Aiden
A whispered, “Wow,” escapes my lips as Billy and I enter what was once The Coffee Bar. It’s now a sea of colorful dresses and tuxedos worn by students and Guardians getting lost in the fun. A dance floor has replaced the couches and tables, and a popular pop song drowns the air, vibrating my skin. The twinkle lights and chandelier in the high-arched ceiling mimic the sparkling night sky seen outside the seamless wall of windows. The sleek black granite countertop in front of the windows, which normally houses numerous espresso machines and coffeepots, now contains sterling silver trays filled with appetizers of all sorts, from meats to vegetables, to some kind of gray stuff.
I catch sight of Jomo in the crowd and stifle a chuckle. He’s clinging onto Sally as she helps him with a dance that involves him moving his hips in a very unnatural way.
My good mood fades, noticing Dean Warwick, who’s well-polished in a classic brown suit that matches the color of his beard and curled mustache, talking with a Guardian whose black-and-gold-striped wings drag on the floor. Even if the faculty expects his presence at events like this, I wish we could’ve done something to have him arrested by now. It’s already been over a week since my conversation with Valentino, without any new developments. Every day he remains here makes me more uneasy.
Warwick’s gaze locks with mine. He smiles and raises a glass in my direction. I stretch my lips in a pathetic attempt to return the gesture, but I’m pretty sure I look like I’m going to be sick instead.
Billy elbows me. “Dude! Check out Shapeshifter’s tux! He really loves the whole white tiger theme, doesn’t he?”
“That is his favorite animal to transform into.” I behold Shapeshifter in his black-and-white-striped jacket and pants, standing near the dance floor, next to Bone Piercer. “Might as well embrace your ability, right?”
“That’s true.” Billy glances around. “Most Guardians do, don’t they?”
The Guardians here are definitely dressed to the nines, with their ability in mind. Bone Piercer’s bowtie is two crisscrossed bones, and the red of his suit matches the ruby eyes of the skull on his belt. There’s also Glacion, who can create and wield ice. Their dress is white on top and gradients into a darker blue on the bottom. The fabric is crisp and sharp—glacier-like.
Billy and I stop near the punch fountain. I should probably network and find Striker among the crowd, but a pair of emerald-green eyes is the only thing I’m interested in finding.
“Wait a second,” Billy says, scrutinizing me. “Are you wearing the suit you wore to your graduation?”
“Yeah?” I pull on the lapels of the black jacket, glancing at the location device on my wrist that Valentino gave me. “Something wrong with it?”
“It seems a little… snug, man.”
I round my shoulders, trying to ignore the tightness of the wool. “It is, but my parents spent so much money on it. I wanted to wear it at least one more time.”
Billy nods at my neck. “New tie, at least?”
“Yeah.” I touch the silky fabric. “Ember got it for me. She said the blue matched my eyes.”
“Where is she, by the way?” Billy glances around and frowns. “I don’t see Stella either.”
“They’re getting ready together, and Ember wasn’t sure how long it’d take. She said she’d meet me here.”
Billy sighs, spotting Carly and Sing on the dance floor. “It seems like Carly found another date no problem. She seems… happy.”
Carly’s smile is genuine as she twirls into Sing’s arms, laughing. Her short dress looks more like a collection of hot-pink balloons than something to actually wear.
“I’m glad,” Billy continues. His skin shifts from shades of black and white to include hues of yellow. “She deserves it.”
I nudge him with my elbow. “You do too, y’know.”
“I am happy.” He fidgets with his black and white camo tie. “It’s about time I focus on—” His mouth drops open as he fixates on something near the entrance. Swirls of pink appear throughout his skin.
I follow his gaze and smile, realizing who captured my best friend’s attention.
Stella has walked in, and it’s like the scene from a movie when the princess enters the ball. Her skirt reminds me of something Cinderella would wear, and her top is long-sleeved with a v-cut neckline. Her entire outfit sparkles between colors of blue, purple, and light pink, like it’s comprised from some kind of crystal. A diamond headband holds back her springy hair.
Lime stands on her shoulder wearing a matching tux. His grin is full of wonder as he takes in the view of the room.
