A/N I have to always thank my wonderful and talented beta Kristine for her hard work. Thank honey :)
"Crap, Loren! You scared me so bad I almost peed on myself!" Zoey blurted out turning to face him while grabbing at her necklace tightly. Loren?
What was he doing here? Why was he offering his services? Why was she calling him Loren? Everyone but a few of us called him Blake, but calling him Loren was so informal even for a student. He walked right up to Zoey, his eyes taking her in, lingering over her curves of the dress. He was clearly admiring the way it sparkled on her delicate frame.
Blake was a man of many talents. One - being able to seduce any female in a one hundred mile radius. Two - being able to captivate a room almost as impressively as Neferet. Three - being able to annoy the crap out of me with his wandering eyes. He was a good-looking man, mostly to the female fledglings and a few males as well. He was tall and slender as he stood in front of Zoey. He had the face of a Greek God. He knew it and used it to his advantage. His hair was in disarray on the top of his head, as if he just rolled out of bed. Girls went gaga over that messy mop of hair? I didn't see the appeal.
He flashed his award-winning smile while staring straight in her eyes and said, "I thought you knew I was here."
Zoey shook her head looking a little dazed, "No. I was a little distracted." Distracted? I didn't even notice he was standing at the entrance. He must have been one of the professors at the dark entrance. Oh, he is good.
"Stressed, I bet," he spoke softer now as he raised his hand to touch her arm. It looked innocent enough, but it also lingered a little longer than what I was comfortable with. His smile gave me my answer. I was ready to step forward and interrupt his inappropriate gesture when he lowered his hand and told her that he was here to help her with that stress.
What? Help her handle her stress? Wasn't that my job description? Hello, Blake? That is my job not yours. I was alternating my gaze from his face to Zoey's to see what it was that was going on here. Was I the only one who could see it? Was it because I had watched the master at work before when he shamefully tried (and succeeded) with his techniques? And now he was trying them on Zoey. My Z. Oh, no. Hell no!
"Really? How are you going to do that?" Zoey's response stopped my thoughts and halted my movement as I saw her grinning from ear to ear, my favorite smile. Her whole demeanor lit up with her response. Her inner flame was now radiating through her entire body, bringing every feature to life. She was even more breathtaking than before, if that was possible. Her eyes never left his as they stared at each other.
Blake's voice was calm but almost a hint of seduction, "I'll do for you what I do for Neferet." Yeah, I bet you would love to do that."Every High Priestess has a poet who recites ancient verse to evoke the presence of the Muse as she enters into her ritual. Today, I am offering to recite for a very special High Priestess in training. Plus I believe there are some misconceptions that need to be cleared up." He then crossed his fist over his hear and bowed in a sign of respect to a High Priestess. "But I will need your permission, I wouldn't want to intrude upon your ritual," he finished waiting for her approval.
"Oh, no!" Zoey blurted out, and then instantaneously corrected her mistake and finished, "What I mean is that no, you definitely aren't intruding, and yes, I accept your offer. Graciously."
They exchanged another intimate smile. What was that all about? Why was she smiling at him like that? Has she fallen under his spell just like every other female at this school? I looked at some of the Professors with interest when I first arrived, but none of them had ever made me go 'gaga'. It must be his age. He was only six years older than me, technically.
"Excellent. Whenever you're ready, just give me the word and I'll begin your introduction." Blake spoke directly to Zoey. He flashed a look over towards Jack and asked to talk to him briefly about the change. Of course she said yes. As he walked past her, I saw her eyes fall from his and circle around the room.
Her eyes met mine. They were warm and inviting, but there was something else I couldn't place. Something deep within her eyes that looked almost sad, I pushed it aside, knowing it must be her nerves. In that split second, I forgot my aggravation towards Blake, the questionable glances, and focused everything I had on Zoey. She took my breath away when I saw the luminosity exuding from within her. Her perfect lips curled up into a smile just for me, my smile. I couldn't help it; I smiled and gave her a wink to reassure her she was doing great and that I was here for her always. I saw her eyes travel away from mine and fall onto each of her friends. My eyes never left her as I watched her smirk at the twins who were, no doubt, looking at Blake's ass as he walked away. I saw her mumble something under her breath, too quiet for me to hear. She smiled to Damien who was looking from the twins to Blake then back to Zoey, shaking his head knowingly.
