In the end I couldn't think of anything to write to Tarence so I just decided to wait until I saw him in the morning. I went to bed early and thought about what it might be like going to a private boarding school. It had to be better then what foster life was like, when I fell asleep I had the same dream about the women with white wings. She was being tortured by something I couldn't see, she screamed so loud I couldn't help her it was like I was chained down as well. Then everything became black I was screaming something was biting and clawing at me but the harder I fought the more powerful it became. I sat straight up in bed and gasping, my nightmares where getting worse I laid back down and pulled the sheets up to my ear. I closed my eyes and fell back asleep.

The next morning Tarence was waiting for me outside in his car. I ran over and jumped in to the passenger seat. He pulled away from my house and drove towards school.

"So, I think it's a good idea for us to go together." I said shyly as I played with my hair trying to seem casual. I watched a smile play on his lips ever so slightly, Tarence wasn't one to show emotion but little things like that made me very happy. I relaxed into the seat as he drove away from my house. It was going to be so nice getting away from this place. There was a whole world of opportunity out there and I had just been given a chance at it. I felt callused figure tips brush across the back of my hand. I looked over at Tarence and smiled and our fingers intertwined. My life had just taken a turn towards a brighter future and I couldn't wait to take it.

One month later

I grabbed the last shirt out of closet and threw it into my duffle bag. I zipped up the bag and slung it over my shoulder. At the door I looked back at the tiny bedroom and thought about how my life was changing. A scholarship to one of the best schools in the country, an amazing boyfriend, and I was getting away from ever changing homes. The stairs squeaked as I walked down them for the last time. I opened the door and saw Tarence standing by his car smiling at me. I broke out into a run dropping my bag by the car and threw myself into his arms. I then did the most forward thing I have ever done in my life. I kissed Tarence for the first time full on the lips. He froze for a second at the feel of my lips on his but he relaxed after a second and kissed me back. It was a sweet slow kiss, the perfect first kiss. I pulled away and he was smiling at me.

"Wow, that's all I have to say." I giggled and gave him a quick peck on his lips. I then let go of him and picked up my bag.

"Come on. We have a plane to catch." He opened the door for me and I climbed in. He was in the driver's seat a moment latter and we were off. It didn't take us to long to get to PDX and there was a man there ready to pick of Tarences' car. There were hardly any lines for checking our bags and the security line seemed to move faster than normal. It was then I noticed my ticket was for a first class seat.

"Tarence you didn't have to get us first class." He just smiled and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Anything for my girl." He kissed my cheek as the flight attendant called for all first class passengers to board. It was the first time I had been on a plane and I had to admit I was a little nervous. I settled into a seat and tried to relax but, something about being in a cigar tube didn't sit well with me. I looked out the window at the sun set. I felt Tarence touch my hand.

"Don't worry everything is going to be fine." He said in a reassuring voice. Tarence always had this way of calming my down. After all the passengers were on board and the flight attendants had gone over the safety procedures the plane began to roll down the tarmac. Tarence held my hand extra tight as we lifted off into the air. I gazed out the window and down at Portland. For a moment it felt like the world was upside down and I was looking at the night sky as it blazed with a thousand stars. I looked over at Tarence and smiled.

"Ok I'm definitely flying again." He laughed a little like there was a joke I had missed. But I let it pass there was no reason to press the matter any way. It was going to be a long flight, New York was on the other side of the continent after all. Tarence slipped his arm around me as we headed for our future. After an hour or two of flying I fell asleep and stayed that way till the end of the flight. I had to admit it was some of the best sleep I've ever gotten which is strange seeing I was on a plane. We landed on the run way with a light bump, far better then what I had been expecting. We got off the plane and picked up our bags. Waiting out front was a man holding up a sign that had our names on it.

