Beware the Violet

by Maria Vermisoglou

  “Fine.”

  “Awesome!” She mounted the stairs at lightning speed and before I even reached our floor, she had changed into the green dress and draped herself with jewelry and makeup.

  Frowning, I said, “You do realize we aren’t actually going to a party, right?”

  “Yes, but it makes the dream more vivid! Come, we’re having a special feast tonight and eat like princesses.”

  Kicking off my boots, I shook my head. Humans! I put the dress on and when I stood in front of the mirror, the alternate image of me, appeared once again. Seeing her all beautiful and glowing, bubbles of jealousy sparked. I could have had that if there wasn’t for the supernatural business and saving the world. I could be like Diane, only talking about dresses and going to parties and being a part of a great group of friends. I loved casting magic, but sometimes, like now, I wished I was just a normal human like everyone else. The Blessed Realm caused more problems than it solved.

  “You coming?” Diane yelled from downstairs and I shook my head at the other Violet somberly.

  “Maybe someday, but not today and certainly not tonight.” Placing her hands on her heart, she gave me a glowing smile and disappeared. “Coming!” I yelled and put a pair of silver shoes. If they matched with my dress or not was of little importance to me. Holding the rail, I took a deep breath, preparing for Diane’s crazy night. My gaze fell on one of my grandmother’s portraits hanging on the wall, wearing her blue dress and pink shoes. She called it her Queen’s dress and only wore it during special occasions. I smirked. Maybe we could pretend tonight. Just for a little while.

  I started walking downstairs, but it was dark as Diane appeared to have extinguished the lights. Tempted to use my powers, I was able to restrain myself with some difficulty, I descended the stairs. Fortunately, I remembered they were twenty-three, but I avoided the last one because it was badly damaged and would result in my falling flat on my face if I stepped on the wrong part of the step.

  “All right, Diane, turn on the lights! I can’t see anything. It’s not a joke!”

  The light went back on and I took a step backward because now, the room was full of people. I did a double take and focusing on the faces one by one, I realized there were some of my classmates and my parents. “What’s going on?” I said, looking at my parents. They were all nicely dressed like they were going to a party and I was getting the sense I was missing something.

  My mother laughed and her eyes twinkled. “Honey, you don’t remember? Today is your birthday. One day before Christmas!” She laughed at my stunned expression and gave me a tight embrace.

  She was right. I had completely forgotten that tonight was my birthday. “You threw me a surprise party?”

  “Of course! You have been studying so hard that we wanted to do something nice for you and really, it’s not like you noticed. The need for secrecy was redundant.” Holding up her finger, she said, “But tonight, no studying! I hereby declare today the Princess’ birthday.” Her stern expression brought a laugh out me and I felt a great relief upon releasing it. “That’s the spirit. Now come on!”

  My friends came swarming to me, talking, and giving their well wishes and I smiled. I should be annoyed, but I felt immense joy and like Diane had said, I could just pretend for just one night.

  “Happy birthday, Vi!” Ellen yelled and hugged me. “My present is the red one with the purple bow.”

  Gazing at where she was pointing, I gaped at the pile of gifts. “Oh, you shouldn’t have! It’s too much,” I said, embarrassed, but at the same time, excitement overflowed inside me and I blinked to restrain my tears. “Hey, what’s a party without gifts?” She winked and headed to the overstuffed buffet.

  My gaze went from wall to wall, admiring the garlands put on each corner. Then, I felt more than I saw the presence of another creature in the room, but my feeling was indicating a soft glow so maybe…

  “Don’t overthink it, it’s just me,” I heard the singsong voice of my friend and turning, I grinned. “Happy birthday, Violet!” Kristy said in her glowing pink dress and I laughed.

  “Thank you. That trick with the mirror was neat. Well played!”

  “What trick?” Kristy said, giving me a puzzled look, and I arched my eyebrow.

  “The mirror? The girl who looked like me all glamorous, wearing this dress?” She shook her head, frowning, and I blinked. “Then who?”

