Girls of Might and Magic An Anthology By Diverse Books with Magic

The hymn of Heaven was in the sweet air and Lightly wafting through her golden string hair. She imagined the fresh beat of a snare And reminisced upon the most special of days, Of magical parades and cheerful shouts of Hoorays that were unheard By the wandering giants. It was a dear time of vibrancy And sheer appreciation just to be alive. Now...the giants were no longer And the azizas continued to rightfully strive. Portia felt such immense pride back then, Even when she had to unfairly hide. Why did she stay? To her utter dismay, She could never ever dream of leaving. Though, presently, she was forever free to roam All lands at her leisure. She still wasn't so sure. Her sparkling wings only twirled The unfamiliar familiar. The mere thought of fearless exploration Filled her with a forbidden pleasure. A rare treasure, indeed. Despite it all, she forbade the trade. “I’ve stayed here by myself for long enough!” The tirelessly indecisive fairy shouted at herself as she continued pacing around her tiny fungus home. Her white lights for eyes darted back and forth, to the left and right, up and down, without a blink or muscle

movement of any type. Her heirloom guest house was built on the lushest rainforest floor showcasing the best sunrise and sunset view in the entire aziza fairy village, nestled in the gnarled tree closest to her village's estate. The estate was now empty, and had been since the end of the giants' rule of the world. After several centuries of her magical healing kind hiding for fear of being captured by the evil giants that viciously stomped around, the world was finally for the taking for anything that creepeth. What was the point of building a big city just to “take a trip” to the woodlands, exactly? Portia always wondered this but never told a magical soul. She usually overused her super strong wings, expertly flitting around without even thinking about it. However, whenever she was pondering anything she considered to be a major decision, she used her legs which rarely ever touched the ground. In these unprecedented moments, Portia infrequently chose to aimlessly pace with her dainty feet. Her quaint, nearly invisible village was completely abandoned and had been for some time. So long so that she’d begun to believe that she was hearing disembodied voices. She couldn’t remember how long now. The lone fairy also faithlessly convinced herself to believe it was her own psyche, though. Even still, it terrified her more than anything ever had before, including the giants, also known as the most destructive creatures in their formerly not-so-shared world. “Who’s there?!” Portia’s high-pitched voice shivered equally with curiosity and excitement. She twirled around, kicking up loose pollen dust which would usually cause her to sneeze. Her sheer silvery wings twitched ever so slightly but flapped so fast it was more of a detailed blur. Nothing or no one responded to her fearful call. She scared herself unwillingly, not used to hearing her own voice in their shrill language with no one left to talk to. It matched a distinct decibel so high that no mortal could hear it, let alone decipher it. After several painstakingly long moments, Portia landed lightly into a very soft rose petal recliner in all of its golden glory. Yellow roses were her favorite, but they were a rarity inside of the village and out. It was delicate in all of its velvety luxury, adorned in a morning dew that mirrored her every action. Her late father had the imported flora refurbished right before his unfortunate passing and the outer world's ending.

Her family’s estate, the oldest and largest tree in the dense forest, came crashing down when the giant’s “magic” began to explode all around, from every direction, one fateful day. It was the end of their world but the rebirth of ours, or so she thought it would be. The ageless sacred tree that had been the safest haven as a generational sanctum for most of her kind collapsed in a fiery burst, killing everyone inside. From the simmering ashes similar to that of the coveted Phoenix, the most beautiful glowing bud appeared from the land to continue to provide sacred protection for a home it could no longer properly serve. Portia knew this in her heart to be nothing less than truthful. Without her beloved father who was the benign King, she couldn’t convince any of the others that were remaining to stay. They fled into the night, leaving her forever alone. The unfunny fact was she would've been more than okay about the giant world ending as they knew or hated it to be...but only if most of her kind had survived the utterly senseless destruction. Despite what happened, there was no time like the present. And that was now, which she’d learned in a class about giants and their concept of time so long ago. It could almost be understood as to why it was so precious to them after all, but in comparison to what they did with said time, it definitely didn't show. She was to be the next Queen and it was time to leave Dahomey, known to the deceased giants of the world as present day Benin. Her mind raced as she thought of how she could make the best haste in preparing for her immediate leave to the beautiful seas. She promised herself if she were ever granted leave from their village, she would traverse amongst the watery depths and its creatures for a few hundred years or more. "I wonder what I'll discover! I'll be a pioneer princess…" Portia yelled in confirmation as she blissfully twirled around with excitement, unwillingly creating greenish, earthly sparks and bursts of neon color as she did so. She began to focus her inner magic on resealing the village with a hive enchantment protection, including what was remaining of her family's forgotten estate. Feelings of intense guilt panged at the young magical being but she couldn't let that get in the way of what she was about to do. What if something happens?! What if the others come back and I'm not here to help or save them? Take a deep breath, Portia.

Zoya... Once her magical leaves of concealment were properly stowed away, Portia's tiny magical vessel generated such a beautiful warmth that she began to project a golden glow all throughout herself. She fiercely took to the cloudy skies to get a bird's eye view of her home. With all of her nearest and dearest possessions in secret tow, she bravely did the unthinkable without the slightest bit of thinking. For worry of being seen, she had never flown so high before. The young maiden felt so light and airy at such a high altitude. This was especially strange to her because she was already so small in stature that she always felt like air, anyway. This new feeling somehow made her feel completely weightless. It's so cool and free up here. An unexpected wind gust nearly swept her away with its strength. She giggled at its surprising tickle. Within moments, she could smell the tinges of warm Atlantic ocean air as it confidently flirted with the currents high above the precipitous clouds. The new aroma consumed her entirely and she closed her tiny slanted eyes tightly as if to commemorate her departure from the fairy nesting grounds for good. Overcome by a haze of familiar thoughts, she still wasn't sure how big the world really was or if she'd ever find her way back to the only home she'd ever known but she could readily accept that. Princess Portia let the intoxicating breeze carry her tiny frame high and deep into the cooling mist of the soft clouds and almost prayed to her ancestors to become lost within them. She'd be okay with that, too. She never wanted to forget this moment. And, with what occurred next, it was doubtful that she ever would. Her pointy ears began to twitch ever so slightly. It was her body's natural defense mechanism, warning her of imminent danger. But then there it was‒ clear as the perfect day she was presently and literally flying within. It was a small giant's voice calling for help! He was an ocean away. I have to know if that's real or only a figment of my imagination. Young Yasmin How can I damn them…? When I am them?

Well, not exactly… I was before but that's beside the point. It's not the ideal contract When one must lure human souls away. Some are composed of invaluable gold diamonds. Others, of the dullest pewter. There's quite a bit to consider When it's NOT so black and white. Obsidian or pearl? It's such a fright when I feel the way that I do. Delivering the unwelcomed, bitter news Can be such a killjoy. Spiritual turmoil, even for a demon like myself. It's downright deceiving and intellectually condescending, And, virtually never-ending. Tending to it is a daunting task more than any. As it is trending daily in socially public news. Negative reviews only. I have the human "blues" from The catch 22s of life and death, All dependent on either the first, the next or the final breath. Why couldn't I have become a muse or a guardian angel?! Nonetheless, I strangle the humanity from humans That I so desperately desire to claim as my own. It's a requirement. Just a part of the job… Yasmin continued to ponder, Unable to successfully escape her mind's reality of Hell. Notwithstanding, I just find it [to be] super odd that I can feel this way In the first place.

