I blinked my eyes, one moment I was at my campfire, the next I felt like I was waking up in a room I didn't recognize. Looking around confused, I rubbed my eyes to ensure I still wasn't dreaming. My entire body felt groggy and as I took a step back, I heard a light click-clack on the wooden floors. My ankles shook at the unsteady shoes under my feet and I let out a surprised scream as I tumbled backwards.

"Annika!" An alarmed voice called out and in sprinted a human, her blonde hair neatly pulled back and she looked to be in her mid-thirties. When she smiled, the corner of her eyes wrinkled up, "Oh, are you okay?" She asked with a laugh, coming over to me, offering out a hand.

"D-Do I know you?" I slowly shook my head and stayed where I was on the floor. Not only was I in high-heels, my comfortable hide pants and baggy cotton shirt had been replaced with a stunning gown. It was as the colour of a stormy sea and after the corset ended, the dress hung loosely. A cool breeze as I shifted to my feet told me my back was exposed to the world, the material left my shoulders bare but covered my arms with a sheer material. I took a shaky step forward, the train of the dress following me. "Where am I?" I was panicking.

I ran my trembling hands along the embroidery of the dress, white lines which came from all different angles- they were lightning bolts. A similar pattern was along the train and I stared at the blonde who looked confused. "I'm Kayi, I have been helping you and King Leo since you came to stay with the Kane's last night."

I nearly choked, "L-Last night?" I had vague, foggy memories of hanging onto a gorgeous man's arm and walking to the island which the river parted around. There were only three buildings on the piece of land, all fit for a king. I remembered staying up late and talking with Leo about everything, subjects I'd never dream of talking about. We laughed and drank the night away and when he told me I was his guest, I actually agreed.

My eyes scanned the room we were in, the ceilings were over 18ft into the air, large windows covered the one wall. The room was three times the size of the living room in my old house and it was a bedroom, seemingly just for me. My hands started to spark as my heart raced. "Annika, it's alright. Let me go get King Leo?"

"No!" I was quick to protest, remembering the warnings of mermaids and their siren calls. Seems like I was a victim to his enchanting ways.

"He is waiting for you before the party?"

"Kayi, right?" I asked, and she nodded as I continued to scan the room for my old clothes. Folded up near the fire on a chair, the dark material of my cloak caught me eye. "I need you to stay here for ten minutes before telling anyone I ran off, do you understand me?" I said seriously. The poor girl was just doing her job, but I needed a head start.

Reaching out, I grabbed the cloak, "Where are you going?" She practically whined as I slid on the cloak, "Be careful of your hair!"

I barely even noticed my hair was up and as I passed by a mirror as I walked towards the door, I couldn't recognize myself. I caught the only part of me I did recognize - old scars from whippings on my back. I shuddered at the memory and pulled the cloak over my shoulders, then pulled my hood up with complete disregard to the time and effort Kayi put into doing my hair. "Ten minutes," I said as I arrived at the door. I took the extra second to bend over and remove my heels, leaving them discarded on the ground as I exited into the hall.

Under my feet was a soft carpet to protect the hardwood floors. I didn't have time to enjoy the stunning house or the pieces of art hanging on the walls as I broke into a run. Ahead of me, I could hear the familiar laughter and music which I remembered from when I first met Leo. I was in the heart of Tira.

I prayed my hazy memory was enough to help me figure my way back as I came to a staircase. At the bottom, I could see people, glasses of wine in the hand. Part of me knew down the stairs would get me outside, but the idea of running through the very place I wanted to avoid made my hands spark more.

Shoving my hands under my cloak, I took one deep breath before sprinting down the stairs. People closest to the grand staircase saw me coming enough to move out of the way, but the packed lower level was difficult to navigate through. The music was loud, but it seemed muffled by the sound of my own racing heart.

Annoyed people cursed and huffed as I bumped into them, trying to get through. I only apologized to those I shocked and just when the open glass doors came into sight, I heard my name. "Annika?"

I glanced to the side, my eyes connected with Elias who looked like he was ready to drop his drink. He excused himself from the stunning elf he was talking to in a red dress and started to weave through the crowd after me. "Annika, Annika wait!" He began to shout.

Elias' pursuit didn't go unnoticed. A man in my path grabbed me by both the shoulder, "Ma'am, I need you to stop."

I didn't. I placed my hands on his chest and shoved. A crack of thunder could be heard as we both went flying ten feet in the opposite direction. Sliding across the floor, all I could do was cover my head until I came to a slow stop. The music stopped and a circle of space was created around me, one Elias quickly sprinted into, "Eli-Elias please, let me be," I begged, my hands raised, head low as my hands sparked. "Please, all I want to do is leave."

The crowd whispered, staring at the small blue sparks which jumped between my hands and into the air. "Alright, it's alright, Annika. You can leave," Elias whispered as he knelt down in front of me. "I need you to calm down though, you're scaring people."

I instantly lowered my hands, attempting to cover them once more as I looked up at him, my eyes locking onto his as tears started to form. "Please let me go," I pleaded again.

Elias stayed where he was, glancing to the crowd, "Annika, you're always free to leave... I didn't even know you were here. You've been missing for a week and a half - since we arrived here. I've been worried." He explained gently before standing. "Shows over, go back to the party," he said, motioning people back.

It seemed when Elias spoke, people listened. While they were curious, they turned their backs and slowly, the music and conversation started up again. "Elias..." I didn't know what to say as he loomed over me.

"Come on, let's go outside? I think you could use a breath of fresh air." I happily nodded and just the promise of being out of this building was enough to calm me so I was able to take his hands. He helped me to my feet, letting me go after that. "This way," with skill, he maneuvered politely through the crowd and led us to the exit.