"Hello." He said in a warm voice, "I'm here form the Academy to pick you up." He seemed like a nice guy and Tarence seemed to trust him so it looked alright to me. We loaded out bags into the trunk and climbed in the back seat. It was very early in the morning and jet lag was hitting me hard. I watched the lights of New York lash past as we drove away from the big apple and into the country side. The drive was long and boring. Tarence kept an arm around me the entire time. I thought about how lucky I was to have him in my life. We had been driving for about two hours before the car got off the high way. It was another half an hour of driving along rural roads before I saw it. The Academy had been given the right name that was for sure. It looked like someone had taken a European castle and dropped it down in here. It was beautiful and took my breath away. Tarence nuzzled his face against my hair.

"I was hoping you would like it."

"That's our school?" I asked in amazement. He gave me a little squeeze.

"Yep." We pulled up in front of the main doors and got out. The snow crunched under our feet. The trunk popped open and we grabbed our bags. Tarence pushed open one of the doors and we walked in. It was surprisingly warm for a stone building and there was a women waiting for us at the end of the hall. She had gray hair that was pulled back into a tight bun, her face was wrinkled my laugh lines. She looked like someone's awesome grandma.

"Welcome to the Academy." She said in a light voice.

"I'm Mrs. Annad. Mr. Nightshade what a pleasure to have you back at our school and Miss. Smith I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself here. Now please fallow me to the dorms." I looked over at Tarence he hadn't told me he had already been to this school. We fallowed her down a hall and up a flight of stairs. We turned down another hall and I thought it is going to take a while to learn all the halls. We came to a door at the end of the hall and Mrs. Annad opened the door. Inside there was a slight of spiral stairs.

"Miss. Smith your room is just up the stairs. Mr. Nightshade your old room is ready for you." She turned and walked back down the hall. I looked back at Tarence.

"Ok you didn't tell me you used to go here." He smiled.

"Well it must have just slipped my mind." I rolled my eyes. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close to him.

"Good night." He whispered before giving me a kiss then let me go and walked down the hall. I looked at the stairs then started to climb them. I would stay in shape on these stairs that's for sure. At the top of the stairs there was an oak door with decorative iron work on it. I pushed down on the handle and walked into the most amazing room. It was circular and with a large bed opposite the door. There was also a desk and wardrobe that looked antique with cravings on them. It was so beautiful something I would have never imagined getting. I walked over to the bed and dropped my duffel on it and looked at the soft comforter. It was like a dream my life was on the uphill climb and right now I didn't see how it could go wrong. I jumped onto my bed and looked that the ceiling there where starts and constellations painted on it. I smiled to myself and closed my eyes what could possibly go wrong.

Several months passed at the Academy. My classes where amazing I was actually making friends. Three girls and I had become very close over time. Daisy, Willow, and Dawn. Daisy is the shorts of us with thick bushy chestnut brown hair, light brown eyes, and loved music. Willow had long wavy walnut brown hair that falls to the middle of her back, bright green eyes, and was one of the biggest people in the drama department. Dawn was the tallest with long arms and legs, chocolate brown hair cut at her jaw, light blue eyes, and was one of the best singers at Academy. We hung out whenever we could and Tarence was still my boyfriend and things looked so bright.

"M!" Willow called to me down one of the halls. I stopped as other people walked past and see caught up. They called me M instead of Maria and I had to admit I liked the nickname. She stopped next to me her hair wild around her face.

"What's up?" I asked. She looked exceptionally happy about something.

"Did you hear about prom?" I raised an eyebrow at her. Like I had even thought about prom? We continued to walk down the hall. People brushed past us as we walked to math.

"What about it?" I asked nonchalantly. I kept my eyes open for Tarence but he had a way of just showing up with no warning.

"It's coming up in three weeks. It's a masquerade and it's going to be held in the ball room." The ball room was obviously the biggest hall in Academy but I had never been in it. From what I heard it was totally gorgeous like the being in a castle. At that moment a strong arm looped around my waist and a pair of lips kissed my cheek.

"Tarence." I said with a slight wine in my voice. He just laughed as we walked down the hall.

"Come on now. You know I'm just kidding with you." He said with a smile. It still annoyed the heck out of me that I couldn't see his eyes because of those stupid glasses he had to wear. The rest of the day passed with no excitement. The final bell rang and I left class to go find Tarence. It was April now and the trees where all budding with flowers and shoots.

