***

CHAPTER 10

Amber Marigold

***

Amber made it to Friday in one piece. The week was going exceptionally well, with Blake and Owen staying away, but of course, her luck would not last that long. As an appetiser during first period, the Western cyng tested her self-control to not stab him with a blunt pencil.

Cariño, could you lend me a pen? No. Cariño, you look lovely today. Can't say the same for you. Cariño, do you have any plans for the weekend? I have a boyfriend.

A good dessert made up for any terrible meal, but as Amber learned, she shared her last class, PE, with the Eastern cyng.

Goldie, can we partner up for stretches? No. Goldie, look, I can raise this guy. But not my expectations. Goldie, what you doing tonight? Calling my boyfriend.

Their sudden attendance was nothing to ponder over. Even so, Amber dodged their attempts to find out if she was going to Tan Cam's party. Once the last bell rang, she rushed to Jessy's car.

"Heyyy, gurl."

"Hi."

Her tone earned a raised brow from Jessy. A sticky feeling of being watched stuck to Amber's back. She opened the door and glanced over her shoulder. Sure enough, both Blake and Owen's goons watched them. Getting in, the girls buckled up and left.

"What's with the mood?" Jessy asked.

"Oh, y'know, just learned Owen has PE with me."

"Ah. Understandable then."

The sky was clear for once, and Amber rolled down the window to let the wind comb through her hair, kissing her skin.

"So, are we going to the party or not? Personally, I'd like to stay clear, but I don't know what your plans with Blake and Owen are."

"We're not going," Amber lied.

"What?"

The girl kept her phone on her lap.

"I don't feel like going," she repeated.

"Why?"

A buzz confirmed everything she wanted to know.

Mr President
Go to tonight's party.
14:05

Gotcha, she thought. Her cousin sent repeated glances, but Amber grabbed her phone like a mad genius on the verge of discovering something great and terrible.

Amber
I'll only go if you answer at least one of my questions! Ive asked so many but you keep ignoring them! Just tell me SOMETHING
14:06

Amber picked the paint off the hem of her jacket, watching her phone's screen without daring to blink. The number usually either responded immediately or ignored her completely.

Mr President
We've met before.
14:07

Yes, yes, yes, yes, Amber thought. Finally, something! She leaned forward in her seat, typing furiously.

Amber
When have wr met? Why are uou doing this? Are you helpng me? Whts your name?
14:07

Mr President
You already used your one question.
14:07

Amber
You can NOT be serious. You havw to tell me more!
14:08

When the number did not respond, Amber cursed out loud, typing and sending each vile word she could think of.

"Bastard! Scum of the Earth, dead-fish-looking mother fu— I hope your socks will forever be wet!"

"Amber, chill. What's this all about?" Jessy asked, eyes ahead.

Amber nearly threw her phone but managed to keep it on her lap. Leaning back in her seat, she shut her eyes and let her hands run through her hair. She took a steady, deep breath.

"It's the unknown number."

"What about them?"

She opened her eyes, staring out the window.

"I learned two things about them. Not bad, but I wanted more. For one, I'm pretty sure they're spying on me through my phone."

"How so?"

"Well, they always know what I'm saying," Amber explained, going over the trail of events in her head. "I first thought they were someone close to me. I was going to bait them when I was in specific groups to narrow it down. But before that, I wanted to provoke them when I was alone or with you. See if it's not just someone close, but rather my phone. Turns out I hit the mark."

Jessy whistled.

"If only you could put as much thought into homework."

"Shut up."

Her cousin laughed.

"Okay, but should you reveal this with your phone out? They're spying on you now, right? Should we get you a new device?"

"No," Amber said, prodding the bruise on her head. "I'm taking a gamble. I'm telling them, I know they're aware of what happens to me. If I'm ever in trouble and they ghost..." she looked down at her phone, stared straight through it. "I know where we stand."

"Ah, so you're blackmailing them into being your insurance?"

Amber broke eye contact with the device.

"I'm not going to pretend they're my friend, but I'm still willing to listen to them for now. It's clear they have some sort of plan, and as long as my family stays safe, I'm more inclined to cooperate."

An impressed 'hmpf' came from Jessy.

"I don't like this. I'm supposed to be the smart one."

Amber chuckled.

"Don't worry," she said. "I'm still probably an idiot."

Half past seven, Amber was pinned down to the ground, her arms trapped and her face desperately trying to angle away.

"Sit still, would you?" Jessy yelled.

"Pencils are for paper!"

"It's eyeliner!"

"It's Satan!"

