by Allegra Skye
Behind him, his mother was calling, but he could barely hear her. She wasn’t his real mother, he thought. He knew somewhere his real mother waited and the people with whom he belonged. He was brave, he was gorgeous. He was on a mission. A different one though, from the rest of his tribe.
Keira woke up drenched with sweat, watching him make his getaway, over that mountain down into a valley he had no knowledge of.
Keira woke with a start. Ben was picking her up in just two hours, and she still had no idea what she would wear. She was already dreading the Autumn Harvest Dance.
She ruffled through her closet again and again. There was nothing in it that was suitable. She wasn’t used to going to parties like this. And even though Nora had offered to shop with her at least three times, Keira hadn’t been able to. She didn’t have the heart for it.
Nora was thrilled that Keira was going to the dance with Ben. Nora was going with the guy who played the bassoon. She was wearing a blue, satin gown with pearls and couldn’t wait for the big night.
Keira had showered already, washed her hair and let it flow way down over her shoulders. Usually, she kept it shorter, but since she moved to Everstock it had gotten much longer, she hadn’t cut it once. In a way it looked glamorous, she thought, almost like Amanda. Then, it struck her, that Amanda would have dresses for the dance in her closet. Lots of them. She was used to going to these kinds of parties. Keira would find the right dress there.
Keira went to Amanda’s room, opened the closet and shivered. There were so many beautiful dresses lined up. They were just waiting for someone to wear them. Keira looked them over, one at a time, and chose a deep pink, chiffon dress, that used to be one of Amanda’s favorites. As she put it on, she felt Amanda right there with her. The dressed was strapless, hugged her body perfectly, had a little lace around the borders, and flared out gracefully at the waist. She was almost scared to look at herself in it in the mirror, but forced herself to.
She showered, brushed her long hair and put on charcoal slacks and a wonderful, glittering navy sweater she’d gotten a long time ago and never worn. Then she looked in the mirror. Who was the person who looked back? She was beautiful, sculpted, tall, graceful, glowing even. Strangely enough, her cheekbones were higher and her eyes looked something like Cooper’s. She smiled, seeing Cooper in her face. Somewhere she had heard that when two people loved each other very much, they began to resemble each other, in all kinds of ways. Keira loved the idea of resembling Cooper, becoming his other half.
She looked beautiful, just like Amanda, wrapped in a cloud of beauty. Her hair hung like wavy gold, her skin was clear, her eyes were shining. For a brief moment, Keira gasped. Oh, why couldn’t it be Cooper who was picking her up, who she’d be dancing with all night long? She knew she couldn’t allow herself thoughts like that. She turned from the mirror, went to Amanda’s jewelry chest, chose a beautiful Safire necklace, and put it on boldly. Then she looked back in the mirror again.
My God, Keira thought, I’ve never looked so beautiful on the outside and felt so horrible within. Then she glanced at the clock. It was almost time for Ben to arrive. She had to go downstairs to greet him.
As she walked down the staircase from her room, her father was waiting downstairs, on the landing. He looked up at her and gasped. Was he going to say something about Amanda’s dress? Would he start to yell at her?
He didn’t. His eyes filled with tears. “You look beautiful, Keira,” he murmured.
Keira was shocked. He isn’t seeing me, she thought, he’s seeing Amanda.
“And I’m so relieved you’re going to the dance with Ben Rondon.”
Keira had no idea how her father knew that.
“Ben Rondon’s father is a doctor at the hospital,” her father went on. “He told me about it, said Ben couldn’t be more excited.”
Keira nodded. In order for her father to be proud of her, she needed to choose the right people, look good, fit in. But he had no idea about who she was really. He could never, ever love her for that.
“You deserve the best, Keira,” her father tried to say to her now.
But Cooper was the best, way beyond the best, and her father would never know him. Keira said nothing, just nodded, and then, thankfully, the doorbell rang. Ben was here.
*
The ride with Ben to the dance was awkward. He’d brought her a corsage of tiny white roses for her wrist and put it on her arm. All during the ride, Ben he turned his eyes from the road and gaped at her. Keira didn’t like it and didn’t know what to say.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” Ben said, as they arrived at school, got out of the car then and headed towards the gym.
It was strange to see the school so lit up and lively. It had been completely transformed in honor of this great night. The hallway was filled with couples, making their way to the dance. There were lights on everywhere and you could hear loud, dance music and laughter floating down from the gym. As they got closer, the lights became brighter and the sounds more intense. There were autumn decorations everywhere, pumpkins, autumn leaves, streamers, and tons of chrysanthemums.
Keira and Ben walked into the gym. The tables on the edges, were covered with bright orange tablecloths, filled with delicious food and drinks.In Honor of The Graduating Class was written on a huge fluorescent sign that hung on the wall, lighting up, so no one could miss it.
“It’s amazing, it’s gorgeous,” Ben said, “better than I ever imagined.”
The band stood at the front, playing so loudly, Keira could barely hear him. Better that way, she thought. The floor was getting more and more crowded, with couples dancing.
The band was playing a slow song.
