Chapter 1

    She lies on the ground looking at the stars trying to bare the terrible burning pain that has engulfed her body. She cries out as a searing pain rips through her; she looks at her surroundings. She sees herself in the clearing of a forest surrounded by people she doesn't recognize; they look on as she writhes in pain. She turns her head to gaze at the night sky but is distracted for a moment hearing the faint whisper of the word “Lyath” then the stars become brighter and brighter until they embrace her with their light…    The dream is always the same but she always awakens before the light covers her completely.  This has been her nightly torture since she was 10. 

    “Morrigan, wake up!” her grandma, Shirley, screams to wake her from her nightmare. 

    "It's just a dream, sweetheart. It's ok," Shirley says, shaking Morrigan’s shoulders. 

    As she opens her eyes, she realizes that her grandparents are now in her room and she is drenched in sweat. 

    "What?" Morrigan asks.

    “You were screaming sweetheart, are you ok?" Shirley asks.

    "Yes, grandma, I'm ok. It's the same dream as always,” Morrigan replies tiredly.

    "Are you sure? This time was pretty intense, even for you,” her grandpa, Rick, asks.

    "Yes, I'm fine,” she mumbles as she begins gathering her thoughts.

    "I just really want a shower now,” she says as she grabs the doorknob to her bedroom, hoping to wash the nightmare from her body.

    “OK, we'll let you get ready. You have graduation today,” Rick says proudly smiling at her as they leave her room. 

    "Oh crap,” she thinks, “I totally forgot, here we go." Morrigan waves as she walks into the restroom and closes the door.

She gets in the shower and as the hot water washes over her she remembers the last 7 years she has lived with Rick and Shirley Luna. They are not her blood grandparents but they are the closest thing to family she has.  They are her foster parents/ State appointed guardians. Shirley is a short, beautiful older woman with salt and peppered hair, but she has more spunk than most grandmas’. Rick is taller than Shirley, he’s about 6 feet with salt and peppered hair but more white than Shirley. Rick looks the part of a very serious man that you never want to cross but he is a teddy bear. He and Shirley have shown Morrigan more love than anyone, treating her like their daughter.  She remembers how her mother gave her to the State of Ohio when she was only 5 years old, saying she was just too much to handle. She was bounced from home to home as a foster child until the state terminated her mother’s parental rights, making her a permanent ward of the State of Ohio and that’s when she came to live with the Lunas. She still sees Karen on some special occasions (like today), but she is still a stranger.  Now, at 17 years old, she is ready to end one part of her life and start a new part in a completely different place with new people only holding onto the two people that have ever meant anything in her life, Rick and Shirley. 

    She gets out of the shower and looks in the mirror at the girl staring back at her.  She has always been a little different than other people. Though she feels she looks plain, she knows she’s not bad looking either. She has long red hair with white tips. No matter what she does, they stay white... Her skin is pale white, her eyes crystal blue with the color changing slightly depending on her mood.  She smiles as she recalls what Shirley her grandma said, that ‘looking into her eyes makes her feel as though Morrigan is looking straight into her soul’

 Shirley’s voice brings Morrigan from her thoughts as she hears a knock on the bathroom door, “Are you done yet?" Her grandma asks.

"Yes Grandma, be right out!” Morrigan tells her, drying her hair.

“You better hurry, I know we only live right around the corner but we're cutting it close. You don't want to be late for such a special event. Oh, and your mother called; she wanted to let you know she would see you there." Shirley tells her.

"Oh boy, she just had to add that last part. Great…. Let’s see if she shows up," she thinks to herself as she puts on her white bubble dress and green cap and gown. She runs out of the door, still grumbling to herself about her mother. 

"We're here,” Rick says, drawing Morrigan from her incessant, internal brooding about her mother just as her best friend, Starr Cooper, opens her door and yanks her from the car. 

"Come on! They're about to start and you’re late, as always.” Starr says as she pulls her from the car.

“Ok, ok, I’m coming Starr. You know how I like to make an entrance. See you papa, grandma; love you!” She hollers as she runs to the procession with her best friend. Starr rolls her eyes knowing that she hates to be the center of attention.

"Love you too, sweetheart; we'll see you there.” her grandma says.

"Starr! Slow down, I'm in heels you know.” 

“We gotta hurry cris-cross. We’re supposed to be in the front with the smart people, remember? Plus, just think of all the guys looking at your great legs in those heels," Starr says smiling with a huff as she pulls Morrigan along.

They are rushing along when a man in a dark-colored hoodie runs into them, breaking them apart as he rushes through the crowd of excited teenagers. Morrigan mutters an apology, shaking off the shiver she feels running down her spine. Starr stands there for a moment, stunned by the amount of dark energy she felt coming from the man. As they turn around to see who it is, the person has disappeared into the sea of people. 

“Well that was just creepy; he vanished,” Starr grumbles, frustrated because she’s never felt that kind of darkness before. 

“He probably just got mixed into the crowd,” Morrigan replies and Starr brushes the feeling off, chalking it up to nerves.

They take their places just in time to hear the band start playing pomp and circumstance.  Starr leans over when they start and says to Morrigan, "I'm scared I'm going to fall on my face walking up there in my killer heels….” 

Morrigan giggles, “Well, if you do fall, I will do you the sincere honor of laughing my ass off, just sayin’.” Morrigan laughs even harder when that comment gets her an elbow to the side from her friend.

“Great. Thanks, bestie. I will make sure to send a couple of those guys that were looking at your legs your way.” Starr replies, knowing she will make Morrigan blush.

“Just tellin’ it like it is!” Morrigan says with a wink.

The man in the dark hoodie stands just off to the side. He scolds himself for thinking they wouldn't be able to feel his power, which was a mistake he won't make again. The redhead and her friend, he couldn't decide which one his seer warned him about; both had something, but neither of them was all that powerful. They were children, nothing special. Still, there is something familiar about them……

Graduation goes off without a hitch; Morrigan doesn’t get to laugh at Starr for falling on her face. Morrigan too walked and got her diploma without a problem. 

As the principal tells the students they have finally graduated and they all throw their hats in the air, Morrigan can't help but wonder what comes next. She is going to the college of her choosing in Ireland; she leaves tomorrow with Starr, her best friend. Morrigan thinks to herself that everything is so great and she's really happy; so why does she feel like she's waiting for the other shoe to drop like something is missing? 

Chapter 2

"We did it, we did it!” Starr screams as she squeezes the life out of Morrigan. She hugs her back with tears in her eyes and thanks the heavens for her best friend. 