I looked over at Stevie Rae to see if Blake mesmerized her, like everyone else in the room. Surprisingly, she wasn't. Her eyes were on another fledgling. After knowing her for about a month, I don't believe I ever noticed her look or talk about anyone, except Kenny Chesney. My eyes followed hers to a short, blond haired fledgling with a huge smile on his face. I think his name was Drew, Drew Partain, but I wasn't sure. She had a smile plastered on her face as she mindlessly twirled one of her short blond curls in an obvious attempt to flirt with Drew. It was working. Drew's goofy grin only confirmed my assumption. I looked at Stevie Rae's face again and noticed she looked a lot paler than normal. She looked really tired.
"Zoey, I'm ready when you are," Blake's voice broke my focus on Stevie Rae.
Zoey closed her eyes and took a deep breath. I instinctively took a deep breath with her. I knew she was nervous. She had been telling me just before I left for my competition that she was nervous about tonight. I told her how talented she was and not to worry so much, that she would be amazing. She was already blowing my mind with just her presence; I could only imagine what she would be like while evoking all five elements. After all, my mind was a little preoccupied last month to really enjoy Zoey's circle then. She opened her eyes and lifted her head and stared directly at Blake again. "I'm ready."
He held her gaze and spoke softly, directly to her; so low that none of us could hear him. He then walked into the circle and started to address the entire room with his deep, commanding voice.
"It is a night for joy but you should know that the joy of this night isn't found only in the gifts Nyx has so visibly allowed to manifest here. Some of tonight's joy was born two nights ago when your new leader was deciding upon the future she wanted for the Dark Daughters and Sons."
Blake's words clicked with me. He was saying that Zoey had made the plans, the 'blueprints' that Neferet had claimed as her own. So it was Zoey who outlined the new rules and changes, not Neferet. But why would she do that to Zoey?
Blake continued, "In celebration of Zoey Redbird, and her new vision for the Dark Daughters, I am honored to open her first ritual as your Head Prefect and High Priestess trainee with a classic poem about joy being newly born that was written by my namesake, the vampyre poet William Blake."
My head snapped up, to look at Blake. Was that what he was working on our flight home? Was he planning this the whole time? No, I can't fathom an alternative motive here. He was a teacher and she was closely watched by Neferet and now me. Would he be that bold to try anything with her - in front of me, no less? I saw him mouth to her "You're on."
Zoey took another deep breath as Blake signaled Jack.
The otherworldly music started to play. It was low at first and slowly set the ambiance in the large room. My eyes affixed themselves to Zoey. She swayed a little at the sound, finding her rhythm. She walked slowly and gracefully around the circle, twirling perfectly with the rise and fall of the music. The dress came to life as she swayed from side to side, letting the music take her where she was supposed to go. Light reflected off the metallic fabric, causing my eyes to rove her body, the curve of her hips, her slender waist, and the outline her figure made when she would turn. I noticed how the hem of the dress whipped around as she completed a turn; her hands flowed from her sides in time with the music as if she was instructing the melody to do her bidding. Blake's voice was momentarily muted. I didn't even care what he was saying. All my thoughts were on Zoey as I saw how this was making her look, making her move, and making me want her even more. She was mesmerizing to watch. Her moves were fluid and graceful. Nothing looked awkward or out of place. It was as if she was meant to be in this position. She was truly on the path of becoming a High Priestess.
She moved slowly to the center of the circle in front of Nyx's table just as Blake ended his poem and the music subsided all with perfect timing. Zoey looked slightly out of breath. Shit, for that matter, so was I! Now that I could focus on something other than Zoey, I realized my breathing was erratic. She smiled brightly as she turned to greet everyone who was standing around the circle. "Welcome to the first Full Moon Ritual for the new Dark Daughters and Sons!"
Everyone including myself responded, "Merry meet!"
She picked up the lighter from the table and walked over to Damien. He was glowing with excitement, as if Zoey was about to hand him a golden ticket to Willy Wanka's Chocolate Factory. They both smiled at the excitement buzzing in the room.
"I call the element air first to our circle, and I ask that it guard us with winds of insight. Come to me, air!" Zoey's voice projected throughout the hall, leaving everyone speechless and in awe. She had the voice of a High Priestess. I remember that voice only a month ago, but to be standing so close to it now was mind-blowing. She was powerful, beautiful and all mine.
As she lit Damien's candle, I heard a familiar whooshing sound as they were both engulfed in a whirlwind that lifted their hair, making Zoey's dress whip deliciously around her legs. They exchanged a few words, too low for me to hear, and she moved on to Shaunee.
She looked scared and excited all at the same time, but mostly scared. Zoey called the element of Fire next and before she could light the wick the candle burst into flames. I couldn't help but remember the warm feeling I had standing next to Shaunee.
