Won’t Blink

“These preceding months have exhibited outstanding results.” Medus annotated, he was in the center of a theatre themed, greek council room. “In more than half of every major bureaucracy has established the ‘New Rule’.” he began to dive into details.

Surrounded by every major figure from every part of the world. All drowsed from days on end fulfilling all according procedures. War damages have been expunged for over a year, refugees are beginning to be relocated for the better, almost all dark illusionists have been captured and sealed away in classified locations (Lyra only knew where one was), and most primary law changes have been exercised since day one. Their world couldn’t have been more different for the greater good. They’ve had this kind of meeting every mid-year. Only this time it might actually feel like the last one.

“He is as mighty as his Father.” a man says in the row in front of Lyra. She just stared on to the back of his head, unsure what to make of that comment. When she peered over him to pay attention back to her brother a figment of their Father mirrored on him. She was spooked but in a deja vu way.

“Too bad he has that burden living with him.” another man next to him says back.

Instantly Lyra shrunk into her row, knowing exactly what the buffoon meant by that. She crumbles her fingers into fists. She could feel Medus’ character shift. He paused his speaking having sensed her rapid energies compiling against her skin. She could’ve writhed everyone in that room with pain. Luckily that pause was noticed by the men in front of her too, they repositioned themselves with a hint of relief when he didn’t verbally acknowledge it. Medus got into what was left to pursue in individual countries. When someone the row behind her clears his throat.

“Your self control is greater than mine.” Audric mumbles to her, his voice frightfully sullen. “Fuckers think they can say what they want.” he sneers.

“Stop.” she whispers to him, forgetting her initial anger. “Just pay attention to Medus.” she clears her throat and attempts to focus on her brother. Instead she recognized the fact that he was behind her this whole time!

“I see this part of you never changed.” he chuckles, leaning forward in his seat.

She briskly shushes him but this meeting was about to feel forever. Their seating was onto Medus’ left, a few rows up. The place was dimly lit for some apparent reason too. Maybe to entice the crucialness of the very situation. She nearly blench hearing him swerve around the end of the row. Seating himself next to her, not too close by choice. He didn’t invade her space but just sat there. She refrained from glancing his way, worrying her heart would stammer as ferociously as yesterday. She rigid into a corpse, it was intoxicating to be this near him still.

“Are you alright, love?” he asks slowly, intently enticing his manner of tone. Lyra

shudders becoming anxious. “Your brother interrupted us last night.” he hovers heavily, the wording could offer a more contradicting aspect. Lyra dug her nails into her gown, her breath failing to stay steady. She felt him scooch a little closer.

“I’d like for us to continue.” He suggests alluringly, he still hadn’t touched her, not even close enough for his breath to fall on her. Yet he was doing a most superb job of plucking away every one of her petals. She knew he was becoming pleased of his dominance, she had to act fast.

“I’m sure your version of continuing far exceeds the decency of this meeting.” she chaffs, nicking her chin his way. Her amplified burst rallies a most immodest complexion. One that was only appreciated by the Voltrin heir since adolescence.

“I didn’t realize we can be so familiar after all these years.” he flaunts a merry grin, progressing their gap. “Does this mean you are able to accept my previous request?”

Lyra reels her head back prolonging an insufferable grief. “Must you be so insistent?”

“Must you be so stubborn?” he teeths “If I didn’t know you any better I think you like me chasing you. You always did.” he chastises their previous relations, refocusing on Medus. He didn’t need to inflict a charm for her to thinkback.

“As I recall it, you constantly antagonized me about every little thing I did.” Her words dote on her brow, reminiscing on not one but many scenarios of that sort.

Simultaneously they bump opposite laps absentmindedly. Would’ve almost appeared intentional if given the way they winced. Both becoming a perilous electrocuting outlet tampered with a fork. Anymore could’ve jot a blaze. Lyra snags the sleeves of her dress down. Her skin now tediously alien fitting on herself. In his better judgement he would’ve broken contact, but this was an inconsiderable craving. Instead of backing off he longs for more. She as well traces in, etching their sides all the way up. Cozying into a fire that was the other to themselves.