Morrigan remembers just how tough High school was for her. School in general was tough but not because she had trouble learning. She’s had a 4.0 since 9th grade and has always passed everything with ease. But she had trouble because people just kind of steered clear of her.  She had no friends until 10th grade when Starr moved to the area and began going to Morrigan’s school. They became instant friends. Starr came from Phoenix, Arizona. Her family didn't have much when they arrived in little Ol' Mansfield, Ohio. So, naturally, all the kids in their school were downright nasty to Starr, also because she’s a little different. Starr explained to Morrigan one day that she is a gypsy. Starr said she can see people’s auras and sometimes gets feelings about things before they happen. She says it’s all part of being a gypsy and that her mom told her that her skills will grow with age.  Starr is a brown-haired, emerald green-eyed girl with a free spirit that loves life. Starr had a rough life in Phoenix, she had come to start over; to try to forget the heartaches she endured in Phoenix. Her dad has a little trouble with substances and alcohol, so her mom always took care of everything herself. When people were hateful to Starr, Morrigan stepped in and made sure they knew she wasn't alone. Morrigan remembered how she felt being the new girl, being so very different from everyone. They have been friends ever since they’ve grown to be even more than friends; they’re sisters, not by blood but in every other way that counts.

"I can't breathe…. Starr, let me go!” Morrigan chokes to Starr as her mind returns to the ceremony.

"Ha-ha, sorry; I'm just so happy! We did it, now we can go and do our thing in Ireland.  I still can't believe we both got full-ride scholarships with room and board. It's just so awesome. I'm so excited!” Starr squeals breathless and grinning from ear to ear.

“I know, right? Me too! I just hope it all goes well,” Morrigan replies with a smile, sharing her excitement.

They pick up their caps and make their way toward the crowd of waiting parents. 

"Come on Star Wars, let’s go. Did your mom make it?" Morrigan asks, using the nickname she hates with a grin on her face. Starr glares at her. 

“No, she had to work but she said she’d be off in time for our Graduation party,” Starr replies as they link arms and walk through the crowd of students.  

They receive a couple of dirty looks from some of the guys in the crowd but it only makes them laugh. Kody scowls at the two girls laughing at him and his friends; “Who do they think they are? It's bad enough that they think they're better than he is but to humiliate him in public the way they are right now. Someone needs to teach them a lesson, show them how to respect their betters.” All these thoughts run through Kody’s head as he and his friends walk away. Kody was one of the many people that did not get along with Morrigan and Starr. The man in the dark hoodie, being able to sense certain things, can't help but feel Kody's resentment and anger; maybe he can direct it toward a specific target……

“Our party is going to be simple but fun; let’s go find my Grandma and get the picture torture over with. Ha-ha!”  she tugs Starr along through the crowd.

They decided to do their party together to save money and because they didn't want to miss each other’s party. 

"There she is, by the mascot,” Starr tells her as she points across the field.

"Hey grandma, how'd we do?" She asks as they make it over to her.

“You were both wonderful; grandpa and I are so, so proud of you both," Shirley says with a big smile.

"Thanks, Grandma, I couldn't have done it without you and papa," she wraps her in a big hug.

“That’s my girl. I am very proud of you, Sugar Cube, and I have never been happier that everything is coming together for you.” Her grandpa says, wrapping her in a tight hug. 

“Thank you, papa, that means the world to me. You know, you and grandma are more than just my grandparents, you are my Mom and Dad and I will forever be grateful and love you more than you know.” Morrigan says as a small tear finds its way down her cheek. Morrigan felt the need to make sure her grandpa knows that he means so much to her before she leaves for college in another country let alone another continent. 

"Thank you, Ms. Shirley. You guys have always been awesome to me.” Starr replies while she hugs her.

“You're very welcome, Starr. Did your mother make it?” Shirley asks.

“No, I just saw a text she sent during the ceremony. She had to work over but she might make it to the party later.” Starr sighs.

"That will be wonderful. So, are you riding with us then?" Shirley asks with a knowing smile.

"Yes, if that’s ok?" Starr asks. 

"Of course Starr, you know it is,” Shirley answers, smiling at her.

“Morrigan, who are you searching for, dear?" Shirley asks as she searches the faces in the crowd for someone.

“Well, I thought she might actually make it this time,” Morrigan mumbles as her grandma and grandpa wrap their arms around her. She takes comfort in their presence and lets out a sigh of frustration.

“Well, dear maybe something came up,” her grandma says with a slight smile knowing she is talking about her Mother, Karen Cross.

“Something ALWAYS comes up! Her travels or men are always more important but that’s the story of my life.” Morrigan hisses but takes a deep breath as she tries not to take her anger out on her grandparents. She turns with a huff, closes her eyes, and takes several deep breaths to calm the anger and hurt. “Grandma, Grandpa, you guys ready to go?" She asks them, changing the subject, feeling calmer and more relaxed.

“Yes dear, when you are.” her Grandpa says.

“OK. Let’s go, Starr.” Morrigan says as she and her friend link arms and walk to the car.

They walk arm in arm to the car and head to Morrigan's house. 

"The party is supposed to start at 4:30 pm. So we have just about an hour and a half to get home and set everything up,” she tells Starr.

They pull up to the ranch-style, pale yellow house that Morrigan has called home for 7 years. The house is not too big but it’s not small either. The house has 3 bedrooms on the main floor with a living room, a family room, and a large kitchen. The basement level is like a whole other house itself since it has 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, a bathroom with a Jacuzzi and a second bath off the master, a full living room, and a very large formal dining room. She smiles as she walks in the basement door and takes off her shoes.  

"Ugh, so good to be home and get these heels off. Come on Starr, let’s go to my room and get changed so we can help get things ready. Be right back, grandma!” She says as they run up the stairs to her room.

"Take your time girls, we still have a little while,” Shirley responds.

"Ok, Thanks, grandma!” 

They run to Morrigan's room to get changed.  Her room is quite simple with two beds, one on each side of the room, a large opening bay window between the beds, a dresser in front of the two, and a closet on the side behind the door. 

Starr throws herself on the bed and asks, “Are you ready to leave all this tomorrow night?" 

"If not, I can't very well back out now. So, I just have to suck it up. But, I’m really excited too. I have always wanted to travel or go somewhere else and I don't know why but Ireland just kind of calls to me. I’ve always wanted to go there,” she muses, shrugging her shoulders.

“Ok so, we’re really going to do this right? I wonder if there are any really hot guys there that speak English for me to flirt with." Starr says moving her eyebrows up and down. Morrigan laughs and throws a pillow at her. 

"Well if there’s not you could always pick a hottie that speaks Gaelic and just say yes to everything, but that might cause you a few problems along the way if he wants to move things along if you know what I mean.” She replies, moving her eyebrows up and down.

“Wow, you so did not need to go there,” Starr says as she wrinkles her nose at her.

"Yeah well, I gotta tell ya how it is. If I don’t keep you straight then who will? Just sayin’”

"Yeah, yeah. Let’s go, before your grandparents have to do all the setup for the party for us.” Starr tells her.

By 5 pm not many people have arrived and they don't think anyone else will show up. "Just another day on our list of greatest days ever.” Morrigan thinks to herself.

After cleaning everything up by 7 pm, Morrigan and Starr settle down in her room and chat while they wait for Starr's mom to come. Her mom, Carla, had to work over and didn't make it to the party either.

