by M. R. Polish
Luna growled again. I gave her a quick pat on the head. “It’s okay, girl. Why don’t you go out with Ian? I’ll be okay.”
A flutter of nerves drummed down my body as she reluctantly left. Her silver wispy spirit vanished slowly, as if she waited for me to change my mind.
He chuckled. “As flattering as seeing you undressed sounds, I know better. You forget that I know things that not even Ailaina will see. And I’m a one woman man.” Smiling, he stepped closer. “Ian’s a very lucky guy. It appears that this dress was made just for you.”
“What do you want, Davin?” A part of me hated that he saw me in the dress before Ian. It was like breaking some secret tradition. Like having the Death Keeper see you before your groom was a bad omen or something. Even if he was paying for it.
Holding his hand out, a necklace materialized on his palm. Thousands of shiny diamonds glittered around the entire piece of jewelry.
I gasped. Okay, I was already wearing a fifty-thousand dollar gown, there was no way I could wear that without taking out an insurance policy just to be seen in public.
Twirling his forefinger, he gestured for me to turn around. “This is very special and I think it will go with your dress.” He clasped the heavy jewels around my neck. “Just promise me that you’ll wear it.”
Reaching up, I carefully touched the largest diamond that rested below the hollow of my throat, at the top of my collar bone. “Of course I will.”
He smiled. “Good. Then I guess since I’m unwanted, I should restore time and get back to the waiting groom.”
I couldn’t stop fingering the necklace. “Thank you.” I smiled weakly. “Wait. Can I ask why you are doing this? All of this?” I ran my hand down gesturing to the dress.
“There are things that I do to appease my own conscience. And, I’m in love with your best friend. She is behind most of it.”
I laughed at the last part. That would be Ailaina.
He disappeared and it was just my reflection once again. But this time I saw something more. This time I saw a bride.
Six
Esmerelda
B reathe. Just Breathe. I can do this.
What if I can’t? What if I trip and fall in front of everyone? What if Ian decides he’s made a huge mistake?
Breathe.
The dress—my dress—hung in the corner waiting for me to slip into it.
With trembling fingers, I scrunched up the white pantyhose. My toes pointed, I slid into the silky yet dreadful woman’s garment. Pulling each leg of the nylons to my thighs, a bold white stripe ran up the back of my legs. I clasped the ribbon to the vintage-like pinup panties, securing the stockings from falling down around my ankles.
Bending over, I adjusted the girls, so the strapless bra had something a little fuller to hold up.
There. I was half dressed. That counted for something, right?
Breathe.
A soft knock came from the door. My mom poked her head in. “Can I come in?”
Her red hair rivaled my own layered tresses. Although, hers was at least done. Mine still hung in loose waves from my shower earlier.
I nodded. More grateful than I thought I’d be to not be alone right now.
She quickly closed the door behind her. Her eyes watered. “You are so beautiful.” She was so choked up that her voice cracked.
I held my arms out for her to see. As if she couldn’t see everything already. “I’m not even dressed yet.”
Waving her hand, she sniffed back a tear. “I know. But after you were taken, and all those years we lost, I gave up hope that I’d get to see you on your wedding day. My heart is so full right now.” She stifled another sob, and then laughed, wiping her tears away. “But you should see your dad. He’s a mess! I think Ian has had every threat thrown at him since early this morning. Poor guy.”
I giggled with her. “I’m sure Ian can handle it. He’s a strong man.” That thought sobered me. And what was I? A silly little girl with fantasy dreams of being a wife to someone like that? I wasn’t good enough.
Now I couldn’t breathe.
Mom placed her hands on my face. “You are strong, too. You might not see this, but I can. And so does Ian. You two were made for each other.”
My own tears surfaced. It was as if she knew how I felt. “Thank you.”
She clasped her hands together. “I think it’s time to get you dressed. The sun is setting and I think Ailaina is ordering that every candle in Nevada to be lit on the terrace. We better not be late before she burns down the whole building.”
