By the end of class, every shifter in Knightwood had heard about my little confrontation with Mr. Conceited. Eli looked beyond proud, as we walked through the halls with confidence. I had to admit; I felt amazing. I was still energized from the burst of adrenaline, so pumped that I could do laps around Knightwood and still have loads of energy remaining. 

“Didn’t I tell you!” She stated excitedly.

“You should have seen Makoto earlier. She was causing miniature earthquakes with all that built up anxiety. She was so worried about being picked on and now, she’s the talk of the school! Everyone’s saying how badass the new student is!” Eli exclaimed, bouncing on her feet as we walked.

Ryder glanced over his shoulder to look at me.

“That was YOU? The one causing the school to shake?” He inquired.

“Well, I was planning to sink the school to the ground as a backup plan, but Eli was giving me a death glare.” I replied, rolling my eyes.

Seriously, I thought she would murder me if I didn’t stop. It reminded me of the times Lily use to glare at me whenever I did something naughty.

“Eli and her death glares. She could probably induce shifters into a coma with those icy cold eyes. She gives me the shivers every time.” Marcus admitted, his hands resting against the back of his head as he walked next to me.

I hadn’t forgotten the look in his sapphire eyes as he stared at Eric in class. Maybe he wasn’t the full of laughs guy I had thought; maybe Ryder was right when he said they all have their own demons they deal with.

Eli turned around, walking backwards as she rolled her eyes. She turned her gaze to Marcus, the infamous glare returning at full force. Marcus placed his hand on his chest, dramatically.

“AH! My heart. See! Look, I’m shivering.” He showed me his trembling hands. I couldn’t help but laugh at the exchange, loving their little interaction. 

“Oh, I promised Professor Oxwell I would meet him after class. Something about me getting assigned a familiar. Eli, do you mind coming with me?” I remembered.

Professor Oxwell said I would need a familiar for my 1v1 match and group practical examination occurring in a few weeks. The other students had already chosen theirs at the beginning of the school cycle. There probably weren’t many options available, but I couldn’t care less. It would only be a few weeks before we heard back from Heila, my parents getting word of my rescue.

“Of course! More female bonding!  Gentlemen, we’ll be back in a bit.” She announced, waving a quick goodbye before turning around, with me in tow.

We turned, into the corridor that led to Professor Oxwell’s office. Eli was walking two feet ahead of me when a shadow appeared in front of me. I wasn’t paying attention, the shadow appearing too fast for me to stop my current stride. I crashed into him, almost losing my balance. Geez, do shifters not watch where they walk anymore?

I peered up, ready to glare the living hell out of the shifter who intentionally walked in my path, when my heart stopped, my body frozen in place. I held my breath, my eyes locking onto a pair of haunted violet eyes. Their gaze pierced into my soul, the familiarity triggering a wave of emotions within me. Fear, anguish, sadness, anger, the emotions flooded me with the force of a tsunami as I continued to stare at the man before me. The man who looked identical to a glove wearing, mysterious, right-hand man; Jeffrey.

Those haunting eyes, his tall posture, the unidentified mysterious vibe that surrounded his being. How was this possible? How did he even find me? Would he kill me now or take me away? What about Eli and the others? Did the Owner finally discover his facility was infiltrated? Did he even know I was alive or did he presume I was murdered on site? My lifeless body wasn’t there; of course, he would assume I was still alive or kidnaped.

Questions crowded my mind and I realized, I couldn’t afford to lose my freedom now. I had met these amazing group of shifters. I had found my place in this world, after cycles of questioning my purpose in that cold, dark cell. My daily cries to the Starlight gods to give me a reason to continue living in this forsaken world had finally been answered.

Now when everything was beginning to look a little brighter, this man shows up to destroy it all. Was I truly cursed for endless despair? Was my dark wish merely a figment of my imagination; an illusion to torture me for disobeying my Owner, Blaire Aspen, the previous king of Realm One.

“It seems you have no respect for your elders. When you bump into someone, you should bow and apologize.” He snarled, his deep villainous voice ignited a wave of chills. I attempted to speak; to find my voice and apologize.

I could recall the times when shifters had disrespected the Owner; from insulting to threatening to kill him. Jeffrey didn’t tolerate any of it. He didn’t even attempt to get permission from the Owner before he pulled off his silk white gloves, a silver gun materializing in his grasp.

By the time the defiant shifter could attempt to apologize, Jeffrey already pulled the trigger; the gun going off, shooting a purple metallic bullet straight into the shifter’s head. Not only did the bullet prevent a quick death, having some type of magic incantation to slow the death process on impact, but it released a poisonous liquid – the venomous fluid awakening a wave of hallucinations and swollen hives on the skin. It was an experience that haunted me for many rotations, the nightmares consisting of my body burning from the inside out as large sores and swollen hives covered my skin. Just the memory alone, sent fear down my spine. I looked down to the ground, trying to fight the stinging sensation forming in my eyes.

