Moon Kissed (Currently Editing)

Chapter 9

Lissa's POV
"Will you please hold still for a bit? I'm trying to find you!" I snapped in fake annoyance.
"Now love, where's the fun in that?" He whispered in my ear and by the time I turned around to catch him, he was gone.
This was - of course - my fault. I'd suggested we play a blindfolded version of hide and seek, ended up being the seeker and now, Nolen has upgraded to cheating.
The whole affair might seem ridiculously childish, but that's what we all need once in a while. An opportunity to behave as silly and as whimsical as possible to take our minds off whatever drama or issue disrupting the peace in our lives we feel we ought to have.
A few days ago, I had what I think was a nightmare - although I can't seem to remember any details about what it could've been - and the feeling that had settled upon me like a blanket still hasn't faded.
It probably wouldn't have been a problem if it didn't feel like death and destruction were looming over my shoulder.
Nolen had sensed my unease and immediately began his attempt to cheer me up. This game was a result of his sweet efforts.
With a groan of frustration, I lifted my hands to the blindfold, only to be chastised by the one I seek.
"That would be cheating. And I'm sure you don't want to be a cheater, do you?"
I mimicked under my breath, "Takes one to know one, love."
"I heard that."
I folded my arms - officially annoyed - and began to pout. It wasn't long before I felt his cool lips on mine. Kissing him back, I unfolded my arms and gently grabbed hold of his hands.
"Don't pout, Lissa. It's unbecoming for a lady as beautiful as yourself." He said softly, breaking the kiss and leaning his forehead on mine.
"Nolen?"
"Yes, my love?"
I tightened my grip on his hands. "I got you!"
He laughed, pulling me into his arms for a hug.
"My bad. So … how are things between you and Arielle?" He questioned, taking off the blindfold.
"I don't know. I don't see her much anymore. It's like she's gotten so busy lately - she doesn't even eat meals with Father, Mother and I. Neither of us have even spoken to her … not since four days ago."
Nolen shrugged, "Maybe she's trying to wear out her gifts …" he paused, looking uncertain. "I actually wanted to talk to you about something. I need a really, really, really little favor."
"Anything." I smiled looking up at him.
"I want you to meet my family."
I tilted my head, confused at his outburst. "I believe I've already met them."
"I meant - I want you to have a meal with us. My mother would love to get to know you and it would mean alot to me if the most important people in my life were to get along really well."
I could tell just how much this meant to him and how hard it must have been to just say how he felt. It was such a noble and sweet gesture, I was unsure of what to say in reply.
So I simply shrugged with a shy smile.
"Is that a yes?" He asked hopefully.
"Maybe." I teased. "When does this get together take place?"
"How does this afternoon sound? You could have lunch with us." He suggested, wrapping an arm around me.
"Perfect."
***
By the time the carriage stopped in front of his mansion, the happy, excited mood I had earlier was gone, replaced by anxiety that made me shake.
"Lissa, are you okay?" Nolen questioned with a worried frown.
"I'm … nervous. What if they don't like me?" I asked in return, covering my face with my hands.
He gently took my hands away from my face and held onto them as he softly spoke,
"I felt the exact same way when we arrived at your place. It was so bad, Mason threatened to carry me into the ball room. Over his shoulder."
I giggled. "I would have like to see that."
He pouted. "You're mean."
"I'm sorry. How did you get over it?"
"I took a leap of faith. I told myself it didn't matter that we were branded outcasts and freaks. Whatever happened wouldn't phase me as long as you were by my side. That was the reason I was there and that was all that mattered."
I sighed. "You're right. I can do this. I've got you. Please don't leave me." I pleaded, feeling light headed.
"I won't. I promise." He smiled and I felt better instantly.
His home was big and beautiful. It looked new - despite the artifacts that seemed ancient that decorated the walls and corners - and it felt warm and peaceful.
As soon as we stepped inside, Anna came to greet us.
"Lissa! What a surprise! How lovely of you to join us for lunch today." She said with a cheerful smile.
"It's an honor. You have a beautiful home." I replied as she embraced me.
"Thank you! We're not quite ready yet so … Nolen, how about you should her around? I know how much shes love history so I'm sure she'd love to see the things we've gathered through the years."
Deciding to take her advice, Nolen led me around the house, telling me stories of his experience in different kingdoms around the world - most of which he'd been a knight.
We were in his room when Emily found us.
"Oh, Lissa. It's lovely to see you again." She smiled, trying to hide the worry in her eyes.
"You too, Lady Salvatore. Is something wrong?" I asked in concern.
"I'm not exactly sure. My husband wants to see us all. Something's wrong and he's trying to find out what the problem is. He asked me to invite you to come along as well."
