"Hey, Khalia where are you! We're heading out!"

Khalia jumped at the loud bang on the cabin door, dropping the olive-green jeans she held. Throwing it open Caleesi wasted no time running inside. Breezing by her, she inhaled the fresh lilac coming off her. A look of bliss etched into her face.

She had pulled her honey blonde hair into a high braided ponytail. The glow on her face warmed Khalia and she felt her lips upturn. Seeing her like this reminded her of her own time as a wild teen.

"What's got you so happy?"

Walking back into her bedroom, she picked up the jeans she dropped, throwing them with the rest of her clothes on the bed. Caleesi followed, eyes enlarging at the scattered mess of clothes and shoes. In the corner she saw a small mirror with makeup scattered around it.

"Awe baby girl, do you need help getting ready for your date?"

Pushing the pile over Caleesi climbed on to her bed, giggling as Khalia huffed.

"I don't know what the plan is, but I have nothing to wear."

"I'm glad you said that! I got approved to leave for the day!"

"Meaning?"

Khalia arched a brow at the young in, picking up a baby blue top and holding it against her body.

"Meaning we can go shopping for your date! Preferably downtown."

Caleesi grinned, ignoring the tension that seized Khalia's body.

"No. Not a good idea for me. I'm being hunted by a homicidal dog with a hard on for torture."

"Girl stop! Downtown is heavily populated especially around this time. With the fireworks going, vendor booths, and shops there's no way he'd be able to scent you out. Plus, you have me."

Khalia stopped to ask what she meant then remembered what day was coming up, The Firelite Festival, an annual jamboree in Whistling where residents and tourists gather to celebrate life and freedom. A three-day event, they would be heading down during the second day.

"Caleesi listen, there's not much to the festival. Just a bunch of people getting fucked up, eating, and letting off fireworks."

"Don't forget the music, games, and shows! I've never been, and I've lived here for 10 years! I'm tired of watching online, looking at experiences when I can have my own!"

"Ah, maybe you should ask one of your friends Caleesi."

As the words hit the cool air, Khalia watched her frown, eyes taking a pitiful hue.

"But...we are friends."

She whispered it softly, but Khalia caught every word. The tears brimmed in her eyes before she could comprehend why that statement cut her deeply. A fog formed in her mind, and she felt the oh so familiar presence make herself known.

"You're so cliché."

"You should go. You've been stressed out, have you not? If I'm not mistaken, your favorite store is downtown. You used to frequent it every week. I bet they miss you."

Parasita cooed softly, a hint of amusement laced in the words. Her favorite store was indeed downtown. Problem Solved, the one stop shop for all your needs. Her last visit there was before the trip.

"Get out of my memories Parasita. I'm not in the mood for your shit right now."

Wiping her cheeks, Khalia gave Caleesi a soft smile.

"Yea, yea we are friends. As your friend, it seems wrong to ask me."

"Not according to Beta Chase! He said you'd be better because you're from there. You know the ins and outs."

Hearing his name made a growl slip. Caleesi stared in awe as Khalia's eyes became murky.

"Wait, Chase? Stick-bug Chase?"

"Oh, wow haha yes! After y'all left he handed me a approval letter. Signed and sealed by Luna Nyla! So, please come with me! Its my first approved outing alone and it'll be so much fun with you there! We'll be back before Diem realizes we're gone."

Unease stirred up in Khalia's heart listening to her.

"D-do you trust him?"

"What do you mean?"

"Caleesi, you told me that if you're under 18, you can't leave freely. You're still 17."

"Well, maybe they made an exception, with all that's going on. We might have to go to war, and this is Luna Nyla extending a courtesy. Again, it won't be long. Please?"

Clasping her hands together Caleesi shook them in front of Khalia, who stood with her arms crossed. Images of Problem Solved flashed in her mind and if she concentrated, she heard the jingle of the silver bell above the door. Parasita chuckled.

"I was too harsh back there. I promise I won't interfere. I'm interested myself in this festival. How do humans spend their time?"

Khalia pursed her lips together, then groaned loudly. Rubbing her temples, she looked up at the ceiling.

"Okay, two hours. That's it. We're back here at 8pm on the dot."

"Yay! I'll take it! Thank you! Thank you!" Caleesi threw her arms around her.

She warily smiled at her enthusiasm, nervous about what she just agreed to.

*~*~*

"Fuck."

Collapsing down at the plastic picnic table, Caleesi threw her bags a top it. The pile almost blocked her view of Khalia, who situated herself opposite of her. The black eyeliner she wore was beginning to smudge and brown beads of sweat ran down her cheeks.