“Want to dance?” Ben asked.
“Maybe in a bit,” Keira said.
They drifted over to the side of the dance floor. The dance floor was so full, the music so loud, no one noticed anything.
“Hey, Keira,” a voice called out. It was Nora, with her date. Tom was there, too.
“You look beautiful,” Tom said.
Nora was also staring.
“Doesn’t she?” said Ben, proud. “I’ve got the prize of the night.”
That made Keira feel sick to her stomach. She didn’t want to be his prize. She belonged to Cooper and felt like running out into the night, looking for him. Instead, she smiled and said, “Thanks.”
“Where did you get that absolutely amazing dress?” said Nora.
Then a bunch of other kids came over and started to gather around her, the way they used to around Amanda.
They think I’m Amanda, thought Keira. I look like her now, I’m wearing her dress, but inside I’m crying.
Keira chatted with the other kids easily, though, just like her sister used to do.
“Time for a slow one, everyone,” the D.J. then announced over the microphone.
The mood quieted down as the band chose a soft, romantic love song. Ben lifted his arms to take her in them, but Keira couldn’t do it.
“I just need to sit down for a second,” she said. “I pulled my ankle.”
He looked surprised. “Sure, of course. I’m so sorry,” he said.
“It’s nothing. It’ll be better in a few seconds.” Then she turned from him to go sit at a bench along the wall. To her distress, he followed after her.
“Can I get you something, Keira?” Ben said.
“Not really.”
“Come on,” he persisted, “let me get you something.”
“Okay,” she relented. It would be good to get away from him for a little while. “How about a coke?”
“They have the greatest punch,” he offered.
“That would be perfect.”
Keira sat down on the bench while he made his way through the crowded room for the drink. She felt relieved to see him go, but also suddenly completely exhausted and anxious. This couldn’t go on, it was horrible. She wished the indigo light would come and help her. She wished something would show her what
to do now.
She’d had enough. She couldn’t stay here a moment longer. She desperately needed fresh air.
She suddenly ran out of the room, down the hall, out the doors and into the night.
*
She breathed deeply, crying, feeling more alone than ever. She looked up at the stars and wondered where she could possibly go from here.
Her entire body froze. To her shock, her complete amazement, there He stood, dressed in a suit, looking gorgeous, regal, magnificent.
Cooper, she wanted to yell.
Was she dreaming? Was this real? Had he come for her? Did he know she went to the dance with Ben? Did it upset him? Could they say hello?
Keira stared at him. Swift as a flash, he felt it, turned towards her, and their eyes locked again for a precious second. Then they locked again and again and wouldn’t let go. Powerful energy, like an uncontrollable storm, rose through her heart and mind. He was here! He was close. She could breathe, she could love, she could live again.
Keira bolted and stood up. She turned towards him, questioning. Is this just for a second? Can I come over?
His arms reached out for her.
Keira could not control the force that swept through her. She flew to him and ran into his arms. They held each other with total passion, hugging for dear life, unable to let go.
“What are you doing here?” she breathed.
“I couldn’t walk away from you,” he whispered back frantically.
“I can’t either,” she said.
“Come with me.”
Without another thought, she said, “Yes.”
The two of them fled together, into the night. His blue car was waiting at the edge of the road. Without a word she got in. Without a word, he turned on the ignition, and together, they sped away, far away, through the town, until the entire world became a blur.
CHAPTER 22
Keira and Cooper walked along the lake, in the moonlight, holding hands. It was a perfect night.
After a while, she finally stopped and looked into his eyes. She felt she had to make her feelings known. Maybe he just needed to know. Maybe that’s all that it was. She summoned all her courage.
“I’m crazy about you,” Keira finally said.
His eyes filled with tears and he shook his head. “You can’t be crazy about me.”
“But I am,” she said.
“Just enjoy this moment. Then let go. I’ll never be able to give you more. I’m not allowed.”
“Cooper,” she said. “This can’t go on. Whatever secret you’re hiding, I need to know. Who are you, really? What kind of power do you have?”
“It doesn’t matter,” he said.
She stopped and stared at him, mad now.
“It matters to me!” she yelled. “Who are you, really? Tell me!”
He looked at her for a long time, as if debating.
“Will you still want to be with me?” he asked with urgency.
“Of course I will,” said Keira. “No matter what.”
Keira grabbed his arm. “Talk to me Cooper.”
He stared at the lake for what seemed like forever. Finally, he sighed and faced her.
“I didn’t come to Everstock from another suburb,” he started. “And I’m not one of yours.”
“Mine?”
“Human,” he said.
Keira’s eyes opened wide. It confirmed all of her suspicions.
“I’m a vampire. A Shadow Vampire.”
Keira’s whole body got cold. She thought of all the shadows she had seen.
“The shadows,” she breathed, “I’ve seen them.”
“Yes,” he said, “because you are different than the others. I knew the first second I saw you that you would see them.”
“Those shadows are vampires?” It was hard for her to put this together.
“They can’t come out during the light, so they appear only as shadows,” he said. “At night, they can appear in their true form. Mostly, they stick to the trees.”
