At the start of December, Mira decided to teach us a strange, but valuable lesson.

"As you know," she said. "Everything you learn at school will someday come in handy in the world, when you're adults. I know most of you are already familiar with the concept of Balls. It is customary for Blood Drinkers clans or families to organize at least one a year, for every special occasions. Minx and I have talked about it and we feel that it's very important for you to start practicing now. So, every 24th of December, we will hold a Ball at school. The older students already know this, and they have already taken part in at least one. As for the rest of you, don't worry. It's all just about etiquettes and dancing with your partner."

Being part of the Macbeths, I had already been at Balls my family had organized. I didn't take part yet, because I was not a trained Blood Drinker. But I was familiar with the awful amount of rules our species imposed on each other on such a gathering. The result was indeed fabulous, but sometimes the price to pay was quite barbaric. Even just in money.

"What about the partner? Does it have to be your soulmate?" Carmela asked.

Mira cringed a little bit. It wasn't for the word choice -- soulmates were real for Blood Drinkers. And, contrary to the popular belief among the most gullible of us, very hard to find.

"I don't think anybody has met their soulmates yet, if any of you," Mira said then. "You can dance with any other student. It can be someone you have a crush on, or not. It doesn't matter to us. In a regular Ball, I'd say you better go with the closest person to a soulmate you have... but Minx and I agree that it's not necessary right now."

"What's a soulmate, exactly?" Jonathan wanted to know.

"A pair of soulmates is the perfect pair," Mira said. "Romantically, platonically, and sexually. There is a bond between two soulmates that can't be broken. Even as warriors, the two can fight exceptionally well together -- or the group, in case of polyamorous relationships. Their powers are stronger than an army, when united. Since most Blood Drinkers usually care more about fighting for the greater good, than about romantic picnics... let's just say many soulmates found out about their bond while extinguishing creatures, rather than falling in love. It is, however, certain they're going to end up as lovers, for no other bond is stronger than theirs. Many heroes of the past, even before Blood Drinkers were born, shared this special link. It is present in all traditions of demon-slaying, or Creature-slaying, techniques."

Atticus, unexpectedly, raised his hand.

"Does this bond really have to be... sexual, too?" he asked, uncomfortable with the idea. "What about asexual people?"

"There's nothing wrong with being asexual, the bond can mean different things to people who don't experience sexual attraction," Mira said. "The same goes for aromantic ones."

"That sounds too good to be true," Jason said.

"Many things in life are," Minx said, rather romantically. "It doesn't mean they're not real. Who came up with the idea that good didn't exist?"

"Roman, probably," commented Aurelia, a bit flushed.

"Speaking of Roman," the Speaker said. "Do we have this mating thing, too?"

Mira chuckled, which I found a rather optimistic approach to the kid's awful humor.

"Yes," she said. "Speakers can be bound to Blood Drinkers. Or to another Speaker, but they're very rare to find nowadays, aren't they?"

"It's not like I'm in any hurry," Roman promised Mira.

I suddenly asked myself if Atticus was thinking about his brother when he had asked the question. Roman seemed likely to be asexual, to a thirteen-year-old me.

I had never given much credit to soulmates, either. I didn't know anybody who had found the one. My mother had ridiculously settled on my father, who was an asshole, and wasn't even one of us, before giving up on romance forever. And she was the most Blood Drinker-y Blood Drinker I knew. I found unrealistic that she wouldn't have traveled the world in pursue of something like that, if only to boost her own powers.

Anyway, I kept my thoughts to myself. It seemed to me rather rude to voice them, when it was obvious that Mira and Minx had found each other. I had seen them fight side by side, and they were incredibly terrifying, in a good way.

I was studying with Atticus at the library, when he said something. "Can I tell you a secret?"

I wasn't sure if I felt like keeping it, but it seemed rude to point it out, so I didn't.

"Yes, sure," I half-mouthed distractedly, so that could not pass for a much convinced response.

He didn't get the hint.

"Aurelia and I," he winced.

"You're going to the Ball together," I couldn't help but snap. Ever since Mira had told us about the stupid Ball, I had not found the courage to invite anyone.

"I mean, that's hardly a secret, isn't it?" I couldn't help but add. "I assume that's what you always do, giving you're the only official couple and all. And no offense, it's not like I don't care about your perfect life, but sometimes you got to put yourself in other people's shoes. Unless you were about to plead me to go with Roman, that would make sense. But thanks no thanks."

For a second, I glanced above my book, and I was scared by what I saw. The look on Atticus' face could only be described as murderous.

But then, he smiled sweetly. And it felt like the calm before the storm, but it meant that my friend was back into his carefree self. Or at least, I hoped so.

"You're right," he waved his hand, as if to say all trouble was forgotten. "And anyway, I stumbled upon Matias and Jason earlier. They were arguing that Athanasios had written them both a letter, saying they'd be grounded forever if they didn't find a partner for the Ball. When I approached them, Matias quickly said he had already someone in mind. So I asked Jason to go with Roman. You know, as mates."