They stopped to rest in one of the beer gardens and bask in the jovial atmosphere. People hustled by and the steady hum of chatter filled the area. Caleesi had been surprised at how big the festival was. Expanding over a five-block radius, sections had been devised for the various activities.

Many shops had their doors open, welcoming and beckoning tourists to enter. With street shows taking up one entire block and food vendors lined up on another. Sweet smells of food with a hint of matches and charred wood filled the air. Distance pops and rumbles echoed in the sky as fireworks went off in succession.

"It's so hot. Why aren't you sweating like me? This is unnecessary."

Chuckling at the teen who had begun fanning her face, Khalia slapped down her plate of food. Licking her lips at the two massive turkey legs and two hamburgers. Parasita drooled and yipped at the meaty sight.

"I know you're not complaining Miss I-Wanna-Go-Downtown. You're wearing a crop top sweater in the summer."

Caleesi scoffed while she grinned at her. Having chosen jean shorts and a white tank top, the weather felt perfect.

"I'm happy with the haul today! You should be too, Miss Red-Thong. Can't believe you're going to let my brother hit."

Caleesi's grin turned into a smug one as Khalia dabbed a napkin to her lips.

"I'm not going to sleep with your brother."

"Do you know how many times I've heard that?"

The deadpanned tone made Khalia cackle. Biting down on the leg, she growled when the bone cracked. Scarfing it down with a disgusting vigor. Once she worked the legs, she focused on the burgers.

"Damn girl, you hungry?"

Laughing, she raised her hand to protest but was silenced by the loud grumble in her stomach. The cavernous abyss still craving more. It travelled to Caleesi's ears, making her hoot. Rolling her eyes, she smashed one burger in three bites.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Ah no, I'm fine. It's close to two hours, we gotta go." Mumbling, she finished the other.

Glancing, another rumble erupted when she caught sight of a funnel cake. It was soon devoured by the child holding it. Caleesi followed her gaze.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"Are you sure you're not hungry? Ya know, you're not human anymore. Parasita can take down at least 5 more of those legs. I can go buy some."

"Harlot, protect her at all costs. She's the best."

"Diem is cooking later tonight so she'll be fine."

Gathering up the bags Caleesi stood, and she copied her movements. They walked out from under the tent and were soon in the street.

"Oh, Italian ice! Here, I'll meet you at the car!"

Shoving the bags in Khalia hands and tossing her the keys, Caleesi ran off to the stand a few yards away. Groaning, she shook her head. Judging by the line, she'll be waiting at least 15 mins.

Teenagers.

The car was a 5 min walk to where most fireworks were being launched. She didn't realize how intense the smells and sound would be as a Kirma. It knocked her off her feet and Caleesi had to tell people she faints randomly to keep the bystanders at bay. When she came too, Caleesi smiled coyly.

"You get use to harsh smells eventually."

That was all Parasita needed to experience to start complaining. Nevertheless, surprisingly, she kept her word. Letting Khalia order a flight of cocktails and go about normally. Her beast was truthful about her interest in human gatherings. Intently she watched the diverse groups of people co-mingle and have a grand time. Piping up to ask questions that most would find mundane.

"Why do humans wait in line? Can't you all fight for the larger portion?"

Khalia only laughed, content with helping her confusion.

"Ah, found you."

She spoke excitedly to herself, spotting Caleesi's black Impreza. Picking up the pace she faltered when she spotted a bright red neon signage. The recognizable green leaf almost blinded her. Problem Solved. Their door was open and she could see the line of people inside. Patiently waiting to browse the many floral products. When the sour aromatic fragrance wafted over, Khalia inhaled deeply.

A tickling sensation travelled along her spine, and she closed her eyes. Images of Jay and her first walking inside flooded her mind. It was their first time there. He showed vague interest while she became immediately hooked to the many items.

"No-one would know."

Parasita whispered, almost breathlessly. Looking between the car and the radiant shop, Khalia bit her bottom lip. Her cravings had been subtle, with everything going on, she barely noticed the missing bud. But, seeing it now, readily available and within reach, she couldn't help but need the delectable flower. The smoke to fill her lungs and alter her mind to a peaceful state.

"We're wasting time. I sense...wait."

Parasita alerted, waking Khalia from her deep thought. Sighing loudly, Khalia gritted her teeth before turning away from the building.

"I can't, plus I still have some at the cabin. You promised Para."

"I haven't interfered once today, and I quite enjoy the effects of the magic grass."

"Wait till you try Molly."

Khalia frowned as Parasita traversed her memories. Growling, she made sure she felt her disgust.

