The sky was painted with red and pink streaks. Warm colors were racing across the sky as the sun rose. I sighed heavily. The Phoenix skyline looked so pretty early in the morning. The ground was dry and cracked from the lack of rain. I smiled and lay down on the top of the building. My sandy blond hair fanned out around my head giving me a little pillow.

It was a hot summer morning in the city. Sometimes when it got to hot, I would climb up to the roof of the orphanage I live in, and sleep there to keep cool. The orphanage was smaller than a lot of the buildings in Phoenix. The tall buildings ripped into the sky and towered over me. I didn't mind though. Of all the places I've lived Phoenix was my favorite.

When the colors in the sky finally evened out to a normal grey blue I stood and headed over to some service stairs. I quickly climbed down and decided to go for a walk in the city. As I neared the lobby of the building I heard shouts from an argument starting up. When I reached the lobby I looked around the corner to see the two owners of the orphanage arguing with... a kid? Well he wasn't a kid... he looked one maybe two years older than me.

I had never seen him here before though... a new orphan perhaps? No he was to old he'd be able to live on his own by now. Then I noticed them. Two women. They were very pretty with flawless skin and gorgeous hair. When I looked down to where their feet should have been though I saw that they had two snakes tails. I couldn't help but stare. One of the snake ladies turned its head and saw me. She smiled creepily then tapped the boy. As he turned away from the owners she pointed in my direction.

The boy followed her point and his eyes landed on me. Now I got a good look at him. He had sandy blond hair, much like mine, and his blue eyes met my gold ones. The most prominent mark however was the scar that ran across the left side of his face. He smiled and I felt a shiver go down my spine

"E-Elia... W-We thought you were still asleep." The woman stuttered. I broke my gaze from the boy to the woman.

"I couldn't sleep. Trudy, who is this?"

"I'm Luke Castellan. My when I was told of you no one mentioned how pretty you were." I'm not sure how but Luke was now standing right in front of me. He had grabbed a piece of my hair and way twirling it in his hands.

I wrinkled my nose and stepped back, bring my hand up to pull my hair behind my shoulder. "Thanks, I think... what do you want with me?"

Luke smiled and spread his arms wide. "Well I am just a messenger though I come from a family that wishes to adopt you."

I growled and waved my hand dismissively. "Thanks... but no thanks. Your clients would probably just return me in about a month anyway." I said sidestepping the boy and walking towards the front door.

Before I made it though the snake woman slide in front of me. I glared at her and she seemed frightened for a second before she uneasily glared back. "Oh come now, surely you want a new family? Loving parents? Maybe even a brother or sister."

I growled and spun around to face Luke. "Families suck. All parents ever do is abandon you and all the kids do is pity you. So forgive me if I don't want to join this oh so loving family." I growled out lacing each word with venom.

I saw the owners flinch as they heard my words. I knew they were worried about me. When an orphan stops believing that a family will care for them is when they stop getting adopted. That was alright with me though I was fourteen. A couple more years and I could move out on my own.

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Though I must agree with your opinion... This family is different."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh wow they're different not like I haven't heard that a million times already!" I said tossing my hands up and spinning around to see the snake lady still in my way. I glared at her. "Move. Now." I was actually surprised when she flinched then did as I asked. I didn't wait long enough for Luke or the owners to stop me. I stormed out of the building and my red converse hit the hot cement of the sidewalk.

I walked speedily through the streets, but somehow Luke was able to catch up and duck in front of me. I stopped trying not to run into him. I glared up at him. "Look I said no. So just leave me alone already." I said trying to push him aside.

He grabbed my wrist forcefully. I winced lightly. "Sorry, but you're coming with me whether you like it or not." Before I had time to respond Luke swept me of my feet and swung me over his shoulder like a rag doll.

It took me a second before I realized he was kidnapping me. I kicked my feet and started screaming at him. He simply readjusted me on his shoulder and sauntered down the side walk. Whenever we passed someone he would shrug and say, "Upset girlfriend." The person would then laugh or blush and hurry on their way.

"Put me down you creep! Put me down!" I said as I swung my leg again aiming for a hard kick in the chest. He just caught my foot and gripped my ankle so hard it hurt.

"You'd be wise not to fight so much. After all I'm doing you a favor." I growled. A favor? He was doing me a favor by kidnapping me! Who did this jerk think he was!

Just then the two snake women slithered up. One offered to carry me instead, but Luke just shook his head. "No, although you may not realize it. Her power over you is stronger than you think. Maybe that's why she hasn't been found yet. No monsters have attacked her."

I twisted my head around and glared into the back of Luke's head. "What the hell is that suppose to mean?"

Luke suppressed a chuckle which only made me angrier. "My dear you may not realize it but you have very strong powers. Their just... Asleep inside you. Now where the heck did we park the car!"

I rolled my eyes. I had no clue what this guy was talking about but decided to stop kicking. Not because I had given up but because I had a plan and need to save my strength. "You mean that stupid looking white van in front of the orphanage?" Luke nodded. "This must be your first time in Phoenix. If you put me down I'll lead you back to the orphanage."

Luke looked at me suspiciously. "No you'll just run away again." I rolled my eyes and sighed.

"One you are way faster than I am. Two I know the city better and can get back to the orphanage faster. And three I'm sick of people looking at me like I'm some kind of slut." I said gazing at a couple that just passed by who were laughing at me.

Luke stopped for a minute thinking. "Alright but I'm not letting you go!"

"Deal." I said quickly. As soon as I said it he placed me back down on my feet. I almost fell over at the sudden movement but Luke balanced me by grabbing my arm. He kept his hand around my wrist probably to stop me from running away. I pretended not to notice. "Alright let's go." I said leading the way.

Soon we came across a dark ally. I pointed towards it. "Go that way it's a short cut." Luke gave me a cautious look and gripped my wrist tighter.

"No funny business now." I rolled my eyes and started walking into the ally. I hoped they were here. Just to make sure they heard us. I purposely tripped over a trash can falling over. Luke reached down to grab my arm again but stopped when a group of guys came out of the building.

"Oi, what are you doing sneaking round our hideout." Luke raised an eyebrow, however before he had time to argue one guy ran up and started a fight with him. Before long a huge fight started up. Both snake women were caught up trying to defend Luke. In the confusion I was able to slip away. I ran down the alley taking only a moment to glance back. It was weird but somehow Luke and the snake women were winning.

I didn't stick around any longer. My feet hit the cement in a rushed matter. I was just approaching the orphanage when a red pickup truck pulled up beside me. "Hurry into the trunk!" I recognized the voice immediately and did as it told. I climbed into the truck bed and was a bit disgusted when I saw three large trash bags. "I know it's gross but it'll mask your smell." The passenger said through the open window.

I bit my lip and lay down next to the black bags. I noticed my backpack from the orphanage with my few possessions inside. I looked up at the window as I felt the car moving. "Where are we going?"

"...somewhere that they won't be able to find you." I decided to leave it at that and tried to make myself comfortable for the rough ride.