Don’t be upset over the doors that have closed on you. There are always doors that will open for you, you just have to keep your eyes open.

Raina was confused, which was written all over her face as Akaya mentioned she had something to tell her. Did this mean that Akaya was fae? Or that she had a star inside of her heart as well? She took a sip of her tea, letting the matcha semi-bitterness coat her tongue slowly as she waited for the big reveal. Akaya sensing her nervousness, nudged her foot and tilted her head at the door.

“Don’t worry Princess, it’s nothing that you should fear.” They cleaned up their mess and left, with her leading the way since Raina didn’t have a clue what she meant. Within twenty minutes of guiding, Akaya had her pulled into a park. One that she wasn’t familiar with as she read the faded peeling of the sign.

“Everlasting.” She murmured as they got out. “Why are we here again?” Raina couldn’t recall the last time she had been to a park, and she was certain that she had never heard of this one. Akaya motioned for her to leave their valuables in the trunk and just take her keys. Akaya seemed to be excited about them being here.

“You will see!” She giggled as she motioned for her to follow her. Trusting her friend, Raina followed her into the park. It seemed deserted, as she couldn’t hear or see any children playing in the park. The park came into full view as they crossed onto the main pathway. She was curious that the park seemed to be an ode to innocence and childhood. A lot of the sculptures seemed to be whimsical and magical. Raina took note of how lush and green the park’s scenery was, along with the blossoming floral in full bloom. She didn’t realize Akaya had stopped until she bumped into her back and almost fell back.

“Watch yourself princess, you need to see this.” Akaya winked, before brushing her bangs from her pixie cut out of her eyes. “Since I know you have a star in your heart, this means you are going to be a new member of Chasm Clan.”

“Chasm?”

Raina watched her as she squatted down on the ground. They had stopped by the fountain that in the middle of the park. Akaya was running her fingers across the figurines in the fountain’s wall before stopping at the etching of a heart with a crown on top of it. Pressing it, the fountain glowed a series of colors before returning to its boring state of nothingness.

Raina turned her attention to Akaya, “Was that it? A series of flashing lights and nothing happened?” Akaya shook her head and pointed her finger ahead of them which Raina almost had to take a second take at how the scenery in front of them was warping. “Walk forward. Just trust me okay? “ Akaya pushed her forward gently with her hand on her back. Raina stumbled a bit, yet walked forward despite her nervousness at what exactly she was walking to.

The scene in front of her seemed to melt until it formed a building. Wait no, it wasn’t just one. It was several buildings that were connected. It reminded her of a university. One that was quite grand in its appearance. Raina was rooted to her spot, taking in all of it in until she was nudged by Akaya.

“Come on Princess. You’re going to be late.”

“Late for what?” Raina asked as she followed her through the pathway until they reached the main door. She caught on this place had magic in its element as she witnessed sparks and lights flickering throughout the place. Akaya grinned. “It’s not a full out invitation to the fae society until you are inducted into it.” She flicked her hands and the doors opened. “By the way, I’m a witch. I’m sure you guessed by my studying of the wiccan culture, but truly, I’m a real one. Got my fancy crystals and hexes, it’s one of the main reasons I became so close to you. To make sure you stayed underneath the radar from the faerie courts until it was your time to come into our world. Plus, you’re one of my best friends.”

It was touching that Akaya felt so protective of her. Even if right now, she felt like her world was just a heap of questions unanswered and confusion that she was still sorting through. Raina walked in and saw a few people she recognized.

Charlie and Karen were standing there , waiting for her with another man polishing his gun. As well as Haley Schmidt? She recognized another of her classmates. Short stature, inky black hair with minty blue dyed ends, always eating pocky, and always wore her boyfriend’s oversized sweatshirt. They hadn’t spoken much due to Macy’s insistence that Raina be her partner in class assignments. She really didn’t know much about Haley besides the fact they were few of the top students when it came down to intelligence.

“Raina, you made it.” Karen smiled warmly. She nodded to Akaya. “Thank you Akaya for bringing her here safe and sound. No trouble? “ Akaya shook her head as she went to go relax on the couch there. Charlie cleared his throat. “ It’s time to bring your transformation full circle. I believe you have known Klaus’s daughter Haley for some time?” The man polishing his gun waved. “Klaus Schidmit, at your service. Former soldier, trainer alongside Charlie, lover of guns and-“

“An alcoholic.” Charlie deadpanned. “He collects liquors and weapons. Probably has a bigger arsenal than both faerie courts combined. “ Klaus laughed in response to Charlie’s interjection in his introduction to Raina. Raina nodded politely, and looked unsure before Haley spoke.

“He means well. My dad, as intimidating as he looks with Charlie, they’re really just bears.” She smiled brightly, seeing how uneasy she was feeling. Haley knew Raina only because Charlie mentioned that she was a bearer of a star and would be the leader she would be answering to. Frankly, she once thought Raina was a bitch upon first impression, but then realized that it only seemed that way because Raina would have this look of intense focus, or if she was unimpressed with something, her expression would look bitchy. According to Akaya, Raina wasn’t one like Macy. Raina was kind, a smartass, and would go out of her way to make people happy. Something that she could identify with, even though the thought of Macy gave an urge to smack her.

