Going back into work after being a stay at home mum for some time. My little boy is 14 months. I'd be happy if it wasn't for the fact I'm re-entering the work force into the soul destroying career path in retail. I have no viable skills or qualifications that I can use elsewhere so I'm stuck. I can't retrain as it costs money that I just don't have. I'm feeling so hopeless and down right now. Desolate I guess. I can see it now, old and decrepit and still working in a dead end job going nowhere, working harder than others, compensating for people's laziness. In retail it's not what you know, but who you know. So miserable its unreal.

Bound By Blood - Chapter 1 Incandescent moonlight streamed through the floor to ceiling glass windows; the rays of luminescence shone through the crystals on the chandelier, reflecting colourful fractal patterns over the walls. The beauty of the prismatic rainbow shining against the wall held me mesmerised for a moment as I pondered what I would do tonight. I paced along the grand music room, my heels clip clopping on the marble floor. Pigments of crystal within the marble sparkled like diamonds and my attention drew to it like a moth drawn to a flame. I closed my eyes in aggravation. There were far too many distractions here. Normally I enjoyed looking out of the penthouse upon the city, but tonight, with the#moonhigh and my 500th birthday approaching within hours, I just felt so alone. I opened my eyes again and sighed miserably. I felt old. Everyone thought I was happy but truth be known my #life was growing wearisome. Something began vibrating in my pocket. I fumbled for a moment but pulled my phone out and flipped it open as I shoved it to my ear. Deafening music assaulted me for a moment before I tuned the sound out to focus on the caller. 'Kat, can you hear me?' 'I can but you don't need to shout...' I trailed off forgetting that Alyssa didn't know about my hearing. 'I can't hear you...' 'Can you hear me now?' I yelled back, smiling in amusement. 'Yea. Like... are you coming to meet us? We're in...' she trailed off as she asked someone where they were. 'Verboten. It's the new club over near Gower Square,' she gushed merrily, already half tipsy by the sounds of things. 'Sure. I'll be there in like 20,' I yelled back. I hung up and stuffed the phone back into my jeans pocket, hurried across the vast music room and began stripping my vest top as I sped up the stairs to my private floor. It was times like now I was pleased my parents often had situations to attend to. I guess that happens when you have the position they possess. I dreaded the day I would have to take over ruling the faction. For now I was free to do whatever. I oversaw some problems but most of the time they left me be, understanding my lack of interest and not bothering trying to change my stubborn ways. I entered my sleeping chamber and zipped across to my walk in wardrobe. I grabbed several tops in succession, huffing each time I tried it against myself, dismissing them and throwing them across the closet. I dropped my head and breathed out slowly, relaxing every muscle as I breathed in and out. I raised my head, made a beeline for the dresses and pulled a beautiful, black, knee high dress out. Star burst patterns made by diamanté crystals covered the bodice part and went up and around the halter neck straps. The fabric of the skirt part was flowing and loose. A dress perfect for dancing in. It looked magnificent with the kind of lighting they used in night clubs. I stripped off the remainder of my clothes and efficiently pulled the garment into place. I skipped to the dressing table, sprayed perfume onto my wrists and scattered a light body glitter all over my arms and chest. I gracefully dropped onto the stool and scanned my shelves for the perfect shoes... where were they... THERE. My black, stiletto heeled, ballet style shoes. Black ribbons laced up intricately to just under the knee. My pale skin gleamed through the crisscross perfectly. I swivelled around and looked in the mirror. I speedily donned my make-up and smirked at myself. That would do. I glanced at my phone to see how long I'd been. 15 minutes. That left 5 minutes to get there. I pounced from the stool in a graceful leap and landed precisely. I yanked my clutch bag from the side, peeking inside to check for money. I had enough, I thought merrily, as I eyed the wad of cash left over from my last night out. *** I closed my eyes and concentrated as I phased to the location Alyssa had mentioned. I found them both incredibly easily, but continued on to the side of the building to un phase so no-one would see. The last thing the vampire race needed was a slip up like being found out. There were too many scared and violent humans out there for it not to cause an uprising. We'd have a vampire hunt on our hands before we knew it. I threw my otherworldly senses, scanning for humans in the vicinity; having found none I un-phased. I began to saunter along the alley seductively and as I got closer to the street I ruffled my long auburn hair. The smell of blood from the club patrons hit me hard and oh boy, was it mouth watering. I swore softly under my breath, realising that I had not fed before coming out. I had good control, but being hungry and going into a room full of food... I mean humans... was torturous. I wondered what the odds were of there being a licensed and approved blood donator within the club. I chanted repeatedly that all would be fine and I would find