"Time to go," I muttered, grabbing my jacket.
"And where do you think you're going?" My father's voice was like a gavel striking stone. Frank stood in the doorway, his silhouette blocking the light.
"I told you, Father. I have somewhere to be."
"Young and stubborn," he sighed, reaching for the heavy iron restraints on the wall. "Don't make me do this, Jason."
Clink. Snap. The cold iron bit into my wrists, chaining me to the cellar beam. I looked at him, my eyes burning with betrayal. "Wow. How does it feel to chain your own son? I hope you're proud."
"I know one day you'll understand," he said, turning his back on me.
I pulled against the metal, the links groaning. He really thinks chains can stop me? I didn't care about the pain. I had a soul-deep determination to see Elisabeth. I closed my eyes, imagining her. I wonder what she's wearing... though it doesn't matter. Anything she touches looks like a masterpiece.
"I look weird. Or maybe just ugly," I whispered, staring at my reflection.
"Girl, do NOT say that," Rouna snapped, spinning me around. "You look breathtaking. Now, let's go!"
I sighed, smoothing down the red silk dress that hugged every curve of my body. "Fine, weirdo. Let's go."
As we reached the door, my mother appeared like a ghost. She scanned me from head to toe. "Looking horsy, I see," she said, her voice a poisonous needle.
My heart shriveled. "In front of my friend? Can you get any lower?"
Sara just gave me a cold, dead glare. "Don't be late."
Rouna didn't wait for a reply. She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the car, but before we got in, she pulled me into a tight, grounding hug. She knew. She always knew.
"Lily, I knew you wouldn't let your big brother down," I panted as my sister finished picking the lock on the chains.
"Be careful," she whispered, her eyes wide with worry. "You owe me big time."
"Love you too, Lily."
I shifted, my wolf speed blurring the trees as I raced toward the academy. I had to get there before Ray made his move. When I finally stepped into the ballroom, the music was a dull roar compared to the pounding of my heart.
And then I saw her.
The world stopped. Her long black hair fell over a red silk dress that looked like it was made of liquid fire. Her eyes shone brighter than the chandeliers. She was breathtaking.
I felt my guard crumbling. Oh no... this is bad. I need to act fast or I'll lose it.
"Hi, Jason!" Queen chirped, sliding up to me.
I didn't think. I just wanted to build a wall between me and the way Elisabeth was looking at me. I leaned down and kissed Queen's cheek, loud and clear.
I saw Elisabeth's smile vanish. I saw the light in her eyes die.
Internal (Elisabeth): It hurt. I actually thought he liked me. Why would he? Look at me... who could ever love a girl like me? I don't even love myself.
Internal (Jason): I feel like a monster. But if I don't pretend, if I let her in, the past will repeat itself. I can't bear that pain again.
"Elisabeth? Are you okay?" Ray was at her side in an instant.
"I'm fine," she said, her voice sounding hollow. "Let's just go inside."
The dance floor was a blur. I was dancing with Queen, but my eyes were locked on Elisabeth. She looked so clumsy, so lost. I couldn't take it anymore. I had to touch her.
"Watch it, cupcake," I said, stepping in and smoothly intercepting her from Ray. "You wouldn't want to hurt yourself."
"Seriously, not tonight, Jason," she snapped, her eyes rimmed with red.
"It's rude to leave without a dance," I whispered. Before she could protest, I slid my hand to her waist and pulled her flush against me.
"You look beautiful," I breathed.
Her eyes widened. "Did you just... compliment me?"
I panicked. The wall had to stay up. "You heard wrong. I said you look... not that ugly. Like a less pathetic version of yourself."
"You are so weird," she whispered, her breath hitching. "You act like you don't want me, but you do."
Internal (Jason): For Christ's sake, I want to kiss you. I don't just need you, Elisabeth. I crave you.
Suddenly, a high-pitched ringing pierced my wolf-senses. "My ears... ahhh!" I stumbled back, clutching my head.
"Jason? Are you okay?" Elisabeth reached out, her face full of genuine concern.
"Stop it!" I yelled, the pain making me cruel. "You obsessed freak! Back off!"
Queen pushed past her. "Honey bun, are you okay?"
Elisabeth stood frozen. A single tear escaped, rolling down her cheek. It was the first time she had ever cried because of me.
Internal (Jason): My heart is breaking. I'm going to regret this for the rest of my life.
"What, you're gonna cry now?" I mocked, my voice trembling with suppressed agony. "You actually thought I could like you? You make me laugh."
Elisabeth didn't say a word. She just turned and ran.
"Have you gone mad?" Rouna screamed at me, her face red with rage. "I never want to see you near her again! You incompetent fool!"
"If she loses it tonight, I'll kill you," Ray hissed before chasing after her.
"Jason. Jason."
A girl emerged from the shadows of the balcony. "Penny? What are you doing here?"
If you want everyone in this room to stay alive, follow me," she said with a cold smirk. "Tell your father he knows what we're after. We need it in ten days, or the academy burns. Bye for now, sweetie."
She vanished into the night. F**k this. I had to find Elisa. I'd deal with Penny later.
I used my scent-tracking, my heart racing. I found her in the gardens, huddled on a bench, her body glowing with a faint, dangerous red light.
Internal (Elisabeth): I was such a fool. My heart hurts so much...
"Elisa," I called out softly.
"Jason? Is that you?" She stood up, her skin hot to the touch. "Stay the hell away from me! And don't call me Elisa, you stalker!"
"Still funny, I see," I said, walking toward her despite the heat. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, Prince Jason, don't make me laugh," she sobbed. "Just leave"
I didn't let her finish. I pulled her into a crushing hug.
"This hurts," I whispered, feeling my skin begin to blister from her Phoenix heat.
"What are you doing? I'm burning!" she cried. "You'll die!"
"That is a risk I am willing to take for you," I said into her hair.
"Huh?"
"Elisabeth, I need to tell you... I can't keep doing this."
"Jason, stop! Stop toying with me!"
I looked her in the eyes, the heat of her body searing my own. "I love you, Elisabeth Beer Forman."
The red glow around her body suddenly turned to a cool, shivering blue. She went still, her eyes wide with shock. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, lingering there, wanting her lips but afraid I'd break the spell.
"Jason! I told you to stay away!" Rouna appeared, out of breath.
"I'm sorry," I said, finally letting go.
Rouna looked at Elisabeth, then back at me. "Make up your mind, dude. But know this: whenever Elisa has a 'heat episode' like this, she doesn't remember a thing. There's a 90% chance she won't remember this moment tomorrow. So stop hurting her."
Ray jogged up behind her. "I've been looking everywhere! Jason"
"I was just leaving," I said, locking eyes with Rouna one last time before disappearing into the trees.
Ray stepped toward Elisabeth. "I've got you. You're cold."
Internal (Elisabeth): I thought someone... forget it. He hates me. Why would he find me? At least Ray is here.
Back at home, the front door slammed.
"Jason! I told you not to go out!" my father roared.
"Father, please. Just let me be."
"You are forbidden from seeing that girl," Frank said, his voice cold and final. "Your love is just child's play. End of discussion."
I felt the words hit me like a stray bullet to the chest. Child's play? He had no idea.