"You're the queen of one night with strangers I see. We'll have to skip that drug."

"We're all animals on a floating rock, get off your high horse."

Rolling her eyes she jogged to the car, pulling the keys from her pocket. A firework went off next to her. The explosion shook the window panes in the shops nearby. Impulsively she covered her ears, the bags clattering to the ground.

"Fucking shit!"

Hearing a slight ringing, she waited for it to cease, then hastily bent over to pick up the clothing that spilled. Gripping the red lace thong, Khalia's face flushed as she got a soft smile.

"He better appreciate these."

Standing, she jumped out of her skin when a hand forcefully smacked her ass and a arm snaked around her neck. Yelping she dropped the bags again and yanked at the arm. The grip only tightened and their chest vibrate from the growl they released.

"Lia-Baby, you still think of me. Such a good bitch you are."

No. No...

"T-Theo?"

*~*~*

The gasp never left her lips. Picking her up, Theo dragged her to a nearby alley. It lay in-between two brick buildings. Litter was scattered everywhere, along with cloudy puddles of garbage water. Overflowing dumpsters lined one wall, and a fence closed off the opposite direction.

Immediately when he let go, she ducked his arm and ran, only to be snatched back by her hair. The pain caused a strangled cry echo in the alley. That too was silenced when he slammed her against the wall. Inhaling loudly she groaned while Theo seized her throat. Deep in her mind, she heard whimpering and Parasita cowered in the fog she created. When her vision stopped shaking, Khalia scrutinized his face.

"Y-y-your face.."

"Ahh, do you like it? Courtesy of the worthless bitch I have at our home. You'll meet her soon."

She flinched when he leaned down. The face she had found handsome was marred with scars. His cheeks appeared sunken and hollow with the jagged marks. His eyes... she whimpered staring into them. She didn't recall him having heterochromia when they first met. Staring into the hazel pupil invoked mild recognition. The brightly bruised skin that encased it made her queasy.

"The fact that you made me travel here is aggravating. But...buying lingerie for another man? What was his name?"

"P-please...""

"Please? Are you begging me?"

She could hear the amusement in his voice. Letting go of her throat she remained tense. Between them, the tiny speckles from the field flashed, and the hair on her arms stood on end. Unlike the field, a deep burning bloomed in her chest. Theo grinned widely, burying his face into the crook of her neck. Something rough and wet gliding across the raised mark.

"Beg some more."

At that, he sucked fiercely on her scar, pulling at her tank top till they heard a satisfying rip. Whimpering she pushed at his chest. The heat from his body enclosed around her. A tarty aroma was spilling off him in droves.

"Our Fated wants us now."

Parasita spoke trance-like. Her voice, robotic yet filled with desperation. Unwillingly, Khalia moaned at his aggressive touches, and her legs spread as he eased his knee between them. Her body was betraying her, but her mind refused to be swayed. Stopping his assault on her branded skin, he growled low into her ear.

"She's calling to me. Come out, come out."

Promptly, Khalia cried out and her eyes became encased in darkness. Her hands clenched the front of his shirt, nicking his skin and drawing blood. He Pulled away from her neck, and she wanted to kiss the devilish smirk off his face.

"My Fated!"

The words were shrill, reeking of distress and excitement. Excitement of finally being able to touch what belonged to her. To finally feel whole. However, the moment was short lived when a sharp sting blasted her face. Clamping her eyes shut, she shrank at the bitter metallic fluid that spewed from her nose and mouth.

A pressure covered her neck as she realized she was being choked again. The knee between her thighs rose, and he lifted her off her feet, hoisting her up on his knee. He groaned feeling the warmth of her pussy through her shorts. Letting go of her neck, he gave her a light pat on her swelling cheek.

"Don't touch me, lest I say so."

Khalia said nothing. Parasita shook blood from her maw, stupefied by the fact that he hit her. She was his Fated, and he dared to strike her?

"Fated? Is that what she tells you? You're nothing more than a hunt. A blemish on my record of success. A human bitch that I took interest in. Fated? Not a chance. I fuck them. I mark them. I hunt them. I guess I marked you too much."

A cruel chuckle left him. Extending a hand, he held up Kahlia's bloody and trembling chin. The tears rolled, cutting through the red and the fear in her soul was undeniable. Parasita growled softly, the fog dispersing as she stepped out. Khalia whimpered when his warm lips brushed hers.

"Tsk. This can't be the same fucking slut I had screaming my name. The one who begged me to go deeper in that sweet pussy. Do you always give it up so easily?"