“You are lovely, Lyra.” he compliments under his breath.

Finding no will to detach literally from the hip. With no words to contradict the matter they go back to listening to the ongoing meeting. Given that the planet they live on has hundreds of countries, the illusionists community takes up a fraction. A proposalment of a new holiday was even suggested. A celebration of prosperity from a ‘medieval’ time. A unanimous vote at once made it official. It was adjourned that the next high council meeting will be the end of every matter. Their new rule will have officially gained its feet walking on for the rest of the ages. A roar of applause showered for Medus, the hero of the century. Before he dismissed everyone he invited Audric’s older brother Korbin Voltrin onto the floor, they were of the same ages, only difference is his hair is darker than Audric’s. He verbally invited all to their manor by the week’s end for a gala. Lyra was already aware of this given she got a written invitation. She assumed he was making it mandatory but it was even more obvious everyone needs a proper celebration.

Some illusionists ascended away minutes after the light burned in. Others stay and socialize freely, everyone a lot less gloomy than when they first appeared. As lively as a family gathering. Medus being the pack leader had to hear even more congratulating comments. Lyra still sewed against Audric, just sat there waiting for him. Both in no rush at all to get up from how they were. Not enough time rolls by for Medus to waste no second to detect the spot his sister was in. He notions for his sister to vacate right then and there; seeing that she was practically on the pale face’s lap. Lyra fleets from her spot down the other end of the row. Audric right on her tail.

“Lyra.” he calls keeping up with her. “Wait.”

“One of the biggest meetings of our lives and you have me as a play thing on your lap.” she criticizes more to herself than him, heat flaring off her as an iron.

“Okay you weren’t on my lap. We were just sitting next to each other!” Audric was nearly galloping to keep up with her. When they made it to an outside hall did she slow.

“This was all we ever were Voltrin. Distractions to each other.” her face fumigating in mixed emotions. Deep down she wasn’t really upset with him or herself. She just felt an internal struggle to be near him but away from him. A panic was hard at work to set in, she couldn’t have this kind of outburst again. She paced from the wall to a pillar across it.

“I don’t know what is wrong to make you upset but you have to feel it too. Lyra, we really need to talk about this.” Audric was standing still, his words swift, it was obvious he didn’t feel as Lyra did. He felt the unbearable desire to be near her. In a matter of three days after three years of separation it was all to at once, for the both of them. “We were just sitting too close together, I’m sorry if that was inappropriate.” he apologizes.

“There is nothing to talk about Voltrin. We just have to remember that this was over.” she states, still pacing back and forth in a fit.

“If it was you wouldn’t be this keen on convincing yourself.” his face as still as his patience “Lyra, I am sorry I know this is all so sudden. Please, let me take you to dinner? I promise there won’t be that kind of behavior again.” he could feel her futile energies acting up. From an outer perspective Lyra would appear over reactive. This wasn’t that, not by a long shot.

“I don’t know, it-it isn’t safe.” she mumbles fearfully, her hands raising to her face. Audric’s face scrunches in disapproval, seeing how this hasn’t been dealt with in her. He was assembling a general idea where this irrational fear was coming from.

“Lyra, we aren’t pawns anymore. We are safe, been safe.” he pacifies his words with feather light touch. Lyra was still pacing but her trickling had stilled. “Let's talk about this, I think we need to.” she halts right after, scooping it all in. She turns her head to really look at him in those heavenly globes.

He pulls her seat out for her, they were at Kimpley ‘s on the second floor. They sat outside near the corner where they could have some privacy. Lyra got herself to settle down before they ascended back into town. She told the driver to let Medus know that she will be out before they left. Audric had a whole new perspective about what Lyra was feeling. He hadn’t regarded that unlike him she had a lot more to deal with. This was an eggshell walk he wasn’t going to back down on. He knew what he wanted.

