm she no longer had large breasts. "It must have been the mirror."

Catalina laughed. "I'm sorry, but I didn't magically change genders."

"Cat, it's me."

She propped her hands on her hips. "Fine, then prove it."

"How exactly--Fine. You have a fobia of wolves—you had a foursome a year ago--"

"Alright, I'm convinced. No need to keep throwing my secrets out there like that." She laughed and hugged Anastasia. "You're one hot man, girl." She laughed again, and Anastasia detected nervousness. "Where the hell are we?"

"I have no idea."

She pulled away. "I still don't understand why you changed into a hot man while I stayed the same."

"Let's just try to find a way back home."

"It wasn't snowing in the town, Ann."

"I know." When Catalina quivered, Anastasia removed her overcoat and draped it over her shoulders.

"What a gentleman," she said with an amusing smile.

Anastasia put on her necklace. "I need to figure out who's that crow."

"Do you think it was a faerie? Maybe it activated some sort of spell in the mirror, but then again, I'm still me."

At an animalistic sound, they both glanced at each other before breaking into a run, holding hands. When Catalina tripped, Anastasia helped her up, and they continued to run as fast as they could with their feet sinking into the deep snow.

They paused at the sight of an ethereal castle on the horizon.

"I don't think we're on earth anymore, Ann."

The key emitted a warmth again, and she removed it. As if her body had a mind of its own, she scurried to the nearest tree and shoved the key into it. The bark split open, forming a big enough gap for them to fit through. "Go."

When Catalina hesitated, Anastasia seized her arm and shoved her inside. Before she could follow, the opening closed. Anastasia pivoted around and sped through the woods, moving faster than she had ever before, her heart about to explode.

She stumbled over her feet and fell into the snow, causing the key to slip from her grasp. As she glanced at the sky, she was stunned to see a silver dragon in the distance. It looked enormous, although she was certain it soared through the air more than one hundred feet above the ground.

An anguished scream had her searching the snow frantically for the key.

"Help us." Echoes of voices continued to plead for her to aid them, to alleviate their anguish. She refused to and continued her search for the key. "Why won't you help us? Connor." She stopped at the mention of the name. "Connor. We're starving. Please. help us." The hairs on her arms stood up as the temperature dropped to the point her body started quivering, her breath visible. "Don't you want to know the truth, Connor? I can help you."

She lifted her gaze and screamed at the terrifying beast before her as its razor-sharp teeth peeked from its opened mouth, its enormous claws reaching for her. She spotted the key, grabbed it, and thrust it deep into the ground.

The earth quaked, the ground beneath her splitting open. Once again, she descended into silent darkness, the snow covering her rising and shimmering into oblivion. The key floated centimeters away, and she reached for it, her fingers grazing it. 

All I want is the truth... Please... She seized the key as it emitted a soft glow.

A bright light blinded her before she fell onto a hard surface, knocking a wisp of air out of her. As the darkness faded, she found herself in an unfamiliar bedroom. A scream tore from her lips as the beast followed. It let out a sound, writhing in pain, its body disintegrating into nothingness. "Fuck! Why can't I get a break?" Her voice still wasn't hers.

"Connor?"

Anastasia's eyes averted in all directions, her heart slamming in her chest. She hesitated before facing Declan, who, to her astonishment, was completely nude. The water droplets on his body indicated he had just showered. 

"Sorry—I didn't mean—Well, I did mean to use the key, but I didn't mean to come here—I have no idea how I even got here—How did I even know to use the key--" She stopped talking at the hand on her shoulder.

Declan brushed a finger across her cheekbone as his other hand gripped her by the collar of her shirt. "I believed you dead."

"I'm not--" He captured her mouth with his, silencing her. The bastard was a great kisser, and she found herself lost in it. "Declan--" He deepened the kiss, pulling her close, leaving no space between them.

"Declan--" Lewis froze at the door after opening. "Geez. Get dressed." His eyes widened as they settled upon Anastasia. "Impossible."

"I'm sorry—I didn't mean to come here." She sneaked past Lewis and hurried down the corridor lined with closed doors. At the end of the hall, she crossed paths with Rose, who stared at her with wide eyes. Before she could react, Rose embraced her, weeping.

"We thought you were dead—They told us he killed you—But here you are." She tightened her hold around Anastasia. "I've missed you—We all have."

Anastasia couldn't comprehend what was happening. Had her mother used the mirror to pretend to be someone else? To pretend to be a man named Connor?

She withdrew from Rose and moved two steps before halting. If she left this house and headed home, Declan would know he had been deceived. Did her uncle even know what her mother had done? She had used a mirror with the aid of Alison and changed her appearance to win Declan over. She became Declan's beloved. Perhaps fearing what would happen when he discovered the truth, she fled the town... 

