"Saria...earth to Saria..."

I snapped out of my daydream and looked around the vast room. All the students had almost emptied out the lecture hall.

Had I zoned out the entire class?

Hadn't I just gotten here?

It was happening again.

Ever since I've been back, my perception of time has been warped. I couldn't seem to stay on it. Zoning in and out, time passing as my mind stayed preoccupied on other things.

Sighing, I reached down and picked up my bag from the floor. I slowly got up out of my chair.

"Saria."

"Huh?" I lifted my head to her as I tucked in my chair.

"Girl, are you okay?" Taniyah asked, her head cocked to the side as she peered at me.

"I'm fine." I gave her a small reserved smile and put my bag on my shoulder.

She frowned and turned to look at Kiki.

A second passed and then another as I stared at my two friends staring back at me. "What?"

"You sure nothing happened up there in Paris?" Kiki nudged me as we walked out the aisle, and down the steps to exit the class. "You've been different ever since you came back."

I shrugged. "Nothing, happened. You don't have to keep asking. I just wanted to be closer to home."

They gave each other a look that they didn't even bother hiding from me.

"Maybe, I've just matured these past couple months since high school."

"You do seem more mature." Kiki whispered thoughtfully. "That's why I really think—-"

"It's whatever, if you don't wanna tell us. You don't have to lie." Taniya replied, moving past me with a shrug. "Let's go grab an early dinner."

I shook my head reluctantly. "I can't....I have to go home. My mom needs me." I took my phone out my purse. Feeling eyes on me, I slowly lifted my eyes to my two friends. "What? I do. Next time okay....next time we'll have dinner."

"Sure....next time." Kiki shrugged.

"Guys..."

"We all have secrets...just...." Taniyah looked to Kiki before looking back at me. "Don't be a stranger."

I inhaled deeply and smiled brightly. Feeling the warmth flowing through my body, I brought my energy forward. "You guys." I laughed. "Come on, you know I want to grab dinner with you."

"You do?" Taniyah's eyes lit up.

I stared at my friends straight into their eyes. "I'm just so busy, and I have to meet up with my mom."

"Uggghh...your mom is such a drag." Kiki groaned and sighed heavily.

"Next time, I'll come out to eat." I put my arm on her shoulder, transferring more warmth to her body. Giving her a sense of calm and sincerity. The more I got to know my powers. The scarier it was. No wonder light fairies were so revered. We can make you believe whatever we wanted by changing how you saw it. Light was an illusion. It was amazing what a little radiance of warmth and brightness can do to a person. A most powerful illusion.

Kiki grinned. I put my arm also around Taniyah's shoulder. "Dinner will be on me." I hugged them to me as we exited the school. "I know I've been a bit distant, but I love you two, and I've missed you, so I'll more than make it up to y'all soon."

My friends chuckled as we walked towards the parking lot. I felt a familiar wave pass by me, so I whipped my head back.

Easton.

My heart raced as I scanned the crowd.

Nothing.

"Wassup?"

Why was my heart beating so fast? Why did I feel the slight trace of hopefulness, knowing there would be nothing there. Nothing. My heart sank as I took in the laughing and talking of the college students walking by campus. Some alone. Some in groups. All minding their own business. Living life. Enjoying one another. Oblivious to any other world or creatures that existed, just invisible to them. "Nothing." I forced a smile on my face as I turned back to my friends.

I seemed to be living in a daydream.

Dreaming.

Waiting.

Hoping, I would see him, yet knowing I wouldn't.

"Alright, we're gonna head out. I'll email you my notes from class today, I know you were zoned out." Kiki clicked the button for her car as Taniyah made her way over to the passenger side.

I blew her a kiss in appreciation.

"Tell your mom we said hi."

"Okay Thanks. And I will." I waved at them as they got in the car. I wasn't parked too far away. I kept waving until Kiki backed out her spot and another car immediately swerved in to take the spot. Parking spaces on campus were a fight to the death. Especially for those who lived off campus.

Finally putting my hand down, I sighed and made my way to my mom's old sky blue '76 Chevy. I smiled as I opened the door and put my bag in the passenger seat. With a swipe of my hand my new old baby came to life.

It truly was amazing what a little bit of magic could do. This almost 50 year old car ran smoother than a Mercedes S class. With enough horsepower to beat a Bulgatti Bolide. Not that I was ever even driving it above 80 mph. But why not?