a blood giver as I turned the corner. Twin squeals of excitement and drunkenness assaulted me as my two com padres threw themselves at me. Had I not been what I am, I would of fallen flat on my ass. I fake staggered back and pretended to lose balance as they giggled and grabbed me. They didn't realise I was faking luckily. Pretending to be human came second nature these days. We had to for the good of the race. It was one law all factions had to abide by. Above all else, we must not be known to humans as what we truly are. Lest we fall into a war that we dare not consider. The inebriated pair grabbed a hand each and began dragging me towards the grand entrance of the new club. They stopped in synchronicity and seemed to stiffen as if frozen or... it couldn't be that someone was mind controlling them, it was illegal. I glanced around the street but found no-one. In an eerie movement, they turned as one and began ambling towards an alley across the street. Their hands gripped mine so hard that their knuckles were turning white with the strain. Alyssa and Laura were completely oblivious to what was going on. Their minds would be blank right now which was lucky for them. It was also lucky for me too. I wouldn't have to worry about them finding out my secret as I fixed the problem. We stopped just a few feet into the alley when 3 men emerged from the shadows. I tilted my head to the side in a predatory movement. Watching the scene unfold before my eyes. Slowly they began approaching us but halted when they noticed the fact I was still lucid. I gazed and assessed each of them in turn for threats but they were all young. Less than 50 years dead. I felt a little niggle in my mind as one of them tried to send me a mental push to go blank. I blinked slowly and began to smile. More sensations flooded me as all three began trying to blank me. Quietly I began to laugh. It was too funny for words. 50 years was young but they should still know the basics. Like how to sense your own kind. Their eyes shifted to blood red, as they prepared to rush us. I could feel a tingling sensation in the vicinity of my own eyes as they transitioned. I was different. My eyes turned black as opposed to red. The blood red eyes told me instantly they were creations as opposed to pureblooded like myself. My fangs began to lengthen and sharpen in preparation. I hissed savagely at them to get their attention. 'Think about this before you attack me boys. You may have more on your side but I am older than you. Keep in mind not only are you attacking an older vampire, but you'll be attacking the daughter of the leader of the ____ faction,' I growled roughly trying to stay in control. In this transitional stage, the blood of my friends was almost overpowering my control. The vampires halted and looked to each other, seemingly having a silent conversation. They seemed to come to an agreement and within seconds they had vanished from my sight, fleeing in the opposite direction. I carefully took over the control of my friends and gradually brought them back as I led them to where we had been standing but moments before, whilst allowing my transition to fade off, allowing my eyes and teeth to return to normal. The bouncer looked at us in turn and pulled the cord back permitting us entry. The hall leading in to the club itself was exquisite. Floor to ceiling mirrors that were all cracked and shattered but concealed behind more glass. We gradually pushed until we entered the large dance-floor. Alyssa and Laura were eerily silent but I couldn't say much as my control was teetering. I need to find a blood donor, and I needed one soon. There were several here, I could sense them. Now all I had to do was approach one and I'd be fine. I watched as my friends, the troublemakers, made their way to the bar through the tumultuous crowds as the rowdy patrons bustled and shuffled to the music. I turned once I was happy they'd reached safety and and went on the search for one of the blood givers. The staircase to the second floor lay before me. Ahead lay my saviour of the night. I only hoped that the donor was available. I gracefully swayed to the music whilst I climbed the sparsely lit stairway. At the top I looked out across the less populated VIP area. Two heavily set men stood guard at the top. They stood side by side, making it impossible for me to pass. I glanced at each in turn and beamed my most dazzling sultry smile. I hated having to do it this way but mind controlling was too close to exposure for our kind, hence the illegality of the act. No one was exempt from this rule. 'My friend is up here. I thought maybe I could just say hi?' I purred seductively. The guards both smiled and began to separate to let me through, halted after seeing something behind me and then closed ranks again. I didn't need to glance behind me to know there was someone bigger behind me. I could sense it and my skin began to crawl. Parlour tricks of course. Any vampire over 200 could do it. It was frowned upon though. I raised my shields and shrugged the sensation off as I turned to face the on-comer. 'Kat, How good to grace my club with your presence.' I studied the hulk of a man before me. I didn't recognise him but he clearly knew who I was. Then again, my identity was never a big secret being as my parents were the enforcers of this city. I smiled and nodded curtly. 'Is there something I can help you with my dear?' He asked with a sly smirk on his face. I glowered slightly at the tone and familiarity in which he'd spoken to me, released my annoyance and smiled politely. 'Not the kind of help I can talk about here.' 'I see. Care to follow me dear and I'll assist you any way I am able.' At his nod the guards parted and he stepped past me and them. He turned and gestured for me to follow like his little pet. My control on my temper was slowly but surely slipping. I growled slightly as I passed the hulking bouncers, pleased to see their eyes widen marginally. 'Now now dear. This way and we can have a nice talk and see what I can do for you.' I sighed, bit my tongue and followed him through a door labelled 'private' and down a dingy corridor. The sooner this little chat ended the sooner I could get what I so desperately needed. Sustenance.

