I squeezed through the door, and he instantly pulled me by the waist. He leaned back against the wall, and I smiled.

  “Whoa,” I said.

  “Well, I was serious about touching you,” he murmured.

  Raising a brow with a smirk, I replied, “I can tell.”

  He pressed my body even closer to his. His eyes lingered on my lips.

  “Your lips are so gorgeous,” he whispered, his gaze intense.

  “Yeah?” I said, placing my hands on his chest, then tilted my head and leaned in for a kiss.

  His heart began to race, and his breath grew heavier. The way he kissed me, it made my stomach flutter. He kissed deeper, hungrier, and I started losing control of my breath. The heat was rising between us, the tension practically pulling us together.

  But even as it built, I felt it, I was wishing for Donavon. I wanted Donavon.

  And that… that confused me. Since when did I care about someone like that?

  Mark pulled away, and our eyes locked.

  “I want more,” he whispered, his voice husky.

  “Then why did you stop?” I asked, teasing.

  He smiled, then stripped off his shirt.

  No kidding, Mark was hot. Like, teenage guy hot. Sexy, soft abs, a broad chest. I bit my lip as his lips crashed back onto mine. We kissed, passionately, hungrily, as he helped me take off my shirt, leaving me in just my sports bra. His hands found my bare waist, gripping it as he pinned me tighter to the wall. The tension was electric.

  He grabbed my thigh and began to lift it.

  I suddenly pulled away, then smiled.

  “I’m not that cheap, Mark,” I whispered.

  “What does that mean?” he frowned, clearly confused.

  I smiled and gently pushed him back. “You’re a really good kisser though,” I said as I grabbed my shirt and slipped it back on. “But I’ve gotta go.”

  I bit my lip and gave him a teasing, seductive smile before walking out of the storeroom. What? I told ya’ll I’m a player, ish.

  Behind me, I heard him exhale and run a hand through his hair.

  “Damn,” he muttered.

  I walked straight into Donavon’s frown, which, weirdly, just made my heart skip a beat.

  I smiled softly. “Hey.”

  “Lunch is over. Let’s go,” he said, already turning on his heel.

  I gave a quick wave to Annelly and Andrea, then jogged after my wise man.

  “So, what now? Gonna lecture me on the rules and origin of these creatures?” I rolled my eyes.

  “Discover your powers,” he said, taking a turn down a different hall.

  This one looked like something out of a supernatural action movie, fully equipped like a gym-slash-training center.

  “What’s this place?” I asked, eyes wide.

  “Disneyland,” he replied with a deadpan smile.

  I returned the sarcasm. “Ha! That made my day. So funny.”

  “Right?” he said flatly.

  “Do you know how to fight?” he asked.

  “Try me,” I dared.

  He smirked, and in a flash, had me pinned against the wall. His strength, his speed, his proximity... phew. I smiled up at him.

  “One,” he said firmly, “we’re supernatural creatures. You’ll never see or hear us coming if you lack concentration.”

  Still smiling, I bit my lip and gently cupped his cheek. He blinked, momentarily distracted, and that was all I needed.

  In a flash, I planted both hands on his shoulders, pulled him in close, and kneed him right between the legs.

  He groaned and doubled over, clutching his pants with both hands.

  “Exactly,” I said smugly. “Don’t lack concentration.”

  He stood back up slowly, eyes narrowed, jaw tight. We faced each other again, the tension thick between us.

  “Rule two,” he continued, recovering quickly. “Always protect your heart. A single stake to the chest will kill you.”

  “Okay,” I said, breath steady but heart thumping. “You ready?”

  He didn’t answer with words, just grabbed a wooden stake.

  “Defend yourself,” he warned, and in a flash, he was on me.

  Fangs out.

  Hot.

  But before I could react, he had me on the floor, the stake poised right above my heart.

  “You’re dead,” he said coolly.

  I rolled my eyes as he got off me.