"Morrigan, Your mother’s on the phone,” Shirley announces as she knocks on Morrigan's door. 

"Ok, Thank you, Grandma.” She replies as she opens the door, grumbling about her mother calling, and takes the phone from her grandma.

"Hello, Karen. How are you?" She asks with as much sarcasm as she can. 

"Hello, I'm ok, Morrigan. Please call me mom. How was your day?" Her mother, Karen Cross, asks as sweet as she can.

“My day was great; I finally graduated. I really thought you would show this time but I guess that’s what I get for thinking.” Morrigan replies as she sits on her bed and crosses her legs.

“Well, thinking is a really dangerous task for you.” Starr chimes her voice dripping with sarcasm trying to make her laugh. 

Morrigan throws her pillow at her and hits her in the face while Starr throws herself back on the bed laughing. She can't help but smile at her crazy, wonderful friend.

"I'll remember that snarky comment, Starr and you know I'll get you back.” She says as she covers the bottom of the phone so her mother can't hear.

"Yeah-yeah," Starr smirks, pointing at the phone reminding Morrigan her mother was still on the line.

"Morrigan, I just called to tell you I'm proud of you and that even though I have never been a real part of your life, I wanted to let you know that before you left for another country,” Karen says, not acknowledging she had heard the two girls’ conversation.

“Wait, how did you know I was leaving? I haven't talked to you for almost 8 months!” She asks her mother. 

“Shirley thought I should know since you’ll be gone for a few years at the least.” Her mother says calmly.

“Well, there’s a shocker! Yes, I'm going to Ireland with Starr; we got accepted to a University there and we're leaving tomorrow night.  We're going ahead of the fall schedule to get used to the place and the people.” She tells her mother harshly since she is seriously irritated that her mother only knew about her trip because her grandma had told her, not because she had bothered to ask.

“Ok, I wish I could have seen you before you left..." 

Morrigan interrupts, " You could have seen me if you really cared and showed up to important things or anything at all.” She says as harshly as she can to her mother.

Frustrated with no response from her mother, Morrigan continues, “Yeah, yeah. I know you wanted to say goodbye. Look I gotta go, I have a lot to pack, ok?”

“OK. Goodbye Morrigan. Be safe. Oh and one more thing, I wanted to let you know, that the one real thing I knew about your father was that he was from Ireland and even though I only had a one-night stand with him, he really was a good man but he never knew about you.” Her mother finishes, breathless as she tries to get the words out before she decides not to tell Morrigan about her father.

“Wow, Karen; happy graduation to me, right?” Morrigan says sarcastically still not believing what she just heard.

“Goodbye Morrigan, I love you, be safe," her mother says softly.

“Bye," Morrigan says flatly and hangs up the phone.

She throws the phone on the floor, throws herself back on her bed, and screams into her other pillow.

“Ugh, she is so frustrating; do you want to know what she just told me?" She asks as she looks at her friend.

"What?" Starr asks with a funny look on her face.

“She just said that my father was from Ireland and that he was a good man but they only had a one-night stand; oh and wait for ladies and gents it gets better, here’s the grand finale she said he never knew about me.” She says with as much disgust and anger as she can.

"Ouch, what a graduation present,” Starr says with a pained face. 

“Right? I can’t believe she would wait until now to tell me this after years of me asking, you know?"

"Wow, she really needs some help,” Starr says.

“I know. Let’s change the subject, please.” She says exasperated.

“What time are you leaving for the airport tomorrow? I wanted to see if I could ride with you since my mom has to work again.”

"We’re leaving around 3 pm to get there by 4 pm and our flight leaves at 6 pm but you know how Columbus traffic can be and the airport will take some time to get thru. Of course, you can come with us, you don't even have to ask. I know my Grandparents won’t mind, you’re family, Starr." She tells her with a wave. 

 "Ok great,” Starr smiles excitedly.

(Beep Beep) A car's horn beeps twice.

"Well, that would be my mom. See you tomorrow cris-cross stay out of trouble." Starr tells her with a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

“What? Me? Why I never get into trouble. See you tomorrow, tell your mom I said hey and that I will take good care of you in Ireland.” she says yelling at the end as her friend gets into her mother’s car.

“Yeah, OK. Bye!” Starr yells back.

“Bye!" She says with a wave.

Chapter 3

The next morning, she wakes up like always, drenched in sweat. 

"You'd think I would be dehydrated by now,” She says as she looks at her t-shirt and shorts.  She hops in the shower quietly since it's only 5 am and her grandparents are still asleep. 

She sighs under the hot water since she can always think and de-stress in a good hot shower.  

She gets out of the shower and goes to her room to get dressed. She begins the task of packing everything she owns.  

"I don’t want to leave too much here since I may not be back for a long time.” She says sadly, looking at her room with all the things she still needs to pack that remind her of home, all the while thinking to herself that she is going to miss her grandparents so much.

By 9 am, she is just about finished; she has washed her last load of laundry and they are now in the dryer.  She gets to her room to find her Grandma Shirley sitting on her bed with a photo album.  She sits down next to her and realizes she is trying hard not to cry.  

Shirley turns to her, “You know how much we love you, Morrigan, and we know that you are very special; not just to us but to everyone you meet. You have the biggest heart I have ever seen and if you ever need anything, please call us. You know we will always be here for you. You are our daughter and we would move heaven and earth for you. Ok?" Shirley finishes with tears in her eyes.

"Yes grandma, I know. I love you too, and you’ll never know how much you both mean to me. I could never have asked for a better family than you and grandpa. Thank you for everything. I love you.”  Morrigan wraps her grandma in a huge hug and kisses her cheek; as if on cue her Grandpa comes in with a sad face, too, and gives them both a big hug.  He is a man of few but simple words. 

“Morrigan, I love you. Be safe and behave over there. If you need anything please let us know, no matter what it is, ok?” He says as he too fights the tears.

“OK papa, I love you guys.” She says wiping away the tears and with a smile tells them, “OK, enough of the tears now. I'll make lunch and get the bags loaded in the car. Oh, I almost forgot, you guys don't mind if we take Starr with us to the airport right? Her mom has to work and if we don’t take her she has to get a cab there.” She asks with a hopeful smile.

"No, Morrigan, that’s never a problem.” Grandpa Rick says giving her a little scowl for asking.

"Ok, so let’s go eat.” She says as she grabs her grandma's hand and leads her to the kitchen.

She makes grilled cheese and tomato soup, one of her favorite comfort foods. Her grandma always made it to make her feel better. After lunch, she cleans up the kitchen and washes the dishes in the house for the last time, and sits down on the couch with her grandma. She curls up in her lap like she did when she was little. Her grandma plays with her hair while they sit in silence.  

"Grandma?" 

"Yes, sweetheart?" her grandma says, not stopping playing with her hair.