In the brightest corner of the Underworld of the Ancestors of God's People, a young demoness incessantly twiddled her former human vessel's thumbs. Even though time has no meaning for her kind or anything that wasn't considered living or mortal, she still found it fascinating to practice complex concepts such as boredom. Yasmin swore she truly thought she was beginning to understand it for the first time in her post-existence. "I'm soo hungry," Yasmin cackled at her own foolishness. She rolled her eyes and nonchalantly blew on her nails. "Hey, I'm getting better at this!" She rolled over onto her back within the black void bubble of her own creation. The one space no one could find her. The very place she'd called home for thousands of years. Rolling back over, she morphed a piece of dark matter floating nearby into a cell phone and tried to place an emergency call. The young soul collector really missed prank calling the dispatchers. Now, no one answered and there was nothing but gloomy silence on the receiver's end. What was left of her memories was brutally shot and she couldn't remember much, not only from her former existence but also the present one. She couldn't even remember her favorite humans anymore. Anything about them...their unique names, where they lived, their final pleas, what they died from, their endearing families, nothing at all. It was so unfair! "Ugh!" Yasmin sighed. Most of the other demons, free from their duties, fled the universe at first chance. She'd thought about it but could never dream of departing and leaving the human world behind that she missed so much. It was her home...before and after death. Yasmin began to curse herself and her deadly form. She crazily beat upon her horned head several times in an accidental rhythmic beat. "Ouch! Haha that didn't hurt but I almost felt it. Why must I remain here oh Holy one? The others are gone…" Her low-toned voice was muffled in the blackest of darkness. She expected a real answer from the Almighty as it wasn't meant to be a rhetorical question. Her frustration was surely real and multiplying with each passing eoni. The lone demoness nicknamed human terms, oftentimes to remember them better. Yasmin tried to refocus her blank thoughts as her steamy breath began to regulate again. Once the false excitement had ended. A jarring buzz in her head made her medium sized horns heat up to a fiery red as the unexpected incoming message began to decipher itself. It

burned hotly and then cooled as it darkened against the tan hue of her scaly skin. The incessant ringing that followed almost made her think that her "phone" was also receiving an incoming call that she wasn't expecting. The vibration reverberated throughout her entire demonic being. This familiar feeling was reminiscent of a distant memory as Yasmin desperately tried to recall it. When was the last time she felt this way? She didn't know for sure. She knew it had been over 50 years at least. The fateful day that the end of the human race disgraced us with its presence, there was nothing but hellfire covering the face of Mother Earth. Times were busy and bad. Yasmin distinctly remembered working overtime to collect all of the damned souls roaming freely. Being responsible for this felt like she was damning herself. Yasmin was, after all, the last collector of souls present within this universe. "What do I do?!" Yasmin panicked a bit, standing to her feet. Could a demon's prayers be heard and answered? She began to heavily pace as a million and two thoughts flooded her frazzled being. Yasmin briefly thought of the darkened dungeons that were now void of anything and how lonely she'd felt even before the mortals destroyed each other. Even the droning sounds of dread and doom were no longer resounding throughout every torture chamber. She vividly remembered her comrades being full of happiness to be free while she was left behind to be the only underworldling that felt indifferent about it all. The demoness couldn't go, she couldn't stay and as a result, couldn't be. "August Jovan...the last human," A baritone, unrecognizable voice that she couldn't place set her horns aflame once more, ending the message in an alluring whisper of a sigh. "Who? What…?" Yasmin grabbed her pounding head and stammered backward into the nothingness of the bubble within the void she resided in. When she regained herself and opened her eyes again, they were shining bloodshot red with the intensity of an imploding star and she grinned widely despite herself. "It's MINE!" Yasmin growled in acceptance of her long awaited mission. Her primal mode had involuntarily kicked in and thus, the bored demoness was no longer in control. The time had finally arrived to fulfill her eternal duty to the Void realm and her master.

Her eyes darkened to black and she whispered one word and one astral spell only. In her mind and to her damned soul's core. “Zoyi!” The blackened bubble disappeared and so did Yasmin. Her burning frame blasted into the midst of a hurricane sky, overcast with the darkest clouds she'd ever laid eyes upon. The cold ocean raged on, tossing a ship that was barely out of view. A large glowing insect whizzed past her as she adjusted her eyes to the insufferable waves. A young boy's body bobbed in the near distance, in and out of the water. He was desperately clutching a broken wooden board, barely alive for the taking. Tantalizing Troi The arousing feelings of soft sand nestled Against my pastel, iridescent fins should be A guilty pleasure. My earliest morning begins with a spiraling spin cycle Out of my burrowed sleeping shell. Like counter clockwork at the harrowing sound Of the ancient underwater tolling bell. The breaking dawn was always signaled since the light of the Sun Was so very far away from the unfathomable depths. In my watery village of few merms, Order and disarray could be Classified as one in the same. I combed my deep brown, slender fingers through A long stark white wavy mane, and yawned twice. The brooding spawn of a proud builder, I was almost always awake before most.

The lapping coast continued day after day… To call my name. Troi...Troi! It's a distressing shame that I had to spend the day inspecting the Building bricks of royal coral. Similar to my rigid morals in reference to the oceanic laws, My fleeting sanity was as neutral as The calmest underwater current. My only deterrent was the slim chance of any passing ships. I was fully equipped with extensive knowledge Of the land walkers. The sea stalkers, as my kind preferred to call them. My chosen place was destined to the seas And therefore, the lands were deemed forbidden To all who are like me. Even though...there is a land Named specifically after me. "The day's not over, T," Troi's sister scolded her for not being attentive to her accounting duties. The radiant pieces of coral weren't going to count themselves. They were the most precious currency shards to make up the palace's vault. "I know...I know! I just hear the waves...I love storms. You know that!" Troi spun upward with joy, kicking up loose sand about her to further annoy her sister enough to have a heart and dismiss her early. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Tarya giggled at her younger sister and jested with her for the fun of it. They had to lighten the mood in the dark caves of the royal vault somehow. "It does sound like a big one, doesn't it?" Tarya agreed as if happily sharing an old memory. "Yes…" Troi calmed down a bit.

"Oh, go on then!" Tarya quickly fanned her away. "Today Troi...before I change my mind. Go!" "Oh thank you. Thank you! I'll owe you one," Troi kissed her big sis twice. She hugged her with her arms and fluorescent tail, tightly curling around Tarya. A bubble wave showcased her grand exit in an overkill as her trail left not a trace of her behind. "And, DON'T GET CAUGHT!" Tarya shook her head and laughed. Troi swam as fast as she could out of the palace's mile high limestone walls. She breezed past the wall lined with every member of the infamous royal family that everyone in the village faithfully served without a glance. A dreadful voice that she didn't recognize startled her into increasing her anxious haste to escape even more. There was no turning back now. Luckily, the mostly closed off castle was nearly devoid of any merm at this secure hour of rationing, accounting, and overall boredom. No one wanted parts even though it was indeed a high paying gig. "Ugh, I'm going to miss it!" Troi urged herself as she began to break her own record speed by swimming even faster. Her strong fin had never flipped and spun in perfect sequence at such a rapid pace ever before. She was barely visible as she shot straight up toward the tumultuous surface waters. Why am I rushing like this? Little did she know, it was simply because she had the ability to sense a little land walker's presence after so long. She whizzed past the air boundary and jetted up into the gusty winds, nearly being swept several feet away midair. It didn't take her long to see the small frame of someone in dire straits. The young mermaiden waded over to the small land walker who was the most beautiful creature she'd ever seen. He was clutching on for dear life with all of his remaining strength and might. Once Troi had laid her soft but scaly arms upon him, he opened his small, exhausted eyes to speak despite being battered by the elements of the Mother of Earth. "Thank you…for saving me... My name is August Jovan… Prince Aug..." He gasped in between, unable to catch his fleeting breath. His pursed lips revealed his identity before the little guy passed out entirely in Troi's delicate arms. Still, she had no idea who he was or any other land walker for that matter. His name made no difference. She looked around and there was no trace of where he could've come from, which puzzled her greatly. The frightened savior then looked up to

the Heavens as if for a sign and was disrupted by a much darker cloud than was possible. Troi's heart quickened as she centered in on a harrowing creature of emanating darkness that was staring directly at her...and August Jovan. "Who are you?!" Yasmin's voice echoed out over the deafening sounds of the treacherous storm pounding against them. Her tone was just as clear above all wind, water, and white noise. Troi shook in fear with every word. A holy breath entered August Jovan's mouth from Troi's forbidden enchantment. Zoye... It was a spell she'd never ever tried before and therefore, shouldn't know or ever use. She dived as deeply as she magically could beneath the enraged surface waves but she couldn't keep fighting the influence of the floating demonic entity's power. "Where do you think you're going? You should have never thunk...wait, thought to interfere here in my worldly endeavors!" Yasmin screamed again, exuding black, menacing tentacles from her levitating body that aimed directly for her helpless victims. The ghastly extremities cut through the air with too much ease. Troi didn't even bother to spare a glance backward but was ensnared with no way out before she could blink her whitened eyes. They were captured and above the surface, moving quickly through the downpour. She had to do something fast! "Oh no you don't!" Troi warned and flipped onto her back, clutching the land walker boy child. With an unknown magical strength she didn't know existed anywhere within her, the coral builder accountant overpowered Yasmin's primal demonic magic with a pure lightning spark of incomparable energy. It harshly brightened the stormy sky as if another nuclear bomb had dropped nearby, sucking everything present and in the vicinity within the ocean. This included the unknown Portia who had been flailing in the hurricane the entire time utilizing one of Yasmin's loose extensions that she'd clung to. Troi had also successfully captured Portia and it was purely accidental. They were dragged within seconds hundreds of feet into the deep of the Atlantic ocean, where nothing could be seen and no one could be heard, not even the unnamed hurricane above. Complete silence within the terrific density would've exploded any normal eardrum untouched by enchantment.

