Chapter One

“Can you help me reach this, Caleb?” Morgyn called from his room.

“Coming!” Caleb called back, walking toward him.

It had been a couple months since balance was restored. In that time, Caleb and Morgyn had moved in with me, though none of us spent a whole lot of time at home. I spent the most time there, as I had started posting videos online in an effort to try to find Ambrosia. People were so intrigued by the story that they followed it. I got famous quickly simply by documenting my search.

I sifted through emails and notifications.

“So, when are you, Caleb and Morgyn getting married? Is that even possible?”

“OMG you’re so lucky! Took the two hottest guys on the market!”

“Why don’t we see Morgyn in more of your videos?”

“So, could you maybe teach me a potion recipe?”

“What’s it like for you and Morgyn to be sages?”

“Ughhhhhh I just wanna meet you!”

I closed out of everything on the computer and stood up. I suppose I could have been flattered by the attention, but it distracted me from my ultimate goal; finding my daughter.

Caleb and I had agreed that despite her not biologically being my daughter, Ambrosia would still be classified as such because I was Ruby. I had no issues with that, as I got more and more excited about finding her, as if she really was my child biologically.

Whether she would see it that way remained to be seen.

I decided to make some tea to curb my growing headache. As I waited for it to brew, I felt arms around my waist.

I turned and was facing Morgyn.

“Oh hey,” I smiled.

He smiled back, but it was hesitant. Worried. “Hey you. Are you alright?”

I nodded. “Yeah. My head just hurts,” I explained.

He kissed my forehead. “Better?”

I laughed. “A little.”

He laughed too. “Maybe you should take a break.”

I shook my head. “I can’t do that. I need answers. Ambrosia needs answers.”

“But you’ve had these headaches a lot lately,” Morgyn protested. “Even Simeon and L are worried.”

“Eh,” I waved my hand. “I’ll be fine. It’s not getting in the way of my job.”

“Yet,” Morgyn added, concerned.

“If it does, you have my full permission to find a replacement for the sage of alchemy,” I said, turning around as the brewer beeped. I grabbed a mug and poured myself a cup.

“That’s not how it works,” he reminded me.

I sighed. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“You know what?” He asked, with a smile. “How about we all go out for dinner tonight?”

I smiled back. “That sounds nice.”

Caleb agreed from the doorway. “I second that.”

“Then it’s a date!” Morgyn exclaimed.

“A much needed break,” Caleb added, stepping toward me. “Something you need.”

I nodded. “I’ll find a place and let y-“

“No,” Caleb shook his head. “Morgyn and I will find a place. You, go take a nap. Just rest. You need time for yourself too.”

I sighed. “Caleb, I can’t. I need to find her, and now I have people asking me a million questions, I have potions to work on, students to train and -“

He cut me off with a kiss, like always.

I stepped back. “Jeez, would you stop doing that?”

He laughed. “You need time for you.” He pulled me into a hug.

I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder. “You’re right. I know. I’m sorry.”

Morgyn stepped behind Caleb and kissed my forehead. I smiled.

“Thank you, both of you.” I glanced between them. “I’m sorry I’m stressed, and snappy.”

“We get it,” Morgyn said. “Caleb is looking just as hard as you are, but he doesn’t have fans chasing him everywhere. And I’ve been in your shoes as a new sage. It’s not easy, but it gets easier.” He stroked my hair. “Especially when you aren’t distracted.”

Caleb nodded. “Now, go sleep.”

I put my mug down. “Alright.” I headed upstairs to lie down. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take long before I was asleep. I was exhausted. My searches lasted well into the night hours, and I would wake up early to start again. I had even taken a break from school to devote my time to all I did. I wasn’t sure if I would ever go back. My purpose seemed to be in the realm as a sage. And now, as this online persona. While I had never meant for it to turn out that way, I understood the interest. People are always interested in other people’s lives. That’s how vlogging and reality TV became so popular. In some cases it was morbid curiosity. In others it was a life they wished they had. To most, it was interesting to see what situations others were in. I wasn’t sure which category I fell under.

