I wanted to avoid the conversation with Magnis. I didn’t want to face him. The man who killed my parents. The man who killed Celia, my sister. The man who killed my humanity. What I have left of it. I tensed with distress and antagonism. What would he say to me? What would he do? I entered the room; the room was filled with his cold aura. I sensed it. “Joelisa, come closer.” I obeyed. Silence hit the area when I was by his side. I finally spoke. “I reckon Kimberly told you?” Magnis shook his head. “I wanted you to confess.” I sighed and placed a hand on my forehead. “Today… I visualized a vampire’s past. I also could read his thoughts.” Magnis gave a struck look. “Another vampire?” I nodded. “I also knew how he felt. Like I understood him.” I added. I doubt I should keep everything from Magnis. He knew everything. From our good thought to our horrible nightmares. Magnis narrowed his eyes. I tensed at that. “May I ask who the other is?” I shrugged. “Well… he’s… a rival vampire.” Magnis stepped closer. I wanted to run. “Oh? Of which coven?” I mumbled the name and was surprised Magnis heard me. “Vivus?! How could that be possible?” I bit my lips and embraced myself. “It just happened. Don’t be angry at me.” Magnis sighed. He placed a cold hand on my clothed shoulder. “No. I’m not mad. Just… shocked.” I backed into a wall and sulked down its hard surface. Tears started to sting my tears. “I have no idea what’s going on, Magnis. All I know that I… saw someone’s past and heard their thoughts.” Magnis nodded. “I know.” I looked up at Magnis and uttered a question. “What does this mean?” Magnis frowned. “You formed a bond. A connection. You see, Joelisa, forming the bond, you and your bonded could never be separated.” “It sounds like mating.” “It’s something like that, but your bonded could be just a friend, sibling, or mate.” “But I never met him personally.” Magnis sighed. “And you won’t. I forbid you to ever say anything to him.” I nodded in understanding and stood. “I comprehend you, Magnis.” I bowed in respect and left the floor. Victoria stepped up to me and took my hand. “Are you okay?” I nodded. “Yeah. Magnis and I just discussed some things.” Victoria placed both hands on my cheeks. I was forced to look into her eyes. “Tell me. What’s going on?” I bit my lip. Careful not to pierce my skin with my fangs. “I bonded with a rival vampire.” Victoria gasped and placed a hand over her unbeating heart. “What? Who?” I shrugged. “I don’t know his name.” Victoria sighed. She gave a small smile. “You should try to rest.” I chuckled. “Victoria, vampires don’t need that much sleep.” Victoria smiled again. “Joel…” I raised the white flag. “Alright.”

Four nights past since the incident. Every day at school, we would give each other a quick glance and turn away. Sometimes I wished I did know his thoughts. I didn’t know why I wanted, but… I felt it. The only thing that I could feel was his emotion vibes. I even get some cold chill down my spine. Or a heat wave. Maybe he could feel the same thing from me. He could feel my emotions. I bit my lip thoughtfully. What if he did know how I was feeling as I knew his emotions? I was regretting telling Magnis about the bond. Now I wanted to be close to him. I groaned in frustration. It was a waning moon out, no stars. I reached under my bed and pulled out an art kit. I walked to the balcony, holding my large painting paper and brushes firmly. I set them up against the balcony’s stone railings and went back inside for paint. Painting became a hobby and a relaxing habit for me. When I was angry or sad, I painted. Many of the coven members say I’m a great artist. I really didn’t agree. I closed my eyes and let my sentiments run through my veins. Gently my brush danced across the white surface. I didn’t know what I was painting. All I knew that I was frustrated. I wanted answers. The brush continued its path down the pale canvas. Within minutes I was done. I gasped at what I painted. I painted his lover. His dead lover. The color was drained from my face. Her tainted blue eyes were staring at me. The felt so real. I grabbed the painting and placed it far back in my walk in closet. I closed the door and climbed in my bed. How could I have painted his dead lover? His deceased mate?! I whimpered and lied upon my pillows. What was I going to do?

