Chapter Three Tresia

There they are the un-mate able six pack. This is their fifth time attending the mating tradition and if they aren’t mated this time, they have to move to the outlands where all the unmated are sent. If the traditions don’t mate you, then you’re never allowed to mate. I’ve heard horrible things about the outlanders.

In high school, we’re taught that when someone is sent to the outlands, they never know love or the touch of another. We were told stories that they tried mating by their own rules once, but the Elders ordered all the Veil bastards killed. That’s too far for me. They’re babies for fuck’s sake. What harm could they have caused?

Scanning the room, I lock eyes with Ryland, I notice all of them are looking at me. They’re all gorgeous, but I can breathe easily knowing harems are against the laws of the Veil. No one has to worry about that one. I wouldn’t mind one of them being for me though.

It’s obvious no one wants to be here. It’s nothing more than grandstanding in my opinion. I’ve always thought the Mating Social was more for the parents and other mated couples remembering their special day. The food’s good, so that’s a plus. My nerves are keeping me from eating very much. Rite after rite after rite are performed, three hours of the evening pass by and not one bit of it affects tomorrow. Gods, I really hate pop-n-circumstance. I love getting dressed up. I love seeing my friends. I love all the support we have for each other. I don’t like feeling like a trophy that’s being shown off.

“Would you care to dance.”

Oh. My. Gods. That voice just did things to me. Turning to look at who’s speaking with me, Ryland’s standing before me with his hand out. Oh, my Gods, oh my Gods, oh my Gods, speak you idiot.

“I’d love to Ryland.”

His smile widens when I say his name. I’m not sure why, but I’m glad. Ryland’s hair reminds me of the darkest of nights. Looking into his bright amethyst eyes is like looking into the Milky Way. Getting lost in them would be so easy. His beauty honestly makes me feel bland.

My hair is gorgeous, it’s long, platinum blond and I love braiding it. My electric blue eyes aren’t a common color. As a matter of fact, I’ve never seen anyone else with them. My brother has crystal blue eyes. We were told that the combination of our hair color and eye colors makes us special. People normally tell me they get uncomfortable when I look at them for too long.

Placing my hand in Ryland’s, I stand up without breaking eye contact. Allowing him to guide me onto the dance floor is easy. Placing his left hand on my waist and resting my hand in his sends chills throughout my body. Not sure why, oh fuck, stop already and enjoy Ryland’s arms around you.

Opening my eyes and lifting my head from his chest, I see my dad. Wait, what? Looking around, dad’s carrying me into the house. What in the hell happened? I was dancing with Ryland, damn it. I know damn well I wasn’t dreaming.

“Honey, leave her door open. I’ll help her get out of her dress. Poor thing would have hit the floor if it wasn’t for Ryland.”

The world is spinning and I’m not, or is it, I’m spinning and the world’s not. Either way I feel as if I’m going to vomit and fall. “Wha...what happened?” Is all I manage to force myself to say.

“Oh sweetheart, you’re not the only one that passed out. Apparently, someone thought it’d be funny to spike the fruit punch and with nerves running high, you ladies were drinking a lot of it and, well, most of you ended up drunk. No worries though, you weren’t the first to pass out.”

And she thinks that’s going to make me feel better about this. My stomach is pissed. My head feels as though it may explode at any minute. I hope they find whoever it was that, “Oh, my Gods. Where’s Misha? It was him, wasn’t it? I swear I’ll fucking kill him.” Covering my head with a pillow keeps the light out and lowers the volume around me.

“Hush now. There’s no need for such language from a lady. Your father, the Elders and other affected girls’ parents are handling your brother. He’s overstepped this time and there’s nothing I can or will do to help him.” The gentleness of my mom’s voice is soothing to my head. Too bad it doesn’t soothe my temper.

Mom babbles as she helps me undress and slip into my pink and black penguin pajamas, I know she’s babbling because she feels bad because her ‘little man’ did this. “Thanks mom.”

“No thanks needed. Everything is ready for tomorrow, so you’ll sleep till you wake up on your own. You draw your Oracle Card when it feels right to you and no one else. Drink this herbal tea and go to sleep. I’ll check on you later.”