They sat there silently a moment. First, he had to know where her head was about him. Though it was as clear as glass that what they have is still as potent as it always has been. Allowing her to conclude what she was making of this. His chest sunk in, unbridledly watching her. Gracious to have any of her time be with him. Lyra seems to have absorbed the attention. Taking it into account for what it is she’s racking up. A familiar skimmed by and took their orders. They weren’t much of an appetite but they got some sides. After it vanished Lyra had gathered the courage to speak.

“I really didn’t think we’d be doing this.” she confesses, leaning her arms on the table.

“Me either.” he replies with a grin. His words are slower than his body. He was ardent to get straight to the elephant in the room.

“How does it feel to be back home?” Lyra asks. Her face nimble when her eyes stay on him for too long.

“Feels as how they used to but a million times better.” he answers, quickly tired of the small talk.

“Feels like everyone knows my face now.” she admits, which causes a huff of amusement from Audric.

“Everyone has always known you Lyra.” he ruffles his hair, loosening his gentleman appeal.

“Yeah, I never liked it. Still don’t.” her hands run up her arms to her shoulders. Sinking more onto the table.

“Lyra, I want you back.” Audric lets out, he couldn’t heave this front she was putting up a second longer. By the way she studied the table she knew he was in his midst.

“I really don’t see that happening.” she answers him.

“Why not?” he gruffles.

“We know how this ends. We don’t need to put ourselves through that again.”

“That was when we weren’t sure if we'd live to see another day. Fighting for someone who used us. Now we have the rest of our lives Lyra.” his desolation spilled from him as a tipped cup. Feening to express verbally what was in his heart. Lyra somehow knew it too but absolutely rejected it in her heart. “I can see it all over you, you feel it too.” she closes her eyes taking in a breath.

When she couldn’t find the words their waiter came with their orders. Setting down their drinks then a basket of fries. The young illusionist boy senses the atmosphere of their conversation. He receded as quickly as he came.

Lyra huffs feeling her imprints begin to sprain “Doesn’t mean it should happen Voltrin.”

“Why are you fighting it Lyra?” he gritted out before taking a swig of his drink.

His question impacted her as a physical punch would. Her imprints spire against her nipping at a particularly sensitive organ. Her posture reforms as the fluctuating lust began to overpower her. Audric be a fool for it to go unnoticed. He was sure that whatever had possessed this abrupt shift in mood was part of the reason. He as well was sensing it. Swallowing thickly he places his cup down.

“You haven’t killed it haven’t you?”

Fall: year two of eight- all aboard The Capsule

In a portable zone along the shore of Florida, hundreds of families hustle about sending children onto an enormous ship. Near the entrance of the port the Migorin family were circled together.

“Be good to your sister my love.” Oriana plants a kiss on Fane’s cheek. “You my Lyra have an amazing first year. Be sure to write to us.” she hugs Lyra in a prolonging hold.

“I will Mama. I love you.” she squishes against her Mother’s shoulder.

“I love you so much.” Oriana snivels, pulling away for her husband.

“Remember what I said, you get a hold of us if anything ever feels wrong.” Regis knelt down giving her a hug now. His hold felt a tad more anxious than her Mother’s.

“I will.” she says after pulling away. All of their faces ostend the bitter release of separation. Though the golden Migorin couple had gone through this already, it was still heart wrenching.

“We come back for winter break in four months.” Fane groans whipping his head back, earning him a cumbrous hand to his back from his Father. He yaps budging a foot forward to balance himself.

“Mind your Mother.” Regis warns, then pulls him in for a hug too. Knowing his son wants some love too. “Watch over her.” he whispers before letting go. When they meet gazes Fane nods.

“Okay meathead, lets get on before they take off without us.” Fane holds his hand out for his little sister.

