Ash:

Ash read the graffiti tags on the back of the toilet door and couldn't decipher a single one. Giving up trying, she left the cubicle and glanced around the school bathrooms. It was a whole lot of concrete and scratched mirrors above metal sinks, and the stale smell of cigarettes hung in the air, merging with the usual toilet stench. Still, it was a welcome break from English class. A few minutes just to breathe and clear her head. That plan was thwarted when a guy's voice entered her mind. Ashala?

Yes? she answered, then realized it wasn't quite her name. More disturbing, she was talking to herself. A guy hadn't spoken. It was just her imagination inventing voices—they just happened to be attractive voices.

The guy laughed, making her look around the stalls behind her. No one.

I am not a figment of your imagination, Ashala, he said.

I prefer Ash, she snapped, walking to a basin. She splashed cool water on her face, praying it would wake her up. When she looked into the mirror, water was beading on her eyelashes and her cheeks were flushed. Releasing her hair from its ponytail, she figured it might loosen the tension in her head. That had to be the reason for hearing voices—tension. Her ringlets tumbled over the curves of her school dress—brown ringlets, golden ringlets, and red ringlets. She had too much hair. The dress was white with burgundy and navy plaid, short sleeves and buttons down to her hips. One-and-a-bit more years of this uniform and she would be free of it forever. It was a comforting thought, and Ash needed comforting.

Ash, he mused.

Stop talking. You aren't real.

I think we should test that theory. Meet with me.

Even if you are real, why would I want to meet with you? I don't even know you.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Keenan.

Keenan... Okay, if she was honest, there was a part of her that was curious to meet him, just to see who had been invading her thoughts. But... How do I know you're not like some crazy stalker, like a cyber troll on the internet?

Cyber troll? he asked. Internet?

You really don't know what I'm talking about, do you?

No idea. All the more reason we should meet. You could teach me.

Everyone knows about the internet. Where do you live? The moon?

Which moon are we talking about? he asked, a smile in his voice.

The one in our solar system, of course.

Your solar system only has one moon? How odd.

Ash thought about that for a moment and frowned. This planet has one moon. The solar system has quite a few, now that I think about it.

Interesting. And which planet would that be?

Wait. I asked you where you were from, not the other way around.

Here and there. But you could say I've made a makeshift home on Astaria.

Astaria... Ash pondered the name. It sounded awfully familiar. But that was impossible. She'd never seen a planet named Astaria in any book before.

Meet with me, Ash.

Why do you want to meet with me so much?

How can you not know? he asked.

Ash shrugged, looking at herself in the bathroom mirror. A long diagonal scratch cut halfway along the mirror as if cutting her in two, much how her brain felt at this moment.

Just look at you. Who wouldn't want to meet a face like that? Angelic. Eyes the color of sunshine. Hair like ribbons. I could go on...

She scoffed a laugh. I do not have hair like— Ash's hearts raced. You can see me?

I can see what you see. And I see you are going to be difficult to bargain with. Why don't I sweeten the deal? If you meet with me, I will return Jasper's father.

Ash's hand flew to her mouth. You took Jasper's father?

I did indeed. I needed to prove a point. Xander proved quite an asset. Lücan has been trying to get him back ever since. An impossible feat, since Xander is locked up in the Realm of Shadows. No one can retrieve him, no one but my father and me. Infuriates Lücan no end. He laughed. It was a wicked laugh, and one not to be trusted.

Poor Jasper, she thought. He always seems so happy, and yet here he is dealing with a father who's missing. Oh, God. If Keenan kidnapped a man that means I'm talking with a psychopath. Maybe he wants to kidnap me, too? Help!

You think I'm a psychopath? That's hilarious. Possibly a little true. Who knows, really? But if it makes you feel more secure, I swear on The Fates that I will not kidnap you—this time—I only want to talk.

Ash didn't have a clue what swearing on The Fates meant at all, but she wasn't about to take the bait.

