Chapter 3(The blood moon)

As Blaise stood in front of the mirror, she recalled all her grandmother said. Why would the spirit choose her? She didn't ask for it. She didn't even know about Phoenera until now.

But, she now understood why the witches of Eldovania didn't see eye to eye with the vampires of Valeria.

Suddenly, the double doors to her room burst open.

Several servants walked in pushing golden racks filled with dresses.

"No, take those there. Mary, the shoes go there. Georgie, stop buzzing around, bring in the remaining racks" a tall slender woman in her late fifties ordered the servants.

Barbara Rosemary was the royal butler. Simply known as Barb. She had been the royal butler for close to thirty years.

"Your Majesty" Barbara bowed.

"I'm glad to see you are still…"

Barbara snapped her fingers and all the servants bowed in unison.

"Now get back to work. Sarah, Ruth, prepare a bath for the princess." Barbara ordered.

"Oh that won't be necessary I already had…"

"No excuses Vivian." Barbara interrupted her.

'Fine but can...'

The doors burst open again and several people walked in.

"Goodness can't you people just knock." Blaise said.

"Knocking is old fashioned cousin." A tall blond haired man walked in. He wore a grey tailored suit and white pants. His sleeves were buttoned leaving the upper two. He had a tape measure around his neck and a dazzling smile.

"Xavier." Blaise smiled.

His suddenly smile disappeared.

"Bloody Mary… Blaise what have you done to your hair?" Xavier exclaimed.

"Here we go again." Blaise sighed.

"How could you? New York has ruined you." Xavier said dramatically.

"Goodness Xavier stop being so dramatic." Ember walked in with her assistant.

'Ember...'

"Hold it right there Blaise. Before you say anything else, I am still mad for leaving me all alone in that hospital and…"

"What? You went to New York?" Xavier asked surprised.

"Yes… but let me explain I was.."

" We planned to go together and you went behind my back. Traitor!" Xavier yelled.

"How dare you call me that. You went to Paris alone and yet do you see me yelling like some drama queen?" Ember yelled back.

"How dare you call me a drama queen?' Xavier yelled back.

Blaise turned to Barbara.

"10 years and they are as noisier than ever," Barbara said.

Xavier and Ember Edmonton were twins. Unidentical in so many ways. Although they were from hybrid parents, Xavier was a pure warlock and Ember was a pure vampire. They fought all the time but were always seen together. Apart from times where one of them would slip away with the other noticing, they were always together.

"Can you two just stop?" Blaise yelled.

They both kept quiet and threw each other glares.

"You guys can fight later. But tonight is going to be a huge night I heard. And I have no idea what to wear. From what I know that's why you two are here. So can we just get to it? Please?" Blaise asked.

"This isn't over." Xavier hissed.

'I know.' Ember snapped.

In an instant, their moods enlightened.

'You have no idea what to wear but we do." Xavier said enthusiastically.

He led Blaise to a chair in front of the dressing mirror.

Ember clapped her hands and the workers around began organizing the room.

"You are going to be the beauty of the ball, cuz." Ember placed both hands on Blaise's shoulders.

"All you have to do is to relax and leave everything to us." Xavier said.

Blaise stared at her reflection and sighed.

"Alright you guys do your thing." She mumbled.

Lord Edmond walked to a stop at Blaise's door. He knocked lightly and waited for a response.

"Who is it?" he smiled upon hearing her voice.

"It's me, Vivian. May I come in?" he asked.

There was a slight reluctance in her voice as she replied.

"Come in."

Lord Edmond opened the door and stepped inside.

"Well, it's not like you to knock father." Blaise stood next to the dressing mirror.

He gazed at her with a smile.

"Father, are you alright?" Blaise walked towards him.

Lord Edmond took her hands and kissed them.

"Father you…"

"You can go Vivian. This...this life isn't fair to you. You can go." He said suddenly.

Blaise furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Father, what are you talking about?" Blaise asked.

"I am letting you go Vivian. I will call off the marriage. I can sort something out. You just go back to your life and be careful."He told her.

"But father, what about Eldovania?" Blaise asked.

Lord Edmond led her to the bed. They both sat down holding hands.

"I can take care of Eldovania. I always have." He smiled.

Blaise looked at her him carefully. He looked very sad even though he tried to hide it. It was the first the time she'd ever seen him this vulnerable.

"Mother did this. Didn't she?" she touched his face.

Lord Edmond chuckled.

"I hated coming back here, father. I still hate the idea. But leaving...leaving won't solve anything. It will just make things worse. You said it yourself, Eldovania is my duty. And I must protect it anyhow I can. If marrying Lord Valerian is how I can protect it, then I will do so. Besides, the last I heard, New York, wasn't safe anymore.' Blaise told him.