Hopefully since Raina was becoming one of them and would separate herself from the antics of Macy, they could be friends.

“Hey now, Charlie and your old man were bad ass in our days in our youth.” Klaus laughed, rolling up his sleeves to show his tatted-up arms. “Seriously though, you shouldn’t be afraid of us young one.” He redirected his attention to Raina. “We’re the ones who are on your side.

Karen motioned for her to step forward, holding her by the shoulders to inspect her. “Hmm, your star still hasn’t completely fused with your heart. No matter, you are still within the forty-eight-hour range, and we have kept you out of the sight of the faerie courts.” Seeing Raina’s confused expression, Karen explained as she directed her attention to the air before her. “Akaya, a little help?”

“There are two courts when it comes to fae society. Seelie court which is typically representative of light and known as Phoenix. The other court is Unseelie, representative of dark and known as Dragon. Typically, fae who have aligned themselves with the court of their choice, wears their mark. “Akaya supplied helpfully. “Before you ask, we are neither. We have chosen to be a part of something else. Hence why each of us has a different mark, yours will come when you are fully transformed in being a siren.” Akaya showed her mark which was a pentagram on fire on her wrist. Charlie’s mark was of course an eye on his hand, the one he had shown to her a few days ago. She didn’t get to see the others’ marks on them.

Charlie jumped into the conversation. “We’re the Chasm Clan. We’re the difference when it comes to opinion, interests, or loyalty. We keep both courts in check, as well as keeping mortals safe from the mischievous workings of our society. You’re the newest member as of today, but you need to be inducted.”

“It’s nothing too embarrassing. We don’t haze.” Haley pointed out. “If anything, it’s just part of the traditions and rituals to make sure that you are fully transformed.” The shorter girl pointed her down the hallway. “It’s time for a cleanse. Forget your old life as mortal because you’re becoming someone else new. Someone better.” Raina swallowed back the hard lump that was building up in her throat. She was thinking about Easton, and what he was doing. If he had any part in this, was this the reason he broke up with her? Because she wasn’t fae?

She had no time to process it as Karen led her to the room where it was a fancy room. The room was enough to be a master suite. The room was rose gold and white marble with a large pond that was supposed to be the tub, a harp in the room, assorted soaps with oils, and soft fairy lights strung out in the tub. It was a luxurious room, almost like a fairy tale and she was its princess.

Karen murmured a few words and the water glowed a soft peachy hue. “You should soak and cleanse yourself of whatever has been troubling you. Once you have been cleansed, we will begin the process. Feel free to use whatever fragrances or soaps you want. Holler if you need anything.”

Karen left Raina alone with her thoughts. She slowly shed her clothes, a little wary of her surroundings. This was still all so new to her, still processing the fact that she was becoming a siren. All her questions were still there, swirling in her mind.

What was a siren?

What did this star really mean?

What would her life be like now?

What was she going to have to give up in order to be mastering her abilities?

Raina sunk herself into the water, trying to ease herself into relaxing. The tub was deep enough for her to dive into, but she settled for sitting on the stairs. The water was warm and somehow even though it was glowing, it felt calming as she sunk to her shoulders in the water.

Maybe this was for the best? To accept the new change in her even she didn’t completely understand it herself. Pulling her hands up, she inspected them. No scales or anything fish like appeared. What would her transformation look like? A mermaid tail maybe? She really didn’t know anything about the fae society besides what she had learned over the past few days. Letting her hands sink back into the water, Raina let her thoughts do the same.

“So, Charlie, I am going to just bite the bullet here and guess the reason you wanted me here was to recruit my daughter no?” Klaus inspected his gun before holstering it securely. “ I mean you do have good taste, but for my fatherly pride, tell me why again.” Haley rolled her eyes at her father. She knew he could be a bit overbearing, but meant well. After all she was-

“ Top ranked in her research class, has impressive knowledge of weapons, and a notable ability to hack. “Charlie gave a dry response, although there was a hint of a smile. “If anyone is going to help behind the scenes, my choice is her. I have seen your work Haley. My favorite would be the flashing smoke bombs you made. Gave Karen a fright.” This earned him a light-hearted smack from his wife.

“And she gets it all from her old man.” Klaus was a bit misty-eyed as he slapped his knee. “ She is like the son I never had, but rolled into a badass daughter.” Haley patted him on his arm softly before turning to Charlie. “I accept the role, as long as I get my own lab.”

Charlie laughed. “Of course. If anything, I have designed the perfect workplace for the Chasm Clan. You do have your own lab, and I do have the dorms set for you all.” The man admitted. “Klaus and Karen helped me design the place. My favorite is the Dome, where all of your training will take place. “

“Training?”

Raina appeared, wrapped in a silk robe. She didn’t notice their jaws dropped until she looked at Akaya.

“Um…why are you staring at me like that?”

“Raina, you need to look in the mirror at yourself.”