Surely, it’s not jealousy.

I awoke to Caleb rubbing my back. I rolled over and looked at him, smiling groggily.

“Hey,” I said quietly.

“Hey, we made reservations. We are due at the restaurant in an hour and a half. I wanted to give you some time.” He stroked my hair.

I smiled. “Semi-formal?”

He nodded. “Semi-formal.”

I sat up. “Good. I know just the dress to wear.”

Caleb stood up. “Then I’ll leave you to it, my love.”

I giggled as I blushed. No matter how many times I heard that, it never got old and still made me smile. I stood up and stretched, walking over to my wardrobe. I pulled out a short, black, tube top dress and walked over to the mirror, putting it in front of me. I smiled. Yes. I never really went anywhere formal-ish, so I never had a chance to wear it. I put it on and headed into the bathroom. I put my hair up in a fancy, tight bun, braiding the sides of my hair and pinning it up before wrapping the ends into the bun with the rest of my hair. I gazed at myself in the mirror and smiled. I cleaned up nice, didn’t I?

As I reached into my makeup bag, there was a knock at my door.

“Are you decent?” Morgyn asked.

I giggled. “Does it make a difference? It’s not like either of you haven’t already seen me otherwise.”

He opened the door and I saw that I made him blush. “Yeah, well…wow,” he stopped. “You look stunning.”

I turned around. “Thank you!” I saw he was wearing a white button down shirt and black pants. “So do you.” I walked toward him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and smiled at me.

“Are you alright?” He asked. “I know I ask that a lot, but I am really worried about you.”

I nodded. “Really, Morgyn, I’m okay. You and Caleb make sure of it.”

He laughed softly. “I know, but I can never tell what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours.” He poked my forehead. “I think you’re obsessing over this, and it has me worried.”

“Don’t worry,” I assured him. “It may seem obsessive, but I need to find her, and I’ll use any means necessary to do so.”

He nodded solemnly. “Just, please, take time for yourself too. Ambrosia deserves you at your best, and you deserve you at your best too.”

I could tell that he was truly worried that I was pushing myself too far. I smiled. “I’ll do better about thinking of my own wellbeing first.”

He smiled a little as well. “Good.”

I kissed him. “Now, I need to finish my makeup so I don’t keep my two handsome men waiting!” I whirled around to look in the mirror again.

Morgyn laughed and stood behind me. He gazed at me in the mirror. “Even if you don’t need it.”

I giggled. “I need a reason to get dolled up.”

He kissed my neck sweetly. I ducked away from him. “None of that, Mr. Ember! We have places to be!”

He laughed again. “Yeah, yeah, alright, I’ll be good.”

I winked at him in the mirror. “Better be.”

He grinned playfully. “I’ll wait downstairs with Caleb.”

“Alright,” I agreed. “I’ll be down shortly.”

As he left, I gazed at myself in the mirror again. The makeup covered up the bags under my eyes quite nicely, didn’t it? I sighed and looked down.

“Ruby,” I said softly. “Where is a mother’s intuition? I’m stretching myself thin and people are noticing.”

I knew there would be no response. She came to me in dreams. I was speaking to her as if she were a spirit. No.

“She’s me,” I said aloud. I looked in the mirror again.

We made our way to the restaurant and were seated by the window, overlooking the docks of San Myshuno. I gazed out over the river and smiled. It was a beautiful sight, seeing the lights across the river, shining over the small waves. They danced and swayed with the lights of the bridge. Like a waltz. The sight of the river and a resurface of one of Ruby’s memories faded in and out, intertwining themselves. It was Caleb and Ruby, dancing in the foyer of the house I had seen so much in my dreams. I guess I had never really seen Caleb as much of a dancer.

“Jade?” His voice called me out of my reverie.