Argyle had helped me put it together in our paradise.

He was cool. Like my dad was fucking cool. He was strange in, I could tell he was used to living alone, but he literally had the prettiest things in the world. Aladdin's Cave of Wonders had nothing on my father's vault.

Although he wasn't too happy that I lost the Emerald dagger. He said I was in debt to him.

"Well how can I pay back that debt?"

"You can't witch-child."

"But...."

Argyle had stopped abruptly, causing me to bump into him.

"How did you know about it anyways." He asked, hands behind his back as he continued walking.

"The Book of Truth told me."

My father stopped again, causing me to once more bump into his huge frame.

"The Book of Truth you say..." His green eyes twinkled as he cocked his head and stared at me. I saw the mischievousness is his eyes. The smirk on his lips.

I couldn't help but smile myself as it dawned on me. "Would that clear my debt?" I sang teasingly.

Argyle threw his head back and barked out a laugh that caused me to also involuntarily chuckle. He put his large hand on my shoulder as he stared at me with bright eyes. "Thou truly are a daughter of mine."

I grinned. "I know where it is. Want me to get it?"

Argyle cocked his head again to the side before patting my shoulder again gently. "Do not rush witch-child, we do not steal, we acquire. It shall seek you again...."

We stopped and stared out at the pink sunset on the horizon.

"And then when it comes to me a second time.... That makes it truly mine." I whispered.

Argyle smiled proudly as he exhaled deeply. He turned to me. "I shall take my leave witch- child, and leave you to keep hiding."

I gasped. "I'm not..." but he'd already disappeared and I was talking to air. "Hiding." I trailed off miserably. I sighed and sat down on the full, itch-free grass. "I'm scared." I admitted softly.

The world was a fucking scary place.

I snapped out of my memory and backed out of the parking lot. I took a deep breath and made my way off campus.

I was pretty sure I had ptsd. And nobody could help me. Nobody. I mean could you imagine me going to a therapist right now?

Hey Ms. Therapist,I just found out I'm half fairy, and I got sent to this fairy school, and I fell in love with a vampire fairy prince who was in kahoots with his dad to fucking destroy fairy land, but actually his dad is manipulating him and controlling him , and his father is actually a legit fucking psycho who killed a very important elf and my boyfriends mom, and I saw so much death that I have nightmares everyday. Everyday...but I still miss him. I miss him so much....it's unnatural how much I miss him.

I pulled out into the highway.

I wish I could talk to him.

He must be in so much pain.

I knew he was.

My heart felt like it was clawed through, and I knew it wasn't my own emotion. But it was there. Lingering. We were connected. I felt the despair. The agony.

But he never came to me.

I mean I straight up dipped out of Cielo University the same day Easton disappeared. After a couple weeks, I'm sorry to say, I even ghosted Willow and Isla. It was just too much. The memory, the deaths...I hadn't signed up for all that shit. And besides, after what happened...I knew they wouldn't want anything to do with Easton.

Yet I still did.

He was as much a victim as everybody else. Dare I say even more so? His father had done a number on him, and I knew people couldn't see that, or were blind to it given all the fairies that died. But I did. I saw it. God, I still remembered that dark place in his mind, closed off. His father's booming voice, scaring me shitless.

I missed him so much. You know besides the mate part of everything, which of course I didn't tell a single soul about. Especially not my mom. Oh no. Monica would crucify me on the spot. She was happy I was home and away from fairyland as she called it.

Away from the devil's playground.

If anything she encouraged me to leave it all behind.

"Be as normal as you can now Saria. This magic, that world...will bring you nothing but trouble. We stay safe. We stay hidden. We live our lives."

I did for the most part. Agreeing with her.

But now...I wasn't agreeing as much.

I couldn't ignore that something was going on. I couldn't ignore that I was somehow tied in all this. Yes I could run and hide and pretend nothing ever happened.

I could...

It would be easier...

If I could forget Easton.

I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried.
I thought about him everyday. Everyday to the point where I imagined I could feel him. I would turn and hallucinate him at every turn. I would curse him out angrily, shouting his name over and over again, but nothing.

But I felt him.

Like now.

Easton.