The fake astonishment made her shudder. Soon his tongue went back to her collarbone, where he dragged it across, nipping at her sensitive skin. She inhaled sharply when he began rubbing her clit through the jean fabric. Laughing, Khalia found the authenticity in it distressing.

"You truly are repulsive! I slaughter your friends, your brother, and you still get wet for me? You want me to fuck you right here?"

Turning, she looked away in shame. The blood dripped to the ground, a steady rhythm.

I fucking hate you. Why can't you just die? Die. Die. Die!

"Ah, you hate me Lia-Baby? Whys that? I've given you a gift. One that I'll need back."

When the hand rubbing her slipped into her waistband, then did she struggle. Quickly, he pressed against her to cease her movements.

Being in a semi-public area she was dismayed no one came to her rescue. At the opening she saw the rush of people going by. Some casted disgusted looks her way, shielding their children's eyes. Others ignored them, noticing her situation, yet choosing not to interfere. Directing wary and pitiful glances her way then shuffling away. She wondered if it was because of the energy pressure that was crushing down on her.

She was alone in this, utterly and hopelessly alone. Turning back to his prideful gaze she couldn't help the sob that escaped.

"Just, just kill me you fucking piece of shit! You ruined my life! You destroyed everything!"

"You ruined your own life!"

The grip around her airway tightened again, and her breathing stilled.

"It's your fault their dead. If you hadn't- if you hadn't looked at me. I'd have slaughtered you too."

Hearing this revelation Kahlia's brows knitted, and she wrapped her hands around his, attempting to pull him off.

"L-looked at you? You're fucking insane!"

Thinking back, she figured he must be talking about their first encounter. She did glance at him, in passing. Was he saying all of this happened, because of a glance? That their deaths, pointless in nature, were caused because she gazed at him?

"If you don't get this mangled face clown ass bitch off of you!"

Parasita's voice boomed, startling her. Her mind was clear and she felt lax now that it was gone. The grip she had on his hand increased, and the sounds of bones shifting echoed between them. Theo's eyes widened slightly as he sneered.

"Ah, is my good bitch upset?"

"You'll be upset when I kill you and fuck the Jaundice Goblin on top your corpse you batshit crazy fucker!"

Briefly she watched his head tilt at the strange name. Parasita growled and images of Diem filled her thoughts. His eyes, his smile, his beast.

"...No."

The change was swift. For a moment she was wrestling his hand off her shorts, the next he was slamming her repeatedly against the stone wall. The pain came in spurts as Parasita continued to break out, encasing Khalia's arms in fur.

"Diem! He should be dead! You both will be dead!"

Hey! Leave her alone motherfucker!"

Limply, Khalia peeked to see a group of women staring at them. Their gazes held malice and contempt, thankfully, directed at Theo. Each held shopping bags from various stores in the area, they set them down on the ground. One of them soon walked to the forefront, and Khalia couldn't help but reach a partially shifted hand out to the woman.

"M-Mavi!"

Mavi gave Khalia a brief smile before looking back at Theo. The other women gathered around her, there presence lifting the thickness in the air.

"She doesn't look to be enjoying the sick shit you're doing, so how about fucking the fuck off!"

More bystanders glanced as they passed by. A deep rumble formed in Theo's chest, and he growled at the sudden interruption. Pulling Khalia's chin up he crashed his lips onto hers, diving his tongue through parted lips and moaning into the bloody mess.

"Luck is on your side today, Lia. Can't say the same for your companion. Luckily, I enjoy playing with my food before I eat it."

With that he dropped her and ran to the fence. Jumping, he scalded it with ease, then disappeared onto the other side.

"Companion?"

Khalia panted out, trying to wrap her mind around what he was saying. The back of her head was leaking, and she winced as bones began to mend. Taking off her shirt, she pressed it against her nose. The hair on her arms receded and the clicking of heels came towards. Mavi rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright? Was that him? A horrid man."

"Ye-yes. Thank you! Thank you. Caleesi, I have to find.."

BOOM!

Another firework went off above them, showering the darkening sky with rays of colorful light. This time she didn't flinch. More so because panic clutched her heart.

"C-Caleesi!" Throwing down the shirt Khalia scrambled by Mavi and the others. Stumbling out onto the road she looked at the Impreza, seeing no one inside or around it.

"Caleesi! Fuck! Fuck!"

Sprinting, she ignored the strange looks and dodged outstretched hands. She glanced at every face that whizzed by, searching frantically for the optimistic girl.

"Caleesi!"

Her voice cracked and grew hoarse. Kahlia screamed louder, traversing the five blocks in record time, only to come up empty. She was gone.

Caleesi was missing.