Dragon Slayers

by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

  The walls shake as we near the party room, and we still have a floor to descend. By the time we round the corner to the correct wing, the bass is pumping so loud, it’s a wonder that anyone can hear each other speak. I know they can’t because everyone is leaning toward each other, suggesting they are kissing. Well, I guess maybe some are doing that, too.

  Couples linger down the hall, dancing, chatting and, yes, making out.

  Noelle and I squeeze through the narrow path and make our way into Madi’s apartment. She shares it with three other girls. It’s actually a nice set up. There is a living room and kitchen that’s shared, and off to the right and left are single bedrooms, each with a bathroom.

  At first I was leery to attend, especially after she pummeled my face in, but she was only doing what she was instructed to do; and that was to fight me. She did and I lost.

  I can’t hold that against her. A small part of me still holds Bronx responsible. I’m not sure if I’ll ever truly forgive him. I hope I can. I’m partly to blame. I wasn’t focused enough. Wasn’t fast enough. Wasn’t good enough. I must try harder.

  The crowd inside the apartment is in a frenzy of excitement. I’ve made it to my first high school party. And thanks to Noelle, I fit in. If only on the outside.

  Don’t think about that, Brooklyn. Tonight is for letting loose and floating on the wind to wherever it takes you.

  Noelle parts the sea of students. A few heads turn in my direction as I saunter by them on my way to get a drink from the kitchen. Someone bumps into me. “Sorry,” I mumble. They don’t pay any attention to me.

  “Here, drink up.” Noelle hands me a red solo cup. It’s not the first time I’ve drank alcohol, in fact, I’ve had expensive champagne, wines from all over the world, and even some vodka the last time I was in Russia. “You going to be okay if I go find Sax?” she yells into my ear.

  I nod, and she leaves me to my solitude. At least the music is somewhat okay. I know the song, but not this techno-version that’s blasting, making my heartbeat dance to the same rhythm.

  Leaning against the wall in the living room, I survey the party-goers. Most of Level Two is here, and so is Three, except I don’t see any of my guys. Yet. I check my cell and wonder when Manny will arrive. I saw him and Bronx yesterday and not seeing them, or even Staten, today, makes me ... sad. They are a part of me now, and that’s scary and exhilarating at the same time.

  While I’ve known them for only a week, it’s like we’ve been together a lifetime already. We have a connection, whether I acknowledge it or not. It’s there. It’s always been there. And maybe that’s why I was drawn to them in the first place.

  I’m left by myself only for a couple of minutes when I spot Noelle dragging Sax toward me. They both have cups in their hands and smiles on their faces. They are a happy couple, and I hope it works out for them. We’re still young and have plenty of time to experience life. But being a dragon slayer does cut our lives shorter than normal people. And that makes me sad. I chose this life. Sure, I probably could have told me parents that I didn’t want to attend York and continue at the normal private high school, but something in me wanted me to be here. To train. To learn. Maybe even to meet my boys.

  It makes me wish I could live in the moment like some people. Which may be why none of the teachers really stop the parties. We need an outlet, too, and this is better than driving to a club, or using a fake license to go bar hopping. We can walk back to our rooms. Sometime during the night, instructors do arrive and help us get back to our beds or walk us to the med wings. I’ve heard a few even hold the girls’ hair while they puke their guts out because the guy they were with can’t be found. This is me trying new things. Experiencing romance. Learning who I am.

  “Hey, Brooklyn,” Sax says. “You look nice. I almost didn’t recognize you. Noelle said that she dressed you.” His eyes run down my body. “She did good.” Usually that sort of attention would creep me out, but not tonight. I know Sax is sincere about his compliment, and he only has eyes for Noelle. “Do you need anything? I’m going to get a refill.”

  Noelle and I both shake our heads.

  “He’s been here a bit longer than we have, so he’s already buzzing.” She watches him go. “He’s great, isn’t he?”

  “Yep, a real keeper,” I say.

