"Just stay on your side of the room." Aphrodite snaps.

"Yes ma'am!" I salute her before falling back on my bed.

It would have been nice to get a roommate who actually liked me, but in the grand scheme of things having a bitchy roommate was the least of my problems. I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep until a mini earthquake woke me up.

"You better appreciate the fact I am taking my time to wake you up. I should have just let you miss the ceremony." Aphrodite was shaking me violently and raising her voice like somehow I had gone deaf while sleeping.

"I would also appreciate it if you would stop yelling!" I shout sitting up and knocking her hands away from me.

"Thank you Aphrodite for going out of your way to help your new arrogant roommate. That was awfully nice of you." Aphrodite says, in a voice I could only guess was trying to mimic my own.

"You really shouldn't talk to yourself in third person. It's weird."

"Do you want to see how easy it is for me to make your life hell here?" Aphrodite was deadly calm while glaring at me with a new fierceness.

"I was just kidding. Take a chill pill. Thanks for waking me up." I chose diplomacy over all out rage. She had no idea what hell was. I could almost guarantee that when hell happens she wouldn't be the one dishing it out.

My words made her calm down enough to let me walk with her to where the ceremony was being held. There were loads of my peers walking to the same place we were headed. I paused at the entrance. There was Nyx. Not in her ethereal form I had seen her when I had passed out, but as a statue. A had a small swelling of pride fill me as I walked closer. She did choose me, whether I agreed with her or not didn't matter. And I knew that she was a part of me.

"You look a lot like her."

"What?" I ask, turning to see Taylor standing next to me.

"You and Nyx. You look a lot alike."

I look from him back up to Nyx's statuesque face. He was crazy. There was no way I looked like our beautiful Goddess. Sure we had the same dark black hair, but that's it.

"You're funny."

He shrugs and begins to walk away.

"Wait!" I run to his side, "I'm sorry about bailing earlier."

"You want to make it up to me?" He stopped which made me stop.

"Sure?" I ask hesitantly.

"Sit with me." He suggests holding out his arm.

"Alright." I slide my arm into his and we walk towards the building. I tried not to gape around in amazement at the beauty of it all. What was this place?

"This is Nyx's Temple. All rituals and ceremonies are performed in here." Taylor smiles encouragingly at me.

"You can tell I'm that awed?"

"No, you just look happy."

I smiled more broadly then before and held on tighter to his arm. I don't think I did anything to deserve his kindness, but I wasn't about to throw it away. He was the sanest person I have met so far, and I am including myself in that generalization.

Thank goodness I was holding onto Taylor as I began to make my way up the aisle because as I looked down one of the rows we were passing I saw red fledglings just hanging out. There were at least six of them, and they all had the fledgling red mark. I let Taylor practically drag me away, but not before I definitely made sure I didn't feel any awkward powerful feelings as I passed them. Nothing, well except this urge to find a piece of paper and start writing, but that could just be me, I get the urge to start writing a play every once in awhile. I could no longer pick them out of the crowd as Taylor took me higher into the aisles.

"Who are those red fledglings?" I ask as I take the seat next to Taylor.

"I don't entirely know considering I transferred here two weeks ago, why?"

"I was just wondering, you know, since they're like me… with a different colored mark and all." It sounded lame I know, but I couldn't think of what else to say.

"Hmm. Doubtful." He replies amused.

"Hah! You think you're so clever." I hit him lightly on the arm.

"Only today. And maybe tomorrow. But no promises about the day after that." His smirk grew, and I hit him again just for emphasis. "Oh now you've done it." He suddenly starts tickling my sides causing me to squirm every which way.

"Hahahaha, Stop it Taylor! Hahahahaha I can't breathe!"

I grabbed his hands and held them tightly to keep him from tickling me further. I had already managed to gather unwanted glances from the people around me. He struggled trying to get out of my grasp, but I held his fingers firmly between my own.

"Hah." I state, mimicking his smirk.

"Good Evening everyone. Zoey, our High Priestess in training will begin the opening ceremonies." Topaz's voice echoed around the room. I dropped Taylor's hands instantly and sat forward, my eyes searching for Topaz.