  “Who knows? Sometimes, it’s just magic.” She shrugged and then gave me a stern look. “You need makeup right now!”

  “But—” I tried to protest, but she pulled hard at my hand and guided me to the bathroom.

  Rubbing her hands, she smiled. “I think I’ve got it.” Waving her hands, I felt fairy dust traveling on my face, making my nose itch.

  “I think it’s too much.”

  “No. Just the right dose. Look at the mirror,” Kristy commanded, and when I looked at the mirror, my eyes widened.

  Purple sparkling eye shadow paired with a violet eyeliner gave me a shimmering look while my red rose lips glowed. “How did you do that? That’s the same look my other self had. The one who showed up in the mirror.”

  Kristy raised her eyebrows, but smiled. “I don’t know. As I told you before, fairy dust comes from the heart and I wanted to do something beautiful for you. I didn’t have a specific design in mind. Is she still here?” Peering into the mirror, I shook my head.

  “No. I think she left when I told her this couldn’t happen tonight, but certainly another day. Maybe she knew.”

  “Maybe. It’s magic. Anything is possible.”

  “When we were returning home with Diane, I saw—”

  “—I saw it, too, but we’ll deal with it tomorrow. Today, we’re partying!” Kristy said with a decisive look on her face and dragged me out of the bathroom and back into the party where music had started playing.

  Enjoying myself, I danced and ate and had fun. Something I hadn’t had for a long time. Just being with humans without a care in the world was exhilarating, and I wished I could keep that moment alive forever. But maybe I could have that again when things turned out for the better.

  The heat inside the house was insufferable, so I went to the yard, and the cool air was refreshing. From the inside the house, I heard a sad song, and I wondered who in his right mind would pick this, but then, my gaze fell on a shadow walking toward me. Immediately, I recognized it since I had seen it standing in the very same position in another timeline, talking to someone else instead of me.

  “Violet.”

  “Khalid,” I said, masking my disgust. Having in my mind the party, I used it as a shield and refused to let even his appearance make me angry or sad.

  “So, you are having a party tonight.”

  “They threw me a party,” I corrected him. I was close to my goal, but one slip up and everything would be ruined.

  He chuckled nastily. “Of course. Only silly humans would do that.” His pointed teeth glittered in the dark. “I’ll let you deal with that. See you tomorrow.” With that, he disappeared under the cover of night and relieved, I inhaled deeply.

  Not one minute had passed from his departure when my supernatural sense tingled again. What was going on today? Was there a gathering of Eulogimenoi tonight and I didn’t know it? I scanned the scene until my eyes found the one who caused my supernatural alarm to go off. “Jacques?” I said in disbelief.

  Wearing a white shirt and having his hair neatly combed, the shapeshifter looked at me with the magic of his blue eyes. Any signs of tiredness had vanished. It was without a doubt him.

  He gave me his sarcastic smile, and I blushed. I hadn’t seen it in a while and his reappearance gave me hope that maybe he would return back to his usual self. I felt my heart pounding inside my chest and remembered I used to feel that way when I first met him. I was still no closer to deciphering the reason behind my feelings, but I was glad he was here and most importantly, looking well.

  Trying to keep the tremor out of my voice,
I said, “What are you doing here? What’s wrong?”

  “Lots of things are wrong, but I do know something that is right.” Looking at him, puzzled, I couldn’t understand what he was saying. “Happy birthday, Mademoiselle.” He made a little bow in front of my surprised eyes.

  “You…you came to wish me happy birthday?” I couldn’t fathom the fact he remembered it or that he knew of it.

  “Mais bien, sure,” he said and gave me his sarcastic smile that made my cheeks flare.

  “I don’t…” I started, but he held his hand out to me. “May I have this dance?”

  Without having fully understood what was happening, I tentatively nodded, and he gently placed his arms around my waist and we danced at the sound of music that seeped from the open windows. I had tried not to feel for a long time, hiding in the shadows, but he made me feel unknown things, but the most strange thing was the feeling of safety I sensed whenever he was around. I didn’t know him or did I?