She takes it swiftly walking together up the spacious ramp. The Migorin couple observe their children boarding, The Capsule, as last call whistles over the crowds. An oversized bronze trumpet frequency reports that take off will be in five minutes. Almost all the first year children were at the edge of the deck waving at their parents. Lyra did the same, viewing her Father clutching her Mother who was rather tearful. As she always was in sensible situations such as this, Oriana loves her children all as mighty. Nearly quaking at the fact that she had to send her babies away to school. Lyra had to refrain from becoming watery herself. All the children kept on waving even as the ship began to submerge underwater. Orbing into the depth above the ocean floor. All the way to Greece. It was tradition that all first years were star struck at the mesmerising experience. Hydraulic whirls enlightening the ship of gel glow. Outside the sphere the sea life was visible up to a point. Displaying a wondrous world of marine animals living about their vicious life cycles. Lyra’s jaw dropped.

“This is amazing Fane!” Lyra jests, her head jotting from angle to angle. Recording it all to memory.

“Yeah it grows on you. The only fun that’ll be.” her brother smiles “Lets meet my friends yeah?” he suggests, taking her below deck.

Fane and Lyra travel along the galley, it was as luxurious as a naturals’ cruise. Children walked about settling in compartments, moving to bigger lounges, and snacking from the dine floor. Her parents told her about it and she was to ask Fane for directions if needed. The siblings had found a particular room to relax for the next six hour departure. The room would be considered claimed to Fane and his friends. Instead of a hotel like room it had a couch along one wall. Lyra barely sat with them for a couple of minutes to witness that all three of his friends were as identical to her brother but different in features. A fluster of teenage boys who could take anything and make it into a joke. When she couldn’t bear another moment with the idiots using their energies to set foolish pranks on each other she excused herself from their compartment.

She decided to travel to the second floor, which was the dine hall. It wasn’t as opulent as it would on a usual cruise. It had two dirt brown, dated carpet staircases leading down. Plenty of creme cloaked tables and chairs that were occupied by groups of friends, all smiling and laughing catching up about summer. Along the wallpaper were autumn colors landscaping trees with falling leaves. At the very end was a bar decorated in tremendous snack variety. Above the entire hall was a window fixture that allowed the rays of water works to shine in. Lyra smiled to herself as she approached the counter. An attendant sped by eyeing her that she was next. He set a few fruit parfaits in a glass cup-bowl down to a group of girls. Lyra wasn’t sure what she tasted for but that looked exceptionally delicious. The bowl was thickset with blueberries, diced pineapple, half cut strawberries, and kiwis all smothered with whip cream, and a pool of berry yogurt on the very bottom. One girl in particular had seen Lyra was alone and eyeing them. She came over with her snack instead of following her friends away from the counter.

“Would you like some? They always fill these with more fruit than needed.” She was a petite thai girl, sable mid-neck cut, and lavender eyes gleaming of kindness.

“Oh I don’t mean to stare, I was just going to get one myself.” Lyra cowers back a bit feeling rude but the girl insists.

“It’s not a bother at all.” she smiles “Want to sit with us?” she asks.

“Uhm, sure.” Lyra smiles back, following her to the table that her and the other girls were seated at. All of them greet her happily.

“My name is Lawan Alpin and these are my friends.” she sits herself next to Lyra allowing the girls to introduce themselves.

“I’m Agatha Knox” a girl with thin champagne strands and lime green eyes starts, taking a nib of pineapple. She clearly felt herself proud, wearing it blindly.

“My name is Lamia Knox, we’re sisters.” another champagne blonde but with cinnamon eyes follows her. She was clearly the feeble sister in a line that Agatha keeps her in.

“And I’m Iris Ramos.” The final girl speaks, she was of Spaniard and American descent, with bronze curled ends and hazel mix eyes. Lyra could sense her kindness as great as Lawan’s. “What is your name?” she asks for them.

Lyra faltered a minute, unsure by the fact her name could trigger a list of things. Judging by Agatha it could become a blood rank ordeal. Something that Lyra would rather avoid. But she had to be honest sooner or later and besides she was still her own person aside from her name.

“I’m..”

“Well look here boys!” a peeving voice rang around the hall but went unnoticed by everyone except the group of girls that Lyra was seated with.

