Chapter One

Emira

The loud arguments and discussions drown out the hum of the school bus's engine. I sit in the middle of the bus with my head buried in a book. The burgundy leather seat next to me is empty, as always. I haven't managed to make any friends in school since I moved here last year, everybody acts as if I'm not there like they can't see me. The busy streets of New York fly past my window and are quickly replaced by the wonderful spring colors of central park. I wish that I could jump off the bus here and spend the rest of the day deep inside of central park. Being in the open nature always feels good, it feels like home. But I can't. My dad is extremely overprotective and wouldn't even dream of letting me go to the park alone. Quickly enough, the bus stops, and I leave the metal cage of high school bullies and hierarchy. Though the sounds on the streets aren't any better. The bus stopped right outside of my apartment building so I sling my black satchel bag over my shoulder and walk up the grey stone steps and open the dark green door. I am greeted by the empty marble reception and begin the long climb to my father and my seventh-floor apartment. After six flights, my steps start to slow. The seventh floor arrives and I open the closest door and take off the cute high-heeled black ankle boots that I have no recollection of ever buying. I gasp as I take in the sight in front of me. Not a single piece of furniture stands correctly, it's as if a tornado blew through the apartment. The bookshelf lies on the floor with books everywhere, the ugly red carpet has a slash in it and the glass table on it has been crushed into a million pieces. I run my hand over a long cut in the bottom of our sofa and look around the room for my dad.

"You don't understand!" My father's voice comes from the kitchen, a panicked tone making it louder than usual. "A demon came here! It sensed her and thank the Goddess that she wasn't here. I could barely fight it off myself!" I move towards the kitchen, an uneasy feeling in my stomach. "We have to lift the spell. What if she was attacked in school?! She wouldn't have been able to protect herself!" He was silent for a while. "Okay, we leave now. See you soon." I enter the kitchen as he hangs up the phone.

"Dad?" I ask quietly yet he still jumps.

"Emira! I am so glad that you are back!" He wraps his arms around me and the uneasy feeling in my stomach grows.

"Dad, what is going on? Why does the apartment look like it was sent on a spin cycle? And why are there slash marks everywhere?" He pulls away from me and meets my eyes, a wild fevered look in his grey eyes. One look at them sends fear through me. They are usually so open and warm. His dirty blonde hair sticks up to each side, very unlike him.

"There is no time to explain, sweetheart." He turns me around and pushes me through the mess that the apartment has been turned into and towards my room at the back of the apartment. "Empty your bag and pack it with whatever you need that will still fit in the bag. I'll do the same, meet me by the car in no more than ten minutes." He turns around to leave. A rush of unknown energy rushes through me. My breathing picks up, but the energy isn't completely foreign. It feels comforting, so I ride the wave.

"Dad!" He freezes. Even I jump a little at the sound of power in my voice. Dad turns to me with wide eyes. "What is going on? You said a demon attacked! What do you mean?!" Anger and fear mix with the power in my voice as I blurt out some of the thoughts racing in my head. I fear the panic in his eyes and I'm angry that he isn't telling me what is going on. He narrows his eyes.

"Emira, do not question me right now. All you need to know is that we are leaving. Now." With that, he storms off. I gasp and take a step back. He has never spoken to me like that before. I store away my anger and do as he says. Ten minutes later we are both sitting in our small silver car and are heading out of the city. The air in the car is tense and the silence is overbearing. I keep glancing over at my dad, looking for reassurance, but he has none to give. His eyes dart around the road like he is looking for danger and the fact that the traffic is slow does not seem to help his mood. Once we reach the Brooklyn Bridge, Dad pulls over and opens his bag. He pulls out a small vial with a purple shimmering liquid inside. He uncaps the vial and gives it to me.

"What is it?" I stare at the vial with hesitation. Dad sighs.

"Emira, I love you. You are my daughter and I would do nothing to harm you. I beg of you to trust me in this, and to understand that I am doing this for your own safety." I look into his eyes and see nothing but love in their clear blue color. I take a deep breath and nod. The tension leaks from his shoulders as I take the vial and pour the shimmering liquid down my throat. It is sweet and tickles my throat on its way down. My dad takes the vial and wraps his large, warm hand around my slender one. "I love you." I smile, about to answer him, but a sudden wave of drowsiness hits me. My eyelids feel heavier than they have ever felt and I slump forwards. Dad throws out an arm to keep me from hitting the dashboard. He gently props me back up in my seat, not removing his arm.

"Dad?" My voice comes out soft and weak.

"It's okay, sweetheart, when you wake up, we will be home." His voice fades as the darkness pulls me under. Home?