Yasmin cackled senselessly as she floated within the dark void, unafraid of something that seemed so familiar to her home. She managed to search out the culprit with ease but was still unable to move. "Where are we?!" Portia’s shrill voice permeated the water and the limited oxygen floating within it. "Another abomination interference," Yasmin's voice still sounded strong, though muffled this time around. She was distinctly weakened by the defensive attack that she wasn't prepared for. Yasmin had never been attacked, even by mortals who would've done anything to save their own lives. "Oh shut it, would you? Why are you here? I've heard of your kind. You take the lives of land walkers, do you not?" "No one is to stop me, that is. Certainly, no bottom dwelling feeder of sand nor a mushroom insect from the forest floor. That is what you are after all. You secretly hide from mortals...we don't. That's the stark difference between us all...UGHHH!" Yasmin's speech was interrupted by another unexpected incoming message that felt delayed to her. "We are in the ocean, aren't we? Which one?! I was trying to pick the perfect spot but I didn't know where to go so I ended up lost searching for the giant there...and then the very bad storm must have chosen for me!" Portia screeched excitedly, oblivious to the impending conflict and possibility of death. They were all able to breathe freely but from the powerless way that Yasmin was acting at the moment, she seemed more weakened by the detrimental transition, which worked in all of their favors. When she was blatantly ignored, Portia tried to probe further to figure out what was really going on in lieu of the literal and physical tension. The pretty fairy smartly yet respectfully kept her distance, not only out of curiosity but also desperation. She didn't exactly have the advantage here. "What's wrong with her?!" She asked Troi, sparing cheap glances at Yasmin. "I have no idea!" Troi answered honestly. "August Jovan. Kenleigh. The last two humans on Earth," Yasmin heard within her consciousness as her horns inflamed a crimson red for the second time that day in half a century. "What?!" Yasmin questioned aloud. The most noticeable thing was that her primal demonic instinct hadn't activated this time around. It may have been turned off by Troi's sudden switch of environments but that was no

certainty. However, her eyes were their usual solid black instead of the color of boiling blood. August Jovan stirred to abruptly awaken fathoms deep underneath the ocean. His boyish body seized profusely, lacking oxygen at such intense depths of ocean water. "What do we do?! He's dying. I came to see if he's real and now he's dying!" Portia began to flit around in the dark water frantically. Her heavenly glow intensified with each bubbly jetstream. "I can help him…" Troi uneasily announced and started to sing the most beautiful ballad, almost in resemblance to the softest lullaby. Though timid at first, her jazzy voice strengthened with vigor in each note she sang aloud, simultaneously and steadily increasing in volume and soul. August Jovan's shallow breaths adjusted to regulate and emulate the enticing rhythm as he peacefully drifted further into a deeper sleep. The stunning mermaiden ended the melodic song in the lowest hum so much so that it was barely audible. The forbidden spell would prolong his life underwater for just a little more time. The odds as well as the evens were in their exclusive favor. "What do we do now? Since you don't like or trust us!" Portia innocently asked wide-eyed, but her tiny voice was filled with so much relief. "We find the second human. It's a young mortal girl dying on the coast from the storm. She's lost but alone. You're in this now, whether you like it or not," Yasmin declared to the other two. She knew she couldn't do this alone. Not after finding out there was more… "And what will you do to them when you find her, demon?" Troi spat out angrily without the slightest hint of hesitation, hugging the little boy a bit tighter. "We are going to save them…" Yasmin bashfully admitted to the mythical strangers. She was thinking clearly now, as her usual freakish self. Troi and Portia blinked at each other in surprise and haphazardly nodded in agreement. Yasmin didn’t utter another word aside from her strict instructions which lacked a plethora of important details considered essential for survival. Just as she’d materialized out of nowhere, Yasmin disappeared within the pitch black, empty waters toward the northeast, in the surefire direction of an unmatched aura unlike any other. Their intertwined destiny to restart humanity had been unknowingly set and was now forever in motion. Well, at least, until the second end of times

for those who weren't mythical. But what was it to be magical if the ordinary no longer existed to compare? To help in time of need? To imagine and wish to be?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR LaLa Leo is the author of the Destiny series as part of the Atlantic Island saga, originally by international bestseller, Fredric Shernoff. Her latest release, Micah, is now available! She has five titles to date. Visit her website at www.osdio.wordpress.com.

“But I can't change the past; I can only push headlong into an uncertain future.” ― Justina Ireland, Dread Nation

12

N SIGHT Tamika Brown akira was almost free. Two more days and she would be done with high school, done with this podunk town, and done with these podunk people. As an only child, she’d never had a knack for making friends, and she’d never understood social norms. It wasn’t that she didn’t like people, it was more they didn’t like her. They believed something was wrong with her. Her parents always tried to shield her, but as she got older, she paid more attention to the way people shied away from her. The finger-pointing; the whispers. She heard what they said about her. Witch. Crazy. Weird. Her parents dispelled everything people whispered about her. They instilled how she was a Black queen, derived from royalty, intelligent, and could be anything she wanted to be. Do anything she wanted to do. Her Black was beautiful, and she did have magic. Black Girl Magic. They instilled confidence, high self-esteem, and a positive body image in her. But they had to, right? That was what parents were supposed to do. All their encouragement did just that, but nothing could prepare her for the visions and dreams bombarding her while she slept.

They started a few days just after her eighteenth birthday. At first, they were just flashes. Things she passed off as déjà vu. She told her mom about them, but her mom brushed it off as coincidence. When those flashes turned into full-blown episodes, Nakira started taking more notice, remembering them vividly. When the visions began coming true, she was freaked. Nakira didn’t dare tell her parents. It would just prove those who thought she was strange, weird, and a witch right. Nakira’s dreams involved the starting running back for the school football team—a rushing god, averaging a thousand yards a season. He was also the point guard for the basketball team, averaging fifteen points, five rebounds, and eight assists a game. Nakira didn’t know why she dreamed of Devin. Yes, she knew of him. They were both part of the senior class. Everyone knew him. She wasn’t in his circle and had never spoken to him. He probably didn’t know she existed, yet she needed to warn him. In her dream, Devin and his friends joked around as they drove to get something to eat. The driver dropped his phone. It landed with a thump, the echoing noise surrounding her. The others in the car continued joking and were engrossed in their phones. They paid no attention to the car swerving until it was too late. She stood frozen as the black Scion careened off the road, skirted a ditch, and hit a tree wider than the old oak in the front yard of her grandmother’s house she climbed when she was younger. Something tugged her toward the wreckage. She tried to help, then realized they couldn’t see or hear her. Miraculously, each boy climbed from the totaled vehicle one-by-one—all of them except one: Devin. He didn’t move. When Devin’s friends realized he wasn’t with them, they called out to him. There was no response. Nakira stood in terrified silence, wanting to help but knowing there was nothing she could do as she watched the boys try to save their friend. They worked feverishly to get him out. The sound of breaking glass rang in her ears. She heard a shrill voice screaming Devin’s name. It was hers. Standing on the side of the road, she pleaded to a kid she didn’t know to get up, to wake up. Suddenly, Devin’s eyes popped open and trained on her, a glazed look in them. It was like he was looking at her but not seeing her. Like he was staring right into her soul. “Help me,” he whispered, his words so light she strained to hear him. Nakira moved closer.