I walked out into the grounds and found him sitting under a cheery tree reading a very old looking book. It was leather bond with ornate gold writing on the cover. I dropped my bag down next to him and flopped down.

"What cha reading?" I asked calmly. He shut the book and stuffed in back into his backpack.

"Oh nothing. Just something for history." He lifted an arm and wrapped it around my waist so I could be closer to him. We sat there for a moment just watching the peaceful afternoon. It was warm enough that a light jacket was all I needed and Tarence had a way of keeping me nice a warm.

"M?" Tarence asked softly. I gave a soft hmm in reply as I rested my head on his shoulder. I felt him reach over to his pack.

"Close your eyes." I did so willingly and waited. I felt him move for a moment then he stopped.

"Ok open them." When I opened them a saw something dangling in front of my face. It was a silver pendent that was circular with a crescent moon in the middle made out of what looked like moon stone. There were several smaller moon stones set around it like stars. It hung on a beautiful silver chain. I gasped at the sight of it.

"Tarence it's beautiful." He gave me a little squeeze.

"I saw it and it made me think of you. Take it." I reached out and took it from him. The chain was long enough to slip over my head without undoing it. Once I had it on I felt something like this was meant to be mine. Like it had already belonged to me. I shook the feeling away and looked at Tarence with a smile.

"Thank you." I said before giving him a quick kiss. He smiled at me again.

"I'm glad you like it. And," he reached behind into his pack again. When he pulled out his hand he was holding a white rose with silver tips. "Will you go to prom with me?" I laughed and took the rose from him.

"Of course I will." He kissed me this time. Letting his lips stay against mine for several moments. I pulled away and kept smiling.

"Well this means I need to go find a dress and a mask." I said with a laugh even though I had no idea how I was going to buy a prom dress. The Academy paid for my meals as a part of my scholarship but I hadn't really read it in full detail so I had no idea if then would pay for this. But, I seriously doubted it. Tarence and I spent the rest of the day together just relaxing and working on homework under the tree.

Sometimes when we had days like this time seemed to slow down. The whole world disappeared and it was just us sitting under a tree laughing, talking, and just enjoying each other's company. When it was time for dinner we went back into the main building to the dining hall. There where medium sized circular tables set about for people to eat at. We sat down at a table with the girls and two guys who were friends of Tarence.

One was Australian and had the accent to prove it. His name is Zachariah Wolfgang. He is tall six five or six six at least. Zach is also aboriginal and looks every bit like his ancestors. The other guy was from New York City but didn't have an accent that stood out. He was nice but quiet with bright red hair. His name is Carwyn Blake. Tarence and I sat down next to each other and everyone began to chat.

The girls and I talked about going into NYC to look for dresses apparently if you told stores you were from the Academy you got some major discounts. It was also a short train ride to the big apple form the school. We made plans to go that weekend. They also told me the school gives students seventy five dollars a month for personal expenses. I hadn't known about this so it had just been going into an account and I had just over two hundred dollars saved up. The guys were talking about something in soft voices but I didn't care.

The rest of the week passed with little excitement and soon it was Saturday morning and we were on the train headed to the city. I didn't pay much attention during the trip to be honest I slept most of it because it was an early train. By the time we got to NYC it was only ten o'clock. So the city was totally alive and all the stores where open for business. The city was crazier then I had imagined. People pushing each other out of the way trying to get to where ever they had to go first like it was the most important thing in the world. We stuck close together and finally where able to duck into what looked like a promising shop.

All I could see where rows and rows of dresses every color and style imaginable. Instantly there began a joyous frenzy of trying on dresses. Somewhere ridiculous and we tried them on just for fun others we really liked. We had been looking in the shop for almost an hour.

I was digging through the dresses on clearance when I saw it. It was stuffed in the back but it was beautiful. White with silver designs across the skirt. It was a heart shaped top and was strapless and the skirt was large with tool under it making it look like a princess grown. I took it off of the rack and headed towards the dressing rooms. I found an open one and ducked in pulling the heavy purple curtain across the opening.