“I love you so much, you know that right? I mean you’re more than my grandma to me, you’re my mom and I just wanted to let you know that before I leave on this new adventure. I’m scared that I won’t get to see you guys again.” She says sadly, trying to hold back the tears.

“Oh, Morrigan, I love you too and you know you will always be our Daughter, but you will see us again. You won’t be there forever, darling; if you decide to stay, you can come back to visit. Just relax and enjoy yourself there, but you do have to call me at least once a week so I know you’re ok, and if you can't call text me, OK?" Her grandma says with a gentle smile while holding onto her face as the tears fall down her cheeks. 

“You got it, grandma." She says with a smile, wiping the tears from her cheeks.

At 2:30 pm, Starr arrives with her bags and puts them straight into the car.  She tells her mother bye as her mother gives her and Morrigan a hug and tells them to take care of each other. She leaves for work and Starr and Morrigan go into the house for the last few things Morrigan wants to take.  She goes to her room to get the photo album her grandma gave her that morning and puts it in the carry-on that she has ready.  

At exactly 3 pm, they all leave for Columbus airport; from there, Starr and Morrigan fly to Philadelphia, and from there it is an 8-hour flight to Shannon, Ireland.  

"Slug Bug!” She yells as she slugs Starr in the arm watching a VW bug drive by.

"Ouch, that hurts you know,” Starr says rubbing her arm.

"You’re just sour because I beat you to it.” 

“Woody!" Starr yells as she hits Morrigan in the arm as a car with wood-colored panels drives by.

“Ha, see I made you pay attention,” Morrigan tells her as she rubs her arm.

Starr puts her headphones in for the last half hour of their ride to Columbus while Morrigan stares out of the window thinking about the newest revelation her mother told her about her father. “I must look like him too since my mother had dark brown hair and my half sister and brother both have really blond hair. They all have brown eyes too, so I really am the oddball.  Maybe I will find him there...” She immerses herself in thought as her grandparents take them to the airport for their flight to Ireland.

They pull into Columbus international airport and unload their bags. “Well, this is it grandma, grandpa; we've got to go, our flight leaves in about 1 hour and 20min."  She says as she gives them both huge hugs and kisses them goodbye.

"Morrigan, we love you very much and we wanted to give you a little something to help you in case of emergencies.” Grandma Shirley says as she hands Morrigan an envelope and tells her not to open it until they land in Ireland.

Her grandpa pulls her close once more and places a kiss on her head. 

“You take care; I love you, my little Sugar Cube.”

“I love you too, so very much.” Morrigan chokes on a quiet sob as she grabs them both in a huge hug and lets her tears fall.

“Thank you for always taking me in too Mr. & Mrs. Luna; You are the best!” Starr says as she hugs them quickly.

“Your very welcome Starr; now you girls hurry, you have to check in so you won’t miss your flight.” her grandma says as she hugs them both. “Please be safe and let us know when you get to Philadelphia, ok?" Her grandma says as she wipes the tears from Morrigan’s cheeks. 

“We will. Bye!” Morrigan hugs them one last time, her heartbreaking but also filled with excitement as they head into the airport to check in and get on their way. “Gosh Morrigan you wanted to go to Ireland so suck it up and get moving!” She thinks to herself as she shakes her head because her inner dialogue never ceases to amaze her.

They check in and sit waiting for their flight to board while they both are thinking to themselves.  “Starr?" Morrigan asks as she looks at her.

“Yeah?”

“We’re really doing this, right?" Morrigan says quietly.

“Yep, no way of getting out of it now. It will be great, don’t worry Morrigan. Plus, we'll have each other no matter what; we’re sisters, remember?" Starr tells her as she grabs her hand, seeing the nervousness in her aura.

“Yeah, I don’t think I want to get out of this anyway. I am really excited about Ireland; I'm just sad to leave my grandparents and everything we know but you’re right, we'll always have each other.” Morrigan says as she hugs Starr.

"Passengers for flight 2213 to Philadelphia please proceed to gate 22 to begin the boarding process.” the flight attendant announces.

“Here we go, chickadee,” Morrigan says as she smiles at Starr.  They link arms and get on their flight.

Chapter 4

They fly the 1hr 30min non-stop flight to Philadelphia where they have just an hour and a half layover before their flight to Shannon, Ireland. So, getting off the plane they go to the airport Starbucks to wait for their flight to be called because if Starr doesn't get her coffee she will chew someone’s arm off. 

"Starr, what do you think our first day there will be like? I mean do you think they will like us?" Morrigan asks while they wait in line.

“What do you mean ‘us’? I know they’re going to love me, what’s not to love?" Starr answers with a laugh, shrugging her shoulders.

Morrigan smiles, giggling at her sense of humor since they’ve been up for a long time now and their flight to Ireland is 8 straight hours so they won’t be getting much rest except on the plane.

Just as Morrigan grabs her white mocha cappuccino and turns around, a girl runs right into her, spilling the hot coffee all over her.

“Ouch, oh my gosh that’s hot..." Morrigan bites her lower lip as she tries to keep the coffee from burning her through her clothes. Then she hears the sweetest southern accent she has ever heard.

“Oh dear gussy, I am SO sorry, darlin’; are you alright?" a blond-haired girl asks as she tries to help clean up the coffee. She lifts her head to reveal her light violet eyes.

“Yes, I'm fine. It was just a little hot and I’m going to have to change my clothes now but it's all good. Hi, I’m Morrigan Cross.” She introduces herself, shaking her hand.

“Wait, did I just hear you say ‘Dear gussy’? I think I'm gonna pee myself.” Starr says as she doubles over laughing.

"Starr, shut up! Sorry, you'll have to excuse my friend; she's a little slow sometimes and we also don't hear accents like yours very often here in the north.” Morrigan explains as she elbows Starr.

“That’s alright, I have a habit of saying the darndest things that make people laugh. I'm not offended at all and my name is Loralee Wilkes. I'm from South Carolina.” she explains.

“Well Loralee, it's very nice to meet you. This is Starr Cooper. She and I are pleased to meet you..." Morrigan starts to say as she is interrupted by Starr saying that their flight is boarding and that they really need to go or they’re going to miss the flight. 

“Well, that’s our cue; we have to go. Bye.” Morrigan says to Loralee and heads in the direction of their gate. 

Behind her, she hears Loralee holler, “Wait!” as she runs to catch up with them. “Where are you guys headed? Sorry to ask, but I am just a little lost in the airport; I have never been on a plane that my dad didn't own. I'm going to Shannon, Ireland. Would you happen to know where the gate for that flight is?" Loralee asks breathlessly as she finishes, looking a little frazzled.

“Yeah, actually..." Morrigan starts to say as Starr pinches her arm and says to Morrigan quietly, not knowing that Loralee has better hearing than a normal human, “We don't know her, why would you tell her where we’re going?" Starr asks Morrigan. “She looks scared Starr, and I just have a good feeling about her; that she’s a good person. Don't worry, you know my senses never fail.”  Morrigan winks as she finishes telling Starr and turns to Loralee who’s smiling. “We’re actually headed to Shannon, Ireland too, so you can come with us but, now we kind of have to run to make it to the gate.” They all three start jogging to the gate. Starr looks over her shoulder trying to figure out why she can’t read this girl’s aura and it makes her uneasy. 