I didn't find Topaz though. I saw Stark staring up at me. The moment our eyes met he looked away. He was standing in the middle of the temple right behind Zoey like he was her protector or something. And then Zoey began speaking and all other worries and thoughts went away.

"We turn to the East in acknowledgment of the power air holds over all living creatures. I invite you." I felt a small breeze blow through my hair, tousling it. I looked around to see where it had come from, but refocused on Zoey as her voice continued, "We turn to the South knowing fire can melt the frost as easily as it can burn the skin. I invite you." Now my hands tingled with warmth like I had just placed them in front of a hot fire. I looked down at them; they looked normal. "We turn west to appreciate the life water gives, and the nourishment we receive. I invite you." As we turned I swear I heard seagulls and waves crashing around me. No one else looked astounded. Maybe they were all used to these amazing feelings. "We turn North to greet earth and welcome her growth and dexterity. I invite you." And then I smelled it, the fresh cut grass and wet soil. We all faced front again, looking at Zoey with her hands held up. "And finally spirit, may the essence of our souls relinquish all worry and doubt and instead fill us with your presence. I invite you." A tingling sensation came over my body that heightened the previous sensations. I couldn't even focus on what Zoey was saying because I was relishing the smell of the ocean mixed with fresh dirt under my toes and warmth pervading my body. I relished every feeling, failing to pay attention.

"And now, Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit, I release you." Zoey's voice filled my mind again because somehow those words released everything I had been so focused on. I was just a girl in the middle of the temple. There were no oceans around me, and I was definitely not standing near an open fire or standing barefoot in a field. Talk about a trip.

"That was amazing!" I shook Taylor gently by the arm as we were dismissed. All be it I had no idea what Zoey had said or talked about after summoning the elements, but just the same. I figure I would get used to the sensations eventually and be able to pay attention next time just like everyone else.

He chuckles, "You're amazing."

"You are so full of it. Does that happen every time?"

"Does what happen?" he asks, still smiling.

"You know, the whole elements bit."

"What whole elements bit?"

"Stop it, I'm being serious now." I say crossing my arms over my chest.

"Oh is that what this is? Seriousness?" He was genuinely laughing now.

"You jerk." I laugh, shoving him.

"Now you're going to get it." He made a grab for my arm, but I was out of reach running down the aisles weaving in and out of groups of people. I could hear his laughter behind me, pushing me forward. I take a look back to see how close he was, and in that split second I ran into somebody. I was amazed we didn't fall to the ground with the force I knocked into them. But I felt steady hands grasping my arms. I look up and see Stark standing there, looking less then amused.

"Sorry." I mumble, steadying myself. I guess my adrenaline blocked out feeling whatever it was Stark usually made me feel. I felt it only mildly.

Taylor came running up beside me only to stop abruptly at the sight of Stark practically glaring down at me. I waited for someone to say something, but neither of the guys spoke. Stark turned his glare to Taylor, who matched it equally well. They looked like they were about to rip each other's throats out.

"As fun as this is, we're going to go. See you around Stark." I say quickly, grabbing Taylor's hand and dragging him away from their staring contest. As we left I pulled him around the corner away from other people.

"What was that about?" I ask, all hint of playing around gone.

"Stark is a bastard."

"And you gather that how?" I push.

"I was with him in the House of Night in Chicago. He pretends to not even know who I am, even though everyone and their mother knows who he is. Like he gets off by ignoring those beneath him. And now that he's this unique red vampyre he thinks he's the shit. Did you see the way he looked at you? "

Taylor was breathing heavily again, but this time from pure anger. Not all of what he was saying made any sense to me, but Taylor definitely had some pent up aggression for Stark.

"You and Stark are both transfers?" I ask slowly.

"Yes, from the same school. Golden archery boy gets himself here and shit hits the fan."

I didn't let the confusion I felt show in my voice. I honestly felt bad for Taylor, he seemed really shook up, but I couldn't help but stand up for Stark. In a weird way I felt protective of him.

"Look, I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding…" I begin but Taylor cuts me off.

"I shouldn't have said anything. Forget it. I'll see you around Faith." And with that he left me standing there, alone.

Great. Just Fantastic. I march straight to my room and crawl into bed. To think my day was getting better. There was just so much to take in, most of which didn't even make sense. How was I supposed to keep my brain from exploding into tiny bits and pieces? A meow jolted me out of my stupor. I look over the side of the bed at Hades who was looking up at me expectantly.

