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elefics · 4 years

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torment / chapter 3

word count: 3.5k

For the next two nights, my dreams were plagued by Michael. I couldn’t stop thinking about his hand gripping the back of my chair, his hair falling into his face, the gold chain peeking out from under his shirt, and how it would look against bare skin, his or mine…

Stupid. I’d barely said a word to this guy, and I was dreaming about him? Like some vapid schoolgirl with a crush. It wasn’t like me at all, I felt like a different person. Something about his eyes, the way they pierced right through me like a laser, made me feel exposed.

I decided that morning to put him out of my mind completely, or do my very best to. The warlocks being on civil terms with the witches didn’t mean anything. Trying to reassure myself, I thought, I may never see him again. I ignored how that thought made my stomach flip, dread gnawing at my insides.

“What has you so upset?” Penny, the witch who stayed in the room next door to mine, asked. “I could feel it through the wall.” She plopped down onto my bed with concern plastered across her face.

Penny was an empath to extreme levels. She felt what you felt, exactly how you felt it. When she was younger, she told me she had to avoid crowded rooms because the mix of emotions made her vomit. Now, with years at the Academy under her belt, she’d learned to control it – but somehow my emotions had knocked a hole through the drywall and her willpower.

“I’m fine.” I replied.

Penny frowned. “That’s bullshit, and you know I know. What’s going on in your head, Ly?”

I sighed. “The warlocks. I can’t figure them out, or what they’re up to. Makes me uneasy.”

I figured that wasn’t totally a lie. A half-truth – I was worried about the warlocks. I just failed to tell her it was one in particular that was bothering me.

“I feel you,” Penny said casually, and I smiled because she did, literally. “But if Cordelia thinks this is a good idea, I trust her judgment. You should too.”

She was right. But something about the whole thing just felt off.

“I had my doubts,” Cordelia appeared in the doorway, giving us both a fright. Our Supreme had a habit of sneaking up on people.

“I understand your apprehension. But I think that unity is in the coven’s best interests. I wouldn’t have invited them otherwise.” Cordelia said.

“I know. We trust you.” I nodded. I hated the idea of Cordelia thinking we didn’t have faith in her. She was the best woman and witch I’d ever known.

“You two better get ready for lessons.” Cordelia concluded, before drifting out of the room.

After hours of potion-making and practising tricky incantations, we had finished up for the day and a few girls were lounging in the sitting room. I was playing cards with Zoe, a witch-version of those memory games you play in grade school. Instead of guessing with memory, I guessed with divination. It wasn’t my strong suit; she beat me four to one.

The rest of the girls stepped into the room, followed by Cordelia. We all sat up straighter, knowing something was coming. She only called all of us into one room if there was an important announcement to make.

“My girls. Ariel and I have had several meetings over the last few days. We think what we all need is some fun,” She smiled.

We all paid more attention.

“Next Saturday, we are attending a ball. A reconciliation ball, for witches and warlocks to come together and enjoy themselves. A celebration.” Even Cordelia looked excited as she explained.

Girls squealed and immediately burst into chatter we pounced at the chance to get dressed up.

“We’re taking a trip into town tomorrow, after your morning lessons. All of you will pick out a dress, or suit if you prefer. I want you all to visualise your truest form, and show up as them. Pick whatever makes you feel most like your most beautiful, confident, powerful selves.” Cordelia said.

---

“Does this look ‘me’ enough?” Zoe asked, holding a lilac blazer up to her slender frame.

“I think you’ll look stunning in anything.” I assured her. We’d been into three shops already and I still hadn’t found the perfect dress.

“I don’t know why I’m even bothering. Nobody has asked me.” Penny lamented as she tried on another jumpsuit.

There was gossip that some witches had been asked to the ball already. Apparently, some warlocks had sent notes, enchanted to sing on arrival. The peak of romance, as far as the younger witches were concerned.

“Who cares? We’re going together anyway. Date or no date, we go together. Sisters.” Zoe asserted, rubbing Penny’s shoulder.

Flicking through another rack, my fingers landed on something red and velvet. I pulled the gown out to get a better look, purely indulging a fantasy that it might suit me. It was strapless, structured around the bodice with a flowing skirt.

“Lyla! Try it on.” Zoe exclaimed, shoving me into the change room.

“I doubt it’ll even fit…and red really isn’t my colour.” I sighed. I stepped out once I’d slipped it on, needing Zoe’s help to zip me up.