“I really hate running, you know that right, Morrigan? I will find some form of payback for you.” Starr huffs, breathless as they make it to the gate and board the plane. 

"Yeah, yeah Starr, laugh it up; you should run more often. You never know when you'll need it.” She responds, barely winded as Starr rolls her eyes and sits in her seat.  

“Do you girls mind if I sit with y’all? I know we just met but I don't know anyone else..?" Loralee asks, smiling slightly with questions in her violet eyes as she files in right behind Starr and Morrigan.

“Nah, we don't mind. Come on, it will be nice to have someone to talk to that isn't planning my demise.” Morrigan jokes as she points at Starr and laughs.

“Thank you, girls.” Loralee sighs with relief as she sits down and looks at both of them, trying to read them. “They are both definitely not completely human, I don't think Morrigan even knows what she is but her friend Starr, she knows what she is; but does she know what I am?”  Loralee thinks to herself as they all settle into their seats for the flight.

Before they get moving and the door closes, Morrigan takes out her phone and texts her grandma to let her know they made it to Philadelphia and are now on the plane to Shannon, Ireland. She asks her grandma to let Starr’s mother know as well.  She looks at her phone and can't help but feel a little nostalgic about leaving. As she tears up she looks at Starr. She has a devious look on her face. 

“If you start singing ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane, I swear I'm going to draw all over your face while you’re asleep.” Loralee and Starr start giggling at what Morrigan said and Starr gives her a devious grin from ear to ear letting her know that she hit it right on the spot. As the plane pulls away from the gate Loralee turns to Starr and Morrigan, 

“I know this is supposed to be a really long flight so what do you guys want to do? I would really like to get to know you since we’re all going to Ireland.” Loralee says with a genuine smile. Morrigan turns and smiles at her. 

“Well, tell us a little about yourself, Loralee,” Morrigan suggests as Starr turns to listen in. Loralee begins to tell them about her family.

“Well, I am an only child; I have 2 great parents that have always given me the best. I have a nanny that I adore and I don't have many friends because I can't stand people pretending to be my friends just because of what they can get from me or the connections my parents have.  My dad is an attorney and my mother is a doctor, they work a lot but they love me. I always stay with my nanny, Giselle. She's like a second mom for me," Loralee finishes, breathless with a huge smile on her face as if she just gave them a precious little piece to the puzzle that is her life.

“What about you, Morrigan, right? Where are you from?" Loralee asks as she tries to gauge whether she can trust the two girls she just met.

“Well, I'm from Ohio; I grew up there and now I am moving to Ireland with my friend Starr here, to go to school,” she tells Loralee being very vague since she doesn't really tell anyone about her life, at least not until she gets to know them very well.

“That’s great, and you Starr? Are you from Ohio, too?" Loralee asks pleased with the honest but vague answer from Morrigan. “She probably doesn’t trust me yet,” Loralee thinks to herself.

“No, I'm kind of from all over...” Starr says as she smiles at Loralee and continues, “My family is kind of like Gypsies, we move around a lot. I moved from Phoenix, AZ to Mansfield, OH when I was in 10th grade and have been there ever since." Starr says as she tries to read Loralee's aura but she can't and this puzzles her. Since she doesn't know much about her gypsy history she just brushes it off and smiles at Loralee.

“That’s great, I have always wanted to travel the country but this is the first time I have been to another country alone.  I'm going to Ireland to go to school as well. I'm going to Faolan College to study Drama. What about you girls; where are you two going to school?" Loralee asks.

"Wow, now I know that you’re good with those feelings about people,” Starr says with her mouth open in amazement as she gets a glimpse of Loralee’s aura and sees that she is a good person.

“Wow, I have never seen someone render Starr speechless. Starr, close your mouth before someone shoves something in it..." Morrigan says as she laughs at the twisted face Starr makes.

“We’re going to Faolan College too, we are freshmen this year and plan to start in the fall,” Morrigan tells Loralee leaving out what they are going to study.

“What do you mean by feelings, Starr? I'm a little confused.” Loralee asks as she realizes she had let her shield down for a moment, getting comfortable with them. She looks at Starr as she tries to find out what talents she has.

“Well, I don’t want you to think I'm a freak but, what she means is that I can kind of feel people’s emotions or who they really are; I told her that I thought you were a really good person and she's telling me in not so many words that I was right,” Morrigan explains as she smiles at Loralee and then back at Starr who narrows her eyes at her. 

"Don't get used to it, we all have lapses in our judgment, I won’t admit it again.”  They all three laugh at her comment.

“I love you too, Starr,” Morrigan says as they finish laughing.  

The stewardess comes and asks them to quiet down since the other passengers are trying to sleep so all three of them pull out their headphones to listen to music so they can sleep.  Morrigan goes to the bathroom to change her shirt; when she returns, she elbows Starr after Loralee puts her earbuds in again and tells her to wake her up if she starts having a nightmare because she doesn't want to freak people out on the plane. 

“Just get some sleep girl, you'll be fine. You know I got your back. If you start having the nightmare and I can’t wake you, I could always get up and flash everyone; that should be distraction enough.” Starr says laughingly, trying to ease her friends’ worry and concern that she can see in her aura.

“Yeah, don’t flash anybody, please. They might land and have you arrested for giving the men on the plane heart attacks.” Morrigan says as she laughs at her comment.

“OK, but don’t say I didn't try to have a little fun on the plane,” Starr says as she giggles at Morrigan and says goodnight.

"‘Night Starr,” Morrigan says as she puts her earbuds in and begins to drift off to sleep.

As always, Morrigan’s dream is the same and she awakes to the sound of Starr's voice calling her name and pinching her arm to death. “Ouch! You know your methods of waking me up really hurt. Couldn't you have just done a little cold water or something?" Morrigan says as she opens her eyes and realizes that the stewardesses have come over to check on her. She turns white as a sheet and looks at Starr with a questioning face. 

"Don't look at me like that, I didn't flash anybody, ok?” Starr says with a smile. Morrigan turns back to the stewardesses and they ask her if she is ok. Morrigan tells them she is fine and they let her and Starr know that they are only 2 hours from their destination so if they wanted anything to eat, they could get something now. 

“Great, we can eat, I'm starving!” Morrigan exclaims as she turns to Starr who is trying really hard to block her out and go back to sleep. Morrigan leaves her be and asks the stewardess if she could have some breakfast. The stewardess comes back 10min later with some fruit and cereal for her.  She eats in silence as she looks out the window over Starr’s shoulder on the plane.  She can't help but be super excited about what is to come next; their lives starting fresh, learning new cultures.  By the time Morrigan finishes her breakfast, Loralee is eating hers and Starr is just waking up. 

