Chapter Four – Jade POV

“And you!” Caleb threw his hands up. “Are you trying to make a statement in front of us?”

I narrowed my eyes. This interrogation was really pissing me off. “I don’t know what statement I’d be ma-“

“You fucking kissed him!” Caleb interrupted.

I fell silent, gazing between him and Morgyn, shocked. Terrified. Mortified.

“What?” I asked. I heard Marco’s voice echoing as he said it at the same time I did. He rejoined us.

“This is a joke right?” I continued looking between them.

“Does it look like I’m kidding?” Caleb glared at me.

“All we did was hug,” Marco said, confused.

Morgyn glared at him like Caleb glared at me. “No. I don’t want to hear anything from you.”

Marco stood back. “Alright, okay.”

I walked up to Morgyn and Caleb, resting my hands on their cheeks. “I would never hurt you guys like that. And especially right in front of you. I promise you, there are no feelings between Marco and I. I don’t know what happened. I don’t remember a kiss, and based on his expression, he doesn’t either. Maybe it was some type of magic. Some cruel joke.” I looked into Morgyn’s eyes. “Morgyn, you know there are spells for this type of thing.”

“That doesn’t explain your weird behavior with Marco even before today.” Caleb’s eyes pierced through me.

I shook my head. “Maybe we act too close, but Caleb, you were my best friend before we got together. We cuddled and hugged and acted like a couple sometimes. I can stop being too close with Marco. I promise you, there’s nothing going on.”

“It’s too late for that now,” he replied, his voice raspy with anger and hurt. He walked away to go outside with Aidoneus, who had taken Orion outside to be away from the commotion.

Marco furrowed his brow. “Damien.”

“What?!” Morgyn and I exclaimed together.

“Damien is dead,” Morgyn crossed his arms. “You can’t blame him for your behavior.”

“No, he’s alive,” Marco protested. “I saw him.”

“How? Who would have revived him?”

Marco swallowed hard. “You. You were brainwashed.”

Morgyn scowled. “So this kiss just goes back to me now? Sorry, Marco, but I’m not buying that. Like Caleb said, it’s too late for that.” He walked away, following Caleb outside.

I looked down at the floor, tears filling my eyes. Don’t cry, don’t cry. Marco put his hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged it off.

“Sorry, but we can’t do that.” I spoke quietly, my voice quivering. “I’ve already done enough damage to them.”

“I’m telling you, this is Damien’s doing!” He exclaimed. “He threatened me with manipulative magic earlier. He said his goal is to make everyone’s life hell. I think he plans to tear us all apart.”

I shrugged. “Well, then it’s working. I’m a cheater now. The two men I love saw it with their own eyes.”

Marco shook his head. “Let them calm down. They’ll come around.”

But they didn’t. Days passed, then weeks. We barely spoke to each other unless it was in the realm, about magic, or about Orion. Morgyn slept in a different bed. I stopped seeing Ruby in my dreams. Marco stayed away from the realm. I felt like I had lost everyone but my son.

Thankfully, Aidoneus helped me a lot. I often had to leave HQ to calm down when overthinking became too much. Aidoneus and I often walked the gardens together, just talking about life. Despite his slightly rough outward shell, he was a total softy. A great friend and an awesome person to be around. He was able to cheer me up almost immediately.

“You know,” he said quietly as we laid in the grass, watching the vortex and it’s swirling colors, “I believe you. And Marco.”

I smiled sadly. “Well, thank you, but it seems no one can get through to Morgyn and Caleb.”

“You’re right,” he agreed. “And after all you’ve all been through, you’d think they’d be a bit more understanding. You guys have been through some very complex things.”

“It follows us.” I nodded. “I assume because we are all gifted in some way. There’s always someone who wants to take it away or use our power for evil.”

He sat up. “You should talk to Marco.”

I shook my head quickly. “No. I’d risk so much more if I went to his house.”

“Then leave now. They’ll think you’re still here. And they’re too angry to come looking for you. But Marco needs a friend too.”

I sighed. “I’ll go tonight, when everyone is asleep.”

He grinned. “Sneaky.”

I laughed. “Yes. I’ve grown used to being sneaky.”

