Chasing Starlight: Cassandra's Story (The Daughters of Night Chronicles) Read online

  I frowned as that eerie chill ran down my spine; my time was up. “I have to go,” I told the child quickly. “Just have faith and know that your family loves you.”

  “But—”

  “I’m sorry, but I have to go!”

  Without another word, I pulled out of the dream and returned to the Mortal Realm. A wave of vertigo struck me as my glowing wings gracefully guided me to the ground. I’d deprived the Shadow Demon of his meal, so he’d leave the boy alone.

  I looked at the sleeping figure in front of me, his body sparkling with a faint glow of magical energy. A smile played on his lips, and his body relaxed. My hand rested on the glowing pouch of Dust of Dreamers that hung at my side. With my task completed, I could return home and get some sleep. My wings unfurled, and I sailed through the dorm’s wall into the dark sky.

  Dreaming Darkly

  Chapter Three

  B UZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!

  I rolled over and shut off the alarm on my cell phone. Sunlight shone from the window, mocking me with its bright rays as I winced. When I glanced down at my screen, I realized there was a text message.

  “Cass, I enjoyed seeing you last night. I’d love to do it again whenever you’re free.

  -Michael”

  A smile formed as I fell back against the pillow and read Michael’s message. My blonde curls splayed beneath me on the pillowcase, and I ran my fingers through them as I gazed at the timestamp. His message came just a few minutes ago, meaning he was up as early as I was, and the first thing Michael did was think of me. That made my heartbeat quicken, and I threw off the covers feeling positively giddy.

  Guilt, however, tainted the feeling when I saw another message from Halle, asking how the night went. I knew she wouldn’t approve of my feelings near the end of the date and decided not to answer. Halle often said we had no business revisiting the past, and whatever passed between Michael and me was definitely that.

  I swallowed hard and responded to Michael first.

  “Hey there! I had fun last night too and would love to see you again. I’ve got school meetings all week, but I’m free in the evenings, although weekends would be best. Would you want to talk on the phone? – Cass”

  Once that was done, I buried my guilt and sent Halle a vague message telling her I had an enjoyable time, and Michael was doing well. To my surprise, however, Michael responded immediately.

  “Sounds great. I’ll call you tonight. Have a great day, Butterfly Girl.”

  A smile spread across my face and didn’t fade throughout the day. Even Alice commented on my fantastic mood as we worked together to decorate our classrooms. I floated home and reviewed my lesson plans for the following week, lost in my work for hours until my phone rang.

  I answered on the third ring without bothering to check the caller ID. “Hello?”

  “Cass? Hey, it’s Michael. Am I catching you at a bad time?”

  My smile returned when I heard his voice, and I settled back against my pillows. “No, in fact, I’m wonderful now that you’ve called,” I told him, surprised by my audacity.

  Ugh! What’s wrong with me?

  He chuckled. “Same here. I was going to call earlier but got held up at work later than I expected.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  “So, tell me about your day. I bet it was exciting,” he encouraged.

  “Busy, but great. My team is so supportive of the other new teachers and me. I think I’ll enjoy teaching there.”

  “That’s fantastic.”

  He questioned me about my classroom setup, the meetings I attended, and my coworkers. Apart from my sister and parents, no one ever made me feel so comfortable. Michael listened to me ramble like I was interesting, like he actually wanted to hear about what was going on in my life. He laughed at my jokes and encouraged me to share even the most trivial parts of my day. As our conversation continued into the evening, I found he was just as talkative. I learned about his favorite animals at the zoo: the lions and meerkats. Michael also caught me up on his family. Like Halle and me, his mother was also fae, so we shared our mixed heritage. His younger siblings had different gifts and used them in their studies. Before I knew it, midnight had arrived, and I felt the pull from the corner of my room where my flute resided.

  “Michael, I’m sorry. I have to hang up now. Duty calls.”

