31 Days of August 2021

"Will you take a bite for me?" 

I took the fruit from her outstretched palm with a confidence I did not know I possessed. 

And I smiled at her with all the fondness I could muster.

"Do you even have to ask?" 

Of course I will eat it. 

For you, My Love, I will eat every forbidden fruit this paradise has to offer. 

Devour them all with a smile on my face.

I am not going to leave you alone.

I was made to be with you.

We were meant to be together.

And that is how we will be forever.

It's the hottest day of the year. Absolutely killer.

The air conditioning's running in the inn, but it hardly feels like it's working.

So here I am sitting at the front desk, fanning myself with the sign in book.

God it's been so boring lately. Hardly anyone's been by the inn. And the people that have checked in have been awful. Completely unstimulating.

I let out a loud groan. This really is the worst summer ev-

The chimes attached to the door rang out, signaling arrivals. The little bit of cool air rushed out to my chagrin. I placed the book down with a heavy sigh. 

"You better hope this place has availability Korinne!"

Oh. Newcomers.

I quickly wipe my face and plaster my best customer service smile on.

"Good afternoon!" I chirped as the group walked in. "Welcome to the Franklin Shoals Inn!"

The front of the group, a tall blond, removed her sunglasses and headed towards me.

"Please tell you have rooms available," she said, slapping her hands on the counter.

I could feel my smile slipping a bit.

Before it fell completely, I asked,

"How many rooms do you need?"

"Three if possible."

I nod and turned around to grab the keys. My eyes rolled on their own accord.

More annoying guests.

This really was going to be the worst summer ever.

"Okay I have three rooms available for you."

Rooms 6, 9, and 11 should be fine.

"Alright, your total is going to be-"

A credit card was put on the counter. 

That's fine. I'll just charge you the rude customer price.

Her and her entourage of women I presume to be just as rude as her, quickly took off after the transaction was over to my immense pleasure. I didn’t even bother them to sign the guest book. Wasn’t even worth it. 

I don’t care to know their names.

Once they were out of sight (and opening the door to let out the semi cold air again), my face dropped.

I really hate rude customers. How hard is it to just be some semblance of considerate? Like how disgusting. 

They're so lucky I'm not murderer. Too messy.

But at least nobody's bothering me anymore. I can sweat to death in peace.

But of course, peace doesn't stay for very long.

The sound of the door chimes rings out once again and the air rushes out once more.

And again, my fake smile is placed upon my face.

Until it drops in awe over seeing you.

Suddenly my summer and my life seem much brighter.

"Hi there," you greeted with a warm smile. "I was wondering if Aimee Phillips checked in? I'm one of her friends."

Ugh you're with that awful blond? But you're so...

"Oh! I should probably call her so you know I'm actually with her right?"

I nodded absent-mindedly. 

You're so thoughtful. 

Already so much better than everyone else. 

"Alrighty I'll shoot her a text and tell her to meet me here."

Another nod. I think I love you.

No. No think. I know I love you.

How could I not? You're so beautiful. 

With your deep brown eyes and your dark skin. And your yellow floral sundress hugging your body in the best way. Plus you’re just so thoughtful.

Just a ray of sunlight in my dreary existence.

"Okay. She should be over in a bit," you announced as you tucked your phone back into your bag.

You then lace your fingers together as you lean on the counter.

Just close enough for me to catch the scent of your perfume.

It’s lovely.

"So how are you doing today?"

Absolutely wonderful now that you're here.

"I'm fine," I answered. "It's been pretty quiet so I can't complain too much."

She nodded in acknowledgement. "Well I'm glad to hear that. Getting some quiet time can be good sometimes."

Oh you're so sweet. Seriously how are you associated with Aimee?

"What's your name?"

You looked surprised by the question.

Oh no. Was that too forward?

But apparently not. Your smile was back.

"Oh. I'm-"

"Finally you decide to show up!"

Ugh.

You chuckled lightly as you went over to hug the blond. 

"Some of us had to make sure we had everything before leaving the state."

"It doesn't matter," Aimee waved her hand. "You're here now."

She laced their arms together. "Now let's go meet up with the other girls."

No. Wait. Come back. I want to spend more time with you. Please. 

"Hang on!"

Both of you stop. But you were the one to turn around and face me. 

"You have to sign the guest book!"

With a nod, you detach yourself from Aimee and come back to the desk.

You gave me a sweet thank you as you gingerly plucked the pen from my hand.

You signed the page with a dramatic flourish. 

Even your handwriting was great. 

It wasn't until you were gone and out of sight when I hurriedly picked up the guest book. 

There it was. Your wondrous name. 

"Ophelia Williams."

Your name was like music to my ears and it felt right as the syllables left my mouth.

