• Prologue
    The room was illuminated with a golden light so pure, that anyone who looked directly into it would surely be blinded. The happy dancers were whirling around merrily in a swirl of satin and silk. She stood at the banister near the top of the room. Her forest green gloves sparked and flared when they were turned this way and that in the light. Then, as if she had called their attention, all the dancers suddenly stopped and stared up at her. Her green mask accented her vibrant green eyes, and contrasted nicely with her fiery red hair. She started walking down the steps in a swirl of forest green satin. The grand ballroom was completely silent as she made her descent. Halfway down she heard a crack, as if someone were trying to break glass. As she lifted her head up toward the glass ceiling she froze in silent astonishment.
    They were in all black, carrying long swords and sporting thick black capes. Their faces were masked in shadows. The roof shattered and a rain of glass sped toward the floor. She covered herself with her hands to protect herself from the shards. She looked up again in rage but the warriors had not moved. They were floating on the air as if the glass was still there. Only when they descended did the screaming start. First they slaughtered her mother. Then they killed her father. After they were dead, the warriors started after the guests. The doors were locked so there was no escape.
    She fled to her bedroom and slammed the door locking the heavy deadbolt on it. She took a box from her closet and placed it on the desk by the wall. She started removing her dress, placing it gingerly in the box. She removed her shoes, placing them in the box as well. The screaming was starting to die down. She knew they would be coming for her next. Once they killed everyone else. She scribbled a note in a foreign language and placed that in the box as well. The warriors were at her door now, pounding on it, trying to get through. The last to take off was her mask. She desperately wanted to take off the veil that covered the bottom half of her face, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She took it off gently and placed it in the box.
    She put the lid on the box and put it under the floorboards, placing a protective spell on it. Then she stood up just as the door flew in. The four of them flooded the room.
    “You may have taken away my past,” she said, her back to them, “But I won’t let you take away my future.”


























    Chapter 1
    I woke with a start, my dark red comforter pushed aside with my abrupt movement. My calico cat meowed in protest as I slumped my feet over the edge of my bed. I ran a weary hand through my tangly, ash blonde hair. My cat meowed again to let me know she was still there. I dragged her over to me and put her on my lap. Absently I stroked her head as I thought about the dream that had been haunting me for the past month. The month before my eighteenth birthday. Just like the girl in my dream… I thought with unreasonable sadness. The dream was a dream and nothing more. It was just something my subconscious mind made up. It had no relevance to me what so ever. But there was still a nagging thought at the back of my mind.
    I looked over to my alarm clock to see what time it was. Three forty-five A.M. Rubbing a hand down my face, I got up and shuffled over to my computer. I turned it on and was greeted with the familiar hum of the computer brain. As I waited for my computer to load up I grabbed my iPod and turned it on to my favorite song. My favorite search engine came up right away. I decided to search for great underwater castles. The only things that came up were vacation spots ending up in Mexico. Or there was the occasional scientific find that had something to do with the lost city of Atlantis.
    “I must be out of my mind,” I mumbled groggily. So I decided to go back to bed. Thankfully, I fell into a dreamless sleep.