I laughed again.
Mom lifted her hands and the dress began floating over to us. Placing my hand on hers, I stopped her. “I never really tell you how I feel. It’s strange because I can feel that you’re my mom, and I dreamed of you my entire life, but we are still just getting some of our time back together. I want you to know that I love you, and I’m glad you’re here.”
She dabbed at her eyes. “I love you, too. And I’d give anything to go back in time and find you sooner. I’d give anything to see your first steps, hear your first word, your first day of school…” She sucked in a sharp breath. “But I’m here now and this day is perfect. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
I gave her a tight hug. My heart claimed her as mom, and lastly, my soul was finally accepting it.
Her arms held me closer, as if never to let me go. “Okay, now let’s get this dress on. I can’t wait to see it on you.”
“I can’t stop staring. You’re stunning.” My mom took a step back, giving me a clear view in the full-length mirror.
My breath caught in my throat. She was right.
Half up, half down, my hair was curled and twisted into a gorgeous updo, complete with a few rhinestone hair-screws to match the side of my dress.
Soft shades of pinks and browns highlighted my eyes. And my cheeks matched the peach in the dress, along with my lips that shined in a light gloss.
“Wow, you really made me look amazing. Thank you,” I said, unable to stop staring at myself. I only hoped Ian liked how I looked, too. I wanted to make sure I met his every expectation.
She laughed. “Oh no, that’s all you. I just helped pull your hair up. That glow you have is a glow any woman in love has on her wedding day.”
As corny as she sounded, I believed her. She was right. I was in love and was ready to walk down the aisle. Reaching up to my neck, I paused. I promised Davin I’d wear his gift, but it didn’t seem right to wear a piece of jewelry from another man to my wedding. I couldn’t get over the fact that he’d already paid for the dress, but any jewelry other than my ring was just too weird.
“Thank you,” I whispered. Taking another look at my reflection, I released a long breath. This was it. This was going to be my happily ever after. But, deep inside I knew that wasn’t true.
I could feel the threat of Julie’s deal looming over me.
Grasping my dad’s arm, I clung to him for dear life.
Peeking through the curtain, I saw a few faces that I knew, but more that I didn’t. Ailaina’s parents sat in the third row, thankfully. They were such a rock for me growing up, and this moment in life wouldn’t be the same without them.
I chuckled when I saw Gabriella, Valis, Moriah, and Tamlynn trying to behave themselves in the second row. A few flowers floated around Gabriella’s head and Valis quickly grasped them from the air, and then shook a finger reprimanding her friend.
The moment quickly faded as I realized there was one person who wouldn’t be there and my heart lurched thinking of Bry. He would always be my dad in some way. I couldn’t help but think he was there in spirit, holding onto my other arm. Just because he was dead didn’t mean he left me forever.
I tried to get a look at Ian, but couldn’t without giving myself away. I didn’t want his first sight of me to be my head poking through a curtain.
I love you. Ian spoke to my soul. I never heard it in my ears or head, but in my heart.
Smiling,
my spirit sang in relief that he was there. He was waiting at the altar. So far he hadn’t changed his mind about me.
Soft music began playing. I refused to have the traditional dum dum dadum as I walked down the aisle to the man of my dreams. Instead, a sweet mixture of violins and a piano wafted through the air, mixing with the fall breeze.
“Ready?” my dad asked, his fingers gripping mine.
“Ready,” Luna said, appearing next to me.
I nodded. I would never be more ready.
My dad hesitated. “Es, before you go, I just want you to know that there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to give you the happiness you deserve. Thank you for being my daughter.”
I wasn’t sure where all that came from. “Thank you.”
He gripped my arm tighter. “Alright, let’s walk you down the aisle to that man who I’ve threatened to keep my promise of making you happy.”
I knocked my shoulder with his, smiling. I don’t think Ian would ever fail at that.
The sheer curtains pulled back on their own—well, maybe with a touch of my mom’s help. Or maybe Moriah’s?