I felt my body heat up, my temperature rise and quickly pulled off the side of the road. With panting breaths, I gripped the steering wheel tightly.

How did he feel so close, yet was nowhere to be seen. I slowly released the steering wheel and leaned back in the driver's seat.

"Don't you miss me?" I whispered out loud. "Please just——" Whatever I wanted to say was immediately cut off as my truck was slammed with a heavy black object that caused it to tip on it's side and scrape against the asphalt. Sparks shot out across the side of my car. I put my hand out, putting a quick spell over my car. It spun and rocked, causing me to jostle in my seat as I held on tightly to my door handle. Thank god, my seatbelt, prevented me from flying out the car. The car was once again right-side up and stilled to the side of the road.

My mouth dropped open as my mind tried to piece together what had just happened.

Too scared to move, I froze for a couple more seconds as I stared out the window.

Three vampires.

Well two, and Easton. He'd dragged one off the hood of my car. Slammed him down on the asphalt. His hand going straight through the chest, ripping out its heart and squeezing the blood. With his other hand, he caught the other vampire in mid-air. This one was faster, but not fast enough as they moved swiftly together, blocking each other's blows. I looked around the empty street. It's true this street wasn't frequently used...but what if....what if a human happened to drive up to this.

Easton managed to grab the other's neck and crack it. Twisting it clean off before its body dropped. He put his hand out a glow emitting from it as the two creatures in black disintegrated completely.

And he stood there. Panting. His back to me. Head tilted slightly.

He knew I was watching him. He knew . He lowered his head and turned his back to me fully.

He was going to leave.

"Easton..." I whispered.

He halted his step.

"Please.."

He bowed his head.

A second passed and then another. I could barely breathe for fear he might disappear.

And then he vanished.

I gasped and looked out my car in shock. "EASTON!" I shouted angrily with a gasp.

This piece of shit. Did he really....I hit my steering wheel in anger feeling my body grow warm, knowing there was a glow around me. "EASTON YOU GET BACK HERE—"

I gasped, still startled.

He materialized inside my car, sitting in the passanger side. He was still wearing all black. His usually luscious hair was oily and dirty. He seemed paler than I had remembered. But then again that had been 2 months ago.

2 months had passed since we'd buried headmistress Silva. Since I left Le Cielo University and returned to the human world. 2 months since his father decapitated his mother. 2 months since I'd heard anything of the Vampire King. 2 months since I heard from him.

Easton kept his head bowed. His fangs glistened white against his red lips, his hands gripped his thighs so tightly, I wonder how his long black fingernails hadn't pierced through the material and skin.

"Saria...I'm rea---really." He swallowed hard as if it was hard to talk. His shoulders heaved up and down. "I'm really hungry." He whispered.

I didn't hesitate. I don't know if he had expected me too and that's why he hadn't shown his face in 2 months, but I didn't hesitate. Immediately turning in the driver's seat, I extended my right wrist to his mouth.

He squeezed his eyes shut as a bloody tear rolled down his cheek.

"Drink...stop fighting it." I whispered.

He grabbed my wrist, his fangs had barely grazed the tender flesh before he clamped down desperately.

I cried out in pain. "Slow down." I warned, putting my hand on his shoulder and pushing him back. But that only caused him to dig deeper, pressing my wrist possessively against his mouth as he slurped eagerly.

"Easton..." I whispered, allowing the light to flow within me to pass to every intake of blood he took from me.

"Help him remember. To remember he must drink from you."

His feeding slowed, color returning to his face.

"It's okay...It's okay."

Easton slowly released my wrists, a thin trail of my blood ran from his lips down his chin and neck. He closed his eyes painfully and leaned his head back against the head rest.

I watched his breathing slow down and his hair transform into the brilliant black, luscious and slightly wavy hair he had. It was now passed his shoulders.

"How can you look at me?" His voice came out rough, unused.

"Because I missed you." I whispered honestly.

He clenched his jaws, and his hands turned into fists by his side.

"I kept thinking about you." I continued. "Hoping you're okay. I'm so sorry..." I shook my head, warm tears dropping down my cheek as if everything had happened yesterday. "I'm so sorry." My voice cracked for him.

Easton squeezed his eyes shut, putting a fist to his forehead. "It's all my fault." His voice broke as fresh tears poured out his closed eyelids down his cheeks. I watched my heart break into tiny pieces as he leaned forward, burying his head in his hands and releasing heart wrenching gulps.

