by K. K. Allen
Whatever the reasons, I felt lost. She was my only tie to him, and without her messages, I knew I had to start letting go.
Eventually, Johnny’s absence was no longer a gaping hole in my heart. I was able to fill that void with other things, like school, my friends, and time with my father. In the process, my friendship with Alec started to become something more on one hot summer day.
I remembered that day well. Johnny had been gone a year at that point, and we were at a sandbar party in Tampa. There were probably thirty of us there. It was our last hoorah before classes started back up, and Arabella had insisted on taking photos, so we’d decided to humor her and began posing. We had gotten carried away, and at one point, Alec had leaned in to kiss my cheek at the same time I turned to face him—and we’d kissed. I wasn’t sure, but that may have been the point of no return for Alec. For the second time, we were no longer just friends.
That was probably the point of no return for me too. I’d been afraid Alec was going to get the wrong idea, so I’d begun doing whatever I could to avoid another encounter like that. My heart was still loyal to Johnny, but I was starting to question why I should I hold on to a man who’d let me go so easily.
“Hey, you ready to go in?” Trisha’s concerned tone broke through my memories, and I looked up to see we’re already in the parking lot of Island Grille.
I considered her words seriously. The truth was, I didn’t know what I wanted. I only knew that something had to change. The dark funk I kept slipping into every time I started to take an actual step away from the pull Johnny still had on me was starting to affect us all.
I nod while taking a slow deep breath in and letting it out. “Yup,” I assert with all the confidence I can muster. “Let’s go.”
The scene was already a lively one inside the restaurant. We spotted Arabella’s bright and beautiful red hair as soon as we entered. She was sitting with her sisters.
“Hi!” I exclaimed, reaching for Zanna first since she was seated on the edge of the booth. I pulled her into an embrace, realizing how much I had missed seeing the girls around.
They all beamed back at me, all of them as friendly and stunning as ever.
“Surprised to see us?” Mirella asked, a twinkle in her eyes.
I nodded. “I’m glad you all could make it. The band we booked for tonight is incredible.”
Sophania’s roaming eyes locked on something—or someone—because she was practically salivating. I laughed. Mermaids were naturally boy crazy, especially for Normals, since they were forbidden to them.
“How do I know him?” Sophania mused.
I turned my head to follow her gaze, realizing she wasn’t referring to a Normal. A cloud of darkness rolled over my thoughts, shrouding me once again in my dark, self-consuming regret.
“That’s Alec. Kat’s Alec. Don’t even go there,” Arabella warned.
I glared at her. “Alec is free to date whoever he wants.”
Arabella rolled her eyes. “Sure.”
Just then, Alec approached the booth beside us, where a girl named Kacey sat with a bunch of other girls I recognized from the School of Gaia.
“Hi, ladies,” he said to her with a flirty smile.
My every muscle tensed, and my mind buzzed with new energy. He’d walked right past our booth and didn’t say a word. And I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed. Arabella nudged me and gave me a questioning look. I narrowed my eyes, telling her to back off.
“Hey, Alec,” Kacey purred, all too eagerly. “Wanna join us?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” Alec sat, still without meeting my eyes.
I couldn’t help but watch the overly flirtatious display, which I assumed was for my benefit—giggles, whispers, and shoulder nudging. None of it was as painful as Alec avoiding me all night. My eyes, however, were glued on him and Kacey.
Seeing Alec with other girls had never made me angry before. Then again, our friendship had never been at risk of ending before. But now I was being that girl—the one who didn’t appreciate a good thing when it was being offered to her on a silver platter. Alec was only making it clear that a friendship was no longer possible, not without more. At least that was what I feared.
Around midnight, the crowd began to thin. The Vallis slipped out first, then Kacey and Alec, followed by the rest of their table. I was alone in the booth, while Trisha and Brett made use of the dance floor, so I decided to take off.
I left through the main gated entrance of Summer Island then turned onto the beach before I jogged the entire way to Summer Estates. I passed Alec’s house, and when I saw that his bedroom light was on and his balcony doors were open, I headed straight toward them.