"It may mean little to you now, but for what it's worth, I am so proud of the woman you've become, Vivian." Lord Edmond said. He caressed her cheeks.

Blaise sat speechlessly. The words sounded so foreign. All her life, all she ever wanted was her father's approval. Now here he was telling it all to her. She'd never felt this close to him. She began to think coming back home wasn't that bad after all. She hugged him abruptly.

"You can't imagine what that means to me dad." She whispered to him.

Her father embraced her and kissed her head.

"You deserve more my child. And you look very beautiful. Red hair suits you better." He told her.

"Thank you, father." She pulled back with a smile.

Lord Edmond stood to his feet and offered her a hand.

"Shall we, Princess?" he asked with a smile.

"Yes, my Lord" Blaise took his arm.

The guards opened the double doors and they both stepped out.

Blaise took in a deep breath and exhaled.

"It's all going to be fine, my dear." Her father assured her.

Blaise looked back at her father.

"I am not so sure." She mumbled.

The great hall was filled with classic music from the royal orchestra. The hall was decorated with the royal colors and there were lights from the huge crystal chandeliers.The ballroom was filled with many elite and nobles. All from different races of the supernatural world. Mostly vampires, witches and wolves.

Lady Veronica with the Eldovanian Prime Minister welcomed the guests.

"Lady Veronica, it's an honor to be here again." A group of elite vampires approached her.

"Lord and Lady Amble, Lord and Lady Niven and Lord and Lady Listowel. It's a pleasure to meet you all again" Lady Veronica bowed.

"Oh you have such a good memory, and this is a lovely ball I must say." Lady Niven said.

"Thanks for the invitation, Lady Veronica." Lord Niven said.

"It's an honor to have you all my Lords and Ladies" Lady Veronica said.

"How could we decline? Eldovania hasn't held a Winter's ball for ages, I personally thought it was about time." Lady Listowel said.

"I don't blame them though, witches think they are so self reliant and don't need anyone. Such prideful folk they are" Lady Amble said.

"Helen" Lord Amble mumbled.

"What…isn't that true? We wouldn't even be here, if it wasn't for that recalcitrant daughter of hers." Lady Amble said.

"That's enough Helen. Pardon my wife's words my lady." Lord Amble apologized.

'No need for apologies, Lord Amble. We witches may be prideful, it's an element we are proud of. And speaking of my daughter, at least she went out on her own to live a good life. She's a neurosurgeon now but what about your children have? Have George and Clinton done anything beneficial apart from wasting their lives. Last I heard they discovered medicine in China? No offense, Lord Amble.' Lady Veronica said.

Lady Amble glanced at her drink nervously.

'Well they...'

'As I expected, nothing better. Please enjoy your evening.' Lady Veronica walked away from them.

"Pardon Lady Amble your highness. It's rumored she blabbers when she's drunk." Lord Bennett said.

"No worries, my Lord. I do not take words from the likes of Erica to heart." Lady Veronica said.

"Are the Valerians here yet?" Lady Veronica asked.

"No, my lady. It's not like them to be late." Lord Bennett said.

"I hope they show. Edmond won't take it lightly if they don't." Lady Veronica said.

"Let me make a few calls of inquiries," Lord Bennett said.

"Please do so, quickly." Lady Veronica urged him.

"Gathered Lords, Ladies and Nobles, please let's welcome His royal highness, Lord Edmond Edmonton." The Master of Ceremonies introduced.

All eyes turned in his direction. He descended the stairs with grace.The double doors opened again and Blaise stepped out after him.

"Her royal highness, Princess Blaise Vivian Edmonton."

The crowd gasped and all eyes fell on her.

Blaise stood cracking with nerves. She glanced around the hall to find everyone staring at her.

She was dressed in a sleeveless white fitting dress. It had golden embroider designs. It showed a little cleavage for her comfort. But Xavier insisted it was elite and perfect. She wore a simple diamond necklace around her neck, also, courtesy of Ember. Her dark copper red hair was swooped to her left side and her makeup was mildly done. Her golden crown perfected her entire look.

Her chest heaved every step she took. She feared she'd fall if people didn't stop staring. She looked away from the prying eyes to her father. He had a small smile on his face.

That enlightened her a little as she neared him. She finally got to the end of the stairs and took his father's hand.

Lord Edmond then turned to the crowd.