Swearing on The Fates is a binding contract, explained Keenan, and if broken there are severe repercussions for the parties involved. But you would know that if Lücan hadn't sheltered you so well.

Lücan hasn't sheltered me. That much.

Keenan exploded with laughter, like he might be crying hysterically. I might not know what cyber trolls are, but you seem to know absolutely nothing about your life. That is more concerning.

I know who I am! Ash exited the bathroom and walked back down the halls.

Who are you, then?

I don't need to tell you.

If you say so. Do we at least have a deal?

A plan popped into Ash's mind. This binding oath of his could work in her favor. I have conditions.

Please tell...

One: We meet for fifteen minutes. Not a minute less, not a minute more. Then you must return to where you came from. Two: You cannot harm me or anyone else. Three: You must return Jasper's father at the beginning of our meeting and leave him be—forever.

That's a high price. Let us negotiate.

No.

Make it one hour and I'll agree to your other conditions.

Half an hour, she insisted, thinking that was already too long.

One hour, or there's no deal.

What could they possibly talk about for a full hour? But she had to get Jasper's father back. This was her only chance. Done!

Swear on The Fates.

You first.

He sighed dramatically. I, Keenan, swear on The Fates that I will abide by all of Ashala's conditions to meet for one hour. Now, your turn...

Ash waited for a thunderbolt to ripple through the sky, or a sign that The Fates had agreed to Keenan's side of the deal. The silence was very underwhelming, and a little scary. She took a breath, but her voice trembled as she said, I swear on The Fates that I will meet with Keenan for one hour—as long as he lives up to my conditions.

And I will need your location if we are to meet.

Oh. I suppose you will. Ash scratched her head, approaching her classroom. She wasn't ready to give her location. She wanted to postpone it as long as possible. Like for eternity. It will have to be after school. Give me five hours.

I'll meet you at this school you speak of.

Mont Albert Heights Secondary College.

Where, may I ask, is that?

In the suburb of Mont Albert Heights. She felt she should probably elaborate. Jasper's father was at stake. Melbourne.

More information...

Victoria. Australia.

More information...

Earth, she said, clenching her jaw as she gave him the last piece of the puzzle.

Earth, of course! he exclaimed. Lücan is cunning, I'll give him that.

How?

He sent you to the other side of the galaxy. I thought he would keep you as close as possible, under his watchful eye, or place you on a planet with one of his golden nets for protection. I have been searching in all the wrong places.

Ash gulped. You've been searching for me?

But Keenan never answered, and that was more unnerving after what he'd revealed. She tiptoed back into the English classroom, taking her spot between Will and Sasha.

Will leaned towards her. "You okay?"

She thought about telling him the truth, but it seemed too unreal. No need to alert him to the fact that she was a crazy girl. Plus, Mr. Henderson hated students talking in class—instant detention right there! And so she said, "I... I'm fine. Just a headache. Bit nauseous. I need to toughen up."

"Good idea," Sasha whispered. "Those biceps of yours do look pretty scrawny."

Ash's mouth dropped. She inspected her willowy arms before glancing over at Sasha's. Ash inwardly groaned. Why did she sit next to this girl with the toned arms, supermodel looks and catty attitude? If Sasha wasn't Will's friend, Ash doubted they would share a smile in the hallway, let alone sit next to each other in class.

Shirt half hanging out from the back of his pants, Mr. Henderson turned around from the whiteboard, red marker in hand. He pointed in Ash's direction, as if he was about to draw a big cross over her forehead. This was the very reason she always sat three rows back. "Ashleigh. Please entertain the class with what it is you find so funny."

"It was nothing. Sorry for interrupting, Sir," Ash said quickly.

"It was not nothing, otherwise you wouldn't have been laughing."

Ash had to create a cover story quick fast. "I was thinking of how cool it would be to meet Mr. Darcy."

"And that thought makes you laugh why?"

"Mr. Darcy's hot, Sir. Dark and brooding good looks.... Mysterious... The fantasy kind of made me giggle," she said, making the girls in the class laugh. Every girl it seemed had a crush on Mr. Darcy—it was a safe bet, and the reason Ash had made the joke in the first place.