“What?" Starr asks as she looks at them thru sleepy eyes. 

“I didn't say a word,” Morrigan says as she puts her hands up in surrender and smiles at her. 

“Yeah, it's about time you surrendered to me,” Starr says triumphantly, smiling at Morrigan’s hands. 

“Yeah, ok. I'll give you that one, but only that because I don’t ever surrender remember?  I strategically give in for my benefit.” Morrigan says as Loralee and she giggles. 

"Whatever, Criss cross!" Starr says as she snaps her fingers and they all three laughs.  The stewardess gives Starr her breakfast and a large coffee. Since they only have about 30 minutes until they land, Starr eats fast and all three pack up their stuff to get ready to leave. 

“Hey, are you girls staying on campus or are you renting one of the college apartments?" Loralee asks wanting them to decide on the apartment since she really wants to keep close and have these two girls as friends.

“Well, the college gave us both options since we are both on full scholarships with room and board included but, we haven't decided yet, and you?" Morrigan says.

"I haven't decided yet either; my parents gave me both choices but now that I have met y’all, I was wondering if maybe we could do the apartment and the three of us stay together?" Loralee asks with a hopeful smile on her face.

“Well, now we’ve done gone-n-done it; we made a friend!” Starr exclaims with a fake southern accent and drawl. Morrigan elbows her in the side and turns to Loralee who is not laughing at what Starr said. Morrigan cringes at her expression and starts to say something to her but Loralee bursts out laughing so hard she starts to cry. Starr joins her in laughing and they both look at Morrigan’s confused face and laugh even harder.  

“What the hell is so funny Starr, Loralee?" Morrigan asks.

Loralee responds, snorting. “Y'all are just too great. I was just kidding, I don't take offense every time someone makes a southern joke or imitates a southern accent; as long as you aren't poking fun at me then I'm great and I will laugh with y’all." She says laughing her way thru the explanation.  

"You guys are so bad; there will be payback, you know this right?" Morrigan tells both Starr and Loralee, smiling. “Oh, and to answer your question about the apartment, Starr? What do you think? I think it would be great; we could be like the three musketeers." 

“Yeah, if you want to compare us 3 fine-looking ladies to a bunch of guys on horses with swords, why not?" Starr says as she gives Morrigan a look like, "are you kidding me?" 

“OK, OK, so three musketeers is out, but what do you think about the apartment idea?" Morrigan asks.

“I think it would be great; I would finally have someone to laugh at you with me,” Starr says as she giggles and looks at Loralee who is now in stitches laughing at how they go back and forth at each other.

“Are y'all two always like this? You know, bickering back and forth and threatening vengeance and what not?" Loralee asks trying to keep a straight face, loving how the two girls she just met are so transparent, fun, and genuine.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about; I don't make threats, I just advise of all possible outcomes,” Morrigan says seriously. They all laugh as she finishes.  

Starr speaks up, “Yep we're pretty much like this all the time unless, you know, we're super super mad then we just fly off at the mouth and don't stop. You know, typical girls.” Loralee laughs unable to keep a straight face. 

Morrigan adds, “Oh, and if I'm nervous I start to ramble and become really sarcastic, just a fair warning.” Loralee laughs even harder as Starr nods her head in agreement. 

“Morrigan, Starr, I think we are going to be great friends, y'all are just my kind of gals. Nothing fake about y’all.” Loralee says as she smiles and giggles at the two of them. 

“Well, thank ya darlin," Starr says as she shakes her hand. They can't hold it together anymore and all three of them laugh hysterically.

As soon as they land, Morrigan sends a text to Grandma Shirley letting her know they made it and to let her know she would call as soon as she could to give her an update. They get off the plane and make their way as a group to the baggage claim, then they go to the bus terminal to find the bus they are supposed to take to Faolan College. They step outside to wait for the bus where they were told to and since it is only about 6 am there, they are outside in the cold morning fog and mist waiting for the day to break through.  

Chapter 5

They board the bus to Lochborough, a small but not too small town, where the college is located near the coast.  It’s about 2 hours north along the coast from Shannon and since all three girls slept on the flight they’re not tired; so they play the game “I spy” like a bunch of kids. They arrive in the small town at about 8:15 am and look around at all the people out and about already in the morning. 

“I spy a little store that’s on the corner, down a small side street; it looks like an antique store that I really want to visit once we get settled in,”  Morrigan says to Starr and Loralee as they pass. 

“That store looks a little creepy but, whatever. I guess I can't let you two go alone, I might miss all the hotties.” Starr says as she looks out the window with Loralee. 

“Well, a mighty fine thanks, ma'am," Loralee says with her best southern accent, laughing at Starr. 

“I think we are going to get along just fine, you and me, Loralee. We'll keep this one in check.” Morrigan says giggling as she points to Starr and high-fives Loralee.  

“Wow, two against one is so not cool, girls,” Starr says as she squints her eyes trying to look mean which just makes them laugh harder.

Morrigan pulls Starr and Loralee in close to tell them she’s noticed that the bus driver has been staring back at them the whole trip and he is starting to freak her out. As she finishes her sentence, Starr looks up at him and makes eye contact. 

Starr being Starr, asks him, "Do you need something?"  Morrigan pinches her leg as Loralee coughs to try and hide her laugh.  The bus driver just shakes his head like he’s trying to put up with them and keeps his eyes forward for the rest of the trip.  Morrigan looks at Starr trying to dagger her with her eyes but Starr just rolls her eyes. 

“The bus driver is a good person, he just seems a little confused; about what, I don't know,” Starr says, a little puzzled as she continues looking out the window.  They make it to the college and just as it comes into view the sun peaks over the horizon. 

Loralee says, "It's breathtakingly beautiful!” as they all look at the place that will be their home for quite a while.  The college looks like an old Castle that sits on the side of a hill next to a beautiful lake. 