Oh I want to get to know you better Ophelia.

Because I can't wait to add you to my collection.

Once Upon a Time, lived a knight named Evan.

Evan was the strongest and bravest knight in all the lands. Everyone adored him and he was well-respected by his fellow knights.

He protected his home by slaying the monsters that dare try and harm them. Especially the most dangerous of them all-

Dragons.

However, on one fateful day, something happened.

While he was returning from a mission along with his men, they were attacked by a witch.

She slaughtered all of them, leaving only Evan.

He was prepared to die alongside them, but the witch shook her head, smiling cruelly at him.

"Oh no dear knight. I have something far worse than death in mind for you."

Before he could even question it, the witch blew a strange powder in his face, causing him to fall unconscious.

When he awoken, he felt disoriented.

Confused.

Off.

It wasn't until he tried to stand when he realized the horrible truth.

He had been turned into the very thing he'd been trained to slay.

A dragon.

The worst situation. Only made worse by one thing.

"There's the beast that murdered our brothers!"

His best friend on the hunt to kill him.

"So you're my guardian angel?"

A small nod. "Yes that's correct."

"So umm...is it -you know- normal to see your guardian angel after they save you from getting by a car?"

"No. Not in the slightest. In fact this is the first time it's happened."

"Really? I mean cool that I'm the first but weird that I'm the first."

A shuffle in the seat.

"Do you know why this happened? Like this was supposed to be normal and I screwed something up?"

"To my knowledge you did nothing wrong. Just a random happenstance."

"Ah gotcha. So what now?"

"You will receive a visit. You won't remember it. And I will-"

A light sigh.

"I will be replaced."

"What?! Why?!"

"You've seen me. It's a risk to us both for that to happen."

"But why?"

"You could potentially be harmed."

"But-but."

A hand being ran over a face.

"This isn't the first time."

Two pairs of eyes locked on each other.

"You're my imaginary friend. From when I was a kid."

The task was supposed to be simple.

Find Zeus, get him to come back home and kick Poseidon off his throne.

But for Genevieve and Nadia it was the hardest thing to accomplish.

"Are you sure your father would be at a bar?" Nadia questioned. "Doesn't seem like his type of...scene."

"Positive," Genevieve answered. "Zeus is our father but he's also our creator."

She stared up at the bright flashing sign. 

"Our dominions are based on his personality, his wants, and his passions."

"So wanting to drink at all the bars in this city is why Dion's the way he is?"

"Pretty much yeah."

Nadia hummed as the two walked in. 

And before they could even get in there, a glass was thrown near Genevieve's head. She looked down at the shattered pieces and sighed heavily.

"Yeeep. He's definitely here."

The two stared ahead, taking in what they were seeing.

A massive bar fight.

So massive that everyone- patrons, bartenders, and cooks were fighting.

All except three.

"There's my parental figure."

Nadia followed her friend's finger to a dark haired figure. He was calmly drinking a dark beer, completely sticking out from the chaos around him. And somehow also managing to miss it all.

"Hey old man!"

Nadia was about to tell Genevieve that he couldn't hear her when the man turned to them.

Then he smiled.

She was the most famous angel of them all.

Went by many names.

But we all knew her as Lucifer.

Heaven's Most Beloved Angel.

The Beautiful Rising Sun of the Archangels.

God's Favorite Child.

With that kind of notoriety, it's no wonder she took off.

Disappeared from Heaven one day.

They had ordered every angel in the garrison to find her.

(That happened long before I was created.)

But no one could find her.

Until much much later.

"Clear the way!"

"Make way!"

The whispers started first. 

"It can't be."

"Is it really...?"

A flash of black hair. The only angel to possess such a shade.

It was her.

It was Lucifer!

She has returned!

The hall of angels erupted into cheerful noise. 

That suddenly died when we fully saw her.

Heaven's Beloved was in chains, her wings gone.

Only two bloody and jagged wounds in their place.

The excitement was completely dampened, only somber silence remaining.

What could've caused such a thing to happen.

"Ariel!"

I was broken out of my thoughts. By one of the archangels, Michael.

"Prepare a room for the prisoner."

Prisoner?

What is that?

All around me is flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors. A garden overflowing with abundance.

This place is beautiful. I can see why she’d want to stay.

But she can’t. I have to find her. I have to get her out of here. She’s not safe. 

Neither of us are.

“Rose! Rose! Where are you?!”

I run all over the gardens. There’s no sight of her familiar, dark, curly hair anywhere. Just more flowers, their fragrance starting to suffocate me.

“Rosemary! Rose, can you hear me?”

I could feel my lungs starting to burn from how hard I was screaming for her.

We were running out of time.

Where is she?

“Rose!”

“There’s no need to shout Diane.”