"Good evening my honored guests, Lords and ladies and nobles. It's with great honor to hold this year's Winter's ball. I welcome you all to Eldovania. I will take this opportunity to welcome home my beloved daughter, Princess Blaise." Lord Edmund announced.

The crowd applauded.

"I welcome you all once again and have a lovely evening." Lord Edmond ended and the crowd applauded again.

"Welcome back home princess." A couple greeted Blaise.

Blaise bowed politely. She looked around now and then for any familiar faces. For the first time, she swore to give everything to see Ember's face.

"Come let's go greet the guests." Her father said.

Blaise nodded and wondered what a long night it was going to be.

Ember pushed through the crowd looking for Blaise. It was almost impossible to get to her since guests engaged her at every turn.

"Shall I wait here?" the woman behind her asked.

"Err…No, go straight forward to the chamber on your right. You can set up there while I get the princess." Ember told the woman.

Ember watched as the woman walked away from the crowd. She was dressed in an all black dress and wrapped her hair and body with a large blue shawl. She wore several rings in her fingers and had dark appearance.

"What a terrible sense of fashion." Ember muttered.

"Who is that?" Xavier whispered in Ember's ear.

"Good Lord you are so creepy." Ember said startled.

Xavier chuckled.

"For a vampire, your senses seem very dull I must say." He said.

"And who's fault will that be if not yours?" Ember snapped.

"No…no… don't change the topic. Who is that out fashioned person you just sneaked in?" Xavier asked.

"First of all, I didn't sneak her in. Secondly, she's a Sherman." Ember told him.

Xavier frowned.

"Why on earth did you bring her here. Shermans are dangerous people." Xavier said.

"Oh please brother not now, I need a way to get Blaise out of here." Ember pushed through the crowd.

"What for? She looks like she's enjoying her self." Xavier said as he pointed to the center of the hall.

They both watched as Blaise stood by her mother with a group of elderly witches. She had a bored look on her face.

"Does that look like she's enjoying herself?" Ember turned to Xavier.

"Well…" Xavier shrugged.

"Come on let's go get her." Ember pulled her brother.

Xavier bumped into a woman spilling her drink in the process.

"Will watch it?" the woman snapped.

"Pardon me, my lady." Xavier apologized.

"Argh, I hate this place." The woman fumed past him.

Xavier furrowed his brow. She looked strangely familiar.

"Em, go ahead. I will be right behind you." Xavier told Ember.

"What? But…" Xavier was long gone before she could finish.

"Whatever, I got this." She muttered as she headed towards Blaise's direction.

"On my transition, I was the only one to pass the test. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life." The witch next to Blaise told her.

"Rumor has it, any witch or warlock that transits in the light of a blood moon is deemed the most powerful." Another said.

"So has there been any witch or warlock as such?" Blaise asked.

The elderly women exchanged queer glances. They suddenly burst into laughter.

"An inquisitive one you got yourself, Vera." one woman said to Blaise's mother.

"Right and that's funny?" Blaise asked.

"Transition on a red moon has never happened for over thousands of years in witch chronology, honey." Her mother told her.

"Its almost like a myth." Another said.

"A blood moon brings about evil tides, child. Transition on a blood moon is almost like a cursed baptism." Another said.

"Thank goodness it's but a myth." They burst out laughing again.

Blaise glanced at them utterly bored. Just when she thought this conversation was getting better it got awfully terrible.

"Pardon me ladies, but can I speak to the princess a moment?" Ember interrupted.

"Yes you can." Blaise said eagerly.

"Please excuse me, mother, ladies." Blaise bowed politely before stepping aside with Ember.

"god I'm so glad to see you. Please tell me you are taking away from here." Blaise said eagerly.

Ember chuckled.

"You bet. I have a surprise for you. Come with me." Ember pulled her along.

"Ember, where are we going?" Blaise asked.

"It's a surprise. Now hurry up before your father realizes you are gone." Ember told her as they walked through the crowd.

Blaise suddenly bumped into someone as they hurried through the crowd.

"I am so sorry." Blaise stopped to apologized.

It was a tall black haired man with the most beautiful eyes she'd ever seen. His teal eyes were filled with awe upon seeing her.

"Vivian?" the man uttered with surprise.

"Excuse me, do I know you?" Blaise asked confused.

He furrowed his brows.

"You don't remember?" He asked.

"Cuz, come on. We don't have forever." Ember pulled her arm.

Blaise turned back to look at him to find him still gazing at her.

She had no idea who he was, yet his voice sounded somewhat familiar.

"This is the surprise?" Blaise raised her eyebrows in question upon seeing the seated Sherman.

They stood in a drawing room where the bustle from the ball couldn't be heard.