Amber's face was pressed down as the pencil was applied. Involuntary tears pooled in her eyes at the feeling. She was going to have her eye stabbed out.

"There!" Jessy said. "Was that so bad?"

"Are my eyes still there?"

"They're still there, you baby."

Amber got up from Jessy's floor. The bedroom was a balance of rock posters and scattered medical textbooks. On the bed, their outfit options for the night were splayed out. She walked over to the full-length mirror.

"Wow. I look..." Amber gasped faintly. "I look alright."

Jessy smacked the back of her head, and the girl winced. She was still sensitive to nearly getting her brain busted out last week, but her cousin did not need to know that part.

"You look gorgeous! Don't belittle my skills," Jessy scolded.

Amber smiled with her head ducked, thanking her cousin. With makeup done, the girls approached the bed.

"So, what we going for?" Jessy asked, staring at their options.

"Hmm... Something that'll tempt them," Amber said.

"We're seducing?"

"Tempting. Offering a meal they can't even taste."

Jessy grinned, ignoring their options and going for her closet.

"I might have something that'll work perfect," she said, rummaging inside. "Though I have to ask what the game plan is. I'm all on board with taking West and East down, but I don't know how you're going to do that."

Amber sat on the bed, picking at the paint under her nails.

"I've been thinking about that," she said. "The exact words of their bet have been bugging me. 'The bloodline that gets the girl, gets to stay'. Those were the words. I was thinking, what if we make our own bloodline? The bet didn't specify West or East. What if we make you a cyng and I tell you 'I love you', and then they both lose?"

Jessy grabbed a dress and scouted for shoes next.

"It's not a bad plan, but the second Law of Blood prevents it."

"Second Law of Blood?" Amber asked. "I only know of the first one. 'Blood rules the Dynast.'"

Jessy got a pair of shoes and turned back to Amber, biting down on her lip. She held the look for a second, then groaned.

"Fine," she caved. "A cyng can only be eligible in one of three ways. Born blood, bound blood, or vowed blood."

"What's that mean?"

"It means you're either the eldest child of a cyng, bind your blood with one, or marry one. In some cases, binding or vowing can also lead to two people becoming co-cyngs. But that's about it. You can't just decide to make your own bloodline. Not unless you want to die for the insult."

Amber slammed her fist into her palm.

"Damn. That would've been a perfect loophole," she said. "Wait, I've been meaning to ask. How do you know so much about this, anyway? And no running away from the question this time."

Jessy bit her lip again, and Amber threw her hands up.

"Oh, come on! I've been honest with you. We don't hide stuff!"

"Alright, alright!" Jessy conceded. She clutched the dress in her arms tighter. "Remember my rebellious phase?"

"Ah, yes. Punk Jessy. I remember her."

"Well... I dated this guy. Enrique. He was... part of all this."

"You dated someone in a bloodline?" Amber asked, jaw slack.

"At the time, I thought it was badass, but... I learned the hard way it wasn't all fun and games. I broke up with him after a dangerous incident. I'm not paranoid about these things for nothing, Amber."

Amber quieted down, watching her cousin's hands.

"You didn't tell me about this..."

Jessy avoided eye contact, fiddling with the fabric.

"It was around the time your... It wasn't a good time," she said.

The girls stood there, clothes, shoes, and unsaid words scattered around them. But now was not the time.

"What are the other five laws, then?" Amber asked instead.

"Not happening."

"Oh, come on, Jessy!"

"Na-ah."

With the argument firmly closed, the girls returned to dressing. Jessy got herself a dark purple jumpsuit that could show off her legs, while Amber squeezed into the dress she was given. Slipping on the ankle boots, she approached the mirror. For once, her cousin's clothes fitted her. A skin-tight black dress with floral embroidery on top. She tugged it a bit down, gulping.

"It needs a choker," Jessy said.

"Ooh, never worn one of those before," Amber admitted. "Aren't they some sort of kink thing?"

"Right now, it's just to cover your neck," Jessy explained, getting a black choker from her box of accessories and lacing it up with a red string. "It still looks a bit bruised from..."

Her cousin's gaze lowered.

"That won't happen again," Amber said. "I'm ready this time."

She turned to hug her cousin, holding on tightly as the smell of coconut shampoo greeted her. Once Amber felt the tension loosen, she took a step back, and Jessy's eyes returned to a warm brown.

"Alright, what's the plan? Just tempt?"