  “Every night?” he asked with disbelief. “When do you sleep?”

  I laughed. “Yes, every night. Don’t worry about my sleep. Part of my gift is the ability to run on very little.”

  “Alright, Butterfly Girl, if you say so. We’ll talk again soon, I promise.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  This connection, both old and familiar and new and exciting, called to me. We hung up, and I picked up my flute to find my next dreamer.

  T he next week passed in a blur of meetings and lesson planning while I tried to keep my nerves under control. Stressful as it was, I loved everything about the process. I loved the feeling of chalk on my fingers and the squeak of dry-erase markers against the whiteboard. Organizing my little library pleased me as did rearranging the pillows on the colorful, patchwork rug. I rearranged the desks several times until I was satisfied with the layout, and taped name cards to the top, so the children each had a designated spot. To make them feel at home, I put together little gift packages for each student with a freshly sharpened pencil, a ruler, and a pack of crayons, everything they needed for the first day of school.

  Every night, Halle and I would video chat and we’d talk about our days. On the last weekday before school started, she instructed me on how to relax. She knew I was a bundle of nerves before any big event, and this was as big as anything I’d ever done.

  “Tomorrow, go to the park and bring a sandwich and the paperback you keep meaning to finish,” Halle suggested. “Take time to think about something other than school. Maybe you could even go out with Samantha on Saturday night—it would be good for you.”

  I shook my head at my twin’s face on my laptop screen. Her gray eyes sparkled with excitement f wor me, and I appreciated her advice, even if I didn’t follow it. “Sam wants to go to a club, and that’s the opposite of what I need. I’ll only stress over what to wear, get freaked out by the crowds, and want to go home right away.”

  Halle rolled her eyes. “I know you hate crowds, but you’re going to be surrounded by a horde of kiddos every day. They’ll want to hug you and get as close as possible with their germy hands and noses.”

  “But they’re shorter than me and cute,” I told her, laughing. “During my student teaching, the hugs and little crowds didn’t bother me, so I’m not worried.”

  “My point is you should have fun.”

  “I have lesson plans I need to review one last time so I’m as prepared as possible. The last thing I want is to mess up on my first week.”

  “You won’t,” Halle promised. “You were made to be a teacher, and this is what you’ve been working toward for the last six years. I know you’ll be amazing.”

  I smiled at my sister’s faith in me. She was my biggest cheerleader and knew how to calm my nerves before my anxiety spiraled out of control. I took a deep breath and said, “Thanks.”

  “So,” she said casually, “are there any hot teachers you can date?”

  I wrinkled my nose at the thought of Matt Christensen. “No, but there’s this one teacher who gives me the creeps. He’s married and flirts with everyone. It’s gross.”

  “Ew. What a jerk. Anyway, maybe you’ll meet someone soon. It’s time you start dating now that you’re back in San Diego.”

  My cheeks flushed, and I hoped the splotches on my body didn’t appear. I hadn’t told Halle that Michael and I texted every day. Even though I hadn’t seen him since our last date, the way we chatted about our days recreated our comfortable and blooming friendship.

  “I, um,” I stammered. “Maybe.”

  Halle glanced away and scowled. “I hate to go, but I have to get back to
the station. Let’s talk on Sunday night.”

  “Sounds great. Love you, Halle-bear.”

  “Love you, too.”

  M onday came quicker than I thought possible. Though I took Halle’s advice and spent the weekend trying to relax when I wasn’t preparing for school, I wound up as tight as a spring the second my alarm went off.

  After I took a gloriously long, hot shower with my favorite strawberry shampoo, I skipped into my bedroom, excited as I turned my attention to my closet. I’d picked out my outfit for the first day of school and set it aside on a hanger the previous night. The top was peachy-pink, and I paired it with a loose floral skirt that flared around my knees. I slipped a comfortable pair of ballerina-style flats, then pulled my blonde curls into a loose up-do and checking my reflection in the mirror.