Another shadow slid before me, a hand sliding into my trembling one, squeezing tightly. I looked up to see Eli’s blonde curls inches away from my face. I sensed a sudden flow of power, warmth and the smell of fresh cut grass and musky scent of dirt surrounded me, reminding me of the forest in the backyard. But it wasn’t enough to stop my heart as it continued to smash against my chest, hammering so hard, I wanted to vomit.

“If it isn’t Professor Sepherant. I haven’t seen you since last rotation. I didn’t know you were returning to Knightwood again for another rotation. I must say, I may be suffering from some vision impairment, cause from where I was standing a minute ago, it was very evident that YOU bumped into my best friend over here? I assume you must have heard, but just in case you haven’t yet, this is Makoto Heart. She’s Knightwood’s newest pink rank. She’s also Professor Oxwell’s assistant. Funny, we were just on our way to his office. He’s expecting us.” Eli explained menacingly, her voice filled with anger.

Whoever, this professor was, EliaseAnne wasn’t fond of him. Is he a professor or is he undercover, trying to slowly torture me? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the latter. The Owner would love to see me now frozen in fear, the thought of him taking me away, returning to the facility or somewhere else where he could inflict my punishment for running away, paralyzing my ability to speak and move. Or worse, he could take my friends with him to torture them slowly, forcing me to watch helplessly.

“Pink rank?” He replied, gazing me from head to toe, slowly. I pressed myself against Eli’s back, trying to make myself as small as possible. I prayed I could disappear, vanish from his line of vision. If only I could turn invisible, the benefits of such a spell would be worth it.

“Yes, PINK rank! I don’t think she appreciates you crashing into her like that. She hates when people get into her personal space. You see her shivering. Her spirits are probably fighting against one another, attempting to take over and teach you a little lesson in manners? But of course, you can simply apologize for your rude first encounter. I can assure you, they would respectively grace you with a second chance to redeem yourself. Besides, I really doubt the headmaster would want to hear about this, now would he?” She threatened, her power increasing around her.

I couldn’t help but close my eyes briefly, trying to adapt to the power emitting from her, which was becoming more than a little suffocating. I was struggling to keep upright, wobbling on my feet. Eli’s hand squeezed mine. Maybe she was encouraging me to withstand it a bit longer. I nodded against her back, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

“My apologies Miss Heart. I wasn’t watching where I was going. Congratulations on your rank placement. I hope to witness what you achieve here at Knightwood, especially with the upcoming examinations. Now if you excuse me. Miss Heart, Miss Kingsley.” He bowed deeply before us. As he rose up, he gave a final scowl towards Eli, before striding away.

Eli tugged me gently, cueing me to walk. I lowered my head to the floor, shuffling my feet forward. Thankfully, the hall was abandoned, all the students probably on their way to the dorms for dinner. Eli brought us to an empty class room, sliding the wooden door, allowing us entry. Once we entered, she slid it shut, tugging me forward. We stopped before a wooden desk, Eli positioning my body so my lower half leaned against the desk for support. I allowed my body to quiver in place, finally able to release a small amount of tension that was threatening to dominate me. 

“Makoto, what’s going on? Why are you reacting like this over Professor Sepherant? Why did he make you so frightened? You’re safe, Mako. Nothing is going to harm you.” She reassured me as she pulled me into a firm embrace. I continued to breathe quickly, borderline to hyperventilating. I was on the verge of a mental breakdown and I couldn’t stop it. I couldn’t process what had just occurred, my fear outweighing my common reasoning. I opened my mouth, words flowing out.

“Jeffrey. He – He’s the Owner’s servant. Blair Aspen’s right-hand man. I think. I don’t know, his eyes look just like Jeffrey’s. His aura…it’s just like him. Those mysterious haunting eyes…Eli, he’s here to take me away. If he tells the Owner I’m here, I don’t know what will happen. This is a bad idea; I should go back to Realm One. I – I can’t afford to lose anyone else. I can’t afford to lose any more friends. I can’t watch him torture you, or any of the boys. I could make an excuse. I could go back and tell him I escaped from my kidnappers and came back home. Would he listen to me? I can’t fight back, not with this bloody mark. Eli, he’ll come to claim me, killing you guys in the process. No – he wouldn’t kill you right away. He would do it slowly. Agonisingly slow, forcing me to watch every second. I can’t –” I shook my head trying to clear the vision of what he would do to them as I rambled on quickly. I could feel the lump forming in my throat as the tears streamed down my flushed cheeks.

Eli cradled my head in her smooth hands, her soft glowing eyes staring at mine with resolve.