As promised, I left my apartment as everyone went to bed. I knew Caleb’s vampire energy was getting low and that he’d be cuddling up with Morgyn for the night. This, of course made me a bit jealous. It had been nearly a month since I had any interaction with them. It was like we were just roommates now. Roommates that barely spoke.

As I reached Marco’s building, I entered the elevator, hoping I wouldn’t wake him. I rang the doorbell and waited.

He opened the door, clearly in his bedroom attire; a pair of shorts and no shirt.

“Oh I’m so sorry!” He exclaimed. “Let me get dressed.”

“It’s okay.” I put my hand up. “I’m not staying.”

His face was red with embarrassment. “Uh, come in.”

I came in and he closed the door. “Why are you here so late?”

“Because no one knows I left.” I gazed at him. “Things are bad, Marco. They barely speak to me. And your absence has been painful too. I’ve stopped seeing Ruby in my dreams. Ambrosia is always so busy we barely talk. Jewel is at university with her boyfriend, and the only people I really talk to are Orion and Aidoneus.” I held back the tears filling my eyes. “I miss you, Marco.”

He pulled me into a hug and rubbed my back. It felt good to be held like that after so long. I closed my eyes, letting my tears fall, but no more came. Just being with him made me feel better.

Wait, what?

I pulled away, resting my hands on his chest. “What have you been doing?”

“Trying to get to the bottom of this whole thing.” He sighed. “I’m not really getting anywhere.”

We sat down on his couch, only the lights of the city illuminating the room. “Morgyn was manipulated to revive Damien. Damien then revived Vlad. He said there’s one more person they plan to revive. I tried to act like my old self to get info, but he caught on. That’s when…” he trailed off.

“He forced us to kiss,” I continued his sentence.

“Yes.” He gazed out the window. He sighed. “Anyway, I’m trying to figure out who the last revival is. Or rather, the next revival. I’m not sure if they’d be the last.”

I sat back, leaning against the back of the couch. “Someone who could potentially ruin someone’s life.”

“Yeah,” Marco nodded. “Do you know of anyone?”

I closed my eyes, in thought. “Not that I can think of. I haven’t had issues with many people.” I smiled at him. “One of them made quite the positive change.”

He laughed quietly. “And the other became…well, whatever he is now.”

I nodded. “I hate to say it, but the only thing we can do is wait until that person actually is revived. I don’t think we are going to find answers. The only people we can get answers from won’t give them to us.”

Marco sighed and put his head in his hands. “None of this makes sense.”

“It’s Vlad,” I explained. “He doesn’t often make sense.”

“I wish I had killed him,” he growled.

I closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. I was feeling very sleepy. “Well, we can find another way.”

He nodded. “Uh, you okay?”

I lifted my head. “Yeah, sorry. Just tired.”

“Why don’t you go home?* He smiled warmly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I gazed at him for a moment, but looked away when I had the urge to kiss him. I knew it was just that I craved any type of interaction from being deprived for so long. “No. I don’t want to leave.”

“I mean, you don’t have to,” he said. “I just figured you’d want to sleep in your bed.”

“I will,” I nodded. “I’ll just stay here a little longer.”

Once again, he brushed my hair away from my face. We were silent. The world was silent. Even in the darkness, I could see his eyes brighten. I took a deep breath, nervous. I knew if I didn’t stop it, I’d fall into it. Fall into him.

But I didn’t care.

We moved closer, our lips meeting, slowly and hesitantly at first, but we got lost in each other, wrapping our arms around each other, holding each other and satisfying our cravings for each other’s company. I caressed his cheek, moving my hand up into his hair. He slipped his hand behind my neck. I knew if we didn’t stop, we would crave something else.

As much as I didn’t want to, I broke the kiss. I had to draw the line there. As much as I had wanted it, I knew it was wrong. I was still technically in a relationship, even if it was quite strained, to say the absolute least.

“I uh, I didn’t expect that,” Marco said quietly, moving back to where he had been.

I folded my hands in my lap. “Yeah. Me either.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry.”

He laughed nervously. “Don’t apologize. You weren’t the only one who wanted that.”

“We can’t tell anyone,” I said.

“I know. I won’t.” He took my hand and gazed at me. “I promise.”

