Hester Lane was fast asleep in his apartment. Being a royal oracle afforded him room and board in the tower. He had the curtains drawn, and all the lights were off. Hester preferred darkness and silence when he slept. He rested until a noise in the corner of his room awakened him around 3 AM. Hester channeled magic the moment his eyes opened. He reached out and discovered a person sitting in the chair across from his bed. Hester knew who it was, and he sensed multiple emotions at once. He felt worry, anger, frustration, and fear, but he could also tell this person was drunk. As if to punctuate this revelation, the intruder took a loud gulp from his bottle. He knew Hester was awake.

"Your Highness, what brings you to my room so late?" Hester asked.

"I need to know," Darian said hoarsely.

"Need to know what?"

"I need to know who will kill me!" Darian yelled, making Hester jump. Hester's reaction must have made Darian recoil because Hester heard the bottle drop to the floor. He felt sure it was spilling on his carpet, but he didn't dare say anything.

"I haven't had any visions, Your Highness."

"Why not?"

"I can't make them come to me. They arrive when they're supposed to arrive."

"There is little time left. They should arrive soon."

"I'm sorry, Darian. There is nothing I can do."

"Who is he?"

"Who?"

"The Red Sparrow!"

"I don't know!"

"Perhaps it's you," Darian said, shifting quickly. Hester almost leaped out of bed and ran for the door but held firm. Part of him knew Darian wouldn't attack him.

"Of course not! We have been friends for years. Why would I want to kill you?"

"Do I deserve this?"

"No. Why would you?"

"I have done horrible things. Do you know how many people I have killed? I do what I must so others don't have to, and I damned my soul a long time ago to protect my kingdom."

"That is understandable. I'm sure you did it for the greater good."

"What if I told you I am experimenting on the skinless in the basement? Does that bother you?"

"What are you hoping to find?"

"I need to unlock their secrets. They can wield all three magic classes and heal alarmingly fast."

"That's incredible."

"Yes, but they can't control it. I need to know how to harness this ability and stabilize it."

"But why?"

"I need their power for my army—and for me," Darian said, picking the bottle up and taking another drink.

"Using it on yourself makes sense. It's dangerous, but I get it. However, I don't understand how it would affect the army. They aren't mages," Hester said.

"Every one of the infected are magical now, but many of them were normal humans beforehand. The radiation gave them magical abilities even though they don't have the mage gene."

This information shocked Hester. The ability to use magic was genetic. You couldn't make someone into a mage if they lacked the gene. Hester wanted to hear more, but Darian went silent. Hester switched on the light, making Darian hold his hand before his eyes to block the unwanted glow. "You can use their blood to make people into mages?" Hester asked.

"So far, it's only killed the animals we tested it on, but that is our hope."

"We could give this gift to the people of Endria. You could even market it and make good money for the economy," Hester laughed.

"That would be foolish. We wouldn't want everyone in the kingdom to have that power. They might rise against me. After all, the Mage Society already wants to kill me."

"Not everyone in the Mage Society wants you dead."

"You don't know that unless you had another vision while talking. I have to treat them all as suspects to be safe."

"That's a little unfair," Hester said, but he knew it was the wrong thing to say. Darian shifted quickly, making Hester fall back and smack against the headboard.

"Making me fear for my life is unfair! Once my experiments work, I won't need the Mage Society anymore! If they are plotting against me, I cannot trust any of them!"

"You can trust me, Your Highness. I swear!"

"Can I, though? How do I know you didn't make all of this up to manipulate me?" Darian asked, inching dangerously close to Hester. Hester tried to back away, but he only hit the wall. "Are you unable to have more visions, or have you not thought of any new ideas?"

"I swear I didn't make this up!"

"Then the society members are traitors, and I will treat them as such!"

"Will you arrest them all?"

"That's not enough. I can't take any chances."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you know what the penalty for treason is, Hester?"

"Perhaps you've had too much to drink, Darian," Hester said, feeling a churning in his gut. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Or not enough. Don't worry. I will spare you if you prove your loyalty."

"Spare me? What you're suggesting is insane!"

"Give me the Red Sparrow's name, and I will back off!" Darian yelled loudly enough to make Hester jump in fright.

"I don't know their name!"

"You better hope you have a vision soon," Darian said, leaving the room without another word. He didn't even close the door.

