"What took you so long?" Erik asked as soon as we walked down the stairs leading to the red fledgling's new dormitory.
"Aphrodite wanted all counters in granite and all sinks, tubs and toilets had to be the best porcelain," Kramisha said rolling her eyes.
"Why was Aphrodite making the decisions? She's not even going to live down here?" Erik said clearly annoyed.
"Hey just because I'm not living with them doesn't mean I can't influence them with my better sense of fashion. There's no telling what you would have gotten had we let cow girl Jane or one of the other nerd herd pick out the furniture," Aphrodite emphasized each word with a southern twang.
"You're not being very nice," Stevie Rae said clearly annoyed.
"It really doesn't matter because I actually agreed with Aphrodite's choices and would have picked them myself," Venus said rolling her eyes, "so it still would have taken just as long." Venus walked by Erik giving him a wink and a smile. I instantly had to repress my jealous instinct. I'd wanted distance from Erik and he was giving it to me. That was part of the reason he had chosen to stay behind and wait for the repair man to come and fix the water along with some of the other red fledglings. That didn't mean I liked having to watch other girls flirting with him. Especially since I wasn't so convinced that the red fledglings were all good with pure motives. In fact I knew there was more going on with them. I shook my head of the troublesome thoughts and started looking around the room. It looked as if they had also finished cleaning and moving everything in. The dorms were actually looking nice.
"All this place needs now is a few T.V.'s and maybe a game system or movies. The other dorms have entertainment so you should too," Erik said giving Stevie Rae a smile.
"I think you're right," she replied, "What do you think, Z?"
"I think that's probably a good idea. Why don't each of you make a list of favorite movies and CD's you want as well as other things that might make this place more your own," I said eyeing each of the red fledglings.
"We sooo need the Ninja turtles down here," Johnny B said getting a high five from Dallas.
"Great, more nerds," Aphrodite said plopping on the couch.
"And exactly what kind of movies do you watch miss I'm too cool for Ninja turtles?" Kramisha asked putting her hand on her hip and giving some serious sister neck.
"Cruel Intentions is about right up her ally," Venus said reaching into the refrigerator and opening a bag of blood.
"Suck it, Hag!" Aphrodite said glaring.
"Gladly," Venus smirked as she began sucking down the blood in her hand.
I growled and momentarily annoyed when everyone looked at me as if I was crazy and then started laughing. I rolled my eyes and exhaled, "Has anyone checked on Lenobia? We finished most of the stable repairs yesterday, but there was stilla little more that needed to be done."
"Yeah, we went over there earlier. She said she had it all taken care of. It looked really nice in there, she said she was thinking about setting the rest of the building on fire just so she could remodel the whole thing," Ant said a little timidly.
I laughed, "I'm sure the horses would love that."
"Hey I'd be game for starting some more fires," Shaunee said pointing a finger.
"And you know I can always put them out," Erin said making her fingers swirl in a wave like pattern.
"You know you two really shouldn't be abusing your gifts," Damien said sounding very teacherly.
"Would we do that twin?" Shaunee asked.
"I don't think so twin, he must have us confused with someone else."
I rolled my eyes and looked at the nearby clock. It was nearly 4:30, "Hey guys, I have to meet Natasha for dinner."
"Oh yeah that's right," Damien said beaming.
"You have to tell us everything," Jack said looking just as excited, "you're so lucky."
I rolled my eyes, "I'll see you guys at the circle casting," I said heading up the stairs. I had only been to the staff dining hall once when Neferet had invited me. Well twice if you count the time Aphrodite and I had to sneak into their kitchen to steal blood for a crazed Stevie Rae. My palms were sweaty and my stomach was in knots as I made my way through the halls and out onto the school grounds. With my luck I would end up with a raging case of diarrhea. I liked Natasha from the few moments I had seen her, but I was nervous about actually spending time with her. I mean what did she actually know about me? What did she expect of me? I knew that many rumors had gone around about the Tulsa super fledgling (aka me) and I was unsure as to what she had heard. Plus she was a High Priestess from the High Council!
