TaranI’ve searched for my mother for the last three days. So far, I’ve covered the northeast side. It’s getting late, and I know that I need to head back to Tru’s apartment. To my surprise, there are many hidden caverns and mountains in Antarctica.Thinking of Tru brings a warm feeling to my chest. It seems to cut through the cold. The icy winds and freezing temperatures make me glad I didn’t bring Tru. I miss her terribly, but I know she’s safe. She would freeze to death out here. Even in my dragon form, I feel cold. I find a cave to sleep in for a couple of dark hours. Being shielded from the wind makes temperature tolerable.After another couple of hours, I call it a day and fly out towards Tru’s home. It’s relatively early when I land, around ten at night. The cloud cover was thick enough I felt it was safe to land. I buried clothes in a box next to where I land. Digging out the clothes, I dress then run towar

I didn’t sleep much. I probably kept Taran awake most of the night. He held me close and tried to soothe me all night. The affection he showed me has me so confused. Taran said that I’m his companion and friend. He doesn’t love me romantically like he does Jonat. The lie Taran told my parents last night was so good, I almost believed him. There are moments when he spoke that it felt like he was talking directly to me. But it’s all an act. The way he treated me last night was his way of being supportive of his companion.I pull away from Taran and sit up in bed. In a groggy voice, he says, “Hey, Tru. How are you feeling? I know you didn’t get much sleep.” Taran touches my shoulder, and I jerk away from him. My reaction seems to startle him, and he quickly pulls back, “I’m sorry.” He pauses for a moment before asking, “Are you angry about what we did last night?”I can’t bring myself to look at

Taran and I spend the afternoon prepping food for my dad’s party. My mom joins us in the kitchen around four. I don’t let her help, but she sits at the table and talks to us. Sarge lays under the table next to her so he can watch everyone. Pat, Mike, and Dave are outside with my dad starting up his new grill and watching the two boys play in the backyard. I don’t know where Cindy is, but I’m glad she isn’t here bothering me.“Taran, I think Bill is ready for the meat. Do you mind taking everything out there to him?” My mom asks Taran.He smiles, “Not at all. Should I take it all at once, or are there certain things that need to go out first?”My mom shrugs, “I only cook inside. He’s in charge of grilling. I would take it all if you can carry it.”Taran nods and begins to gather everything to take outside. After he leaves, my mom says, “I know you and Taran are living together. W

Taran holds my hand as we sit at the table across from Dave and Cindy. My parents sit at the ends of the table. In a soft voice, my mother says, “We all need to keep calm and discuss things like adults. Tru, I expect you to speak with respect. Dave, I expect you to listen to your sister and consider her feelings. We all need to come to an understanding. This tension cannot continue.”Dave and I are silent. Neither of us want to say anything. Cindy is the first to say anything, “I don’t understand why you’re so cruel to me, Tru. I have done nothing but try to be your friend.” I suppress the need to scoff and roll my eyes. Keeping my face neutral, I try to imagine this is practice when I’m Taran’s queen, and we hold court. Cindy continues, “It’s hard being an outsider.” She looks over at Taran, “I’m sure it’s different for you since you’re dating the golden child.”“Gold

The room is pitch black. There is no light anywhere. I hear something creak, but I can’t look around or figure its direction. Footsteps shuffle closer, but I can’t tell where they are.Suddenly, I feel something pierce my chest. It’s painful. I try to scream, but nothing comes out when I open my mouth. I begin to feel cold and can’t move my body. It sounds like someone is crying, but I can’t hear them. Between the cold and pain, I can’t focus on anything else. It becomes difficult to breathe. I start gasping for air and struggle for the slightest bit of oxygen.My eyes pop open, and I try to catch my breath. I sit up in bed and pull the blanket tighter around me. Looking over at the clock, I find it is only one in the morning. I let out a sigh and lay back down in hopes of trying to fall back asleep.The lighting crystals on my nightstand are flashing red. Concerned, I pick them up, “What’s wrong?”One