"On the positive side, at least you are engaged in our assignment. Perhaps a little more depth in your analysis next time?"

"I'll work on that."

"I'm pleased to hear it." Mr. Henderson returned to his whiteboard with impatience.

"You fancy Mr. Darcy?" Will whispered. "He's arrogant, insensitive—a brute, if ever there was one. Shall I go on?"

Ash almost giggled, then stopped herself. Will sounded as if he'd read one too many Jane Austin novels. She guessed it was Lücan's influence, as he sounded just as old-fashioned. "You just don't understand the subtleties of Mr. Darcy. He's a complex man."

"Not that complex."

Sasha let out a sneaky laugh. "Trust Will to be jealous of a fictional character. Darcy is hot."

As Mr. Henderson was yelling at Trent for playing on the phone, Ash dared a giggle with Sasha, then whispered to Will, "See, told you. Hot."

Will grumbled and went back to writing out the 'Pride and Prejudice' questions from the board.

With thoughts of Mr. Darcy circling her brain, Ash was reminded of her meeting after school. Keenan was definitely mysterious. Scary—yes. Dark and brooding... She had a feeling he ticked all the boxes.

Sasha dropped her pen loudly against the table. She opened a telepathic channel with Ash and Will. Keenan is on his way.

Tell me I imagined you saying that? Will asked.

I'm wondering the same thing, said Ash. Did you both just speak in my mind?

Yes, Will and Sasha snapped, while nodding at Ash to confirm it was true.

She shrugged. If Keenan could speak in her mind, why not other people?

I'll ask again, tell me you did not say that Keenan was on his way? Will asked.

Sasha sent him a worried look. It's real. Very real. Syreese just warned me, and you know her visions are never wrong. We need to leave. Syreese has already contacted Lücan.

Why is there a warning about Keenan? Ash asked. He doesn't sound that bad.

You spoke to him? Sasha asked.

When I was in the bathroom. I agreed to meet with him.

"You what?" Will said aloud, making everyone in the classroom turn.

Wait. Isn't Syreese your aunt? Ash asked.

Will took a calming breath, and Ash knew he had more important things on his mind—like this Keenan business—but she'd forgotten so much, people like Syreese.

Syreese is my aunt, and the best psychic in the universe, and if she says we need to leave, we need to leave. Now. He grabbed Ash's hand and whisked her to her feet, dragging her through the aisle of desks and chairs. Sasha steered Ash forward.

"You three," Mr. Henderson shouted. "Back to your se—"

The wall of windows on their right shattered. Ash, Will, and Sasha turned to see their classmates screaming and glass falling in a vertical drop. Ash had never seen glass behave like that—usually it sprayed outwards and down. Nor had she ever seen a boy with black feathered wings gliding through a broken window like he was the Angel of Darkness.

Ash gave a squeal as Will gripped her around the waist and took flight over students' heads—their trajectory the door. It was blocked a second later by the guy with the black wings, who was quite possibly the most beautiful thing she'd ever laid eyes on. Dark and brooding was an understatement—his irises were a midnight blue that were almost black, and she could tell from a glance that they had seen and done too much.

The guy with the black wings sneered at Will. "Where do you think you're going with my friend, Sepheri?"

Will growled. "She is not your friend, Keenan."

Keenan cocked his head to the side, his dark plum lips thinning as he smiled. "I think Ash should answer this one. We are friends, are we not?"

"Umm... Ah..." Ash gritted her teeth into a smile. Will would lose it if she answered 'yes', but if she told Keenan 'no' that could jeopardize any hope of getting Xander back. And so far, Keenan hadn't been that bad. Sure, he'd made a grand and window-shattering entrance, but he had lived up to his word—no one had been harmed. So far. Although, he had kidnapped a man, she reminded herself. "Yes?"

Sasha slapped Ash on the arm. "Idiot!"

Will descended, placing their feet back on the ground. He gripped Ash by the shoulders, as if that would talk sense into her. "Ash, you can't be serious?"