Iris and Lawan growl from their throats, Lamia ducks down to appear preoccupied with her snack, and Agatha smiles sheekly. Lyra located who the voice howled from. A child faced Audric Voltrin was scamping over with two other boys. They surround the end of the table Agatha sat at, she consumed their attention stingily, more specifically from the young pale face himself. He knew it too.

“We have our girls here thinking they can avoid us.” He leans over her chair looking down, smiling devilishly. “How stupid.”

“You are the stupid one Voltrin. Did you miss me?” Agatha personifies his manner, at the same time openly fawning him. Lyra tried her hardest not to cringe but she could see the other girls were doing so already.

“You could only wish, as a matter..” the pale face pauses his impish converse. He became apprehended by the advent newcomer sitting next to Lawan. Lyra’s brows line in confusion, why he was suddenly so silent. He was almost disgusted seeing her there. That it wasn’t her place to be able to sit there. “And who are you?” he asks intensely.

In that moment Lyra tosses her previous worries out the window. Taking the ground as hers to walk on. “Lyra Migorin.” Her title erupting a gasp from each of the girls, the pale face raises a brow, his companions almost stumble from its impact. Lyra now waited for their response.

“I didn’t know the Migorin’s had a daughter.” Lamia spoke up, digging through her brain for facts.

“Yeah, I thought they just had a third son.” Agatha snips at Lyra as if she was lying. “Why haven’t we seen you before?”

“Home schooled for personal reasons.” she answers, crossing her legs to sit back more comfortably. Another silence cooling over them.

“Well you’ll love Murkwan.” Iris enlightened the mood, gorging into her oversized fruit bowl. “The best school for preparing all Illusionist youngsters.” she quotes their slogan sprightly.

“It feels more of a dump in my opinion.” the pale face intervenes, moving from Agatha to Lyra’s seat. Agatha visually becomes distressed that he dare reels his attention elsewhere. “The name is Audric Voltrin, my brother lives in that fancy neighborhood of yours as well.” he striddles closer, placing his hand on the table and the arm of her chair. “We should get along just fine.” his unusual aim of intimidation was baffling to her. She didn’t give him the satisfaction.

“Don’t speak too soon.” she requites his unmannerful bunting.

Audric was at the opposite end of Lyra in the back of an obsidian, early two thousands, range rover. There wasn’t much of a conversation after his discovery. Not enough was said but Audric respected her silence. One thing that was crystal clear was that this was only the beginning. He no longer needs a verbal declaration of her true feelings. He always loved the chase, loved that this was the most likely outcome.

The car pulls into Luno Maro, the lamp posts highlight every road. After a couple twists and turns the gate labeled Migorin strolls past the window. Lyra shuffles from the handle into her seat. She had skipped her meeting with Melita. May as well have been a death sentence she conjured onto herself. Her imprints leached from herself to what was instinctually needed from her. The itch was for the Voltrin man just a foot from her. He had dwindled his physical attornment since knowing that her curse hadn't been healed. Lyra was subconsciously fearful that he may back off for good now. Was this really her intentions after all? To allow this man to love her even as she is a wounded animal stumbling blindly in the dark forest. Was it really him that she needed to nurture her? This last domino of derooting will be rigorous, she still hadn’t taken any time to figure this out. The front doors of her home are set into view, her imprints budge down. Her entire waist line quavers just underneath her dress.

“I still meant what I said” Audric signals his driver to ‘take a walk’, leaving just the two of them in the back seat. “I want you back, even if you are still working things out. I’m home.” his conduct rations from gesture, his insight veiling her sweltering impulsion. He was sure she’d get through this. She already conquered the last six sins.

“You shouldn’t.” she breathes.

Audric huffs distastingly “Nothing will change my mind, you know-.”

Without warning Lyra had seized his face, enveloping her lips in his. Out of instinct he flinches nearly pulling back. It only dug her hooks deeper, she grappled his lips in another angle. He soughs into their contact. Gripping her upper arm to keep her right there, she yearns for more. Lyra drifts from her side, the compulsion pulsating her sex harshly, her leg mounts over his lap. Straddling him thoroughly a hand roamed her back, the other keeping her neck down. Lyra suckled his mouth, broiling in his hold, humming against him. She could detect the same sandalwood aroma glossing his skin.