“Hmm?” I responded, turning my head quickly.

Morgyn looked at me with a worried expression, and Caleb smiled slightly. “Do you know what you want?”

I gazed down at the menu in my hands. “I uh, yeah, sorry. I got sidetracked by the view.”

Caleb looked out the window. “Yes, it is quite beautiful, no?”

I nodded without looking up from the menu. “Mhm.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Caleb and Morgyn exchange glances. I knew what they were thinking. And I guess they were right. My mind was still preoccupied. I shook my head, as if I was shaking the memories and thoughts away. I wanted to focus on what we were doing now. Where we were. Who I was with.

“I think I’ll have chicken,” I said, putting the menu back down on the table. I didn’t look up, instead I traced the lettering on the front of the menu with my fingertips.

Caleb reached over and placed his hand on mine. “Jade.”

I stopped and scowled. “Yes, I’m okay.”

He sighed and stood up. He sat beside me and tilted my face to his. “Calm down,” he smiled warmly. He spoke quietly, softly, his words dancing around the thoughts in my mind and whisking them away for safekeeping. I looked at him and nodded slowly.

“Alright,” I said obediently. The word just came out of my mouth. I didn’t tell myself to say it. Did he just use vampire powers on me? Seriously?

I scowled at him, and he grinned playfully. “Desperate times call for desperate measures?”

I wanted to be mad, but I couldn’t. I laughed softly. “Pain in the ass, you are!”

Morgyn smirked, catching on to what just transpired. “I second that, Caleb.”

“Hey!” He laughed. “You’re not helping my case!”

We all laughed, and I felt a bit more free. So, sure, I didn’t like the fact that he used his command powers on me, but at the same time, I did. My mind was quiet for the first time in what felt like forever.

We ate and chatted for a long time. As we stood up to leave, I gazed out the window again.

“I think I want to just sit on the docks for a little bit,” I said.

Morgyn nodded, yawning slightly. He stopped himself and shook his head. “I’m going to go home and go to bed,” he smiled and patted his belly. “Food coma.”

Caleb laughed. “I’m thankful vampires don’t deal with such nonsense.”

I giggled and kissed Morgyn’s cheek. “I’ll see you at home.”

He smiled. “Alright.” He paused, just gazing at me. “It’s nice to see a genuine smile on your face.” He ran his fingertips down my cheek and stopped at my chin, tilting my head up as he leaned in to kiss me.

I blushed as he smiled happily. “Tonight was a good night.”

“Yes, it was,” he agreed. He took a step forward. “See you two soon.”

Caleb nodded and I waved. We paid and headed to the docks.

I stood there, gazing at the water, like I had from the restaurant.

“It’s captivating,” Caleb mused quietly, slipping his arm around my waist.

I looked at him as he looked over the water, his expression content. I smiled and brushed his hair away from his face. He blinked as I did, welcoming any movement I made.

“I had a small memory in the restaurant,” I whispered.

He looked at me with curious eyes.

“Waltz,” I said simply. He smiled, and his eyes looked up, as if he knew exactly what moment I was remembering.

“There were many a waltz between us,” he looked back at me.

I stepped in front of him. “Will you teach me?”

He looked shocked. “I…” he paused. “I-I’m not sure I remember.”

I put my hand on my hip and gave him a playful smirk. “Isn’t it like learning to ride a bike or whatever?”

He looked away silently.

I took his hands and positioned them as if we were to start dancing. “Please?”

He looked at me with sad eyes. “Jade, I…”

“Shhh,” I smiled. “Of course we don’t have to, but I saw it and I want to try it with you.”

He nodded slowly and pulled me closer. We started to dance, and it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it. Caleb closed his eyes, as if his own mind was taking him back to that moment. When he opened them again, a tear fell.

My eyes widened and I stopped. “Caleb,” I let go of his hands and stepped back. “I didn’t realize this was so painful, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright,” he protested. He took my hands again. “I quite like this.”