She had so many questions... To which she wasn't certain she could find answers with her uncle.

Without another word, she moved closer to the wall and slammed the glowing key into it. Lines spread across the wall, forming an arched door. Take me home... Please...

"Connor." 

Anastasia glanced over her shoulder at Declan, who donned a dress shirt and pants. She had to come up with an excuse as to why Connor would walk away from him. "I'm sorry... I can't remember anything."

Rose's face lit up. "We can help you find your memories--" When she moved closer, Lewis held her forearm, stopping her. "What are you doing?" She glanced at Declan. "Are you going to let him leave? If he does, Declan, he might not come back."

"I know." Declan bridged the distance, grasping her by her shirt, drawing her near. "Let him uncover the truth on his own. He will return to us soon." He shoved her into the portal and she fell into a temporary darkness, then dropped from the ceiling to her bed. She remained still, watching the portal closing.

She caught the key out of the air, her bangle glinting in the light. 

"Anastasia!" Catalina climbed on the bed as Anastasia sat up and embraced her. "I thought you would never return."

Anastasia brushed her long hair back and hurried to the bathroom, glad to see her own reflection staring back at her. "What happened?"

"After you shoved me in the portal, I returned here, but you didn't follow—Ann, it's been two days."

Anastasia stared at her in utter disbelief. "What?" Before Catalina could say anything, her cousins stormed into the room, relief washing over their faces. Malakai pulled her into an embrace.

Colton stood at the doorway. "For fuck's sake. You worried us."

"I was only gone for maybe two hours--"

"It's been two months, Ann." Catalina said. "I couldn't believe it either. I called my parents and confirmed it. They were worried about us."

Anastasia inhaled to calm her nerves. "What tore our families apart?"

Her cousins didn't say a word. Colton glanced at Maverick before saying, "Fuck this. I told you she should have never returned." He stormed out of the room.

When Malakai moved to follow him, she seized his arm. "Who is the crow? I have every right to know the truth, Mal."

He met her gaze, and his lips parted, but no words came out. His eyes met Maverick's before locking upon hers as he inched closer, grasping the key around her neck. 

"When did my mother meet Declan?" she asked. 

His eyes widened. "What are you talking about? Your mother never crossed paths with Declan."

"How would you know such a thing? You're not much older than I am."

"Malakai, don't," Maverick said. 

"Our father would have told us if your mother would have met Declan."

"They live in the same town—I saw the carvings in the attic—Declan has one around his neck. He claimed it's from his beloved, but how the hell does that make sense?" She inched closer to Malakai. "Tell me the truth. Did she pretend to be Connor to enter Declan's life?"

"Ann, you're not making any sense," Catalina said, worry etched on her face. "That world we entered messed with our heads."

"I opened another portal... it took me to Declan... as Connor."

Malakai and Maverick glanced at her, astonished.

"Who is Connor?"

"He's Declan's deceased husband," Frederick answered after entering the room. "Follow me, please."

Anastasia followed him to the attic, along with everyone else. He moved to the carved birds and flowers Catalina had found. 

Malakai moved closer to the mirror and brushed his fingers over the carvings, tears glinting in his eyes. "Why are we here?"

Frederick took one of the carved birds in his hands and, at a sound, he glanced toward the crow at the window. "Ask away, but please, think carefully before you do."

"Was my mother in love with Declan? Did she pretend to be Connor?"

"Your mother loved Declan like a son, and no."

"Why did the mirror take me to Fae lands?"

"The mirror takes you wherever you desire, but because you had no idea how it works, it sent you where it believed you should be."

"And I should be in Fae lands? That's fucking ridiculous. I turned to Connor when I arrived there--"

Frederick stumbled, and Maverick stopped him from collapsing. "Stop. You can't continue to do this. Answering her questions weakens you. Please, stop."

"What the fuck is going on?" Catalina inquired. "Who... What are you?"

Frederick regained his footing, and the crow flew into the house, landing beside him on the table. As an act of magic, the crow morphed into a beautiful, dark-haired woman with black eyes that turned silvery. 

She pushed herself off the desk, and as she approached Anastasia, a feathery dress covered her body. "The fae have been cursed to not speak the truth, so, girl, ask the right questions if you want to know who you are. Asking anything directly linked to Connor will hurt your uncle and cousins."

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced at her uncle. "If we are not witches, vampires or werewolves... are we human?"

Frederick met her gaze. "No."

Author's Note: Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Please keep in mind that this is a first draft, far from perfect. Once I complete it, I will go back and try my best to improve it, but for now, this is me getting the idea out of my head. Again, thank you for taking the time to read it. I truly appreciate it. <3