“What did you say?” She didn’t know why she tried. It was just a dream. His friends were hysterical, screaming his name. Crying. The boy with the broken ankle crawled toward the car as if trying to help. Nakira heard sirens. Help was on the way. “Help me. Please,” he pleaded again. This time she heard him clear as a bell. Then his eyes shut, and she jerked awake drenched in sweat. For the next few days, Nakira struggled with how to approach Devin. National Signing Day was this week and he’d more than likely have enough on his mind. He didn’t need to hear some crazy girl who’d dreamed he’d died. No way she’d approach him with that. Frustration built as each day passed. The dream occurred each night, and each time he pleaded for help Nakira couldn’t give. Every time, she woke in a panic that lasted for hours. She didn’t know when the crash would happen, only what time of the school year. That was the only thing she had to go on. Three minutes before the tardy bell rang, Nakira retrieved her cell from her back pocket. She hefted her backpack over her shoulder, heading to English. Just before she made it to the door, someone bumped her, sending the notebook she carried in her arm crashing to the floor. “Damn it! Watch where you’re going,” she growled, kneeling to pick it up and coming face-to-face with Devin—literally the object of her dreams. Nakira froze. “Sorry about that.” He blushed, scooping up the notebook and offering it to her. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She stared. Devin was as fine up close as he was from a distance, though she’d never noticed in her dreams since he was dead and all. As both of them straightened, Nakira took in his hair—neatly done in locs tied at the base of his neck, reaching half-way down his back. Tipping her head back, she kept eye contact with him, noticing his dark chocolate skin, smooth with the beginnings of a beard and mustache, indicating he was on the cusp of manhood, and those eyes…they were hypnotic, light brown with

long lashes that touched his cheeks every time he blinked. She was mesmerized. Someone clearing their throat brought her out of her trance. “Ummm, here you go. Sorry again,” he apologized, shoving the notebook into her arms. Nakira stepped across the threshold just as the bell sounded. She couldn’t believe the encounter with the boy of her dreams had only taken three minutes. It felt as if it were hours. She slid into her seat in the back of the room, melting into the background. Hide-in-the-shadows was her middle name. Nakira was completely distracted. She couldn’t concentrate on the lines of King Lear. Now, Devin was not only in her nightly dreams but her daydreams too. By the time she got her head back on straight, Ms. Lawson was giving the essay assignment she would fail because she hadn’t paid one ounce of attention in class today. At the end of the year, she needed all the extra points she could get when it came to grades. Lord, she was glad it was Friday. In two minutes, she would be heading home. Filing out of the building, she quickly made her way to the student parking lot, hoping to avoid the traffic from the other students. Nakira was one of the two-hundred seniors bubbling with excitement for graduation at J. Howard High School, but the only one who wouldn’t miss a single thing about the place. Retrieving her keys from her bookbag and unlocking her doors, the sound of laughter rang out across the parking lot, catching her attention. She slung her bag into the backseat and turned to see what was so hilarious when that sexy smirk caught her eye. Nakira stood, observing how Devin moved; the easy way he interacted with his friends. Suddenly, her dream came to the forefront of her mind, so clear and vivid. The missing pieces locked in place. The accident was today. Panic rose within her, simmering beneath her chest and trying to escape. She needed to stop him. Nakira slammed her door, bringing Devin’s gaze straight to her. “Hold up. Hold up. I’ll be right back,” he said as he trotted toward her and her Honda. Nakira’s eyebrows rose in shock, and she glanced over her

shoulder to make sure he was, indeed, coming to her and not someone else. Devin was a foot from her by the time she recovered. “Yo, you alright?” His deep timber vibrated through her. Nakira closed her eyes for a second, taking a deep breath before she found her voice. “Ye-yes. Why do you ask?” She swallowed the giddiness threatening to unleash. “Well,” he snickered “I almost knocked your shoulder out of its socket earlier.” Then, he outright laughed. The sound caused a reaction in her body she didn’t expect. “Oh yeah. Don’t worry about it. It was an accident. And I’m fine, as you can see.” Nakira’s lashes fluttered, and her face flushed. What in the world was wrong with her? She was glad her skin was dark so no one could see the red on her cheeks. “Yo, Devin. Let’s go!” She peered over his shoulder to see his friends piling into a car. A black Scion. Her eyes widened with alarm. It was the car from her dream. “I’m coming. Hold on!” He yelled back, and that smirk threatening to melt her was back. Nakira had to keep him talking—an impossible feat for someone who didn’t enjoy other people—so he didn’t get in that car. “So, what’s your name?” He focused on her, ignoring the threats of getting left behind if he didn’t hurry up. “Nakira,” she whispered. She cleared her throat, trying again. “Nakira.” There, strong and clear this time. He grinned. “Nakira,” he said as if he was testing her name on his lips. To her, it sounded like a wind chime tinkling in the breeze. He held his hand out toward her. She stared at it like it was something out of an alien movie until she realized he wanted to shake hands. Only then did she place her palm in his. “Nice to meet you Nakira. I’m Devin.” He didn’t let go of her hand, but held it lightly, like he was holding something precious, fragile. A car horn blared from across the parking lot. He turned and held up a finger for them to wait one second. Keep him here. Keep him safe. That mantra ran through her mind. She couldn’t let him die. “I know who you are. Everyone does,” she proclaimed matter-of-factly. Nakira watched his face morph into a frown.

Was he not happy about his local fame? Interesting. “Nah. People think they know me,” he stated flatly. Nakira was stumped about what to say to wipe that frown from his face, though she understood his meaning. People didn’t really know her either. They assumed she was this weird emo girl who dabbled in witchcraft all because she was a loner, an introvert. But what everyone thought didn’t matter. It was how she viewed herself that counted. And she liked what she saw when she looked in the mirror. “What others think doesn’t matter,” she informed him. “It’s about how you feel about yourself.” Nakira was less awestruck about Devin now that he revealed he had issues just like everyone else. The smile he gave her almost brought her to her knees. It was beautiful. “Yo, we out!” His friends yelled from the car his friends were piled in. Nakira took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, partly because she’d kept him from getting in the car, but also because he was still holding her hand. Her heart felt like it might beat out of her chest. “Ummm.” She pulled her hand out from his grasp. “You missed your ride.” Their eyes followed the little Scion out of the parking lot and onto the road. Hopefully, with Devin out of the car, the accident wouldn’t even take place. Then maybe she would get some sleep, finally. “It’s cool. I’ll catch up with them later.” A few days in the hospital was all that awaited them. If he’d gotten into the car, it would’ve been his life cut short. Tears welled in her eyes at the thought. She tried to blink them back, but before she knew it, Devin pulled her into his arms against his chest. “Shhhhh. It’s okay. What’s wrong?” he crooned, hugging her tighter. Seconds passed. Then it was minutes before she pulled herself together and out of his arms. She was keenly aware of onlookers. “I … I’m sorry,” she apologized, wiping the wetness from her face. “It’s a lot.” Devin stepped back from her. “That’s cool.” He scanned the parking lot at the gawkers, “You wanna talk about it?” His concern was endearing, but she shook her head because his concern was misplaced. Soon, he might be mourning the “what ifs.”

Nakira smiled, or at least tried to. He didn’t even know her, but he was still worried about her all the same. The longer they stood there in the parking lot together, the more she was beginning to like him. Sirens. That would be the ambulance coming for his friends. The accident still happened. Nothing changed except Devin wasn’t in the car. She took a deep breath, relieved she’d saved him. Her stupid visions were finally good for something other than annoying the hell out of her. “No, I’m fine,” she reassured. Her cell dinged. She retrieved it from her back pocket. It was almost four, but she didn’t bother to read it because she knew it was her mom telling her to get her ass home. “Hey, it was nice talking to you, but I gotta get going.” She waved her phone in the air. Turning to open her door, a firm but gentle hand gripped her arm. “Hey, can I get your number?” He rocked from foot-to-foot nervously. “Ummm, sure.” She rattled off her number, and he keyed it into his contacts. Her phone rang, and a number she didn’t recognize appeared on the display. “That’s me.” He flashed those pearly whites at her as she accepted and saved the number. Nakira could’ve sworn she saw his eyes flicker gold, but when she looked again, they were their normal warm brown. Had to be the sun. “There.” She pointed at him with her phone. Sliding into her open car door, Nakira settled behind the wheel. Devin stood between the car and the open door, smiling down at her. “I’ll text you later.” He backed out of the opening and closed her door. Nakira waved to him before pulling out of her assigned space. She released a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw Devin watching as she made her way onto the main road, heading home. She couldn’t believe what happened. The most popular guy in school— quite possibly the whole town—had just asked for her number. Her.

The witch of the town, the weirdo. The one who wasn’t quite right. Nakira screamed her joy, banging her hands on her steering wheel trying to release some of the elation pent up inside of her. Because of her excitement, it took her no time to get home. She didn’t even let being late bother her. She pulled into the driveway of her home, killed the engine of her car, and hopped out. When Nakira entered the house, she went straight to the kitchen where she knew her mom was cooking dinner. “Hey Ma!” she called, a slight bounce in her step. “Hey Kira Girl,” her mom called over her shoulder. Nakira peeked over her mother’s shoulder to see what was in the works on the stove. “Yum, that smells good.” “Thanks,” her mom smiled, continuing to stir. “And why are you late?” A sigh escaped Nakira. She slapped a hand over her mouth to stop it, but she was too late. Her mom stopped stirring and pulled the spoon out of the pot, laying it on the stove. “Okay, what’s got you so happy.” They both settled at the bar. Her mother’s eyes pierced hers intensely. Nakira wondered if she should tell her mother about the dream. She wasn’t too worried about the other boys; they would survive, but she had to admit she was ecstatic—not only for saving Devin’s life, but for the fact they’d exchanged numbers. She finally broke, telling her mother. “Mom, since I’ve turned eighteen, I’ve had this … recurring dream.” She guessed that was what it was called. Visions seemed too supernatural to her. Her mother’s curiosity turned into concern. “Kira, why haven’t you said anything to me or your father?” Her mother’s overreaction was too much. “Mom, I thought it was no big deal. They were just dreams.” “Were?” The warning in her voice told Nakira she needed to leave nothing out. Nakira revealed everything, from the content of the dream to how. Told her how she’d been trying for weeks to approach Devin, and finally, about today. “Before we parted ways, I heard the sirens. I don’t know just yet if it was them, but I’m sure it was. The best thing about all of this is he asked for my number.” Again, the giddiness she felt threatened to spill out, although her mom’s facial expression was the ultimate buzzkill. “Kira, are you saying you think your dream came true?”