I nodded as we started to dance again. But now, he had a smile on his face as he gazed at me lovingly. The memory faded in and out again. I followed it. I let it guide my next moves. As Ruby leaned in to kiss him in the memory, I did the same.

He seemed shocked at first, but quickly wrapped his arms around me. We got lost in the moment, and lost in each other.

“Oh my GOD!” We heard, causing us to jump backwards and away from each other. “You’re Jade and Caleb! From SimTube!”

Caleb scowled, and I forced a smile. “Yes.”

“What are the chances?” The fan squealed. She approached me. “Can I give you a hug?”

I glanced over at Caleb apologetically. “Sure,” I agreed.

The fan ran over to Caleb and hugged him without asking. He hugged her back, but I could see he was really unhappy with her interruption.

I sighed. “We were just about to head home,” I stepped toward her. “But thank you so much for your support! I’m sure we will see you again soon.”

We started walking before she responded, telling her we were serious. I hung my head as Caleb looked straight ahead. He was angry.i walked ahead of him and stopped, blocking his path. I touched his cheek as I looked into his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I know this affects all of us. I never really thought I w–“

He cut me off with a frenzied kiss. I could tell he was still angry, but he was telling me without words that he didn’t blame me.

I wrapped my arms around him, resting my hand on the back of his neck, pulling him closer.

We stood like that for a few moments, once again lost in each other before we stopped.

He looked into my eyes. “I’m sorry.”

I smiled. “Don’t be. I like your spontaneous side.”

He laughed a little and took my hand as we walked.

“You reminded me of that memory,” he said. “I didn’t want it to end. When she interrupted, it angered me.”

I nodded. “I know.”

We were silent for a moment.

“We should host a ball,” I said.

“Huh?” He looked at me, shocked. “Like, a Victorian ball?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “With attire, music, activities and anything else from that era!” I realized I was getting excited.

He stopped and looked at me. “Why? Just for me?”

I smiled. “Maybe, but I also want to see life from Ruby’s eyes. Even if it’s just one night.” I shrugged. “Plus, it could be fun! It would be like a moment in time for us, but a costume party for others, no?”

He laughed. “Perhaps. I do think that’s a wonderful idea.”

I smiled and got back to walking, happily. I really wanted to plan this. But first, we’d need Ruby.

We got home, and I yawned. Caleb stood in front of me, running his hands down my arms.

“You need sleep,” he said, taking the pins and ties out of my hair and letting it fall. He smiled at me, stroking my hair softly.

I nodded. “I am tired.”

He also nodded. “I know. I can tell.” He took my hand and led me upstairs. Outside of my door, he stopped and kissed me softly. “Good night.”

I smiled. “Good night, my love.” I stepped into the room and quickly changed into my night clothes; a pair of short shorts and a tank top. I couldn’t be bothered to take off my makeup. I would do that in the morning.

Shortly after turning off my light and snuggling under the blankets, I felt a small kiss on my neck.

I giggled, turning to face Morgyn. “I thought you were asleep?”

“I hadn’t gotten there yet,” he explained. I could see his green eyes under the glow of the city lights. I moved closer to him, resting my head on his bare chest.

I closed my eyes. “Tonight was great.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “It was.” He sat up a bit, and I tilted my head to look at him. “Feeling better?”

I smiled and closed my eyes again. “I’m less overwhelmed, thanks to dinner and Caleb’s little mind control thing.”

“Good,” he whispered, running his fingers through my hair. He moved forward, prompting me to sit up and look at him. He gazed into my eyes and kissed me slowly. I ran my fingertips down his chest, craving him immediately.

**********

“Jade?”

“Huh?” I asked, looking around.

Ruby smiled. “Startled?”

“Oh, uh, yeah, sorry,” I said.

“Caleb and Morgyn are right,” her smile faded. “Don’t you feel it?”

“Feel what?” I asked, tilting my head.