"I need more info on Blake and Owen, but until then, I'll make them feel hopeless. For tonight, our focus is the unknown number," Amber explained, her phone left back in her room. "There's a chance they could be at the party. Apparently, it's someone I know, so I'll be seeing how far I can push things. They've been a help, but if they really were on my side, their identity wouldn't be hidden."

"Good point."

The girls gathered everything they needed, including jackets and Amber's phone. Ready, they headed downstairs. Keys rattled and they froze. The front door opened.

"Mom!" Jessy greeted. "You're discharged."

Uncle Anton helped Aunt Tessa inside, supporting her weight.

"Just need some bedrest," she said dryly. Her face was thinner, skin an off-colour, and hair a bit oily. Even so, her eyes instantly homed in on their attire.

"Well, we'll be going," Jessy smiled nervously, aiming to pass.

"Enjoy!" said Uncle Anton.

"Hold it."

The girls stopped and turned around with innocent faces.

"Where are you going?" Aunt Tessa interrogated.

"To a party," Jessy said.

"And who told you, you can go?"

"Father figure did."

Aunt Tessa whirled to her husband, still supported, but looking less like she needed it. "You told them they could go?"

"Uh... yes?"

She sighed. "Did you at least give them the talk?"

"Yes, I did," he replied, allowing his wife a moment of hope before adding, "I talked to them about how I managed to cook two-minute noodles. Sure, I forgot the water, but I'm a glass-half-full kind of guy. Or bowl half-full. Actually, the bowl was empty..."

"You two really are family," Jessy mumbled to Amber.

Aunt Tessa looked sicker than ever. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she said, "I'm married to a child."

"That's not legal," Uncle Anton pointed out.

"I want to exercise some responsible parenting at least once in my life, and you go ahead and tell them they can go to a party. Just like that."

Uncle Anton pouted at his wife's distress, patting her back.

"We can exercise some parenting when they return if you want?" he suggested. "We can switch all the lights off and wait in the living room and be all like 'where were you' when they walk in. Also, we can stroke a cat to be more authentic. Do we have a cat?"

"No."

"We should get a cat."

Somewhere through Uncle Anton and Aunt Tessa's useless argument, the girls managed to slip out. They entered the garage and opened the doors. Amber's stomach was distraught over missing dinner, but she figured a yacht party ought to have food. A buzz sounded as they approached the Ford.

Mr President
Take the Illion.
20:23

"Jessy," Amber said, stopping her cousin from getting in.

"What?"

She looked up, put her phone back in her jacket, and took a breath.

"Oh," Jessy said, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, yes."

Amber walked over and, with one clean motion, pulled the cover off her sports car. The Illion was still gleaming. A slick dark blue low-slung vehicle with curves smooth as butter. She got her keys and walked over, unlocking the car with the press of a button. Both doors flew open, lifting like wings. The inside was a clean-cut mix of black and rich brown. Lights blinked awake, welcoming her. The girls got in, put their seatbelts on, and the doors shut. Amber's hand trailed over the dashboard. She smiled at the yellow ribbon tied to the rear-view mirror.

"Hello, Blue Jay," she greeted.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," Jessy hyperventilated.

"Calm down."

"Sorry."

Amber closed her eyes for a breath, tracing her fingers over the ribbed steering wheel. She opened them again and started the engine. Blue Jay purred to life, low and deep.

"You fine with this?" Jessy asked.

"Yeah."

"One hundred percent?"

With practised precision, Amber sped the car in reverse and swung into the road. She floored the gas pedal, and the car leapt, racing straight ahead. It was answer enough.

With Jessy's navigation, they made it to the docks. Taking a turn, the bay sprawled into view beneath them, an ebony mirror of the night sky. The yacht was unmissable. Bright as hellfire, the massive ship stayed docked. It set the rippling water ablaze with glistening yellows and oranges. But something else was happening close by.

Away from the party, a fleet of vehicles gathered. Muscle cars, custom cars, and even classics. People crowded around, but it was clearly for something else.

Ignoring the car assembly, Amber parked closer to the yacht, and the girls got out. Clear cups littered the parking lot, and kids walked to the deafening blast of music. A group of guys passed and catcalled their way. Unsure if it was for them or the car, the girl flipped them off anyway, getting hair blown all over her face.

"You loser," Jessy laughed. "That was almost cool."

"Shut up," Amber said, pulling hair out of her mouth.

"That's why I live the ponytail life," her cousin said, hooking their arms together and heading to the boat.