  “Again,” he ordered.

  This time, when he charged, I was ready. He lunged with the stake, but I grabbed his wrist mid-air, pulled him in, and landed a solid punch across his face. As he staggered, I shoved him off and jumped to my feet.

  He recovered fast, really fast, flipping up like some sleek assassin, still holding the stake like he was out for blood.

  He tried to pin me again, but I ducked, wrapped my arms around his waist, and tossed him clear across the room.

  He slammed into the wall and dropped to the floor.

  I flashed across the room before he could even get up, took the stake from his stunned hand, straddled his stomach, and held the tip right above his heart.

  I smirked down at him. “You dead, handsome,” I said softly.

  A rare smile tugged at his lips, genuinely impressed. I mean it was me after all.

  “Impressive,” he said.

  Butterflies. Literal butterflies in my stomach.

  I got off him, trying not to look too pleased with myself.

  He frowned, returning to his usual demeanor.

  “Okay... that was amazing. But who taught you how to fight?” he asked, crossing his arms.

  I shrugged. “No one.”

  His brows raised slightly. “Um. Okay...”

  He turned and walked over to a nearby table, grabbing a long black strip of fabric.

  “Alright, now we test your instincts. Let’s see how well you can sense danger,” he said, stepping toward me with the blindfold.

  I didn’t flinch as he tied it around my eyes, completely shutting out the light.

  Darkness.

  Stillness.

  Silence.

  Flashback

  “Remember, kiddo…” my father’s voice echoed, firm but affectionate. “You can’t expose all your powers after discovering them.”

  He knelt in front of me, adjusting the tiny backpack I wore. The sunlight from the porch hit his face just right…he looked like a warrior hiding in the skin of a dad.

  “Remain a vampire,” he said with a smile, brushing my cheek gently. “Yes, you don’t know what you are yet... but like your mother always says…”

  He leaned in close, voice barely a whisper.

  “...you’re special. ‘Tricagon’ is no joke. You might just be the strongest creature there is. Which is why…”

  His smile faded.

  “...Apollo won’t rest. He’ll come for you, and you won’t see it coming.”

  Back in the training room, I stood completely still. Eyes covered. Heart racing.

  “I’m ready,” I said.

  “Prove it,” Donavon replied.

  I could hear the shift in his stance, the air moving just slightly as he circled me.

  My senses tingled.

  I wasn’t just relying on hearing. I could feel movement. Energy. Pressure.

  Don’t expose everything yet, I reminded myself.

  Meanwhile…

  (Scottish accent)

  “I hold a firm belief that the child in question is harbored within that very institution,” Apollo said, his voice laced with venomous conviction. “With the ascension of the blood moon mere three weeks away, this…” he paced slowly, hands clasped behind his back “…this is the only window in which the sacrificial ritual may be performed.”

  He paused, eyes burning with impatience.

  “And yet… still nothing!” he roared, his voice cracking through the cavernous stone chamber like a whip.

  A cruel smile tugged at his lips as he turned toward the woman in chains, the witch Marianna, hunched over and weakened, surrounded by scattered candles and ancient, bloodstained scrolls.

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  “Oh, how pitiful it is… to witness your current state of utter uselessness,” he sneered, voice dangerously low now as he stepped closer. “Be aware… your knowledge serves no purpose in this dire moment, witch.”Marianna coughed, lifting her bruised face just enough to glare at him.

  “The locator spell isn’t working, Apollo. None of the spells are working. Nature won’t allow me, she’s the daughter of a Decagon! You seem to forget what that means.”

  His smile deepened, more twisted than before.

  Without warning, he grabbed her throat, pressing her back against the stone wall, his palm searing with dark energy.

  “Marianna… do not dare to overlook my identity,” he hissed, tightening his grip. “For the consequences shall be… most dire.”

  He leaned in, his icy breath brushing her ear.