“You’re driving yourself crazy,” she whispered. “I had never meant for your search to have such detrimental effects on you.”

I looked down. “I thought a mother’s intuition was stronger. Or maybe I just don’t have it.”

“Shhh,” she pressed her finger against my lips. “Sweet Jade, look at your surroundings.” She waved her hand and I saw my bedroom. I was lying beside Morgyn, asleep in his arms. She waved her hand again, and the room around us shifted to the living room, where Caleb was watching food tv. I found myself smiling. He loved watching anything having to do with food. Any chance he had, that’s what he was doing.

“The television has been such a wonderful invention for Caleb,” Ruby laughed a little.

I nodded. “Yes. He drives me crazy with it sometimes, but I love it. He makes the best meals.” I looked at Ruby happily. “He’s our holiday chef.”

Ruby laughed again. “Well he fits the part nicely.”

I just watched Caleb. “Yeah,” I said dreamily. “He does.”

“See that?” Ruby asked excitedly. “There’s Jade.”

“Huh?” I asked. “But I am Jade.”

Ruby took my hand. “You saw Caleb. You saw Morgyn. And for the first time in awhile, you actually saw them.”

She was right. Granted, I had that opportunity on the docks with Caleb before our fan interrupted us. But I had that with Morgyn before we fell asleep.

“It’s about balance,” she continued. “You’re stretching yourself thin, and at any moment, you could break.” She stepped toward me. “Don’t break.”

“How do I stop it?”

“Prioritize. As much as it may hurt, find Ambrosia in your spare time. Focus on being a sage, a teacher and mentor. When you come home, think of love, and happiness. Like you used to.” Ruby spoke slowly and clearly.

I nodded, soaking it up. “Right.” I sighed. “But doesn’t she deserve to know she was more than a perfect afterthought?”

“She’s not an afterthought,” Ruby explained. “But your searches will yield less results if you are stressed that you don’t find your answers quick enough.”

She wasn’t wrong. Part of the reason I was so on edge was because I had felt numerous times like I would never find Ambrosia. I wanted to just throw my hands up and walk away a few times.

“Now, what will you do?” Ruby asked, a sly smile on her lips.

“I will be the sage of alchemy,” I responded.

Ruby smiled brighter. “There you go!”

“Will you help me in my search?” I asked.

“I have been, Jade, but remember, I know as much as you know.” She closed her eyes. “Let me try something.” She snapped her fingers and the scenery around us changed. I watched her ghost travel from town to town, in and out of homes, rummaging for any information she could find about her long lost daughter.

“She would have been around four at this time,” she explained sadly. “And no matter how powerful you were in life, as a specter you don’t have all of these “haunting powers” people think you do. I couldn’t just teleport to be with her. I had no idea where she was or how she lived.”

I felt tears in my eyes. “I can’t even imagine.”

“You were my hope,” she said. “I made sure to be the spirit that entered your body when you were born. You were strong, powerful, destined for greatness. I felt it, and I knew you would be the one to save us, and save her.” Her expression turned serious. “But you must be aware that there may not be a happy ending.”

I nodded solemnly. “She could be dead.”

“Right,” Ruby sighed. “Though, I doubt that is the case. I assume I would feel like something was off. Or perhaps I would have met her in the afterlife.”

I glanced around, watching Ruby’s ghost continue to zoom in and out of homes unnoticed. She covered a lot of ground. A mother desperate to find and watch over her child.

“Perhaps if I had actually ascended, I would have been her guardian angel or something,” she said quietly, also watching.

“Was that a choice?” I asked.

“Yes,” she nodded, “though I am not sure a vampire would be welcomed by the angels.”

I smiled. “You know as well as I do that there are good vampires.” I knew she would know I was referring to Caleb, Lilith and her.

“Well, yes, but there are far more bad ones that our small ‘good clan’ wouldn’t matter amongst the rest, no?” She shook her head.