“I can't wait until I get to walk around and take a couple of runs along the shore of that lake, it's just so beautiful,” Morrigan says, amazed. Both Starr and Loralee have the same look of astonishment as they gaze at the college. They are escorted to their rooms in the apartment by a nice young sophomore and the girls get settled in quickly. 

~~~~~~~~     A week later Morrigan, Starr, and Loralee walk into the orientation room at Faolan College in Ireland feeling excited and nervous. That is until Starr notices the men standing off to the side. The first one she sees is about six feet four inches with black hair and charcoal grey eyes; the man standing next to him is a little shorter at six feet, two inches with sandy brown hair and an aqua eye, and a brown eye. A smaller man stands to the side with an earpiece looking way too much like the secret service. 

    “Someone open a window. It’s getting HOT in here!” Starr exclaims loud enough for the entire room to hear.

    “You need a loudspeaker, Starr? I don’t think they heard you back in the states,” Morrigan scolds, turning bright red when both men turn to see who just yelled.

    “Ladies, y’all are making a bang-up scene; wanna sit down before they start selling the popcorn and charging admission?” Loralee asks as she makes her way to a set of three chairs together.

    Starr laughs and whispers, “You know, it is hard to find a friend who’s cute, loving, generous, sexy, caring, and smart. So, my advice is don’t lose me!” All three laugh hard as they take their seats. Looking at each of them as they sit down, the two men immediately give them a once over.

    Devlin, the man with black hair, can’t take his eyes off the girl in the middle who happens to be Morrigan. She’s 5’7” with red hair that has white tips, although tips are probably the wrong word. You see, the white “tips” grow further up each year; nothing she does stops it. Her eyes are a piercing crystal blue.

    He tears his eyes away from her blue eyes just in time to realize he’s being stared at by a pair of lavender and emerald eyes. Loralee, 5’6” with silver hair and lavender eyes, and Starr, 5’5” with black hair and pink highlights and emerald eyes are both boring holes into his side.

    Kieran, the man with sandy brown hair, locks onto the unique lavender eyes staring at his best friend, and chuckles until he sees what’s caught his attention. With a sharp intake of breath, Kieran draws all their attention.

    “Don’t do it, Kieran,” Devlin warns, grabbing his arm.

    Ignoring Devlin’s growls of protest, Kieran walks over to the three of them and immediately goes to the redhead.

    “I’m sorry, do I know you?” He asks.

    “I don’t think so. We just got here a week ago,” Morrigan replies through the giggles.

    Kieran smiles and takes her hand in his, “Then allow me to introduce myself, my lady. I am Kieran O’Brien,” finishing his sentence, he slowly and softly kisses her hand before nodding at the other two girls.

    “Trust me, she’s definitely not a lady,” Starr blurts.

    “Thank you, Mr. O’Brien. I’m Morrigan. My loud friend with obvious issues is Starr and the quiet one is Loralee,” Morrigan answers, ignoring Starr’s outburst.

    “Please, just Kieran. I would like to leave you with my card, it has all my numbers on it as well as my email. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you while you settle in,” he states, handing the business card to Morrigan before nodding to them and walking back to the other side of the room where his friend is staring daggers at him.

    As soon as he gets close, Devlin grabs Kieran and yanks him into the hall.

    “The redhead is MINE! Stay away from her!” Devlin growls before letting him go.

    “Take it easy, bro. I just introduced myself. Don’t you think it should be up to the girl whether she’s yours?” Kieran chuckles before walking back into the orientation room.

    Devlin reigns in his anger. There’s no mistaking the spark between them. She will be his whether she knows it now or not. He barely makes it back before the orientation starts so he will have to wait until afterward to introduce himself to her.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce our two extinguished guests from the college, Kieran O’Brien of Ireland and  Devlin O’Connell of Scotland. Kieran and Devlin are alumni and will serve as security at the college. Each of you will likely encounter them during your stay here at Faolan College,” the man at the front of the class explains. 

    “I can’t wait,” Starr whispers, getting her an elbow from Morrigan. 

    “Now, let’s split into two groups. This half will go with Kieran and this half will go with Devlin,” the man instructs, effectively splitting the girls into separate groups. Morrigan laughs and waves goodbye to her friends as they fall in line with the rest of the group.

    Kieran leads the group Morrigan is in, and Devlin begrudgingly leads the other group with Loralee and Starr.

    “This way, please. I’m going to show you the school, classrooms, and labs; we’ll take a small break for lunch and then you will switch off with the other group,” Kieran explains as he begins their tour with the grand entrance to the school. 

    “This school was converted from an ancient castle a very long time ago into the magnificent college you see today. Each of the paintings you see here is authentic. In fact, everything you see around you is very real; the chandelier above you once belonged to Mary Queen of Scotts and each weapon lining the walls has a history,” Kieran says, letting them all look around. 

    He spots Morrigan looking at the paintings of old and can’t help but notice she lingers on a particular picture he knows all too well.

    “Ah, this is the only painting we have of her. She really is beautiful. Her name for my people is Davina Riona Faolan meaning Beloved Queen of Wolves,” Kieran says softly standing beside her. 

    “She’s beautiful; I would love to know more about her,” Morrigan replies kindly, turning to meet his gaze. He smiles and winks at her before walking away to call the group toward the labs. 

    Devlin leads his group toward the stables and talks to them about the forest. Starr smacks her arm for the third time. 

    “I hate mosquitoes. I mean I know I’m delicious but damn. I don’t do nature,” she states, frustrated, not liking the forest. Loralee just laughs. 

    “You know, nature is very beautiful if you give it a chance and remember your bug spray,” Loralee smarts as she turns to their guide. After about three more of Starr’s wisecracks about the stables, he is more than ready to switch groups with Kieran. Loralee however has been pleasant with him, striking up polite conversation. 

    After about 2 hours, both groups return to the orientation room to take a break for lunch. Morrigan, Starr, and Loralee follow the rest of the class to the cafeteria where they try authentic Irish cuisine for the first time.

    “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think I’ll stick to burgers and fries or pizza. This is nasty!” Starr exclaims.

    “It’s not that bad,” Loralee states, taking another bite.

    “I think I’m with Starr on this one. I’ll eat what’s put in front of me, but I’d rather have pizza,” Morrigan grumps, pushing her food around her plate. Their lunch today is Skirts and Kidneys, Crubeens, Colcannon, Cottage Pie, Goody, or Gur Cake.

    Afterward, Morrigan high-fives her friends and then follows her group toward the forest.  

    Morrigan makes her way to the edge of the cliff away from the group so all she can hear is the ocean. She closes her eyes and absorbs the wind and the mist coming off the sea. 

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    He has been observing this girl for a month and still nothing! Where is this power he’s told she possesses? Why does she hide it? Patience is NOT something he has in large supply. Maybe there is a way to pull her power to the surface........ A shapeless shadow hiding among the trees begins to hatch a plan around the redhead, oblivious to everyone else. Except for Starr and Loralee, who are across campus, feel an intense dark presence they can’t see or find.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Devlin is turned away from her, talking with the rest of the group, answering their questions about the college when a scent overwhelms his senses making him turn to find it. His eyes glow as he tunes out everything else. He walks towards the cliff with precision and stealth. He stands directly behind Morrigan close enough to touch. Morrigan sighs as she breathes in the fresh air. 