  (Quieter but cruel)

  “Oh… how I would detest being compelled to extinguish the life of your precious offspring…”

  Her breath caught. That hit a nerve, and he knew it.

  ( taunting)

  “Ah… have I struck a sensitive chord, perchance?” he grinned.

  He slowly released her, letting her collapse to her knees.

  “Unearth her whereabouts swiftly, my dear. You possess the span of this week to deliver… before repulsive, exceedingly repulsive, outcomes… befall you.”

  With that, he vanished into black smoke, leaving the chamber colder than before.

  Mrs. Bushida's Office

  Mrs. Bushida paced her office with her hands clasped behind her back, her heels clicking rhythmically against the polished floor. Annelly sat quietly in the chair, anxiously waiting for her to speak.

  “Ma’am, am I in trouble?” Annelly finally asked, her voice small.

  “I beg your pardon, my dear,” Mrs. Bushida replied kindly, taking her seat at last. “I merely wish to inquire about something.”

  She folded her hands on the desk and leaned in slightly. “How do you know about Aliana?”

  Annelly swallowed hard. “Ma’am… just research,” she said nervously. “I was curious. It seemed weird, impossible, really…that the legendary lovebirds didn’t have a child as a symbol of their love. So, I started digging. I found out they lived in LA. Aliana was never seen with them, but she always went to the same places they did. And well… her name. I had two guesses, either she was named after her mother and took her father's initial, or it’s a combination of both their names. Then I met her yesterday and... she didn’t deny it. So that kinda proved my theory.”

  Mrs. Bushida raised a brow. “Please be aware that your behavior could be perceived as unsettling… or inappropriate.”

  Annelly winced. “Now that you’re saying it, yeah. It does sound a little stalkerish.”

  Mrs. Bushida sighed. “Apart from you, who else knows? Who have you told?”

  Annelly shifted uncomfortably. “Um... my friend. Andrea.”

  Mrs. Bushida gently hit her forehead. “Is Andrea capable of maintaining discretion?”

  “Like a grave, ma’am,” Annelly said quickly.

  “Excellent. It is imperative we safeguard Aliana’s identity. A malevolent individual named Apollo is actively pursuing her. Speaking even a single word to the wrong person could endanger her life.” Mrs. Bushida’s tone turned grave. “I earnestly beseech you, refrain from disclosing this to anyone. And I do mean anyone.”

  Annelly nodded solemnly. “Yes, ma’am.”

  She stood and quietly excused herself.

  Meanwhile…

  I wasn’t focused on the hard balls Donavon kept throwing at me. Honestly, I didn’t even feel the pain, and that seemed to frustrate him even more.

  “Can you at least try? Come on, Aliana!” he shouted. “You’re being useless!”

  “Focus on the wind! On every sound being made, focus!”

  “I am trying!” I yelled back. “And I’m tired! Can I go now?”

  He marched over, yanked off my blindfold, mad.

  “You need to take this seriously, Aliana. Or you’ll be dead. As much as you’re the hunter, you’re also the prey. Get that through your thick skull.”

  “Hey! Don’t be rude! It’s not my fault I can’t focus, and you’re a horrible teacher!” I snapped.

  “Oh yeah? So now it’s my fault? My teaching?”

  “Yes!” I shouted. “I mean, ugh! You never smile, you're just some grumpy guy. And rude! I swear, if you weren’t so hot and handsome, I’d ask Mrs. Bushida to replace you!”

  He clenched his jaw, clearly trying to stay calm, but I saw the anger in his eyes.

  “You’re excused for the day,” he growled and stormed off.

  I rolled my eyes and turned in the other direction. “Whatever.”

  I saw Annelly and walked over to her.

  “I need help,” I said.

  “With?” she asked.

  “Training. I want to discover what I’m capable of, but I can’t do that with my wise man,” I explained, rolling my eyes.

  “Oh… the forest?” she offered. “I read there’s an old factory a few miles out.”

