Tainted Rose

by Yumoyori Wilson

  “Uh huh. This is coming from the girl who can’t even sense when she’s going to pass out. Do I need to remind you of your two faint sessions in the last two days? Your statement totally reassures my worried soul,” he commented, sighing.

  “Ugh, that’s different! I totally know when it’s going to happen!” I argued, not wanting to admit how true his words were.

  “Would you accept a first-class ticket to hell if you’re wrong?” he questioned, smirking devilishly. I groaned, glancing away. Thanks to my frequent outspoken declarations, he’d picked up on that. Curse this sexy dragon.

  “Why thank you, Starlight princess. I feel honoured to be called sexy by you. Though, you have to stop cursing me and the others. We won’t live long enough to bring you home to your pretty castle,” he joked, placing a kiss against my neck, directly on my sensitive spot.

  My back arched at the feel of his cool, moist lips, a moan escaped my lips as he continued. After ten seconds, he let out a frustrated groan before pulling away.

  “Stupid mental communication...always interrupting me,” he grumbled, his frustration making me laugh.

  “You love it, don’t lie! It’s useful, seriously,” I mused.

  “Nope, not useful at all. Stryker can scare the living shit out of anyone when he makes an appearance, Azriel just enters to piss off Stryker and oh Starlight, I don’t even want to talk about Elyion,” he rambled, shuffling backward to stand up and brushing off the grass sticking to his round, firm butt. Before my mind was able to ponder on what he just said, I took a moment to appreciate the shape of his butt, ignoring the need reach out and feel how hard it was. I’d love to squeeze those buns.

  “My buns are yours to claim,” he whispered. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks as I blushed. Mako – 5, Outspoken thoughts – 54.

  “Go away, you’re distracting,” I ordered; my hands crossed across my chest. Wait, who’s Azriel and Elyion?

  “Don’t give me that look Firefly. C’mon.” He outstretched his hand to me. I glared at it for a moment before giving in, placing my hand in his as he helped me up. I was ready to question him on his previous statement when he smiled wickedly at me, pulling me forward before slapping my butt.

  “HEY!” I shrieked as he laughed.

  “Your buns are mine now, Firefly. I get first dibs, okay,” he said turning around to walk away. Oh, not so fast.

  I step forward, slapping his ass. He froze; his head slowly turned over his shoulder to stare at me wide eyed, his cheeks growing red.

  “You can’t go claiming my butt before I claim yours. Your dragon buns are mine! I’ve claimed them. No one else can have them,” I declared. I could hear Lexi giggling in the back of my mind.

  “Hmm, I don’t think Marcus is the only one who liked your declaration,” Lexi stated. What do you mean?

  I noticed Marcus’ eyes flicker from his usual sapphire eyes to a red-orange colour, finally settling onto the sunset mixed red. I froze, realizing Marcus’ dragon was now in control. I’d never met him before. He turned around, taking one step before he was face to face with me, his gaze locked on mine. His hand went under my chin, lifting my head up.

  “Be careful what you claim sweet Firefly. I agree with Marcus though; we get first dibs on that perky ass of yours,” he seduced.

  My body grew hot as desire flowed through me.

  He gave me a quick kiss; his hand landed on my left butt cheek, squeezing it gently before stepping back, a smirk on his lips.

  “Tell Lexi to come out and play sometime. I didn’t get to say this during that annoying, worry inducing exam, but her dragon form is hot. Anyways, see you.” He winked before turning around, walking towards the forest without looking back.

  I stood there in shock as I watched his figure disappear within the thick layer of trees, blinking a few times to determine whether this was a figment of my imagination or whatever just unfolded was truly real.

  “He did not just do that,” I exclaimed.

  “Give me just ten minutes in a room with him. I can already picture the different positions we coul—” Lexi began, her voice filled with seduction before I cut her off.

  “UGH, Enough! Nope. Don’t need to hear it. Don’t you dare give me a glimpse of what you’re picturing,” I protested, brushing my hand through my hair to distract myself as an image of Marcus in his low ride sweat pants and bare, marking-filled chest lingered in my head. Settle down hormones! You get to see Ryder’s naked, top half, too. Don’t need to get all greedy now.