I smiled. “Good. Or you won’t get any more of those.”

He laughed again. “Oh, you planned more of them?”

I giggled like a school girl with a crush. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nothing in my life goes according to plan. So even if I didn’t plan it, it would happen anyway.”

“I hear that,” he grinned.

I moved closer to him again, not giving a damn anymore. “But I totally did plan more.”

He laughed mischieviously as I kissed him again. We stopped it quickly this time, ensuring that it didn’t go further. These feelings scared me. Eventually it would go further. I knew it. And I knew he also knew that.

But for now, we had self control.

“Jade,” he said quietly after a long bout of silence. “If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or need a friend, at any time, you’re welcome here. I have extra blankets and pillows and a guest room. I won’t hesitate to let you stay.”

“I’m glad you added that guest room bit.” I playfully pushed him. “For a second there, I thought you were trying to get in my pants.” I giggled, but my face turned serious. “But thank you. I really appreciate that.” I held up my fist, which he bumped with his. “Because best friends.”

He nodded with a smile. “Best friends.”

After awhile, I decided to leave. I could barely keep my eyes open and didn’t want to face the consequences of staying the night there. He walked me to the door.

“Will I see you in the realm tomorrow?” I asked quietly.

He stroked my cheek. “Sure. But I’m worried.”

“About?”

“Banishment. Again.”

“But you’ve done nothing wrong.”

“That doesn’t matter,” he shrugged. “The most powerful sage there is pretty pissed at me.”

I crossed my arms. “Oh is she? I wasn’t aware of this.”

He laughed, realizing his mistake. “Okay, so the second most powerful, as well as two of the other ones.”

“Well, that’s a decision all of the sages need to make together. And even if I’m outnumbered, I’ll always say no.”

He smiled warmly. “You’re too kind to me.’

“Oh, don’t start that nonsense, Marco.” I smirked.

“Alright, we both need sleep.” He stepped away from me. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I moved closer to him again. “I don’t know where you’re going.” I put my arms around him, pulling him into a hug. “Without that.”

As we pulled away, he smiled. “Fair.”

I gazed at him. “And this.”

We kissed again.

“Now, good night.” I smiled and opened the door. “See you tomorrow.”

He nodded. “You bet.”

I walked home with a smile on my face; my first that wasn’t because of my son in almost a month.

“Pff,” I grinned. “No feelings for Jade my ass.”

As I got into bed, I closed my eyes.

“Ruby?” I sat in darkness, calling out for her. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you mad. It wasn’t my intention. But I miss you. Please come back.”

Nothing. I sighed. The first kiss wasn’t even our fault. Surely she knew that. Where did she go? I sighed, rolling over and falling asleep quickly.

I was much happier the next day in the realm. Marco stayed true to his word, coming in and continuing to help Morgyn with lecture plans. It was good to still see them working together despite the unintentional kiss. I was thankful Morgyn didn’t know about the intentional few. I felt a pit in my stomach. Never would I have imagined I would keep a secret like this from the two men I loved. While I could say that it was due to them pushing me away, the fact remained that I cheated on them by kissing Marco.

The scariest part was that I didn’t really care and would do it again. I was a walking contradiction. I felt guilty but had no problem setting aside that guilt.

I sighed. I had grown so used to Ruby’s guidance too that being without her felt strange. Maybe that’s why I didn’t care. Maybe Ruby was my voice of reason.

But now she was gone.

I found Marco and nudged his shoulder. “Duel?”

He grinned. “Sure.”

We headed up to the dueling grounds and sat on the bench, away from everyone else.

“I figured you’d know I didn’t actually want to duel.” I smiled and rested my head on him.

“You’re playing with fire, Jade,” he warned.

I sat up again. “You’re right. Sorry.”

“Hey,” he tilted my head toward his. “Don’t apologize. I don’t mind you doing that at all. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. If anyone saw, it would get back to them.”

There was that out again. “I hate keeping secrets. I’m not like this. I’m not a cheater. Why am I cheating?”

“You’re the only one invested,” he said quietly.

I started to get angry. “You’d think they’d give me a chance, given I’ve never done this before. And Morgyn knows about the infatuate spell Damien used. He knows it exists and he knows how it behaves. Yet, he doesn’t believe us?”