The girls crossed the boarding ramp, passing two bouncers without much more than a sideways glance. On the aft deck, the music reverberated through bone. Kids mulled in the area, drinks in their hands as they chatted and swayed along, but not everyone was in high school. Passing through, the lounge area was inside. Spacious as any mansion with expensive décor and bodies draped about. The smell nearly overwhelmed the music. Cigarettes and weed, sweat and alcohol. Amber scrunched her nose. Keeping a grip on Jessy's hand, she was pulled along.

In the next room, they ducked and dodged as ping-pong balls flew. Surrounding the grand dining table, a crowd cheered on a game of beer pong. The girls took a quick exit and travelled outside to the main deck. At the heart of the party, a DJ booth was set up, and kids danced like packed sardines. Some deep bass remix played, and Amber doubted she had the moves to match. Her cousin muttered something before turning to her.

"HUNT TO LET A THINK?!"

"What?" Amber shouted back.

"MONT TO WET A WINK?!"

"Mont to wet a wink?"

"WANT TO GET A DRINK!?" Jessy howled with laughter.

"Oooh! NO, I CAN'T. I'M DRIVING US HOME!"

She grabbed Amber's hand and led them back inside, going down a flight of stairs and to the kitchen. Below deck was a welcome relief. With the music significantly less invasive and the smell of packed bodies not as prevalent, the girl could finally think and breathe.

"What can I get you?" Jessy asked.

Clear cups lined the counter, and an array of all kinds of hard liquor and mix stood at the ready. Where was the food?

"Jessy, you're underage," Amber said.

"I'm eighteen in September."

"That's still being underage."

"Girl, I've been teaching you to drink since we were fourteen."

Amber shook her head, faintly smiling.

"Well, I won't stop you, but I'm designated driver."

"But... but..." Jessy pouted. "I want mandatory best friend shots."

Amber grabbed a shot glass and filled it up with tap water.

"Here, I'll pretend it's vodka."

The girls laughed, and Jessy got a glass of her own before the two clinked their shots together.

"Here's to getting revenge for my mother," she said.

"And finding that creepy unknown number!" Amber added.

They threw back their shots with the same expressions of disgust, though Amber's was a product of masterful acting.

The door swung open, and Tan Cam ran into the kitchen, heels click-clacking as she rushed to pour drinks. Making eye contact with the girls, she lit up.

"Oh, hey! You two came!"

"What's the rush?" Jessy asked.

"Oh, Blake and his kin just showed up. I've never dealt with both West and East at the same time, so I'm a little panicked. If we want to avoid a fight, we'll need a lot more alcohol," she said, muttering something to herself. Drinks in hand, she left again.

"Well, shit. They're here," Amber said, turning to Jessy.

"Yes, we knew they'd show up."

"I know, but... Shit."

"It's okay. Get your water, and let's head back out."

"Right."

With drinks in hand, the girls mustered their energy and once again braved the deck above. Keeping their ears intact, they opted for the lounge area. Eyes immediately fell upon them.

"We're being watched," Amber said.

"Who is it?" Jessy asked.

She aimed to turn around, but Amber grabbed her arm.

"No, don't look," she whispered loudly.

"Then how should I know who's watching us, Amber? I can't smell them, you know."

Amber blinked.

"Well, that makes sense," she said. Jessy rolled her eyes much like her dad, and Amber added, "Okay, I got it. I'm going to face you and pretend like I'm talking."

"Aren't you talking to me now?"

"Shush, young one." She positioned herself in front of her cousin while maintaining a clear view of the boys watching them. "Hahaha, yes. Haha. I remember that. Hahaha. That's so funny—"

"Amber, what even are you doing?" her cousin interrupted her animated gestures. "Just be normal. Tell me what's happening."

Amber laughed like she heard the funniest joke.

"Haha, yeah! They're staring at us," she said with a pasted grin.

"Who?"

"Hahaha, so true! I don't know, but they got leather jackets."

Jessy's face went white as a canvas.

"West... Describe them to me."

"No way, Jessy! Hahaha! Well, one of them has military-styled short hair and a ridiculously buff body with—"

"That's Enrique."

"Hahaha, your ex?"

"You can stop fake laughing now."

"That was a real one..."

Jessy sighed, a mirror image of her mom.

"Haha, cool!" Amber continued. "Okay, the guy next to him is skinny with bleached hair and lots of tattoos. An edgy Jack Frost."

"That's Jack."

"Awesome! Hahaha! Yeah, that's what I said. Jack Frost."

"No. Jack Tromper. That's his name. He's Blake's hacker."

"Haha, that's weird. Ah, alright then. They're still staring."

"Blake could be nearby."

"Ugh, I don't want to deal with the cyngs just yet. It's best we wait until they've gotten a few drinks first."