“Joel! Joel! JOELISA!!!” I sat up quickly, yelling, “Shit!” I glared over to Angie. She was dressed in shorts and a teal tank. Her hair was braided in a long ponytail. “Angie, what the fuck is going on?” Angie giggled. “We’re going out game hunting. Come with us.” I shook my head. “No.” Angie pouted. “Come on. It will be fun.” I shook my head again. “Nope.” Angie huffed. She yanked me up rather harsh and quick. “Alright! I’ll go!” Angie smiled in satisfaction. I huffed, blowing some ebony hair from my eyes. When she left my room I showered and dressed. I dressed in a black short sleeved fitted shirt and Capri’s. I felt more comfortable in these clothes when hunting. I went downstairs and meet the faces of my coven. “Alright. Let’s go.” Max said. Within a few minutes, we were in a large meadow. We stood in a large circle. “Alright, you all know how the rules go. We split into teams. Whoever can capture the most ‘prey’ wins the game.” Victoria instructed. Each of us placed a wristband on our wrists. I was in a team with Max, Kim, Julius, and Revina. Our opposing team was Angie, Derus, Nexus, Niya, and Yolanda. Our elders, Magnis, Victoria, Iven, Evian, and Blaze monitored us. “You know how to win. Get the most wristbands from the other team within an hour. Now… go!” Our teams took off into the forest. We split up into individuals. I was alone in a moist area. Somewhere near a river. All I could hear was some chattering of squirrels and other forest creatures. I took a quick smell of my area. I smirked. I recognized Nexus’ scent anywhere. “Nexus, you might as well come out.” Nexus sighed and leaped from a tree. “You have a strong nose, newbie.” I crossed my arms and chuckled. “Not so newbie when I just detected you. Now are you coming to get this wristband or stand there?” Nexus smirked. “I rather come and get you, but since you insist.” He lunged at me quite fast. I was unable to react and fell on my back in the dirt. He was hovering on top of me, smiling. He grabbed my right arm and smirked. “Surrender?” I twisted us around and took his arm. “No. You?” Nexus chuckled. “I can see why my sister likes you.” “I know. I’m cute.” Nexus nodded and plucked at my wristband. “You’re not giving this up without a fight, are you?” I gave an innocent look. “For what? My wristband or my virginity?” Nexus seem to enjoy that response. He sat up and chuckled again. “I prefer both.” I blushed. I gasped when my back was intruded by a cold hand. “Nexus…” Nexus pushed me on my back and stood. He took my unprepared hand and pulled me up. “I’ll get you later.” I mentally sighed. “Whatever.” Suddenly a scent caught my attention. “Nexus, you smell that?” Nexus frowned. “Vivus. We must warn the elders.” I nodded. Both of us took with vampiric speed. We came into the meadow within seconds. Victoria read our minds and frowned. “Magnis, Vivus is in our land.” she informed. The others made it and had the same expressions. Magnis growled. Said coven appeared from the forest. From in the front was the leader. A woman with glossy white hair and black eyes. She smiled when she saw me. Magnis saw that expression. He took my arm and placed me behind him protectively. The Vivus Coven stopped just a few feet away from us. “What are you doing here?” Evian asked. The woman smiled again. “Well, we came to discuss some things.” “What is there to discuss? We talked over the treaty just a month ago.” “It’s not of the treaty. We have discovered a recent bond connection between two vampires of our covens.” I paled white. Who told of that?! I looked over to see a girl with red hair and bright hazel eyes. She was smirking evilly. I wanted to kill that bitch. Victoria took my hand and squeezed it. “You can’t.” I frowned. “What makes you think that it’s someone from our coven?” Blaze asked. The woman stepped closer and turned to me. “I can sense it. That young one is Drakus’ bonding partner.” Said ‘Drakus’ paled when he looked over to me. I could feel his fear. I knew he could feel mine. The woman smiled. “Right now they’re having emotional wave. Drakus could feel Joelisa’s fear as Joelisa feels his.” Drakus and I looked to the woman. “She can sense any telepathic connection if she’s close to the connection. Kina is special like that.” another vampire said. He had navy hair and golden eyes. Kina smiled and crossed her arms. “I may say this though. Drakus has a great choice in partnership.” Drakus sighed. “Kina, please. This isn’t right. It was an unexpected bonding.” Magnis stepped forth. “I ordered Joelisa not to come in contact with Drakus. We’re rival covens.” I sighed. I didn’t want to get into this. It was so... unreal. Drakus was thinking the same thing. I know his thoughts. He looked to me with a sad demeanor. ‘I want this over with. I know you do, too, Joelisa.’  