“I believe so.” “Do you know for sure?” Her mother grasped her arm, turning her lighthearted mood into a serious one. “I mean …” she stuttered. “I’m not sure because I didn’t go to the crash site like in my dream, but I think so.” Her mother looked worried. There was something she wasn’t telling her. “Mom, what are you not saying?” “It’s nothing.” She brushed her off, turning back to the pot she was stirring when she came in. “So, tell me about this boy you met.” Her mother’s concern was pushed to the back of her mind, replaced by her excitement. “Omg, Ma! His name is Devin. He’s the most popular boy in school,” she went on. An hour and a half later, dinner was ready, her dad was home, and they were sitting down to eat dinner. The chatter continued about the day. Thank God her mother didn’t mention anything about Devin. She didn’t want to explain anything to her dad about a boy. While clearing the table, her phone rang. Devin. Her grin was so wide her cheeks hurt when she answered. “Hello?” “Hey, Nakira. This is Devin.” His voice wasn’t as confident as it was when they were in the parking lot. “Hey Devin. What’s going on?” she fished, trying to get him to talk about what was bothering him. “Hey, do you think you can come over? There’s something I want to talk to you about.” Oh, she didn’t like the sound of that. Devin sounded worried. “Sure, text me your address. See you soon.” They hung up and Nakira settled the dishes into the dishwasher. “That was him?” her mother whispered, not wanting to alert her father. Lord, I love my mama. “Yes, he wants me to come over.” “Well, just be responsible,” her mom prompted, concern etched on her features. Nakira didn’t know if it was her going to a boy’s house or there was more. “Mom, what is it?” she asked, wanting to know what she wasn’t saying. “Kira Girl, there’s something I need to tell you about our family,” she started, but didn’t get the chance to say anything else because the text with

Devin’s address came through. “Ma, that’s him. Can you tell me when I get back?” “Sure, Kira Girl.” Her mom hugged her tight. “You have fun. We can talk later.” “I’ll see you later,” she called over her shoulder, heading to her room. It was another twenty minutes before she left. Nakira put the address into her GPS and pulled onto the street. Thirty minutes later, the huge iron gates of Spring Lake Pines came into view. Standing on the other side waiting for her was Devin, who was flanked by two men. Nakira saw Devin nod to someone in the guard house. The gates opened inward. Devin waved her through, so she drove forward, slowing when Devin approached her car and hopped in. “Hey, thanks for coming.” “No problem.” “Let’s go.” As the car moved forward, Nakira scanned the area, taking in the dense trees with luxury cabins and houses interspersed between them. There was a pristine lake sparkling between another grouping of trees, and a house coming into view on a small slope when they rounded the bend. Devin was quiet, only speaking to give her directions. When they reached the house, her mouth gaped at the glamorous log cabin nestled on a small lake with a boat docked next to it. Nakira followed Devin up the steps and onto the porch. Again, two “guards” stood at the door. “Evan. Reese. What’s up fellas?” Devin greeted. The first one, Evan, tugged his locs as he passed, a keycard in his hands. “What up, Lil’ Dev,” Evan replied. “You don’t need that keycard, lil’ pup,” Reese informed him when Devin’s hand was mid-swipe. Little pup? Confusion about the greeting rushed over her. Devin looked confused, too, but probably for different reasons. Evan chuckled, clapping him on the back when he opened the door. “We have guests,” he answered, following them inside.

“This is a beautiful house,” Nakira commented, taking in the foyer leading to the living room. “Thanks.” He grabbed her hand and pulled Nakira toward the stairs. “Tell my mom we’ll be in my room.” He didn’t wait for an answer before bounding up the stairs. Devin’s room was all male, just as Nakira expected. Grays and blues painted the space, complete with blackout curtains and sport and rapper posters on the walls. She was jerked from her musings when the door banged shut. Devin pulled her to his bed and settled down, dragging her with him. “Devin what’s wrong? You sounded strange on the phone earlier.” He locked eyes with her, and this time she was sure his eyes sparked a yellow hue. “What the …” She leaped away from him, pointing toward his face. “Please let me explain,” he begged. “Explain your eyes flashing?” she whisper-yelled. Suddenly, the confident, charismatic Devin she knew from school was gone, but those golden orbs remained on hers with sadness in them. Nakira thought back to their conversation earlier in the parking lot, how he’d claimed no one really knew him. Was this what he was talking about? Nakira calmed herself, but she didn’t sit next to him. She moved to the beanbag chair in the corner on the opposite side of the room and nodded. “Okay, explain.” “I just wanted to thank you,” he stammered, blowing a breath out. Awestruck, she watched as his eyes returned to the soft brown she fell into earlier this evening. “For?” She was still suspicious. His eyes searched the room as if looking for something to focus on other than her. “For saving my life.” She gasped. How did he know? What did he mean? Devin explained to Nakira about the accident his friends were in. They were okay, just scrapes and bruises. Some broken bones, but the car was totaled. “How did I save your life, though?” Nakira knew, but she didn’t understand how he did. “One of my friends,” he started, “broke a bone. He sat in the front, where I would normally sit. That could’ve been me. And who’s to say that if I’d gotten in that car instead of talking to you, it wouldn't have turned out that way.”

What he said made sense. Who knew how things could’ve turned out? No one could see the future. Ha! Oh yeah, she did. “Well, you’re welcome. I guess.” “That’s not everything,” he continued. “Yeah, that still doesn’t explain your flashy eye thingy.” She pointed two fingers at her eyes, then his. Again, the deep breath. Now she knew it was to expel nerves. “Have you ever heard of shifters?” Nakira’s eyes bugged, and her eyebrows touched her hairline. “You mean like in that book, Twilight?” Devin rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Yeah, something like that.” “Well, then sure, I read the books.” “I’m one.” Silence. Seriously, what did she say to that? Then she burst into laughter. “There is no way you’re a shifter. They’re made up,” she told him. A growl emanated throughout the room, abruptly bringing her laughter to an end. Devin’s golden eyes were back, and his smirk, the one she fell for instantly earlier in the day, now boasted canines. Her hand went to her mouth to stifle the scream she wanted to set free, but just as suddenly as the changes appeared, they were gone. Nakira rose from her seat and cautiously made her way to Devin. Her hands, of their own volition, rose to his face to inspect it. “What?” she whispered. Devin leaned into her touch, and his chest rumbled with a low growl. She jerked her hand back at his response. “There’s more,” he confessed. Nakira plopped down on the edge of the bed, wondering what in the world could be weirder than what she’d just witnessed. “I’m ready.” What could she say? This was heavy. She knew better than anyone about keeping something so serious from people. If she was honest with herself, Nakira was relieved to tell her mother. “You’re our mate,” he blurted. She knew what those were. No explanation needed. She’d read all the Twilight books, only in those it was called imprinting. “Why me? And what do you mean by ‘our’?” she stammered. “I’m a nobody. I’m weird. People stare at me. People don’t like me,” she rambled on, her old insecurities coming back.

“My wolf chose you because you are perfect for us. Don’t ask me how he knows he just does. And I knew as soon as I looked into your eyes. Listen, I don’t ever want to hear you speak about yourself like that. You’re none of those things, because you’re our mate. My wolf and I both agree. You are the one who completes us,” he finished, his eyes glowing at his fiery response. She settled, letting everything she learned the past hour soak in. She was overwhelmed and on the verge of exhaustion. Nakira needed to think, but she didn’t trust herself to drive home right then. “Can I have some water or something?” Devin nodded. “Bottled or tap?” “Bottled. Please.” He slipped out of the door while she laid back on his bed. She closed her eyes, trying to process everything. It wasn’t long before she was overcome with weariness and was fast asleep. “Devin!” she screamed. “Devin!” There was no answer. She ran from the docks, scanning the area. Suddenly, growls and howls reached her as she made it back to the porch. The scene shifted. Carnage all around her. Before this all started, Devin’s father—the Alpha of the Spring Lake Pines Pack—had gotten information about a rival pack storming the gates. They were being overrun. Then all hell broke loose. She didn’t know where Devin was. Nakira didn’t recognize his wolf, and she refused to just do nothing while he went off into war. She didn’t want to stay back with his mother. Nakira wanted to make sure Devin was okay. She ran out toward the tree line in the direction, she thought the howls were coming from. Nakira glimpsed pack members in mid-shift when she reached the trees. Wolves fully emerged, their clothing torn and shredded. “Devin!” she screamed again. Nakira searched frantically for a glimmer of his red wolf, which with a white patch on its chest and white paws should’ve been easy for her to spot, even in the chaos. She needed to get to him. There was a sinking feeling in her gut that this would be the last time she saw him.