“Spellcasting is one thing. Jealousy overpowers any magic anyone could have. He knows it exists, sure. But seeing what he saw made him push that knowledge aside.”

I put my head in my hands. “You have no idea how close I am to just packing up and leaving that house.”

“Isn’t it yours?”

“I don’t care. They can have it. I’ll get a two bedroom for Orion and I.” Just the thought of it brought me so much pain.

Yet again, at the same time, I didn’t care.

He stood up and took my hand. “Let’s actually duel, okay? Keep your mind off of it?”

I smiled. “Sure, okay.”

I was surprised when I won. Sure I was more powerful, my head wasn’t in it.

Marco smiled and pulled me into a hug. “Great work.”

I giggled. “You’re treating me like I’m one of your students.”

He pulled away, gazing at me with a grin. “I’m not allowed to be proud?”

I stepped away, waving my hand. “Oh come on, Mr. Lew! You know I can kick your ass any time!”

He laughed. “That’s fair.”

After a little while, we went back to HQ and got back to work. I hadn’t been working for too long when Aidoneus approached me.

“Are you even going to try to make it work with Caleb and Morgyn?”

I narrowed my eyes. “Of course I am.”

He gestured toward Marco. “I saw that. You two disappeared for awhile. Came back happy and smiling at each other. It doesn’t look good.”

My eyes widened. “We went to the dueling grounds. We just talked and had a duel.”

“But from an outsider’s point of view, do you see how it looks?”

I nodded. “Yes, of course. But no one else will be paying attention. They have other things to think about. Not where two people they see every day are disappearing.”

He sighed and shook his head. “You’re only going to get yourself hurt.”

“I know what I’m doing,” I looked around. “We aren’t being stupid or doing anything we shouldn’t.” I hoped he’d believe my lie.

He actually seemed to, and I was relieved. “But sneaking around makes people talk.”

“At least some people would be talking, then,” I scowled. “I go home and it’s radio silence from them.”

He nodded. “I know, but you can’t be reckless. Talk to them first. State your intentions. ‘Let’s work it out or I’m leaving’ kind of thing.”

I shook my head. “I’d already know their answers.” I gazed up at the clock. “I’m going home. Maybe I’ll have the courage to say something another day.

He sighed and waved. “Good luck.”

I nodded with a sad smile. “Thanks.”

At home, I flipped down on the couch and turned on the TV. Orion immediately came over and took my hand. He led me to his play area, and we sat down at the dollhouse to play.

We had been playing for maybe fifteen minutes when I heard the special broadcast music playing.

“I’ll be right back, baby,” I rubbed his back. “You keep playing, okay?”

“Okay mama!”

I walked around to the front of the tv and watched, turning it up a little.

“Reporting live from Newcrest with a developing story. A young, nonverbal woman has been found wandering around. She has no identifying information, and police need your help.”

“That’s a shame,” I thought aloud.

The broadcast continued. “Police have released this sketch of the woman to honor her privacy. If anyone has any information, they are urged to contact the Newcrest police immediately.”

Intense fear washed over me. I know all of the color drained from my face. No. It couldn’t be. It was Ruby.

“Caleb!” I exclaimed.

He came running. “What is it?”

I pointed a shaky hand at the screen. “Look.”

“The woman is currently being treated for injuries at Newcrest hospital. We ask that the public respect her privacy and only come to the police with information. Thank you.”

And with that, the broadcast was gone.

I glanced at Caleb, who looked just as shocked as I was. I rested my head on his shoulder and looped my arms around his. I knew he didn’t particularly like me at that moment, but he needed comfort.

“We need to call,” I said quietly.

He shook his head. “Jade, she died in the 1920s. If they check records, they’d see that. How would we explain that a dead woman suddenly came back to life more than a hundred years after her passing?”

He wasn’t wrong. I pursed my lips. “Go to the hospital,” I said. “Talk to her. If she’s looking for a familiar face, yours would be it.”

He nodded and surprisingly kissed my forehead. He rushed out the door. I went back over to Orion, my heart pounding.

As we continued, I got a phone call.

“Hell-“

“Oh my god, Jade, are you alright?” It was a very frantic Marco.