I laughed softly. “I’m sure heaven doesn’t work that way. Though, I’m not sure, since I’m not even sure what I truly believe.”

“My family were baptists,” Ruby said, watching herself in the movie that played around us. “I didn’t dare say anything about it, or Mother would have my head.” She looked at me again. “I should go. You need your uninterrupted sleep. Just remember what we talked about.”

I nodded. “I will.”

She smiled and dissipated, as did the memory.

I woke up the next morning feeling energized. I came downstairs happily to make breakfast for everyone. I called Morgyn and Caleb to eat as I served french toast.

Caleb was the first one in the kitchen, which wasn’t surprising.

“My, my, what do we have here?” He asked, a smile on his face.

“Well it looks to me like some brown bread that smells amazing,” I said, studying the food as if it was something I had never seen before.

He smiled. “I mean you.”

“Oh, just some random, weird sage girl.” I giggled.

“L?” Morgyn asked, stepping into the kitchen. The fact that he was serious made me laugh. He didn’t know what I was saying.

“No, me!” I giggled some more.

“Okay, I’m confused,” Morgyn rubbed his eyes. “But it’s good to see you in a good mood today.”

“Well I have to make a to-do list,” I said, sitting down at the counter. I saw Caleb and Morgyn exchange glances. I grinned. “There are a few new spellcasters who need training, and a few more who are stuck on potion recipes.” I thought for a moment. “Oh, there’s a spellcaster hopeful.who wants a tour. Do you mind showing them around a little, Morgyn?” I smiled at him.

He looked pleasantly surprised, as did Caleb. “Sure! Send them my way.”

“Thanks! You’re the best!” I took another bite of my food.

We sat and talked before Morgyn and I left for the realm, and Caleb for Britechester.

Once in the realm, Morgyn stopped me and playfully crossed his arms. “I didn’t realize that our little encounter last night would cause this much of a shift.”

I blushed, recalling said ‘encounter’. “I suppose that had a hand in it.” We started walking. “But I spoke to Ruby again, and she made me realize I was driving myself insane by obsessing over this. I need to spread my time out evenly.”

“Which is what Caleb and I have been trying to tell you,” he joked, playfully pushing me.

I laughed and pushed him back. “I guess I just needed to hear it from my inner monologue.”

He smiled happily. “It’s good to see you happy and less stressed.”

I smiled as well, but a little shyly. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been difficult lately.”

He caressed my cheek. “No,” he said. “Not difficult. But we have been worried. It’s nice to not need to worry.” He brushed his thumb across my cheek again. “And I love your smile.”

As his thumb came close to my lips again, I playfully bit it. “Thank you for being there for me,” I said in a weird way, still holding his thumb with my teeth.

He laughed. “It’s my job. Get used to it.”

I giggled and let his thumb go. I pecked him on the cheek. “We have work to do, Mr. Sage-guy.”

He laughed again. “Mr. Sage-guy?”

I started to walk away. “I had to get creative!”

As I turned to look at him again, he was just smiling, watching me happily.

I went into the various sections of HQ and helped students where they needed it. It seemed a lot of spellcasters were looking into practical magic. I sent them over to Simeon to continue their quests.

One young spellcaster came to me. She looked to be a young teenager.

“Oh wow!” She mused.

I turned around. “Hmm?”

“I’m sure you get this a lot, but you’re Jade, from SimTube!” She looked at me, her eyes sparkling.

I laughed. “Yes, that’s me!”

“Have you found your daughter yet?” She asked.

“Sadly, no,” I shook my head. “But we’ll keep looking, of course.”

She put her arms behind her shyly, trying to think of something to say without sounding completely starstruck. I decided to help her.

“Do you know what type of magic you want to pursue?” I asked quietly, placing my hands on his shoulders.

“No,” she admitted. “I was born as a spellcaster. I came here because it’s boring at home. My parents are like, never there.”

“Where are they?” I asked, confused.

