Chapter 6: Flashback

Alyssa

The sun was setting as we arrived at the beach to celebrate the end of summer vacation. Many people were feasting, drinking, and dancing. I have never seen so many magical beings all in one place before. Dragons, Fairies, Witches, and Wizards are all celebrating. I saw a white dragon flying gracefully in the air, and I knew it was Vincent; the way he moved across the sky was mesmerizing. He landed on the cool sand, and everyone bowed before him. He stood tall as he expanded his magnificent wings and goddess; they were long. Everyone gave me looks when they saw I wasn’t kneeling, but something was telling me that I didn’t need to, as this voice was telling me that I was his equal.

Vincent shifted back and only wore a pair of swim trunks; his body looked sculpted by a god. “Please, stop with the formalities; this is a party, not a royal ball. Enjoy yourselves as school starts for all of us.” Vincent smiled.

Everyone continued doing what they were initially doing; everyone was authentic. No one was trying to hide who they were or what they were.

This is incredible,” I said, looking at everyone.

“Let’s go inside the beach house, as most of the food and drink will be there,” Isabella said.

“Goddess, this house is crowded,” Annabeth said as we entered.

“I can’t see the others; Vincent promised that he, Alexandria, and Jacob would meet us inside the house.” Izzy said.

I saw Vincent outside but was nervous about being close to him again. Why can’t I stop thinking about him? Why is he always on my mind when I think about Vincent or someone mentions him? We approached the others when Izzy said they were talking by the table.

“Hey, everyone!” Annabeth waved.

“I thought you guys weren’t coming,” Jacob said.

“You can blame your sister for that, Jacob,” Annabeth said.

“Get lost, Anna,” Izzy snapped.

I noticed Vincent was talking to some girl, and it made my blood boil to see him with another woman giving him googly eyes. I also saw Abby, who ran away when she met me.

“Oh, Alyssa, I want you to meet Dan,” Jacob said.

“Hello, Alyssa; nice to meet you,” Dan said. “Wait, I remember you; I helped you get the books. I’m the librarian.”

“Same to you. I learned a lot from the books I borrowed. Thank you.” I said. “I didn’t know there were so many dragon types. Dragons control the elements of the world, controlling light, darkness, and lightning.”

“You’re welcome,” Dan smiled.

“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I came to dance,” Annabeth said, walking to the dancefloor.

“Annabeth, we can’t leave. Alyssa,” Izzy said.

“I’ll be fine; I’ll stay with Jacob and the others while you have fun.” I smiled.

Annabeth grabbed Isabella by the wrist and slowly danced with her as the music slowed and calmed. They moved as one, never taking their gaze off one another. I felt jealous; I had never had someone care for me as they cared for each other.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Dan touched my shoulder. “How have you been, Alyssa?” Dan asked.

“I’ve been great,” I beamed and smiled.

“May I ask you for a dance?” Dan offered his hand.

“I don’t know; I haven’t danced in years. Can we take it slow?” I said.

“Of course, follow my lead.” Dan gently held my hand. He moved to the rhythm of the music and helped me find the rhythm myself. Suddenly, a slow song came on; he walked up to me, placed one hand on my hip, and pulled me closer to him.

I placed my hands around his neck. He might be a little young to be a librarian, but I can tell he is good at his job. I couldn’t help but blush as he looked at me with adoration. “There is something different about you,” Dan said.

“I hope that’s a good thing,” I giggled.

“It’s not a bad thing,” Dan laughed. Dan made sure I didn’t make a fool of myself. Dan has danced many times; his rhythm was spot-on with the music. “How do you like Varrfarrinn so far?”

“It’s beautiful; I can build a life here if I want.” I took my gaze off Dan momentarily and saw Vincent kissing the blond woman I saw talking to him. I felt a pain in my chest and started to have trouble breathing. “I need to get some air; I’m not used to being around so many people,” I said.

“It’s okay; take all the time you need,” Dan said.

I walked out of the house and to the beach. Why did it bother me to see Vincent with that girl? Why did I feel this pain in my chest? My heart felt like it was breaking in two. I hardly know Vincent, but at the same time, I have known him all my life.

“Alyssa!” I turned to see Alexandria calling me. “Can we talk?” She said as she walked closer to me.

“I have nothing better to do. Your name is Alexandria, right?”

“That’s right; thank you for helping Audrey yesterday. She is my adopted younger sister and means a lot to Vincent and me. I have spoken to my father about what you did for her, and he is grateful. I also want to apologize for how I’ve treated you. I have misjudged you, Alyssa, and you will be around my family for a long time.” Alex said.

“You don’t have to apologize, not to me,” I said.

“Yes, I do. I have always preferred things I need help understanding and explaining. I couldn’t understand you, which scared me, and I lashed out at you at every turn. The final thing I wanted to speak to you about is Vincent; he avoided you because of me. I asked him to stay away from you despite the mate bond you two share,”

“The mate bond?” I said in confusion.

“He didn’t tell you?” Alex said. “Fuck!”

“He never had a chance to tell me, not that I gave him one. But what exactly is it?” I said.

“You and Vincent are soulmates, you were made to love Vincent, and he was made to love you. The first male white dragon mated to the only gold dragon.” Alexandria laughed. “Talk about a pair, huh? The other princesses have been trying to wed Vincent for a while now. The other kingdoms will be pissed when they find out about this.”

“Why are they trying to marry Vincent?” I asked.

“Vincent is the first white dragon to be born male, every white dragon that has ever lived was female, and the last white dragons are my mother and my brother. My father has been fighting the other elders to keep Vincent unwed until he met his mate, which we have found at last.” Alex explained.

“Now, back to the topic where I told Vincent to stay away from you. I told him to stay away from you because I didn’t trust you. I wanted to keep him safe. So many girls don’t have pure intentions with him; they want to get into his pants or become queen for the wrong reasons. You are Vincent’s perfect match and the one he will ever love.” Alex said.

“It makes sense. You were only trying to protect Vincent from getting hurt physically and emotionally. But why are you telling me this now?” I said.

“I just thought you should know. I wonder what the goddess has in store for you and Vincent.”

Before I could make a response, Alexandria left. Does that mean that I have earned some of her trust? I should talk to Vincent and tell him why he was avoiding me. But then I felt a pain in my head. I held my head with my hands, and the pain only worsened.

I suddenly felt like flying over the ocean with tired wings and moonlight. “What’s happening to me?” My vision blurred but returned to normal. I walked along the beach as I felt something pulling me forward. “Where am I?” The sun was gone and replaced by the moon and stars. I suddenly came to a stop; something about this area made my skin crawl.

“I’ve been here before. I think this is the place where I first arrived in Varrfarrinn.” I said.