"Easton." I covered my mouth so as not to cry to add to his pain. I couldn't stop the tears.

"I killed her." He shook his head, heaving as he tried to wipe his face with his sleeve. "And I couldn't even avenge her." He wiped his face and sat up abnormally stiff. He chuckled sadly. "And I thought I was going to make her proud."

I reached out to gently caress his hair.

He moved away from my touch. "Don't." He whispered. "I don't deserve it." He laughed.

It was sad, dry...it was bitter. It broke me.

"I get it now." He whispered. "Why people like me can't love."

"Easton." I sighed heavily in the driver's seat.

"We destroy anybody who does."

He turned and I grabbed his arm forcefully. Easton paused and slowly turned his head to look back at me.

I smiled. "You don't get to run from me anymore." I blinked quickly, thinking of my paradise, and opened my eyes to meet his gaze.

His steel blue eyes blinked once, than twice, before his eyes shifted to take in the fact that my car was no longer on the side of the highway, halfway between home and school.

I slowly released his arm as he looked around at the waterfall, the ocean and my new upgraded house, that was more than just a cabin on the beach. I smiled and took off my seatbelt and climbed out the car. "Oh yeah, I've gotten better with my powers if you haven't noticed. See car, you, everything into my paradise with just a thought."

"Saria..."

"Get out the car." I instructed as I put my hands on my hips, staring at him from the outside as he stared at me from inside.

He didn't move, and neither did I .

"I mean you might as well." I shrugged. "You know you can't leave my paradise without my permission."

"Saria, this isn't funny." He angrily got out the car. "I can't be around you—"

"When's the last time you took a shower?" I twitched my nose playfully. "Also if you're worried about your dad finding you here, you out of all people know this is the safest place you can be."

Easton took a step towards me. "I'm not worried about him finding me. He needs to be worried about me finding him." His eyes turned a deep red, before it went back to it's icy blue.

I couldn't help it, I twitched, feeling a stirring in my stomach. "Good."

He blinked in surprise and then cocked his head slowly as if taking me in. Slowly taking me in. I saw his gaze go from the crown of my head down to my white adiddas sambas. I saw the flicker of appreciation before he looked away, refusing to look at me.

I smiled brighter and threw my hands up. "How about you rest, get a good nights sleep and then we can figure out a plan on how to get your dad——"

"There's no we." He turned his head back to me sharply. "You're not doing anything. You're listening to your mom, you're staying the fuck away from everything. Go to college, live like a human, enjoy your friends and forget about all of this. I will fix it."

My hands dropped slowly as I stared at him warmly.

Easton shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat. "What?"

"So you have been around..." I whispered softly.

He averted his eyes and looked away again. "I'm just making sure my asshole of a father doesn't use you as bait."

I sighed heavily and closed my eyes and opened them. "Can we not do this?" I asked him tiredly.

He turned back to me.

"I love you, but I can't be with you. I love you, but I don't want my asshole of a father to fuck it up. I love you, but I need to stay away to protect you...." I sighed again. "Let's not be that couple." I walked over to him and to put my arms around his neck and hugged him.

I knew he was surprised because he didn't hug me back.

"I missed you Easton. I'm so glad that you showed yourself today." I whispered. "If you missed me too, just hug me. Nothing else matters, just hug me."

Easton stayed still, but I held on to him.

"I know you hate yourself right now." I continued softly, feeling tears well up as his heart pounded against my ear. "But I have enough love for the both of us."

He tried to pull away, but I tightened my hold around his neck. "It never mattered who or what you are to me. I'll protect you."

He made me wait. He sure did make me wait. But I could also wait. I wasn't going to let him go. I knew what he needed more than anything. Had he forgotten? I was his mate. I could feel those emotions he was trying so hard to bury away.

Boy please, put your arms around me and love me. You know you do.

Easton's movements were hesitant, as if he was scared. It only warmed my heart. But his hands slowly slide up my back and wrapped around me. His sigh and the drop of his head into the crook of my neck made a couple tears fall down my cheeks. He hugged me tighter, and I hugged him back. He sighed again and squeezed me tighter. His heart raced loud enough for both of us to hear.

I wasn't letting him go.

