I recalled reading about it in the grimoire when Brie's grandmother set the glass in front of me. A group of witches, vampires, and Lycans cast this curse upon Abel, but true love dispels the enchantment. They believe it will succeed because it has in the past, but it just served to demonstrate that, despite Celeste's best efforts, Abel's internal evil was stronger than his love for her. They are providing me with this option as a result.

Since they compare Clay and I to Celeste and Abel, they are convinced that it will succeed. They don't realise how strong I am or how much Clay and those close to me –who care about me– will battle to win me back.

I truly hope this works.

"Your decision is a good one, child," one elder vamp states. "There is no need to resort to violence. Great choice indeed," a Lycan states.

I inhale deeply, and look at them in front of me. "Before you wipe my memories, can I have a minute with Clay and my friends?" I ask timidly, afraid of their answer.

"We will give you one minute, no more," Brie's grandma says. They walk out of the only way into this room, leaving the four of us alone.

I feel his hands grip my shoulder and spin me around. "What the hell are you thinking?" Clay asks me. I look into his eyes, and I feel my stomach drop. But this is the only way.

"You're going to wake up not knowing who Clay is. How are we supposed to act around you when we see the truth?" Brie cries. The three surround me, and I can feel how uneasy they feel about this.

"Listen to me. Whatever happens, don't give up. I'm going to be the Raven you first met. It will be tough just like before, but you need to trust me," I tell Clay, holding one hand to his cheek.

"The notion of losing you isn't easy for me," he adds, his eyes welling up with tears. He's always been so strong; it hurts me to see him like this. I start to doubt myself, but then I consider the alternative. Clay dies; I'd never be able to live with myself if that happened.

"Don't give up on me," I respond, holding his hand tightly. "Why would I want to do that?" He says as he pulls me into his chest and kisses my head, "I'll always find you." He holds me tighter.

"Then bring me back," I say with tears; he hugs me tight. "I love you," I whisper.

"I love you." He cups my face and kisses me one last time.

"Times up," a lycan says, startling us. "You step forward." The door opens behind us; I turn to see Lia, and she mouths, "I'm sorry," with tears running down her face. I look over at Clay as I step forward. I hold the glass, taking a deep breath. It burns going down. It takes a few seconds to take effect, but then everything goes black.

⁂

I wake up to the sun shining on my face. I look around, and I'm on the couch. I call out for Brie. I turn to see her running down the stairs.

"Hey, are you okay?" She asks with caution.

"Yeah, just a headache, but I'm fine." I look at her to ask why she is acting so weird, but footsteps from the stairs stop me. I look over and see two guys.

"Ray, do you know who these guys are?" Brie asks me. I nod my head, but something inside me switches as soon as my eyes land on the one with jet black hair and grey eyes.

"That's Logan, your boyfriend, and that's Clay, the campus bad boy. My little boy toy." I say sarcastically.

"Wait, do you remember what happened between you and Clay?" Brie asks.

"Yeah, it was fun." I look over at him. "We should do it again sometime." I get up and head to my room.

"Where are you going?" Logan questions me. I turn around; my eyes dart in his direction.

"Well, if you must know, I'm heading out with Jamie and some of his friends." I can see the fear and worry creeping into his eyes.

"You can't do that!" Clay practically shouts. "Oh, really? I had no idea that I was incapable of making my own decisions. Thank you so much for enlightening me, Clay. Maybe next time I'll just sit here and wait for your permission before leaving my own house." I smile.

I love watching him squirm; this feeling is amazing.

"They didn't wipe her memories. They shut her humanity off." Clay tells the other two.

"It seems like we have a little genius amongst us. Great job, Clay." I clap. I head to my room and get dressed. It's Friday, and I want to be out on the town. Heels on, and I walk out. Logan puts himself in front of the door while Clay stands behind me.

"Boys, boys, boys, I'm not in the mood to drag your bodies through the woods, especially in these heels." They don't budge; they're just staring at me like lost puppies. "Fine," I sigh.

"Ventus."

They both go flying, hitting the wall behind the couch. I turn to face them and wave goodbye. "Don't wait up for me." I laugh as I close the door behind me.

⁂

The weekend goes by, and I feel free as a bird. As I walk to class, I hear Brie behind me. "Ray, we need to talk." She tries to sound serious.

"Talk and walk." I say as, not stopping to turn around, I continue towards my class.

"Ray, I've been trying to figure out what's happening to you and why you're acting like such an idiot!"

I stop in my tracks and face her. I can see the fear in her eyes.

"I'm not an idiot. Did you not hear Clay? My humanity is shut off, Blondie, and if you or any of those two dumbasses try to turn it back on, it will be the last thing you do." I forewarn her.

I love my newfound callousness.

"What about you and Clay? What about the love you guys have for each other?" she asks, her voice quivering.

Wow, she doesn't know when to shut up.

"God!" I shout. "Don't you get it? I. DON'T. CARE!" I walk into my class and take my seat. Mr. Andrews starts talking about true love. Great; he decides to introduce a student from his sophomore class.

"Class, this is Clay Cladwell." Mr. Andrews introduces him. I look at him, and he stares right back. I roll my eyes and slump back into my chair. "Clay here will be helping us discuss the meaning of true love, the one we read about in all the books we have read this semester. I'm hoping we can have a little debate about it since the sophomore class all agreed on one thing," he laughs. "So, class, what do you think of true love? Who would like to start us off?"

I raise my hand. "Yes, Raven."

"True love doesn't exist," I state. I look at Clay, and his eyes lock on mine. "Why do you say that?" Clay takes over the class.

I sit up straight, and a smile plays on my lips. "Simple. We have the abilities and feelings necessary to experience love, but we can easily switch those abilities and emotions on or off. Implying that true love is unreal." I say.

"If that's the case, then why do people date or eventually get married?" Clay challenges me.

"That's easy; they enjoy the thrill of the chase, as well as the surprises and challenges that come with it. However, you seem to overlook that frequent breakups and divorces imply that true love is impossible. After the thrill wears off, they continue on, waking up the following morning determined to find their next prey." I smile at him.

The class ah's in amazement. They have never heard someone go up against the Clay Cladwell before and leave him speechless. The bell rings before he can say anything in regards to my answer. I leave, and Clay follows right behind me.

"Raven, stop!" he yells. I turn to face him. "Come back to me." He says softly.

"Raven!" I hear Jamie shout.

"I've got to go, see you around hot stuff," I tell Clay, but before I leave, I lean in and whisper, "I will break down your walls. Hijack your brain and run through your veins. I will get to your head and have you join me." I look at him, smile, and head towards Jamie. Jamie tries to grab my hand, but I shake him off.

"Get off of me. Jamie, how many times do I have to tell you, you're nothing but a toy?"

"Sorry," he says. I roll my eyes and turn away from him, feeling a mix of annoyance and guilt. I know I shouldn't treat Jamie like that, but he's just so clingy and desperate. I need someone who can keep up with me, someone who won't hold me back. And that someone is Clay. I can feel it in my bones. There's something about him that draws me in—something that makes me want to unravel him and see what's inside. He's shut his humanity off before, I can make him do it again. Together, we would be unstoppable.