    The morning came all too quickly. The annoying buzzing of my alarm clock brought me back to reality, though reality was the last place I wanted to be. Actually, school was the last place I wanted to be, but I couldn’t seem to avoid it. So I got up and got dressed. Grabbing a quick breakfast, I headed out the door.
    When I arrived at school, Melody was waiting for me as usual. So I got out and headed up the cobblestone path to meet her.
    “Flannel and jeans again? Your wardrobe is in serious need of a makeover.”
    I shrugged and pushed past her. Melody and I were complete opposites, yet we were best friends. She was the preppy, energetic alto, and I was the laid-back, casual soprano.
    “You know,” she started, “Brett has been looking everywhere for you. I think he’s gonna ask you out.”
    “Melody, please. We’ve been through this already. I don’t need a boyfriend to make me happy. I’m fine the way I am.”
    “Well I just thought you would be interested.” She said sheepishly.
    “I appreciate that Melody, I do. But 1) Brett is a known jerk, and 2) I want to find someone on my own time. I want to be able to judge whether I’ll like a guy or not by myself. Besides,” I said with an impish grin “you should be more interested in who’s after you.”
    “What?! Who?! Tell me, tell me, tell me!”
    “No way. My lips are sealed.” I said as I zipped my lips shut and threw away the key.
    “No fair!” She whined. But we giggled as we entered the classroom. We went to our separate two-person lab tables. Mine was the only table with just one person at it. Mrs. Knell, our chemistry teacher, walked into the room then carrying two boxes. She was a rather young woman with dark red hair that was pulled into a thick bun on the top of her head. She was sporting a dark blue blazer, white tee and black slacks. Her high heeled boots echoed through the room as she stepped in front of the class.
    “Class,” she began, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, “We have a new student joining us today. He has just transferred here from Chicago, and I want you all to make him feel welcome. Class, say hello to Darien Rage.”
    On cue, a tall boy with black hair entered the room. He wore a tight fitting navy blue shirt, ripped blue jeans and brown sandals. He was, in the most literal of ways, gorgeous. With creamy pale skin that was flawless, and angular features.
    “Now, Darien, Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself.”
    “Sure thing, Mrs. Knell.” His voice was as thick and sweet as honey. “I’m originally from Portland Oregon, but I moved to Chicago when I was about ten years old. I lived there for about eight years. Then we moved here. I’m eighteen, and I’m eager to start school here.” He winked at some of the girls in the front row. I rolled my eyes and started doodling in my notebook.
    “Well, I’m sure you’ll fit in just fine. Your seat is right over there, by Ms. Craft. You may take your seat.”
    “Hello, I’m Darien Rage.” I lifted my head to find a hand in my face.
    “Mirako Craft.” I said grasping his outstretched hand. He looked at me with a smile.
    “Nice to meet you. I like a girl with a nice firm handshake.”
    “Thanks. My dad taught me. Right before he died.”
    “Oh. I’m sorry. I lost my dad too. Car accident three years ago.” He looked as if he were about to cry. I reached over and placed my hand on top of his.
    “You and your dad must have been really close.” I said consolingly. He nodded and covered my hand with his other. He gave a gentle squeeze and then let go. We took notes in silence. A few minutes before the bell rang class ended.
    “Hey. Can I see your schedule?” I said, reaching toward him. “I might be able to show you where a couple of your classes are.” He showed me his schedule. I looked through it once. Then another time. And a third time to make sure. Then I turned back to him with a smile on my face. I handed his schedule back to him.
    “We have all the same classes.” I said, beaming.
    “Hey that’s great! Then would it be cool if I sat with you at lunch, since I don’t really know anyone else?” He asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.
    “Sure. And, by the way, I love your eyes. They’re beautiful.” And they were. They were a gorgeous shade of jade green.
    “Thanks. I like yours too. They’re the most vibrant blue eyes I’ve ever seen.”
    I was really starting to like this kid. As the day wore on, we talked about everything. I realized how much we had in common. We had the same favorite color, liked the same styles of music, we even lived on the same street. By the time lunch came around, we had already talked about everything we could think of.
    “ So how did your parents come up with the name Mirako?” he asked. “I mean it’s a beautiful name, I’m just kind of curious.”
    “They didn’t. I changed my name when I was sixteen.” His quizzical look encouraged me to go further. “My father died when I was fourteen. My mother was completely devastated and committed suicide a year later. Since I had no other relatives and my grandparents were dead, I was put in an orphanage. I couldn’t stay with a foster family because that would only remind me of what I had lost. So I was legally emancipated. I got a job and used the money my parents left me to buy an apartment. I changed my name a year later and have been Ms. Mirako Craft ever since.” I finished my story with a reassuring smile.
    “I-I-I’m sorry. But you don’t seem to depressed about it.”
    “I have my moments.”
    “Just curiosity again, but what was your name before?”
    “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that curiosity killed the cat?” I asked mockingly. He laughed.
    “Yeah. I think I have heard something like that before.”
    “It was Arielle Martin. Before my parents died, that was my real name.”
    “That’s pretty too. So I was thinking, maybe you could come over to my house tonight for dinner. My mom is a fantastic cook.” His smile made me feel warm. Like the fire that was slowly dieing inside me had suddenly gotten another log of wood thrown on top.
    “You know what? I would love to join you and your mother for dinner.”
    “Great! I’ll pick you up around seven-thirty.”
    “It’s a date.” I said.
    “Awesome.”
    The rest of the day went by pretty quickly. Me and Darien did nothing but talk and, on occasion, we got yelled at. But we just giggled and continued talking. When I got home, I felt nothing but exhaustion and anticipation. It had been a long day but the day was well worth remembering. I laid on the couch and did what little homework I had. Then I just sat there and thought. I thought about my dream, and my new friend. And how everything was starting to turn around for me. Finally I closed my eyes and let a smile spread across my face.





    Chapter 2
    In the dream it was dark, and the only sound I heard was tapping. It was light at first but got progressively louder, until the sound was reverberating inside my skull. I cracked my eye open and looked around. It was still light and the tapping noise was still going strong. I got off the couch and went to the door. I looked through the peep hole and saw that Darien was standing in the hall outside my apartment, holding a bouquet of flowers. I cracked the door open.
    “Is it seven-thirty already?” I asked.
    “Yeah. I’m sorry. Were you asleep?”
    “Yes, but don’t be sorry. I’m actually glad you woke me up. Just give me five minutes and I’ll be ready.”
    I opened the door and ushered him into the apartment. I directed him to the living room and then went to the bedroom. I opened the closet and picked out a blue blouse and a black, flowing skirt. After I was dressed I brushed my hair and applied some make-up. I decided to wear a pair of black pumps. I walked out of my room and fed the cat before going to face my date. I rounded the corner and saw Darien admiring my family portrait.
    “You know, everyone says I’m a female version of my dad.” I said. I saw him jump a little at my voice. He turned around and his eyes widened.
    “Wow. I mean, you look really good. Absolutely beautiful, in fact. And you do look a lot like your dad.”
    “Thanks. Well if we don’t hurry, we’ll be late.”
    “Yeah I guess we should go.”
    He offered his arm and I took it graciously. We walked arm-in-arm all the way to his house. When we walked into his house we were greeted by an angelic looking woman. She had the same black hair and jade green as Damien. The only difference about them was that her eyes were just a little bit darker than his. She greeted us with a grin. But said nothing all during dinner. Later Damien explained that she had lost her voice. “Oh” was my brilliant response. We got back to my apartment and stood in front of my door just talking.
    “Well it’s late.” I said. “And I don’t want your mom to get mad at you for staying out too late. I’m kind of tired besides.”
    “Well then I’ll go. Sleep well and sweet dreams.”
    He bent down, and lightly kissed my cheek. I felt my face get beet red.
    “Um,” I stuttered. “n-night.”
    He smiled and turned away. Once he was out of sight, my hand reached up and gently touched the place where his lips met my cheek. A small smile broke out on my face. I slowly unlocked my door and went inside. I dropped everything and went to bed. The scene kept replaying in my head as I drifted soundlessly into a deep sleep.