Nakira dodged the open maw of a wolf lunging for her. She didn’t dare look back to see if it recovered and followed her. She screamed Devin’s name louder. There he was, right ahead of her. She pushed her legs harder to reach him. He was locked in battle with a coal black wolf. The fight was vicious, but Devin was holding his own for a young wolf. Just as she reached the clearing and her mate, she was hit in her side and slammed into the ground. She didn’t know what hit her. Nakira shook her head, trying to clear it. The hot breath blowing in her face and the growl in front of her brought her out of the haze. Nakira was face-to-snout with a snarling wolf. A cry and loud whimper came from Devin’s direction, causing her to jerk her head that way. Devin was down, his hind leg encased in the onyx wolf’s mouth. “Devin,” she cried, just as the other wolf pinned her down and a second wolf closed in on Devin, its mouth wide and aimed at Devin’s throat. The snap of Devin’s neck seemed to echo through the whole area, despite the din of war around her. Nakira’s own cries snatched her from her vision. “Devin,” she screamed. Gentle but firm arms pulled her close. “Hey, it’s okay,” he crooned for the second time today. “Devin?” she questioned, sitting up and moving out of his arms. “Hey, it’s me.” He sat beside her. “You’re safe.” “No, it’s not okay.” Tears streamed down her face. “War is coming.” “War? Nakira, what war? What are you talking about?” She leaned in closer to him, absorbing his warmth that rolled off him. Nakira slowly brought her gaze to his, “I have a secret to tell you as well.” He didn’t say anything, which she was grateful for. “I see things,” she paused trying to think of a better way to say it without sounding insane, “I can see glimpses of the future, but it’s not set in stone.” “How so?” he asked. “I don’t have time to explain it, but can you just trust me? We must prepare. War is coming to your pack.” Devin nodded and a relief swept through her. They both stood, “We’ll go talk to my Alpha.” Nakira hoped they weren’t too late. For all she knew, the enemy was right outside the gates, but they had to try…together, because if they didn’t, it would be the death of her new mate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I'm from a small town, but we have big dreams. I was born in the 70's but am truly the epitome of an 80's baby! My parents instilled in me to work hard; you can go as far as you want to with a good education. My parents ingrained this in me and because of that, I strive to be the best in whatever I do. I am an educator, but first and foremost, I am a wife and a mother of three. I take pride in what my children and husband have accomplished and strive to be a positive role model and inspiration to my children to be the best and that hard work pays off. I am an avid reader and naturally my love for reading spilled out into writing. Then came the challenge from my students to write a short story when we were studying pirates in North Carolina history. I took up the challenge and discovered that I could write!!! Whenever I get the chance, I put pen to paper and let all of the characters and plots that tumble around in my head come on out!!

“This is my mind. I am the strongest person here.” ― Roseanne A. Brown, A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

13

N SERENITY DAWN C. I. Raiyne izhara checked her phone for what seemed like the twentieth time. She tapped her foot in frustration. “Where is this Uber at?” “Ping” Nizhara looked at her phone and saw the message “Trip Cancelled.” Nizhara huffed as her friends Porsha and Twyla joined her at the curb. “What's going on? Where's your Uber?” Porsha asked, looking around. Nizhara sighed. “He canceled the trip. I'll just walk home.” She threw up her hand and told her friends goodnight. Nizhara heard faint squishing under her feet and looked down. Her brand new white and black Air Force Ones were covered in mud. “Dang." She moaned as she looked around for something to clean her shoes. A small puddle of water was on the street. She walked over, stepped in, and cleaned her shoes the best she could. Nizhara didn't need her mother complaining that she'd tracked mud into the house...again. “Hello.” Nizhara jumped, startled, and looked in the direction of the greeting. A woman leaned against the wall with her arms crossed. She had brown cocoa au lait skin, brown eyes, and an auburn Afro. She wore a pair of low-slung faded jeans with a black and gold off-the-shoulder silk blouse.

Nizhara eyed the woman suspiciously. “Hi, um, do I know you?” Nizhara asked as she stepped into a lighted area. The woman smiled. “Yes, you do my dear.” Nizhara gasped excitedly as she remembered who the woman was. She started to blurt out the woman's name. “Ha...” The woman waved her hands wildly as she pulled Nizhara close to her. “Don't speak that name here. Just call me Jahan,” she whispered. Jahan turned down the alley between Nizhara's apartment and the building where they had been standing. When Nizhara turned the corner to follow, Jahan was nowhere to be found. Nizhara blinked a few times as she looked around. “Wait,” Nizhara called out as she ran down the alleyway. Jahan was gone. Nizhara placed her hand on the wall to steady herself. Her body suddenly felt heavy. “No, this cannot be happening not now,” she protested in panic. Her eyes closed as the familiar feeling of herself falling...falling came over her. Her eyes snapped open as she slowly landed on the ground. Nizhara looked around, wondering where she had ended up this time. Her dreams took her to a different place each time, but the places she ended up at were all somehow connected to one place. “Nizhara, up ahead, go through there.” A voice told her. Nizhara looked at what resembled a swirling wormhole. “Through there? Umm, that doesn't look safe.” “Nizhara, you must. You must go now.” The voice urged. Nizhara heard the sound. The sound she couldn't forget if she tried. The roar that came from the creature was a screeching sound that was enough to pierce one's eardrums and leave them frozen in one place. It was the Chrysophylax. A huge daemon dragon-like creature with glowing red eyes. The creature circled the air frantically looking for something. Her muscles became rigid as the creature spotted her. She gulped and screeched as he flew towards her. Nizhara closed her eyes as she stepped through the portal, not caring about what was on the other side as long as she was safe.

Nizhara stepped inside a familiar cottage. Jahan glanced up at her, sitting at her kitchen table. She sipped her tea slowly. “Ah Nizhara, I see you made it.” Jahan said, smiling at her. “Yes, but where exactly did I make it to? You disappeared and I heard a voice telling me to go through a portal to get away from a big dragon that was coming for me.” Nizhara turned around in awe of the cottage that she had landed in. “Wait, what? Dragon? That must have been the Chrysophylax but why was it in your world?” Jahan whispered to herself and shook her head. “You don't remember Nizhara? This is the dreamland that you created. You're back in Serenity Dawn,” Jahan said, giggling. Nizhara gasped as she sat down in a chair across from Jahan. “This is actually a place? The reverse fantasy land of where I live in North Carolina? I tried to tell my parents of this place and they thought I'd gone mad.” Nizhara remembered that awful day of talking to her parents about Serenity Dawn. “So, your parents don't believe in magic?” Jahan asked quietly as she poured Nizhara a cup of tea. “No, magic was strictly forbidden. I was raised to believe that all magic was evil. I was picked on by my classmates because I could sense things. I was called freak, weirdo, and other names I dare not say.” Nizhara looked off in the distance. “You've never used magic when you dreamed?” Jahan asked, glancing at Nizhara curiously. She quickly shook her head. “Not that I can recall, Jahan. I was always afraid that if my parents got wind of me using magic...oh boy. I don't want to think of it. I talked to my great Nana Rose about it. She said I was clair....clair...” Nizhara sighed as she tried to remember what the word was. “Clairvoyant?” Jahan asked as she sat straight up in her arm chair. Nizhara's eyes lit up. “Yes, that's the word. She also said I have the ability to see things before they happen. The only thing I actually know is that I can dream walk. I travel the dream path almost every night. I'm just not sure if I'm really Clairvoyant.” Jahan got up and went to the living area, picking up a book off of the coffee table. “You're doubting yourself Nizhara. “You said you can see things before they happen right?”

