A wide grin spread across Alec’s face, and he enveloped me in a giant hug, lifting my feet from the floor and twirling me around. “I was about to give up on you.”
There was humor in his tone, but something in his words unsettled me. They would continue to sit with me for the next two months.
As we move eagerly down the steps to our awaiting limousine, I can feel the excitement bubbling up in my chest. “It feels like we’re going to prom,” I say then laugh. “I never got to go to one of those in high school.”
“Well, I never got to go to one with you, so we’re even.”
Our friends greet us with warm welcomes and glowing smiles. Brett sits in the back corner with Trisha practically on his lap. Kacey sits beside them with her date, Matt, another classmate of ours. Kacey’s twin brother, Kaleb, is Arabella’s date. The two have been dating since they met last summer. Kacey and Kaleb are fondly known in our community as the Solstice twins of Apollo Beach.
Alec and I sit nearest the door. He pulls me in close to his side, wraps an arm around my shoulders, then touches his nose to my cheek in what feels like a sweet gesture. “You look amazing.”
I turn to smile at him. Alec has a magical way of making me feel absolutely adored. “So do you. You should wear a tux more often,” I tease.
His hazel green eyes twinkle, reflecting the lights that wrap the ceiling of the limo. “You don’t have to ask me twice.” He wastes no time before pressing his lips against mine.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say he’s changed from the guy I first met on the beach, but he is definitely growing into his confidence. At times, I almost wonder if his confidence is outgrowing me.
Alec’s fingers intertwine with mine as we enter the School of Gaia, where a thumping beat of a popular euphoric remix is coming from inside. Perhaps he can sense my nerves when I reach up to take hold of the green emerald that always brings me peace. Then I remember that I removed it for tonight only. I take in a slow breath. I can get through one night without it.
One would think after one and a half years as an Enchanter, I would have all the confidence in the world, but that is simply not the case. I’ve never been comfortable around large crowds—probably because I was raised by my introverted mother—and tonight provokes feelings of uncertainty and apprehension beneath my growing excitement.
Winter surrounds us in every possible way. The hallway leading to the school’s theater is dimly lit, with snow-colored felt draping the walls. Cool air blows through the room. Even the floor beneath us is covered in a fine white powder, which we kick through playfully as we walk. Palm trees are dressed with the same shimmering snow.
I touch one of the trees and let out a laugh. “Nice touch, Trisha.”
Alec swivels to face her. “You did all this?”
“I sure did,” she boasts.
I reach over and squeeze her arm. “I think you’ve found your calling in life.”
Trisha’s favorite use of magic these days is decorating—everything. From the new home her parents bought her, to every event that comes through Island Grille, and now that she’s head of the Events Committee at School of Gaia, she’s definitely found her passion.
She wraps her arms around my waist and bats her lashes up at me. “Thanks, bestie. But you haven’t even seen what’s inside.”
Brett tugs her from me, hooks his arm around her neck, then presses a kiss to her forehead. “Lead the way, my queen.”
She giggles, and I laugh as I hook my arm around Alec’s. We walk toward the main entrance and pause to gape at the elaborate ring of icicles bordering the doorframe. Beyond it, an ice cave that acts as a tunnel reaches the inside of the theater.
“Wait right here,” Alec tells me before jogging to catch up to Matt and Brett. He pulls them aside, leaving Trisha, Arabella, and me standing in place, exchanging confused looks while Kacey shifts away uncomfortably.
Unlike her twin brother, Kacey has never particularly liked me, not that she’s ever tried to get to know me. Ever since Alec and I got together, she has become more vocal about her dislike. To be fair, I sort of deserve it. She made her attraction for Alec obvious, and according to Trisha, she thinks I sabotaged her chances. I suppose she has a right to throw me a chilly look or two.
“Kacey!” I smile as I take a good look at her strapless red minidress that poofs out from her hips. She’s gorgeous tonight. Her blue eyes practically glow against her shimmering red-and-gold mask, and her thick mane of long blond hair hangs in tight spirals that reach her lower back. “You look stunning.” And I mean it. From her naturally long lashes to her flawlessly clear skin, and her athletic build from playing tennis, she’s not someone who is easy to look away from.
The cold response she normally has for me falters some. Her shoulders lose their tension, and a smile lifts her cheeks. “Thank you, Kat. So do you.”
Her gaze flickers to where the guys are laughing and high-fiving each other. Trisha and Arabella stand together, arms folded. Amusement in their eyes, they seem to be in on whatever the secret is.
“What are they up to?” I ask Kacey.
“A prank,” she mutters with annoyance. “My brother wouldn’t tell me what exactly, but I think we’re all going to find out soon.”
I narrow my eyes, tuning my hearing range to focus on their conversation. My ears tingle as they adjust to the frequency. This power has always been my weakness. I know it’s wrong. It’s too invasive, but more times than not, my curiosity gets the better of me.
“Dude, this is gonna be epic,” Brett boasts. “Meet me behind the stage in an hour. I’ve got everything set up.”
Alec chuckles. “I can’t wait to see the look on everyone’s faces. Okay, man. One hour. Don’t tell anyone. Including Trisha.” He looks at Brett pointedly.
Brett raises his hands in defense. “What? No way, man.”
“Okay, boys,” Trisha calls over to them. “Can we enjoy the dance now?”
The boys break from their circle, all wearing giant smiles, and I turn back to Kacey. “I guess we’re in for a treat tonight.”
Her shoulders shake with a silent laugh. “Can’t wait.”
Alec approaches, tossing an arm over my shoulders. “Well, ladies, you ready?”
I don’t miss the look of longing that crosses Kacey’s face when she glances at Alec. I don’t feel anger or annoyance, only a pang of remorse. I know what it’s like to watch someone slip from my grasp when things were just starting to get good. There’s no closure in it, no second chances. Just loss. But if I’m not mistaken, Alec takes an appreciative glance her way as well.
I bury the negative thoughts deep down and focus on my friends just as Matt swoops in and takes Kacey’s arm. They pass through the ice cave behind Trisha and Brett. Arabella and Kaleb go next.
“Time to put our disguises on.” Alec’s eyes twinkle as he lifts his mask over his eyes. I get a good look at the black sun shaped to his face. The center of the sphere is a rich gold tone with eye cutouts and long black rays of sunlight radiating from the crown.
There could be nothing more symbolic of our heritage than the symbol of the Black Sun. To Enchanters, the Black Sun signifies the central point of the galaxy—or a black hole, as Normals refer to it. It also represents both the origin and the conclusion of our current existence—the tomb and womb of life.