Zoey then moved to stand in front of Erin. She held the candle so tight; she too looked scared, not as bad as Shaunee but frightened, nonetheless. Zoey called the water to the circle and lit Erin's candle. Even from where I was standing I could feel the cool, refreshing splashes of ocean that were gently caressing both of them, as invisible waves drifted around their feet. From where I was standing it was nothing short of magical.
She moved swiftly to Stevie Rae. I heard her tell Zoey that she was ready. Zoey's eyes were only on Stevie Rae as she smiled and called Earth to the circle. As she lit her candle, we were transported to a warm meadow surrounded by birds and the scent of flowers. Stevie Rae had an affinity for Earth? I remember coming in earlier to see Zoey's excitement. I am guessing that Stevie Rae was the first one to discover her affinity. I just didn't get to witness it like I did with everyone else's.
"It's just so cool!" Stevie Rae said aloud.
My eyes were drifting around the circle and noticed a thick thread of light connecting the circle as a whole. "So is that," I said, as I pointed to the amazing, silver band that wrapped around the circle.
"Like it was for us alone, only it's stronger now," Stevie Rae said. I took my eyes off the band to look at her in shock. Why was she saying that the band was like the one they performed 'alone'? What is she talking about? I only remember seeing them together at last month's ritual, when Zoey cast the circle to draw back the ghosts. I tried to figure out where they were all alone for them to cast a circle at school. I didn't understand. I flashed a quick glance at Zoey, but she had already turned towards Nyx's table were the remaining candle stood.
She called Spirit to the circle and as she lit the wick, the flame shot up twice as high as Shaunee's candle. Zoey's eye closed for a moment as she took in the energy around her, letting it fill her. Her eyes opened and she now had a sparkle in her eyes that matched her newfound radiance. She picked up a smudge stick and lit it with the burning flame. With both items in her hand she walked around the inside of the circle allowing the smoke to drift over each of her friends before starting her speech. She looked confidant, strong and powerful as she glanced around the circle to everyone in the room, welcoming them to the Dark Daughters personally.
Again, her powerful voice surprised and excited me, "Tonight I wanted to change things from the type of incense burned, to the abuse of our classmates." she paused there letting everyone soak in the meaning behind her words. I was a little taken aback on the 'abuse our classmates' bit. Was she referring to the 'refrigerator'? If so that would be the only thing I would miss, the blood laced wine. Even though I wasn't crazy about blood, yet, I was sure I would miss the effects it had on me. I wasn't surprised that it was one of the first things to be taken out of the Dark Daughters and Sons ritual. Especially because of what happened to Stevie Rae last month. I agreed with Zoey's decision, but I didn't have to like it.
She continued, explaining to us that she was using eucalyptus and sage instead of Aphrodite's pot-laced herbs, another aspect I'm happy to be rid of. She described why American Indians used these specific herbs: eucalyptus for healing, protection, and purification and sage to drive out negative spirits, energies, and influences.
"Tonight I ask the five elements to empower these herbs and magnify their energy," Zoey's words drifted to an end as a whirl of wind scooped up the comforting and calming scents sending it throughout the room. With this movement the entire building was buzzing with amazement at the splendid display from Zoey and her gifted friends. It was truly an amazing sight.
Zoey's voice carried above the whispers surrounding the circle as she continued, "The full moon is a magical time when the veil between the known and the unknown is thin, and can even be lifted. That is mysterious and wonderful, but tonight I want to focus on another aspect of the full moon - that it is an excellent time to complete, or end, things. What I want to end tonight is the old, negative reputation of the Dark Daughters and Sons. As of this full moon night that part of us has ended, and a new time has begun."
My heart ached in my chest. I was so proud of Zoey and her accomplishments. Her confidence was amazing, inspiring, and commanding as she spoke with her head held high and her eyes meeting everyone in the room, conveying her thoughts, feelings. I glanced around the room and everyone was staring at her in amazement. They were seeing how truly gifted she was and how special she was going to be as our future High Priestess.
She started to walk around the circle and ended up in front of Damien and stopped. "From here on, the Dark Daughters and Sons will be a group filled with integrity and purpose, and I believe the fledglings Nyx chose to gift with elemental affinities represent the ideals of our new group well." She gave Damien a brief smile and continued, "My friend Damien is the most authentic person I know, even when being true to himself has been a hard thing to be. He represents air well." A gust of wind picked up around them as she gave Damien another smile.
She moved then to Shaunee and said, "My friend Shaunee is the most faithful person I know. If she's on your side, she's there whether you're right or wrong - and if you're wrong she'll tell you about it herself, but she won't desert you. She represents fire well." The flame in her hands burned just little brighter illuminating both their faces in response.