"Good idea."

The sudden appearance of a particularly bouncy head of curls sent a warning through Amber. Lynch walked over and greeted the guys staring at them. He laughed at something before turning his head enough to spot the girls and instantly beamed. The kid shot his hand up, too fast for the guys to stop him. Ignoring their clear apprehension, he started walking over to the girls.

"Shit, they're coming," Amber said.

"Shoot! Okay, you go ahead. I'll distract them."

"I owe you one!" she said, handing Jessy her glass of water.

Before the West could approach her, she ducked and escaped out of the lounge, squeezing past drunk bodies and further into the yacht. She climbed a flight of stairs where kids lazed on the steps and couples flirted. Upstairs, she walked down a hallway. All I need is a room, she thought. A room and enough time for everyone to get drunk. Picking the door at the end, she swung it open and entered the study. Sprawled on the lounges, a couple of steps away, was the East.

The girl's eyes met with Owen's.

"Fuck me," she cursed herself.

"I'd suggest a first date, but if you're so eager, this place has about ten bedrooms," Owen drawled with that annoying smirk.

"No thanks," Amber said, turning and promptly making an exit.

There was a scuffle behind, so she slammed the door and dived for the first room on her left. She shut herself inside, engulfed in darkness. Perfectly still, a weird sound emerged not too far away. She squinted her eyes. It was a wet sound. Like someone...

"Oh, hell! Eww!"

Amber threw herself back out of the room— threw herself right into a hard chest and sturdy hold.

"I would've probably passed your hiding spot if you didn't literally nearly tackle me," Owen said.

"Let go," Amber protested, aware of his hands on her waist.

"Oh, Goldie, why are you so determined to shut me out?"

"Jeez, not every girl needs some guy in their life. Least of all, someone as cocky as you!" she spat without thinking.

"What about Alan?"

"Who?"

"Alan Chipmunk. Your boyfriend?"

Amber stared at him blankly before a chill washed over her. Shit. How the hell was she going to cover this one up?

"Uh... I can't hear you over the music!" she tried.

"I think we both know what I asked."

"Alan and I are... going through a rough patch..."

Shit, shit, shit, shit. Her boyfriend was what kept these guys at bay right now.

"Wasn't it your five-year anniversary this week?" Owen asked. He raised a brow and pieces slowly puzzled together in his expression.

"Exactly!" Amber said. "He forgot..."

"What an ass!"

Oh, thank the love of food, she thought. Owen's an idiot.

"I know, right?" she chuckled forcibly.

The cyng of the East leaned in; he smelled of soap and perfume.

"I'll never forget our anniversary," he whispered in her ear, sending tingles down her spine. When he pulled back, she was held by those sinfully dark eyes. Held and trapped.

She has to say, 'I love you'. Getting her in bed would simply be too easy for me.

"I'm too sober for this," Amber said, pushing herself away.

"Then, let me get you a drink," Owen suggested.

She opened her mouth to suggest an extended vacation in hell, but a buzz made her stop. She wriggled out of the cyng's grip.

Mr President
Enjoy the party, Marigold
20:57

Amber
Are you here?
20:58

"You can't seriously be texting now?" Owen asked.

"Shush."

Mr President
I'm not one to miss a party.
20:58

Amber
Will I see you?
20:59

Mr President
Not unless you get a couple of drinks at least.
20:59

Amber
You want me to get drunk?
20:59

Mr President
You're designated driver, Marigold.
20:59

Amber
Then what do you—

"That's it," Owen said, snatching Amber's phone away.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

"I'm taking your phone hostage."

"You can't steal my phone! That's jail time!"

Owen snorted.

"Goldie, the last thing I'd get sent to jail for is stealing."

"Well, you're about to get sent to the hospital if you don't give me my damn phone back."

"Relax, relax," he said, hands surrendered. "Let's make a deal. How about a drinking contest?"

"No."

"For every drink we take, the other person has to match. The first person who can't keep up, loses. Winner keeps the phone."

Amber hesitated, damn near stepping into a fighting stance.

"I'll have to pee a lot if I'm drinking that much."

"This place has a million bathrooms."

The girl let the idea roll in her head. Mr President's words... Owen's suggestion... And something more... She let the idea roll around even though she made up her mind before the cyng of the East even asked.

"Fine, deal," she sighed.

Owen grinned.

"Good luck to us both," he said.

"Good luck," Amber echoed, briefly shaking his hand.

Good luck to you.

***

Yo,

This chapter got a complete makeover. We changed it from a house party to a yacht party.

~ Holy Shit