12 A Month

Days dragged on with her burying herself in art and books, films occasionaly. When she paints though, she keeps a reference photo just so she wouldn't get lost and end up painting her dream boy. When she can't concentrate on arts, she turns the TV on or read romance.

There was no goblins or pixies or any more dreams. Now she doubts her sanity. What was that all about. She must have been locked up in this town too long she lost her mind.

What real is there in a man who shows himself in dreams. She must have conjured her up that night. But her canvas was gone, she was so sure she painted it.

What about the goblin and her sleeping self?

She tried to look for answers. She even went back to the dress shop but Kristine wasn't there. She went a few times to Mrs. Carter's just so she can check if pixies would show up but she only came home with books on her bag.

That morning Karl made breakfast was troubling her too. But she hasn't almost seen her brother after that. He goes before she wakes up and she almost never knew when he was home.

It was almost normal. Except for her mind. And heart.

Marco was always at the mansion as usual keeping her company. But her mind is far away.

She wanted to get out of this town, and if only she can bring tomorrow faster, just so she can prove her sanity on the next full moon, she would.

She sighed. And looked at her painting. It is her face. A girl whose eyes are questioning and sad, with orchirds surrounding her frame. Her palette a mixture of dark colors from gray to black and blue. Her flowers a deep violet hue.

*****

"Make it happen, Karl!" his Dad on the other line shouted.

"Dad, I've got my hands full here too–"

"The engagement is more important!" his Mom interrupted him.

"Portals are opening here and there Mom. We don't even know if someone has already gotten inside." He replied.

"Is there somebody new in town?" His mom answered. This is getting so tiring all at once.

"I've no word. But your daughter is not herself lately"

"Dreams?"

"None that nanny reported."

"Get it done Karl and everything will be back to normal. She must stay that way." His Dad again.

"Next week." Finished his mom. And the line went out.

Karl put his head on his hands. He should have been living normally, whatever is normal to his family.

Wizards. That's what they are. They control all magical things and creatures this planet holds. They were living in a mansion in the midst of the city until Franchesca was conceived. Then her parents were forced to create a parallel world of their house, but not in a city, rather in the heart of an island. Just to keep her there. He was to take care of her inside this world never let her out. Fake her heart into loving someone convenient for her she wouldn't look for anybody else. And that man is Marco.

Everyone else around them was here by choice, if The Order allows them here. The Order is the royals of the wizards. The 12 strongest and oldest families in their magical world. His family is one of them. Morteza's are too.

The families ought to only have 1 child. A male heir. It was a cursed destiny that brought Franchesca into the light. A prophecy that looms on the families for centuries. Never had they imagined it will be in this time, though they are never not prepared.

They just have to marry her to Marco and everything will be settled. If only these portals don't keep messing up. The other families should be keeping them from the other side, he wondered why there were still so many he has to keep from here.

He made up his mind.