The terrace was just how I pictured it, not even a peek through a see-through curtain could give me the glimpse of the stunning site before me. Draped along the walls and seating area, Hibiscus flowers in all colors filled the space. Flames flickered on hundreds of small white candles giving romantic lighting to the small ceremony.
Ailaina in her lavender dress, and Davin in his dark suit flanked either side of Ian. Dregan sat dutifully next to him, blending in with the night shadows.
My heart skipped a few beats. Ian. His black tux sculpted and framed his body to the point of perfection. No man had ever worn a suit so seamlessly. His tie was the same color of peach as my dress. But it was his eyes that held me and propelled me forward. I’m not even sure my legs held me up anymore as I moved under his spell.
The guests and everyone around us disappeared. It was only me and him and the stars overhead.
A gust of wind ripped across the terrace blowing everyone back into the picture and the candles went out. Wisps of smoke drifted up from each flameless wick.
What was happening?
Julie stood at the front of the terrace, behind the minister. An evil sneer shadowed her face.
Ailaina cried out. “Ian, get Es out of here!”
My dad’s grip tightened, but Ian was faster, stronger. He pulled me away with him, darting back inside.
Julie materialized in front of us, blocking our escape. “Did you really think you were going to get your happily ever after, after you ruined mine?”
Ian pushed me back, but my hands were already holding orbs of magic. Pulling my arm back, I released a string of spells, but she dodged each one.
Luna and Dregan lurched forward, but Julie let out a blast of fire, sending everyone back. Luna whimpered, and my right arm burned. She was hurt.
Dregan got up and charged again, but Julie magicked a spear, thrusting it toward him. A scream lodged in my throat as I let my own magic stop the arrow from penetrating Dregan’s skin.
Ian lunged at her, sending zaps of painful electricity through the air. But nothing hit her. A shield of energy protected her from our threats.
I added in my powers, throwing them at her as hard as I could, but nothing broke through her protective screen.
My mom raised her arms up over her head, chanting a spell. Moriah and the other ladies, rushed to her side.
Julie cackled. “You are no match for me. I made a deal. I can’t be hurt by your puny magic any longer.”
My mom’s eyes closed tightly as she fought harder to work her spell.
Summoning mother earth’s energy, I pulled her anger and formed it into a storm that I could use.
Julie laughed more. “Oh, Esmerelda, you poor girl. Not even you are a match for me. Long ago, I sacrificed myself so you could be here, but you tried to take Jarak from me, and when you couldn’t have him, you killed him! I will never make a mistake like that again. I will no longer sacrifice my happiness for yours.”
Her words shot through my heart. “Jarak wasn’t happy with you. He was under a spell. A spell that you placed on him because you were afraid of him finding love somewhere else.”
“He was happy!” She glared at me, her eyes glowing red. “And now, I’ll take away your happiness.”
Another gust of wind pinned my dad and Hela up against the wall. My mom and Moriah, along with Gabriella, Valis, and Tamlynn couldn’t hold their place as Julie sent another burst, sweeping them out of the room and off the terrace. I screamed as they fell, but I had no time to rush after them to make sure they were okay. I could only hope their landing was safe.
Her hand rose up, faster than I could comprehend any mortal or immortal moving. Ian plowed into me, knocking me over. His body jerked and spasmed as her spells made contact with him.
“No!” I screamed, creating a shield to block her magic and bounce the spell back to her, knocking her over.
Ian rolled off me, unconscious. But alive.
Standing up, I could feel the anger rise inside of me like a volcano ready to erupt.
She pissed off the wrong witch.
The storm hung heavy in the air. Electricity sizzled around us. My entire body began to glow, fueled by the need for a release. Wind whipped the hair around my face.
I sucked in so much energy that the power flickered. Julie was going to pay.
“Everything you do is futile. Are you willing to let them all die?” Julie tipped her head, looking only at me.
“You’re the only one who will die.” I couldn’t hold onto the power much longer. Already my body ached and trembled at holding so much inside.
