“Hello Hermione!” “Hey Hermione!” “Hi Hermione!” Have I suddenly gone popular again? I left the house to escape nice grandmother and cousin, only to get to school to meet extremely nice students. I put my head to the floor, ignoring the stares and smiles. “Good morning, Hermione, my name is Isabelle and these are my sisters; Anastasia and Mara. We really like you and would want you to have these gifts.” A girl and her sisters approach me at my locker, with flowers, cards and cookies. Woah. Today isn't my birthday and I haven't received such luxury like in forever. I gulp “Hmmm, Thanks?” I say uncertainly, as they smile eagerly at me. “You're welcome, Hermione!” They chorus, walking away. I stare at their retreating squealing figures. What is going on? Just as I carefully arrange the gifts into my locker, and lifts my head. I see another girl approach me with a wrapped parcel “Hi Hermione, my name is Perpetual. I have a gift for you, and I hope we can be friends...” She says s

Grandmother clears her throat again “Now Hermione, it is one thing to say Married and another to say Mated to someone… Yes, mated might mean after consummation of love when both mates are ready. But it can also mean the enforcing and altering of a mate bond.” “What are you trying to say grandmother?” I ask confusingly “I am trying to say that with extra powers, we can make the princes think that you both are their mates. For instance, Prince Helios for Ketura and Prince Ares for you. I am sure you have eyes for Prince Ares, don't you?” Grandmother winks “Why am I not surprised?!" I holler standing up abruptly. “By extra powers, I presume dark magic right!? “Please lower your voice Hermione, things aren't always what they seem it is. Nobody has to know.” Grandmother says softly “How dare she even suggest making our mate somebody else's. Kill her!” Ezli roars. My vision tinge red. I inhale deeply to calm down the bloodthirst urge. “Please Ezli, be calm, we need to find out how sh

The palace buzz with activities as girls and boys’ parades themselves in every nook and cranny of the palace. I clench onto Ares and Athena’s hands more tightly, never had I witness such a crowd before. Bonfires were lit in secluded places, the youths and teenagers all try to get along.“Oh Hermione! I have been searching all over for you…” Ketura says “Greetings your highness” she curtseys to Prince Ares and Princess Athena.Lies Ketura. You who winked happily at me, when I was told to go away.“Yeah, sure.” I say instead“Do you have a spot Hermione? You can join my friends and I, there is an empty room in the apartment allocated to us.” Ketura says“No thanks, I will just…” I was saying“She will just stay with me, right Hermione?” Athena cuts in“Yeah, sure. Thank you.” I smile at Athena“Okay, alright then.” Ketura says, leaving dejectedly“Ezli, why are you still sad? We will be staying with Athena and will soon get to meet the prince. The mate you’ve been whining so long for, s

“Hey sexy, open that beautiful eyes of yours.” a voice says. My eye sight is still very much foggy as I can only make out the dark outline of a shoe. My jaw is soon pulled to see the face of a hefty man, with variety of designed inks on his arms and face. “Yesss... that's it, pretty.” He smiles, caressing my cheeks. “Why am I here? Where is Blacktooth? Where is Mr. Wicker? Let me go this instant.” I panic, trying to remove my hands from whatever was holding it behind. I frantically look to my surroundings; I am being held bound in a big room filled with female clothings. “Hold it pretty, Blacktooth is wherever he is. He has been settled and as for Mr. Wicker... He is just outside the door, with the others waiting for you. Besides I was only told to tame and make you corporate with the terms of the business…After that you can have your life back. But nonetheless, I just might have to taste you before the big men does. It is after all, still part of the taming.” He smirks, licking hi

Five domestic staffs stand in waiting, few feet from where their master and I sit with him the dining hall. I put some steak into my mouth, chewing it gently. Dead quietness fills the air. Does he perhaps live alone in this big house, save for his helps? Where is his family? I reach for the cup of water on the table, gulping it down, when I heard my name… My eyes pop open from the cup. He gives me that impassive look again, dropping his cutleries. “We need to talk.” He says, leaving the dining hall abruptly. Am I to just follow him like that? I stare at his retreating figure confusingly. The helps still standing, gestures to me to follow him. Arrggh. I roll my eyes, catching up his pace. He stands before a door, secludedly hidden somewhere in the mansion. He takes in a deep breath, bringing out a bunch of keys from his pocket. Slowly he pushes the door open “would you mind going in first?” His demeanor reads hope, as he fists tightly -his shaky hands. “Okay...” I answer quietl