Forbidden Course

Countdown to the unknown

4 minutes left, and then the light fades as if it were never there. I look to the witches’ circle hoping to see Mia, instead I catch eyes with an intriguing stranger and time stops along with my heart. Amber eyes with specks of black bore into me as if they can see my soul. His black hair runs in thick waves that are almost too long. His tan face looks as if it was carved by god's that knew what they were doing from his long-curled lashes to the shape of his perfect nose to his rosy plush lips that wrap around the most brilliant megawatt smile to the angle of his jaw and one heartbreakingly perfect dimple. He's muscular in a sporty way but somehow has an underlined gracefulness. He's a panther mid hunt, dangerous and mysterious. Those souls seeking eyes explore my body with unguarded desire. My cheeks flame and I know I'm blushing. Steeling myself I turn away from him I need to focus and as if on que the room turns red and my heart plunges.

3 minutes ….

I'm restless, I need to move. I start to move aimlessly around the room paying attention to nothing and everything at the same time. Inwardly I chant, in and out, in and out controlling my breathing and calming my nerves. Just when I think I'm calm enough to talk to my group I trip over my own feet nearly falling on my face, but strong hands catch me. I don't know how I know but I know it's him, my butterfly in the darkness. I want more than anything to face him, but strong hands no longer hold me, although I can still feel where they were like electric currents that run through my veins. Embarrassed and pleased my clumsiness has distracted me but as always reality sets in as I'm once more bathed in red.

2 minutes ….

I need to get back to my group. Walking carefully, I make it to my circle unscathed.

My team seems to have decide that casual conversation is the way to go to prepare for whatever is to come and for a second I let hysteria take over and it takes all my will not burst into tears. I catch a glimpse of movement from the corner of my eye and for the fourth time I'm stricken speechless by male beauty. My mouth must have been open as I stared at him because a graceful cream colored hand came up under my chin encouraging me to close it. A husky rich voice speaks to my ears, “Hello, I thought I'd introduce myself considering we're all stuck down here. My name is Fabian, and before you speak yes, I'm a day vamp. Day vamp meaning yes, I'm a vampire but not like the cartoons. I can walk in sunlight, I'm super strong, and I don't drink blood although I have fangs I'm not dead but my father was a vampire a pureblood and my mom was human so yes day vamp is a technical term for half-blood vampire. I’m eighteen, no I don't know what this is, but like the little witch I have also heard stories. Could you introduce me to your beautiful friend? She's an enchanting little creature.” Okay what just happened dazed I asked, “Can you read my mind?” “No I can’t, but I can hear very well I heard everything. Including who you are, your age, and your delectable friends name is Julia.” The way he says her name is almost like he's savoring it. Strangely it doesn't bother me.

But this dreadful red that covers us again is starting to piss me off.

1 minute……

Before I can protest Fabian places my arm in his and leads me like a proper gentleman to Julia. Who happens to be pacing frantically. As we come to stand in front of her blue eyes are filled with fear and curiosity, but swiftly turn into something darker as her gaze lingers on all that is Fabian. His auburn brown hair frames his fair skinned face, sharp jaw and angled nose. Deep brown eyes that greet her are just as enchanted as hers. His body seems to be leaning in as if he's drawn to her and I'm no longer comfortable. Coughing to draw they're attention I say, “Juju, this is Fabian.”

At the Same time, he grabs her hand and bends to kiss it. Juju turns a deep scarlet and I decide that's my cue to leave. Edging away I stumble into Dean. “Sorry.” I mutter still slightly confused at what I just saw. Before I can walk away he grabs me into a hard embrace, he whispers to me, “Kar, I'm scared.” he kisses my cheek and pulls away just enough to stare into my eyes. His are filled with sorrow as he gives me a small smile as he barely manages his words, “I’m glad you're with me, but I wish you weren’t.” a tear slides down my face as I choke out, “Me too Dean, me too.” We hold each other a little longer until Julia comes over with Ethan and Eyislee. Although I'm overwhelmed with emotion I know we can do this, this surge of unexpected confidence in myself and my team is a breath of fresh air and when the room is bathed in green I am ready.

It's time to play……….