“What did you see this time?” Are the first words out of Rosedriah’s mouth at our lesson the following morning. I don’t respond right away. Are there bags under my eyes from my lack of sleep? That’s my first thought, but then I remember Rosedriah is a witch. It shouldn’t surprise me that she just knows things.

And I know I will not be able to keep my dream from her so I tell her everything. Her brow furrows as I tell her that my dream started out different than normal. The concern on her face makes me even more anxious about my dream. I know that it is more than likely a premonition, both Rose and Caspian have said that several times. But that means I am in for an even worse time than I anticipated. The idea of being hunted down by a werewolf and a vampire fills me with dread. And even worse feeling than knowing I’ll be trapped in an inescapable burning building.

“Have you told anything about this?” The urgency in Rosedriah’s voice brings my attention back to her. She has her arms crossed as she waits for my answer.

“No. No one other than you and Caspian.”

“Good. Keep it that way. You cannot be certain someone won’t use your dreams against you.” She pauses and then says, “Remember, Pandora, premonitions are not set in stone. They are simply a telling of a future that is possible. The future can always be changed. Now, let’s get to work.”

Work is the last thing on my mind but I know it is important to learn to use my powers as much as possible. I’m not good at conjuring anything in my dreams, it took me far too long to generate heat in my hands, and even when Titus attacked me it took until it was almost too late to remember how to make an air bubble. Life and death situations? Not the best time to flounder.

With that in mind I take a deep breath, flexing my fingers. The first thing I attempt is manipulating air. While I was able to create air bubbles, and gusts of air that had been during an attack I couldn’t do anything more than that.

I hold my arms out, base of my palms pressed together and my hands cupped. The air between my hands begins to swirl, until the mini tornado becomes too big and I release it. Rosedriah takes a step back, eyes widened as the tornado grows, whipping the grass and leaves around it. There is a slight strain from trying to control the tornado but not nearly as bad as when I attempted this exact thing a week ago. 

Though I know it is risky, I slowly warm my body temperature until I can feel it concentrated in my left hand. When the heat becomes almost unbearable I shoot a fireball directly towards the still spinning tornado, setting it ablaze. 

That may have been a bit too much, though, as the entire thing dissipates almost immediately. Rosedriah lifts her arms to shield herself from the heat.  I let out a sigh, rolling my shoulders to try and alleviate some of the discomfort. 

“You are growing stronger my dear.” I follow her gaze to the palm of her hand, wincing when I see I didn’t have as much control as I would have liked.

“I’m not good at keeping it in check though.” We walk over to a small pond and I take her wrist, gently pulling her hand into the cool water. One of the first things I learned is that water has healing properties. Though I’d never had a chance to put it to use, I am pleased when the burn marks on Rosedriah’s hand begin to fade.

“You will learn to control it. You have already learned so much in so little time.” She stands, brushing her hand off on her dress. “Alright, now–”

Rosedriah stops abruptly, turning towards the castle. It doesn’t take long for that feeling of dread to settle in the pit of my stomach. The alarm bells are louder than when Adrien approaches me, and soon I see why.

Strolling toward us is Philip Visconti. I’d only seen him one other time, when Grandmother introduced me to the Council. Whatever I felt then is nothing compared to the way my stomach is churning now. Even Rosedriah looks displeased, taking a small step toward me.

“Queen Rosedriah.” Philip bows. His voice gives me the same gross feeling Adrien’s does and I force myself not to show my disgust. “Princess Pandora.”

“Philip.” I notice a slight change in his face at Rosedriah’s greeting, though it smoothes back into a cool demeanor. “What brings you all the way out here?”

“There is a matter that requires your attention. It has to do with Princess Pandora’s coronation.” He glances at me and I shift weight from one leg to the other in an attempt to keep myself from bolting. Even now I can feel the earth beneath me rumble in my struggle to keep myself grounded. Glancing at both Philip and Rosedriah tells me neither of them can feel it, though, and I let out a slow breath, willing the rumbling to stop.

Rosedriah glances at me before nodding. “Pandora, dear, we will continue next week.”

“Alright.” I watch as the two walk away, unable to shake the unease.

The rest of the week seems to fly by, and before I know it the weekend is here. That unease never fully leaves, a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Visiting with Gemma always makes me feel better, and that fact hasn’t changed now. In fact, her presence is probably more needed now than when we were back on Earth.

I am with her now, my head resting on her lap as we chat on her bed. She doesn’t seem any worse for wear, still as animated as ever despite the attack. Part of me was worried she’d be too shaken up to want company, but the exact opposite is the case. Actually I'm more concerned that she isn't more shaken up.

