If I knew my mother would pull this, I wouldn't have returned home. Just walking into the drawing-room, I knew, she sat there with a smug grin and mischievous eyes. I looked to my trusty associate, as he just smiled, walking over to my dear sweet mother and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"My Duchess Evermore, how are you?" He sat down next to her as I looked out of the window.

"I am doing beautifully, love" she smiled as I felt her eyes on my back "It would be much better if my son would pay attention to his poor mother and how are you? Dear Benny" she teased.

I swirled the whiskey in my glass and took it straight, not like others with a disgusting load of watered-down whiskey. I walked over to my mother and hugged her:

"How are you? Darling" she said dearly as I kissed her cheek and sat down in armchair front of her

"Please, mother, forget the pleasantries; you call me here, why?" I sitting back in the chair with my legs crossed.

"Oh honey, I just..." I gave her a disagreeing look when she stopped " ok, so there is this weekend party at Evan's estate and there will be a psychic there, would be lovely if you could go for me; I have business elsewhere" she smiled sweetly in order to convince me

"No" I was about to shoot out of the chair when Benjamin pinned me with his intense eyes as I sank back into my seat as he turned to my mother.

"Why do you need to see the psychic? Duchess" he asked sincerely

"well, I need to know if my husband is still around" I huffed at her answer "no, I feel him, he is still here," she said hopefully, she looked to her fingers.

"Mother that's..." I was interrupted by Ben as he gave me a casual glare.

"My dear Duchess, we will go on your behalf, you have my word" he placed his hand on his chest in oath as I rolled my eyes.

"Fine, I will go to prove a point" I stood to my feet facing my mother as I kneed at her feet, I pulled her close, forehead to forehead as I silently promised her and send my love.

I grabbed my coat and hat as I made my way to study with Benjamin behind me with a smug expression.

....

I woke up to crying, my eyes followed the sound until it settled on a figure, laying in the fetal position. She had a frizzy black mess of hair in a white tag top and black short shorts. I got off my bed walking to the figure as my hair falls like curtains around me. She suddenly looked to me, tears running down her face.

"Ethan" she whispered as she disappeared.

I looked down as I stood up moving to my rundown closet and started preparing for the day ahead. I walked into the kitchen and found Mil and Joe having a morning cup of coffee with scones. She patted a seat next to her and pour me a cup of coffee while he slides a plate with a scone on it to me.

"Morning," I said grabbing my coffee

"Morning," they said back.

We lighting eased into conversation, the ghostly cooks sat in their floating chairs; as their giggles fell on deaf ears.

"I am going into town as you know," I said looking at the ghostly figure "please inform my father of the news, I am not allowed upstairs in the morning"

"Yes we will" they smiled as I grabbed my coat and made my way out of the kitchen, after sending a few goodbyes and a thank you.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the long walk to the gate; hoping and praying farmer Brown hasn't gone by already. I came to the gate, I saw ghostly figures pasting through the quiet road; I lowered my head focusing on my shoes and putting my earphone in at a high volume. Most of these spirits could get attached and most I can't help them, they're old spirits; the reason they are still here might be hard to find or correct.

I heard the sound of a horse coming towards me and along came farmer brown, he stopped and nodded for me to jump onto the back; farmer brown has never really spoken to me but only once when he thanked for saving his son life after he was poisoned in the woods. So now we have a silent agreement, whenever he is available and I need to get somewhere he always gives me a ride. As the wind rushed by me, I couldn't help but think of home; our small old shack down by the river with mama cooking up some stew and sitting down with the ghostly figures that happened to stop by, well at the time I didn't know they were.

As we traveled along the silent muddy road I heard the sounds of the town, I quickly put my book back into my bag and prepared myself to jump off. I thanked and said goodbye to him as I quickly jump off the moving cart. I gave myself a look over, taking a step forward without looking where I was going; I came into contact with a cool satin black wall. I looked up to the massive wall of black and I was hit with the bluest eyes I have ever seen, we stared at each other for a moment; him with boring dull look while I was burdened with eager curiosity and suddenly I saw a vision of red smoke, a dark room and him in a black leather chair. When the vision ended, I was left with an image of his back walking away.

