People.

There were too many of them. And they were loud. I could feel the magic in my veins, itching to be released. If only I could perform a simple silencer! Unfortunately, the Test required my magic be restrained.

I’d been told that parties were natural mortal thing to do. Well, I didn’t see anything natural about it. The rubbung bodies, the bodily scretions and smells. I wanted to vomit.

“Having fun?” came a familiar voice. I turned to see Ephraim behind me, his warm dark chocolate eyes probing mine. I’d met Ephraim while unsuccessfully trying to buy a “soda pop” from a machine. He’d been unconsciously acting as my guide through this scary, disgusting world ever since.

My face contorted in response to his question. He took that as a no.

I was secretely glad for Ephraim. He didn’t need to know that evil I had to do to be beautiful. He didn’t have to be the one I sacrificed. Ephraim would be my friend in this strange place. I was happy knowing my evil would never touch him.