  Jacques swiftly twirled me and I sensed the same energy I felt every time he touched me. Confused, I continued twirling, having his steady arms around me. When the song came to an end, he released me and a heavy burden possessed my heart. Why was he making me feel that way?

  Giving me a smile, I noticed that it didn’t reach his eyes that glowed with sadness. This look penetrated my heart because I knew I was the cause. “I’m sorry,” I blurted out.

  “For?”

  Surely he must know. “For yelling at you.”

  His lips parted and then he released a laugh. “Mademoiselle, there’s nothing to be sorry about as you did nothing wrong.” He held my hand in his. “It is I who must ask your forgiveness.”

  “But you don’t need it.”

  “I do. I keep trying, but mistakes are the only things I succeed in doing.”

  “You’re not human,” I said, and I realized I was justifying his actions. I was angry with him and yet here I was, making excuses.

  “That’s not a reason,” he said with a palpable voice and cupped my cheek. His forest scent reached my nose, clouding my senses. “Violet.” His eyes gave away an intensity as he searched mine like he was looking for a secret. Noticing the various shades, I was lost in their deepness. My senses screamed at his touch, longing to get closer, but my mind argued that this was a mistake. I wanted to ignore my mind, but the danger and precautions would be severe if I did. I have to let it go, I thought with difficulty in my cooked mind so full of him I was unable to think straight.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered and his breath hitched. With a sudden pull of his arms, his lips were grazing mine gently and then I lost contact with reality. He pushed me to a tree and showered me with kisses and thirsty for his wildness, I pulled him closer, resulting in an inhuman sound. Threading my fingers through his hair, I tried to pull away, but the need was too strong to resist. He said my name over and over as he left his wild kisses that turned my stomach upside down.

  Suddenly, I felt a breeze on my face and then, my arms felt empty, grasping the air. Looking around, I saw him in rabbit form, looking at his paws and then slapping his head. In any other situation, it would be funny, but as it was the second time it happened, I found no humor in that.

  “Really?” I said, feeling my lips dry and hating he made me want him so badly that my heart ached. “Why? Why you keep doing this?” My voice trembled as I tried to restrain my tears.

  The rabbit shook his small arms, probably trying to convey some sort of message but I didn’t understand.

  “The least you can do is turn into a human and have a conversation with me like a human being.”

  Shaking his head, the rabbit gave me the same sad look I saw in him when he was human.

  “What no? You can’t turn back? How?” I said, puzzled and then it hit me. Kristy had said that some of the residents succumbed in their supernatural side and couldn’t turn back, but Jacques could…could he not? Or maybe he was showing the first signs. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Hurt mixed with pain as I began to understand his reason for showing up so rarely. He was keeping his condition a secret.

  The rabbit moved his arms, but it was no use. We had reached a point where we couldn’t understand each other anymore. Giving a sigh, he gave a jump and disappeared behind the bushes.

  “Jacques!” I called desperately. “Wait!”

  What have I done? Why didn’t I see the signs?

  Chapter 10: Pure as the Rabbit

  Sighing for the millionth time, I wore my pajamas and stood in front of the window where the moon bathed our yard in silver light. So peaceful and yet, I felt my heart still pounding from the events of the party. Especially the event.

  He kissed me and I lost my mind, I thought as I let the curtain fall back into place and lay on my bed, still picturing it. A disturbing thought entered my mind as I remembered the rude interruption, but I eased my thoughts, thinking it was not his fault. Nor the first time. I had to save him and all the others, so as relaxing as this day had been, tomorrow the plan would get its final touches. I turned and then noticed a small box in my bed that wasn’t supposed to be there. I reached out, touching its velvety surface. Opening it, I felt like a child discovering a treasure. A soft glow lit the darkness of the room and I pulled out a purple bell flower, but unlike any other I had ever seen because this particular one shone a silver light. When I turned the flower in my hands, a paper fell and under the glow, I read:

  In the deepest darkness, you shine like this flower

  Its glow may fade, but my love for you will forever be yours

  May it guide you between the paths of darkness and let your inner light show

  My whole face burned after I read the note and my eyes watered. Taking deep breaths, I calmed myself and I was glad Diane wasn’t in the room with me or the endless rounds of questions would start. Come to think of it, I really hoped Diane hadn’t witnessed any of the encounters or I was doomed. Resting my head on the pillow, my mind traveled in the deepness of his eyes and the wildness of his kisses.

