Chapter 6
Ash
Los Angeles, California
The next day went by in a blur and it was soon the day of Sorina's party. I had told Sam and he was making me go. Something about a better sensing opportunity and blah, blah, blah. After school, I showered and got dressed. Sorina had texted me the address, and for some reason also gave me Sofya's number. She also winked at me when she typed it into my phone. Some people were so strange. I pulled over a few houses away and parked my car. I could hear the music from outside the house. I got out of the car and locked it, then shoved the keys into my pocket. I walked up to the front door and rang the bell. Sorina answered with a huge grin on her face.
"Ash! You're here!" She exclaimed, gesturing at me to enter.
"Sofya isn't here yet. But she'll be thrilled you came." She said, walking me down the hall and to the huge living room where everyone was gathered. Why would Sofya be thrilled that I came? Did she say something to them about me? Did she remember? I sighed I already went over this, there was no way she remembered. I needed to stay away from her. I couldn't drag her into the mess that was my life. I also had to figure out why there was a magic scent coming off of her and why she had no aura before Sam found out somehow. I couldn't let Sam find out about her. He would hurt her if he knew I cared. I knew I shouldn't care, that I should turn away but I was like a moth to a flame. I didn't want to stay away, I couldn't.
I saw Kyle and Adrien talking with some blond guy, so I went over to them as Sorina went to go talk to one of her friends.
"Hey, Ash!" Adrien called out as I approached.
"Hey," I replied sitting down.
"Ash, this is Enzo. Enzo, this is Ash, Ash just moved here from Australia." Adrien said, gesturing at the blond guy. I glanced at him and he stuck out his hand, smiling. I shook it and gave a small smile back.
"Hey," I said in greeting. There was something off about the guy but I couldn't place it. I tried to read his mind as I touched him, but there was nothing that stood out.
"Nice to meet you, man. How are the waves down in Australia? I heard they're wicked." He said. "They're nice, much better than here," I replied.
"Oh, look there are Sara and Sofya," Enzo said, a bright smile plastered on his face. I looked over to see Sofya give a small wave and smile in our direction, meanwhile, Sara screamed "hi" in greeting then sat down next to Kyle. Sofya perched on the edge of the couch next to me and Enzo. I peered over at Sofya, she was watching Sorina give a speech about playing truth or dare which was a dumb game in my opinion. I noticed Sofya's face grimace, I guess she wasn't a big fan of the game either. My lips involuntarily tucked up in a small smile. Sorina started the game by asking her friend Jenna. Jenna picked truth.
"Jenna, what's the most embarrassing thing you've done?" Sorina asked. Jenna was quiet for a moment but then answered.
"I got drunk and then tripped out a window and broke my ankle." She said, shrugging. Everyone laughed, but I thought that it was ridiculous.
One by one, everyone took their turn as we went around the circle. Soon enough it was my turn and I wasn't thrilled.
"Ok, Ashhhhhhhhh, Truth or daaaaaare." Sorina slurred, clearly drunk. Hopefully, this wouldn't be too bad.
"Dare," I said. Sorina smirked, probably thinking of some brilliantly evil plan.
"Ash, I dare you to kiss Sofiiiiiii." She said, beaming. I kept my expression neutral. I hadn't expected that. I turned to Sofya, her cheeks were inflamed with blush, it was adorable. This certainly did not help my attempts in staying away from her but I didn't mind. If I had to choose anyone to be my first kiss it would be her.
Her violet eyes looked right into mine, searching. Before I knew what I was doing I stood up and leaned over pressing my lips to hers. My blood caught fire, electricity dancing down my veins. I pressed into her, sliding my hand behind her head, weaving it into her silky hair. Her soul pulled me to her and I didn't want to stop. I could feel the magic radiating off of her, stronger than before. A rush of thoughts jumped into my mind, but I blocked them out not wanting to invade her thoughts, no matter how badly I did want to know them. To know what she thought of me. If only she knew the truth.
Slowly I pulled away. Her bright eyes burned into mine and I noticed what I had never seen before, a strong lavender aura surrounding her. I held back a gasp, it couldn't be, she couldn't be, no. I couldn't. She was the girl in the prophecy, only royals had violet auras. I couldn't deny the evidence. It was only a matter of time before Sam found out. It would hold it off for as long as possible but it had to be done. I had to become heartless. This was a lose, lose situation and in the moment I was still deciding which loss was greater.
Honestly, it should've been an easy decision, my brother or a long-lost friend. The obvious choice would be my brother, family first right? But Sofya had the potential to save the world from Alek, and truthfully I didn't even know my brother. I hadn't talked with him in years and I knew of the god-awful things he had done for Alek but he was still my brother and that had to mean something, right? But could I condemn the lives of thousands, millions? Applause and catcalls echoed through the room and even more, a blush filled Sofya's face as guilt settled into my chest.
"Well, that was some kiss," Sorina announced. I spotted Sofya glaring at Sorina from the corner of my eye as I avoided looking at Sofya. I turned to Enzo and started some random conversation to distract myself. Sorina started shouting again and blared the music.
Everyone got up and started to clear out the furniture. I helped, shoving the couch against the wall, maybe or maybe not making a slight dent. I struggled to shove the anger away. I would procrastinate as much as possible, but it was either Sofya or my brother. How could I choose? I wished I could tell her but I couldn't. Everyone was dancing but I hung around the outskirts. Sofya was dancing with Enzo, grinning like crazy, and my hands tightened into fists.
After a while, I mustered up the courage to ask her to dance. There was no harm in enjoying the limited time I had with her, right? I sighed and approached her.
"Want to dance?" I asked as she spun towards me. She smiled up at me, and electricity pulsed through me, tingling my nerves. She nodded and I placed my hand on her waist as she swung her hands around my neck. We moved to the rhythm and I twirled her around. As a slower song came on I held her closer and pressed my face into her neck inhaling her sweet vanilla smell.
About an hour or two later Sofya whispered in my ear, her breath warm.
"Can we take a break?" I nodded and led her outside. We sat on the swing in the backyard. She leaned her head on my shoulder. "Why didn't you talk to me till now?" she asked quietly. I laughed, it wasn't that I hadn't wanted to, I just thought it'd be best to not get her involved, well that wasn't an option anymore.
"It's only been a few days Sofya," I said a small smile on my face, it was nice to know she cared. I hadn't felt truly happy in quite a long time.
"Yeah, but you seem so familiar, I just can't place it. It feels like I've known you for years, not just a few days." She mumbled tiredly. Sorrow pulled at my heart. I wished I could tell her the truth, about everything. I wished that it wasn't like this, but I had to accept fate no matter how much it displeased me.
"You don't know how right you are Sofyalisia. I wish you would remember, but I suppose it's better if you don't. I care for you, but it can't last. I know that and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Sofya. I won't even ask for your forgiveness because what I have to do is unforgivable. Stay away, please stay away Sofya. I don't know how much longer I can prevent it. I don't want to but I have no choice." I murmured. Her eyes slipped closed and I placed a small kiss on her lips erasing her memories of the last few hours. She didn't need to remember what could never be, no matter how much I may want it. I picked her sleeping frame up and placed her gently on the couch, covering her with blankets. I took a step back. I would hold out as long as possible, but I knew it wouldn't be that long. Because Sam always found out. Even if I refused he'd still kill her. At least if it was me it would be painless, that much I could give. Even if I could never forgive myself, and I knew that if I went through with it I never would. I would finally become the ruthless monster that Alek had always wanted.