“Uh, yeah? Why?”

“They found a woman in Newcrest!” He exclaimed. “She’s not talking. They released a sketch, and I was sure it was you.”

I sighed. “It’s Ruby.”

“Ruby?!” He paused. “That’s it. She’s the last.”

“Oh my god,” I said quietly. “But how would she ruin our lives?”

“I don’t know yet,” Marco admitted. “But they clearly have a plan for her.”

I nodded. “She can’t even rest in peace.”

We ended our call, and I sat back, staring at the ceiling. What were we going to do now? Poor Ruby. She must have been so confused. I knew I needed to see her too.

But not right now.

As it got pretty late, I put Orion to bed and laid on the couch. What did Vlad want? I furrowed my brow and pulled out my phone.

“Tomorrow, don’t go to the realm,” I texted to Marco. “I’ll meet you at your house.”

“Okay, why?”

“I have a plan, and I need you for it.”

“What’s this plan?”

“If I tell you, you’ll try to stop me. And I’ll go with or without you.”

It took a bit longer for him to reply. “Okay…”

I smiled, amused. I could only imagine he had sighed exasperatedly and rolled his eyes a few times.

I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep quickly.

I awoke the next morning to find I had a blanket over me. I was still on the couch though. Clearly someone was thoughtful enough to keep me warm. But as I looked around, no one was there.

I got up and ready, leaving to go to Marco’s house.

“We’re going to the hollow,” I said, grabbing his shoulder. I teleported us there.

He sighed. “Well good morning to you then.”

I smiled. “Good morning.” I turned quickly and started heading toward Vlad’s house.

“W-wait, Jade, what are you doing?”

I didn’t reply and continued walking.

“Jade!” He teleported in front of me. He placed his hands on my shoulders. “What are you doing?”

“Getting answers.”

“No. Stop. We need to form a plan.”

I sighed. “Wasting time.”

“No, it’s not getting ourselves killed.” He furrowed his brow in frustration.

“Alright, okay, fine. So what’s the plan?”

“Well you brought me here. What’s your goal?”

“I want to know why he’s doing this.”

Marco nodded. “Okay. So don’t go in there, arms flailing, accusations flying. He’s dangerous. You know this. Stay calm. Offer to help, and say that’s why you need his reasons.”

I nodded. “Are you coming in with me?”

He nodded as well, caressing my cheek. “You know I’d never make you go in alone.”

I took his hand and moved it away from my face. We were right by Wolfsbane Manor where Lilith and Kris lived now. I didn’t want them to see Marco’s affectionate gestures. “I appreciate that.” I turned again, walking slower to Vlad’s mansion, Marco following close behind.

Vlad greeted us at the door. “Ah, Jade! Welcome! I see you’ve brought a friend this time. Probably a wise choice.”

The last time I had visited Vlad like this was to get information about Ambrosia. Since she was a vampire, I thought Vlad would know about her. I was right, but he ended up holding me captive for a few days. He wanted to have Kris revived, but I had initially refused. I gave in when he threatened Ambrosia later on.

Jeez, this guy really had a thing for resurrections, huh?

“Vlad, I just want answers. You got what you wanted; your life. You had Damien for that. So, why Ruby?” I grabbed my arms for comfort, looking down. “She just wanted to rest in peace.”

Vlad smiled. “See, she was just revived for fun. I knew how Caleb would react. She was his first love.” He leaned in. “Now that she’s separate from you, who knows how he will act. Perhaps he never loved you.”

“Hey!” Marco shouted. “That’s enough.”

Vlad grinned. “Though, I didn’t need to put a strain on the relationship anyway. Damien told me what he did. And how angry Caleb and Morgyn got at you.” He looked at Marco. “And here you are, protecting her since Caleb and Morgyn can’t be burdened with that task.”

“They don’t know I’m here,” I said. “I just want to know what you want.”

“Chaos,” he smirked. “Which I’m getting. And of course, my son. If I need to kill Lilith to get him back here, I will.”

“I can talk to him,” I said. “But we need an agreement.”

“I’m listening.”

“I talk to Kris. Have him come to you to talk. And you no longer bother the Vatores or anyone else. No more revivals. No more chaos.” I glared at him. “Clear?”