I quickly took off my clothes and pulled on the dress. The skirt was a little long and I was able to zip it up most of the way. I pocked my head out the curtain and saw Dawn standing there.

"Hey Dawn come help me." I stepped out of the curtain and she smiled.

"M that dress is totally gorgeous on you." She took two long strides and was at my side and zipped the dress up the rest of the way and did the corset style ribbon that covered the zipper. I walked over to the large mirrors and looked at myself. For a moment the reflection didn't even look like me. The dress worked well with my black hair and it even seemed to make my skin not look as pail as it normally did. The only thing I didn't like was the relatively low back that allowed people to see part of my scars. But I loved the dress any way and this was the one I wanted to get. I had to laugh to myself when they say you find the dress and you just know it they aren't kidding. I saw Willow and Daisy come in to the dressing room and smile when they saw me.

"What do you think?" I asked to the mirror.

"You have to get!"

"That's perfect." There was no need for them to try and persuade me but there was still one major factor. What was the price? I reached to my side and found the tag. I held my breath as I looked at it. The price tag and five hundred as the original but there was a big red line through it and a smaller hand written number underneath it that read two hundred. I hoped that this was one of the stores that gave you a discount. In the next hour we all had dresses then began the process of getting the best deal possible. In the end I was able to get the dress for a hundred and fifty which was amazing for me.

We spent the rest of the day getting shoes, jewelry and masks. By the end of the day I had everything I need and had a grand total of ten dollars left over. We got back on the train and headed home. I watched the scenes roll past the window and thought about how the Academy was the first place that had ever really felt like a home to me. Which was very strange seeing it was a school after all. There was a driver waiting for us at the station and our oversized garment bags filled up the trunk almost instantly. He just smiled and asked if we had enjoyed ourselves.

Once we were back at school we split up and headed to our rooms. The stairs to my room felt even longer the normal with the bags but once I was in my rooms I hung up the dress and put everything away. That's when I saw it a letter sitting on my bed with a white rose. Tarence's fluid hand writing was on the front. M was all there was. I tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter.

M,

Sorry I couldn't be there to tell you this but some family emergence has come up and I have to go. I don't know how long I'm going to be away but I promise to be back in time to take you to prom. Know I'll be thinking about you the whole time I'm away.

Stay safe,

Tarence

The stay safe is what threw me off. Why did I need to stay safe? What was the emergence? These questions would bother me for the next three weeks. Tarence was still gone and it was really starting to worry me. Prom was the next day and he had promised to be back in time. Where was he? The day of Prom came and I was in no mood to go. I was sitting on my bed thinking about Tarence when there was a knock on the door. My heart leapt into my throat. I hoped that it was Tarence coming to tell me he was back.

"Come on in." The door swung open to revile the girls standing there in their dresses but without their hair or makeup done yet. When the saw me sitting on my bed in sweat pants and a t-shirt playing with the necklace Daisy put her hands on her hips and was the first to speak.

"Ok M you are going to prom. No moping up here by yourself." I looked out my window as she spoke.

"Tarence will be here in time and you need to be ready." And with that there began a whirl wind of activity. First they got be off the pushed into the bathroom and handed me my dress. I figured it would be better to go along and maybe I would have a good time. Once I was dressed we began working on each other's hair. Mine was pulled into a half up half down style so my long curls could cover my scars. It only took an hour for everyone to get ready and it was the perfect amount of time to. We got on our masks and headed down to the ball room. Just as we reached the large crowd in front of the massive oak doors they swung open and music poured out of the hall. We all laughed and smiled as we funneled in. Soon there were lights of all different colors flashing across the dance floor and the girls and I stood in a circle just dancing and laughing. I was having the time of my life. A slow song came on and I suddenly felt like I wanted to cry Tarence still hadn't come and prom had already been going for a solid hour.

I started to walk towards one of the tables on that were scattered around to just sit and wait. But a hand took mine. I froze it was warm, callused, and all too familiar. I spun around and saw Tarence standing there wearing a black suit with a red shirt and a mask that looked like flames. I knew it was him because the eye holes of the mask had sunglasses glass in them. I didn't think I just threw myself into his arms and hugged him tight. His strong arms where around me holding me just as tight.