"I am. I promised I would spend an hour with Keenan. Wasn't expecting him so soon, or with that entrance, but I did promise."

"Why?"

Her eyes welled with tears. She didn't know what to say, to reveal the truth might anger Keenan. As it was, he was staring at her oddly.

"Now that's a very good question," said Lücan, soaring through the window and over the students hiding beneath their desks. "Why?"

Mr. Henderson looked ready to pass out. "Who are you people?!"

Lücan gave one look at Mr. Henderson and the class, then flicked his hand at them. Mr. Henderson froze as still as a statue, his mouth ajar as if he'd been about to speak. Ash scanned the rest of her class. Emmy's red curls were peeking over the top of her desk at the back of the room. Those curls did not move, nor did her brother Trent, or his phone that was pointed at the flying people near the doorway. No doubt he'd been recording it all, probably to air on You Tube in an attempt to become famous.

"What did you do to them?" Ash asked, horrified.

Lücan turned, as if nothing abnormal had just taken place. "It's for the best. It will make their memory adjustments that much easier. Sasha, I assume I can entrust you with that task?"

"I'm on it." Sasha shot a glare at Ash, then made her way over to her classmates and teacher.

Ash suddenly realized that she was not frozen, nor was Will, Sasha, or Keenan. It didn't make sense. She glanced over at the clock above the whiteboard. The second hand was fluttering on the number six. Oh god. Lücan can freeze time. Impossible!

"Nice trick, old man," Keenan said, fanning his wings as he hovered before Lücan.

"Freezing time is more than a trick. It takes patience, skill, and it is a gift earned after many years. I doubt you will ever acquire such a thing."

"Perhaps not," Keenan said. "But I do have other tricks up my sleeve. Would you like to see one?"

Lücan walked straight up to Keenan, shifting Ash to the side. "Not particularly."

"Oh, I think you might be quite interested." Keenan's wings brushed the walls on each side of the door frame as they beat the air. Ash stumbled back into Will as black veins begun to spread over the walls and the plaster began to crack and crumble. Keenan peered over his shoulder and pressed his eyes shut for a moment. He flew forward a fraction, keeping his wings at a safe distance from everything. "I didn't mean that!" he said to Ash. "No one was harmed. The deal remains."

Lücan narrowed his gaze. "What deal?"

"That would be the one Ash and I made about ten minutes ago. It's binding."

Lücan spun on his heal, facing Ash with a rage that was terrifying. He seemed like the one she should be running from. "You swore on The Fates?! With Keenan?! Tell me you did not?"

Ash winced. "I might have. Is that really bad?"

"You have no idea how bad, young lady."

Ash smiled weakly. "Oops!"

"You are an impossible child! Honestly, it's like I've been cursed a million times over."

Ash went to speak, but how could she possibly respond to that? Father truly hates me.

Keenan swooped to the side of Ash and her father. "Stop being melodramatic, Lücan. We're all cursed. That's why we're here."

"Do not tell me the way of things. I have been around far longer than you. Now tell me about this deal. Every detail."

Keenan's eyes lit with glee. "Ashala agreed to meet with me for one hour—"

"You touch her—" Lücan warned.

"Only to talk. It is all binding, as I said. In exchange, no one will be harmed and I will return her as soon as the hour is up—Ashala's demands, not mine."

"I think you're forgetting something," Ash said, glaring up at him.

He hovered closer, wing fluttering. "I did not forget. Your final demand was to be my trick," he said, tapping her on the nose.

"No!" Lücan, Will, and Sasha called.

"Do not touch her!" Lücan yelled, shoving Keenan back through the air.

"Are you alright, Ash?" Will checked her over.

"I'm fine," she said, wondering what all the fuss was about.

"You don't feel sick?" Sasha asked.

"No. Just normal."

Keenan had flown back in an instant. He was smiling brighter than ever. It was a good look on him. At least Ash thought so.