After I broke out of my strands, I walked into a little bouquet and the shop went quiet; everyone's eyes fell on me with fear, anger, and disgust. I lowered my gaze and walked towards the counter, I asked the very frightened cashier for the order; she shivered and high tailed away from me. After I finally got the few dresses because they won't give me everything and I left, I couldn't help but hear a few 'witch' 'cursed' and even some 'whores'; I ignored their insult for I have read each one's future and they don't end well.

I walked down the street into a little cozy store that looked like a dollhouse from the entrance, entering I heard the all familiar bell ringing and organ music playing; a head popped up with big googly glasses and mismatched gloves.

"Morning Gerth," I said moving forward into her tiny place.

"what are you doing coming in here?" she said moving to around the place in a rush, like a little mole in a hole.

I paid her no mind as I look through the countless dresses and accessories her humble shop offered. My eyes fell upon a black dress with a belt corset and ruffled sleeves and an off the shoulder bodice.

"how much?" I didn't even look back at her.

"I wouldn't sell to the likes of you" she hissed

I pulled out a few pounds out of my pocket and set in on her counter, then took the dress and walked out; making sure my head was cover and secure.

.....

Finally getting back, I slipped into the kitchen as my dearest stepmother was going frantic about my whereabouts.

"You said to go to collect this, so I did" handing over the dresses to her sneering fingers.

"Well you took you bloodily will time" she grabbed the clothes out of my hand and stormed out of the room.

"What is she on about now?" I said pulling my coat off and my glasses.

"Well the Duke and Sir just arrived early and poor old Ophelia was underdressed" Mil smiled as she peeled the potatoes.

"Yea like she ever dresses appropriately" Joe whispered as Mil giggled at his statement

"oh well," I shrugged and moved to my room.

I sat down at the little opening window in my room, I started writing all the possible Ethan in town and who I know of; as I was about to go out for a bit of investigation. My door slammed open and in waltz my dearest stepmother with her nose way up in the air.

"oh lovely, I guess knocking is a thing of the past," I said getting up from my chair and looking at her.

"You will do a reading tonight," she said

"I am not prepared, sorry, you said reading happening tomorrow night; I haven't gotten my stuff," I said getting ready to see father before I going out for information.

"get them" she hissed and slammed the door shut as I jumped

I exhaled moving to my coat and glasses, I pull them on as I closed my eyes; maybe its time to move on from this place. With that thought in mind, I walked out the door to my father's office; I mind far from my actions as I entered. I didn't notice the unwelcome stranger sitting in the corner of the room.

"father how are you," I said tightening the belt of my long coat when I received no answer back I looked up to my father who wasn't looking at me "well so much for pleasantries, I am going into the woods to..." I stopped at the strange feeling of eyes on me, I turn to find the blue-eyed wall I bumped into earlier that day. I gave him a once over and I knew instantly he was from wealth, this must be the Duke.

I bowed my head "sorry for the intrusion, my lord" he just stared at me with icy calculated eyes. "I thought my father would be in here" he just stared at me, silently. I turned slowly trying to tell my father with my eyes what I wanted to say.

As I turned around in the dusty old office there was a sudden crash that fills the room and sound of a motor engine, it sounded like breaking glass but I turn to where the sound occurred; a familiar ghostly figure of motorbike and its handsome rider who sat upon it in full glory. With the sound of a roaring engine and the breaking of glass, I fell to my butt as the ghostly figure prepared for a speech, no doubt.

"What is this nonsense I heard of you going into to the woods to meet the devious deceitful Deisexus?" his chest puffed out as he spilled out those words.

I stood to my feet, dusting off my butt as I walk right up to Lord Frederick "why would I go meet a demon? My lord" I said totally forgetting the stranger's presence in the room.

"it's the word around town" he jumped off his motorcycle and moving towards me.

"And you believe rumors instead of me," I said backing away from him, even though he is a mere ghost; his presence was overwhelming.

"You haven't given me a reason not to" he smirk with his deviously handsome figures. If only he wasn't, well you know.

"if you must know" I dusted myself off and look up at him "I have to do a reading and I need resources" I crossed my arms in front of me.

"I am coming with," he said getting back on the bike.

"What?" I said moving my hands up and down. When our eavesdropper decided to stand up with a big thud, I looked at him and smiled nervously; I moved to circle riding phantom "fine, see you outside" I whispered to ghostly figure with my head down.