  I smiled. “Okay, let’s go check it out.”

  “Alright, but go get dressed, something warm. And pack training clothes. It’s a bit far and freezing.”

  “I don’t feel cold,” I said, shrugging. “But sure.”

  “I’m also coming, old chap!” said a familiar voice with a British lilt.

  I turned, smiling. “You enjoy creeping up on us, don’t you?”

  She grinned. “Us, no. You, yes.”

  I laughed, while Annelly rolled her eyes.

  “Alright then,” Annelly sighed. “Let’s get dressed and go. We need to get there before dark.”

  I changed into black ankle boot heels, denim shorts, a crop top, and a black checkered long sleeve shirt tied around my waist. My hair was loose.

  Annelly looked like she was heading to the North Pole, full-on winter wear, scarf and all. I mean, I get it was cold, but a scarf?, females major eye-roll

  Andrea rocked a full-on leather vibe: black leggings, black heel boots, a black top, and a sleek leather jacket. Her hair was styled into a high Kardashian ponytail. We all had backpacks slung on.

  “Are we going by foot?” I asked.

  “We can,” Annelly replied, “but it’ll be faster with a car.”

  “Then we’re taking my car!” Andrea said cheerfully.

  I smiled. “But I’m driving it,” Annelly said.

  “Mate, that’s like asking me to let you sleep with my wife while I just stand there watching,” Andrea said without missing a beat. “’Cause that’s exactly what you want me to do.”

  “Oh my,” I said, shaking my head. “Bad Annelly.”

  Slapping her forehead, Annelly groaned. “Andrea! Stop that. You’re a reckless driver. I’m not.”

  “Then it’s settled, on foot. Let’s go, Aliana,” Andrea said smugly.

  “Fine! I’ll get in your car,” Annelly grumbled through gritted teeth.

  “What was that? Didn’t quite catch you, love,” Andrea teased.

  “I said…” Annelly shouted, “I’LL GET IN YOUR CAR!”

  “Now there’s a good girl,” Andrea smirked.

  We all climbed in, and Andrea drove off.

  Not to exaggerate, but we reached the old factory, maybe three miles out, in like fifteen minutes. I swear she broke a few laws on the way.

  She pulled over in front of what used to be a shoe factory. There was a huge, rusty old shoe sign on top, so yeah… obvious.

  We stepped out and opened the creaky doors. The place was dusty, musty, and filled with shoelaces and scattered shoes.

  I shrugged. “Well… we take what we get.”, ugh, hate my life right now.

  We all quickly changed into our sportswear, ready for whatever this sketchy old shoe sanctuary had in store.

  We found an open area within the factory, spacious, dusty, but perfect.

  “Well, let’s find out what I’m capable of, shall we?” I said, cracking my knuckles. “Ow!”

  “Okay,” Annelly nodded. “Because you’re a tricagon, you’ve inherited both your parents’ powers, so you might just be the strongest creature alive.”

  “Shouldn’t that depend on age?” I asked.

  “Yes, normally. But in your case, you’re very special. You can do anything, and I mean anything,” she said, eyes wide with certainty.

  “So she’s stronger than Jereda?” Andrea chimed in.

  “Well, no. Jereda created all of this. But…” Annelly turned to face me, “…you’re an alpha, a khayman, a siren, chimera, kitsune, djinn, fairy…”

  I raised my eyebrow.

  She smiled and nodded, “…a banshee, centaur, and hellhound. Times a thousand, even, because it all comes from both your parents.”

  “Whoa… okay, but what even are all those?” I asked.

  “Ah, quite the fascinating notion, isn’t it?” Andrea said, folding her arms with a grin. “Those are the ten types of supernatural beings in the world, and you, darling, get to possess every single one. Rather remarkable, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yup,” Annelly added. “Even my powers and hers, let’s just say… upgraded.”

  “So, do they combine?” I asked, curious.