Nizhara raised her head. “Yes.” She replied so softly that Jahan barely heard her. Jahan tossed the book that she held towards Nizhara as if she were trying to hit her with it. In a fright, Nizhara lifted her hand, stopping the book midair before it came in contact with her face. The book hovered, then slowly fell, landing in her lap. Nizhara looked at Jahan with wide eyes then looked at her hand. A soft translucent light shimmered in her palm. “How did you do that, Nizhara?” Jahan asked as she walked over to her. “I...I don't know. I saw it happening in my mind's eye. I just raised my hand,” Nizhara said as she looked down at the book that rested on her lap. “You just tapped into your magic my dear,” Jahan said as she placed her hands on Nizhara's shoulders. “Come on, let's go for a walk and see how much of Serenity Dawn you actually remember.” Jahan opened the door to her cottage. Nizhara stepped out of the door, slowly taking in the sights. Light blue sky with a hue of lilac crossing clouds. Blooming colorful flowers, crisp green grass. She gasped as she recognized how beautiful the land was. “I actually created this.” She whispered to herself. “Before you came through the portal you said that you saw a flying creature that looked like a dragon,” Jahan said as she stopped walking. Nizhara looked at her then lowered her eyes. “I see the Chrysophylax almost every night when I travel the dream path. I'm not sure what it has to do with me. When I see it, it's in the form of a daemon then it turns into a dragon.” A chill ran down her back. Jahan looked up. A wolf was running full speed towards them. Jahan jumped back. Nizhara held up her hand. “Stop,” she said with authority. The wolf stopped in front of her. “Sit,” she said. The wolf obeyed, sitting and wagging it's tail excitedly. Jahan breathed a sigh of relief. She looked at Nizhara in amazement, realizing what she had done. “It's you,” The wolf said, looking at Nizhara. Nizhara looked at the wolf curiously. “You can talk?” “Of course I can because we are in your world.”

“You know who I am? Do we know each other?” Nizhara asked, rubbing her head in confusion as she glanced at Jahan, then back at the wolf. Jahan sighed and shrugged, not knowing what to say. “You don't remember, Nizhara?” The wolf said in sadness. “I disappeared after you stopped believing in magic.” The wolf walked up, rubbing against Nizhara's leg. Nizhara rubbed the wolf's head. A flood of memories invaded her mind. “Nyzhima?” She said looking down at the wolf. “Yes, Nizhara, it's me.” Tears slid from her eyes as Nizhara hugged her familiar. “I thought you were taken and sold by my father,” Nizhara said quietly. Nyzhima shook her head as she looked up at Jahan. Jahan nodded her head, knowing it was time to tell Nizhara what had happened. “Nizhima was sent here to Serenity Dawn when you stopped believing in magic, Nizhara. Your familiar is a magical creature that you created. She will be near you when you believe.” Jahan explained as she walked closer to her. “So, basically, my magic is the key?” Nizhara asked. Nyzhima and Jahan both nodded in agreement. Nizhima's ears perked up as she heard the low baying of the hounds. “Jahan. Nizhara. The Black Queen has gotten word that Nizhara has returned to Serenity Dawn. We must travel to the Light Goddess,” Nizhima said as she lowered herself, letting them onto her back. “The Light Goddess Ezrea? I remember her, but what happened to the White Queen?” Nizhara asked. Jahan sighed. “Nizhara, the White Queen was killed by the Chrysophylax. She tried to kill it and the Black Queen commanded that monster to kill her baby sister,” Jahan told Nizhara. “Jahan, by the reaction that I'm sensing from Nizhara, I take it that she doesn't know what the prophecy says?” Nyzhima asked as she ran faster toward the Amethyst Palace. The Palace was high on a hill crested in Amethyst Crystals that surrounded the circumference of it. “Prophesy? What Prophesy?” Nizhara asked nervously. Jahan placed her hand on Nizhara's back, showing her the vision that she hoped she had already known.

Nizhara shook her head. “Me? I'm supposed to slay the Chrysophylax? How am I supposed to do that? I don't know how to access my magic or weapons. Oh gosh, I'll kill myself instead of the monster,” Nizhara protested. “No, the prophecy has to be talking about someone else.” Nizhara said as she ran her hands through her short locs. The three of them gasped as they saw the beautiful queen who was now a goddess. She smiled as Jahan, Nizhara, and Nyzhima all bowed before her. “I'm glad you three made it. The word is out that Nizhara has returned to Serenity Dawn.” Ezrea said as she escorted them into the palace. Nizhara closed her eyes as she heard the angry shouts of the Black Queen commanding her army to find and kill her. Ezrea took Nizhara's hands in hers. “You are very powerful Nizhara and you have to believe that. I saw how you told Nyzhima to stop and she did. You can dream walk, and you are Clairvoyant as well as a seer,” Ezrea said. “None of that can possibly kill a daemon dragon, though, Ezrea. I can barely access or control my magic, and I've never even wielded a sword,” Nizhara said as she wrapped her arms around herself. "Goddess what are we going to do? If Nizhara doesn't believe in herself or the Prophecy, the Chrysophylax will destroy Serenity Dawn. The very world will be no more,” Jahan said nervously. Nizhara sighed heavily as she realized that everything was now resting on her shoulders. Ezrea took Nizhara's hand and led her forward as Ezrea walked up to stand beside Jahan. Nizhara looked up at the Goddess with tearful eyes. “I'm not sure what to do. I can't allow Serenity Dawn to disappear.” “Well, dear, you must look inside yourself and notice the powers that you possess. You say that you have no powers that would be enough to eliminate the Chrysophylax, but you wouldn't be back in Serenity Dawn if you didn't,” Ezrea told her as she opened the door to the guest suite. Nizhara's mouth fell open. “I didn't know that, Ezrea. I thought that I had just dream traveled here. I was following Jahan when she disappeared. A voice led me to step into a portal to get away from the Chrysophylax.” Nizhara said as she turned around. She had never been in a room that was so beautiful. “Get some rest dear. We will figure all this out tomorrow,” Ezrea said, hugging her. She kissed her on her forehead before telling her goodnight.

Nizhara walked to the bed and slid between the cool sheets and the bright sunset orange duvet bedspread. She sighed in satisfaction, glad she was away from home and her parents' unbelief. “Do I really have the power that can slay a daemon dragon?” She said quietly as she yawned, allowing sleep to inhabit her. “I knew this would happen again once I fell asleep. I just wanted to have one night of peace without dream traveling.” Nizhara complained as she walked down the dream path like she had many times before. She felt weightless, like she was floating outside of her body. “This has never happened before,” she whispered as she looked down at herself. “Listen and follow where I lead you.” Nizhara nodded as she listened to the voice that she sensed was her intuition. She closed her eyes as her second sight took over, “Open your eyes, Nizhara.” Nizhara opened her eyes and saw the Chrysophylax coming down the mountain out of its cave. The daemon dragon snapped his head up to look at her. His eyes blazed Crimson as it released a stream of fire. Nizhara looked down as a purple aura surrounded her. “Whoa. What's this?” “It's your aura. It's acting as a shield. Hold up your hand, Nizhara. You have the ability to manipulate elements like water and air,” her intuition told her. Nizhara kept walking as she listened. “Water and air. Okay,” she said as she looked at her hand as a droplet of water materialized and expanded covering her hand. “RELEASE,” Nizhara shouted. The water left out of her hand, hitting the daemon dragon. It froze upon impact. She lowered herself to the ground, covering her ears as the beast howled in pain. “Call your familiar. After she comes, call upon air. You will then know within yourself how to kill the Chrysophylax,” her intuition instructed. Nizhara nodded and called Nyzhima telepathically. Nyzhima lowered to the ground as Nizhara climbed on her back. “Head to the base of that mountain girl,” Nizhara said, whispering to her familiar.