She glided to Erin and said with a smile, "My friend Erin's beauty sometimes fools people into thinking she has great hair, but no brains. It's not true. She is one of the wisest people I know, and Nyx proved that she looks to the interior when she chose Erin. She represents water well." The sounds of the ocean and the smell of salty air engulfed the small circle intensified acknowledging Zoey's words.
She stepped in front of Stevie Rae. Zoey's eyes were concerned as she looked at her roommate. My eyes moved away from Zoey to see what she was seeing. Stevie Rae actually looked worse, even from just a few minutes ago. She had dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn't slept in days. She still looked tired despite the fact that her and Zoey both slept in this morning. She gave Stevie Rae a loving smile and said, "My friend Stevie Rae always knows when I'm happy or sad, stressed or relaxed. She worries about me; she worries about all of her friends, sometimes she is too empathetic, and I'm glad that now she has earth she can draw strength from. She represents earth well." A powerful sent of tall grass and rolls of hay filled the space around me. I saw Stevie Rae was blinking back tears from Zoey's words. She meant a lot to Zoey and her friendship was that of a true friend. I was glad she had Stevie Rae in her life. I looked around the room and was grateful she had all of her friends now. Each one brought a special quality to the table. Each one offered a unique balance to the group; Damien with his intelligence, Shaunee with her honesty, Erin with her wit, and Stevie Rae her nurturing nature. What a special, gifted group.
Zoey walked into the center of the circle and picked up her purple candle and said, "I'm not perfect, and I'm not going to pretend to be. What I promise you is that I sincerely want what is best for the Dark Daughters and Sons, and for all of the fledglings at the House of Night."
I realize she didn't have anyone to tell her she was perfect to represent spirit. Without thinking I said out loud, "She represents spirit well." I could see her four friends agreeing with me. I could also hear and see a lot of the other fledglings surrounding us agree with a nod. I was surprised at how many were on board with the change. It was going to be a new beginning for us all.
My eyes fell on Zoey as she, too, was stunned by the stir surrounding us. Her expression was victorious; she had proven to everyone that she was worthy of this position and would do it justice in the future. I had every bit of faith in her abilities.
Her voice once more pulled the group into total silence. "Each of you who believe you can uphold the ideals of the Dark Daughters and Sons, and will try your best to be authentic, faithful, wise, empathetic, and sincere - you may continue your membership in this group. But I want you to know that there will be new fledglings joining us, and they won't be judged on the way they look or who their best friends are. Make your decision, and see me or any of the other Prefects and let us know if you want to stay with the group. We won't hold the past against you. It's how you act from here on that counts."
She lifted the goblet of non-fledgling laced wine. "And let's drink in celebration of a full moon, and an end that leads to a new beginning." She started making her way around the circle offering each fledgling a sip of wine as she recited a Full Moon Ritual prayer. It was one that was recited two years ago by Neferet. I loved the poem and it seemed to fit tonight's ritual perfectly.
Her voice was beautiful, powerful, and soulful as she spoke each line. I closed my eyes and just listened to her voice. It sounded so different, but so familiar. It was soft but bold. It was commanding yet sincere. Her voice was getting closer as she made her way over to me. I opened my eyes slowly as she approached. I could feel the hum of energy buzzing through her body. The brilliant glow exuding from within her illuminated her face, only enhancing the outline of her tattoos. How did I not notice this before? She was ethereal, beautiful. She was hot.
She stopped in front of me and offered me the goblet. I smiled her favorite smile. I grazed her hand before taking the cup. I took my sip and handed it back to her. She had a smile on her face that matched mine. God, she's beautiful. I gave her another wink to let her know that she was doing an amazing job. Her smile grew wider as she moved to the next fledgling. All I wanted to do was hold her and kiss her for the rest of the night, alone.
She ended the poem and drank the remaining wine. She thanked each element as each of her friends blew out their candle. She completed the ritual by saying, "This Full Moon Rite is ended. Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!"
The rec hall echoed with, "Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!"
More notes: I would like to thank everyone for reading and reviewing. I squeal just like Jack when I get a review in my mailbox. Literally :)
I would like to thank LexLogikk for suggesting to me about adding more of Stevie Rae - this chapter is for you as well as the next one.
I would also like to thank Maichu for getting me excited about writing the ritural. Thanks honey. I look foward to working with you on a future chapter.
ummmm I think that is all. Thank you :)
Review if you think Loren is HOT!!!! I know I do!