Stella locks eyes with Billy, and her smile could light up the room.
Billy swallows loudly. “Yowzah,” he murmurs.
I lean near him. “Do you want a napkin to clean up your drool?”
Billy straightens and attempts to slick back his shaggy hair. “Shut up, man.”
“Hey, guys.” Stella stops in front of us but only has eyes for Billy.
“Hi… hi.” Billy’s skin turns pinker, and his eyes fill with longing, reflecting the spell Stella has put him under. “You’re beautiful.”
Stella tucks a piece of hair behind her ear and smiles. “You’re pretty dashing yourself.”
My chest swells with joy at seeing these two finally getting along again.
Lime attempts to hide his giggle with his hands. Stella shoots him a look that immediately causes him to cover his eyes instead.
I stretch my neck to get a good view of the entrance again but look back at Stella, feeling a bit confused. “Where’s Ember?”
Stella’s eyes soften. “She’s coming. She got stopped by a few Guardians who knew her parents. I swear that every step we took, she was getting recognized. Poor thing is already exhausted.”
I sigh, feeling a bit anxious for Ember. “I should’ve realized that would happen.”
“Stella,” Billy says more seriously than he’s ever said anything in his entire life. “I know things haven’t been the best between us, but I’d love it if you’d save me a dance tonight.”
“Um.” Stella slowly sucks in a breath, and on her exhale, she says, “Okay.”
Billy’s entire face lifts with his smile, and his skin shifts rapidly between all kinds of colors. “Really?”
“Don’t make me rethink it.” Stella chuckles, but a subtle happiness pulls on her cheeks.
I step away to give them a moment, but I freeze when my gaze locks on the ravishing vision approaching me. My heart thumps against my ribcage, and electricity scurries around my hands, up my neck, and through every strand of hair. I ache to touch her, my lips tingle with desire, and more than anything I want to announce to the world that this goddess is with me.
But I can’t move, completely entranced by Ember’s presence.
Her hair is wavy, lying long down her back, and her makeup is smoldering. She’s wearing a tight, sleeveless sequin dress, but the fabric moves like an ember in a roaring fire, shifting between shades of red, orange, and black. The sweetheart neckline accentuates her wonderful curves, and the front stops right above her knee, revealing her long legs and black heels. However, the back of her dress forms downward into a tiny train that drags behind her.
“I think you may need that napkin now, huh, man?” Billy playfully bumps my shoulder with his. “You’ll want to pick your jaw off the floor, at least.”
“We’re going to check out the food,” Stella says, quickly winking at Ember. “You two have fun.”
Ember stops in front of me, parting her dark lips. “You are… breathtaking.”
I take her hand and bring it to my mouth. “You are… stunning.” I kiss her, letting my lips linger. “Dazzling.” I kiss one knuckle, and there’s a spark at the touch. “Radiant.” I kiss another, and she shivers. “Exquisite.”
Her chest trembles with her breath. “I’m glad you like the dress.”
“Like it?” I spin her around, enjoying the view. “It looks like it was made for you.”
“Well, it was.” Her smile glows. “I’d love to take you to Mademoiselle Benda’s shop and see what she could make for you.”
“Sure, but right now, there’s something more important we need to do.”
“What’s that?”
“This.” I capture her lips with mine, savoring their softness, warmth, and the way they move so perfectly with mine. Her inner fire penetrates every cell of my being, and I move my hands to her hips, letting my fingers curl into her. She sighs, fitting perfectly against me.
“Mr. Stiles and Miss Vulterra.” Valentino’s voice causes us to prematurely break apart. Students move to let Valentino through, and her cape flows behind her. Her pantsuit is abnormally white, like it’s been freshly bleached, and her belt and arm cuffs glow gently, as if they’re harnessing the sun. “Don’t you both look incredibly sharp tonight.” She dons a genuine smile. “There’s someone I’d like to introduce to both of you.”
“Sure,” I say. This is the point of this ball, isn’t it? To network and make connections? Not to get lost in this goddess next to me. Even though I’d prefer that right now.