  When I woke up, it was still dark outside and groggily; I took out my phone. On the glowing screen, my tired eyes deciphered 2.30, and I cursed. Why did I have to wake up so early? Diane’s soft breaths reached my ears, and I wondered what had woken me. The room was dark except a glowing light that came from my chest. Touching my grandmother’s necklace, I rubbed it, but the light didn’t dissipate, but instead, its glow intensified. Not only that, but it rose from my chest and pulled on my neck. Afraid someone might see it, I dragged my feet and quickly put on some clothes and then, descended the stairs and avoiding the last step, I left the house. Following the necklace’s glow, I took the road to the forest, looking around me, but everything seemed peaceful and only the snow blanketing the streets disturbed the scenery. What could have upset it?

  On a pile of leaves, a human body stood and knots tied my stomach into ribbons. “No!” I kneeled beside him and placed my hand on his wrists and my heart hammered until I caught a weak pulse. “Jacques!” I shook him and he slowly opened his eyes.

  Any signs of health he showed when I saw him were gone and he looked worse than ever. Wearing the same clothes, his face burned with a fever while sweat ran down his forehead.

  “Violet,” he whispered, and I clasped his cold hands. “Why are you here?”

  He spoke with difficulty and sudden pauses to catch his breath stopped his speech. “The…the necklace guided me.”

  He made an attempted chuckle. “Of course.” Drawing in a deep breath, he cast a look at me and cupped my cheek. “Don’t cry.”

  “What is happening to you? Are you affected by the change?”

  “I was the first who was affected by the change. I can’t retain my form at will anymore and I constantly switch back and forth from rabbit to human. The rabbit is a symbol of pureness, even though in most shapeshifters that is the other way around. Light and Dark are fighting and the balance hangs from a thin thread, making me switch from one form to another. As the darkness g
rows near, the rabbit will eventually disappear.”

  As soon as he said that, he fell silent and I could see the strength seeping from him. I lay next to him and his fingers found mine. The cold had covered his always-warm body, and I tried not to panic. I couldn’t lose him. Not again. “If we went to the Blessed Realm—”

  “No.” Swallowing, he continued, “They’ll just lock me up like the others and I don’t want to be locked up unable to help. I’ll fight until I die.”

  “Don’t—” My words drowned inside my throat as blame showed its ugly teeth.

  “It’s not your fault, Violet.” He kissed my hand and smiled. “You can’t go up against the Darkness by yourself when you have just discovered our world or your powers.”

  “I’m going to fix it,” I promised.

  “I know you are.” Grazing my fingers, covered in the sticky substance, he looked at me. “But I’d rather prefer you didn’t dwell with the darkness. There is so much light in your heart.” His hurt eyes looked at me intensely and I knew that he blamed himself.

  “I need it for a little while longer. Then, I can be rid of it.” Casting me a strange look, he observed me. “Just don’t tell anyone. Please, be patient.” In my utter surprise, he nodded and said nothing else on the matter. “The flower,” I began and under the full moon, a pink blush rose up on his cheeks, giving him a slight color on his pale figure.

  “I carried it for a long time and wanted to give it to you at the right moment.” Twisting his head the other way, he whispered, “But I kept making horrible mistakes, one after the other and the right moment never came. Things are getting darker and my chances of survival are minimal so…” He chuckled. “It may as well be now.”

  “It’s pretty,” I said with the same expression on my face. “You’re not dying.”

  “It will light your way into the Darkness.” Taking a sharp breath, he added, “I am, but it’s all right. I got to meet you, Mademoiselle, and that’s the best gift I have ever received.”