I made myself take a few steadying breaths. Shekinah had been the High Priestess of all Vamps including the rest of the High Council and she had never expected too much of me or thought me to be strange or different. In fact she had all but understood what it was like to have a calling. I walked through the tall oak doors that led to the professor's lounge and let out the breath I'd been holding at my first sight of Natasha. She was standing just inside the doors as beautiful as ever talking with Dragon. She glanced at me and winked as she continued her conversation. Her long wavy blonde hair was flowing down her back and over her shoulders. She was wearing a dark midnight blue floor length gown that had a V cut exposing her pale skin. The dress made her look elegant and on her chest was Nyx's insignia. She turned to me again smiling and then motioned for me to join them.
I approached them trying my best to look confident even though my heart was pounding like crazy. Why was she making me so nervous? Even Neferet hadn't made me this nervous. And then it hit me, I was nervous because this was my new mentor. She would be the one I had to answer to and considering the last person who had been in that position… well let's just say the thought of having anyone over me again made me nervous.
"Merry meet, Zoey," Dragon said fisting over his heart. "Natasha tells me you two are going to have dinner together?"
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it," I said hoping neither of them could see through my façade.
I saw Natasha's eyes flicker for a moment as if she was sensing my apprehension, but just as quickly as it had came it went, "Zoey, is a remarkable student, I'm looking forward to spending time with her as well. Shall we, Zoey?" She asked motioning toward a table near the back that was already set. Dragon bowed low and then left through the doors. I watched him go for a moment and then followed Natasha. She a waited for me to arrive before she sat down her eyes were glowing kindly and I found myself feeling soothed by her presence. It was silly for me to have felt nervous. She was here to help.
"We're having chicken tonight; I hope that's ok with you?" She asked as a girl brought over two plates setting them down before us.
"No that's fine, I like chicken."
"Good, now what would you like to drink?" she asked as the same girl brought her a glass of wine, which probably had blood in it.
"Any brown pop as long as it's not diet."
She raised an eyebrow before turning to the girl, "could you bring Zoey a coke, Marie?"
"Of course priestess," Marie said bowing and then leaving the table.
Ok I just have to say, the whole server thing, way weird! It had seemed strange the first time I had dined here as well. That would definitely not be something I require if I ever become a priestess. I looked up to see Natasha smiling at me with an amused look on her face as if she knew exactly what I had been thinking. I grimaced at that thought. I'd had more than enough psychics!
"Zoey I would like you to cast the circle at the meeting tonight," Natasha looked at me earnestly as she spoke but I could see that she was trying to gage my reaction. It made me nervous again, Neferet had always watched me carefully too although I was guessing for different reasons.
"I figured someone might ask," I said shrugging and taking a bite of my food.
"People expect a lot of you here," it wasn't said like a question but I knew she was still seeking an answer.
"Yeah, I guess," I said trying to sound unbothered. It really didn't bother me to cast circles. The only thing that had ever bothered me was not fitting in on the count of my being different but that had even long since faded. I was different and that was a good thing.
"Has it been that way from the beginning for you here?" She asked sipping her wine.
"Pretty much, I was asked to join the dark daughters my first day. Neferet said I didn't have to attend the dark daughters full moon ritual that first night if I wasn't ready, but I didn't want to disappoint her and I wasn't going to give Aphrodite the satisfaction. I didn't like her much back then," I said smiling. Not liking her had been putting it nicely.
"But your friends now?"
"Yeah, I've really learned to rely on Aphrodite. She can be a little bit of a pain sometimes, but I trust her. Just don't give her any alcohol!"
Natasha chuckled, "I'll try and remember that. So, what changed to bring you two together?"she asked taking another bite of her chicken.
I frowned pausing for a second before deciding on a one word answer, "Neferet."
"Ah," she said sitting up straighter and pushing her plate away. Her face was calm but very intent as she examined mine, "Zoey, I am truly sorry for what Neferet put both of you through. It must have been terribly hard for you. Fledglings often bond with their mentor the way they would with a parent, I can only imagine what you suffered at her hand."
I swallowed hard. How had she known all that? I had felt Neferet was the mother I wished my mother had chosen to be before she married the step loser. I had wished it were true even after I saw that Neferet wasn't everything she appeared to be. I watched Natasha carefully before I answered, "it was hard."