"Where? What going on?" Nolen questioned, rising to his feet.
"I really don't know, love. He just sent a messenger to tell us to meet him at Merlin's and to bring Lissa with us. That is, if she doesn't mind." Emili stated.
Nolen turned to me. "Is that okay? You don't have to if you don't want to."
I nodded. "It sounds important. I'd like to help in anyway that I can."
"Okay. Let's go."
Third person's POV
More. She needed more.
It all began three days ago - only a day after the power spell.
She had locked herself in her room, learning to use the gift she wasn't supposed to have.
At first, it was just moving objects from one end of the room to another, levitating, throwing and catching. Then she upgraded to destruction - a few books, vases and jars of paint were sacrificed in the process.
It felt so good. So good to be this powerful. This strong and capable of  …anything.
She had been lifting a jar of paint when it happened. A blinding migraine shot through her head like a ball of fire and she stumbled backward, gripping onto a bedpost to prevent herself from falling as the jar crashed to the floor.
As fast and sudden as the pain came, it vanished. Breathing hard, she tried to calm her racing heart and attempted to lift a chair.
As usual, a dark shadow covered the object and it began to slowly rise up, above ground level. It had barely gotten above six inches when the shadow disappeared and the chair fell back to the ground. She tried to move it again but it didn't budge.
She stared at her hands in confusion and shock, her breathing laboured and deep as if she was going to faint.
As if on cue, Juni - in the form of a bat - flew in through the window and reverted back to her human form.
"Your highness -"
"What is going on? My powers - they aren't working anymore." Arielle cut her off instantly.
"Whatever do you mean, Arielle?"
"Just that. My. Powers. Aren't. Working."
"When last did you feed?" The young witch asked.
"What are you talking about? You never mentioned anything about feeding."
Juni smirked as she walked around Arielle, "Oh sweet, naïve Arielle. So young, so much to learn. Your powers aren't pure. Not like your sisters. She's connected to nature so whatever she needs, they hand it to her on a silver platter. But you and I are different. If we want something, we have to take it. And that is what I'm going to teach you today."
It wasn't long before they were on the streets of the town, simple hooded figures lost in the hustle and bustle of busy people.
"How do I do it?" Arielle asked nervously.
"Relax. It's easy. Just touch someone and let your powers do this rest. Since you're new at this, let's start small."
Juni glanced around, grinning when she found the perfect candidate to be used as a trial meal.
So pure, so innocent… Delicious.
"He'll do for now." she said, gesturing at a little boy no older than five.
Once more, Arielle felt unsure.
"It won't hurt him, will it?"
"Of course not. He won't feel a single thing. I promise." Juni assured.
The little boy in question had been playing with his ball and suddenly kicked it a little harder than he should have. The plastic object rolled to Arielle's feet and stopped.
The boy stared, unsure of whether to abandon his toy or approach the girls.
"It's okay. I won't bite." Arielle teased with a smile as she picked up the ball.
The boy needed no further persuasion and raced to her. Still holding the toy, she asked.
"What's your name?"
"Derek." Was his bubbly reply.
"Cute name for a cute kid." She smiled, giving him his toy and patting his cheek.
The touch was so brief but apparently, that was all that was needed. The child went on his merry way while she stood, frozen to the spot. She felt as if she'd just received her first sip of water after wandering through the desert for weeks.
It was incredible.
She needed more.
And more she got. Apparently, Etrigan never ran out of people to touch. The amount of people whose energy she fed on … she just couldn't count.
Now, she'd lost herself in the thirst for power. Her once flawless, shiny blonde hair now looked disheveled and frizzy. Her perfect hands had become odd as she had bitten her nails till they bled.
More. More people. More power.
"Oh my. What a mess you've become, Arielle. Haven't you learnt anything?" Juni tsked appearing - as usual - from nowhere.
"More. I need more." Arielle growled.
"And more you shall have, my sweet. But you'll have to lay low for a while. If you're not careful, you'll lead them right to us. Now, let's fix you up."
With a few muttered words, Arielle's beauty was restored to it's former glory.
"Better. I got you a gift my dear." Juni smiled as she snapped her fingers and an amulet appeared on Arielle's neck.
"What's it for?" She asked, sensing there was more to the gift than could be seen.
"Patience, my flower. There's a storm coming. Soon, all will be revealed. As for now, all you have to do is to simply live your life as you did before you had magic. Can you do that? For me?"
"Do we get to destroy Lissa soon?" Arielle questioned, pulling a lily out of thin air and setting it on fire.
"Of course."
As the ashes fell to her feet with what was left of the formerly beautiful flower, she turned to her mentor with a smile.
"Then I'll do it."