  “I think so, too.” She takes a swig from her cup. “Have you seen your boys yet? I heard that they’re here. Even Staten, who normally doesn’t attend these parties.”

  “No, I haven’t. And I’m not really looking for them. I’m here to have fun and have the full party experience.”

  “Okay, so let’s dance!” She drags to me into the living room where other students are jamming. We find an open space and let our feet move to the music. Sax finds us and joins the circle.

  A few songs later, they get sucked into each other and make out on the dance floor. I’m a third wheel and leave them alone. I’m sweaty and need a break, anyway.

  “I already told you that she said she was okay! Why are asking me again?”

  Manny. Above the booming music I still can hear him. It’s like I’m so tuned into by boys. Where is he, and who is he yelling at?

  I rotate my head around and look between the students. He’s standing against the wall near the doorway. His smaller frame does not hide Staten. I can see his stiff posture glaring down at Manny.

  Ducking between a couple dancing, I inch my way closer to them. My magic flares to hear them better. I hope they don’t see me.

  “When I left her, she was still battered and bruised,” Staten says. “She didn’t fully heal her ribs or knee. Bronx shouldn’t have let it get that far. I said to push her but not throw down the gauntlet. She’s in a fragile state right now, and she’s the turning point. We need her on our side.”

  “I know.” Manny throws his hands in the air. “When I left her this morning, she was healing nicely. She managed to fully restore her knees by herself.”

  Need me for what?

  “She’s very powerful. I can feel her magic constantly pushing against mine. If she’s not careful or if one of us isn’t around when the time comes, I fear that things will get out of control rather quickly, and many people will get hurt. So far we’ve been lucky that one of us has been close to absorb her magic, so the kids aren’t injured.”

  I know what Staten says is true about my magic. It’s a constant hum within me, projecting even when I don’t need or want it to. The force of it scares me at times, and I still feel bad about my classmates who got hurt from my blast.

  Thankfully, everyone here wants to let loose and not dwell on what happened two days ago. I did get some glances when I arrived at the party, but the look that Noelle shot them made them steer clear of us.

  The party continues with almost the entire school cramming into Madi’s room, down the halls and into every alcove. Music blares and vibrates the floor. All are having a fun time, including myself.

  So this is what a high school party is all about.

  I’m lost in thought about what Staten and Manny meant when an arm wraps around my waist. I freeze a moment, and then relax when I smell spearmint. Bronx.

  “Hello, Sweetheart,” he says. “Don’t you look ravishing this evening.”

  I spin in his arms to face him. His emerald eyes darken as he scans my body. I bite my lip. “Damn, girl, you clean up really nice.”

  “Thanks. Noelle helped.”

  “Remind me to thank her, too.” He releases me, remembering that he’s giving me time.

  I am not as mad at him as I was yesterday, and definitely not as much after we kissed. I trusted him, and it may take a while for him to earn that back from me.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask then slam the remainder of liquid in the cup. It’s fruity and warms my insides.

  “It’s a party, isn’t it? I saw you here by yourself, and no one as good looking as you should be alone. So I thought I’d come over here and ask if you wanted to dance.” Without waiting f
or my answer, he leads me into the living room. “All joking aside, you are beautiful tonight. I mean, you are every day, but especially right now.”

  He’s babbling. What happened to his smoothness? I kinda admire this side of him. I love the fun and funny side, too. Maybe more.

  We press our bodies together; his hand glides around my waist as his other lifts waiting for my hand. My palm rests on his shoulders. I thought we would sway back and forth to another mainstream song, but he does know how to dance. His feet move with assuredness in the small space, gently leading me where he wants to step next.

  I look at him with wide eyes.

  He grins. “You didn’t think I knew how, did you?”

  “That obvious?”

  “You’re not the only one who has a mom who likes the finer things in life. I’m sure your mother taught you or hired a professional, right?” I nod. He doesn’t need to know that it’s the latter. “My family is pretty well off. Not compared to yours, but to the average family.” His fingers lightly roam up my back, sending chills flitting along my spine. “I’m so sorry, Brooklyn. I don’t think a day will go by that I won’t apologize. I wish that someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do or give to you if it’s in my power to do so. All you have to do is ask.”