Without another thought, I waved my hand over the greenery beneath the balcony, allowing my magic to wind the vines up and around the pillar. I used the stem of the weed to leverage my feet, climbed to the top, and hopped over his balcony rail.
Alec’s gaze met mine, surprise flickering in his eyes. He was lying on his stomach with his wireless stereo playing quiet music as a book sat open beneath him. A book of magic, I was sure. Rose had given him The Book of Apollo from our library after his identity was revealed, and he’d become obsessed with learning about his bloodline.
“What are you doing here?”
I was unfazed by his harsh tone. “You didn’t talk to me all night.” I pouted, knowing I probably should have come up with something better before climbing into his room.
He sat up at the edge of his bed and stared back at me. “Is that what it takes to get your attention?”
I cringed. “I know. I’ve been giving you a hard time lately.”
“A hard time?” he asked incredulously. “I’m not sure I would put it that way. Avoiding. Evading. Those are more appropriate words. But don’t worry about it, Kat.”
In the one and a half years that I had known Alec, I couldn’t remember him ever being this upset with me. “I’m here to tell you I know I’ve been acting distant, and I’m sorry.” My words seemed in a desperate race against my heart.
Alec ran a hand through his hair and stood, a mixture of emotions written on his face. “Apology accepted,” he said quietly, his tone still frustrated.
He didn’t look at me. He didn’t say another word. But somehow, even though he’d told me that I was forgiven, his words weren’t enough.
Anger began to burn in my chest. “That’s it?”
He glared back at me, his head tilted. “What do you want, Kat? A fight? Do you want me to jump up and down with excitement because you’re finally talking to me?” He stared at me as if I were to blame for my own confusion. “You’ve been avoiding me for an entire month. Trust me, I understand that you’ve been through a lot, but I’ve waited. I’ve been patient. And then the moment things start to get serious, you cut me out of your life completely.”
His words hit hard, because I knew they were true. “Alec,” I whispered, taking a few steps toward him. “I never want to cut you out. Never. You’re my best friend.” A tightness formed in my throat, and I had to look away to get a handle on myself.
I racked my brain for words that might mend our friendship, or whatever it was we were to each other. My eyes danced across his hand drawings of various mythological creatures—centaurs, chimeras, gorgons, and hippocampus. Alec was an extremely talented artist. But what really caught my eye was the corkboard above his desk. It was covered with photos of all of us—Trisha, Matt, Brett, Arabella, Kacey, Kaleb, Alec, and me. There were a few solo pictures of me laughing, at something ridiculous, I was sure. The center photo grabbed me. It was a photo of Alec and me, our cheeks pressed against each other, enormous grins on our faces, eyes shining with joy.
“Did you just come here to snoop?” Alec jerked me from my trance.
I swiveled slowly to face him. How could I have missed it? Alec had always cared for me. Through everything, he’d always wanted to protect me and had never pushed me to be anything more than a friend—until we crossed the
line that summer day.
Alec stood, no longer appearing angry, just sad.
I stepped closer, placing my hands on his chest. When I looked up into his eyes, I gave a gentle push so he would sit back down. Then I pressed one knee into the bed beside him, then another, until I was straddling him and staring down into his surprised green eyes.
My heart beat in quick staccatos, punching the fear within me. But I couldn’t sit and dwell on my confusion any longer. I needed to take a leap. I had already lost Johnny. I couldn’t lose Alec too.
I lowered myself onto his lap and placed my lips against his, hesitantly at first. I didn’t know how he would respond, and I was ready for him to push me away with a final rejection. But he didn’t reject me, not even a little. Instead, he placed a hand on the back of my neck and pulled me to him, deepening our kiss in a way he never had before.
Alec was excruciatingly gentle with me, as if he were trying to savor every inch of my lips. I hugged him closer, desperate to spark that same magical electricity I’d felt with Johnny. But even when our tongues danced and our heartbeats synced, I knew it was unfair to compare.