She smiled lightly, "you're trying to determine my motives." I gaped at her as she reached across the table and let her hand cover mine. "Let me assure you, Zoey, I will never intentionally hurt you. I swear by Nyx and the night itself that you can trust me," her eyes bore into mine as she spoke. Then with a little nod and a smile she released my hand and changed the subject. "Now, I wanted to talk to you about your position here."
"My position?"
"You are not just a student, Zoey. There are many students and vampyres who already think of you as a high priestess, as they should. Nyx has made it quite clear her plans for you."
She smiled brilliantly at me then and I felt my spirit leap, "Thank you," I replied.
"zoey, you have dealt with situations many adult vampyres have never had to face or even dreamed of facing and you have leaned on Nyx to get you through it. That is what a High Priestess does in times of uncertainty. Therefore, though you will still be attending some classes I would like if a few hours of your day would be spent with me. I feel you need extensive training as you are heading to your destiny at a very quick pace. You would be learning exactly what a high priestess is about. I would be letting you handle a lot of the day to day crises under my supervision, though I have no doubt in your ability to meet any challenges asked of you. I want this to be your decision though, Zoey. If you are not yet ready or need some time I understand. You have dealt with a lot and perhaps a bit of normalcy would be good for you before we begin changing your life around again?"
I thought about it and checked it over in my spirit. I could feel Nyx there, she was in this decision and had led Natasha to purpose it. I was ready for this, "no, I think your right. It's time my priestess in training program took on more meaning."
"Wonderful," she said handing me a piece of paper. "I think it is absolutely necessary for you to continue Vamp Soc, as well as your physical activity to ensure your health, so your fencing lessons will continue. I know also you would be heartbroken if you could not continue your equestrian studies. Therefore, I would like if your first two hours were spent with me. Your fifth hour is drama and I am leaving that entirely to your discretion. If you would like to continue with that course I have no objection, but neither would I object to that becoming a study period of you."
"A study period?" I asked knowing I looked more than a little confused.
"you are also the leader of the Dark Daughters, a program that has become a little well…" she searched for the right word, "Lacks'. The Dark Daughters and Sons are supposed to be a group that is interested in doing the will of Nyx. I know you have tried to make some positive changes, but there is still a lot of work to do. I would like you to have time to organize and plan meetings, rituals, and new paths should Nyx reveal any to you. Professor Lenobia confided in me that you have begun involving the Dark Daughters in charity work. That is something that has never been done before and once again I can see Nyx leading you."
"Well, we only really had a chance to do that work once, but we came up with some really good ideas for future involvement," I said taking a drink of brown pop. I couldn't believe all the freedom she was giving me, wanting me to make the choices and follow my own spirit and intuition.
"I'm intrigued," Natasha said also taking a sip from her drink.
"well we've been working with Street Cats. I figured that would be a good place to start considering cats are such a big part of our life."
"I agree."
"We were a little shocked when we arrived to learn that nuns own it."
"Oh, yes, I heard that there was a nun involved in ridding us of Kalona?" she asked gently.
"Yeah, it was Sister Mary Angela who runs the Street Cats. The nuns there are, well, rather eccentric. They believe Nyx is just another version of the Mother Mary."
"Really?" She chuckled in a kindly way.
"I know it was strange to me the first time I heard it, but know I don't think it's so strange anymore. Anyway, she has agreed to stay open late on Saturdays so that we can help out. We've also discussed having an indoor rummage sale to earn money for the cats using the fledglings stuff. Anything, Students want to donate, and we would obviously be the ones running it under Sister Mary Angela's supervision."
"I think it's a great idea, Zoey. See you have much planning to do already."
I thought about it for a minute. It would be nice to have the extra time to research and plan. Plus I knew I wouldn't be able to put off breaking up with Erik much longer and having to see him every day in class wasn't high up on my list of things to do. "I think you're right," I said giving her a little smile.
"So it shall be," she said motioning towards the paper she had handed me which had been filled in with my new schedule. She laughed at my surprised expression, "Zoey, it will only be a matter of time before you have fledglings of your own and Nyx starts revealing things about them to you. We see when a child is going to be marked. We are shown their strengths, weaknesses and talents before they even arrive. A lot of time we know what they are going to do before they do it and even what they will choose."