“I always thought they were here,” she said. “I came here looking for them, but they aren’t here.” Her face brightened again. “But then I saw you!”

I smiled warmly. “Well, here,” I pulled out four books, one for each house of magic. “Skim through these and maybe something will jump out at you.” I led her over to a couch nearby and set the books beside her. “I’ll come check on you from time to time.” I held out my hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t ask you for your name.”

“I’m Jewel,” she smiled happily. “And thank you. You’re so cool!”

I giggled. “Thank you as well. It’s nice to meet you.”

I walked away with a smile, but that whole discussion bothered me. How could her parents just be absent like that? And without telling her where they were going? I found myself getting frustrated. I sat down at a desk to write out a lesson plan, but I couldn’t focus. I was going to make sure Jewel didn’t feel left out. I kept writing. This particular lesson plan was one I was writing for Morgyn. Because both of us specialized in untamed magic and alchemy, we often helped each other plan and tutored each other’s students. I was writing a detailed plan for a group of Morgyn’s students who were born into untamed magic. Morgyn has said he wanted something fun for them because a lot of them seemed disinterested in actually learning magic.

I rested my head on my hand, with my arm resting on the desk, sighing. I didn’t hear footsteps behind me.

“Writing Morgyn’s lessons again?” Simeon asked.

I looked up at him. He had a smirk on his face.

“Yeah, but I don’t mind,” I said, smiling. “It gives me something to do in my downtime.”

He smiled too. “I didn’t realize you had downtime. I know your mind has been quite preoccupied.”

I looked back down at the paper in front of me. “It was, but I’m managing it,” I sighed as I spoke, frustrated with all of this sudden curiosity about my behavior. “I was overworking myself and getting overwhelmed.”

Simeon nodded. “I’m not trying to upset you,” he explained. “I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”

“I’ll be better once I find my daughter,” I said dryly.

He patted my shoulder. “Keep an open mind,” he said. “You don’t want to fall down a hole looking in only one place.”

Huh? “Y-yeah, thanks,” I said as he walked away.

I rested my head on my hand again, staring down at the paper. But my mind was flooded again and I couldn’t focus. I closed my eyes and sighed. I stood up and headed back over to Jewel, grabbing the paper.

“Hey!” I greeted her. “Have you found anything interesting yet?”

“Y-yeah,” she stuttered nervously. “But I think you’ll say no.”

“No?” I shrugged. “Why do you say that?”

She flipped through a few pages of one of the books. “It says here that only the most powerful spellcasters can specialize in untamed magic.” She looked back up at me with curious eyes.

I bent down to read the passage of the book she was pointing out.

“I think you could do it,” I heard. I turned around and saw Morgyn smiling warmly.

Jewel gasped. “Oh my God! Morgyn! You’re even cuter in real life!”

Morgyn smiled brighter and laughed. “Thank you.”

“S-sorry,” she slinked down in her seat. “I shouldn’t have said that.” She looked at me as if I was the one the apology was meant for.

“It’s alright,” Morgyn and I said together. “I’ve heard worse,” Morgyn continued.

I giggled.

“Jewel,” I held out my hand. “I don’t want you to feel like you need to apologize for everything, okay? We are all really understanding people.”

Jewel took my hand and there was a really faint shock. My eyes brightened as I looked at her. Morgyn noticed this and smiled. If I was to be Morgyn’s successor in the event he chose not to be immortal, or god forbid something happened, then Jewel was mine. And she didn’t even know.

“Morgyn’s right,” I smiled happily. “I think you were born to be untamed.”

Jewel’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

I nodded. “Yes, absolutely.”

Morgyn slipped his arm around my waist, and Jewel smiled brighter. “You two really are an item too?”

Morgyn and I laughed and nodded in unison.

“I think Morgyn would love to train you,” I looked at him.

He thought for a moment. “I think I’d like us both to do the honors?”

I smiled at him, then back at Jewel. “That sounds good to me.”