***

Shaylie entered the Mage Society library and headed for the back. She knew she would find Maya there. It was much too pretty of a day to read indoors. Shaylie only spotted a few people. However, she knew Maya. The girl loved her books. Shaylie entered a room with a high domed ceiling and discovered Maya pulling books off the shelves with telekinesis. She selected them from afar and called them toward her hand. A few floated nearby for when she needed them.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Show off," Shaylie laughed. Maya stuck out he tongue and returned to what she was doing. She had a rather large volume. Maya made it float above her palm. Shaylie guessed this was because of the weight and not for the show. As Maya continued reading, Shaylie flicked it and asked, "What's that?"

"Murphy's Treatise on Visions," Maya replied without looking up.

"Just a bit of light reading?"

"I was hoping to find out how to get rid of them."

"Did you have another vision?"

"Yes, but I don't understand it. I'm not sure I want to," Maya sighed. She closed the book and sent it to a nearby table.

"Here, sit down and tell me about it. Maybe we can figure it out together," Shaylie said as she moved to a couch and patted the cushion next to her. Maya hesitated, but she took the offer.

"I saw a tall man with glowing red eyes. He ran from someone with a small red bird in his hands."

"Who was chasing him?"

"I couldn't see who they were or make out anyone's faces except the eyes."

"What happened?"

"The men caught him. They put the bird in a cage, but the man fought. The bird's eyes glowed white, frightening the men."

"White? There aren't any white mages."

"I know, but that's what I saw. It scared me, too. The intensity and emotion almost overwhelmed me."

"Did anything in those books help?" Shaylie asked, pointing at the tomes that still floated close to them.

"No, I couldn't find anything about white magic. I don't think it exists," Maya said, closing her eyes and massaging her temples. Shaylie rubbed her back to calm her.

"Are you okay?" Shaylie asked.

"I don't want these visions. Why can't I make them stop?"

"Did you take that potion my dad suggested?"

"Yes, it helped a little, but I hate the taste. Plus, it made me groggy this morning. I bet some Tilba leaf would help, but you can't find it in Endria."

"What's that? Do you make tea with it?"

"No, you smoke it," Maya said, grinning widely.

"Yeah, we'll definitely have to get some of that," Shaylie laughed.

Maya waved her hand, and the books returned to their shelves. Shaylie watched in awe as they all settled into place effortlessly. Then she stood up and grabbed her bag. "I'm going back to the apartment to prepare for tonight."

"What's tonight?" Shaylie asked.

"I'm having dinner with Bret," Maya said. When Shaylie didn't answer, Maya turned to see her with her arms folded and eyebrows raised. "Don't give me that look. It's just a friendly dinner."

"Sure it is. Don't expect me to double-date with Jake. That's not happening."

"I didn't even suggest that," Maya smirked. This time, Shaylie stuck out her tongue at Maya.

***

Maya returned to their apartment. The decorations stood in stark contrast to each other. Maya brought Kotani furniture, but Shaylie provided the band and movie posters. Somehow, they combined to make the place feel cozy. As she entered, Maya floated her keys to the side table and headed for the bedroom. Unfortunately, intrusive thoughts filled her mind as she dressed.

"Why am I going to give this boy hope? It isn't fair. I know nothing could last even if it worked out," she thought. "Call this off now before he gets hurt." Her head hurt more than it already did. She took some painkillers, but she ignored the thoughts and resumed getting ready.

Soon, Bret arrived. He offered her a rose when she answered the door.

"Thank you. Do you usually bring flowers to a first date?" Maya asked.

"My mother raised a gentleman," Bret smiled. "And did you just call this a first date?"

"You know what I mean," Maya said, waving her hand. Bret noticed she couldn't make eye contact after saying it. When she finally looked at him, she found he offered her his arm. She took it and walked outside, but no car was waiting. "Are we driving?" Maya asked.

"No, we need a portal to get to this place," Bret said.

"Where are you taking me?" Maya asked, looking a little worried.

"There's a restaurant on Mount McIntyre called The Overlook. It's beautiful."

"Will I need a coat?"

"No, it's not that cold during this time of the year. Plus, I'll bring us right to the entrance," Bret said. He held up his hand and opened a portal. Maya saw an old log building on the other side. Warm light spilled from the window, and smoke poured from a chimney. She spotted fir trees surrounding the place and a light dusting of snow, but the temperature wasn't bad.

"This is beautiful," Maya agreed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Let's go inside," Bret said. They entered the portal, and Bret opened the restaurant's front door. The interior left Maya in awe. It looked like an old lodge. A fire burned in the fireplace. Overhead, wooden chandeliers held magical flames. They burned in different colors, giving the place a festive atmosphere. Maya even spotted the mounted head of a creature she had never seen before. She guessed it to be something native to Endria. The beast had a horn and antlers, making it a little intimidating. Bret tried not to laugh at her reaction to it. "A table for two, please," Bret said to the hostess.

