Forbidden

~Chapter Twenty-Five~

A/N: Hello, hello, hello again! :-) Welcome to Chapter Twenty-Five! First of all, I would just like to say that my favorite character right now--though I adore all of my characters; they're like family--is Ethan, because...well, you'll see.

WARNING: Due to the fact that Ethan Reeding is heavily involved in this chapter, there is use of obscenities. I apologize to any of you out there that are uncomfortable with that. Seriously, I'm sorry! :-( But, that is who Ethan is, and I had to write true to his character.

One more thing before I shut up and let you read: This chapter is dedicated to PotatoTCreations16. She's a friend of mine in real life and Wattpad. She is my personal supporter and cheerleader, and she pushes me to write when I'm procrastinating, so some of you should thank her. ;-) She also is a wonderful writer, and just posted "Fairy Tales," which is an amazing story so far about a magic locket. Go read her story, all of you wonderful people! GO! :-) (And yes, we do actually call her Potato in real life.) ;-)

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! YOUR COMMENTS MAKE MY DAY!!!!

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~Chapter Twenty-Five~

Meaghan peeked over her shoulder, watching for followers, as she, Jenna, and Hayley raced for the safe coverage of trees behind the school. She knew perfectly well that no ordinary human could follow them, but the Purities had agents lurking, as well. They could be anywhere, hiding in wait, crouching down in position and eagerly anticipating the pounce. When that moment came, Meaghan would be ready for them.

            They reached the foliage swiftly, putting their inhuman speed to good use. As a precaution, as soon as they disappeared into the greenery, they shadowed themselves. They couldn’t become completely transparent as their enemies could—a massive disadvantage—but translucency was still adequate to hide from mortal eyes.

            “Ugh, why did we have to go here?” Jenna complained from behind Meaghan, her footsteps falling nearly silently against the crackling ground.

            “I know!” Hayley agreed, squeaking when her arm brushed a cobweb. “It’s so dark, and…and creepy!”

            Meaghan could feel Jenna’s eye roll behind her. “Alex—Megs—remind me how she ended up with us?”

            Meaghan shrugged casually, pushing her way through the surprisingly dense wood to their meeting place. “Honestly, Di—uh, Jenna—I don’t know and don’t care. She’s with us now, and she’s valuable. You don’t need to say anything more.”

            Hayley laughed; Jenna snorted. “Well, well, well, look who’s going all leader-like on us!” Jenna teased, playfully slapping Hayley’s arm. Hayley giggled louder in agreement. Meaghan rolled her eyes, pursing her lips and fighting the urge to scream at them to shut up. They were all making too much noise as it was.

            Meaghan parted the last few branches in front of her, revealing a perfectly-shaped clearing, sparkling with sunshine. Fearlessly, she stepped into the light, careful not to revel in its warmth that she so badly yearned to welcome. She was on an adrenaline high from that morning’s success.

            Jenna and Hayley followed suit, flanking her on both sides as they scanned the opposite row of trees, searching for their Monarch. Meaghan’s eyes darted this way and that, back and forth, examining the vegetation to the tiniest leaf. She narrowed her eyes, searching for the smoky outline that would give away his Shadow. She held her breath, using her own hazy highlighting to try to locate him. In moments, Ari was found, standing right across from them.