~Avery's POV~
I had spent all afternoon talking to Chase and his friends. They were all really warm and welcoming, except for that Sofia girl. I was planning on talking to Amber about her and see if I could get a hang of her and her problem with me.
It was now five o'clock. I excused myself from the group and told them all that I'd meet them later at the ball and then I headed for my room to take a nap before Amber came.
I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling thinking about the conversation I had just had with the guys downstairs. Something seemed off. Like when I asked about the medical facility on the property they had all stiffened. Then Amanda quickly blurted out that this town had a few veterans and soldiers so the facility was for them. I also asked about the arena a few miles north that I saw through the windows in my room. It was right before the forest started. Again, they all stiffened before saying it was for the kids and that the town each year holds an annual "family camp" which was where families teamed up and competed against each other in different activities. It sounded really nice and cute. However, I didn't believe that they were telling me the truth. Perhaps I was just overthinking it but too many things had happened for this all to be in my head. I dismissed my thoughts and rolled over to my side and closed my eyes. It didn't take long for sleep to consume me and all thoughts drifted away.
I woke up in the woods. It was dark, quiet and a shiver swept down my spine causing my entire body to shake. The only source of light was the moon. There were woods all around me, however the place where I awoke was a patch, free of trees, only green grass that was dancing in the wind. The moon was huge, bright and utterly mesmerizing. It seemed like it was talking to me, not through words, but through feelings. I was consumed by a warm, comforting feeling.
I looked down and realized I wasn't wearing any shoes. I was dressed in nothing but a white lace gown that was completely see-through.
A sound coming from behind the trees caught my attention.
" Hello?"
"Hello!?" I didn't get a response, nor could I see anyone there.
Then, from the trees, a stunning woman emerged, dressed in a grey dress trailing on the ground. Her hair was as white as snow and her face... she was beautiful. She had a halo of silver flowers on the top of her head and she looked like a princess. Her hands were held in her front, clasped together. She approached and stopped a few feet away, looking at me with the kindest eyes I had ever seen.
" Hello, dear. My name is Alicia," the woman spoke and her voice was angelic.
" Hi," was all I could manage to say
" I know you're probably wondering what all this is?" I nodded to her question
" You see, yours is a story that's only now about to start. Everyone has their own story, with different content and different possible endings depending on the path they choose. I know you have questions my dear and I won't be able to answer them all. However one question I can answer for you is, yes, you're supposed to be where you are, you're supposed to be with James. There is a tale of a young girl whose birth will stir many emotions, a girl that will change the outlook on a world unknown to many. A girl so powerful that she will be stripped of her powers before birth. She will meet a man who will help her reach her full potential and she will become the woman she is meant to be. With a heart of gold, a soul of pure kindness and a mind of integrity, she will prevail. However, a test of all her qualities must first be done to show that she is worthy of the honor that will come her way. It will be up to her which path she chooses. She will either save the lives of those she loves or lose their love to save herself. "
" I don't really know what to do with this... so the tale is about a girl who will either be a selfish bitch or a powerful woman?"
" It is a tale about a woman who will either be overcome by darkness or be the light with which she guides her people," Alicia said with a kind smile.
" You told me that this is where I am supposed to be, why? I have this feeling that I'm not, a pit in my stomach telling me that something is wrong,"
"This feeling dear isn't about what's happening right now, but about what's to come. You are about to face a great deal of obstacles and truths, that is what your feeling is telling you. You are in your rightful place, but you must be prepared for the challenges you're about to face."
" How did you know that I had this question?" I asked realizing how I had never said it out loud.
" I'm here to you guide you, Avery. I know more than you can imagine. Your destiny is quite a special one and you're going to need help getting to the finish line."
" What is my destiny?"
" You're a special girl, Avery. Don't forget that. And also be aware of those around you. Not everyone is who they seem. Your friend could be your enemy and your enemy could be your friend. Nothing is ever as it seems. But for now, rejoice in the fact that you are surrounded by people who care about you, and have tonight. However, remember what I said, be prepared for what will come. You're about to have a very eventful evening. Until next time we meet,"
Those were her parting words before she slowly faded into thin air and she was gone. I looked up at the moon only to see how there were now patches of black covering the surface.
********************************
" WAKE UP!"
"WAKE UP, SLEEPY HEAD!"
I woke quickly to the feeling of being shaken and someone yelling my name. My attention was drawn to the intruder as I sat on the bed. It was Amber, looking at me all giddy.
" It's time to get ready for the ball!"
I looked around seeing two women who had stationed two tables with a mirror and tons of makeup on each table. They also had hair straighteners and curlers, as well as other hair products. There was a rack in the room with two black bags hanging with what I assumed were dresses inside.
" Argh... fine let's do this," I said, taking Amber's hand as she helped me up from the bed and giggled as we made our way to the tables.