Nyzhima nodded and took off in a sprint. Nizhara breathed slowly, trusting what her intuition had told her as she called air to her. “Air, come to me now.” A light wind lifted her into the air above the Chrysophylax that was still frozen. It growled at her. She looked at the beast as she felt her eyes blazing in anger. “Today your reign of terror officially ends. You will not destroy Serenity Dawn,” Nizhara said as air released her. She spun midair as a sword appeared in her hand. She raised the sword over her head, bringing it down forcefully and severing the Chrysophylax into pieces. Nizhara floated back to her body as the dream path closed. “Nizhara, Nizhara, It's time to get up,” Jahan said, shaking her lightly. Nizhara sat up, feeling as though she'd just had an epiphany. Jahan looked at her curiously, trying to understand the look on Nizhara's face as she stood up. “Whoa... that's how I can kill it. I have to trust my intuition. I saw myself killing the daemon dragon, Jahan. I floated outside of my body while on the dream path,” Nizhara explained. Jahan crossed her arms, smiling at Nizhara. “You trusted your intuition and tapped into your magic. Very good,” she said, clapping her hands. Nizhara smiled. “Yes, apparently I tapped into some powers that I didn't know that I had. I manipulated water which froze him. When I called air, I levitated above him. A sword appeared in my hand, and I was able to sever it into pieces.” Jahan's eyes grew wide as she heard the hounds getting closer. Nizhara placed her hands on her temple. “It's the Black Queen, Jahan. She wants to seize us and kill us,” Nizhara shared. “I knew it would come to this once she got wind that you were back in Serenity Dawn. She's been trying to capture me for ages to imprison me again.” Jahan said as they stood on the bridge of the Amethyst Palace. Nizhara looked at Jahan, surprised. “Why imprison you Jahan?” Nizhara asked sadly as Nyzhima licked her hand. Jahan turned to her with a slight smile. “I am Hatter,” Jahan admitted as she waved her hand over herself, releasing her glamour. “The Queen

wanted to use me to make a device to control that dragon of hers. To make it invincible and I refused. I escaped and she's been looking for me ever since. That's why I hide by glamour as Jahan.” She returned her glamour. Nizhara nodded. “Now I understand why you told me not to say your name when I recognized you. I knew you were you. I saw through your glamour,” Nizhara said as she put her forehead on Jahan's. Jahan nodded as tears pooled up in her eyes. She grabbed Nizhara's hand as they looked over the ridge. The Black Queen's army was advancing to the gate of the Amethyst Palace. “Seize them,” The Black Queen ordered as Jahan and Nizhara walked through the gate's entrance. “Just call me, Nizhara. I'll be there.” Nizhima said as she rubbed against her leg. Nizhara looked at her familiar, smiling slightly. She grabbed Jahan's hand as they walked behind the guards on the way to face the wrath of the Black Queen in her court. When they arrived at The Black Queen's Castle they were forced to kneel down before her. Her jet black tresses cascaded down her back while she adjusted her beaded black gown which hugged her voluptuous body. Her brown eyes shimmered as she looked at Nizhara, sizing her up. “So it's true. You have returned to Serenity Dawn.” The Queen sneered. “She's the prophesied one that is to kill the Chrysophylax,” One of her minions said. “Kill my baby Chrysophylax? With what? Her good looks and charm? Please,” The Queen said as she glared at Jahan angrily. “Ah, Hatter. I see you are still using that god awful glamour. You already know your place is in my dungeons making my next gown for the ceremony of Nizhara's death.” She laughed. “Seize Jahan,” she commanded her minions. “No,” Nizhara screamed with force as she stood up. She lifted her hand, summoning a wind that blew the minions back and through a wall. “Magic, she wields magic. You don't believe in magic; that's why you disappeared before, little girl,” The Black Queen said angrily as she adjusted her dress and crown. “I wouldn't be back in Serenity Dawn if I didn't believe in magic. I created Serenity Dawn in my dreams. You corrupted my world when you killed your sister and made yourself Queen. You both were supposed to rule together,” Nizhara said.

“Share the throne with that wench...” The Black Queen was silenced as Ezrea walked into the room with Nyzhima walking beside her. “Ezrea? But, I...I killed you. How are you alive?” The Black Queen stuttered as she stepped back in fear. “Endara, the heavens took my spirit and made me into a Goddess after you killed me. You no longer have rights to the throne because of your evil deeds. Today your reign ends. Mark my words.” Ezrea told her sister. The Black Queen laughed as she yelled for the Chrysophylax to be released. The beast charged from it's cave, spotting Nizhara. It roared loudly, causing sheer panic in the court as the Queen's minions cowered behind her throne. Nizhara stared at him as he trained his eyes on her, hissing angrily. Nizhara called water to her and waited as it covered her hand. “What's she planning to do, give my baby a bath.” The Black Queen said, laughing, as her minions joined her. “RELEASE,” Nizhara shouted as the water left her hand, hitting the daemon dragon's torso and freezing him as it had in her dreams. She called air to her, feeling it embrace her body as she levitated above the Chrysophylax. She smiled as her body gracefully twirled and sent a powerful kick to its torso. He roared, screaming out in pain as Nizhara grasped the sword that materialized in her hand tightly. She swung the blade, watching as it connected between the beasts shoulder and head. He screeched wildly as his head was severed and his body shattered into pieces of shard ice. “Oh yeah. I believe the saying is ‘off with your head,’” Nizhara said, standing over the shattered form of the Chrysophylax looking at his severed head. “No,” The Black Queen screamed as she charged after Nizhara. “You shall do no harm to Nizhara,” Ezrea said as she lifted her hands towards her sister, magically binding her hands and pushing her through the castle and into the cell that was to hold Jahan. “I have no reason to use violence, but I will need my crown back,” Ezrea said. Jahan snatched the crown from the Black Queen’s head with glee.“Your crown, my Goddess and Queen,” Jahan the Hatter said, bowing to her. Ezrea smiled and accepted the crown. Nizhara walked forward, bowing before Queen Ezrea as well. “Thank you. Thank you all for helping me to believe in magic again. But, more importantly, to believe in myself and the

magic that is within me. From this moment on, Serenity Dawn will live on through me.” Nizhara then hopped on Nizhima's back and they headed home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Crystal L. Minter, aka C. I. Raiyne, is a new writer of fantasy and urban fantasy. Her desire to write came at the age when she was old enough to form a sentence. For years she struggled to break free from the negative voices that told her she wasn't good enough, yet the dream never faded. She has written in many genres and finally found her voice in fantasy. C. I. Raiyne resides in Durham, NC with her wife. When she's not writing she can be found engrossed in an ebook, audiobook, or gaming. Her wife Dionne is her encouragement and cheerleader who helps her to always remember the words she told her 14 years ago, "If you want to write...write!”

"There are so many ways to be brave in this world." — Veronica Roth, Allegiant

14

“T THE CURSED GIFT Courtney Dean he last day of classes, thank God,” I murmured to myself while navigating the stark white halls of my school, sparsely filled with students making their way to class. I contemplated what to do after graduation. The thought weighed on my mind the past few months. Should I continue my education and get my Master’s in African Studies or travel the world like I planned before my mother placed doubts in my head? Torn about what to do with my life, I was lost. I didn’t want to disappoint my mom or my auntie and flake out of my responsibilities to the coven. However, I desired something more. I needed to do something more. My mom and stepfather offered me a place to stay while deciding which route to take. As a free spirit, the pull to say the hell with everything and let the chips fall where they might was strong. I didn’t want to return home to live with them and my younger siblings; I knew that for sure. I wanted to carve my own path. As a Daughter of Meroë—an ancient coven composed of the descendants of the Kandakes of Kush—the ancestors had decided my destiny before my birth, whether I liked it or not. Despite the family bloodline that dictated the lives of the female members of my family for centuries, I wanted more. I wanted more than to

take my mom’s place as the Seer of the coven, to find my true mate and fall in love. There was a bigger purpose for me. There had to be. While old enough to know better, I wanted to be like those young women in the novels I read, who traveled the world to find their purpose by visiting exotic places, eating unusual foods, and then possibly finding love if the opportunity arose. Can I have everything I want? I inhaled deeply, mentally building a wall in my mind before pushing the large wooden door open to the lecture hall. It was a trick I had learned throughout the years to keep from hearing everyone’s thoughts. The creaking door sounded through the open space, causing all eyes to shift to me. I dropped my head, making myself as small as possible. That was the normal reaction whenever I entered a place. Everyone always stopped what they were doing and stared, never speaking, their eyes lingering longer than necessary. It’d been that way for as long as I could remember. My stepfather, Christoff Kamenev, said it was my aura that attracted people to me. He described it as a warm sensation surrounding you, then sinking into your skin down to your bones. He claimed it was a magnificent feeling, and others wanted to experience it, but my mother said it was the combination of my aura and beauty. I got my biological father’s eyes, and my mother’s complexion—strangely an attractive combination for some. According to my mother, Eva, I should be walking the catwalks in Paris instead of hanging out in some dusty old library digging through historical documents. Whether it was my aura or my looks, their stares were uncomfortable. At five-foot-nine inches, and with my waist-length thick, curly hairy and caramel-colored skin, I’d always garnered attention wherever I went. Attention I never wanted. I was different than most young women my age. Despite my ethereal features that ensnared most men—and some women—I didn’t date or have any friends. A loner was what I preferred to be. At the age of twenty-three, I’d never had a boyfriend, and never had any friends other than the ones I made in the supernatural world. And they couldn’t be considered friends because they were family. Like now, their whispers infiltrated my ears no matter the time or place. But I liked it that way. I wasn’t lonely or starving for attention like most of the young women who clung to whatever man caught their eye that month. I coveted my privacy like it was my last breath. It kept people from finding out my secrets. If