I whirled around. Standing behind me dressed in a cornflower blue dress and carrying a basket of orchids, was Rose.

Relief flooded my body as I threw my arms around her.

“I’m so happy to see you.”

Her face turned up in confusion.

“Sister what are you talking about?”

Now my face matched hers.

“What do you mean? We’ve been separated for months!”

The confusion deepened.

“Diane,” Rose started.

She placed the basket down and placed her hands on my shoulders.

“This is home,” she stated slowly. “We’re home. You know that don’t you?”

I shook my head. No. That’s not true. This isn’t home. This couldn’t be home.

“No.”

I stepped back, putting space between us. “You’re wrong.”

Rose sighed lightly, brows knitting together.

“Diane, you're having one of your fits again."

"Hold still!"

Two brothers, one fifteen, the other eight, were currently sitting in their living room. The TV was on, playing some cartoon channel.

The younger boy was sitting on a pillow on the floor, in between his brother's legs. He flinched and winced at the feeling of his brother combing his hair.

"It's kinda hard to when you're-OW-pulling my hair TJ!" he exclaimed.

The elder tsk'd as he continued his work.

"I wouldn't have to pull so hard if you would've combed your hair like Mama told you to Zeke."

Another run through, causing another flinch from Zeke.

"But I-hiss-did!"

TJ rolled his eyes.

"Obviously not well enough if you're hollering like a stepped on cat," he replied dryly. "Now. Hold. Still. I'm almost done."

Zeke huffed as he tried his best to keep his composure. TJ said that twenty minutes ago. He was half tempted to tell his brother to just forget about fixing up his hair and to just leave it out, but he needed the braids.

He couldn't think about playing basketball with his hair flying in his face. Zeke was hoping his mom could do it, but she was busy planning their aunt's wedding to his annoyance.

Which meant his has-no-concept-of-a-tender-touch older brother was left to do it.

"Zee if you move one more time, I will only do half of your head!"

The boy gasped and crossed his arms. "You better not or I'm snitching and telling Mama what really happened to that vase Grandmommy gave her last year." 

TJ groaned as he tugged on the section of hair in his hand.

"You better not," he threatened.

Zeke haughtily huffed, leaning up to look at his brother. 

"Well you better make sure my hair looks good then."

“We’re a few hours away from our destination.”

Delphine barely processed the words. They were out of time. Her entire crew was about to die and there was nothing she could do to stop it.

“Delphine-”

She held up a hand to Sebastian, shaking her head.

“Don’t.”

She couldn’t take another comforting word from him. They spent day after day after day and nothing. Sebastian kept giving her uplifting speeches to help but she was not in the mood to get another one. There was nothing to uplift. They failed. 

She took in a shaky breath, biting her lip so hard she could taste copper in her mouth. She looked out at the crew, stomach turning so bad she could vomit.

And she did, barely making it over to the edge before the contents of her stomach came up. Sebastian hurried over to her, pulling her hair out of her face and gently rubbing her back. Eventually, she stood straight back up, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. A crew member came by and gave her a drink. She thanked them politely, voice cracking a bit. She took a sip, swished it in her mouth and spat it out into the ocean. She then drank the rest, Sebastian taking the empty cup away.

“I’m going to talk to her and hope she gives us something that’ll let me figure this out once and for all,” Delphine stated quietly, making sure no one heard except her captain.

Sebastian hoped it work because he didn’t know what else to do. As a last resort, he figured a plan to alert Jonathan of their situation. Celeste was one siren and she was outnumbered by a large margin. But he also didn’t want to lose any of his crew in an attack.

“Celeste.”

The blond looked up and stood.

“Chief Mate Delphine,” she greeted, a sickly, sweet tone to her voice. “Have you thought about what I asked?”

The woman nodded, coming into the other’s space.

“What do you want Celeste?” she asked, leaning into her ear. “Please just tell me. After everything you’ve told me I still don’t know. Are you doing this because you’re mad at humans for killing your father? Because I sympathize with your pain, but this isn’t the way to get revenge.”

The siren stepped back, narrowing her eyes at the woman.

When her gaze landed on Sebastian, they went to slits.

“Stop protecting him Delphine before you get dragged down with him. You have been kind to me and I don’t want to hurt you over some misguided feelings.”

Delphine’s brows furrowed.

“Protect who?”

She turned around, making eye contact with her partner.

“Sebastian?” she questioned, facing back to the siren. “What are you talking about? I’m not protecting him.”

Celeste took in the woman. She seemed genuinely confused.

“You really want to know what I want?”

Delphine waited for a response. They were almost to the docks. At this point it was either tell them and kill them for not figuring it out for themselves or prolong the inevitable. Celeste pulled out a small knife, holding it out towards Delphine neck. The woman froze in her spot while Sebastian made a start for her.