I turned to face the ground. Did he know I could read his thoughts? ‘I can. I know you can hear mine.’  I looked to him and nodded. Drakus smiled. Kina noticed that and I wished she didn’t. Magnis growled. “Joelisa, you will not commune with him ever.” Kina and Drakus frowned. I was starting to get confused. What was going on? Did it involve the bond? Victoria shook my shoulder lightly. “He’s feeling a strong connection towards you.” I sighed. Maybe he wanted to know me better, understand why we were bonded. Kina brought Drakus over towards me. He was utterly surprised. “Magnis, it is best they stayed together. It could strengthen our treaty and prevent any conflicts beyond our covens.” Magnis shook his head. “I don’t trust you, Kina.” Kina smirked. “And him? Drakus is known to be rather trustworthy.” She leaned over and took my hand. Drakus and I were soon standing close to each other. I blushed, feeling rather embarrassed about the whole situation. The redhead chuckled. “In all honesty, I agree with Kina.” I felt a heat wave from Drakus. He was just as embarrassed. Kina smiled and gave a loud clap. “See? Now they’re attracting emotions again.” Blaze spoke. “Doesn’t mean anything. Unless, they share the same future then…” Kim fell down at the moment. She had fainted. Derus quickly kneeled next to her and gripped her small hand. Kim opened her eyes and looked to me. Victoria gasped. “Magnis, we must leave now.” she said. Magnis turned to Kina and her coven. “We must leave.” Kina nodded in understanding. “Fine. We must discuss this later.” Magnis sighed. “Alright.” Our covens turned and head in different directions. Except me and Drakus. Drakus sighed. “Sorry. I really don’t want to go. I actually... enjoyed seeing you.” I blinked. “Oh. Same to you, Drakus.” Drakus started to walk off. I heard his last thought. ‘I hope to see you again, Joelisa.’

Kim walked in my room quietly. “Joel, I have to speak to you.” I placed my sketchbook down. “What is it?” Kim sat on my bed and sighed. “I saw a vision of you and Drakus.” I blinked. “Did something happen?” She nodded. “You two become very close. And… and you... I can’t say anything else. “She didn’t finish.  I walked to her and took her in my arms. “Kimmy. You don’t have to tell me.” Kimmy nodded. “Magnis wants to speak to you.” I sighed and rubbed my arm. “Alright.”

When I reached Magnis’ office, I was totally frightened. He might do something harsh. I always had that fucking thought! I entered through the door. Magnis was sitting in a dark velvet chair by the window. It was gloomy outside now. “Joelisa, I must speak with you.” I nodded and walked over and stood just a few feet away from him. Magnis stood and went to me. “I have this one question to ask.” “Yes, Magnis?” Magnis looked me into my eyes. “Since this bond happened, have you felt any immense feelings for the other?” I would be lying if I said ‘no’. Unless, Magnis was referring to a ‘lovey-dovey’ feeling. “Well, I have felt that I should be close to him. Only to know him and why we’re even bonded. I even feel his emotions when he was far off on the other side of the room. If I had to say I love him… no.” Magnis took in that answer. “Alright. I asked you this because of Kim’s vision.” I sat down as Magnis signaled me to. He stood by his desk. “She saw you two. She saw you two as… soulmates.” I paled.  “No! Magnis, she could have had that vision.” I didn’t believe it. I never have seen myself being with anyone. Neither girl nor guy. After my family’s death, I didn’t want anybody. Now, Kim is seeing me with some… guy?! I didn’t know my own sexuality. Maybe I was asexual. No. That was highly impossible. It’s not as if I could clone myself like starfish can. I hope. I turned to Magnis. “Magnis, I don’t believe it. Drak-“ “Don’t utter that name!” I paled and sulk in my chair. “I apologize.” Magnis smiled in satisfaction. “Good. Now, I don’t want you around him or anyone else from Vivus. They’re not worth our time.” I nodded. “Magnis, what if they come any contact to me?” Magnis turned to the window. I knew he was smiling with pure iniquity. “Kill them. Gives a warning to the others.” “Wouldn’t that violate the treaty?” Magnis sighed. “No.”