"Do you really think so little of your brother that you think he wouldn't have found anybody else to go with?" I couldn't help but ask.

"You know it's not like that," Atticus argued. "It's just that Roman would have never asked anyone willingly, and in this way, Jason is happy too. I also promised to do some of his homework, which can't hurt."

"Wait, whose homework?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Jason's," he replied hastily. "Speakers get different homework."

"Did Matias mention the person he had in mind?" I asked him. I suddenly feared he would beat me to asking my favorite student out.

"As a matter of fact, no," Atticus reasoned. "I think he was lying, though. He looked especially green once I told Jason what I had in mind."

"Couldn't you pair him with Roman?" I asked. "He's much nicer, and he's like Roman's only friend here."

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"That would have been troublesome," he admitted. "It wouldn't be the first time that Roman would accuse me of pimping him to Matias."

I decided I didn't want to know the specifics, even though, knowing Roman, it wouldn't be this bad. He would loathe the thought of even eating an ice cream with anybody.

"Have you asked anyone?" Atticus asked me.

"Not yet," I feigned indifference. The truth was, I wanted to be the one who got asked, as humiliating as it might have sounded said out loud. That way I would know the other person really wanted to go with me, and they didn't say yes just out of pity.

"Just a heads up," he joked. "Mira and Minx usually dance together."

After we learned some dance moves, (Mira insisted we absolutely had to, and it wasn't a very big deal for me -- I'd already knew a few, anyway.) I approached Jonathan in the hall. He had been hard to spot that week. I reckoned it was because he spent a lot of time studying, practicing, engaging in social interaction, and talking to Minx Morris.

If I had to tell the truth, I was pleased about that, even if it meant we saw each other less. With the Blood Tasks coming up, it was necessary for him to give his absolute best. I just wished other students would try so hard.

Anyway, as soon as I approached him, he hastily hid something behind his back.

"Hi," I said. "What is that hideous hat you're hiding?"

I may have said something different, but I had a knack for telling the truth, sarcastic raising of the eyebrows included.

"This," he coughed. "This is a feather hat."

He showed it to me. The feather was blood red, probably dyed, and the hat was black.

"It's very fashionable where I come from," he excused himself. "Actually, it took me a while to find one here. I was hoping to wear it at the Ball."

It took me a minute to understand which would be the crueler course of action -- advise him not to wear it, against his wishes, or let him do as his heart desired, and face the consequences.

"You don't think it's cool," he scoffed.

"No, it's not like that," I tried to amend. "I just don't see why anyone would want to wear it at a Ball... or at all..."

"You're speaking of the Ball, aren't you?" Carmela said. She must have noticed us talking to each other, and came up when neither of us was watching their back.

I suddenly felt a bit feverish. What if she was here to ask somebody out?

"I already have a date," she clarified. "But, I've asked around, and I don't think either one of you does, am I right? Maybe you should just... I don't know... hook up together."

When I was about to reply something snarky, she stopped me.

"Really, Cypress? I'm only doing it for you. I know how much education means to you, and this Ball is not like any party. Mira and Minx made it clear it's also some kind of test. I seriously doubt they'll be happy if somebody comes without a partner."

"It works for me," Jonathan said. "Cypress and I are friends already."

He glared at me, though. I could figure out what that meant -- he was going to wear the hat, even if his date didn't like it.

"It's perfectly fine for me," I said.

"It works," Carmela mused. "Even for the dancing. You are not too bad, and Jonathan is good enough for two people put together."

I had to admit she was right. And that wasn't how I had planned to go to the Ball. I wanted to be asked to something like that. But it was too late for that, anyway. I wasn't one to dwell on their misfortunes, still I couldn't help but ask myself -- would anybody ever invite me out of their own free will? Was it even in the cards for me?

The night of the Ball eventually arrived. The most dashing couple, apart from Minx and Mira, was Atticus and Aurora, obviously. She was less pretty than he was, which many people would have frowned upon, but it worked for them, that she had the sharpest edges.

To counterbalance her features, she was wearing a very delicate and feminine dress, pale pink in color. Atticus was wearing a suit. It was obviously second hand, and it didn't compliment his coloring. It made me guess it was probably the only one they had in his size. He managed to look handsome anyway.

Roman trailed behind him, with no partner in sight. It almost made me feel sorry for him. Especially if Carmela was right, and this was some sort of test. His suit made him look like a scarecrow, and the trousers were too short for his legs, looking almost like Bermuda shorts. He had his wildly-panicky look in his eyes, and his movements were a bit out of place. He really looked like the whole thing was taking a toll on him, even though it was hard to understand why.

After a while, he approached Jason. So they were going to dance together. The thought almost made me sweat with second hand embarrassment.

