Chapter 1: Uncertainty

Summary: I'm essentially writing the third book for myself because I can't wait for it to come out!

Suggested listening music:

Paragraphs 11-17: Cold Hands (Warm Heart) by Brenden Benson

Note: 1st paragraph starts with first line

"GEMMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAA!"

I jolt upright in my bed, desperately gasping for air, my nightgown stuck to my body with sweat. That bloody dream again… if only I could remember what was so terrifying. I've been having the same dream for months now, but the only thing I remember is a pair of sinister, yellow eyes and the blood-curdling sound of someone screaming my name.

Shaking, I slide from beneath my covers and quietly slip out the door. Using my newfound magic, I teleport myself outside of the dorms. The springtime night air is pleasantly cool and the breathtaking full moon lights my way into the forest. I lean against a large oak towering over the lake and slide to the ground, hugging my knees to my chin.

Life has become greatly complicated since I've returned to Spence. Not only do I have to perfect my womanly demeanor and watch Mademoiselle Le Farge suffer while I butcher the French language, but I have also become the unofficial ruler of the realms. My desire is to share the power with all of the inhabitants of the realms rather than bind it solely to the Order. Mrs. Mcleethy has not taken to kindly to my cause and has proceeded to attempt to make my life miserable. She, however, does not have the power to use her magic outside of the realms. Every time she embarrasses me in class, I silently repay her. My greatest moment of triumph was the time when I made her slip into a huge puddle of mud during one of our archery classes. Her favorite, ugly black dress was ruined and her pride severely damaged. I can tell however, she is gathering her own forces… long forgotten members of the order. If they all decide to turn against me, I may be vastly outnumbered and outclassed, considering my minimal knowledge of the potential of my power.

Although Circe was trapped in the well, the realms are still not safe. The black riders have been more active than ever, attempting to corrupt new spirits who have yet to cross over. It seems the riders have new allies, including the wicked water nymphs that attempted to take our skin during our search for the temple.

Luckily, I am not alone in my quest. Felicity has proven invaluable in combating the riders. She practices her archery religiously, and it has definitely paid off. Her skill is unmatched and she never misses her target. Although I can tell she is still frustrated by the fact that she cannot enter the realms by herself, she has remained by my side. She has even begun to teach me the art of archery and I am now able to at least defend myself in case of emergency. Ann has also stepped up to the challenge marvelously. With the new threat of the water nymphs, her beautiful voice has protected us from their haunting song. She has also proven to be a great strategist. Her intellect and quick thinking have saved us in many a battle. Ann has also changed quite a bit. She has a great confidence about her, but a heavy cloud of sadness also looms over her head. Tom's rejection has affected her greatly, but she has learned how to deal with the pain. Rather than cutting herself and seeking the comfort of food when is stricken with grief, she has taken to reading up on Greek mythology and the history of the order. She has also become quite attractive lately. Her frame has become womanly, her face is full of color, and her nose has stopped running like a faucet. I cannot be sure if the magic of the realms has rubbed off on her or if she is changing on her own. However, I still hear tiny, sorrowful sobs at night before she drifts off into a restless sleep.

Asha and Philon have also given me the support of the untouchables and the centaurs. Asha has been a great source of advice and her tribe has remained the protector of the temple. Philon has extended our lease of the magical bow and arrows and has provided us with protection on our dangerous missions. He has also taught me how to use my magic to defend myself. I can now conjure balls of fire in my fist and shoot them at my enemies. This has proved highly effective against the black riders. His tribe members, however, have been reluctant to help us because I have yet to discover a way to grant them a share of the power.

Although we have been able to protect the spirits so far, we seem to be loosing ground. The riders appear to be more powerful than ever and to have gained a new leader. Felicity and Ann refuse to believe it, but I have a grave feeling that this new threat is someone very dear to us… Pippa. Our enemy knows almost every move we make and all of our strengths. The only possible source of this information is Pippa. Her innocent desire to remain in the realms has probably been corrupted by her hunger for power and revenge. Regardless, this new leader has already enabled the black riders to corrupt many of the spirits that have not crossed over and their ranks are slowly but surely growing.

Entering the realms everyday, fighting countless battles, and worrying constantly about Pippa and the Order has taken a great toll on me. I haven't slept since the day I defeated Circe, my dreams plagued by the yellow-eyed monster and the deafening scream. I feel as if I have no one to talk to about my fears. My mother has long since crossed over and Felicity and Ann seem too preoccupied to see how I suffer.

I raise my head slightly to look at my reflection in the lake. My face has become soft and distinguished, my green eyes even more penetrating. I have begun to lose most of my freckles and my lips have become full and alluring. My tiny waist no longer strains underneath my corset and my breasts have filled out quite nicely. I no longer look like the incredibly awkward giraffe I used to be, but a real lady. In fact, I've even heard some of my classmates say that I have surpassed Felicity and Pippa in beauty. I am strangely satisfied by this, though I know I have more pressing matters to contend with.

I continue to look at my reflection and I begin to wonder what men really think of me. My thoughts stray to Kartik. Kartik… why does his name bring tears to my eyes? Since I asked for his loyalty to the new Order, he has been sending me messages with information concerning any movement of the Rahkshana and former members of the Order, but I have not spoken to him personally. I miss the warmth of his touch, the feel of his skin, the taste of his kiss. If he could see me now, would he see a beautiful, exotic woman, or an insecure girl he still has a duty to protect? And if he did see me as a woman, how would I feel? I don't know whether I could bear to look at him…

A twig cracks behind the tree. I leap to my feat and ready my magic. Then I hear it.

"Gemma."

I'd know that husky voice anywhere. He steps out from behind the tree and into the moonlight, his thick ebony curls falling gracefully upon his black cloak.

"Kartik!"

Well wadda ya think? Now remember, I'm totally new at this, so be merciful… I'm just trying to set the story up, so it might seem kinda boring, but the good stuff is coming soon! If you have any suggestions, please review and tell me then I'll go back and correct it. I'll post the second chapter I've written after I get your feedback. Thanks!