Johnny was no longer an option. I’d waited long enough.
Alec groaned deep in his throat before pulling away and searching my eyes. “Does this mean what I think it means?”
I gave him a shy smile and nodded. I was ready to try.
A wide grin spread across Alec’s face, and he enveloped me in a giant hug, lifting my feet from the floor and twirling me around. “I was about to give up on you.”
There was humor in his tone, but something in his words unsettled me. They would continue to sit with me for the next two months.
As we move eagerly down the steps to our awaiting limousine, I can feel the excitement bubbling up in my chest. “It feels like we’re going to prom,” I say then laugh. “I never got to go to one of those in high school.”
“Well, I never got to go to one with you, so we’re even.”
Our friends greet us with warm welcomes and glowing smiles. Brett sits in the back corner with Trisha practically on his lap. Kacey sits beside them with her date, Matt, another classmate of ours. Kacey’s twin brother, Kaleb, is Arabella’s date. The two have been dating since they met last summer. Kacey and Kaleb are fondly known in our community as the Solstice twins of Apollo Beach.
Alec and I sit nearest the door. He pulls me in close to his side, wraps an arm around my shoulders, then touches his nose to my cheek in what feels like a sweet gesture. “You look amazing.”
I turn to smile at him. Alec has a magical way of making me feel absolutely adored. “So do you. You should wear a tux more often,” I tease.
His hazel green eyes twinkle, reflecting the lights that wrap the ceiling of the limo. “You don’t have to ask me twice.” He wastes no time before pressing his lips against mine.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s changed from the guy I first met on the beach, but he is definitely growing into his confidence. At times, I almost wonder if his confidence is outgrowing me.
Alec’s fingers intertwine with mine as we enter the School of Gaia, where a thumping beat of a popular euphoric remix is coming from inside. Perhaps he can sense my nerves when I reach up to take hold of the green emerald that always brings me peace. Then I remember that I removed it for tonight only. I take in a slow breath. I can get through one night without it.
One would think after one and a half years as an Enchanter, I would have all the confidence in the world, but that is simply not the case. I’ve never been comfortable around large crowds—probably because I was raised by my introverted mother—and tonight provokes feelings of uncertainty and apprehension beneath my growing excitement.
Winter surrounds us in every possible way. The hallway leading to the school’s theater is dimly lit, with snow-colored felt draping the walls. Cool air blows through the room. Even the floor beneath us is covered in a fine white powder, which we kick through playfully as we walk. Palm trees are dressed with the same shimmering snow.
I touch one of the trees and let out a laugh. “Nice touch, Trisha.”
Alec swivels to face her. “You did all this?”
“I sure did,” she boasts.
I reach over and squeeze her arm. “I think you’ve found your calling in life.”
Trisha’s favorite use of magic these days is decorating—everything. From the new home her parents bought her, to every event that comes through Island Grille, and now that she’s head of the Events Committee at School of Gaia, she’s definitely found her passion.
She wraps her arms around my waist and bats her lashes up at me. “Thanks, bestie. But you haven’t even seen what’s inside.”
Brett tugs her from me, hooks his arm around her neck, then presses a kiss to her forehead. “Lead the way, my queen.”
She giggles, and I laugh as I hook my arm around Alec’s. We walk toward the main entrance and pause to gape at the elaborate ring of icicles bordering the doorframe. Beyond it, an ice cave that acts as a tunnel reaches the inside of the theater.
“Wait right here,” Alec tells me before jogging to catch up to Matt and Brett. He pulls them aside, leaving Trisha, Arabella, and me standing in place, exchanging confused looks while Kacey shifts away uncomfortably.
Unlike her twin brother, Kacey has never particularly liked me, not that she’s ever tried to get to know me. Ever since Alec and I got together, she has become more vocal about her dislike. To be fair, I sort of deserve it. She made her attraction for Alec obvious, and according to Trisha, she thinks I sabotaged her chances. I suppose she has a right to throw me a chilly look or two.