“Will you sign in blood?”

“Whatever makes you stop.”

Marco looked hesitant. Vlad smirked at him, but didn’t say a word. Marco also stayed quiet.

“Then let’s write it up,” Vlad agreed.

We went inside and drew up the agreement. I signed in my blood. Vlad picked up the paper and sniffed it.

“Ah, you’re so tempting, dear Jade.”

I glared at him. “Shut up.”

And with that, I teleported away with Marco. I sighed and looked at Wolfsbane Manor. I approached it and knocked on the door. Lilith answered and invited us in.

I explained everything and begged Kris to go talk to Vlad. After awhile, he agreed.

I put my head in my hands as everything got to me. Vlad’s plan was working. I was feeling lost and broken.

Lilith sighed. “I heard what happened in the realm.”

Marco looked away, and I gazed up at her. “We don’t remember it at all, but Caleb and Morgyn won’t listen.”

She shrugged. “They’re confusing. But know this. I believe you. If they don’t, that’s on them. And if you’re unhappy, say it. If you’re confused, say it. If you’re not happy, take a break. Go somewhere else. Somewhere safe.”

I felt butterflies in my stomach imagining myself showing up at Marco’s house out of nowhere. “Yeah.”

We were all quiet after that. Eventually, Marco and I left. I stopped at his apartment before going to mine. We had been in the hollow all day. By the time we stepped into his place, it was dark.

We sat on the couch. He sat up and I rested my head in his lap. He stroked my hair softly, trailing his fingertips down my cheek.

I smiled at him. “I really appreciate you, Marco.”

He smiled back. “And I appreciate you.”

I sighed and closed my eyes. “Careful, you might put me to sleep.”

He didn’t stop, laughing softly. I knew he didn’t want me to go. Frankly, I didn’t either.

His fingertips stroked my cheek again, then down to my neck. I shivered and bit my lip softly. He trailed them back up to my hair, then back down again. I moved my head as his fingertips met my neck for a second time. I felt goosebumps fill my skin, a bit of lust growing inside of me. I pulled myself up and gazed at him. His eyes sparkled like they often did when I looked into them. He trailed his fingertips down my neck yet again and I closed my eyes, leaning into his hand. Opening them again, I caressed his cheek and moved closer, tilting my head as we kissed. I pulled myself onto his lap and he cradled me in his arms. I broke the kiss and gazed at him, resting my forehead on his.

“I feel like I’m walking into fire and I don’t care if I get burned.”

He smiled. “I’d never let you burn.”

I giggled. “You’d better not, or I’d burn you.” I kissed him again.

He rested his hand on my back, gently laying me down on the couch. He brought his fingertips up my side, grazing my skin under my shirt and I shivered. My weakness. I began to crave him more, while my mind screamed at me to stop.

So I ignored it. I knew I shouldn’t have. Part of this was hurt. Another part was anger. But most of it was that I felt like a statue in my own home. I felt alive when I was with Marco.

His fingertips on my skin drove me crazy. I held him closer, and he broke the kiss to move to my neck. I got lost in him, letting out a quiet moan. My screaming morals grew louder. I tried to ignore them, but I couldn’t. Despite my desire for Marco, I let out a frustrated growl.

“I can’t do this,” I said, my voice hoarse.

He sat up again. “I’m sorry. Did I take it too-“

“It wasn’t you.” I sat up as well, sighing. “I know it’s wrong, and my head wouldn’t shut up about it.” I gazed at him. “I want you, Marco. More than I can even attempt to describe. But not like this. I may not be happy in my relationship. I feel ignored, hated, like I’m nothing. Constantly reminded of a mistake I didn’t know I made. But I still am in one, and I can’t keep going like this with you until I’m not in it. And that mistake I didn’t know I made, well I’m willingly making that mistake every time I give into my desires and kiss you.” I looked away. “It feels right, but I know it’s wrong.”

He nodded. “Really, I understand.”

I stood up. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for backing me up today.”

He smiled and pulled me into a hug. “I’ll do it anytime.”

I smiled and closed my eyes, soaking in the feelings of his embrace. “Thank you.”

Chapter Five (click here)