Looking up into my reflection, I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. “Is it too much? It’s a little bold for me.”

“You look hot! You have to get it, Ly. I’m convinced nothing else will look this good. It’s like it was made for you.” Penny grinned from behind me, squeezing my hips.

---

In the week leading up to the ball, the doorbell rang constantly. Each time, a girl would answer the door and close it with the hugest grin, pleased with their date. Each time, my irrational heart raced, hoping it would be someone for me. Each time, I was disappointed.

The dreams about Michael didn’t stop. I dreamed that he tapped on my window, climbed inside my room, and asked me softly. In my dreams, he was gentle and tender, not tense and severe like he acted at breakfast. In my dream, he whispered it, begging me to be his. Michael’s lips against the shell of my ear sent shivers through my entire body. When I woke up, I swore I could still feel his breath against my neck.

When the doorbell rang on Friday morning, I pitied the girl who was about to be asked to the ball this last minute. It was almost lunch time, but I hadn’t had classes that day, so I was studying in the sitting room in my pyjamas. Annoyed at the disruption, I moped over to the door.

“Hey, who are you looking for, I’ll go get h-” I was cut off as I opened the door and met his eyes.

Michael stood in the middle of the front patio, holding a thin black box.

“Michael – hi,” I stumbled over my words, suddenly embarrassed of my pyjamas so late in the day. He must think I have no life. “So, who are you here to see? Most of them are upstairs.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“You, actually.” He said evenly. My eyes must have widened, because he licked his lips, “Are you surprised to see me?”

“I guess. I just wasn’t expecting it.” I shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

“Why? Who were you expecting?” His expression darkened, a crease forming in his brow. I could feel his walls going up…was he jealous?

“Nobody.” I said quickly. I didn’t want to waste an opportunity to see him, even if he made me uneasy. He was magnetic – it felt like there was a rope tied around me, pulling me closer to him.

His smile returned, smug. “Well, in that case, you’re coming with me to the ball.” He declared.

I raised an eyebrow. “And you’re not asking, just telling?”

“Precisely,” He said smoothly. He held out the thin black box. I reached out, and his fingertips grazed mine. I stared at his hand for a beat too long before I took the gift.

“You didn’t have to get anything. I can’t accept this.” I rushed.

“You haven’t even opened it yet.” He spoke softly. His intense gaze made my cheeks hot.

I pried the box open carefully, and saw the glint of cubic zirconia in the sunlight. The wind was almost knocked out of me. A thin chain of gems formed the most delicate choker I’d ever seen. I imagined it wrapped around my throat, and then I imagined Michael helping me clasp it, his fingertips grazing my neck. I shivered.

“Michael. I can’t take this. You don’1t even know me.” I said quickly.

“They’re real. I wouldn’t give you fakes,” He said, his nose wrinkled with disdain.

“How did you-” I whispered.

How did you know I thought they were fake? How did you afford this? How did you end up in my life, on my doorstep like this? A million questions raced through my mind at once.

“Wear it tomorrow.” He commanded softly, interrupting my internal monologue. I got the sense that it was an order, not a request.

“I – okay.” I gulped, unsure of how else to respond.

Michael smiled, clearly pleased with himself. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Meet me there.”

“I’ll see you then.” I said meekly, feeling a little lightheaded. This was all too much.

“Oh, and Lyla,” Michael reached his fingertips out as I retreated back inside. My name in his mouth was a dream, the way he drew out the syllables like he savoured it. I felt a pull like gravity towards him; he was the sun.

“Sweet dreams.” He spoke, before the door swung shut.

---

Saturday evaporated into thin air – the hours seemed to fly by, and I was quickly running out of time to get ready. I’d often find myself distracted, thinking about what he meant yesterday. Sweet dreams. It had to mean something, but it didn’t make any sense. Could he hear my thoughts? Did he know I’d dreamed about him? Could he hear how my heart raced whenever he looked at me? Could he tell how I was somehow both attracted to and afraid of him?

When my hair and makeup was finally done, I fiddled with the clasp of the choker Michael gave, struggling to latch it.

“Need a hand?” Penny offered. I bowed my head as she helped me. “Woah. When did you get this?” She asked.

“Um – yesterday. Michael kind of…gave it to me.” I confessed.

Penny’s fingernails dug into my shoulder. “You like him!” She yelled excitedly.

“I guess there’s no point trying to lie to you, right?�� I blushed.

