After a few minutes, I got off the bed and went to the wardrobe. Inside were the most beautiful dresses I had ever seen in my life. You couldn’t find any of them in even the most fashionable boutiques in London.

I ran my hands through the garments discovering that most were made of silk. It was hard to choose one. In the end, I chose a simple long red dress that had a gold flower print stitched up the right side. I picked a pair of gold pumps to match. I only realised at that moment that I had the bracelet on that Avra gave me. I didn’t take it off. It matched my outfit perfectly.

I went the dressing table to start my hair ant makeup.

I fixed my hair into a forties-style updo with my curls piled around my crown. Lastly putting on a thin line of eyeliner, some mascara and some lip gloss, I looked in the mirror. I had to admit that I didn’t look too bad. I looked at the old fashioned clock on the wall. I still had about ten minutes before Acacia and Zephyr came to take me to the dining hall.

I walked out to the balcony that was on the right side of the room and leaned against the railings. The moon was up and it was an orangey colour. There was also a gentle breeze running through the trees.

“Enjoying the view?” a voice came from behind.

I turned around to see the one person I didn’t expect.

“Avra?” I said surprised.

“The one and only,” he replied.

“What are you doing here?”

“Well this would be my home.”

His home. How did I end up here? This had to be a dream.

“This isn’t a dream,” he confirmed.

“H-how did you do that? Know what I was thinking?”

“Takes practise to get it perfect but I’m sure you’ll pick it up in no time.”

Avra moved so he was out in the balcony with me. I turned to face the outside again, taking in all the splendour of the scenery. I noticed that Avra was staring at my shoulder. He placed a hand on it, making me jump. He smirked.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that, Avra,” I said.

“What about it?” he asked innocently.

“About what it means.”

“Oh, I remember you went to see your friend about it. By the way she gave the wrong translation.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. It actually means protect thy angel. You friend really needs to get her interpretations right, although it is easy to get it wrong.”

I glanced at the tattoo. I could have sworn it was different from last time, but I didn’t bother to question it.

“So, I was wondering, why you are here. I’m waiting for-”

“My sisters. Yes I know. But I just wanted to ask you if you would be my…date for this evening. It seems that my father decided to have a social gathering instead of a quiet dinner, hence why I am wearing a suit. These gatherings usually involve couples and we both don‘t have a person to go with.”

His sisters. Date. Social gathering. Couples. What’s going on?

“Look, I promise to explain things to you later Sherina.”

“Okay. I’ll go with you on the condition that you don’t try anything Avra. I mean it.”

He looked disappointed but then he flashed a sly smile. What is he thinking? I wish I could read minds too.

“Okay fine. But I have a condition too.”

“What is it?” I questioned, slightly afraid.

He laughed at my expression.

“We seal this deal with a kiss. It‘s just that or a whole night of me doing possible things that you don‘t want me too.”

I was stuck at a crossroads. One that I wouldn’t win no matter which path I chose. Avra was quiet as I pondered my choices. I had to be careful, now that I knew he could hear what I was thinking. If I kiss him then he won’t do anything else. But then again he could just be lying.

“Jeez Sherina,” Avra complained. “You’re a really slow deliberator.”

“Right, I’ve thought about it and I’ve decided I don’t want you to take advantage of me all night, so I’ll seal the deal with a kiss.”

Avra grinned. “Excellent.”

He pulled me closer to him, his arms around my waist, and caressed my cheek. Damn, what had I let myself into? He slowly pressed his lips to mine, and I was kissing back against my will. There was some giggling behind us. Avra broke away; a smirk appeared on his face. Acacia and Zephyr were at the door and when I looked they giggled again.

“Hey girls,” Avra said. “Sherina and I were getting…better acquainted.”

I smacked him on the shoulder and his sisters tried to hide their smiles. He was so evil. Twisting things.

“Yes, we can see that Brother,” Acacia said.

“Do you want us to leave you two the way you were before we interrupted,” Zephyr continued trying to sound serious.

I blushed, making Avra’s grin widen.

“Well I don’t think Sherina would want me to kiss her again, I mean she only just met me. Anyway I can think of someone who might object.”

“Ooh, who?” Acacia asked getting interested.

“Well, that would be Will. Her-”

Then I did something I probably would regret later. Before he could say the word fiancé, I pulled his face to my level and pressed my lips to his. He was in utter surprise, but then he joined in. Acacia and Zephyr decided to leave at that moment. I ended the kiss.

“What was that for?” Avra asked. “Not that I’m bothered.”

“I just don’t want you telling anyone that I have….had a fiancé,” I said sadly.

“Fair enough,” he replied, and linked arms with mine.

We walked down the staircase and into a grand hall. There were a lot of couples dancing in there too. Everyone looked so beautiful. They had the same creamy ivory skin tone that was noticeable in the dark. I was the only one that stood out with my olive-skinned complexion, although it looked a bit paler than usual now.

Sweet music from the quartet at the far side of the hall filled the air, giving it a soothing ambience. Avra told me to go find his sisters while he went to talk to his father. I spotted them and hurried over to join them. They were with two guys.

The one beside Zephyr was tall and had black hair. His eyes were a soft grey colour, and the one beside Acacia was also tall but he had hair that was almost the same colour as hers. His eyes were also grey. They were gorgeous. Oh my god. Did I just think that? They can hear me. They were scrutinizing me as I walked over.

“Hey Sherina,” Acacia greeted.

“Hey,” I replied. “Avra told me to wait with you guys until he came back.”

“We know,” Zephyr grinned. “Meanwhile we’d like you to meet our suitors. This is Eben Winters.” She gestured to the guy beside her. “And that is Rider Hemlock.”

They both smiled at me and I smiled back. Suddenly I felt an arm slip around my waist. Acacia and Zephyr giggled again.

“Hello Avra,” I said stiffly.

“How did you know it was me?” he replied and placed a kiss on my neck.

“I’m psychic would you believe it,” I said sarcastically. “No, I haven’t met anyone as forward as you.”

The five of them laughed.

“We’re going to dance now,” Acacia said. “You two have fun.”

I could hear the double meaning behind her words. They left Avra and I and went to join the other couples.

“You promised me Avra. No funny business.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? I had my fingers crossed. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

“Men,” I said angrily.

“Aww Sherina, don’t be angry. Anyway we don’t want to make anyone suspicious, do we?” Avra asked.

I sighed. He was right. I couldn’t let anyone know about Will, so I would have to pose as Avra‘s partner. I felt really horrible though, like I was betraying Will. Going along with the charade, I held Avra’s hand and locked my fingers in his.

“That’s more like it,” he laughed.

“Jerk,” I mumbled under my breath.

“Do you really think I’m a jerk?” he mused.

“Yes, I do Avra. I mean you could at least sympathize with me, instead of using me for your personal enjoyment.”

“I’m not that bad Sheri, you know that.”

“Whatever you say. Now let’s get on with this before I change my mind.”

“It’s not like you have any choice,” he whispered.

Something I wasn’t supposed to hear? But then I realised he hadn’t opened his mouth. He hadn’t actually said anything. I just heard his thoughts. But that’s impossible, isn’t it?