Still unsatisfied Lyra traces her lips from his jawline to just under. Mushing them flat lathering spots of his skin. Audric tilts his head for her, allowing better access for her to venture. His breath bulks at this dreamful reality, Audric had only been able to remember this phenomenal synergy. The thousands of times their bodies have entangled in their earlier years. His hands crinkle her dress, pressing her heat between her legs down onto his awakening need. Which only convulsed a paradoxical response, Lyra gripe shoving off from his front. He let go completely, staring on her rugged fixture. Both their shoulders rising and falling from their hasty detachment.

“Lyra.” he says, swiping his hair out of his face. “Are you alright?” he questions, looking her over. Lyra just sat still stressing over her situation.

“I’m sorry.” she sighs, sliding back onto the car seats “When I’m around you, I feel like it acts up, the imprints. I can’t think straight.” she fixes her dress on properly.

“That shouldn’t be the only reason you want to do this.” he reminds her, turning to face her. “Does it hurt?” asking sincerely, taking the matter more seriously.

Lyra nods, taking her bottom lip between her teeth. “I can never figure out how to kill it.”

“We can.” Audric tells her, brushing back a few loose strands of her hair. She places her hand along the back of his.

“I don’t know how.”

Without delay Lyra reaches for the handle, deserting the conversation all together. Audric hustled himself out to walk her to the door. She felt she had to hike the small number of steps. Her imprints pinched around the tips of her nerves. It bewildered her that it hasn’t tried extending. Reaching the platform to the door she stares at Audric. Formulating a way to break it to him that this was almost impossible. That with her imprints she wasn’t even sure that she felt was real. However when she centered onto his divining sculpted face it was spiraling all over again.

“I can’t let you wait around for something that could never happen.” she admits.

“I told you, I’m not going anywhere.” Audric asserts solid and clear, maintaining a focused stare. “Is it really the curse that is holding you back?”

Lyra dottles shakily, her eyes unfailing to leave his. She searches through him as if the answer would be in there somewhere.

“I honestly can’t tell you.”

Audric switches entirely, flipping a switch he didn’t think he’d need to ever again. As a matter of fact he was now indignant. Lyra knew him well enough to see it.

“If that is how you want to play it.” he starts “Then you’re on.”

He brushes past her back to the car. His previous proclamations had not just distilled but had detonated into a rampaging riot. He swore he would fight for her and just after a couple of days. This much was clear, Lyra Migorin was still in love with him. He will be by her side to defeat this curse that has plagued her for the last three years. All the while renewing their golden days of chase.

Fall: year two of eight- welcome to Murkwan

The ship had finally docked the shores of Crete. An abundance of Greek architecture was uphill. All illuminated by torches and guarded by centaurs. Students gathered at the threshold waiting for the orders to exit. Lyra along with her new friends were up on deck waiting. As they did Audric strolled past them second glancing her menacingly.

“I still can’t believe you stood up to him like that.” Lawan whispers onto Lyra’s shoulder. Lyra grins to her remark.

“A bully can’t always get what they want.” she retorts rolling her eyes at the remembrance of his lousy face. “Besides he’s just a silly boy.”

“Besides she’s a Migorin, no one can touch her.” Iris adds, though it felt more of a bullet to the shoulder.

“I rather not my name not define me.” she said, the implement stains her face. Her new friends see it’s legitimacy. “I just want to be your friend Lyra.”

In a girly fit they all squeal together. Conclusiving that they are now what twelve year old girls call ‘best friends forever’. A whistle allows the students to discard from the ship. Arm in arm Lyra, Lawan, and Iris walk collectively. Trudging across the white sandy beach and up the hill to Murkwan Prep. Meanwhile Lyra catches the Voltrin heir scowling at her with Agatha mewling on him as a puppy for a treat. Lyra was sure to keep him out of her way.

“At least we know the pale face won’t bother you too much.” Lawan says.

But she would never be so wrong in her life.