"Yes, great right?" Ember said excitedly.

Blaise pulled Ember aside.

"What is the meaning of this?" Blaise hissed.

"Duh… it's a Sherman, here to read your future?" Ember said in an evident tone.

"What makes you think I want my future read? Besides, Shermans are deceitful people. What were you thinking?" Blaise said through gritted teeth.

"You know she can hear us right? Besides, you wouldn't have come if I told you." Ember said.

"Oh, you aren't wrong. In fact, I'm leaving." Blaise turned to leave.

"Come on cuz, it's going to be fun." Ember asked.

"My future is certain Ember. I don't need a Sherman to tell me that." Blaise said.

"No one has a certain future princess. It is fate that binds us all." The Sherman said.

Blaise glanced at the woman suspiciously.

"I'm going back to the ball." Blaise told Ember.

"Do not walk away princess. Opportunities like these come once in a lifetime." The Sherman said.

"I will gladly take my chances." Blaise said.

"Prideful as always. Your best element yet your downfall… as always." The Sherman said.

"What are you talking about?" Blaise creased her brows.

The Sherman stood to her feet.

"Of course you don't remember." she smiled darkly.

Blaise glanced at Ember who shrugged.

"She's kind of weird. But when she approached me, she told me things I didn't even know about myself." Ember whispered to Blaise.

"What? She came to you? You…"

"I had to find you Vivian. Time isn't on our side." The Sherman said.

Blaise massaged her temples in exasperation.

"Listen here ma'am, I do not know you and I definitely have no clue about whatever you are talking about. You have definitely mistaken me for someone else. So if you don't mind, I have a ball to attend to." Blaise headed towards the door.

"I know you hear the voices." The Sherman said unexpectedly.

Blaise halted in her steps.

"How… how did you…"

"The voices and screams of torment. The whispers and the terrible dreams you have every single night. The sudden forgetfulness and…" the Sherman paused with a smile.

Blaise walked towards her.

"And what?" she asked.

"And the scorching mark of flames." The Sherman said in a whisper.

Blaise stood stunned.

"I told you she was good. Anyway, what mark is she talking about?" Ember asked Blaise.

"Who are you?" Blaise asked the Sherman.

"Sit down princess." The Sherman pointed to the seat.

Blaise sat down cautiously.

"Like I said, time isn't on our side. I am but a well wisher, I will neither harm nor deceive you." The Sherman said as she set twelve tarot cards on the table.

Blaise stared down at the cards before her and looked back at her.

"Pick three cards, Vivian." She mentioned her name with familiarity.

Blaise found it strange and uncomforting. Yet, a sudden curiosity filled her. She reached out and picked her first card.

"Ah, interesting, Death." The Sherman took the card from her.

"Signifies the grim reaper. In divination, marks a major change in one's life. In reverse, can mean the inability to change. A stagnation that can never change no matter how hard you try. No matter how many times you come back, you can never remake it." The Sherman held Blaise's gaze.

"Whoa, this is more intense than I expected." Ember laughed nervously.

"Pick another." The Sherman told her.

Blaise slowly picked another black card from the stack.

She glanced down at it.

"The Lovers." Blaise mumbled.

"Yes, the Lovers. It's a good one… mostly. Signifies new love, attraction, beauty." The Sherman said with a smile.

"Can also symbolize failure and loneliness. A marriage of frustration, suffering and pain." The Sherman said.

She took Blaise's hand and led it towards the stack of cards.

"Pick wisely, Vivian." She whispered.

She reluctantly picked her last card.

"The Hangman…" The Sherman sighed.

"What does it mean?" Blaise asked.

"Self sacrifice." She smiled.

"Self sacrifice?" Blaise asked.

"A prophecy to be fulfilled from choices you make. A choice you've made before in the same pattern. Death, the Lovers and the Hangman. Mark this day Vivian, you should remember when the time comes." The Sherman told her.

"When? What time?" Blaise asked.

"When the moon turns to blood, while it embraces the flames of the sun and when it's light is too thin to shin." The Sherman stood to her feet.

"I…I… I don't understand. The moon turning to blood? What are you talking about?" Blaise asked confused.

The Sherman took Blaise's hand.

A sudden image flashed before her eyes and she stepped back startled.

"What… What did you just do?" Blaise stumbled back. Her heart raced and she found it hard to breath.

"Cuz, are you okay? What did you do to her?" Ember yelled.

"Nothing I haven't done before. It's already time, Vivian. And this time do not forget. Your choices change everything." The Sherman told her.

Blaise wondered what was wrong. Maybe her powers were acting up again. She was feared the worst would happen this time around.