Fay's Season Sunlight filtered through the plethora of emerald leaves shrouding the vast rainforest. Dead leaves and twigs rustled and cracked as I roamed. Something seemed off. It took moments for me to realise it was the angle of my view, and the sharpness of the colours I was seeing. I looked down and found myself staring at a close up of the ground and a pair of paws. I stared intently and took a step forward and found that I was controlling the wolfs legs. I was the wolf. I glanced up sharply at the sound of something snapping in the near distance. Scanning the scenery my legs began an anxious dance, hairs on my neck began to raise in anticipation. A low bass growl broke the silence and I jumped into action, tearing through the foliage in the opposite direction. I was the prey and I had to escape. I was running as fast as I could, turning my head to find the predator, yelping loudly as I ran into the tree I’d not seen. I staggered trying to continue but everything was spinning. Legs buckling, I dropped to the ground, uncaring that I was about to become some-things lunch. Something crunching to my left pushed me to try and stand, but I wobbled and landed in a furry heap on the ground, closing my eyes and whimpering, my #life was about to end. Another growl erupted right by my face. My eyes opened and I found myself in my bedroom. I sighed in relief, it was all just a dream. I rolled over, pulling the blankets closer, closing my eyes I began to drift off again. A clicking noise got my attention, holding my breath I waited for it to start again. When silence continued, my breathing resumed. Slowly, in and out, I waited. I sighed at my over-active imagination and allowed my eyes to drift shut. Something clicked again and I tensed. The noise was getting closer. In true horror movie style, I turned my head to see where the disturbances were emanating when I caught sight of a rather large, silver and grey wolf. Gasping I shuffled away from it, placing the bed between me and it. My eyes wide, I watched in terror as it began rounding the end of the bed getting closer and closer. ‘Please don’t hurt me,’ I whispered quietly as I backed away towards the wall. The wolf stopped in my path and tilted it’s head, whining slightly. I scrunched my eyes to see if it was injured but with the dark I just couldn’t tell. The air around the wolf began to shimmer and waiver slightly. I watched in combined horror and amazement to see that the wolf was changing, metamorphosing into… a man. A very naked, lean and muscular man. My eyes dropped and my face heated. I edged towards the bed slowly, escape forefront in my mind. ‘Thats not advisable Fay,’ My eyes shot to him briefly before I glanced away again. Screw it. I thought my chances were pretty good. I readied my body, preparing to leap over the bed. I took a deep breath and set off. Getting as far as the middle of the bed, I was knocked over by the intruder and the air was knocked out of me. I lashed out hoping to impact with him but he seemed to know every move I was going to make. I groaned in frustration as he pushed me on my front and sat on my legs, holding my arms down by my side. I was suddenly very aware of how naked he was and how only the fabric of my satin shorts separated us. I started to struggle but felt him, firm against my buttocks. He leaned forwards and somehow managed to get his mouth to my neck. Biting down hard he growled at me. I ceased my struggle and stayed completely still as a rush of heat suffused my body. My breathing became heavy and my body began tingling. Gently he removed his grip from my arms and began stroking up my arms and down my side. I shifted slightly and inhaled sharply as his hand slipped under my camisole top. His teeth nipped down harder and I mewled as fire shot through me. Skin sensitised I began rubbing myself against him for the sensation. Releasing my throat he lifted away from me but the fire still burning within was making me writhe. It was like I was in heat. My mind froze… Me, in heat. I looked at the clock on the bedside table and noted it was gone midnight. My 25th Birthday. ‘shhh.’ The flames inside me were burning hotter, I gasped as it began to cause pain, a tear running down my face. His weight eased off me and he turned me over, he stroked the tear away and caressed my face as he leaned down and kissed me, more like he devoured my lips. The fire receded and I could think. I struggled and he moved away completely, the burning returned but worse. I wailed in frustration when he re-appeared with a condom in hand. ‘This is the only way to stop the fire Fay, Say yes.’ I looked into his amber eyes and breathed in his intoxicating smell and said the first thing that came to mind. ‘Yes,’ I whispered.