"But how do you know that?" I asked. It had always freaked me out how much adult vamps knew. I knew Neferet was highly intuitive, practically psychic (ok she was definitely psychic now) but what about the others?
"Most of it is Nyx's leading though most of us are gifted with a certain amount of intuition. We follow our gut feelings and usually they are right on. You already have a lot, Zoey and my guess is that gift will only increase in strength after you make the change."
I sat there silently for a moment; I was going to be highly intuitive? She couldn't mean like Neferet, surely I would already be showing signs of that it that were the case. I shook the thoughts before they led to unpleasant places. Then another thought occurred to me and before I could stop myself I opened my mouth, "Natasha, can I ask you a question?"
"Ask away."
"What are your affinities?"
She gave me an understanding smile, "my first gift from the goddess is dreams."
"Dreams?"
"Mmmm hmmm, I have the gift to block dreams whether good or bad or both. I can see what a person is dreaming just by laying a hand on them while they sleep and I can alter their dreamscape if need be."
I looked at her in awe. I had never heard of such a thing. Then I looked at her marks again, all the stars, swirls and night flowers. It looked like something you would see in a dream. "You said that was your first affinity?"
"Yes, my second gift from the goddess is the ability to help a person relax and drift to sleep. This gift usually comes in handy after we lose a fledgling. Friends and especially the roommate are generally devastated. In the past before I joined the High Council I would watch over these students, relax them and help them sleep."
"And chase the nightmares away after?"
She looked at me confused for a moment, "No, I usually have no need. For most, the dreams of their friends are pleasant memories. Every now and then a fledgling will revisit the death but more normally is the face that they dream good things, though they may need my help again upon waking up to sooth them as they realize their loss once again." She looked at me again studying my eyes and my expression, "Zoey, I'm sensing some mistrust in the question you asked. Did something happen to you?"
I swallowed and tried to force back the tears I could feel forming at the thought of Stevie Rae's death, "after my roommate died, Neferet gave me a potion to keep the bad dreams away. Aphrodite told me not to drink it and though we weren't on the best terms I still knew I should trust her. She later confided in me that Neferet had given her the same thing. She awoke feeling really distant from her roommate and it also had messed with her affinity to see visions of trouble for a few weeks."
Natasha looked troubled, "this had to do with the red fledglings?"
"Yes."
She frowned, "Neferet would know tricks of the mind, and very clearly whatever she gave you was to do more than keep the nightmares away."
"Yeah," I whispered not sure what else to say.
She watched me for several long seconds before glancing down at her watch, "the circle casting will start very soon, are you sure you are up to it?" She asked standing.
"Yes, I can do it," I said standing with her.
She took a step forward and let my hand cup my cheek, "I know it may take a while, but I'm hoping eventually you will trust me. I'm here for you, zoey, whatever you need." She brushed my cheek and then let her hand fall, "Go find your friends, I will see you at the ritual." She gave me one last smile as we walked through the oak doors and then headed down the hall to her room.
I watched her go before bolting into a run. I had about 15 minutes to find my circle as well as all of our supplies. I ran through the school grounds and straight to the girls dormitory. No surprise Aphrodite was in my room waiting for me a long with my grandma.
"How did your dinner go, Zoeybird?"
"I'll have to catch you up later. Natasha wants us to cast the circle," I turned to Aphrodite, "Do you know where everyone else is?"
"I really don't keep
tabs on the whole nerd herd.
"Aphrodite! I have ten minutes!"
"Uhg, the dorkamese twins said something about helping Stevie Rae pick out some décor for her room before the ritual," She said rolling her eyes.
"Well come on! We still have to get the candles and find a smudging stick."
"Chill, Zoey. Panicking is not good for you. You'll get stress lines, besides I already have all our ritual stuff in my room. I'll just go grab it and we can head down to the temple. I'm sure we'll run into Damien and the twins on the way."
"Alright, you're right."
Aphrodite shook her head at me, "I'll be right back," she said walking out of the door.
Grandma chuckled as she walked over to me, "why so nervous, Zoey?"
"I'm not nervous I just don't want to be late. I mean that can't look good, can it?"