“Es, it’s a trick! Don’t do it. She’ll use it against you and you’ll die.” Ailaina grasped the wall for support but fell back down. Moaning, she tried to stand again.
Davin appeared by her side, helping her stand. The fire in his eyes when he looked at Julie was enough to send a streak of terror through even me. “I said that Ailaina could not get hurt.”
Julie shrugged. “She got in the way.”
Davin bent down to help Ailaina.
He held Julie’s eyes in a rage of fire as he let go of Ailaina and marched my way. Julie grasped around her neck and gasped for air. “I can’t break a deal once it’s been made. But I can make a new one to change it. I won’t kill you—yet. But, the deal was you wanted Esmerelda to see the other side. Your deal is about to be changed, and not the way you planned. Never cross the Death Keeper.”
Julie’s eyes widened as she watched Davin. Falling to her knees, still receiving little to no oxygen, she attempted to yell at him, but no sound came out.
Davin’s eyes flamed with fire as they darted to my neck. ”Where’s your necklace?” Panic raised the octaves in his voice. “Es, you promised you’d wear it. Where is it?”
“Why do you care what I’m wearing? We have bigger problems right now. And if you’re not going to kill her, I will.” Spinning away from him, I ran over to Julie before Davin could stop me.
Her lack of oxygen from Davin holding her in some spell didn’t erase her smug grin. “I. Still. Win.”
“Get away from her!” Davin called out, dashing toward me.
Julie reached out and touched my leg.
In the blink of an eye, the terrace faded from sight and darkness took over.
“Wait! No! Ian!” Around me there was nothing but black and returning fears and nightmares of Nicholas’s pit entered my mind. “Please no. Please!”
I screamed. But there was no one to hear me.
Seven
Ian
E verything hurt.
Dregan licked my face and whined.
I pushed him back. “It’s okay, I’m fine.” At least I thought I was. Sitting up, I pressed my palm to my head. The pain was intense.
What happened?
Flashing images of Es emerging from behind the curtain, walking toward me, looking more beautiful t
han I’d ever seen her before, passed through my mind. Her smile, her gorgeous green eyes, her voluptuous curves.
Oh how I love her.
Ugh. Standing up from the marble flooring, I looked around. What happened? I tried to remember, but fog in my mind made the events unclear.
Where was Es? I couldn’t see her anywhere.
Dregan nudged my leg.
“Stop it, I have to find Esmerelda.” Only flickers of light lit the dark room. Where was everyone?
The terrace looked as if a tornado hit it. The once decorated chairs were blown over, and the flowers that Es was so excited about were strewn in a mix of petals and stems.
Davin walked toward me, flanked by Ailaina. The skirt of her dress was ripped up to her thigh, and her hair was a mess.
What had I missed while being knocked out?
“Ian,” Davin said, his voice strained. “I’m glad you’re okay. There’s much to talk about.”
I didn’t want to talk, I wanted to find the woman I was supposed to marry.
“Where’s Es?” Glancing over my shoulder, I added, “Where’s everyone else?”
Davin grit his teeth. “Julie is gone, and she sent Es away to the Underworld. I think.”
I whipped my head his way. “What do you mean you think?” Keeping my fists at my sides, I clenched them. “Where is she? Where’s Julie?”
“Es is in the Underworld, I know because I saw a sparing glimpse not long ago.” Ailaina spoke up, answering for Davin. “Everyone else is in their rooms recovering. We made sure they were okay before coming back down here. Davin placed a sleep spell on those hit by Julie’s magic, like my parents, so they could regain their strength. After Es disappeared, all chaos broke out. We fought Julie, but part of her deal was absolute power for the time she chose to take Es. We were basically powerless against her, barely holding our own.”
My entire world crashed down with her words. All I heard was that Es was taken to the Underworld, the rest warbled out.
“How? Why?” Es couldn’t possibly be there and still be alive. Could she? Stumbling back, I fell against the wall. “She’s not gone. She can’t be.”