We will fix this.

I know we will.

**

"Okay shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant." I pointed at the newly installed grandshower that Argyle built for me. I turned and stepped out back into the bedroom. "And that over there is the closet...and some clothes for you."

Easton arched an eyebrow at me.

I blushed and scratched the back of my head. "I just wanted to be prepared for when you came back...I think I got your size right, but if I didn't, we can change it." I chuckled happily and turned around.

"Okay so I have to go back home so my mom doesn't freak out, i'll check up on you later." I spun back around. "If you need anything, just call me. I'll come."

Easton nodded. I smiled at him and walked out the bedroom. I saw him follow. I skipped down the stairs and down the hallway, feeling as light as ever. I opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch.

"Saria..."

I turned to his soft voice.

"Thank you." He whispered.

My heart lifted, but I just winked at him. "Rest up love." I rushed to my car and quickly got in, finding myself in our driveway.

I grabbed my bag and hopped out the car, before turning back around. I passed my hand over it, making it look pristine to anybody that would take a look at it. I had to get Argyle to fix it again before my mom started asking questions.

"Saria, why are you so late?"

I turned and ran up the porch to my Mom opening the front door, wiping her hand on a dish rag. She stared out at the car.

"Why are you late?"

"Catching up with Kiki and Taniyah."

Monica nodded and closed the door. "You need to let me know. How are they doing?"

I nodded. "Good."

"How was school?"

"Good."

"You hungry? I made your favorite gumbo."

"That sounds delicious!" I called out from the top of the stairs. "I'm gonna go shower mom. I'll be down in 20."

"Okay." Monica looked up in confusion as she whipped her hand. "Why are you in such a rush?" She called out, but she heard the slam of her daughter's door. "And don't be slamming my doors!"

The door opened as Saria called down. "Sorry, oh and don't forget dad's coming for dinner."

"I told you, I don't want that man in my house——stop slamming my doors!"

"Gumbo you say?"

"Jesus Christ!" Monica gasped, her hand on her chest as she turned around. She glared and put her hand on her hip. "I told you, if you want to visit your daughter, you need to use the front door like everybody else."

"Calm down witch." Argyle smirked as he sat back on the chair, put his legs up, dirty boots and all on the coffee table and lit his pipe.

Monica heaved and stormed over to him. Argyle chuckled as she shoved his legs off the coffee table. "No shoes in the house, go put them over there." She grabbed the pipe from his mouth in disgust. "No smoking, it's because of you Saria has that nasty habit——really? Your daughter's weed?" She sniffed the essence in the pipe.

"What can me say, she has a gift." Argyle replied. Lazily putting his hand out and stretching as he placed them behind his head. "Hope you've made enough dinner for me witch."

Monica rolled her eyes and turned around. "If you're not satisfied. You can leave." She walked away and Argyle watched her leave. His eyes trailing down to her thick ass covered by only her patterned African cloth. A smile spread across his face showing his appreciation. He put his hand out, and another pipe appeared. Which he calmly put to his lips and lit.

"Do you want——"

Argyle made his pipe disappear and stared up at the annoyed woman innocently. "Yes, witch."

She pointed her finger at him seriously and huffed. Without continuing, she turned around.

"Me want what yer want to give me witch." Argyle called out.

Monica froze. She refused to look back, but her lips parted. Argyle's smile widened. Monica pursed her lips and turned around haughtily. "I don't want to give you anything."

"Yet." He answered calmly as his pipe reappeared in his mouth. He winked at Monica with a mischievous grin.

She stared at him, feeling her heart race and a certain part of her awakening that had no business doing so. "Stupid leprechaun." She turned around to go back to the kitchen.

I stared sadly at the bathroom door, hearing the shower running.

I was so happy he was here, but he had fucked up. Now we needed to unfuck it. There was no way he could fight his father on his own. There was no way I was going to let him do so either. Hearing the water turn off, I quickly reappeared in my bedroom. I was not a voyeur...I chuckled to myself and adjusted my dress before going downstairs.

I knew my dad was probably getting on my mom's last nerves and I loved it. It was so rare for my mom to lose her cool or have somebody get to her. She did with me, but with everybody else, she was calm, collected and unfazed. Except around my dad. And that honestly intrigued me.