“Damn, you really like this kid. Dreaming about him?” She said, hands on her hips.

“How did you know that?” I questioned.

She closed her eyes and moaned exaggeratedly, “Michael, Michael.”

She told me she’d heard me talking in my sleep when she got up for a glass of water last night. I was mortified.

“Just…be careful. I can’t feel him. Usually, I can sense someone like that, someone we know. When he was here, I couldn’t feel anything. It was like I was in the dark.” She murmured.

Penny’s warning stuck with me because I didn’t stop thinking about it all night.

When we arrived at the ball, I stepped out of the car carefully, so I didn’t step on my dress. My heels were a little too high for comfort, but I felt unstoppable.

There was a set of wide marble steps up to the ballroom, and inside the building glowed gold and warm.

I looked for Michael, hoping to find him waiting for me outside. My heart sank to my stomach when he wasn’t. Immediately assuming the worst, I thought he’d stood me up. Of course he did. This stupid ball didn’t mean anything. He’d invited me for a laugh with his boys. He never wanted to come in the first place. It wasn’t his scene.

“Earth to Lyla. Are you ready to head in?” Zoe asked. She looked like a badass in her purple blazer, tapered black pants and heels.

“Yeah.” I mumbled, linking arms with my sisters and walking towards the building.

We were only a few steps from the entrance when a strong hand grabbed my waist, pulling me away. I was about to scream when I saw Michael’s smirk in the shadows. I flinched at his touch, but his eyes lured me closer. Zoe frowned, but told me she’d see me inside. Her raised eyebrows silently said, If I don’t see you inside in ten minutes, I’m calling a search party.

When we were alone, tucked into the dark space between a marble pillar and the fence, Michael’s eyes almost glowed in the dark. His stare didn’t break from mine once.

I shrunk into myself, avoiding his skin. His bottom lip jutted out.

“You were so hot last time. Your skin, I mean. It burned me.” I rubbed my arm at the memory.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” He smiled innocently. “You look beautiful.” He said, hands around my waist, keeping me locked against his body. It was warm, but not scalding. I relaxed into his arms. With anyone else, this would be too much, too fast. With Michael, I felt like I couldn’t get close enough.

“You too.” I was breathless.

“I look beautiful?” He laughed.

“Yes.” I said, without hesitation. He did – his suit was pressed immaculately, black jacket over black shirt, with a thin black tie. His shoes were polished, his hair was brushed out and wavy, and this time, his thin gold chain was hanging out neatly underneath the collar of his shirt. I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that somehow it was because he knew – he knew how much I thought about that damn chain, dangling over me. It was a taunt.

He grinned. I’d never seen him smile like that. Being the reason behind it made my heart hammer in my chest.

“Are you nervous?” He was smug.

“Maybe. Are you?” I asked, hoping he’d say yes. I wanted to know that I had just as much of an effect on him as he did on me.

“You wore it.” He whispered, bringing a long finger up to my throat, tracing the thin chain of diamonds there. Goosebumps sprang to the surface of my skin.

“I did. Thank you – I don’t think I actually said that yesterday.” I closed my eyes, melting at his touch.

“You’re welcome.”

I tugged at his chain softly, “I like this. You should wear it out more.”

“I know you do.” He smiled. He looped my arm through his, nodding gentlemanly. My mind reeled through the possibilities of what he meant by that as we walked in together.

Zoe’s head was swivelling around the room, waiting for me to enter. Once she saw me in one piece, she smiled and waved me over.

“Will you come sit with us?” I asked Michael.

He was scanning the room, too preoccupied to hear me.

I squeezed his arm, and he snapped back to attention. “Come sit over here with me.” I repeated.

His lips twisted, considering it. “I shouldn’t. They’re your friends.”

“Just come.” I pleaded.

He rolled his eyes, and it was then that I knew he had a soft spot for me. He stood up taller, and we walked to our table.

Over dinner, I took the opportunity to get inside his head a little. I had to figure out how he knew so much, and how he made it feel like I had a magnet in my ribcage, drawn only to him.

“You said you’ve only been at Hawthorne for a few weeks. How did you end up there?” I asked.

He paused halfway through cutting his steak. He seemed to consider his next words carefully.

“I got myself into some trouble, my powers got a little out of control. Somehow, Ariel found me. He got me out of there, and I didn’t look back.” He smiled sweetly.

“Got you out of where?” I asked.