“No one will take you away from me. From any of us. I’ll destroy them myself if I have too. Makoto, take a deep breath and calm down. Just breathe so we can think this through.” She consoled me. I noticed the hint of anger in her voice. Was she angry at me? Was she upset at me for putting her and the others in danger?

“I’m not angry with you. I’m angry that I can’t help you calm down. The Owner won’t get his dirty hands on you again! He won’t have the chance. We have agents watching Realm One like hawks, 24/7. When he moves, we’ll know. You have to calm down and allow me to help you.” Her hands gripped my shoulders as her emerald eyes peered into mine.

I shook my head in defiance; a cold sweat had broken out across my body. My palms felt clammy as she took my hands into hers. I could feel my spirits struggling within me, their emotions switching between fear and anger. They didn’t want to return to solitude and confinement. We just wanted to be free, to live life in this wondrous new world. Why couldn’t anyone understand that? I pulled my hands from hers.

“NO! None of you are strong enough! He’s too powerful for any of you. He’ll come back and take me away from all of you. Then he’ll take you and he’ll torture you all for days, maybe weeks. He’ll use you in his messed-up experiments! I can’t – no, I WONT! Why am I so weak? Why can’t I fight this fucking loyalty piece of shit mark? Why can’t I kill him? Why can’t me and Midnight destroy him the same way he forces us to kill shifters every chance he gets! WHY!” I raged, my body emitting a wave of heat. The contents of the room began shaking uncontrollably from my frustration and fear.

“Mako! Dammit, I’m sorry for doing this, but you and your spirits will thank me later.” Eli apologized, her hands sliding down to pin my hands against the desk.

My mind was scrambled. Confused. I tried to understand what she meant but I was so enraged.

I wanted to destroy this Professor Sepherant, remove his existence from this life. Anything to protect the one’s I loved. Midnight would rid him easily, my resolve so strong she wouldn’t even ask questions. No one would be allowed to take the happiness I gained these last four days. Not Jeffrey, not the Owner, NO ONE.

I fought against Eli’s grip, preparing to call upon Lily’s flames. I’d find Jeffrey and burn him to ashes. I was ready to try a second attempt in pushing Eli away, when her eyes started emitting a brilliant green light. I stopped, watching in amazement as her shimmering eyes glittered, the mesmerizing motion holding my attention, distracting me momentarily from my new, found purpose.

 

“Forget sweet Makoto. Thy memories be locked, the key belonging to me. Thou shall remember nothing, Professor Sepherant is non-existent. Allow his image to be rid of any resemblance to Jeffrey. Let the memories be erased. He will cause nothing, no reaction or threat. Forget sweet Mako, restore peace within thy soul and spirits.”

 

My eyes became heavy, a loud banging entering my head. I felt myself black out for what seemed like a second before my vision returned to me. My head continued pounding, my body suddenly felt exhausted, as if I’d truly ran a marathon around Knightwood Academy without replenishing myself. I shook my head, trying to rid of the foggy feeling as the waves of dizziness continued its assault. I blinked a few times before my vision cleared. Eli was facing me, her hands holding my arms, her expression filled with worry.

“Mako? Can you hear me now? Are you okay?” She questioned, concern poured from her high pitch voice. Wait what…where am I? How did I get here?

“Eli? What just happened? How did I get here? Weren’t we headed to Professor Oxwell’s office? To choose my familiar?” I questioned, trying to fight the confusion that overwhelmed my senses. Why am I siting on a desk in an empty classroom? I could feel my spirits confusion as we all tried to remember the events that had transpired before reaching this moment. One minute I was in the hall, the next thing I know, I was sitting here, in a classroom.

“You don’t remember? We were walking in the hall when you said you felt dizzy. I brought you here to rest. Karen isn’t in the medical clinic at this time and it’s too far from this section of the school. I was concerned you’d pass out. You’re really pale!” Eli explained.

“I don’t feel good…I don’t know. Is this how it feels to be sick? I don’t recall being sick before. Is it really hot in this classroom or is it just me? Maybe Lily is making me hot?” I questioned, more to myself than Eli, whose worrisome expression only grew.

“Makoto. I think you’re running a fever.” Rose suggested, her usual toneless voice filled with worry, which was a first for my demon spirit. If she was concerned, there was a big problem. 

“Too hot or stuffy? Which word would fit better? Is stuffy a word.” I started to ramble on.

“Mako. Stay here. I’m going to find the boys and call Karen and Professor Oxwell. Don’t move. Promise me.” She requested with a stern voice. I nodded, still trying to decipher if stuffy was a part of the dictionary. Maybe the encyclopedia.

“Makoto, I seriously think you have a fever.” Lily pointed out. I could feel her restlessness.

“Fever? Does that cause temporary black outs?” I wondered, using the back of my right hand to wipe the sweat off my forehead. It was so bloody hot.