"What is the meaning of this nonsense" The Duke moved towards me with anger

"It's a play," I said, it was the first thing to pop into head and I might have said it a bit too loudly.

"A play?" he forced the words through his teeth

"Yes, when the moment strikes and I get so much inspiration" I moved to the window as the ghostly shadow disappears with a smirk "I have to recite a few passages," I said hurriedly making my way to the door of the office, gave made father a last look.

"excuse me" the lord step forwards "we are not done speaking of this"

Before he could reach me, I was out the door; briefly walking by a tall gentleman making his way to the office.

What in the heavens was that? The girl fell to her arse, talking of demons; is this some sort of act as to prepare me for tonight's reading. To throw me off the scent of this place, despicable; they think they can play me. Ha... Well, they have another thing coming. I smiled to myself deviously as Benjamin walked into the office with a confused look on his face.

"what are you thinking about, with that smile? " Ben said moving towards the window

"Oh, nothing, just a good little actress" I chuckled disagreeable "what you looking at?" I moved my eyes too him

"your little actress" I walked up to him as we watch a black hooded figure run off into the woods as we stared at each other. "let the games begin"

....

I walked through the woods, steadily, ignoring the eyes that fell on my back, I felt a bit safer seeing that the handsome Lord walked beside me. As we walked further into the woods, I softly sang to myself; blocking out the whispers and screams because I forgot my earphones back there. I felt a familiar presence beside me that made me stop in my tracks.

"Damon" I whispered looking to my left.

"Beautiful" he sneered back, dressed in almost nothing, he stood proud; his muscles rippling and I couldn't help but bite my lip softly.

"Demon" Frederick hissed beside me

"Bastard" Damon smirk with his sharp teeth. "my love, I thought we would have some time alone"

"She will never be alone with me here" Frederick pushed in between us, puffing up his chest.

"Damon, Frederick, I don't want to be here long," I said moving on, leaving them to argue.

I just hope I get to my garden soon and why do I plant in the woods, well the creature and spirits here provide a certain effect on the plants; just as much as the enchanted soil which was blessed by shamans many years ago. They bless and guard these woods, the guardianship is passed one from generation to generation; protecting the woods but not those who wander into them.

I finally came to my patch of garden and began to take some leaves for sage, I dug up my crystals, cards and crystal ball (which I don't use as much). I grabbed some herds, aloe, etc for healing remedies and such. As I began to clean the precious stones and crystal, soft reciting chants; I felt the atmosphere change and a certain fear crept up my shoulders:

"We should leave," both Frederick and Damon said.

"Yes," I whispered getting up from my knees.

We slowly walked back, both men stood on my sides in protective mode; they lead me quickly but steadily through the woods while I tried to pick up some feathers along the way. We came to the woods line as we signed in relief

"Good, please visit soon, Ms. Melantha" he smiled. "Farewell" he bowed with respect

"farewell, sir" I mumbled with a bow and a blush.

"leave the window open for me, my love" he moved his tongue over his sharp teeth seductively.

"Goodbye, Damon," I said with attitude as I turned away, ignoring the quivering below. I heard him chuckle as he disappeared.

....

I choose the cabinet room to set up for a reading, as I smudged the room; moving in swirling circles and I sang soft chants with low reliefs. I moved candle stands, slowly lit each one around the room. I closed the curtains, ignoring the laughter coming from the dining room downstairs; finally, I started setting the table.

I lifted the thick velvet tablecloth as I laid the table, I couldn't help but tearing up; thinking about my mother and how she would prepare for clients as she softly sang to herself. I started softly humming to myself as I placed the feather and some Crystal on the old velvet tablecloth not realizing the someone walked into the room; ribbons of tears fell down my face as I heard a soft:

"Are you ok?" I turned to see a tall stranger from earlier, he must be the Duke companion.

"I quite alright, my lord" I whispered moving around the room not facing him.

"Sorry but you are crying and that's the body's sign of telling others, you are not" he moved forward with a funny smile.

"Seriously I am ok" I smiled as he lifted his eyebrow "just reminds me of my mother" the thought of my mom made subconsciously pull my hood down to cover my hair more.