    ***

    She was walking arm in arm with a tall young man, hidden in shadows. They came to a pool of light, and she turned around to face him.
    “Kiss me,” she whispered and pulled him into the light. His brown hair curled around his face and his hazel eyes sparkled. He leaned in close and kissed her passionately. Some one in the distance called. The name was muffled.
    “I must go. You will wait for me, won’t you?” she asked quietly.
    “Of course I will. I love you.” he said
    “And I love you.” She stretched up on her tip toes and kissed him one last time. Then she gathered her skirts and ran away, leaving the boy in darkness.

    ***

    My eyes fluttered open. My alarm clock was blaring and waiting for me to get up and turn it off. I did. I went into my small kitchen and found some bagels. I popped one in the toaster and searched for the cream cheese in the fridge. A gentle knock on the door pulled me away from the kitchen. I opened the door, but the hallway was empty. I looked down and saw a single red rose on top of a box of chocolates on the floor. A small note was tied to the rose.
    “Memorial Park @ 2:30. I’ll be waiting.”
    I looked up and down the hall once more to be sure I was alone. Then, smiling, I went back into the house. I turned on the T.V and watched that for a while. No big news. Only the same coverage of a fire down the street from me that happened about a week ago. I kept reading the little note that was crumpled in my hand. Then, with a sigh, I put on some clothes and headed for school, slipping the note into my back pocket. Upon my arrival, I noticed several police cars in the front of the school. Curiously, I walked up to the school gates. Laying there, in a pool of blood, was Melody.
    My knees buckled, and a soundless scream escaped my lips. I could feel the fat tears rolling down my face as I did the only thing I could: Sank to the ground with my hands over my mouth. It’s a dream I kept telling myself. Only a dream. But the evidence was overwhelming. Every time I tried to comfort myself, it reared it’s big ugly head and pounded into me again. I don’t remember ever getting into the car. I don’t remember going home. All I remember is that Darien was standing next to me, as I fumbled with my keys.
    “What happened?” he asked in a worried tone.
    “It’s…Melody…She’s…” I sobbed. I couldn’t even get the words out of my mouth.
    “Dead.” he said. It wasn’t a question. He knew. But how? I’d watched the news this morning and I get to school practically before anyone else does. There was nothing to suggest that he knew, unless he went to school very early and saw for himself. But that wasn’t possible.
    “How did you know that?” I asked. He didn’t answer. He just looked away from me. Down the hall, where a group of people stood. They were dressed all in black, with the shadows masking their faces. There were three of them and I realized as I looked back that I was staring at the fourth member. I felt a rage inside me burn so deep, that I was surprised at the sound of what came out of my lips.
    I started laughing. As I laughed, I could feel a dark power surging through my veins. Little sparks flew from my fingertips and soon turned into small flames. The small flames became little fireballs. I stared down at my hands in sheer amazement, still laughing hysterically. Then, turning, I hurled the fireballs at him and his posse with all my might. They didn’t seem phased at all. So I booked it the other direction.
    They were faster than me though so they easily overtook me. I struggled to get away, but their grip was tight on my arms. I yelped in pain. I closed my eyes, hoping it would end soon. Suddenly all the pain was gone. I felt myself fall to the floor. I curled myself into a small ball and rocked back forth trying to soothe myself.
    “Are you okay?” a small voice asked.
    “I’m fine.” I said, but sure enough, traitor tears were starting to fall. I couldn’t see the face that was speaking to me. I could only tell that the voice was male. And from the little episode I’d just had, I was a little skeptical about trusting this man. So, naturally, as he reached toward me, I flinched.
    “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. I’m here to protect you. You can trust me.”
    “Trust you?!” I roared, still not looking at him. “And what happens when you turn on me too? Then what? How can I put my faith in someone I don’t even know?!” I realized how rash and unfair I was being, but I didn’t care. I wanted to hurt someone the way I’d been hurt. I wanted to let them know that I was seriously doubting my ability to trust in anyone ever again. That’s when he put a hand on my shoulder. I could feel his breathe on my ear as he whispered to me.
    “You can trust me because I’m the boy from your dream”