  I turned towards the forest, ready to make my way back when I felt a wave of dizziness hit me. I let out a groan, waiting for the spinning sensation to stop. Nope, I’m not going to faint. Totally not go–

  My body leaned back as my consciousness began to drift. My body crashed into something soft, arms wrapped around me. I sighed in relief as I allowed my once tense body to relax in the embrace. Mint surrounded me; the fresh, clean scent welcoming.

  “I swear; I can’t keep my eyes off you, Mako.”

  EliaseAnne’s voice sounded far away, but her high pitch voice was soft and comforting in the darkness that continued to cloud my mind.

  Eli. Even though I tried to avoid talking to Elias, they both continued to keep an eye on me.

  That was the last thought I had before I submitted to the darkness.

  Chapter Six

  ~MIDNIGHT~

  I opened my eyes; the bright light blinded my vision. I took a deep breath, the scent of mint surrounded me as my eyes adjusted to the warm rays of sunlight above; a shadow leaned over to stare down at me.

  I was greeted with wide emerald eyes; the shiny jewels sparkled from the sunshine as they bore into mine. Bountiful blonde, loose curls fell forward as the shifter continued to stare down at me.

  Her skin was flawless; her light porcelain complexion only contributed in making her eyes look spectacular. Her cheeks had a hint of pink to match her soft, smooth, pink lips.

  “Midnight?” Her high-pitched voice sent a light tingle flowing through me; the effect occurred when I’d awaken to Elias’ calm voice. This must be EliaseAnne.

  “EliaseAnne?” I questioned, tilting my head, lying on the fairy shifter’s lap. She smiled, the expression made me feel like I’d done something good for knowing who she was.

  I sat up, Eli leaning back so I didn’t head butt her. I smiled at the peaceful scene that greeted me. Ever since the night of the 1v1 exam, the same night I met Elias’ for the first time, I’d taken a love for Mother Starlight’s immense beauty.

  Both times I’d been summoned because of this ‘fainting spell’ problem Mako and I were dealing with, since the group practical exam. I don’t think it bothered either of us. The concern was there were never any warning signs that came along with our switching issue.

  It had been quiet and peaceful since our discharge from the medical centre, so I didn’t worry about such matters.

  Being awakened due to a simple fainting spell was better than waking up midst of a blood bath of shifters, with the intentions of murdering you on sight.

  Now that I had a glimpse of the vast trees, the running stream a few feet from me, and the sun shining in the sky, I didn’t know what else to do.

  I crossed my legs, allowing my hands to relax in the open space, pressing them into the soft grass – the smooth dirt sank inward, surrounding my fingers. The sensation was new and different, catching my attention as I began to analyze the dark brown soil. I enjoyed watching nature, but feeling it in my grasp was a feeling too great to express in words. I held a great appreciation for these moments.

  “It feels nice and welcoming, doesn’t it?”

  I turned to face Eli, who was staring at me with interest. I blushed, realizing how caught up I was in Starlight’s gift of life that I’d completely forgotten about Eli’s presence.

  “Yes,” I replied, looking away. It feels weird talking to people other than Mako.

  “You need to work on your social skills, Midnight. Mako’s progressed
a bit. She still can’t differentiate between her thoughts and speech, but I guess progress is progress, no matter how small,” Rose encouraged.

  I frowned, twiddling my fingers as I attempted to think of something to talk about.

  “You don’t need to be so nervous Midnight. Just act normal,” Eli pointed out, staying in place.

  “I don’t know how,” I admitted, lifting my eyes to stare at her as I continued to frown. Besides from Mako and our spirits, I had no one else to talk to after all these cycles. I had probably said five words within a cycle to the Owner; his focus more on my performance than striking a conversation.

  “Well, is there anything you’re curious about?” Eli asked.

  I took a moment to ponder on her question; my eyes lowered on the specific spot on her chest – the spot where the lightning spear struck them.