  Samantha was already up and brewing coffee by the time I made it to the living area. The aroma of fresh coffee grounds wafted into the hallway, so I went to the kitchen and poured myself a cup.

  “Good morning,” I chirped in a sing-song voice. “How do I look? Do I look like a real teacher?”

  She set down her mug on the table and looked over at me with a grin. “Very professional.”

  “I hope so. Honestly, I’m a little nervous.”

  “It’s just first day jitters,” she assured me. “You’re a natural, and those kids will love you. What are you doing after school?”

  I took a sip of coffee and said, “Well, I have to prepare my lessons for tomorrow, and I was thinking about going grocery shopping. Do we need anything?”

  Samantha scoffed. “No, we don’t. Honey, you’re twenty-two years old—and smoking hot—but you’re living like a middle-aged housewife who’s given up.”

  “I’m an elementary school teacher,” I reminded her. “That’s doesn’t exactly scream adventurous.”

  “That doesn’t mean you joined a convent! Who was that guy you went out with the other night? He sounded nice. Why don’t you give him and call? You could hit one of the bars in town and have fun for a change.”

  “I dunno, Sam, clubs aren’t really my thing.”

  She made a face, wrinkling her nose with disapproval, and took another sip from her mug. Her wide brown eyes screamed judgment when she looked at me, saying, “Boo, you’re no fun. I love ya, Cass, but eventually, you’re gonna have to take a chance on somebody.”

  “Alright, well, I promise to keep an open mind. Thanks for the coffee.”

  I picked my mug off the counter and took it with me to the bedroom so I could take my anxiety meds. The hateful pill container sat on my nightstand, a row of colorful plastic sections separated for the days of the week. I hated that I needed medication to keep my anxiety in check, but it was now part of my daily routine.

  I snapped the container open and choked down the collection of pills my doctor had prescribed before throwing back a mouthful of coffee to wash it down.

  There, now I can make it through my first day of classes.

  A quick glance at the clock told me that I needed to get going, so I grabbed my purse off the floor and headed for the door. I kissed Samantha on the cheek before walking outside and said, “Bye, Sam. I’ll see you tonight.”

  Samantha waved goodbye as I pulled out my keys, saying, “Good luck!”

  Grinning, I opened the door and stepped into the parking lot. I slid into the driver seat and turned the key in the ignition. I drove downtown to Canopy Oaks amidst the morning traffic with butterflies dancing in my stomach. Somehow it felt like I was back in school myself.

  I pulled my car into the faculty parking lot and turned off the car. Many other teachers arrived at the same time and made their way toward the school. I grabbed my coffee from the cup holder, then I got out of the car and walked across the lot to the main building.

  Matt Christensen grinned at me when I reached the hallway by the office. “Cassandra, nice to see you again, as always. You look well this morning.”

  I recoiled from his leering gaze as we went inside and said, “Good morning, Coach.”

  “I told you, call me Matt.”

  “Alright, Matt, it’s nice to see you too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to set up my classroom for the day.”

  “Have you thought about my offer? I could take you out for lunch?” he asked hopefully.

  “I-I…”

  Before I could respond, Megan, the receptionist, caught my attention, saying, “Excuse me, Ms. Williams, but these arrived for you ten minutes ago.”

  I turned to her with surprise and realized there was a beautiful assortment of yellow daisies sitting on her desk. My eyes widened at the sight of them, so I asked, “Those are for me?”

  She nodded as I approached and searched for the note that came along with the bouquet. I found it secured with a plastic peg and written in elegant script,

  Good luck on your first day at the new job!

  You’re going to be amazing. I can’t wait to see you again.

  ~Michael

  My smile reached from ear to ear as I read the note.

  He remembered.

  For reasons I could not explain, the simple gesture meant the world to me. I returned the note to its place and picked up the vase to bring it with me.

  “I didn’t realize you have a boyfriend,” Matt commented sourly from behind me.