Jewel looked so happy, and that made me happy to see.

“When can we start?” She asked excitedly.

“Tomorrow after school,” I said, looking at the clock. “It’s getting late for you, no?”

“It doesn’t matter,” her face fell. “I make my own schedule. It’s always been like that. Mom and Dad never really did, so…” she trailed off.

I started to feel angry, but I didn’t show it. “I’m so sorry.” Instinctively, I pulled her into a hug. There was another shock, but it was minor, like the last one.

Jewel tightened her arms around me, not wanting to let me go. I held her as long as she needed me to.

“I’ll go home,” she said sadly, pulling away from me. “But I’ll come back after school tomorrow.”

I nodded. “Alright.” I grabbed her backpack and put the untamed magic book into it. “Take this with you,” I said, zipping the bag and handing it to her. “It’ll hold you over until we meet tomorrow.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Jade.” She looked at Morgyn. “And Morgyn.”

Morgyn smiled warmly and bowed his head.

Jewel left, and I sat down.

“Her parents just don’t give a s-” I stopped myself. “They don’t care about her. They just do their own thing and let her fend for herself.”

Morgyn sat beside her. “But she found you.”

“But I’m not her parent,” I looked at him sadly. “I will help her through anything she needs help with, but her parents should be there for her more than they are.”

He looked at the floor. “You’re right, but there’s nothing we can do. How old is she? She looks like a teenager, but acts like she’s maybe ten.”

“I didn’t get an age, but yes, she’s in high school,” I said. “Her immaturity could also be due to inattentive parents.” I sighed.

He rubbed my back. “For what it’s worth, you made her day. You were really good with her.”

“It was like intuition,” I explained. I looked up. “Mothers intuition,” I thought aloud. “Huh, guess I do have it.”

“Definitely,” Morgyn agreed. “If I didn’t know you, I would have thought you were her parent.”

I smiled at him, then rested my head on his shoulder.

“You’re the best,” I said happily.

He rested his head on mine and took my hand. We sat in silence for a few.

“Going home at all?” L asked, laughing.

I looked up. “Yeah, soon.”

She smiled. “Well, I’m headed out. I just saw you two lovebirds and decided to stop.”

Morgyn laughed. “Hush.”

I stood up. “Yeah, home sounds like a good idea.” I held out my hand and Morgyn stood up and took it. We teleported out of the realm and back home.

I immediately smelled something cooking.

“Oooh,” I smiled. “What’s that?” I headed for the kitchen.

Caleb smiled at me as I walked in. “You were lured.”

I laughed. “Yes. What are you making?”

“Taco salad,” he smiled. “Your favorite.”

I nodded happily. “Absolutely my favorite!”

He kissed my forehead. “I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

I smiled and went into the living room to watch some TV. Morgyn stayed in the kitchen with Caleb.

A little girl appeared in the show, happily running around her yard with a dog. I sighed a little, thinking about Jewel. I hoped she was doing alright. I just imagined her, sitting alone in her house, reading the book I sent home with her. She deserved more than that. She deserved better.

I thought about a young Ambrosia, growing up with parents that weren’t hers. Potentially even her mother’s killers. Did she grow up like that? Unattended to? I sighed and turned off the TV, heading over to my computer. Sitting down, I saw my email notifications piling up. I ignored them for now and went straight to a search engine. I didn’t really know what I was searching for exactly, but I started with “vampires”. I got a bunch of stuff about vampires in fantasy movies, shows and novels.

“No,” I said quietly and started a new search. “Vampires in real life.”

The first page was a history of Forgotten Hollow and Vladislaus Straud. I rolled my eyes. Yeah, that annoying grand master vampire. Constantly harasses people to let him bite them. He wasn’t exactly subtle. It was like he knew everyone.

I stopped dead. He knows everyone. He. Knows. Everyone!

I jumped out of my seat and teleported away.

Chapter Two (click here)