  “Well, beautiful… we don’t know, do we?” Andrea purred. “That’s for you to figure out. If you please. Quite the mystery.”

  I smiled at her, biting back a blush.

  “Okay, let’s go,” Annelly said, focused. “We’ll start with an alpha and a khayman.”

  “What’s a khayman?” I asked.

  “Khayman is the oldest vampire that ever lived, thousands of years old. The original vampire,” Annelly explained. “Long before Jereda’s creation. Legend has it, he didn’t feed on humans or animals… he fed on other vampires, to protect nature…God’s creation. He was almost like a witch, sworn to protect the earth. He made it his mission to kill every vampire in existence… and then end himself.”

  “So… does this mean I hunt vampires too? I’ve never even fed before. I drank animal blood from the hall once and puked my life out,” I said.

  “Yeah, animal and stored? Quite the mismatch,” Andrea said with a knowing smile. “You’re the type who’d go straight for the vein.”

  “So I’ve been told,” I sighed.

  “And the reason you haven’t indulged or felt the pangs for blood,” Andrea continued, “is because you’re a shape, a combination of supernatural abilities that dampens those cravings.”

  Then her eyes shifted color and her fangs extended. Without hesitation, she bit into her own arm, blood starting to trickle from the fresh wound.

  “Drink,” she said.

  The smell was divine. I couldn’t help it, my fangs extended, and my eyes turned a fierce, bright red. I grabbed her arm, placed my mouth over the wound, and sucked. Then I pulled away, dazed.

  “Wow,” I breathed, eyes closed.

  “Ew,” Andrea said, healing the wound with a flick of her wrist.

  “Okay… so when you feed from other vampires,” Annelly started, “you get drawn to them. It’s almost like a sire bond, but you can control it, sometimes. So from now on, you’ll find” she pointed at Andrea “this one attractive.”

  I glanced at Andrea. She winked at me.

  I smiled. “Did you know about this?”

  “I swear, if I had, I’d have done it ages ago. So no, I didn’t,” she confessed.

  “Okay. So I should be, like, crazy strong, super fast, sense danger…”

  “What about the smell of boy sweat?” I asked.

  “You smell that too?” Andrea asked, grimacing. “I thought it was just me. Annelly, next time, bathe, please?”

  “Oh, come on! I did bathe, and it’s boy sweat!” Annelly said defensively.

  I chuckled. I followed the scent, which led me to a stack of old, dusty boxes. Behind them was… a nerd. No offense, but yeah. Perfectly combed hair, round specs, long-sleeved checkered shirt unbuttoned over a tee, jeans, trainers, and so much sweat.

  “Hi?” I said.

  “Please don’t kill me!” he pleaded.

  I frowned.

  “Who are you?” Andrea asked, shoving him fully out of hiding.

  Stammering “I'm, I’m Aay,Ace,” he said.

  I could hear his heart thumping like crazy. I cupped his face.

  “Gosh!” I exclaimed, pulling my hands away quickly and wiping them on my leggings. “Okay, um, Ace, calm down, okay? And stop sweating. We’re not going to hurt you.”

  “But you’re a… shape,” he said.

  Oh no. Not good.

  Andrea grinned. “Ace! Walk with me until that skinny virgin over there,” she said, nodding at Annelly. Annelly rolled her eyes.

  I followed.

  “It seems you weren’t meant to know any of this,” Andrea said coolly, “so we’ll make sure you forget it ever happened.”

  Annelly smiled. “Aliana, come here. Lesson one: as a vampire, you can compel any creature, make them do or say anything, even forget things.”

  “Ah no, you guys want me to wipe his memory?” I asked.

  “Well, yes,” Annelly said. “And because you’re also a siren, you can return the memory too, with magic. But for now, we’re just making him forget what he saw and heard in the last 15 minutes. It’s for the best. No one can know who you are, just us. Don’t use your powers on us or you’ll lose them.”

  I frowned.