"Fine, I'll scoot over, but you better not scratch me in my sleep." I tell him, sliding over next to the wall. He hops up on the bed and snuggles into me. I grab my phone before I lie back down. I text my mom: Good Morning mom, First day is officially over, going to bed. I love you. Today was fun. I miss you a lot though. Good luck with your show tonight!

And send. Sure I was lying, today was not fun. But at least she wouldn't worry. I turn off my phone and lie down. Maybe tomorrow would be better. It had to be right?

I woke with a start. I certainly hadn't set an alarm, and Aphrodite was sleeping soundlessly in her bed across the room. It had to have been because of a dream I was having, but I couldn't remember what. I looked out the window to see the last glimpse of light slide out of sight. It was beautiful, but also the signal for me to get up. It was only 6pm, and school doesn't start until 9, but I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep. I stifled a loud yawn before realizing I had over four boxes surrounding my bed. Why hadn't my mom woken me up when she dropped everything off? Probably because you said everything was going fine and she didn't want to bother you, I yell at myself. Groaning I pick out an outfit and take a shower.

I finished getting ready in the bathroom not to disturb Aphrodite. I would bet all I owned that she is not a morning person. Or in our case, night person. I throw on some mascara and decide to let my hair dry naturally before heading off into the mysterious house of night. It wasn't completely dead at least. There were a few students who passed me on my way outside. I had no idea where I was going but I found myself near a horse stable rather shortly. I paused for a moment when I heard a thump sound. And then a second later it happened again. I inched my way around the stable and peeked behind the corner.

There was Stark with a bow and arrow in his hands. He shoots and the arrow and hits the target right in the middle with a thump. Not that I was beginning to control the feeling he always makes me feel, but some how I was able to subdue it, keeping my hormones in check at least as I watched him take another arrow from its sheath, aim, and...

"Faith."

He said my name the moment after he released the arrow, which hit the bulls-eye again. I pulled myself into his line of vision out from behind the stable. "What are you doing?" I ask lamely.

"I thought it would have been obvious." He smirks, grabbing another arrow.

I chuckle awkwardly. "You're really good." I add, after he shot another one. They all seemed to be hitting the exact same spot. Maybe this was what Taylor was referring too when he called him the golden archery boy?

"Again with the obvious."

I sit down on a log, not knowing what else to say. I wasn't particularly verbose this morning and Stark didn't seem like he was in the happiest of moods, but I couldn't make myself leave. So I would have to settle for watching him. His motions were fluid and elegant. He looked like a warrior. The awkward silence was only interrupted by the swishes and thumps of his bow and arrow. What should I say? It was a new day, maybe a new start?

"About what happened yesterday…" Stark begins lowering his bow and finally turns to look at me.

"Lots of things happened yesterday."

He took a deep breath before coming to sit beside me. Which I couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing, because the closer he is the harder it was to subdue that irrational feeling.

"We can't ever be together." He blurts out.

"What?!" I ask completely dumbfounded.

"We can't be together. I pledged my allegiance to Zoey as her Warrior. Every High Priestess has one, and I am hers. She saved my humanity." He was no longer looking at me, but down at the ground.

"What are you talking about?? Being together?" But even as I said those words I knew I wanted them to come true. I wanted to be with him, and I didn't even know him. It didn't matter what Taylor had accused him of last night, or that he thought about Zoey when he first kissed me, or even that I could potentially control his mind. He had protected me and saved me from Erik. He had kissed me back.

He stands up and faces me, looking down at me with those piercing eyes of his. He looked lethal, and beautiful.

"Don't pretend like you don't feel it. Even now as you sit there looking up at me I can feel you. But it can't happen. I let you drink my blood, but we didn't imprint. I can't explain why I feel this way, but it doesn't matter. We can't happen."

"Because of Zoey." I add.

"Yes." He agrees, leaning against a panel of the stable.

"Well that's a load of bullshit." I say standing up and wiping off my jeans. I don't think he expected my reaction because he looked surprised, but I was mad, and hurt and I wasn't about to just take this lying down. "You may be Zoey's protector, which by the way is awesome and amazing. I couldn't imagine anyone better. But how does that have anything to do with us?"