"Then she is with you" he smiled gently "sorry forgive me, I am Sir Benjamin Stonewood" he bowed and offered his hand.

I was surprised at this, I literally took a step back "Melantha" he took my hand and bowed. A Sir bowed for me.

"I shall leave you then" he bowed and walked out the door.

What a strange man, I went back to smuggling the room, twirling in a circle as I felt a bit better.

I sat on my bed, preparing myself; I centered my body, mind, and soul with a calming ritual. I felt a presence at the door as I turned to look at it, there stood my Step-mother; frightened as she hated when I do this ritual for I mumbled and meditated to center my thoughts which makes my eyes roll, neck crack and genuinely just creeps her out. I nodded to her as I grabbed my coat, glasses, and glove because I was in a state of mind that with one touch, I could see and feel everything.

I walked down the hall after my Step-mother, we came to the cabinet door, she turned to me and whispered in fright and anger 'don't make a fool of this family' she turned to the door, opened it and walked in with a big fake smile.

"Duke and Sir, I present our live-in fortune teller" she glared at me as I bowed out of respect for their titles.

"Now, who wants to start the session?" she smiled at the Duke.

He sat on the couch with a glass of whiskey in his hand, ignoring the hungry eyes of Ophelia as she bends forward showing him as much of her cleavage as possible. Sir Stonewood attention was on the door, what was that all about?; then Lady Evans turned to Ophelia after that awkward silence.

"Darling, dear, would you show the Duke and Sir how to proceed?" she gestured her hand to me

"Yes of course mother" Ophelia smiled at The Duke as she stood to her feet and made her way to me as my stepmother dearest stood behind me whispering 'make it a good one as we promised'. I shook my head as Ophelia sat down in the chair in front of the desk. I moved to my seat but before I sat, I pulled over the coat and let my golden locks free; I took off my glasses and removed my gloves.

Duke stood to his feet at my sudden appearance, he moved closer to the table as I smuggled the tarot cards; twirl the sage around the cards in circles. Sir Stonewood was suddenly next to the Duke as they stood to wait to see what would happen. I placed the cards in a row across the table.

"Pick three cards" I whispered not looking up at her or the others surrounding the table.

Ophelia hands guided over the cards until she found the three she desired, as she pick them she smiled at the Duke but he was too focused on the cards. I collected the cards she didn't pick and put them to the side then I laid my hand on the first one, I turned it around; the moon:

"What does that mean?" Ophelia asked wide-eyed.

"The moon card associated with unconsciousness and illusions" I look up at her as I turned the next card, The devil. She gasped at it. "The devil card associated with addiction and materialism"

She looked down in shame as the Duke scoffed. I ignore him and flipped the last card, I smiled at Ophelia; knowing exactly what this card was. Justice.

"justice card associated with effect and cause, truth" I moved the cards closer to each other.

"Are you not going to tell us what they mean?" The Duke towered over me as I didn't even give him the satisfaction of looking at him.

"I think Ophelia knows exactly what they mean? My lord" I whispered as I put the cards back together with others.

"Please do explain to us" he hissed.

I moved my hands over the deck and pulled out the moon card "the moon and the devil card" I show them the cards "work alongside each other, you are addicted to material things in your life which makes you have illusions about you future and justice card means you know the truth" I looked up at Duke as if to say I know what I am doing.

"The truth" Ophelia whispered to herself. I grabbed her arm and pull her close as I touched her forehead

I saw Ophelia laying across a bed in nothing but black lacey lingerie, her silky brown was hair and suggestive. The Duke suddenly appeared at the end of the bed, she crawled across the bed in a seductive manner until she was standing in front of his tall form. He took a step back not acknowledging her, he opens the door and gestured for her to leave. She smiled and walk up to him, rubbing his chest as he gave a death glare; he grabbed her hand gently yet firmly as he escorted her out of the room and slammed the table in her face.

I opened my eyes and saw Ophelia in shock as she stood up and ran out of the room. I looked to the Duke as his eyes followed her out.

"Nice show," he said looking at the door "good but not perfect"

"Ha," I began smuggling the cards again "Who is next?" I whispered not to look at him.

"May I?" Sir Stonewood approached with his hand on his chest as the Duke rolled his eyes.