"What made you choose this place?" Maya asked as they sat down.

"They serve Kotani shrimp," Bret said.

"Really?" Maya asked, beaming at him.

"Seriously. Look at the menu."

Maya picked it up and quickly found what she was looking for. "You pulled out all the stops. I'm impressed," she said.

"I wanted tonight to feel special."

"Well, I'll give you credit. You don't give up easily," Maya sighed.

"I can't help it. This may sound odd, but I felt oddly drawn to you."

"Some people think yellow mages draw people to them because of our connection to fate."

"Do you believe that's true?"

"I don't know, and I don't want ties to fate," Maya said. Her mouth twisted at the thought. The headache returned, but she tried to hide the pain. "Don't get him tangled in it, too," she thought. Maya opted for a subject change. "So, how has training been?"

"It's good. How is yours?"

"Better. That's for sure."

"I'm glad. How do your parents like it here?"

"They're slowly getting used to it."

"Do you like it here?"

"Sure, but that's enough about me. I want to know about you."

"I don't want tonight to be about me," Bret said uncomfortably.

"No, I won't answer another question until you let me ask a few," Maya replied with a stern stare.

"Okay. Fair enough. Ask away," Bret said, raising his hands in defeat.

"Are you from Endria City?"

"No, I'm originally from New Arrington."

"Really?" Maya asked, looking shocked.

"Yeah, but we got out before they dropped the bomb on it."

"Was it a nice city before the destruction?"

"It was beautiful. New Arrington wasn't as big as Endria City, but it was older, ironically enough. I liked the old-style buildings."

"I would have loved to have seen it," Maya said. The waitress arrived to take their orders before Maya could continue, but she picked up where she had left off once they had finished. "Do you have any siblings?" Maya asked.

"No, I'm an only child."

"Do your parents live in Endria City?"

"My mom does. She's a healer at the hospital."

"And your dad?" Maya asked, but she realized it was a mistake the second the question left her lips. Bret's sour reaction made Maya feel uneasy. "I'm sorry. If you don't want to talk about it..."

"It's okay," Bret said, waving his hand. "I haven't seen my dad in years. He left when I was a kid and disappeared," Bret added. She could sense the bitterness and anger in his voice, but she didn't pry further.

"He's already had enough loss. I shouldn't add onto it," Maya thought. Bret must have noticed her conflicted look because he gave her a concerned expression.

"Is everything okay?" Bret asked.

"Headache," Maya said, pointing at her head.

"We could ask the waitress if she has anything."

"It's okay. I've already taken something, but thank you."

Thankfully, the food arrived, and the conversation turned to happier matters. While they ate, music played. The sound made the flames on the chandeliers change colors to match the rhythm.

"Oh, wow!" Maya said.

"Yeah, they enchanted them. Would you like to dance?" Bret asked, offering her his hand.

Maya looked at it for a moment, but she accepted it. They moved to an open section of the floor meant for dancing. The waitress noticed and turned up the volume on the music.

"I apologize if I'm not a good dancer," Bret said.

"You're doing fine," Maya replied, but her thoughts returned. "This is getting serious. Stop it now before it's too late," she thought.

"Is your head still hurting?" Bret asked.

"No, I'm fine," Maya said, but she wasn't. The thoughts kept coming. "I shouldn't start something I can't finish. Bret doesn't deserve that. I would only set him up for heartache," she thought. She became so caught up in her worries that she didn't realize how close they were standing. Maya almost flinched as she realized she was inches away from him. She felt his breath on her face. Maya instinctively moved in but backed away at the last second, confusing Bret. "I'm so sorry," Maya said, stopping the dance and stepping back. "I can't do this."

"Did I do something wrong?" Bret asked.

"No! It's me, but I can't explain it right now. Please forgive me."

"It's okay," Bret said, moving back a few steps.

"Could you take me home?" Maya asked. She felt guilty when she saw his reaction but had to end it before it worsened.

"Yeah. Just let me pay for dinner, and we'll leave."

They didn't speak much after that. Bret brought Maya back to her apartment, and they said brief goodbyes. She hugged him, but Maya did not get too close.

***

Bret didn't understand. Confusion filled his brain as he walked into the apartment he shared with Jake. Bret threw his keys on the table. They slid across it and landed on the floor, but he left them there. Instead, Bret went to the kitchen for a beer. He found a note from Jake. It said, "I went to the Gentle Giant with Shaylie. Hope you had fun on your date."

"That sounds good right now," Bret said. He fetched his keys and went to join them.