“A jail cell.” He replied darkly. I saw the flicker of a smile in his eyes.

I froze. The sudden realisation that I didn’t know the first thing about Michael hit me like a tonne of bricks. I had no idea who he really was. But here, sitting elbow to elbow with him, wearing diamonds he bought, I thought, who the hell am I?

“How did they find you, the Academy?” He asked politely. It always felt like a power play – I asked a question, he ignored it or gave me a half-answer, and then he’d ask another question like nothing had happened.

“I broke my teacher’s arm.” I said flatly.

He grinned, clearly entertained. I softened a little – when he listened to me, he really listened. He watched me intensely and nodded with encouragement. He made me feel like the only person in the room.

“So, Michael,” Penny called from across the table, breaking our bubble of conversation and bringing us into the rest of the group. Next to her was Jerome, Zoe, and a few other warlocks I didn’t know well. “What’s your story?” She asked. She was watching his every move like a predator.

“Not much to tell. I just started at Hawthorne not long ago. I’ve been fortunate enough to do well in my classes. Favourite colour is red.” He replied cheekily.

Under the table, his hand came to rest on my knee, drawing soft, absentminded circles against the velvet. I pretended it wasn’t happening, despite the swarm of butterflies in my stomach. He gave me a sly look out of the corner of his eye.

“What are your parents like?” I asked.

He smiled with raised eyebrows, giving me a look that said, I know you’re trying, but it’s not working. He was being strangely evasive, even for a reserved person. “My father wasn’t around much, and I never knew my mother.” Michael explained, his hand travelling up to my thigh.

He was trying to distract me, but I wouldn’t have it. I felt terrible for asking, but I had to know more. I had to understand him. “Who raised you?” I blurted out.

“I stayed with a few different relatives growing up, before a…family friend took me in. Miriam Mead – the best woman I know. Closest thing to a mom that I have.”

“What’s she like?” I asked, pressing further.

“Let’s dance, shall we?” He said through a fake smile, taking my hand and pulling me forcefully towards the dancefloor. It kind of hurt. The worst part is that I didn’t even care – he could drag me to hell and I’d still follow him.

Not many other people were dancing, but everything else faded away once his arms were around me. I was totally entranced.

“What do you want?” Michael growled, the sound low and menacing.

It shocked me. I was suddenly aware of how much taller and bigger he was than me, and how easily he could hurt me if he wanted to.

“What do you mean?” I asked, pulling away.

He yanked me back into place, holding me hard against his chest. “You’re pretty, but you’re not dumb. What are you playing at?”

Despite my heart pounding, I felt my cheeks go pink.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Michael. But I have questions, so many of them.” I shot back hotly.

“Fine. Your turn.” He spat, keeping us gliding effortlessly across the floor. To an outsider, we looked like any other couple dancing.

“Can you read minds?” I whispered. I don’t know why I felt like it had to be kept a secret. I had a feeling Michael was a lot more powerful than he let on.

“Yes. My turn. Who are you, really? What are you trying to do, finding out so much about me?” His eyes narrowed, snake-like.

“I’m Lyla, and I’m just trying to figure you out.” I squared my jaw.

“Figure me out.” He mused, hand gliding across the small of my back.

I nodded. “My turn. How did you burn me last week, when you touched my arm?” I asked.

Michael looked down at his feet, his first sign of insecurity all night. “I lost control,” He sighed. “You…make me feel like I could lose control, all the time. I have to be careful.” Golden hair fell into his eyes. I brushed a lock aside and my fingers lingered by his ear, feeling how warm his skin was.

“I’m stronger than I look. You don’t have to worry so much.” I lied. My heart was jackhammering against my ribcage.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I could kill you, Lyla. And I don’t want that. Not yet, anyway.” He smiled.

“How old are you?” I asked Michael, for the second time.

“That’s two questions, wait your turn.” He chided. He craned down to my level, brushing his lips against where my neck met my shoulder.

“Why are you so weird about age?” I whispered.

“Because it’s a very long and difficult story, one for another time. Can you just dance with me?” He murmured. He clung to me like static.

I sighed, leaning against his chest. His lips still dragged softly against my skin, and my nerve endings felt like live wires. When he reached my ear, I could feel his smile against my skin. Memories of my dreams from the nights before flashed like déjà vu. I opened my mouth to ask him about it, but he silenced me by squeezing my hip.

I wasn’t going to get all my questions answered tonight, but this was a start.

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