"Please?" I gestured to the chair as I smiled

"Should I pick a card?" he asked sincerely looking at the deck. I closed my eyes and smiled.

"No," I said looking at him as I smiled.

"You will live a fulfilling life, you will get marry...soon but you will have trails and headaches" I looked at the Duke when I said that "you will overcome them with grace and strength" I smiled at him

"Thank you, Melantha" he bowed as he moved up from his seat.

"That's a typical reading" the Duke crossed his arms.

"You want more? My lord" I said looking into Sir Stonewood eyes as he gave me apologizing smile

"Yes, actually; tell me something about him that he hasn't told anyone" he smirks at his idea.

"Very well" I looked at Sir Stonewood, I looked into his very souls which took me through all his memories then I found one.

"you past is filled with heartache" I whispered as tears formed into my eyes. "I could not share such an intimate moment"

Sir Stonewood looked taken aback by my statement, he looked at his hands then slowly moved to the furthest chair in the room. Suddenly the Duke sat down in front of me with a bored expression.

"Pick three cards" I laid the cards before us. He picks three cards. I lifted them and the blank.

"they are blank" I whispered looking at my stepmother, the Duke stood to his feet.

"You switched the cards" he pointed at me "reason you wouldn't let Sir Stonewood pick ones earlier " I shook my head.

"I assure you, Duke Evermore, this has never happened" I squeaked out because my throat felt unbearably tight.

"Try again" My step-mother hissed at me.

I nodded as I pulled out my crystal ball, I moved my hands over the ball in circle motions; I closed my eyes and mumbled a chant. "please sit again, my lord" he scoffed and sat down as I look into the ball. "Show me what I wish to seek, speak louder that cards may show; show me what I need to know" I whispered lowly.

All I could see was red smoke but nothing else. Just a deep red smoke swirling around round the globe.

"What do you see?" he asked leaning into the clear glass globe like everyone else in the room saw.

"I just deep red smoke," I said in frustration as I dropped my hands onto the table.

"Well, what the bullocks does that mean?" I heard a gasp from Step-mother as she turned away, knowing of the consequences, knowing she has heard about it before.

"It could mean a lot," I said not wanting to look into his intense eyes

"Such as?" he hissed at me

"It could mean you are in danger of torture by a higher power or passion beyond your desire," I said still looking into the ball as I literally felt the Duke roll his eyes.

"Try again" my Step-mother nudged me with her hip. I swallowed the anxiety coming from my tummy, I am gonna have to touch him but I don't want to do that. I looked up at him as moved my hands in motions; I looked into his cold blue eyes as I whispered hesitate :

"May I touch you? Duke Evermore" I shivered as the words left my mouth.

"If it helps," he said in a mocking tone, he removed his finger from his gloves as I swirled my fingers over his palms. I used one finger and touched his hand:

There was a tall figure dressed in black, a hooded coat covered his face but only his smile was seen; a sadist wide smile as he fondled with his black diamond ring. He sadist laugh could be heard bouncing from wall to wall. Then suddenly a deep red smoke circled around him and scene which made the scene change. All I heard was groans and moans, the Duke head came into view as forced his head into the space between the neck and shoulder of an olive-skinned woman but before I could see who the woman was. I started feeling utter pleasure coursing through my body, I grabbed a head with messy black hair which had his face buried into my neck; I pulled his hair as his features came into view. I froze as I reached a mind-blowing climax.

I pulled away from the table causing the cards to scatter, the candles to blow out and very confused Duke standing to his feet. I turned away from him and stepmother, I looked out of the window which was just behind the table.

"What did you see?" he asked, leaning forward with his hands on the table.

"Nothing" I whispered, I turned to my Step-mother not wanting to give him a chance to speak. "may I be excused?"

"N-" before she could finish her statement a few doors slammed closed as a gush of wind Swirled around me.

"yes, of course" she stuttered, stumbled back

I moved towards the door as the Duke grabbed my hand. "we are not done"

"Let go" there was the crash of glass as he let my hand go and turned to see where it was coming from.

I ran down to my little room, I started packing a few things; I felt a presence behind me before I could turn I heard my father voice.

"Go, my child, what you saw gave the whole house shivers" then he was gone.

I grabbed my coat, bag and I ran out of there like the devil was on my heels