  There were many things I was curious about, but the picture of Elias lying beneath me with a hole in his chest was all I could seem to focus on. I could still picture his body beneath me as he bled across the dark grey dirt; my hands drenched in his blood.

  “Sorry.” I apologized, feeling sad.

  I grasped my left hand, attempting to hide the tremble that began to surface.

  Mako had left a bunch of notes with Ryder, informing him to share them with me if I happened to appear, which occurred the following night during dinner.

  Mako had explained in her notes that Elias and Eli were the same person, Elias being the host and Eli being his fairy spirit. Now, she was unsure how to face them.

  “Midnight, don’t apologize. It’s thanks to you we didn’t die. I should be thanking you for saving Elias. Thank you,” she acknowledged, bowing down to the ground.

  My face grew hot; my cheeks red with embarrassment. No one outside of Mako had ever praised or thanked me for doing something positive. To be experiencing such act of appreciation only made me feel awkward.

  “Sure...you’re welcome? Is that how you say it?” I questioned, trying to remember the lessons Rose had taught me back when I was learning how to speak just in case such an opportunity emerged.

  “Yes, that’s correct,” Eli approved, sitting up before standing.

  I looked up at her tall figure, allowing my eyes to roam her body from head to toe.

  Eli had an attractive body to match her beautiful facial features; her height only complimented her exquisite curves. From the way the wind carried her long, blonde curls to the sun’s rays that splashed against her delicate skin, made her look dazzling before me.

  I felt my heart rate accelerate as I continued to stare at her, unable to determine why I suddenly felt attracted to her. Aren’t we supposed to not like girls?

  “Those are shifter and human morals for you. Spirits, on the other hand, don’t concern themselves with such fine details,” Lexi clarified, sounding unconcerned.

  “It doesn’t say anywhere in the Starlight law that shifters had to mate with the opposite sex,” Lily pointed out.

  “Love is love,” Hope approved, sounding pleased with her declaration.

  I looked within myself, the feelings of attraction still strong and present. Did Makoto feel attracted to EliaseAnne and was just ignoring it? If she did like Eli, was she purposely not telling her because of her morals or did she not know?

  But I’m not a spirit…I’m just the other half of Mako. Where does that leave me? Do I have to follow morals?

  “What are you talking about? What are you asking about that regards morals?” Eli questioned.

  I grimaced, realizing I’d exposed some of my thoughts to the topic of interest. I sighed, rising to my feet to face the overly attractive, tingle inducing, fairy shifter. I’ll just inquire.

  “Is it incorrect to love the same sex?” I inquired. My voice held no emotion as I sought for an answer that would be enough for my frantic beating heart.

  It had been cycles since I felt such emotions – the mere possibility of feeling any compassion or attractiveness being sealed within myself for multiple reasons.

  At the facility, such emotions only lead to heartbreak and unbearable misery. I assumed I’d never need to feel attracted to anyone ever again. But I wasn’t sure now that I was in this situation with EliaseAnne and it was confusing.

  More importantly, I was afraid to open such a box sealed within me. I knew EliaseAnne wasn’t a threat, but I couldn’t ignore my past; my heart struggled to determine whether to unlock that box within me and experience love once more.

  Eli simply stood there, speechless, her eyes wide. I held my ground; my curiosity outweighed the feeling of apprehensiveness that began to crawl into my mind. As the silence continued, I started to feel disappointed. Maybe asking was a bad idea. I don’t think I’m good at using social skills.

  “It’s not that. I...just didn’t expect you to ask that question. As a spirit myself, to answer your question in that perspective, no it’s not incorrect to love the same sex. In terms of my own morals...I’m different,” she explained, frowning as she avoided my gaze.

  Different? “But you’re a girl and a spirit. Doesn’t that mean you don’t care in dating a female shifter?” I couldn’t seem to understand her reasoning.

  “It’s complicated,” she replied. I could see a shift in those green eyes…it was a look I had seen in many shifter’s eyes when they’re being backed into a corner. Feeling trapped.

  “Why?” I retorted, not satisfied with her answer.

  “Midnight,” she said sternly. I could see a hint of Elias in her expression as she continued to frown at my analysis attempt.

