The central Union is a huge building in graphite black that makes it look intimidating, alluring, showcasing power and dominance amongst all of the other buildings around it. The architectural design is worth staring at with both modern flair and renascence-influenced pillars at the entryway. It always takes my breath away if not for the flock of noisy self-centered airheads that always manage to suffocate me with their bleak and moot ideas about life― As if they really know what the hell they're talking about― but as a proof of high intellect and good morals, I keep my opinions away from my razor-sharp tongue, mostly for self-preservation because I don't want to be condemned by a battalion of rich prima donnas at a sacred ceremony. But really, I just want to save Olivia some face.

As we enter the Union, people start to greet Olivia with great enthusiasm as she walked with grace and confidence I could only dream of. Her hair was curled into lazy waves that made her pin-straight hair look naturally wavy and her empire-cut emerald dress with an asymmetrical top complimented her figure and made her look like a deity. I quietly followed her in my black dress with leather straps adorned with bronze-colored studs accessorizing with a single chained earring I even managed to put on a light make-up and blowdry my hair. I looked pretty badass if I do say so myself.

''Olivia, it's so nice to see you again'' Mrs. Peddleton greeted as we enter the auditorium wearing her fake sarcastic denture-filled smile. I always hated the old hag, she just screams animosity and a boatload of crap. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and drag mom away from her.

''Margaret, the pleasure is all mine'' mom air-kissed both of the hag's cheeks, smiling at her warmly.

''You're going to be at the fundraiser next week right?''
''Of course, Margaret. I won't miss it for the world''
''Good, we need as many sponsors as we need although if you ask me, poverty is so over-rated. They should start to learn how to work for themselves''
Ha! That's 'cause you are born with a silver spoon shoved down your throat.
Olivia fought back a frown, I can tell. Thank goodness for the jet black contact lenses ''we shall proceed to our seats now, the conference is about to start'' I have to give it to Olivia, she really is a smooth operator. Avoiding ugly conversation with pure benevolence. The old hag just nodded still smiling and I gave her my best I-hate-you-but-I'm-being-good-today smile.

As we walk through the throng of Iridescents, my eyes caught a group of unknown faces by the other entrance opposite ours, I frowned ''mom, who are those?'' Tugging her see-through sleeve. She followed my gaze. ''Ah, those are The Elements. They're here to watch over us. The elders invited them'' she explained, searching for our designated seats.
Elements? Interesting, I've never heard of them before.

The conference commenced with the usual rituals as we do every year. We take off our special issued contact lenses, place it in the given canister by the elders and renew our pledges to never cause harm to anyone, be it humans or creatures that belong to mythological descents. After that, they give us new contact lenses that will be followed by the closing ceremony, but not this year. One of the elders went up the stage and called for our undivided attention.

''Everyone, silence'' said the angular woman with shiny white hair. ''I would love to end this ceremony but there are things going around that call for attention.'' Each and every Iridescent immediately focused on what the woman had to say, the auditorium hushed, and it's as if I can hear the uneasy thrumming of their hearts. Everyone around me seemed animated still and the woman in front stares at us like a principal at a quadrangle surrounded by noisy petulant children.

''There have been some attacks on us, and there are already five confirmed deaths'' the blanket of silence is instantly disturbed by the barely contained shock mumbled by the crowd. I even surprised myself, too, by the sudden nervousness crawling under my skin.
So it's true.

''I advise everyone to contact the assigned Elements for each family to be protected. We must all be vigilant, especially those turning a year older in their 20's and 30's. . .'' The woman in front kept talking but my head had already taken a trip. I'm suddenly filled with the unwelcome fear of the weight of the whole situation. I can't even begin to understand what exactly it is that I'm feeling. I feel threatened, nervous, and a whole lot of inexplicable emotions. There is a gnawing feeling in my gut that I couldn't shake. Slowly, slowly it crawled under my skin.

''Raven'' I can faintly hear someone call my name. I blinked back my swirl of emotions and saw Olivia standing before me. ''Are you alright? You look pale'' she eyes me worriedly, I offered her a small smile. It is only now that I noticed that the conference finally ended as the crowd starts to exit.

''I'm fine mom, I'm just a little anxious about the news.''

''Oh, don't worry honey. Our family has one of the best Elements as guardians, they'll keep us safe'' Olivia assured me, kissing my forehead.

I look at her quizzically ''What are Elements anyway?''

She smiles at me reaching for the tendrils of my hair and tucking it behind my ear ''They are the ones responsible for protecting anyone from mythological descent, they are just called when there is an emergency. Oh look, there he is'' I followed her gaze and saw a man around her age wearing an expensive-looking three-piece suit.

''Greetings, Lady Olivia'' the man smiled at us as he approach.
''Drop the formality Ryan'' mom smiled back, placing her delicate hand on my shoulder ''meet my daughter, Raven. Raven, this is Dr. Ryan Hudson. An archeologist by profession but the best Element at heart'' Dr. Hudson chuckled tucking his hands in his pockets.
''I wouldn't say 'the best' but I can assure you that nothing bad will ever happen as long as I'm around.''

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New cast members:

Charlize Therone as:

Tom Hiddlestone as:

Enjoying it modern bookworm? 😊 please tap that lil' star for Raven ❤💙💚💛💜