"Got it!" Aphrodite said bursting back through the door.
"Good let's go! See you after the ritual grandma!"
The temple was already packed when we entered and of course Damien, Shaunee and Erin were already up front waiting for me.
"Took you long enough, Z!" Shaunee said as we began taking our places.
"Yeah we thought we were going to have to cast the circle without you," Erin said winking as Natasha walked out among us.
"Students and vampyes of the House of Night. I welcome you, Merry meet!"
"Merry Meet!" We all replied.
"Tonight we will be getting back to the basics, the foundation of which we all stand and that foundation is Nyx. Nyx has spared us and kept us safe, but more importantly Nyx is the one who has chosen us and marked us as her own. Each of you is special to our goddess and once she has chosen you will always remain special to her." I saw Natasha wink at Aphrodite and smiled. "Tonight our prefect council will give us the privilege of casting their circle as we honor Nyx. Zoey?" she said turning the ritual over to me.
I looked at each of my friends who were set in their designated spots and then nodded to Aphrodite who began using the smudging stick to waft the sweet smelling sage smoke. We used the sage to keep evil spirits from using the power of our circle. I turned to Damien and began, "Wind, you are the air we breathe that gives us life. You lift us up when we are weak and bring us comfort from the blazing heat. We ask you to come and join our circle." I smiled as I lit his candle and felt the wind whip my face. I then turned to Shaunee, "Fire, you bring us warmth and protection. You are a shield against our evil foes and we ask you to join our circle." As always I didn't need to even lift the lighter. There was a burst of flame as Shaunee's candle lit itself.
"That's how I roll," she whispered winking as I turned to Erin.
"Water you sustain us and refresh us. You wash us and make us clean. We ask you know to cleanse us of the evil that that has sought to bring us harm as you join our circle." I lit her candle and felt the waves crashing against my legs. Finally I turned to Stevie Rae, "Earth you are our home and our shelter, we ask you to join our circle. I moved back to the center taking my place by Aphrodite who was still holding the smudging stick, "Spirit you fill us and give us wisdom. We ask you to guide us as you join our circle," I lit my candle and smiled as the familiar silver thread bound us all. I took a deep breath as I faced the school, "Nyx, you have been our rock, ever constant and unwavering you have never left us, even in our times of great darkness. However, many of us have strayed from you, whether by choice or by sinister influence. I ask you to reclaim those of us who are yours. Reveal yourself to us." There was a collective gasp as I felt my spirit leap and I knew that the rest of the student body as well as the professors had felt the same thing. Many of the students had tears in their eyes or streaming down their faces. Nyx was making herself known to them, letting them know that they were still special to her and trying to heal the hurts Kalona had caused.
Aphrodite grabbed my hand then and we both fell to the ground as my visions blurred. I was no longer surrounded by the circle or my school though I could still hear for the moment what was going on. I heard Erin and Shaunee scream followed quickly by Damien's "Don't break the circle!" I squeezed Aphrodite's hand tighter as the images I was seeing became clearer and the sounds of the school were replaced by the sounds from the pictures I was now seeing. I didn't know how it was happening but I was sharing a vision with Aphrodite. We were in a beautiful room with marble floors and golden tapestries. I vaguely recognized one as depiction of Amazon history. We were sitting on a throne though I could not tell why and then we spoke and I was shocked to hear Neferet's voice, "the House of Night in Tulsa must fall. They have strayed from our path and stand in the way of ultimate peace!"
The woman before her kneeled, "Yes priestess, it shall be done."
Neferet's voice was evil and cold, "the other House of Night's are already loyal to us and any human opposition has been squashed," Neferet stood then approaching a nearby window which looked out over a beautiful sea. A sea I recognized from a dream I had had which had also coincidently been in a vision of my death that Aphrodite had seen. She turned her head and my stomach was instantly sick. There upon hundreds of crosses were dying humans. Men women and children, old and young all stripped and beaten. I could almost feel Neferet's power increasing with all the death that surrounded her. I found myself shaking as the visions began fading. I was only minimally aware of the fact that someone was stroking my hair and calling for water.