“Lily? Can’t you decrease the heat in here?” I whined, fighting the sudden onset of dizziness hitting me.

“It’s your internal temperature Makoto. Something’s wrong.” Hope pointed out; her usual smooth voice was frantic.

“Mako. Just sit and wait for Eli and the others.” Lexi ordered.

“I’m fine though. I’ll just, go home. If I stay here I’ll melt away. If I melt away, I’ll get in trouble, won’t I? I don’t want to cause trouble for Ryder and them.” I protested.

I pushed myself off the desk, landing on the wobbly ground. I noticed the door, the dark brown piece of material spiralling before me. I just need to make it to the door.

I approached it slowly, trying not to lose balance on the floor that continued to shift below me. I was only inches away before my body felt weak. I just wanted to sleep, to escape the unbearable heat that continued to engulf me. C’mon me! You’ve survived hours of torture, days confined in scorching hot rooms or blizzard like freezers. This…is…nothing. I tried to encourage myself in reaching my goal, the door just a foot away from my grasp.

The door slid open, striking green eyes widen as they locked onto my heavy ones. I allowed my body to fall forward, unable to keep upright any longer. My body crashed into something soft, relief flowing in me.

“Mako! Hang on.” Elias encouraged as he lowered me to the ground.

Elias? His voice was so soothing. He sounded worried though. Why was he worried for? He should be leaning against a desk or wall…maybe argue about how un-fairy like he is. He’s good-looking though, so he must be a unicorn. Elias the unicorn shifter. I wonder if Eli will introduce me tomorrow.

“Just keep talking Mako and no, I’m not a unicorn shifter.” He argued softly, his hand stroking my hair, the motion helped me ignore the continuous pounding that invaded my head.

“Liar. Unicorns are pretty and majestic with a hint of mysterious beauty. Eli said she wasn’t a unicorn so you must be the culprit. The stars told me so.” I slurred, wondering if my explanation made sense.

“We aren’t unicorn shifters Mako love.” He assured me. I allowed my eyes to close, as I pondered his statement, the word love made me smile.

Hmm, love as in lover? I like that. Do I love the boys? I guess I do. Maybe it’s too early to say that? I like them though. Ryder and his dedication to protect me, Daniel’s kindness, striving to heal my wounds. Marcus and his brilliant laugh, making every effort to make me smile. Elias’ empathy towards me, hiding his true intentions with those little remarks. Eli’s happiness, her bubbly personality feeling like the sun’s appearance after a rainy day. The boys and Eli; I’ve claimed them all.

“Starlight sakes, what’s she slurring about? What happened?” Marcus voice flooded the room. I heard a bunch of footsteps. I tried to open my eyes but they were heavier than before.

“Marcus? I love you. Did you know that? I love Ryder, Elias and Daniel too. Oh, Elias’ a unicorn shifter by the way. Did you know that too? I know all his secrets.” I hummed happily. I didn’t know I could be happy and feel like shit at the same time. There was a first time for everything.

“Daniel! Do something, I’ll explain later!” Elias stressed.

“Mako, I’m going to do something. It won’t hurt, I promise.” Daniel announced.

I couldn’t help but cling to whatever was next to me, the sudden mention of the unknown. Do something? What was he going to do? He can’t reassure me that it wouldn’t hurt.

The Owner always said that before the devastating waves of pain began during those torturous nights. The nights where I and Midnight would suffer together, in an excruciating spiral of pain, consuming us.

“Don’t lie! It’s going to hurt! It always hurts! Are you going to torture me like the Owner does? Did I and Midnight not perform well? I didn’t do anything bad, I swear.” I cried, panic blossoming within in. I attempted to push away, not wanting to be in anymore pain. The constant banging in my head and the suffocating heat was enough. I didn’t want anymore, I didn’t deserve anymore suffering.

I felt myself being lifted into a familiar embrace. My stiff body suddenly relaxed, the onset scent of roses overwhelmed my nose. My Ryder. I wrapped my arms around his neck, allowing my nose to inhale his clothes lightly. I felt him rub my back soothingly. He understood me. He knew I didn’t like those experiments. How hard they were on me. He cares about me. He loves me. He’ll never forsake me.

“Yes, Mako beloved. I will never forsake you. No one will hurt you. You’re safe with me, remember?” Ryder whispered in my ear, his voice so low and deep, it caused my body to shiver with excitement. I started to wonder when I’d started to fall in love with him. Was it due to his acceptance of me, or was there more?

“Don’t leave me.” I whispered, my conscious starting to drift as the exhaustion settle into my bones. My resolve to fight had faded, the darkness that threatened to steal me away was suddenly inviting. I craved for it.

“Never.” He replied, his words fading away into the black abyss. I welcomed the darkness with open arms, whisking me to the land of nothingness.