I'd gotten over my anger towards her and keeping him away from me. I mean a part of me got it. This was not a walk in the park. I knew she was scared for me. Which is okay, but you know what else...I don't think i'd ever seen my mom uncomfortable around a man as much as Argyle. She usually had guys wrapped around her fingers. The mysterious, sexy and earthy African witch.

But no...with Argyle she argued, she stumbled, she lost her temper, she gave in. My mom gave in to him and it rocked me. It took me 2 weeks to notice that. As much as we don't ever want to know about our parents sex life they had a sex life before me. Not only that...but there was definitely something there. I mean my dad wasn't as subtle about it, besides mom probably being in debt to him forever, I could tell he enjoyed being in her company. He for one happily accepted my childish request of at least one meal a day a week, which turned now into two consistently.

I saw the way he looked at my mom and it made me wish. Just what if. What if we'd been a normal family. What if we'd all grown up together. It was so childish of me, but I couldn't help it. Especially when I would catch my mom watching him.

There was something there.

Something that was cut short, before it had an oppurtunity to bloom to it's full potential.

I saw that and I didn't want that for me.

Not with me and Easton.

We wouldn't be like that.

And if I could help it, my mom and dad wouldn't be like that either.

Something had to give. My mom was scared, I was scared, Easton was scared, the entire of Cielo was scared. If we got rid of what caused the fear...maybe everybody could relax enough to enjoy the moments.

I know. A tall order.

But I've had 2 months of hiding to think. Think of everything that was going on and what was wrong. We couldn't let fear control everything around us. And these petty fights? Come on. Did you know long ago, vampires and fairies were able to live together side by side, without their blood lust for fairy blood. Now I don't know if we can reverse it , or if we can even go back to those times. But eliminating the Vampire King is the first step in that order.

I walked over to my desk and opened up my notebook.

Find Easton and bring him to my paradise. Check.

-reunite Easton with our friends

-kill his father

-get mom and dad back together

-live happily ever after

-baby? No too soon...still...cute right

I sighed and closed my notebook. I just had a feeling, my list wasn't going to happen as quickly or as fast as I wanted it to. Finding Easton and capturing him had taken 2 months. Willow...Isla...Mason and Bolt. Would they accept him back? Would they understand him like Chloe understood him? I think they would...but was I reaching?

The vampire King killed headmistress Silva...nobody could forget that. Would Bolt forgive him? Easton lost a lot too.

"Uuhgghh." I closed the notebook and shook my head. This was too much for me to think of right now. I was giving my parents their time to flirt, but mom had called me down twice already.

I tore off a piece of paper.

Sorry, i've been M.I.A. I hope all is well. I understand if you never want to talk to me again.

I miss you all.

-love Saria.

I folded the note and wrote Isla's name on the top. I closed my eyes and passed my hand over it. I watched as it shimmered and dissolved.

Isla would be the most accepting. I'll wait for her response.

"Saria if you don't come down here!"

"I'm coming , i'm coming!" I yelled back as I rushed to the door. I happily went downstairs and smiled as I descended at who I saw sitting on the couch. "Hi Argyle." I could see mom had made him take his shoes off, and he was wearing the house slippers i'd bought for him.

"Witch-child." Argyle nodded at me his green eyes twinkling. "What happened to yer car?"

My eyes widened as I rushed down the rest of the way and ran straight to him. "You can see it?" I whispered. "Don't tell mom."

"Don't tell mom what?" Monica demanded.

Argyle sighed and stood up off the couch. It always amazed me what a tall burly man he was. He was just huge. Honestly, I felt bamboozled. The stories about short leprechauns, Besides the red hair, my dad's features were the exact opposite of what I thought a leprechaun should look like.

"Don't tell ya, witch-child wants to go back to Cielo." Argyle replied and rubbed his hands together. "Smells amazing." His loud steps echoed through the living room as he made his way to the dining room.

Leaving me in complete shock, my mouth opened because I hadn't told him that. How had he known? I slowly turned to my mom also frozen in place, her eyes wide, a look of pure horror on her face.

"Saria...." She whispered in disbelief.

"Come now you two." Argyle called out.

I gave my mom a sheepish smile and moved quickly. "Dinner smells great. Let's eat."

"Get over here." She hissed as I side stepped her and rushed to the dining room. "Get over here!"