Predestined - Chapter 1 The dream started the exact same way it had numerous times before. I was standing in the middle of a vast lush field; the grass was the colour of vibrant green emeralds. The whole scene looked surreal but I wasn’t shocked as I’d seen it before. Everything was so quiet, calm and relaxing. I gazed up into the sky to watch the glorious sunset unfold before my eyes. It was a magnificent show, the sky seemed to glow with an orange so intense it resembled flames licking the sky. Then as if by the flick of a switch, the sky was black and was speckled with luminescent stars shining brightly. I slowly lowered myself to the floor and laid back to watch the night sky in all its magnificence. I gazed for some time before my eyes began to sting a little and also became unfocussed. I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose to try and relieve some of the pressure I could also feel. The silence was suddenly broken by the sound of incoming footsteps. The approach was very quiet but it was extremely noticeable because of the lack of sound prior to it. I tilted my head back reluctantly, dreading whatever was intruding in my dream. I say intruding because in all the times I’ve had this dream, never before have I ever seen another person here. My dream was different and I had a sense of foreboding. Something about the dream felt completely different to how it had played out before. I was both worried and intrigued by this mystery figure walking towards me. I took a deep breath and gradually pulled myself into a sitting position. I turned my body so I could try and see the entity more clearly but I found I couldn’t focus on them correctly. The figure seemed to be blurry, almost as if they were veiled in a cloud of smoke or something. I blinked trying to clear my eyes but it didn’t help. They remained painful and sore, almost seeming to throb in rhythm to my heartbeat. It wasn’t unbearable but I’d guess I’d call it more of a discomfort than an outright pain. The figure was now mere footsteps away from me, so I rolled onto my hands and knees and proceeded to push myself up into a standing position. The figure stopped a foot or so away from me, clouded in a nondescript aura of shadows yet I wasn’t afraid. In fact a feeling of warmth, security and love washed over and through me. Suddenly I felt dizzy and tingly; my entire body was flooded with the sensation of pins and needles. I dropped to my knees gasping for breath through the unfamiliar feeling that engulfed me. ‘Fear not my child. This is your destiny.’ the voice whispered tenderly against my ear, gently soothing me. ‘Who are you?’ I managed to get out between breaths. Suddenly before I knew what was happening, my back seemed to erupt into an overwhelming, excruciating pain. The agony began in-between my shoulder blades at the top of my back, and it felt as if where the trail of pain lead, fire was following it. Gradually the pain wrapped itself up over my shoulders and met in the centre of my chest mere inches below my collar bones. When the two opposing sides of pain collided together I gasped in agony, it felt as though my chest was going to explode, so much pressure seemed to build although I knew it must have been in my mind. The Burning feeling remained but the sharper pain that inflicted me moments before began to recede, and I could breathe again. My breathing slowly became more regular, and with each breath I took, the burning sensation became more bearable. My eyes still felt sore and I still couldn’t focus properly but I was glad to be rid of the intense pain I'd felt previously. ‘Well, I guess you could call me a messenger for all intensive purposes. I am here to deliver a message to you Raven.’ she replied in a melodious sing-song kind of way. ‘Wait, how do you know my name? Why are you here? What’s happening to me?’ I spoke slowly trying to be as clear and coherent as I could possibly manage. I began to strain my eyes, trying to see through the haze around the so called “messenger” and still couldn’t make out any distinguishable features. The messenger was definitely female; the voice was a dead giveaway. Way too feminine to be a man’s voice. It was so odd. What was wrong with me? I should be able to see her. Everything else was a little blurry but the figure; I just couldn’t focus on her at all. It was as if she was inside of shadows but that didn’t make any sense at all. ‘It matters not how I know your name. And as for why I am here. I’m here to relay a message. You are becoming one of the daughters of the elements, it is your destiny Raven’ she replied smoothly. ‘What does that mean? What’s a daughter of the elements?’ I replied back not sure whether I actually wanted an answer. ‘It means dear that you are becoming a witch, a true witch. It’s in your blood Raven. Your ancestor some generations ago was a witch, a high priestess to be exact. She was a coven leader. Since her, there have been many witches born into your family. And you have now begun your transformation. The pain you felt on your back and shoulders and chest will be explained by another once the dream is finished. I can tell you that you have been blessed Raven by the goddess herself, and in this blessing you will receive a great many powers that will manifest over time.’ My mouth hung open in astonishment. I mean what the hell?!? Witches? Surely they didn’t exist? And for her to tell me I am transforming into one? This has got to be the weirdest dream I have ever had yet it all felt so real. I didn’t know what to think. I felt so numb. ‘But this is just a dream isn’t it? This isn’t real is it?’ I asked hesitantly. ‘This is merely the easiest way for me to speak with you. You are dreaming, but everything I’ve said is true.’ She purred back softly. I closed my eyes and took a long, deep breath. I licked my lips and opened my eyes slowly to look towards the messenger. ‘Say I believe you, what happens now?’ I questioned inquisitively. ‘Well Raven. That’s easy to answer, this transition has occurred because you have turned 18 recently. There is a place all witches must go after the transition. It’s a boarding school for the paranormal. It’s not a school strictly for witches but for all paranormal beings between the ages of 18 – 22. There isn’t much time to explain more right now, in a moment when you wake up there will be someone waiting outside for you. They will explain what they can and will bring you to the school. They will also explain a cover story to your parents.’ She replied very simply. ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t think I’m strong enough.’ I blurted feeling a ripple of panic threatening to overwhelm me. ‘You can do this child. You are special. You have been destined to be unique and powerful. You will be fine. I know that the goddess has a special interest in you, she’s chosen you especially.’ She reassured me. ‘What will my friends think? What do I do now? My whole #life is crumbling away – I don’t think I can do this, I really don’t think I can.’ I sobbed. ‘Hush dear. All will work out. You’ll see.’ She soothed. Tears streamed down my face. I felt completely and utterly hopeless. The messenger lady pulled me into an embrace and held me as I broke down. She smelt like vanilla and lavender. A warm peaceful feeling flooded through me and I started to calm. She kissed my forehead and stepped back. ‘Raven, welcome. I name you as a daughter of the elements; I bestow upon you the blessing of the goddess. You come from a long line of witches and their power will be yours in time. Blessed be.’ She spoke without hesitation in a very clear concise voice. I looked up into her eyes and could actually focus on them. They were magnificent. They shined luminously, the colour of bright shining sapphires. The colour was so vivid it almost hurt to look. She seemed to radiate power. Surely she must be more than just a messenger. I was about to ask but then she bowed to me and said the oddest thing. ‘Prepare yourself.’ I don’t really know exactly what I was expecting to happen. The wind suddenly picked up and my hair began to whip around my face. Then something completely unbelievable happened. A flash of lightning erupted above me and it seemed to zigzag towards me in slow motion. I knew I was going to be hit but I knew I wouldn’t get out of the way in time. I threw my hands up in the air and squealed. The lightning hit me, but it didn’t hurt me as I assumed it would. I was amazed. Something seemed to feel different. I felt different. Just when I thought it was all over the ground began to rumble. I glanced around in sheer panic trying to find her. My eyes met hers for a second and she spoke. ‘Don’t worry Raven, your new #life starts now.’ And on that parting note the ground fell away beneath my feet and I was falling. I was falling so long I thought it would never end. Then suddenly I struck something and bounced in the air – I was in my bedroom and I’d just collided into the bed. I was still in the air and saw that the bounce had put me on a direct path to land on the floor. I tried to brace myself as much as I could but the impact still caught me unaware. My back and chest flared up a burning sensation that took my breath away. ‘What the hell…’ I mumbled weakly trying to get my breath back. I started to move but a wave of dizziness and nausea stopped me in my tracks. My back, shoulders and chest were burning and my eyes were watering and stinging. I slowly crawled on my hands and knees to the bed and started to pull myself up. I staggered towards the window and peeked out through the blinds. I was hoping that everything I’d seen in the dream, including the person who was supposed to be waiting for me was just abstract crap from my mind but oh no… lucky me everything the messenger said was true. ‘Crap!!’ I grumbled quietly so as not to awaken anyone There was a really cool looking SUV just outside the house on the other side of the road, and leaning against the hood was a really handsome looking guy. He looked to be maybe 20 or 21, had dark brown hair in a short slightly spiky style. He must have been about 6ft2in which puts him in at almost a foot taller than me. Typical. I hate being such a short-ass. I’m only 5ft4in you see. He was wide across his shoulders, and was very muscular. He looked so rugged yet so handsome. He was wearing dark coloured jeans, a brown suede jacket over what appeared to be a grey coloured t-shirt and dark brown boots. He appeared very alluring. I blinked to be sure I wasn’t imagining things. Nope, not imagining things, he’s still there. He was looking straight at me as I was eyeing him up; I was suddenly embarrassed and mortified that he’d caught me staring. I averted eye contact instantly. I knew I must be blushing, but I forced myself to look back towards him slowly. He smiled back at me and slowly gestured to my front door. It took me a moment to realise he wanted me to let him in or talk to him. I merely nodded back. I slowly staggered to my bedroom door and grabbed my dressing gown. It was one of those fleecy ones. I slowly put the dressing gown on and tied the belt in the middle. I wasn’t about to let some guy I don’t know see my night clothes. I opened the bedroom door and as quietly as I could I began to sneak down the hall and gradually began descending down the stairs. Finally I arrived at the front door, and a surge of panic overwhelmed me. I whimpered quietly. ‘Shhhh, it’s all okay hun, just open the door for me please’ he pleaded softly. My eyes opened in astonishment. Surely he couldn’t have heard me whimper. It was only a quiet whimper. He must have heard me though. What other explanation was there. I slowly but surely slid the door ajar and peeked round the side of the door at him. I was breathing erratically and my mind was whirling with panic. He caught the look and raised his hands in a gesture that suggested he was unarmed. I took a few deep breaths before I managed to get the courage to speak. ‘Who… who are you?’ I asked nervously, and then licked my lips which seemed to be exceptionally dry. How stupid, pathetic and small I must seem to him and how horrendously embarrassing that stutter was. ‘My name is Julian, and you must be…’ he spoke softly and quietly. His voice calmed me and I could feel my breathing regulating. ‘Ehm, my name is Raven, erm’ I didn’t know what to say, I was completely flabbergasted. ‘Hi Raven, mind if I come in?’ He smiled sincerely My eyes bulged a little too wide and my heart fluttered unpredictably. He noticed my reaction and slowly moved his hand to his jacket pocket. He slowly pulled out a ring. It was silver in colour and had an odd design on it. He held it out to me. I took it from him and looked at it carefully in my hand. There was a 5 pointed star inside of a circle but the star and the circle almost looked like wood even though it was made out of silver. ‘Welcome Raven, Daughter of the elements, and blessed be’ he spoke softly. My heart fluttered again and I took a sharp inhalation of breath. None of it was a dream. It was all real. Some part of me was hoping that he was here because his SUV had broken down but oh no, my dream had to be real. Slowly as I began to comprehend everything that had taken place I gradually stepped back, opened the door a little more and allowed him access. We stood in the Entrance hall for a few moments as my gaze drifted from him, to the ring, and back again. Something about the ring kept drawing my attention. He gently plucked the ring from my fingers and took my left hand in his and put the ring on my finger. It fit perfectly like it was made especially for me. My gaze kept travelling from him to the ring. I was completely and utterly fascinated with it. I was perplexed; I didn’t know what to do. I started trembling slightly and finally managed to mumble something that even sounded like gibberish to me. ‘What was that hun?’ he gazed into my eyes and I saw a flicker of concern cross his face. ‘Erm, I’m sorry. This is just, I don’t know. Seems like a dream. I mean, what am I supposed to do now?’ I whimpered. A feeling of light headedness came on and I started to sway slightly. I felt the blood draining from my face and I started feeling tingly all over. I felt myself sliding away and I got black spots in my vision. Then suddenly everything was black. It was as if I had fallen into the abyss. I have no idea how long I was unconscious but I heard an incredibly quiet voice murmuring to me. ‘Raven, Raven, Wake up hun. Come on. Everything will be alright’ Julian soothed. My eyes drifted open and I saw that I was in my bedroom. I was laid on my bed and he was sat beside me holding my hand gently. My breathing started to pick up and I wanted to run. There was a man in my room. He noticed because he slowly raised his hands up again in an unarmed manor. He backed away slowly from the bed a mere step or two. ‘Raven, Don’t worry. You’re fine, you just blacked out. I caught you and brought you up to your room. I think we need to talk.’ I nodded slowly to show I understood and started to sit up to talk but the burning sensation in my chest and back returned and I couldn’t move. I closed my eyes for a moment, and then tried again. The smouldering feeling was too much. I couldn’t move so I just lay there. I opened my eyes and looked to him. Julian lifted one eyebrow to me. ‘What’s wrong hun?’ he asked curiously. ‘I can’t move. My chest and back burn.’ I replied quietly but honestly. ‘Can you show me where? Maybe I can help’ he asked. I thought about it for a moment. It seemed he didn’t mean me any harm. He addressed me as a daughter of the elements and the lady from the dream did say someone would be waiting. I didn’t really have anything to lose, especially if he could actually help me. I nodded, and started to lower my dressing gown slightly to give him access. I was wearing a vest top and pants so I wasn’t concerned too much. As I lowered it I heard him inhale a jagged breath. My eyes shot to his face and he had a shocked and amazed expression there. ‘What’s wrong? Please tell me.’ I pleaded. His eyes moved to my face and a magnificent smile appeared. ‘Nothing’s wrong hun, I’ve just never seen a new apprentice with markings. They are reserved normally for high priestesses only. This is a sign from the goddess to say you are very powerful. It’s also a sign she wishes you to be a high priestess.’ He spoke calmly and soothingly. ‘Oh’ I replied. It was all I could think to say. I didn’t dare look down at the markings he was talking about. I’d look later. I just couldn’t cope with any more right at this moment. Julian chuckled softly. Then took a deep breath and spoke again. ‘Okay. We need to get you ready to leave. You need to pack up belongings you want to take with you to the school. Its 5am now Raven, so we need to hurry. What time do your parents wake up?’ he stated and asked very matter of fact. ‘About 6.30am’ I answered without any delay. ‘Ok. Let’s start packing. While you were out I found this suitcase in your closet. If you gather some belongings and just throw them on the bed I’ll help you pack. You may want to get changed?’ he questioned. ‘Eh, sure but do you think you could help me up?’ I asked quietly. ‘Of course I can help you up. I’m Sorry Raven, I should have offered sooner’ he answered as he offered his hand to me. Slowly I raised my hand and placed it in his. A funny feeling came over me, It was like nothing I’d ever felt before. It was if he were running a small electric current through me, he looked at me in amazement and helped me up easily. I got to my feet and swayed a little and he swiftly held his arm out to help steady me. I moved slowly to my drawers with his help and started to pull out some clothes. But then I halted mid motion. ‘What do I need to take with me?’ I enquired, not wanting to think too much about the sensation that touching him gave me. ‘Well. To be honest the school will provide the clothes you need and all the things you will require. But you may need to take some of your own clothes and belongings for use outside the school walls.’ I started rummaging through my drawers and pulled out a few of my favourite pairs of jeans and some of my favourite T-shirts and threw them into the case. I grabbed a few books from my bedside table and threw them on the bed. Then I threw some underwear into the case. I grabbed my favourite pair of night clothes threw them in too then glanced at Julian. He was watching me with interest. I looked away and picked up some clean underwear, a vest and jeans to wear and began heading to the bathroom, I paused by the door and looked at him again. ‘I’ll be right back. I need to get changed’ ‘I’ll wait here for you. Once you’re ready, I’ll leave quietly and then knock on the front door. Speak to your parents, and then we’ll get going. And Raven, everything will work out alright.’ He reassured me. I turned and walked into the en-suite bathroom. I popped my clothes on the toilet lid and took a deep breath. I turned to the Mirror and gasped suddenly. My hair appeared longer and looked a deeper shade of red, almost resembling the colour of garnet; it also looked sleeker and shinier as if it had been straightened. That wasn’t the only change I noticed, my complexion looked clearer and smoother. The oddest change was that my iris’s had changed colour. They were a silvery lilac colour. I slowly moved my hands over my face and hair… it was all real. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know what to feel. I pushed everything away refusing to over think the changes, and started to strip my night clothes off. I threw the dressing gown across the bath, took my vest and night pants off. I turned around and caught sight of my reflection yet again. And once again I gasped, louder than before this time. A quiet knock resonated from the door. ‘I’m fine. Just a minute’ I replied quick, worried that Julian would walk in on me. I gazed back at the mirror astounded by what I was seeing. No wonder I was in agony. Where my back, shoulders and chest burnt earlier was now a marking. It looked like molten silver had been poured onto me in a set of intricate markings. There was a circle almost like a frame for something between my shoulder blades; something that resembled vines came round and over my shoulders and where they met in the centre of my chest was a 5 pointed star in a circle. I touched it slowly and found that the markings felt smooth and cool to the touch. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and then began to get dressed as quickly as I could. I was trying desperately to get a grip and to breathe through the hysteria humming through me. Millions of thoughts were tumbling around my head and I just had to escape. I hurried to get out of the room and in my rush I stumbled and collided straight into Julian. He grabbed me by my arms and held me still. I looked up and a single tear fell down my cheek, Julian slowly used his thumb to wipe it away and he slowly ushered me to the bed and sat me down. ‘What’s wrong Raven?’ ‘Everything’ I sobbed and covered my mouth with my hand. Tears started falling more freely now. I felt stupid but I couldn’t help it. ‘What’s specifically bothering you?’ he questioned quietly. ‘Well, I’m supposed to appear like normal to my parents this morning right? Well my eyes have changed colour, my hair has changed colour and length and it looks as if someone has poured molten silver onto me in an elaborate pattern. What the hell am I going to do?’ I blurted out stifling sobs to make it coherent. ‘Okay Raven. Take deep breaths, we can deal with this. We’ll hide the markings with a jumper or sweatshirt. Okay? Then we’ll tie your hair up and do you have a hat you can wear? As for your eyes I can only suggest sun glasses. I have to say Raven. The markings themselves are rare amongst all witches anyway. But for a newly transitioned witch to have the markings, and eye and hair colour change. You’re special Raven. Normally a newly transitioned witch appears the same as before. It takes time before any changes take place, and even then most witches only get the hair and eye changes if that. The High Mistress of the school will be surprised to see this I feel.’ He explained calmly to me. I took a breath and felt myself relax. ‘Okay. I think I can get through this. Are you going to tell my parents now?’ ‘I think it’s best. Here, put this on. Tie your hair up and pop a cap on. And grab a pair of sunglasses.’ I did as he asked as he fastened my case. I grabbed my purse off the desk and popped it into my sweatshirt pocket and proceeded to follow him down the stairs. He turned round and smiled at me once more then left the house.

Jello Cookies Cooking time: 8 mins, serves: 48 Ingredients: 828 ml All purpose flour 5 ml Baking Powder 355 ml Butter softened 237 ml Sugar 1 package (3 oz) Jello any flavour or colour 1 Egg 5 ml Vanilla Cooking Instructions: Mix flour with baking soda and set aside. Cream butter, gradually adding sugar and jello, beating well. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour, mixing well. Force dough through a cookie press onto un-greased cookie sheet, or roll into 1" balls and flatten slightly. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at approximately gas mark 5 for about 8 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden. Remove and cool.