She thought of the glowing yellow eyes, following her everywhere.
“They feed like normal vampires,” he said, “but they are more evil, and harder to catch. They feed off the cruelty of the human race. Whenever there’s violence, anger, and cruelty, it opens the doorway for them to come in and feed to their fill. They flood a city or neighborhood, and are dedicated to creating chaos and pain. “
Keira felt herself get cold again. “And you’re one of them?”
“No. I never was, not really. I was always an outcast. I never hurt anyone. And for that, they hunted me down. I had to leave. I’m a mutant. My mother was human, and I’m half of each. I never knew why I was raised with them. No one would ever tell me.”
“Oh my God,” said Keira. This was way more than she could have ever imagined.
“And I did something completely forbidden,” Cooper continued, “something no one ever does and survives.”
“What?”
“I escaped.”
Keira’s heart began beating faster.
“The minute someone does, they come after you. They can’t survive if they let you get away.”
“Do they know you’re here? Is that why you’re here?” She suddenly realized. “Is that why all these terrible things have been happening here?”
“They suspect it. But they don’t know where exactly. As long as my Shield is up, I’m safe. Then they can’t sense me, smell me, or track my steps. Each of us has a natural shield. To keep it up, I can’t feel human emotions. I can’t feel anger, love, pain or sorrow. And most of all, I can’t get too close to someone in the human race.”
The pieces began to come together for Keira. That was why he kept running away from her.
“And if your Shield goes down?” she asked. She was afraid to ask it. “Would they find you?”
He nodded.
She felt heartbroken.
“Why!?” she cried. “Why did you have to come here, of all places!?”
“At first, Everstock was just another place. I thought I could hide here. But then, I saw you.”
Keira felt tears pour down her cheeks.
“If I fall in love, if I spend the night with you,” Cooper breathed, “my shield will be completely gone. They’d know exactly where I am. They’d all find me.”
“And what about me?” she asked, through her tears. “What’s been happening to me? The indigo light? Reading minds? Am I…one of you?”
“No,” he said. “You are something else. Something even more powerful. You are a great threat to our race. Your powers—they are not from the accident. That merely awakened them. You were born special, Keira. And you have a very special mission in this world.”
“What?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” he said. “But I can sense it. That is for you to find out.”
Keira realized, and she knew, deep down, that, finally, this was the truth. The tragic truth. If she wanted to save him, this boy she loved more than anything in the world, she needed to walk away. There was no other option.
She had to go, to do it for him. She couldn’t cause him to risk his life.
Keira turned and began to walk away.
Suddenly, he appeared behind her, and grabbed her shoulder, spinning her.
“Don’t leave me,” he said.
“But I thought you said it would kill you?” she asked.
“I need to be with you. I can’t live without you,” he said. “It’s worth it, finding you, loving you like this. I’m happy to die for it.”
“You’re not going to die for it,” she cried.
“You are my life now,” he said. “I can’t let you leave!”
“You have to! I can’t bear seeing them destroy you.”
“If I have to die,” he said, “then I will.”
“I’m begging you,” she started trembling, “don’t do this to me. Don’t cause me this torment. It’s hard enough, but thinking that I was the cause of your death is more than I can tak
e. I’ll take it with me into eternity. The pain will never end. If you love me, you’ll let me leave.”
But suddenly, he leaned over and kissed her fully on the mouth, a long, lingering kiss. It was as if he couldn’t resist being with her and never wanted to pull away. Keira had never felt anything like this, so beautiful and passionate. As his lips caressed hers deeply, she felt herself disappearing into him, becoming one - becoming whole.
“Make me one of yours,” Keira begged him them.
“I can’t,” he whispered. “I’m not allowed. Besides, it’s not a life you’d want. And you have your own mission.”
“But I want my mission with you at my side. I can’t live without you anymore, either,” she pleaded, over and over
Then they sunk together down to the sand, under the moonlight, kissing and kissing. Keira wished the night would never end.
CHAPTER 23
Keira and Cooper woke to the breaking dawn light, spreading out over the lake.
They lay there together, still fully clothed, in each other’s arms.
Keira tried to remember the night before. They’d stayed clothed the whole time, but they had kissed for hours, and she had fallen asleep in his arms.
She put her head on his chest. It was good to hear the sound of his heart beating softly.
“I never knew I could love someone so much,” he whispered. “Whatever happens now, it was worth it.”
“I didn’t want to do this to you,” she said. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”
“I couldn’t have lived without you,” he said.
“Me, too,” Keira breathed. “Without you, this world means nothing to me.”
“I won’t be alive for long,” he said. “My destiny--”
“I am your destiny,” Keira said boldly. She felt filled with power, love.
Suddenly, Keira heard a noise.
She turned, and in the early morning light, she saw, approaching them from all sides, a dozen shadow vampires. They were short and lean, and had large, glowing, yellow eyes and long, yellow fangs. They were completely hard, with red skin, and they snarled, making an inhuman sound.. Behind them, were transparent wings that fluttering with the noise of a million cicadas.
