Chapter 8:

I was in a light, airy room. The huge windows were open, the curtains billowing from the breeze. A piano was playing soft, lilting music. In the centre of the room was a table covered in a soft, white sheet. On the table were vials of different liquids, the book of Ignox, and a beautiful, intricately-woven wreath. Where am I? I wondered. This didn't look like any place in the Academy. The atmosphere of peace, of serenity enveloped me comfortingly.

I heard the noise of a door opening. I turned to see a hidden door in the wall open and in walked 3 people: a man dressed in a lilac gown, one worn by people of a different time, of a different age, a fledgling, and a woman. The woman wore a beautiful, elegant white dress, with beautiful beadwork. Her hair hung straight down her back. I craned to get a look at her face but was unable to see. In fact, I couldn't make out anyone's face. This must be a dream. That's the only explanation for whatever is going on, I determined. I looked on as I saw the woman raise her hands above her head. "May the Goddess bless this rite of passage." Her voice was gentle, loving, lilting, and very familiar. Where have I heard this voice before? I wondered. She slowly raised a vial up and started to sing in Ixnior. Unlike the previous initiation that I had witnessed, this was one that was joyful and expressed the beauty of the whole ceremony. I felt so many strong emotions stirring in me. The lyrics were simple, nothing complex. Be one with the Goddess and with your fellow vampires. Gentle soul, kind soul, feel your power, enjoy it, and use it for good. You shall carry the legacy of this wonderful reign of vampires. It was a song that could fill any soul with confidence and strength. The song faded away and I watched as the woman motioned for the man behind her to stand beside her. I couldn't see his face, either but he struck me as someone who was powerful, kind, and wonderful. Not to mention good-looking. But I would only be able to see if I was right about that if I could just see his face. The man lifted the wreath and gently put it on the fledgling's head. Then the woman leaned over and hugged the fledgling. "Welcome young one," she smiled. At that very moment, she looked over the fledgling's shoulder right into my eyes. I gasped aloud. I could see her face…..it was my own.

I woke up with a start, just in time for work. The day passed by in a whiz. I couldn't concentrate on anything but my dream. There must have been something behind it. I had seen an initiation, one that had been absolutely perfect – and I had been the head. What could it mean?

Jake's voice pulled me out of my reverie. "Hey, Ari, you ok?" I could hear the concern in his voice. I looked up into his brown eyes. "Yeah…I've just been so…overworked lately." He looked thoughtful for a minute. His face lit up and he grabbed my hand. "Come on, I know where to go!"

Ignoring my protests, Jake took me to his car, put me in the passenger seat, got in and drove off somewhere. We finally stopped at a park. As I got out of the Mercedes, I realized that he had brought me back to the park where we used to play as children. A lump formed in my throat.

I could feel Jake right behind me. He tapped me on my shoulder and simply said, "You're it," before running off. For a minute, I stood still. Then before I could rethink, I chased after him, kicking off my high heels.

Soon enough, our childish laughter and screams resounded throughout the park. Finally, we sat down on a park bench, panting and laughing. "God, it feels so GOOD to be a kid again!" I exclaimed. Jake just smiled at me.

"Thank you," I said softly, watching him blush. Something in me arose and I felt my body move closer to his. I felt him coming closer, too. Our lips were almost touching….and then Jake's cell phone rang. We sprang apart and looked away from each other as Jake answered his call. "Hi…Cherie? What? Urgent meeting back at the office?" He sighed in annoyance. "Ok, I'll be right there. Bye."

He turned to me. "Sorry Arisa, but we're going to have to go back. I have an important meeting to attend. All last-minute, really." He looked at me apologetically.

"It's ok. Let's go."

The trip back was quiet. We were both thinking about what had passed at the park. The intensity there was something we had never experienced.

When we reached the office, he dropped me off at the front. "I'm just going to park and come up."

I nodded. "Thank you for that time at the park. I really needed it."

Jake grinned.

Now was my chance. I leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the lips before pulling away. His face held an expression of surprise and shock. "Bye." I stepped out of the car and made my way back inside the building to my office room. I felt so much better and I had finally done what I had felt like doing for the last 10 years.

I didn't see Jake for the rest of the day but that was fine by me. If I saw him now, I wouldn't know what to say or do. My work finished, I headed back to the Academy.

Something awaited me back at the Academy and it wasn't something good.