"I've missed so much. I thought something bad might have happened to you." I said against his chest. He gave me a little squeeze.

"I'm fine come on I promised to take you to prom. So I have some making up to do." We started to slow dance just gently swaying to the music. Soon that song was over and the tempo picked up. Tarence and I danced almost the whole night. The DJ came on and said,

"Ok here will be the last slow song of the night." Tarence and I started to dance. I rested my head on his chest and just smiled. Then someone tapped my shoulder. I pulled away from Tarence to see a guy standing there. I had never seen him before. He had white blond hair that was cut short he was wearing a gold mask and an all-black suit. The suit made his skin look snow white. He was as tall as Tarence. I met his eyes and saw they were pitch black. Memories of the nightmares flooded back to me I held myself a little tighter to Tarence.

"May I cut in." he said in a cool voice that was unlike anything I had ever heard. But something laced is voice that I couldn't pick out. I felt Tarence hold me tighter.

"No." he said in an emotionless voice. He kept an arm around me and began to lead me off the floor when the guy grabbed his shoulder, forcing Tarence to face him.

"I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to her." I watched the muscles in Tarence's jaw tighten as he readied his retort. I placed a hand on his chest stopping him. It wasn't worth him getting in a fight with this guy over a stupid dance.

"It's not worth it." I whispered to him. I could tell he didn't like it but let me go. I looked at the guy and nervously put my hands on his shoulders. Tarence walked off the floor but stayed in view. The guy gave me a wolfish smile and put his hands on my waist. If this guy made one wrong move he was getting my foot in his crotch. My stomach was churning the whole time, every nerve in my body screamed to get away from this guy but I didn't want him and Tarence to end up in a fist fight. So I stuck it out and was all to relieved when the song was over. I dropped my hands to my side and started to walk away but he grabbed my hand with his. His hand was ice cold.

"We will meet again." He said. He kissed the back of my hand and walked away. I felt like I need to thoroughly wash my hand after that but I quickly found Tarence. I could tell he was worried. When he saw me he seemed to relax. He took my hand in his and asked,

"Are you okay?" I smiled back at him to reassure him.

"I'm fine. I just didn't want to see you in a fist fight. But if it's that guy again I might let you. He was so creepy." Tarence smiled at my words. The rest of the night passed without that guy showing up and ending with the song you shook me all night long. We all left the ball room smiling and laughing. Prom had been all I had hoped for. Tarence walked me to my room.

I looked up at him smiling he smiled back. I felt him move so his hand came to the back of my head. He pulled on the ribbon that held my mask in place so it came lose. He then took it away from my face and continued to smile.

"I almost forgot how beautiful you are." I felt a blush hit my cheeks. He leaned in to kiss me good night but I stopped him.

"Will you let me take off your mask please. Let me see your eyes." He looked torn for a moment but then he gave a small nod. I reached up and felt the ribbon through his messy hair. I pulled it so it went lose. Then I took the mask away from his face. He had his eyes closed. I reached out my other hand and caressed his jaw. With that he slowly opened his eyes. I was taken aback. They weren't brown like I had expected but almost gold. They seemed to swirl and mix and there seemed to be a glow coming from them like the light of a candle. Before I had a chance to speak Tarence swopped in and kissed me. The kiss was deep and passionate but crossed no lines. It felt like after only a moment of bliss he pulled away and smiled at me. I loved being able to see the smile reflected in his eyes.

"Good night." He said in a voice no louder than a whisper before he walked down the hall. I went up into my room and fell backward onto the bed kicking off my heels in the process. Tonight had been prefect, life was amazing. I took a shower and curled up in bed completely and totally happy. Except for some deep feeling that something very bad was about to happen.

The next day I went to go and find Tarence but he was gone. No one had seen him after the dance. This really bugged me why hadn't he told me last night he would be leaving again. I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach there was more going on then what was being said. After almost two hours of searching the Academy for him I gave up and went back to my room. I saw another letter lying on my bed. There was a red rose with it. I didn't even bother to read the front I just tore it open and began to read.