  He stops dancing and gazes into my eyes, letting me know just how serious he is. My ribs still have a slight ache to them, and every time I feel it twinge, I think of him.

  “I know you’re sorry, and I’m trying to wrap my brain around the why. I just need time, Bronx.”

  “And you shall have it. All the time you need. I still want to be friends, if not more.”

  “Yes, we’re still friends.” I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his lips. Maybe it’s the booze causing my boldness again, mixed with the lack of food. Or maybe it’s because at that precise moment, everything aligns, and I must kiss him.

  Bronx doesn’t hesitate returning the passion I know he has buried, afraid I will never forgive him.

  With my new confidence, my tongue sweeps his bottom lip, and he opens his mouth. Our tongues play. His skin is on fire as his hands find their way down to my butt. My fingers thread through his hair, keeping his mouth locked onto mine.

  The rest of the party continues around us, but they aren’t what we see. We only have eyes for each other. I feel his sorrow seeping into my magic. I feel his hatred of himself for letting me get hurt. I feel him being scared that I’d reject him. And that’s when I know with certainty that I can forgive him. That I do accept his apology.

  Because in that moment, I know I love him.

  He breaks the kiss and nuzzles my neck, then lightly nips my ear. I lean my head onto his chest and listen to his staggering breaths. He presses a palm against my head, as if I’m the most precious being in the world to him. Then I feel a feather-light kiss on my forehead.

  I look into his eyes and see his magic simmering there. Then I see the glowing flames from every party attendees who surrounds us. Two bright flashes blink in my peripheral vision. When I turn my head, Staten and Manny are standing off to the side, whispering and looking at us. It’s their magic that outshines everyone else. Bronx has the same level as Manny. Staten’s is greener, like mine.

  Bronx gulps. “Your magic is as gorgeous as you.” He smiles, and it makes him even more beautiful.

  This is our moment. This is what I’ve been waiting for: a friend, a mate, a partner. I think he knows something between us has changed. He can see my magic now.

  “I think I am falling in love with you,” I say. It’s not loud, but I know he hears it. His body stills, but his heartbeat speeds up. “At least, I know someday I will love you.”

  “You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear those words coming from a wonderful, and gorgeous woman like you. I never thought I would be lucky enough to find and have love in my life.” He lowers his voice, but since my magic is still swirling around us, I hear him say, “Especially you.”

  We slow dance, even though the music is upbeat. I don’t care and neither does Bronx. It’s just us in the room.

  I see him. The real him that lays beneath his sexy exterior. His eyes that shine like the sun reflecting off water, but with a clue of something darker that he keeps hidden. His blue magic that churns inside of him. The hint of danger and what he can become when he’s angry. The gentleness of his soul. How it calls to mine.

  My feet tangle. It could be from the heels or the alcohol. That one drink packed a punch. The room is slightly spinning, and I grip Bronx harder.

  “Come on,” he says. “I think you’ve had enough to drink. Did you eat today?” I shake my head. “Well, then let’s go get some food in that stomach of yours. Then we can come back if you want to.”

  “I ate lunch,” I whine.

  “That’s not enough. You need substance to soak up the liquor.” He wraps his arm around my waist to support my clumsy legs.

  “I need to let Noelle know that I’m leaving.” I don’t want her to know that I’m leaving the party with Bronx, so I wiggle my way out from his firm grasp. “I can walk and find you in a bit. I’ll meet you at the door.”

  He nods and lets me go. I’m not that hammered. Wedging myself between people does pose a slight problem and slows me finding my best friend. I look back in the kitchen, and think about grabbing another drink, but I dismiss that thought. Then I walk to the bedroom on the left. The door is closed, either in use or Madi doesn’t want people in there. I hear giggles, so I know it’s the first option.