"Yes bring it hear. Hold Aphrodite up, we need to get them to drink," Natasha's voice was spoke softly from somewhere above me. I opened my eyes as a glass was pressed lightly to my lips, "come on, zoey drink up." I obeyed and found tha it definitely helped. She turned then to Aphrodite who was being supported by Darius. She reached down touching Aphrodite's face. I instantly sat up as I took in Aphrodite's posture. She was still slumped against Darius and I realized what I had experienced was only about a fourth of what Aphrodite had. I went to stand but Natasha turned so fast it made my head spin, "Stay seated, Zoey. I need to make sure you're both ok."
"I feel fine, Aphrodite needs me!" I said pleading. She gave me a stern look and I immediately sat back down. She reached down brushing Aphrodite's brow as they tried to get her to swallow more water.
"Z, are you all right?" Stevie Rae asked.
"I'm better than she is," I whispered back. I was glad to see that the circle had still not been broken.
Natasha looked at me as if reading my thoughts "close the circle." I nodded and sent each of the elements away thanking them as they went. She was at my side then helping me to my feet, "Easy, Zoey."
"Really, Natasha, I'm fine."
She smiled, "That may be but I'll feel better once I've examined you both and you're in bed for the evening."
The walk back to the dorms was quiet. I looked over to see Darius carrying a clearly exhausted Aphrodite, "Aphrodite?"
"Yeah, we have lots to work out," she groaned.
"What was the vision about?" Natasha asked stunning us all. "I knew it was a vision the moment it happened," she answered my questioning gaze, "Nyx clearly used our time of refreshing to show you something important. Although, I have never seen shared visions before."
"Neither have I," Aphrodite moaned again.
"Here drink this," Shaunee said handing Aphrodite another bottle of cold water as we entered her room. Darius sat her on the bed and I quickly got a cold cloth for her face.
"What happened out there?" Erin asked.
"Give them a minute," Damien said taking a nervous looking jack by the hand.
"The vision was of Neferet, something that is to come, right?" I asked Aphrodite.
"Yeah," she whispered, "it hasn't happened yet."
"She had taken over the High Council and let's just say it wasn't pretty," I shuddered as the image of crosses filled my mind again.
Everyone stood there in silence, "But that couldn't happen could it?' Jack asked looking to Natasha.
"We're doing everything in our power to make sure that it doesn't," she said solemnly but I could tell she was worried.
"We'll just have to find out how to prevent it," Stevie Rae said matter-of-factly. "We know your visions come true when we ignore them and we know that the more details you remember the better chance we have of stopping it."
Aphrodite and I both grimaced and I was sure I looked like I was going to be ill, "water," I whispered. Erik handed me a bottle which I immediately began chugging.
I felt a hand on my back and looked up to see Natasha's concerned eyes. She then turned to the rest of the group, "Tomorrow. Tonight I want you all to rest, especially you two," she said eyeing Aphrodite and me. We both nodded as she headed to the door, "Zoey, call me if you need me." Then without another word she left.
"What was that about?" Erin asked.
"Why would you need her?" Shaunee asked.
"Duh, she's her mentor!" Damien said rolling his eyes.
"No she meant if I have nightmares or trouble sleeping. That's her affinity," I explained to the conversation we had had over dinner. All of their faces were amazed, even Aphrodite's.
"That's amazing," Damien said once again star struck.
"That is pretty cool," Stevie Rae put in.
"Hey shouldn't you be getting back to your dorm?" I asked her checking my watch. It had to be close to sun rise.
"Yeah it's about that time. Are you going to be ok?"
"I'll be fine, go."
"What about you Aphrodite?" Stevie Rae asked.
I heard Aphrodite growl and rolled my eyes, "Oh for Pete's sake, she's not asking just because you two are imprinted!"
"It's alright, Z. She has a good reason to be cranky," Stevie Rae said yawning as she headed for the door. "I'll see ya'll in the morning."
"Are you going to be ok?" I asked Aphrodite earnestly after Stevie Rae had left the room.
"I'll watch over her priestess," Darius said giving me a slight nod.
"I'll be fine, Zo, but you know we have to figure something out about this," she said reluctantly.
"I know," I whispered back and then along with Damien, Jack, Shaunee, Erin and Erik we all headed towards our rooms.