  “Okay, I’m lying,” she added quickly, “but still, don’t. We’re friends.”

  I smiled “I’ll think about it” I teased.

  “Right then, here’s the gist,” Andrea said, stepping in. “When you’re at it, love, gaze into his peepers, draw him in like the world hit pause, yeah? But don’t get all swoony. You’re pulling him in, not falling in love. Stay focused. Speak with confidence. Let it out. Be firm, believe it, and take control.”

  I nodded, taking a deep breath. I stepped in front of him, locking eyes. Just like Andrea said, everything else faded. I could hear the pores in his skin opening and closing. I focused harder.

  “The last twenty minutes never happened. You don’t remember anything,” I said, then stopped.

  Looking at Annelly and Andrea, I asked, “Did it work?”

  Andrea smiled. “Look.”

  “Um, hi guys?” Ace blinked. “What are you doing here?”

  His sweat was gone. His heart wasn’t pounding.

  “Wow!” I smiled. “Awesome!”

  “Excuse me, but why the inquisition? Are you the proprietor ‘round here?” Andrea asked.

  Looking slightly intimidated, he replied, “Well, it’s kind of my spot, okay? I come here a lot.”

  “Well, Aay-Ace, it’s time to share,” she said.

  “One, it’s Ace, not Aay-Ace, and two, wolves don’t like to share, unless we’re a pack, which we’re not. I mean, she’s a vampire, she’s a banshee, and she…” he sniffed the air again, “…well, I can’t quite get the scent, but I’m going with vampire too.” I frowned. “The stains on your chin?” he added. “So… what are your names? Honestly, I’m lonely. You guys must be new. I’m a second-year. Well, don’t worry, I can show you around the place and…”

  “Shut up, please?” Andrea cut in. And he went mute.

  “I guess that’s it for the day,” Annelly said.

  “Yeah,” Andrea and I agreed.

  We packed up and started walking out.

  “I really need a ride back too,” Ace muttered. “Running gets tiring sometimes.”

  “Top-notch…as long as you zip it!” Andrea snapped.

  “Yes, yes… quiet. But how do you know my na,”

  “SHUT UPPPP, ACE!!!” we all yelled at him.

  “Okay,” he said meekly, and climbed into the car with us.

  Andrea drove off. It was already dark.

  Upon arrival, I went back to my dorm and found Donavon pacing, clearly worried. His expression darkened the moment he saw me.

  “Really?!” he barked. “Maybe you forgot, Aliana, but I’m supposed to be your shadow! You can’t just…”

  I faced him, locked eyes, and claimed his attention before he could finish. His words faltered, caught in his throat.

  “For the next fifteen minutes,” I said calmly, my voice steady, “you’ll kiss me non-stop… until I say stop.”

  His eyes glazed for a brief second.

  Then something in him shifted.

  Without hesitation, he stepped forward and grabbed my waist, pulling me against him so suddenly my breath caught. Before I could even think, his lips crashed into mine.

  The kiss wasn’t gentle.

  It was hard, desperate, like something he’d been holding back for far too long. His mouth moved against mine with a heat that sent a shock straight through my chest. My fingers curled instinctively into his shirt as he pressed me closer, one hand tightening on my waist.

  For a moment, I forgot why this was happening.

  His lips were warm, demanding, and when the kiss deepened, my pulse stumbled. The tension between us, every glare, every argument, every lingering look, suddenly exploded all at once.

  My heart was racing.

  His was too.

  And the way he kissed me… it didn’t feel controlled at all.

  It felt real.

  END

  “you’ll kiss me for fifteen minutes” and didn’t even blink. Bold move, Aliana. Very bold. But the real question is…

  ? Do you think Donavon secretly wanted to kiss her anyway?

  ? And most importantly… are we Team Donavon or Team Mark right now? ????

  much crazier from here. Powers, secrets, enemies… and maybe some consequences for that little command she gave.