As I watched them, I thought about how things changed since my mom became the vampire queen. Originally, male vampires were all hunters or drones who travelled into the human realm to mark possible future bodies for the vampire queen. Sharra gave them a portion of her magic so they could walk in the sunlight. They could only be killed by removing the heart. With female vampires or workers, they could be killed more easily by either the sun or a stake through the heart. But since my mom came into power, she gave every vampire some of her blood. Now a portion of her magic flowed through each of them. Male and female. There were no more hunters, except Christopher. There haven't been for a long while. With that magic came some additional changes. Like the fact that killing a vampire now required their heart be ripped from their chest. It was gruesome, but fact. As an original, no one knows how to kill me or even if I can be killed. Like the old originals, I came right from the seven mag

School was more of the same. Except Jon seemed to have grown an overabundance of nose hair during the night. I secretly high-fived my best friend. "Good one," I said, remembering Abrea promised to do something to him. After classes were done, I went to my rooms and changed into a teal gown with Zenny's help. Rushing as quickly as a princess was allowed, I made it to the meeting just in time, sliding into the seat next to my mom. She looked over disapprovingly since I was supposed to be early, but whatever. At the moment, I was doing my best not to fall asleep. The troll leader, Geth had a rather monotone voice. "We will continue to supply blood for the princess as you ordered, but we want more land," Geth growled.We were all seated around a large round table in the Great Hall. A glittering chandelier hung above giving off an ambient glow. The room was lined in gilded wood and pictures of previous royalty from the seven magics hung precisely along the walls. I admired the newes

I stepped away, crossing my arms. "I've been coming here for years. Why didn't you reveal yourself before?"He looked away. "I enjoyed listening to you and the pixilette, Abrea, talk. Sometimes I get a little lonely."The idea that Laeddin, a strong and handsome man, felt the way I did immediately softened my heart. "Don't you have any friends?"He looked at me, his eyes sad. "I'm not allowed to leave until such time as my master requests it.""Oh, and who's your master?" My heart began to beat rapidly. "You are, Jasmine." He came over and took both of my hands in his. "I am yours to command.""You are?" For some reason that made my heart speed up and my face get hot. I tried to pull away, but he held me fast. "Yes. And I can grant you three wishes." His eyes flickered to my lips. "Nearly anything you want." "Really?" My mind whirled out of control at the possibilities. Most of my wishes were selfish. "I can ask for anything?""Well, sure. Anything within reason."I wanted to snort.

I gave an exasperated sigh. "I like you too. But if you knew anything about genies, you'd know we can't consider ourselves equal when one does the wishing." He pointed at me. "And the other," he smacked a hand against his chest, "must grant it."I went to the bar stool and slumped over, resting my head in my hands. "Why should you be my servant - " I shrugged. "Or whatever, if I didn't call upon you - or something." It was confusing. "Wasn't I supposed to rub a lamp? Where is your lamp?"Laeddin sat beside me. "The cave you and Abrea often visited. That was the inside of my lamp. Basically from the moment you found it, I've been your servant. I was just worried about showing myself to you too soon. "Why me and not Abrea?""Simple. You brought Abrea into the cave. You found the cave. It's been you for a long time.""Oh," I said, lifting my head and looking at him. "And I shouldn't wish to no longer be a vampire?"He shook his head, a strange emotion flitting across his face. "No, plea

On Monday morning, I woke with a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling in my belly. The sun was just starting to rise, and my first inclination was to fly because Abrea would be waiting at my window. Except she wouldn't be this morning. My emotions floated to the surface. I needed Abrea. She was my friend. Before I got out of bed, I took a moment to really enjoy laying on my back. It was heavenly. Finally, I jumped out of bed and ran to the window, pushing it open. Birds chirped their song. Small animals rummaged in the trees that lined the back yard. A deer lifted its head and bounded away. My throat burned at the sight of the doe. I needed blood. At this point, it was beyond bad. More than a week since my last breakfast, I couldn't ignore my hunger any longer. "Where's a unicorn when you need one?" I whispered fiercely, turning from the window, surprised by how sad I felt. I missed my best friend. Having Laeddin was great, but I had to be careful of my attraction to