"If anyone would like to see my trick, now is the time," Keenan sing-songed. "I have places to be, and an hour with this angel before me."

"Let us see the trick, if it is one of Ash's demands," Lücan said. "It couldn't be any worse than anything else she's agreed to."

Ash swore she was losing her eyesight as she peered over Lücan's shoulder. All color stripped from Keenan, and all that remained was a shadow of a man—a silhouette, with the smallest variations of grey that outlined his sharp features. Holding her breath, Ash blinked repeatedly. The room was full of colors, but Keenan was still colorless.

"I know this trick," said Lücan, pushing Ash back at the same time. Sasha and Will crowded around her, leaving Ash truly fearful for the first time.

"You don't. Really." Keenan's silhouette darkened. Emerging from that silhouette was a head of scruffy grey hair and a handsome man in his forties, his clothes ragged and filthy. Ash and the Sepheri gasped as the man fell through the air and tumbled to the floor with a clunk, landing at Lücan's feet.

"Xander!" Lücan cried, kneeling by the man and helping him up.

Xander stumbled into Lücan, gripping his shoulder. He smiled, then sobbed. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Your Highness? Ash repeated, feeling dizzy. Lücan's not a king. He's my father—my father who brings Marianne rose clippings from his garden.

Keenan materialized into color and began laughing in her direction. You really don't know anything. I love it! he said. The things I will tell you... Your shock alone will be priceless.

I think I'd rather take the wrath of The Fates, if you don't mind? Ash said, half joking.

Keenan's gaze travelled past Lücan, as if he and Ash were the only ones in the room. There was no laughter in his eyes anymore, just a darkness that bored into her. Take our deal. The Fates are never kind to those who break an oath.

As Ash nodded, she overheard Lücan's conversation. "I am not to thank for this, Xander. This was Ashala's doing." By the tone of Lücan's voice, she wasn't sure if it was a compliment or a prelude to a lecture. But Lücan squeezed Xander's shoulder, welcoming him home.

Xander turned, shaking Ash's hand so vigorously she shook. "Thank you, thank you."

"You're Jasper's dad. I couldn't just leave you there." She made a wavy gesture towards Keenan, still coming to terms with the fact that a man walked out of Keenan's body.

"Where is Jasper?" Xander looked around the room and frowned at the frozen class.

"Why don't I take you to him?" Sasha said, pleased to guide Xander from the building.

Keenan extended his hand to Ash. Lücan gave her a disapproving look, but she placed her hand in Keenan's and was lifted into the air. As Keenan gripped her hand and he flew higher, Ash fell mid-air, dangling in the most embarrassing of ways.

Keenan's perfectly curved eyebrows pinched together. "You can't fly?"

"Me? Fly?" Ash laughed, releasing his hand. "That would be a no."

Keenan's gaze shifted to Lücan, and a whisper escaped his lips, "You've broken her."

Lücan stood there like a vulture calculating his next kill. "Your hour is ticking away, Reaper. I suggest you use it for talking with Ashala, because a conversation with me will hurt a whole lot more."

Circling the air, Keenan could have been waltzing he looked so free. "You're right. Broken Ashala will be much more fun. This way I get to hold her nice and close. Thank you."

Keenan smiled a crazy bright smile and snatched up Ash's hand. Her hands flew to his bare chest, and she blushed at how many muscles were there. Not that she wished to be blushing—his last line about her being broken had been way too creepy. His arms were around her waist the next second and she was tilted backwards as he flew towards the window. She grappled for somewhere to hold. Careful not to touch his shoulder blades or his wings, she wrapped her hands around his lower back, his wings breezing over her arms. Ash caught one last glimpse of the two Sepheri by the door. Will looked stunned. Lücan looked as if he might implode, his face red with fury. She felt as if she'd committed some kind of betrayal, but there wasn't the time to dwell.

Up ahead, jagged glass jutted from the window frame, and they were heading straight for it. Not wanting to be ripped to shreds, Ash tightened her hold on Keenan. Sunlight shone into her eyes as they left the school behind.