I looked to the left and right of me. Mansions stood everywhere, with golden gates and trimmed plants. I looked down at my dress. It had become patterned with gold fleurs and it stopped at my mid-thighs. The straps were nonexistent, much to my dislike. Suddenly, two swirling dark masses appeared next to me. I stepped back, and Ebony and Drake both emerged from the now fading masses.

Drake turned to Ebony to tell him something, but was taken aback by Ebony's eccentric appearance. Ebony was wearing trousers, a green T-shirt which had grease stains all over it, and he had a belt that was nearly half his size. Ebony glanced down at his outfit wearily, and then looked enviously at Drake's outfit. Drake was wearing the same clothes, the only difference being the massive cloak that swished behind him.

"This doesn't seem like 1977," Ebony said hesitantly.

"It might be a parallel world," I suggested.

Drake nodded in concentration. "That could be possible, considering that if we ever went to the past, one wrong move could change the future. Maybe pushing us into a parallel world is the only option."

He was interrupted by a man in a crisp suit. The man turned to me and scolded, "Mary Ann Velosci, what did I say about leaving the house? And with a peasant too. You too, Eliot?!!"

"I'm not Mary," I interrupted.

"Yeah, and I'm not Eliot," Drake added.

"I'm not a peasant," Ebony added with a defensive tone.

"Are you children doing that thing...what was it called? Ah, yes, pretending," the man said.

"No, we're not pretending. Now leave us be!" I yelled back at him.

"My Lady, do not use that vicious tone. Ladies do not speak in that manner. Usually you are so well behaved, what's gotten into you? Never mind that now, come."

He took me by my hand, and dragged me past Drake and Ebony. I struggled against the man's arms, but it was no use. Drake grabbed my hand and tried to pull me, but the man was just too strong. Ebony also tried, but his effort was in vain.

By that time, I had already past the marvelous golden gates engraved with flora and fauna alike. Perfectly trimmed trees ran out of the edge of my vision. Finally, we had arrived at the grand doors that permitted entrance to the man's not-so-humble abode.

He rapped the door firmly, and an old maid peeked her meaty head out from the slightly ajar door. "Ye--Oh, Mary Ann! Where in God's Green Earth have you been?"

"She was visiting those two boys again, Eliot and Aster, the peasant boy. I'm perfectly fine if she visits Eliot, as she is his future fiancé--"

"Wait, what?" I yelped.

"My Lady, do you have amnesia? Your mother made an incredibly sacrificial trade with Eliot's father, but Eliot's father wouldn't be satisfied until your mother and Eliot's father came to an agreement: you and Eliot would be Betrothed," the man said.

"So we would be married, is that it?" I asked, horrified.

"No, no, my Lady, you would be one of the Betrothed. If two powerful families ever collide, they are considered higher than any here. They are one of the Betrothed. We really should get your head checked. Are you sure you are OK, my Lady?" the man corrected.

Without waiting for my reply, they pushed me through the bronze doors, and past a multitude of carved copper doors until they finally reached a large golden door engraved with roses.

They made me sit on a plush bed, and I was bombarded with questions concerning my wellbeing.

"For the last time, I am OK! I just need a little recap to give my memory a boost," I replied angrily.

"Have you been playing with Dreadfangs again? My Lady, we told you that they will curse you!" the man asked.

"I have but one question: what's your name?" I retorted.

"Mildred. But you know all of this, my Lady! We have taught you since you were but a wee sapling," Mildred exclaimed.

"Well, let's just say I'm not from this time," I tried to explain.

"Wha--? Milady, you have been with us since the beginning!" the maid protested.

"OK, then. Ask me something only Mary Ann would be able to."

"What does your father always say before he makes his monthly trips across the world?"

I just stared back at them. I had no idea what they were talking about...but then, a small voice inside me whispered something in my ear.

"Was it...faith, trust, and pixie dust?" I asked, bewildered at the words coming out of my mouth.

Both nodded enthusiastically. I shook my head. No, I am here with Ebony and Drake...or am I? The more I think about it, the more the memories flow back to me. Me getting trained in proper etiquette. Me playing outside with Eliot. No, his name was--I think--Draco...? No. Drivi...? No. What was Eliot's name?

One thing was for sure: we needed to get out of here. And fast.