    “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Devlin whispers, taking in a deep breath savoring the scent; a scent that smells like the first winter’s snow and the salty sea. 

    Morrigan, startled, turns to him, “Yes it really is. We don’t have anything like this where I’m from.” 

    “It’s even better in the morning when the sun is rising. Do you like to run?” Devlin asks, taking a step closer to her. 

    “Yes, I love to run. It’s one of the best ways to destress and think,” she replies with a smile. 

    “I couldn’t agree more. Would you like to take a run with me tomorrow morning just before sunrise?” Devlin asks, hopeful. 

    “Sure, that would be great,” she replies. 

    “Great. We better get going,” Devlin says, offering his arm to Morrigan to escort her back to the group. 

    Both groups make it back to the main meeting area, then disperse to their dorms. Devlin, still standing with Morrigan, turns to speak to her only to find her speaking with Kieran. 

    “Let’s do lunch and I can tell you all about that painting you liked and more,” he says, confirming their lunch date for the next day. Devlin is seething mad but puts his game face on as he turns to Morrigan. 

    “I will meet you in front of your apartment tomorrow morning just before sunrise,” he states, kissing her hand with a little bow then turns and leaves. Kieran winks at the girls and leaves with him. 

    “Wow if I didn’t know any better, I would say you have at least two stalkers,” Starr remarks, coming up beside Morrigan. 

    “Shut up! They’re just being nice is all,” Morrigan replies shaking her head. 

    “I hate to say it, but Starr may have a point. Those boys were stuck on you like briars in cotton,” Loralee comments with her southern accent. 

    “Doesn’t matter. We are here for school. Let’s go home,” Morrigan states as she turns, linking arms with her friends as they head off to their apartment. 

    Morrigan calls her grandma and foster mom, Shirley.

    “Luna Residence,” Shirley answers.

    “Hey, grandma. How are you and grandpa?” Morrigan asks with a smile on her face.

    “Morrigan! It is so good to hear from you, sweetheart. We are doing well, child. How was Orientation? Have you gotten everything unpacked?”

    Morrigan chuckles, “Yes, grandma; everything is unpacked and in its proper place just as you taught me. Orientation was interesting. The next couple of years are definitely going to be a challenge, but in that good way, you know? I can’t wait for the semester to start in two weeks.”

    “Patience, my dear,” Shirley chides, “So you found the envelope when you finished unpacking, did you?”

    “What envelope, grandma?”

    “I knew this would happen. We always put things in good hiding places, and you never look further than the tip of your nose,” Shirley jokes, “In your suitcase, there is a hidden compartment just behind the top. If you pull just a little, it pops right out. There’s something there for you, my dear.”

    “What is it?” Morrigan asks.

    “I’ll leave you to your treasure, sweetheart. Oh. By the way, your mother called. She asked about your well-being and if there was anything left behind that she needed to pick up. I just told her that you are doing fine and that you took everything with you. I really think she cares, Morrigan, she just doesn’t know how to show it,” Shirley states.

    “She doesn’t care, grandma. She probably thought there was something there to sell and she needs money. That is the only time she ever calls,” Morrigan huffs. “I’m sorry, grandma. I love you. I gotta go,” Morrigan apologizes then ends the call, frustrated about her mother. 

    Morrigan stews in her room for a couple of hours until she cannot take it anymore; she takes off with a mission to run until she can’t anymore, the envelope hidden in her suitcase completely forgotten. She makes it to the door before Loralee asks where she is going. 

    “I need to run. I’ll be back,” Morrigan replies before closing the door and taking off down the stairs and toward the cliffs. They went in cars last time, but she needs to feel her muscles burn and the fresh wind on her face. 

    Devlin is outside the apartments with some of his friends when he catches her scent flying by him. His eyes glow as his body seems to move on autopilot to follow her and make sure she is ok. 

    Morrigan runs for a couple of hours making it to the cliffs where she drops to her knees, no longer able to hold back the flood of tears. She screams into the night all the unanswered questions she has, sobbing uncontrollably. She can’t believe the mother she has. Devlin watches from the trees; his heart breaks watching her cry, hearing each gut-wrenching question that will go unanswered. 

    She sighs as she stands. She loses her balance and falls hitting her head on the cliff but when she tries to stand, she stumbles and falls off the side of the cliff. Devlin sprints to her and finds her hanging on the edge, head bleeding. 

    “Grab my hand,” Devlin yells over the roar of the water. She grabs his hand and she is pulled to safety into Devlin’s arms. 

    “Are you alright?” He asks, breathless. Morrigan lifts her head. 

    “What do you think?” She snaps, standing to her feet only to sway a little from the dizziness. 

    “Whoa there, lass. You’ve got quite the bump,” Devlin says, grabbing her arms and checking her head for the blood he smells.  

    “I’m fine,” she states.

    “Did you see that?” She asks. Devlin looks. 

    “I see nothing, lass. I think you may have hit your head pretty hard; let’s get you back,” Devlin says, pulling her hand towards him. 

    She turns and leaves with him. They walk through the woods in silence, Morrigan with her arms folded and Devlin a step behind her. Morrigan stops mid-step. 

    “How did you know where I was? Were you following me?” She asks turning to face Devlin who almost walks into her. 

    “I.....you....um well, I saw you run out of the apartments, and you were crying. I could not let you run out here alone in such a state. What kind of gentleman would I be?” Devlin explains, looking into her eyes, trying to understand her tone of disapproval. 

    “I didn’t ask you to come. I wanted to be alone,” Morrigan snaps, turning to walk again. 

    “You will never have to ask. I will always be there when you need me,” Devlin answers kindly, following her. 

    “That’s just it, I don’t need you or anyone,” she replies, walking faster. Devlin sigh and walks behind her. 

    A howl rips through the woods. Devlin lets out a low growl as Morrigan comes to an abrupt stop. 

    “What was that? ” Morrigan asks, looking around the woods. 

    “Please stay here,” Devlin states sternly before running into the woods leaving Morrigan standing alone. Devlin finds the one who howled. 

    “Kieran,” he snarls. Kieran steps out from behind the tree.

    “Devlin, what are you doing out here my friend? It’s a little late for a run,” he asks, leaning against the tree with nothing but a pair of sweatpants on. His body was ripped with muscles due to his intense training. 

    “I’m here with Morrigan; she went for a run,” he says matter of factly. 

    “Oh....” before Kieran can reply, the smell of fresh blood blows through the forest. 

    “Morrigan,” Devlin utters before taking off in a full sprint toward where he left her but does not find her. He lifts his nose into the air and finds her scent. He finds her a little way away lying on the ground. 

    “What happened to her?” Kieran asks as he comes to her side. 

    “She fell at the cliffs before I could reach her,” Devlin answers, cradling her in his arms before picking her up from the ground. 

    “I’m taking her back to the apartment,” Devlin says pointedly to Kieran. 

    “I’ll come with you,” Kieran replies. 

    “NO! I will take her alone. She will be safe with me,” Devlin snarls as he turns to leave. 

    “She is not your property. However, given the circumstances, I’ll let you take her. I must finish my rounds at the castle. I’ll check in on her in the morning,” Kieran states before running off into the woods. 

    Devlin sighs and grumbles, “He’ll let me, hmph....” He cradles her in his arms and feels a peace wash over him that he has never felt; that she belongs in his arms. He takes her back to his apartment and lays her on his bed to tend to her wounds. He stays by her side all night watching and listening to her heart and breath for any signs of distress. He feels at peace with her by his side; her scent all over his home and his scent on her.

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