“Of course.” Ember links her arm with mine, but a flicker of exhaustion crosses her face. “We’ll be right behind you.”
Valentino heads toward the dining tables, and we follow her lead.
“Are you okay?” I ask Ember loud enough so she can hear me over the music but just discreet enough that others don’t eavesdrop. “Stella told me you got stopped by some Guardians.”
“It was exhausting to talk about my parents so much.” Her eyes drop, filling with a deeper sadness. “It’d be nice to get through one day without having to be reminded about their murders.”
I lay my hand over hers on my arm and squeeze, wishing I could do something to alleviate her pain.
“Aiden,” Valentino says, snapping my attention forward. She motions to a woman floating a few inches off the floor. “I’d like to introduce you to Annabelle Brown, the White Banshee.”
I involuntarily swallow. The translucent quality and dullness of the White Banshee’s skin make her phantomlike, and her eyes glint in a way that reminds me of a demon hiding in a closet. Her dress adds to her otherworldly appearance. The ruffled full skirt and elongated V-shaped bodice are straight from another time.
“She runs the Phantom League,” Valentino continues. “Her League isn’t quite the fit for you in the long run, but if you had a chance to intern with her, you’d learn tips about how to fight against ectoplasmic abilities. Abilities like those of Mr. Jelani.”
It never occurred to me, but Jomo’s ghostly hands are definitely ectoplasm-based. Having a chance to learn more about those kinds of abilities would be incredibly beneficial.
“Really?” I ask, glancing between Valentino and White Banshee.
“Those are our specialties. We’d be very happy to train you.” White Banshee’s voice is airy, almost getting drowned out by the music. She glances toward Ember. “Miss Vulterra. It’s lovely to see you again. Your dress is exquisite.”
“Thank you,” Ember answers with a polite smile. “Yours too. I love the color.”
White Banshee runs her fingers over the pink rose lace of the Victorian dress. “Yes. Normally I go with black or gray, but I wanted some color this time.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands straight up, sensing a new, strong electricity source nearby.
Valentino glances behind me and says, “Ah, Striker.” Her red eyes are polite. “I was wondering when you would join us.”
“Biv, is this Aiden?” Striker appears from behind me. “The young man who turned down my internship?” His husky voice is unforgiving.
Valentino responds, but her words fall on deaf ears.
I tense, looking up into Striker’s unexpected authoritarian gaze. His piercing yellow eyes are intense, and his hair is slicked back, resembling honey. The fabric of his suit shifts like a dark storm, and lightning bounces between the clouds.
It never crossed my mind that I’d offend him by withdrawing from the internship. I’m not sure if I should apologize or explain myself. My sudden anxiety anchors my lips close.
Striker’s eyes slide in Ember’s direction. “My, my. Ember Vulterra.” He shows off his perfect white teeth with his smile and bows, but it seems mocking. “The Guardians’ daughter herself.”
Ember’s heat radiates through my jacket. “Can I be honest with you? I never understood why people call me that,” she says, straining to be lighthearted. “It’s not like I’m the only daughter of two Guardians out there.”
Striker’s lips pinch up in the corner, stifling a laugh. “Ah. Yes. Very true. But no one’s parents are quite as famous as yours, my dear.” He refocuses on me. “And it seems you’re the lucky guy to have captured her heart, hmm?”
I glance toward Ember, wrestling with the awkwardness under this unexpected light shining on our relationship.
She smiles, but in a way that suggests she’s mildly uncomfortable too.
“It would seem. But she captured mine first.”
“How strange.” Striker belts out a hard laugh. “The Guardian’s daughter chooses someone who turned down an internship with one of the most prestigious leagues in the city. You know, one would think she wouldn’t want to be with someone who lacks Guardian ambition.”
Ember and I snap our heads toward Striker, mouths agape, startled at the unexpected dig. Is he implying that I’m not good enough for Ember?
A flicker of flames brightens Ember’s eyes. “Excuse me?”
“Lacks ambition?” I narrow my eyes.