This was all wrong. Ignoring my bonded made me feel… guilty. Every day at school, he would glance my way or try to say a word to me. I knew I couldn’t kill him. I could only ignore him. I sensed his sad emotions. He was upset and confused. I was too. Why was I doing this? How could I even be involved in this whole mess?! I couldn’t get the answers. And Drakus was waiting for me. He wanted to know why I doing this. Well, he soon knew why. It was one afternoon before school let out for the weekend. It was like any other afternoon. Teachers waited for students to go, want to get on with their life. Teens were fidgeting in their seats, yearning to get out of this hellhole. Except me. I was still in my seat. I did want to go, don’t get me wrong. I was just… miserable. You could say that. When the bell rung, I slowly raised from my seat. I followed Angie out the classroom and went to my locker. I grabbed what I needed and went out the school. Before I could make it to the waiting van, someone tapped my shoulder. I paled and blushed when I saw Drakus. He wasn’t smiling. “Joel, I don’t understand. Why have you been ignoring me?” I bit my lip. Angry emotions were clashing with scared ones. Drakus sensed my scared feelings and lessen his snaring. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be…” “You have every right to be mad at me.” I said softly. Drakus shook his head. “No. Don’t blame yourself. I was just upset and worried for you. Joel, why?” I sighed and turned my back on him. “I can’t. I shouldn’t even be telling you this.” Confusing waves. “What are you saying?” “Magnis doesn’t want me around you. He doesn’t trust you.” Drakus sighed. “How could he? You can’t separate two bonded vampires.” “To him, you can. Magnis has power over me, Drakus. I’m sorry.” Drakus turned me around to face him. “I don’t care what he says. Joel, I want this to work. There’s a reason why we’re bonded.” I shook my head and stepped back. “There may be a reason, but we’ll never know.” I walked away from him.

Magnis walked in my room that night. I was sitting on my bed, holding a pillow close to my chest. I was dressed in an oversized shirt and silky pants. Magnis sat down next to me. “Maximus told me what happened at school.” I sighed and snuggled closer and tighter to my pillow. “I know you’re disappointed in me, Magnis.” He nodded. “I’m beyond anger, Joelisa.” I closed my eyes and buried my face in my pillow. Magnis sighed. “Yet, I’m relieved that you didn’t socialize much.” “He was resistant. He wanted to know why we couldn’t be… close.” “Do you know why?” I shook my head. “Magnis, I think there’s something to Kimberly’s vision you’re not telling me.” The way I said it… startled me. I didn’t have that soft voice. It was more demanding. Maybe my inner vampire was coming out. Magnis frowned and crossed his arms. “Joelisa, there’s some things better left unsaid.” I threw my pillow down on the mattress and stood from my bed. “You’re lying! Magnis, I want to know why! What is so bad about Drakus and me communicating?!” Magnis stood and glared at me. I didn’t feel fear. I was pretty pissed. “Joelisa, I don’t admire your tone towards me. I’m your elder.” “I don’t give a fuck, Magnis! You’re the one that gave me this curse! I was better off being half vampire! I could have died and be happy, but no! I’m stuck with the agony and pain of the death of my family! The family you killed!” I didn’t know what came over me. Magnis’ eyes brighten to a vermillion. “Joelisa, you forget. I enlighten that curse. Your father gave it to you! You should be blaming him for your misfortune!” “You have no right to turn this on my father!” “You’re nothing but a bastard of filth! Your mother was a bitch! She was worthless! Your sister was couldn’t be worth any space here!” I did the worst thing I could ever do to an elder. I slapped Magnis. It might have been a girly move to do, but it was the only thing I could think of. Magnis turned his head, fangs bearing out. I stepped back. My anger disappeared, filling with regret. He slowly walked to me. My heart was pounding against my chest. I caught an image of Magnis pouncing to me. I dodged him and jumped over my bed. I raced out my room. Before I could even get to the staircase, Magnis jumped me. I was held to the damaged floor. My neck was grasped abrasively. My hands were clutched around Magnis’ wrist. I was fading out quickly. He squeezed tighter. I struggled, but it didn’t help. I coughed blood up in seconds. “Now, you’ll face the death your family faced.” I whimpered loudly. I wouldn’t give up on this. I reached up and allowed my nails to extend. “Get off of me!” I came down across Magnis’ face and neck. He shrieked in agonizing pain and released me. I turned on my hands and knees, coughing up blood again. I felt so weak. I looked up and moved just in time. Magnis came at me again. Before I could run again, he grabbed me and bit into my neck. I screamed very high in suffering. He held me tighter as I continued to scream. I felt my eyelids closing slowly. I couldn’t die like this. My knees gave in. I felt my blood run down my body, soaking my clothes. Just when I thought it was the end for me, Magnis let me go. He let out a growling noise. I fell on my side and looked up. Drakus was standing there, facing Magnis. What was he doing here? I caught Victoria and the other elders standing by the staircase. “Drakus, go aid Joelisa.” Blaze ordered. Drakus ran to my side and took me in my arms. I could hear faint voices of questioning towards Magnis. Drakus ran his hand down my neck. I winced when he came to the stinging wound. “Sorry, Joel. Just hang on there, okay?” I groaned weakly. My eyes gave in and blackness surrounded me.