  “If Mako liked you, does that mean you wouldn’t date her because she’s a girl?” The words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them, a weird sensation filled me. It was the same feeling I experienced when I was thrown into the pit to face multiple shifters – dread.

  I frowned, wondering if the sensation was induced by Mako’s subconscious. She’d written down how she sometimes could feel me, similar to how she’d felt her spirit’s emotions. The only difference was we couldn’t speak to one another, nor could we feel each other’s feelings all the time.

  Was Mako feeling frightful with the possibility of EliaseAnne not liking her in that way?

  EliaseAnne didn’t respond; her expression alternated between confusion and sadness.

  I frowned at her outstanding silence; the fear of her rejection grew greater than any fear I had experienced at the facility. I didn’t know where I stood with her, and that feeling made me feel uncomfortable and awkward standing before her.

  I’d just met her for the first time, but Elias on the other hand...I knew I liked him.

  “Nevermind. Forget I asked. I’m going home. Bye EliBear.”

  I turned around, not able to face the fairy shifter as I felt my eyes sting. I was puzzled at my sudden immense emotions of sadness and rejection. I’d locked my feelings away long ago, yet within this short time it was as if I’d never done such a selfish act. Was it Makoto’s feelings I was harbouring right now? Or my own?

  If she didn’t like me that way...only wanting to be friends, then I didn’t want to hear it from her now.

  I glanced at the friendship bracelet on my wrist – MAKOTO – ELI – MIDNIGHT displayed around the bracelet in nice stone like blocks, the letters engraved into the material. Our names were separated by bears, making me want to call Eli by her new nickname.

  I walked forward, placing my hand over my mouth to yawn as a wave of exhaustion washed over me.

  I didn’t hear footsteps follow me as I entered the forest, which only made the sensation within me deepen – leaving me feeling numb. Doesn’t Eli like us? Like that?

  Something tugged at my hand, causing me to shriek, I was ready to summon my magic when I was pulled into an embrace, the mint leaf scent mixed with the familiar cherry blossom shampoo fragrance I knew from Mako’s memories was owned by one person.

  “EliBear?” I whispered, struggling to keep my composure.

  “I swear to Starlig
ht, don’t make that expression...the same one Mako makes when you come to a conclusion without reasoning.” She whispered in my ear as she tightened her embrace, causing me to blush.

  “I did ask for a reason. You gave me no response. Of course, I assume...” I trailed off, not wanting to finish. I let out another yawn; my eyes became heavy as my mind began to fade.

  “EliBear...can you tell me the reason next time I see you.” I questioned, fighting the darkness that attempted to devour me.

  She was silent for a moment, before pulling back to look at me. She must have noticed my struggle to stay awake as my body wobbled; her embrace only tightened around me to keep me up straight.

  “Yes,” she answered as she gave me a nod.

  I gave a weak smile; my eyes closed as I gave into the darkness’ numerous attempts.

  “I like you Midnight...till next time.”

  ~MAKO~

  I jolted awake, sitting straight up. SHIT, SHIT, SHITTY SHIT, SHIT. What just happened...no that was a dream, that couldn’t have just happened.

  I was shocked at a number of things as my mind frantically tried to solve all of them at once. I decided to narrow it down to three main concerns: A. I’d fainted even though I promised Marcus and Elias I wouldn’t. B. I’d heard a majority of Midnight’s conversation that occurred, and C. Eli likes Midnight? Does that mean...

  “Makoto? What’s wrong?”

  I whipped my head to my left, a pair of emerald eyes locked on to me, worry etched on Elias’ face as he stared at me, frowning at my delirious display. “What?” I questioned back.

  “Why do you look like you just saw a ghost? You woke up and started swearing,” he questioned, raising an eyebrow at me.

  I blinked at him; the feeling of guilt returned at full force. It must have shown on my face, because he reached out and grabbed my hand, hindering me from attempting to escape.

  “Makoto...stop running away from me,” he cautioned; the seriousness in his words made me freeze.

  I opened my mouth, attempting to find the words – anything to express how sorry I was for what had happened during the exams.