Valentino clears her throat, throwing a glance toward White Banshee, before addressing Striker. “That doesn’t seem relevant to what you wanted to discuss with Aiden.” She presses her lips together. “If I can be frank, Striker, their relationship is not your concern.”
“Ah, yes, yes.” Striker waves her off and pats me hard on the shoulder, as if nothing happened. “My dear boy, of course, you’re quite the catch!”
My teeth may break with how hard I’m clenching them together. He’s making no sense. First, he offends me, and now is trying to compliment me? “What would you like to discuss?”
Ember grips my forearm a little firmer, warning me of my harsh tone.
“I’m prepared to offer you a paid internship this summer. No interview necessary.” He opens his arms widely, as if he’s getting ready to embrace me. “It became so clear after you turned down the interview that you’re the one I want! Can you imagine the power we could unlock together?” He points at my chest. “You. Who controls electricity!” He motions with his thumb toward himself. “And I. Who controls lightning! It’d be a tremendous opportunity!”
“I’m afraid I still have to respectfully decline,” I say, not missing a beat. Like I’d want to work with him after this conversation. It takes a lot of effort to hold back my sarcastic tone when I continue with, “Maybe next time.”
Valentino claps her hands together sharply. “There you have it, Striker,” she says, as if she may have already told him that’d be my answer.
A vein in Striker’s forehead lights up, resembling a lightning bolt striking down from his hairline. “My apologies” He stares down his nose at me. “I guess I should’ve known better than to ask someone who already turned down the opportunity to become a great Guardian.”
Electricity scurries between my fingers, feeding off my aggravations.
I take a quiet, long breath, knowing I can’t risk triggering the serum. Even so, my anger threatens to break me. I want to lash out at Striker and defend myself.
“Aiden will be a great Guardian,” Ember says boldly to Striker. “With or without your help.”
My heart expands, deepening with my love for her.
I meet Striker’s stern gaze, holding my head high. “That’s the plan.”
“Indeed, it is.” Valentino winks in my direction, but her glare at Striker contains a boiling fury.
Striker harrumphs, then glares at me when he walks by. “We’ll see if that’s true.”
The electrical energy in me grows tenfold, surging through my body. I sway, feeling a bit lightheaded, and my heart palpitates.
“Are you okay?” Ember asks, wrapping her other arm around me.
“I think so.” I rub my forehead and blink a few times. The energy settles the farther away Striker gets. “Just a power surge.”
Ember scowls, eyeing Striker as he disappears between some students.
“Striker, wait a second!” Valentino calls out. She bends her head closer to mine as she passes. “Don’t give what he said too much thought. He can be ill-tempered when things don’t go his way.”
I nod, not knowing what else there is to say. Getting the chance to meet Striker has shown me that he’s far from the pleasant Guardian I assumed he’d be.
White Banshee floats closer to me, and her hair moves as if a breeze is coming from the dance floor. “Poor Striker. I don’t think the man knows how to handle someone telling him no.” Amusement shines through her dark eyes. “Good for you to stay true to what you need, Mr. Stiles.” She snaps her fingers, and a white business card poofs into existence, floating toward me. “If you find yourself with some spare time this summer, and you’d like to learn a thing or two from a Guardian, contact me. I promise you that we will treat you with more respect and will work around your schedule.”
I take the card, and like magic, the words Phantom League: Saving people, one haunt at a time script across in the most elegant handwriting.
“I believe you’ll be a great Guardian one day,” White Banshee says, lifting my spirits.
“Thank you,” I say, not quite believing her offer. “That’s very generous.”
“You’re welcome.” She glances toward the refreshments on the opposite side of the room. “But, if you two will excuse me, I’m a bit famished. I heard the gray stuff is delicious.” She floats across the dance floor, freaking out students as she passes through them.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” Ember says, eyeing the card in my hand. “But I’d rather you work for her than that asshole any day of the week.”
I laugh. “Did you really just call Striker an asshole?”
“You did hear what he said, right? I know some Guardians can be arrogant, but that was a bit much.”
I kiss her cheek. “Thank you for sticking up for me, by the way.”
She returns the kiss. “It’s what we do.”