I was still looking for Jonathan. The Ball was held outside, and I was cold. My outfit had been a mistake. I wasn't sure I was ready to be seen like that. I was wearing a shirt and a blazer, but instead of the suit trousers, I had opted for a chiffon skirt. A lot of students looked at me a bit strangely, maybe because my hair was tied up in a bun. Everything I was wearing was strictly black. It was hard to find colors that can complement a pale shade of olive skin, honey-blond hair, and violet eyes all at the same time. Black always did the trick.

"You do know that Blood Drinkers have always to be ready for battle? What if Creatures decide to come out of the shadows?" Jason asked me unkindly, as he and Roman spun lazily in my direction. Roman kept stepping on Jason's feet, and, even though he could totally be clumsy enough, I felt like almost half of the time he was doing it on purpose.

"I can kick ass in a skirt, if that's what you're asking," I replied dryly, and loud enough to get an encouraging thumbs-up from Mira, who was wearing a Victorian dress.

I suddenly saw Jonathan. He looked like he had just woken up. He must have fallen asleep while studying. The idea that this was the reason he was late made me dizzy with relief. For a second, I feared he was going to stand up on me.

"You look beautiful," he told me, startled. His voice surprised me. He hadn't said it in the way someone talk when they reach a revelation. It sounded more rehearsed, like he was waiting to tell me for a long time.

It was probably wishful thinking, but it made me feel braver.

"So are you," I said, caressing his feather hat. He really could pull it off, to hell with him and his charm.

"I thought friends could go as friends," Jason, who was still in the vicinity, complained. "I don't want to have to start flirting with a man!"

Roman froze, and flinched, but just barely. I wondered if he had been hurt. He had never seemed to me the type to care what other people thought, especially bullies like Jason.

Seeing Roman suddenly reminded me of Matias. The two spent basically every moment together, though I could not understand exactly why. I would guess they were friends, but Roman struck me as the kind of person who 'doesn't do friends'.

I searched for Matias while Jonathan and I were dancing. It took me a while, but I saw him with Carmela! That was strange. I never thought the two had anything in common. Well, neither Jason and Roman had, but Atticus had been the one to pair them up.

Matias was wearing a suit, but his shirt was unbottoned, and it wasn't tucked in in his trousers. He wore make-up, but not like Aurora would wear it, and neither like I would wear it. It was colorful, and all over his face, and it looked like a custom of his people. Maybe it was. His hair was in a mess of curls. It struck me as odd that it took me so long to notice him before.

The strangest thing about him, though, was that he wasn't dancing. He just kept going everywhere excitely, dragging a recluctant Carmela behind him. I thought I heard him saying something along the lines that he wanted to look at the stars.

Jonathan followed my gaze slowly, and so did the couple next to us. Jason and Roman, obviously. Why couldn't they move further? I knew there were only so many students, but honestly, I didn't want Jason any nearer than absolutely necessary.

To be completely honest, I wasn't sure Jason could move anymore. Roman had done anything short of knocking him out, and I wasn't sure Jason's feet still worked.

When Jason took a look at Matias, a cruel smile spread on his face.

"Look at that freak," he said, loud enough for everybody to hear.

Matias, who was holding a beautiful butterfly on the tip of his finger, turned around, startled and blushing.

A few people laughed.

That's when I heard a crack.

Roman had punched Jason right in the face, like one would do at a street-fight.

Perhaps I had been optimistic when I said he hadn't knocked him out, I thought. Not yet.

The following day, Minx interrupted the lessons to talk about what happened. I knew Roman was the one at fault here, and technically there was nothing exceptionally wrong with name-calling, but I still thought unfair that Jason could get away with bullying people like that.

"Violence is not the answer," Minx was saying. "Not on other human beings, and certainly not on fellow Blood Drinkers. We need to work as a team. You haven't seen the worst dangers life has to offer. When you do, you'll be glad to have someone you can stick together with. And you still haven't learned your full potential. When you do, I don't want any fight happening ever between any of you. IS THAT CLEAR?"

He screamed the last part a little maniacally.

I understood what he meant. Jason's Skill was Force. If he wanted to take revenge on Roman once he fully possessed it, he would reduce the other guy to a pulp.

Then Minx stormed out of the room, hands in his hair.

I had never seen him so out of it. It didn't look like the punch was the only thing on his mind.

At the end of the lesson, Mira gathered me, Jonathan, Matias, and Roman. For some reason, since Carmela had already left when the accident happened, we looked like we were the main culprits, outside of Jason.

"I just wanted you to know that I don't necessarily agree with Dominic's words," she said. "I think Jason has gone on too long bullying everybody, and he deserved to get punched for calling another kid a freak. This might be violence, but so is what he did."

We were all at a loss for words, but Jonathan recovered quickly.

He said, "I would never thought you wouldn't stand up for your soulmate!"

I was about to say that it wasn't how it worked, when Mira said something that changed my whole perspective on everything.

"But Minx and I aren't soulmates, you see," she replied bitterly.