  I chuckled, looking back over my shoulder as we walked into the hall. “Would that have stopped you?”

  His expression lightened. “Probably not. You’re a pretty girl, and I want to get to know you better.”

  “Sorry, Matt, but I don’t date married men.”

  His expression faded. “Clearly, you’ve been talking with Alice and got a bad opinion of me. She likes to spread gossip, even when she doesn’t know the entire story. I’ll have you know Sheryl and I are getting divorced. She moved out of the house last week. I’m just trying to pick up the pieces and move on. Does that make me a monster?”

  My eyes narrowed. I didn’t trust him, and anything he said to me from this point forward was a waste of time. “I’m sorry to hear about your wife, but today doesn’t work for me anyways—I have cafeteria duty. Maybe another time.”

  Before he could say another word, I dismissed him with a smile and turned away before he had the chance. I relished in the small victory of how I handled the situation and continued down the hall. Michael’s flowers and message gave a much-needed boost of confidence on my way to class. I didn’t need to waste time with Matt when there were people in my life supporting me.

  Alice Haywick and another teacher were already in their classrooms, setting up for the morning lesson. Alice waved as I walked into our common area and said, “Beautiful flowers! Who are they from? A special admirer perhaps?”

  I grinned and set the vase on my desk. “Just a friend.”

  Alice returned my smile as she leaned against the bookcase. “Come with me so we can catch up with the other teachers. You’re not the only one with first-day nerves.”

  After setting my purse on the chair and giving the daisies one last glance, I went with her to chat with the other faculty in our department. Connie and Marsha were friendly and kind, both happy to begin a new year. I was relieved that everyone was so welcoming. Though we’d introduced ourselves last week, we hadn’t gotten to know one another since we were busy in our own classrooms. We only had a few minutes before the bell rang, so we finished our coffees, wished each other luck, and strolled off to find our students in the yard. I guided my students to our classroom and introduced myself with a smile and a warm handshake. I directed them to their desks, pointing out their names taped across the top.

  The intercom blared with the start of morning announcements. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and listened to the important start-of-school-year business. The children were rapt with the kind of attention that only lasted the first week, so I pulled out my phone and texted Michael.

  “I got the flowers you sent. Thank you so much. They’re beautiful!”

 
He responded right away, saying, “I’m glad you like them. Have a great day. I’ll call you later this afternoon.”

  I sent Michael a smiley face emoji and slipped the phone back into my purse just in time for announcements to end. I stood up to address the class. Twenty-four smiling faces gazed up at me from their seats, and I never felt so content—I was exactly where I needed to be.

  “Good morning, children. I’m your teacher, Ms. Williams.”

  “Good morning, Ms. Williams,” they said in unison.

  “Today will be a great day. I know we’ll all do our best in our lessons, and we’ll have fun while we work.”

  They listened with curiosity as I explained our goals for the year, my expectations, and what they could expect from me. They took their new textbooks from the shelves and promised to treat them with care. Once we were set up for the day, I jumped into my planned lessons. Before I knew it, the bell for lunch rang, and the students stood up from their seats.

  “Alright, everyone, single file!”

  “Yes, Ms. Williams.”

  I walked to the front of the classroom to lead them to the cafeteria, and one boy glanced at me curiously.

  “Is something wrong, Henry?”

  His eyebrows knit together, and he shook his head. “No, Ms. Williams.”

  I nodded in confirmation and raised my hand to silence the excited chatter before walking into the hallway. Alice and her class waited patiently for us to join them, and we ushered the kids to their scheduled meal. I was so caught up in keeping them well behaved that I didn’t notice Henry still staring at me.

  He was near the end of the line, so I bent down to look him in the eye. “Hey. Rough first day of school?”

  Henry shook his head.

  “Then what is it, bud?”

  He gestured for me to come nearer, so he could whisper in my ear. “Ms. Williams, you’re glowing!”