The Kiss and the Curse
353 Words
Alex’s heart pounded as Miss Butters repeated, “Well, Alex—do you accept Jesse’s request?”
Alex swallowed hard, glancing at Annie’s furious stare. She forced a smile. “No,” she said.
Relief rippled through the class. Jesse’s smile faded as he stalked back to his seat. Lucas’s eyes met Alex’s, unreadable.
Miss Butters clapped her hands. “Good. Let’s move on—no more distractions.”
As the class dispersed, Luna leaned in. “Annie’s gonna come for you.”
Alex rolled her eyes. “I didn’t even accept the kiss.”
Luna’s face went pale. “You don’t understand. She’s a Nightmare Dhampir. She can mess with your head.”
Alex frowned. “Mess with my—”
Invisible spiders crawled up her arms. She shrieked, clawing at her skin. “Get them off!” she screamed.
Luna gasped. “She’s using her powers. Fight it, Alex!”
Alex couldn’t breathe—she felt spiders in her throat, her nose. She gagged. Tears streamed down her face.
“Focus!” Luna cried. “It’s a nightmare—nothing’s real. Picture something you love.”
Alex squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to think of Lucas’s warm smile. Slowly, the spiders dissolved, leaving only the sound of her ragged breathing.
She opened her eyes. Lucas stood before her, his grin cocky. “Nice job, love. Took you long enough.”
Luna exhaled. “Thank the gods you’re here.”
Alex glared at him. “Did you know Annie would attack me?”
Lucas shrugged. “She’s predictable.” He leaned closer. “But you’re stronger than you think.”
Alex blinked. “You were in my head again,” she accused.
“Always,” he said with a wink.
Luna sighed. “Let’s get to class before Annie tries round two.”
Alex glanced at Lucas. “How did you even get in here?”
Lucas grinned. “Maybe you pulled me in.” He winked again and disappeared into the crowd.
Alex shook her head, grateful but also suspicious—she had to get a grip on her powers.
- Writer