“Kacey!” I smile as I take a good look at her strapless red minidress that poofs out from her hips. She’s gorgeous tonight. Her blue eyes practically glow against her shimmering red-and-gold mask, and her thick mane of long blond hair hangs in tight spirals that reach her lower back. “You look stunning.” And I mean it. From her naturally long lashes to her flawlessly clear skin, and her athletic build from playing tennis, she’s not someone who is easy to look away from.
The cold response she normally has for me falters some. Her shoulders lose their tension, and a smile lifts her cheeks. “Thank you, Kat. So do you.”
Her gaze flickers to where the guys are laughing and high-fiving each other. Trisha and Arabella stand together, arms folded. Amusement in their eyes, they seem to be in on whatever the secret is.
“What are they up to?” I ask Kacey.
“A prank,” she mutters with annoyance. “My brother wouldn’t tell me what exactly, but I think we’re all going to find out soon.”
I narrow my eyes, tuning my hearing range to focus on their conversation. My ears tingle as they adjust to the frequency. This power has always been my weakness. I know it’s wrong. It’s too invasive, but more times than not, my curiosity gets the better of me.
“Dude, this is gonna be epic,” Brett boasts. “Meet me behind the stage in an hour. I’ve got everything set up.”
Alec chuckles. “I can’t wait to see the look on everyone’s faces. Okay, man. One hour. Don’t tell anyone. Including Trisha.” He looks at Brett pointedly.
Brett raises his hands in defense. “What? No way, man.”
“Okay, boys,” Trisha calls over to them. “Can we enjoy the dance now?”
The boys break from their circle, all wearing giant smiles, and I turn back to Kacey. “I guess we’re in for a treat tonight.”
Her shoulders shake with a silent laugh. “Can’t wait.”
Alec approaches, tossing an arm over my shoulders. “Well, ladies, you ready?”
I don’t miss the look of longing that crosses Kacey’s face when she glances at Alec. I don’t feel anger or annoyance, only a pang of remorse. I know what it’s like to watch someone slip from my grasp when things were just starting to get good. There’s no closure in it, no second chances. Just loss. But if I’m not mistaken, Alec takes an appreciative glance her way as well.
; I bury the negative thoughts deep down and focus on my friends just as Matt swoops in and takes Kacey’s arm. They pass through the ice cave behind Trisha and Brett. Arabella and Kaleb go next.
“Time to put our disguises on.” Alec’s eyes twinkle as he lifts his mask over his eyes. I get a good look at the black sun shaped to his face. The center of the sphere is a rich gold tone with eye cutouts and long black rays of sunlight radiating from the crown.
There could be nothing more symbolic of our heritage than the symbol of the Black Sun. To Enchanters, the Black Sun signifies the central point of the galaxy—or a black hole, as Normals refer to it. It also represents both the origin and the conclusion of our current existence—the tomb and womb of life.
Following Alec’s lead, I pull my mask up to my face and fasten it behind my head. “Ready.”
Alec admires me in full, sweeping the length of my body with his eyes. His smile blooms in appreciation, and I have to fight the urge to blush. Then he takes my hand and leads me through the entrance of the Arctic Winter Masquerade Ball.
I exhale, overwhelmed by the fairytale setting that resembles an iced-over Florida. It’s both masterful and hilarious. A frosted platform spreads across the majority of the room, tracing the edge of the dance floor like an arctic ice shelf. Circular tables dressed in white decor dot the entire right side of the room, each adorned with what resembles a block of ice and white floating tea candles. The winter wonderland setting seems to rest upon an ever-moving glacier. Even the stage is decorated to look like the tip of an iceberg. On the dance floor below the stage, blue lights outline the ice formations as if they are floating in a vast sea.
The excitement in the room is infectious, and the music attracts dancers to the main floor early in the night while others buzz freely around the room.
“Well,” Trisha squeals. “Do you love it?”
In awe, I sweep the room with my gaze again. “I more than love it. This is incredible.” My eyes travel up to the ceiling, where white nets draped at different heights cradle glowing balls of light. “How do you come up with ideas like this?”