The fast-paced pop music dramatically cuts off, and a softer, slower-paced song replaces the tune. People pair up, placing their hands on each other, and sway to the music. Sally lays her head on Jomo’s shoulder. Billy holds Stella’s hand as he takes her onto the dance floor. Valentino allows Glacion, whose dress compliments Valentino’s outfit quite nicely, to accompany her out.
“Let’s not dwell on Striker.” I slide the card into my pocket and reach for Ember’s hand, lacing my fingers through hers. “Would you like to dance?”
She kisses me, letting her lips linger, tantalizingly, over mine. “What do you say we go somewhere a little more private?”
I raise an eyebrow, feeling a bit mischievous. “What do you have in mind?”
* * *
Only one lonely wisp of a cloud covers the full moon, reflecting in the lake’s smooth surface like a mirror. The air is still; only the faint songs of crickets from the nearby woods are audible. Ember rests her head easily on my shoulder, since her heels give her a couple extra inches of height.
Her breath tickles my neck, and I close my eyes, savoring her warm body, while we slowly dance in the moonlight. “Is this better?” I ask, kissing close to the corner of her mouth.
“Yeah.” She lifts her head, and her eyes twinkle. “I thought it’d be a good idea for us to get some fresh air after all that. Plus, I’ve already had my fill of Guardians for the evening.”
“I bet,” I say, understanding the feeling. Striker’s comments replay in my mind. “What Guardians stopped you earlier?”
“Glacion, Knight Star, and a few others.” She glances aside, focusing on the lake. Her lips slide into a small frown. “They all worked with my parents.”
“They’d be proud of you.” I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger. “I hope you know that.”
“I do.” She lays her head on my shoulder again, sighing deeply. “But enough about them. I just want to enjoy my time with you.”
Our foreheads nuzzle together, letting our lips meet. They playfully graze one another, leaving each of us with a deep longing that only the other can satisfy.
“I will admit.” I kiss Ember again, enjoying the sensations stirring within me. “This isn’t quite what I thought you meant when you asked about going somewhere more private.”
Her eyebrow lifts with her smile. “Oh?”
“You know, we don’t have to go back to the ball.” A suggestive smile spreads across my face. “Billy will be there for quite some time, especially since he and Stella are getting along. That’ll leave us plenty of time for us to enjoy each other’s company.” I teasingly trace Ember’s bottom lip, and she closes her eyes, breathing deeply. “Alone. In my dorm.”
Ember weaves her fingers through my long hair, pulling me back to her. “Well, what are we doing here, then?” Our lips crash together, mixed with our laughs.
A strange glint of silver from inside the woods grabs my attention. My eyes widen at realizing it’s hair I’m seeing—spikey metallic hair that belongs to Scott. He walks between the trees, heading onto campus.
“What’s wrong?” Ember asks, looking behind her. “What’s he doing out in the woods?”
I tighten my hold on Ember, but this time it’s out of fear. A conscious desire to protect her, but I’m not exactly sure of what. It’s not like the press is around for Scott to sic on her this time.
Scott scans the area around him as he emerges from the thick bushes. His gaze lands on us. “Are you kidding me? You two are always in the way!”
Ember glances at me, confusion creasing her brow.
I narrow my eyes in Scott’s direction. “What are you talking about?”
“Ah, screw it!” He bends over at an awkward angle. His body morphs, growing larger, and his extremities shift around, like someone molding with clay. I expected him to melt into a metallic puddle, since that’s his ability, but something about the action is off. His entire body isn’t turning silver like it normally would.
Ember’s eyes turn into molten lava. “What is he doing?”
The seams around my shoulders rip as my muscles expand with electricity, getting ready for whatever Scott is doing. “I don’t know.”
Horror overwhelms me. Scott is turning into someone else. His arms elongate, and his legs thicken, like caveman clubs bursting through the black pants. Messy brown hair falls from his head like vines, and his brow grows thicker, hanging menacingly over his eyes. He slowly lifts his head, and my heartbeat becomes uncontrollable when I see who he’s become.
“It’s…” Ember stutters, bumping back into me. “It’s…”
I ready my fists to fight. “Disguiser.”