Ronan has all but locked her in her room, too anxious to allow her out. She doesn’t sound upset at the prospect of not being able to roam around freely. He bends over backward to make her happy, catering to whatever she wants and needs. It is clear the two have fallen in love with each other, regardless of the mate bond. 

“You guys need to hurry up and get married.” I scoff.

Gemma’s hand, which had been playing in my hair, taps me on the shoulder. She bounces her knee, urging me to sit up. As soon as I do she points to her neck. The mark isn’t easy to see right away but the second I spot it I scream, hitting Gemma on the arm. She winces, though I don’t give her a chance to say anything as I screech, “Oh my God Gemma! What? When did this happen? When is the ceremony?”

“We haven’t decided yet. We know you have a lot on your plate with your own wedding and commencement and all that, so it probably won’t be until sometime after.” 

“This is so exciting!” 

Gemma simply nods, growing quiet for a while before nudging me once more. “Also.” I drop my gaze to where she has a hand resting on her belly. The silence wanes on as I look from her hand to her face, and then back to her stomach, understanding dawning on me. “No.”

“Yes.”

“Gemma! Oh my God. When did you find out?”

“After the attack, when the pack doctor looked me over.”

“Does Ronan know?”

“No. I would never be able to leave the room.” She falls onto her back with a sigh and I follow, unable to keep myself from patting her still flat stomach. Gemma lets out a small laugh. “I want to tell him soon, I just don’t want him to freak out on me. I think…maybe at dinner. Maybe he’ll be calmer with you around.”

I snort. “Have you met Ronan?”

“You’re right.” She giggles.

I am unsure what to expect by the time dinner time rolls around but I am excited nonetheless. Even Gemma is on edge, practically shooting out of her seat when Ronan walks into the dining room. He makes a beeline to her, kissing her on the forehead. 

“Hi.” She breathes.

“Hi mate.” Ronan sits next to her.

“Hi.”

Ronan chuckles, touching a finger to her chin and kissing her. It was hard to believe Ronan couldn’t feel the nerves practically oozing from Gemma.

He looks over at me, a grin on his face. “Are you gunna move in with us, Pandora? You seem to be here an awful lot.”

“You gonna have a problem if I do? Your Alpha is my cousin you know, I think I’d be allowed to move in.”

“Hey, I’ve got no problem with you staying here. The more the merrier!” He holds up his hands when I stick my tongue out at him. His attention doesn’t stay on me for very long. The food is brought out. While my food fills up my plate, both Gemma and Ronan’s resemble mini mountains. Ronan notices as well. “You know, you’re more than welcome to stay but Gemma has picked up quite the appetite lately. There may not be enough food for you.”

“Well I am eating for two now.”

Her words are so quiet, it was easy to miss them. However, Ronan visibly freezes, staring at Gemma as if she’d suddenly sprouted two heads. I can’t help but shift when the silence wanes on for longer than I anticipated, and even Gemma seems worried. Ronan opens and closes his mouth several times, though it seems to take effort for him to mutter “wait…”

Gemma gives a hesitant smile as she reaches over to take Ronan’s hand and place it on her belly. “I’m pregnant.”

“Really?”

“Are you…” Gemma drops his hand, looking even more unsure of herself. She has always been so confident, but in this moment it's clear to see she isn’t sure whether Ronan would be happy about this news. Ronan notices as well, as a giant grin stretches across his face.

Gemma barely has time to react before Ronan’s chair is toppled over with his sudden movement, and then she is in his arms. He spins her around and she lets out a surprised squeal. “So you’re happy?”

“Happy? Of course I’m happy! My mate, you are giving me a pup!”

The excitement is contagious, and I feel a smile stretch on my face as Ronan continues to cuddle Gemma close to him. Of the two of us, I’d never imagined Gemma would be the first to have kids. Actually, her settling down at all is surprising to me. Not that I thought she’d be wild forever. But she’s barely a year older than me, and showed no signs of slowing down before we came to Sedalia. 

However, underneath the excitement, I can’t help but feel jealous. The two will more than likely have a large family. Though Gemma had been undecided about how many kids she wanted, it was easy to tell Ronan would want as many kids as she would allow. Meanwhile I was limited to just one. I knew it wasn’t either of their faults, but I couldn’t help but feel that it’s unfair.

It is an annoying feeling that’s crept on me without me realizing, and I take a small breath in an attempt to push it down. 

Ronan goes to kiss Gemma and I fake a gag. “Should I leave, then?”

Gemma slaps Ronan’s arms until he sets her back on the ground. She rushes over to me, throwing her arms around my shoulders. “Of course the auntie of our baby should celebrate with us!”

This time it’s me who squeals when I am suddenly lifted in the air. Ronan has wrapped his arms around the two of us, spinning us around. Any jealousy is now in the back of my mind listening to Gemma’s giggles and Ronan’s laughter.