Suddenly, the air felt the room felt stifle, almost suffocating. Blaise fell to her knees and gasped for air.

"Who… who are you?" Blaise asked.

"You already know the answer to that." The Sherman flipped her cloak and disappeared into thin air.

"Bloody… Mary. Did…did she just… where did she go?" Ember gasped.

She reached for Blaise on the floor.

"Goodness, cuz… what did she do to you?" Ember held Blaise up.

"Ember… go get my parents and… and Merma." Blaise said in rugged breath.

"No, let me get you to…"

Blaise struggled to her feet.

"Hurry up… go… go get them now." Blaise shoved her towards the door.

"But Blaise you…"

"I said, NOW!" Blaise yelled.

A strong force threw Ember backwards. She hit the wall and fell to the ground.

Ember stood to her feet in astonishment.

"Blaise… you are on fire." Ember muttered.

Blaise glanced down at her hands. Her hands were aflame yet her skin wasn't burning.

Suddenly, the whispers began and the loud screams echoed.

"Ember please go…please." Blaise shouted.

Ember rushed out swiftly with her vampire speed.

"Vivian." A voice hissed.

"Who's there?" Blaise turned around sharply.

The voice kept whispering her name.

"Please… stop please." She screamed. The royal manor rambled and glasses everywhere shattered.

"Oh my god, I need to get out of here." She told herself.

She was so terrified. She whooshed her hands around to get the fire off her hands.

The whispers got louder every passing second.

Blaise fell to her knees screaming for help.

"Get up." A voice suddenly whispered.

Blaise turned sharply to find no one around.

"You know what to do, Vivian." It said.

"Who...what to do?" she asked in a trembling voice.

"Embrace your power and get up." It urged her.

"How… how?" Blaise asked looking around.

"You know how." It said.

The whispers and screams enveloped the voice and just like that it was gone.

Blaise scrambled to her feet and stared at her flaming hands.

She took in a deep breath and closed her eyes.She tried as hard as she could to ignore the whispers.

"No. I can do this." She yelled.

She opened her eyes and the room was silent than ever. Her hands weren't on fire anymore and the whispers had ceased.

Blaise quickly hurried for the door.

"There you are. I was wondering who was reeking such havoc on such a cursed night." A man in a half mask blocked her path.

Blaise stumbled back startled.

Part of his face showed a blue eye and a shrewd smile. The other half was covered with the black mask. He was dressed in a black suit and tie. He held a dagger in his hand.

"We meet again Vivian." He said with a crooked smile.

Blaise stumbled back as he advanced towards her.

"Stay back." Blaise said.

"It's time to pay for your crimes, Vivian." He whispered.

Blaise took to her heels. She had no idea who that man was and where she was taking off to. All she knew was, she had to get away from him.

She ran to the second floor to an open balcony. She shut the large double doors and jammed the handles with her heels.

She stopped to catch her breath.

For a minute she thought she'd lost the strange man. Until a large bang on the door startled her.

"Open up Vivian. There is nowhere to run now." The man laughed wickedly.

"Who are you? What do you want from me." Blaise yelled in terror.

The man laughed and banged on the door.

"There's no time for chit chat. Open the door." He yelled.

The voices and whispering suddenly erupted. This time they were louder than before. Blaise covered her ears and screamed for help.

The man burst through the door with his fists.

Blaise stumbled backwards and her back touched the balustrade. She turned to find large swimming pool two stories beneath. Her crown slipped off and fell into the pool. A flicker on her necklace caught her eye. She looked up into the sky and there it was.

A blood shot moon.

"A blood moon…" she muttered.

"Yes, a blood moon. Do you remember now, Vivian?" The man grabbed her arm from behind.

Blaise stared into his into eye. She reached for his mask and pulled it off.

"Samuel." She muttered in shock.

The man grinned wickedly. The other half of his face was horribly burnt.

"Oh, you can't imagine how long I have waited for this day." His grip on her arm tightened.

Blaise groaned in pain.

"Please no…please stop." She cried.

"No fire now huh…" he whispered in her ear.

"What did I ever do to you?" Blaise asked.

"You can ask me that again in your next life. Since you have a lot of that." He whispered before stabbing her in the gut.

Blaise's eyes went wide with shock. She gasped in pain and clutch onto his sleeve.

"Goodbye Vivian." He laughed.

He pushed her off the balustrade and watched as she fell.

Blaise held out her hands as she fell to her death. The crimson rays from blood moon shone on the pool of water beneath her. She fell into the water and slowly drowned to the bottom. Gradually, the darkness engulfed her and she fell into a total abyss.