• Violet was completely thrown back with Nathan’s kiss. Though she was 16, she had yet to kiss a boy. She was shocked by how soft his lips were, gently pressing her face against his. But Violet was also extremely angry with Nathan. Did he really think that a kiss could make up for him sucking her into this goddamn place? But his lips were so delicate, and it felt so nice. Violet was torn. She didn’t want this to stop this warm feeling that everyone insists is love. No, this wasn’t love, it was just Nathan; just some boy who wanted to say sorry but couldn’t find the right words.
    Violet pushed him away, angry with herself for letting a boy come between her decisions.
    “What do you think you’re doing? You think a stupid kiss can make everything better?” Violet stood up and started to walk, once again, to the stream.
    “Well,” Nathan said as he brush of the dust on his pants while standing up. “You seemed to be enjoying it.”
    Violet just shook her head and mumbled something about trust. Violet was so confused with everything, that she didn’t notice the rustle of bushes, and Nathan’s muffled voice screaming her name. It was too late when Violet turned her head to face an ugly man with sickly gray skin, and bright yellow eyes. He looked very old, yet he could be no older then a boy, and vice versa. Somehow, he was very familiar, yet, Violet was sure she had never seen him before. His smiled and grabbed Violet from the back of her next, and thrust Violet’s head into the water. For a few moments, Violet’s senses were on fire. She could hear with incredible strength, and could see like an eagle underwater. Then, water began to fill her lungs, and Violet was a normal girl. She was out cold before she could even put up a fight with the old/young man.
    Images flashed through Violet’s head. A girl, who was a couple years older then Violet, was giving birth. She was screaming, yelling, everything that would show anyone with ears she was in pain. Her arms were tightly held down with leather straps, and girls were scrambling around to mop up blood here, and wipe sweat there. The scene changed. A boy was crawling around in the yard, playing by himself, for he was so ugly, only his mother could stand to look at him. A man draped in jewels and silk, was having a heated conversation with the boy’s mother. The man slapped her and walked over to the boy. The mother was screaming, screaming, harder then the day she gave birth to the child. The man scooped up the boy and left the mother crying. The scene changed once more. The boy was upon an alter, a man above him with a sword. Again, the scene changed. The visions were getting faster, more rushed. Flashes now, just blurred pictures of an unhappy child.
    Violet’s eyes flew open, and suddenly, uncontrollable sobs escaped her mouth. When she could see without water blurring her vision, she saw she was in a cave, with thousands of candles around her. Violet was on a stone table, with her arms chained to it. Her legs were also chained, but to the side of the table. Violet could only imagine what the young/old man wanted from her. Violet began to think of a way out. Violently, someone out of nowhere slapped her. Pain ran through her body and her face.
    “Who was that? Show me your face you coward!” Violet could feel someone near her. The person’s finger started to caresses Violet’s face with one finger, and gently started to run it down her neck. It lingered on Violet’s chest, and then continued down. Violet tried to shake him off, but he ignored her.
    “What a beautiful thing. How lovely…” The man stepped into the candlelight and Violet instantly recognized him.
    “Your, Me-mer-Merlin, aren’t you? What do you want with me?”
    He chuckled and said, “Yes, it’s proves to me that you are a magical being; a powerful at that. And,” leaning over, “I want it.”
    Violet finally got it. He must have seen her and Nathan arrival and thought they were wizards. Once again, thanks to Nathan, she was in trouble. But unlike before, she wanted him. She wanted him to come in and save her like prince charming.
    Merlin must have read her mind, because he looked her straight in the eye and said: “He is not going to come.” He climbed up on top of her.
    “We are going to create a child. And then, I will kill you, and your powers will be mi-“ He was cut short by an arrow plunging into his arm.
    “You’re going to be disappointed when you find out she’s got no powers.”
    Violet turned towards the mouth of the cave, or what she thought was the entrance. There he was, dirty, sweaty, and absolutely repulsively dressed, but through Violet’s eyes, he was her prince charming.
    “Nathan!” Violet cried his name with almost a smile on her face. He’s going to rescue me, he going to rescue me…
    She looked terrible; her dress was ripped to shreds, and her face was tear stained, but through Nathan’s eyes, she was his princess. Nathan notched another bow and shot dead center in the yellow-eyed man’s heart. It was odd, the man was obviously a wizard, yet was unable to do a shielding spell. Wasn’t that one of the first wizards learned? He sank to the ground, and looking at Violet, whispered something. In a puff of smoke, the man disappeared. Nathan dropped the bow, never minding the quiver on his back, and ran over to Violet. With some difficulty, he got the chains of Violet. Violet hugged him as soon as the chains were of. She was too shaken to walk, so Nathan offered her a hand.
    “You know what he said to me?” Violet said. “He said he had lost his powers years ago, and that he was sorry.”
    “Well, serves him right. Do you think he’s dead?”
    “No. He’s lost his powers, but he still knows what herbs make healing ointment.”
    Nathan looked her over, then smiled at her.
    “You know I hate you right?” Violet said as Nathan picked her up bride-style.
    “Yep, and I don’t care a bit.” he replied, kissing her passionately. “Let’s go home.”
    In a flash, they were back, as if nothing had ever happened.
    “Dad! I brought a friend over!” Violet shouted through the halls.
    “Well don’t just let him stand there, bring him into the kitchen so he can have a proper meal” Her dad shouted back.
    “Dad, this is Nathan. He is our neighbor and his going to the same school as me starting this fall.”
    “Nathan, nice to meet you. Violet, can I have a word with you?”
    When they were in the living room, Brain whispered, “I know you like the boy, and don’t deny it. Just that it slow, ok? You’ve been with him barely 10 minutes,”
    Violet just smiled and said:
    “You’d be surprised at what can happen in 10 minutes.”