"Hey!" I heard someone shout as I walked away from my locker, heading towards the spot where Crystal was waiting for me, so that we could walk home together. Normally, I would ignore the call, but something about the voice stopped me, and I turned to find Steve.
"Yes?" I asked; my tone bored.
"I didn't catch your name. I'm Steve." He spoke as he smiled at me, running his fingers through his hair.
"I'm Annabelle." I lied, but he bought it, just like everyone else.
"That was a great game today. I haven't had to try that hard at soccer in a long time." He laughed as a blush tinged his cheeks. I had to admit that was rather adorable.
"I do try." I answered with a laugh. I might as well try and be friendly.
"Well, I just wanted to say hi. I, um, I better go." He chuckled nervously, his face an attractive shade of scarlet before he rushed off and I left to go find Crystal.
I was greeted by the feel of someone in my house and the smell of rotting blood when I arrived home. A feral growl rumbled deep in my chest before I could stop it.
"Welcome home Lady Ocean." A deep voice laughed from the top of my stairs. The sight of the vampaneze made anger boil rapidly within me.
"Murlaugh, don't you have a poor child to drain somewhere?" I hissed as he smiled at me. His yellowing teeth filed to sharp points. His skin held a purplish tone and an upside-down, red, crescent moon stood out on his cheek.
"Mr. Tiny is in town. He's found the next piece of his puzzle." Murlaugh laughed as he descended the stairs slowly.
"What does that have to do with me? I'm not a follower." I growled as he stood before me.
"He doesn't want you to interfere with his plans." Murlaugh explained in a way that made it seem like a threat.
"Get out Murlaugh. You're stinking up my house, and the sight of you invokes my rage." I spoke, trying to keep calm.
"Still holding onto that grudge? He was never any good for you Lady Ocean." Murlaugh spoke as he went to touch my face.
"Get out!" I screamed, putting as much power behind it as possible. A dazed look came over his face, and he appeared to be under some sort of spell.
"I could make you kill yourself, but then I would be no better than you and your deranged pack of life stealers. Get out of my house and never come back." I hissed before opening to the door and allowing him to dreamily walk past. I fought back the stinging sensation of tears as I slowly made my way up the stairs and into my bedroom.
"Hello Hebony." I spoke softly as I stroked the feathers of the owl that was perched on my headboard. She sleepily opened her eyes and hooted at me, before shaking herself, and going back to sleep.
"I know how you feel." I spoke, and I turned to look at myself. My hair was the color of a raging flame and curled down to my waist, curtaining my smooth pale face. My soft blue eyes stared out at me with a wisdom that didn't match my youthful look.
"Why would Murlaugh come to tell me about Desmond?" I asked my reflection. Of course, she didn't answer, only stared.