  I press my ear to the door. I do not need to hear people getting it on, but I need to find Noelle so she doesn’t worry about me. Another laugh from a girl is followed by a crash. I knock on the door, and yell, “Noelle?” Silence from the other side and then I hear more hoots. “Hey, if that’s you, Noelle, I’m leaving. If it’s not, then have fun.” I step away from the door and leave them be.

  When I return to the living room, I run smack into Staten’s chest. He always has a way of making me seem small next to him. Maybe it’s how he never lowers his head to see me and just moves his eyes down. Whatever it is, it’s unnerving.

  “Are you using me?” I place a hand on my hip. All tipsiness abates. “I heard what you said to Manny earlier. I know something is going on that you guys are hiding from me, and I want to know what it is.”

  “Whatever you think you heard, you didn’t. That wasn’t about you.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “That’s your problem then.” He spins and stomps away, hands fisting at his sides.

  “You ready to go?” Bronx asks as he watches his brother’s retreating form. “What did he want?”

  “Nothing. I overheard him and Manny saying some things earlier, and I confronted him about it. Have you seen Manny? He was supposed to meet me here. I’ve seen him a couple of times, but I haven’t had to chance to talk to him.”

  “Manny left a while ago.” He leads me out of Madi’s apartment and up the stairs. “And what do you think you heard?”

  “Why did he leave? Was it because he saw us kissing?”

  “No. He’s fine with us being together. He had some other business to attend to.”

  “Look, I don’t know if you’re in on it, too, but that’s twice now I caught them talking about me behind my back.”

  “I don’t want to fight with you about it. Not tonight, especially when I think I just gained your trust back.” He places a hand on the small of my back. “Let’s go someplace more private, and I’ll tell you what I can.”

  We stroll out of the girls’ dorm and take the path that leads off the property. Instead of veering right and going to Manny’s spot, we take a left. I know he saw Bronx and I kissing and can’t help the feeling that he doesn’t like it. No matter what he tells his brothers. The streets pass by as he holds my hand. I don’t break the peace to ask where we’re heading. Excitement runs in my veins wondering where he’s taking us. Finally, I’ll have answers that
have been bouncing in my mind.

  Our pace is slow, but neither of us is in a hurry. Bronx is very attentive about the uneven pavement, curbs, and litter. He steers me away from anything that might twist my ankle in my heels.

  After eight blocks, I know where we’re going. The West Harlem Piers is ahead, a block away. The paved sidewalk is lit with street lamps. The New Jersey Turnpike is in the distance. The quiet hum of vehicles is the only sound.

  We find a secluded bench and sit. I take off my shoes and rub my feet.

  Bronx takes over as I shift the hem of my dress under my thighs. “I like coming here and watching the water, the boats, and the cars passing by,” he says. “It relaxes me.” His fingers press into the arch of my foot, soothing the muscles. “So, what do you want to know? I’ll try to tell you as much as possible, but there will be some things I can’t say. You’ll just have to trust me on that.” He switches feet. “Why didn’t you ask Manny your questions?”

  “I tried, but he said the same as you did. He’s very careful about what he says to me. Plus, I figured you’re the wild card and will let something slip. I didn’t bother asking Staten about it. He doesn’t even say two words to me, let alone full sentences.”

  “He’s coming around then, hey? Two is better than none.”

  “What was going on with that naked guy?” I know he knows who I’m talking about. It’s not every day you run into someone naked on the street in the middle of the night and hurt. “Where did he come from, why was here there, and where did you guys take him after we left?”

  “McQueen is a family friend. He didn’t make it into the Academy. I don’t think he even bothered applying. He was pretty tight-lipped about why he was there, but he said he got jumped by some gang members who stole his clothes and then beat him to a pulp. One of them had a knife. A couple of the attackers held him, and one guy slashed his arms and stomach. It was some sort of initiation. By the time Manny and Staten came up on them, they ran off and didn’t have time to finish what they needed to do.”