But she wasn’t in any danger. Before he could get close, Celeste threw the knife.

Right into Crewmate Harry’s hand, pinning him to the side of the ship.

Chaos immediately broke out when the man let out a scream.

“DON’T touch him!”

The crew members hurrying towards him stopped dead in their tracks. 

Delphine’s heart started racing. Blue locked on brown. The noisy ship grew frighteningly quiet.

“I want justice,” Celeste stated simply, her words seeming to ring in the still air.

Delphine swallowed, trying to maintain her composure. “Justice for what? Your father? You’re not going to get justice here Celeste. Just revenge.”

Celeste’s face was blank as she answered, but her blue eyes held a storm.

“See that’s where you’re wrong Delphine. He-”

She pointed to the now whimpering Harry.

“Murdered my father.”

She faced Delphine, looking her square in her eyes.

“And he helped him cover it up.”

When she pointed over the woman’s shoulder, Delphine was praying that somebody else was behind her. Praying that he had moved from his spot and someone had taken it.

Sebastian’s eyes widened as the crew all stared at him. Thunder clapped above their heads as rain started pouring down. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Had to grab a few things.”

Blair sighed lightly as she wrapped her cardigan around her tighter, staring blankly at the man coming in. The interrogation room was freezing. 

Luckily for her, he was recognizable. Meant this would be fairly quick.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve last talked Miss Davis.”

The woman hummed softly as she adjusting in the hard, metal seat. “It has Detective Swanson. About five or six years now? Give or take.”

Swanson sighed deeply, nodding solemnly. Blair watched the man open a folder and place several photos in front of her. 

Pictures of Katherine. 

The fires at the docks.

And of Sebastian. 

After that, the man slid into the seat across from her.

“These images look familiar to you?”

“Well Katherine’s been my best friend for over ten years, I’ve seen those docks fires all over the news, and Sebastian’s my dead fiancé,” she answered simply. “So yes, I can say I’ve seen these before.”

“You and I both know that’s not what I meant Miss Davis.”

Blair shrugged her shoulders, clasping her hands together. She glanced up at the clock. She had forty-five minutes until she had to pick Sabine up from school.

“Then what do you mean because this-” 

She waved a hand over the snapshots.

“Is the only way I know the photos.”

The detective ran a hand through his hair. Blair noticed him gaze over her head, probably to look through the glass.

“So you mean to tell me that you had no idea that your best friend was a crime lord with several counts of murder and your fiancé was too-”

“Allegedly,” Blair interrupted. “I won’t let you smear his reputation with lies. Especially ones you can’t prove.”

“I find this whole thing very convenient Blair. All that buzz between the two most important people in your life and you had no clue they were criminals.”

“Allegedly.”

The man gave her a pointed look. She raised her brows back in response. The two sat there in silence, Swanson’s gaze on her unwavering.

“Look Detective,” she said softly. “I was just as surprised as you to find out that Katherine was engaged in such…alleged illicit behavior. But we grew apart from each other and we just didn’t talk like we used to. Maybe she made some kind of remark about it that flew over my head but other than that I had no clue about whatever extra-curricular activities she got herself into.”

She crossed her arms and steeled her expression. “As for Sebastian. Well.”

She lightly sighed, brushing her braid over her shoulder.

“Like I said. I’m not going to let you tarnish his reputation. He was a businessman, nothing else attached.”

She placed her hands on the table. “With that said, are you going to let me go? I have to pick my daughter up from school.”

Swanson didn’t move and say a word. Finally, the man stood up and motioned for Blair to do the same. The two exited the room, walking down the hall to the main building.

“You’re free to go Miss Davis,” he stated. “Have a good day.”

Blair just slipped past him to head towards the door. Before she could completely walk away she was stopped.

“Blair?”

She turned around. The man was now joined by another detective. One she didn’t recognize. She filed their face in the back of her mind. She liked to keep tabs on potential problems.

“Finish your job.”

The woman stared back at him, then went on her way.

She exited the building, letting the heat of the sun warm her back up. As she headed to her car, she noticed someone leaning up against it. When she saw who it was, she smiled.

“You shouldn’t be here Nic,” she commented teasingly, walking towards the man.

He shrugged, sunglasses masking his eyes. “Had to make sure my darling sister-in-law wasn’t in any trouble.”

He then pushed himself off, opening the door for Blair.

“Plus, I told my sweet darling niece that I planned on picking her up from school today.”

Blair nodded as she slid inside.

Once Dominic was in and they were leaving the police station, Blair spoke.

“After we drop Sabine at home, we’ve got a few errands to run.”

Dominic chuckled darkly. “Can’t wait.”