"I can't protect her if I am worried about you!" he shouts stepping closer to me.

"True, but that's not the real reason is it? You like Zoey. I heard you thinking about her, twice. She saved you or whatever. Again great, but I would just like to point out she has a boyfriend. And some human guy on the side too! Or are you fine with being the fourth wheel?"

"That is none of your business." He argues, now only inches from my face.

"I wish it wasn't." I say, all emotion gone. I just felt empty, knowing he wouldn't even give me a chance because it might hinder what he has with Zoey. I shouldn't even care. I shouldn't even be here. I turn to walk away, but he grabs my wrist and turns me back to face him. I open my mouth to protest, to let him know I give up, when he pulls me into him and kisses me. I meant to push him away and slap him, but I melted in his embrace instead. I didn't make him kiss me this time… it was all him. I loved his soft lips against mine, I never wanted to stop. This felt good; this felt right.

Maybe she would never have to find out. I could pursue Faith without jeopardizing what I have with Zoey.

I know it wasn't fair that I could hear his thoughts randomly, but it certainly made it easier to snap out of the spell he put me under and push him away from me. I am pretty sure my facial expression said it all, I was absolutely horrified that he had just thought that. There was no way in hell I would be any ones dirty little secret.

"You read my thoughts."

"Not on purpose I assure you. But luckily it saved me from thinking you weren't a selfish bastard."

"Faith…" he made a grab for my elbow but I stepped back. I noticed the bow and arrow discarded on the ground, and without thinking that I had never seen a bow and arrow let alone held one I picked them up and easily positioned myself where the arrow was pointing directly at his chest.

"Just stay away from me okay?" I say angrily.

With his hands raised in surrender he stepped closer to me. I pulled back the bow farther, somehow knowing exactly what to do.

"Do you even know how to shoot an arrow?" he smirks stepping to the point where the arrow touched his chest.

I gave him my most evil glare, turned my body so I was facing the target a hundred feet away and I let the arrow go. I didn't know what I wanted to prove, I mean obviously I was going to make a fool of myself, but all I wanted was for the arrow to hit the bulls-eye just like he had done over and over again. So imagine my astonishment when it did exactly that, and hit smack dab in the middle of the target.

"Do it again." He commands handing me another arrow.

Not that I liked taking his orders, but I couldn't help wanting to see if I could do it again. I grab the arrow; place it, aim, and shoot. It hit the bulls-eye.

"You don't seem like the kind of girl to take up archery as a hobby." Stark says, almost coldly.

"You don't know me. And by the looks of it, you'll be too caught up in Zoey to even try to get to know me." I snap, knowing full well I wasn't the kind of girl to take an interest in archery, but he didn't know that. And it wasn't like I could explain how I had just nailed two arrows in the bulls-eye when I had never even touched a bow and arrow before in my life.

"You don't get it Faith."

"What don't I get? Zoey saved you somehow so you owe her your soul?"

He looked practically deadly as he took a step back, "Do you know how I became a red vampyre? My body rejected the change, and I died. But somehow I came back with a red fledgling mark. Neferet used me to bleed Stevie Rae and then let me run free here at the house of night preying on and all the fledglings I desired. Because you see, I was a monster. My humanity was practically gone. Zoey was the only one that helped me, that saw through the monster and into my soul. She helped me get my humanity back."

"You were a monster?" I ask hesitantly.

"You have no idea. Not to say I don't still have my demons, but they're much easier to control now. So do you see? I am connected with Zoey more then anyone."

"Then how do you explain us? I didn't save you. I just got here yesterday, and yet ever since the moment I first met you I felt something so strong I can't even describe it. I can even read some of your thoughts. Am I supposed to just ignore all of that?" I was genuinely upset. Not at him par say, but because I was even in this situation in the first place. I shouldn't want him like I do. I know it's not fair to him, but it is even less fair for me.

"Yes."

That one word cut through me like ice. He looked so apathetic. He wanted me to ignore my feelings. Ignore him. I wasn't going to cry, not in front of him. Not in front of anyone. He wants me to ignore him, then I will.

"As you wish. Go frolic with your high priestess." And with that I left. Good Morning to me.