M,

I'm sorry I didn't tell you I wasn't going to be here today but I promise to make it up to you. Come to the Harrison Mansion tonight at midnight.

See you tonight,

Tarence

I read the letter another four of five times. I had to figure out a way to get to the Harrison Mansion and more importantly where it was. I went to the library and searched the mansion. It was only five miles away from the Academy. I could make it there on foot easily. Time seemed to move by so slowly the girls knew something was up but if refused to tell them. Finally I was able to escape them trying to force out of me my saying I had a headache and need to get some rest. I actually did go and sleep for a little while hoping it would pass the time faster.

I woke up at ten forty five and figured now would be a good time to go. I made sure to put on a thick sweat shirt to stay warm and snuck out of my room. The Academy had a strict curfew and you didn't want to be caught breaking it. I didn't run into any of the hall monitors and made it out into the grounds. Once I made it safely away from the Academy and was on my way.

It was five minutes to midnight when I saw the Mansion. It was massive set back off the road there where a few lights on in some of the windows. I walked up to the front door to find it already open. The entrance hall was grand with thick carpet and a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

"Tarence?" I called into the house. There was no response but I could hear music playing softly down the hall. I figured I'd fallow it maybe Tarence was there. The music got louder as I went down the hall. There was a door that stood slightly open and the music seemed to be coming from there. I pushed it open the rest of the way to see a cozy sitting room. There was a large fire burning in the fire place. A small sofa sat facing the fire there was also a mirror on one wall. I pulled off my sweat shirt and looked at my reflection my hair had become tangled form the wind outside. I racked my fingers threw it several times pulling out the big knots. I adjusted the necklace and fluffed my hair again hoping to make myself look as nice as possible when I heard it. A deep chuckle coming from the door. My eyes flicked across the mirror to see the guy from the dance standing in the door way. He was wearing khaki pants, no shoes, and a blue shirt that was completely unbuttoned showing off his perfect torso.

"Now you really don't have to do that." He said coolly. I turned and faced him panic was clogged in my throat making it hard to speak.

"Where's Tarence." He just laughed and shook his head. He took several steps towards me.

"That stupid sorcerer won't be interrupting me this time." What he said confused me for a second but I shook it off. Now I was angry.

"WHERE IS HE?" I yelled at the top of my lungs. In a blink he was standing right in front of me his body pressing me against the wall his hands holding on to my wrists with a death grip. I wanted to scream but before I could he spoke.

"Now hush." He pressed his face against my neck, "Don't make me rip out that beautiful throat of yours." What the hell was wrong with this guy? My heart was racing I didn't know what to do. I felt him then kiss my neck. The sensation made me cringe and struggle against him. He pulled away from my neck and looked me in the eyes. I wanted to run but there was nowhere to go.

"You don't know how long I've been looking for you. Waiting for this." This guy was totally nuts. He then crushed his lips to mine. I struggled harder the ever but something began to creep through my body. The feeling didn't feel like it was my own. My eyes fell closed I began to relax and forget what was wrong. I began to kiss him back when there was an explosion. The guy took a step away from me. All my sense rushed back into my head. My eyes flew open and saw Tarence standing where the door used to be. There was just a smoldering arch way with flames still licking at the edges.

"Get the hell away from her." Tarence growled sounding more like an animal then a man. The guy laughed and looped an arm around my waist I pushed against him and looked desperately at Tarence.

"Why would I do that? We were having such a good time before you so rudely interrupted." He added with a hiss. I saw furry rip through Tarence as he lunged at him. He hit the guy and I was tossed back and crashed into the mirror. I felt a large piece of glass cut across my shoulder leaving a large gash. My head crashed into the mirror making my vision go blurry. I slumped onto the ground. I was just able to lift my head and see what was going on. Tarence had the guy pinned down.

"So it is true." He said with a look of amazement. I tried to stay focused but my world went spinning into blackness.