Locked in
1282 Words
Being locked in my bedroom suite felt like the cruelest joke. At twenty-two, trapped under house arrest by my own parents, frustration bubbled inside me. I cranked up my music, filling the room with pounding beats, and conjured a magical light show, letting swirling colors dance around. But the smoke alarms shrieked twice, sending a waterfall of water over everything. My attempts to teleport out were thwarted by my parents' binding spells.
"Ugh! I hate having magic-gifted parents!" I yelled. If they were just regular reapers, I could’ve walked right out the door. I grabbed my cell and dialed Seth, feeling a wave of relief when he answered.
"Hey, I wanted to apologize for all that drama. None of what my father said was true," I said, trying to sound upbeat.
Seth’s voice softened. "Wait, are you saying we’re not soulmates? Because I’m really into you, Leia. I miss you and wish you were here."
His words melted my heart. I told him I felt the same way, but was magically trapped in my room.
"I put a protective spell on you, so you should be safe from any reaper that comes for you," I reassured him.
"Thanks. My dad’s trying to set me up with his friend’s daughter. I really don’t want to go, but I’ll be cut off if I don’t play along," he said, frustration clear in his voice.
I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "You should know, the sprinklers in my room have soaked everything. I’m practically swimming in a puddle."
Seth’s laugh was a small relief. "Leia, she’s nowhere near as beautiful as you, and she thinks I’m a dog," he said, making me smile despite everything.
"I’ll FaceTime you during the date so it’s like you’re there with me," he offered.
Just then, my brother Alex called. I told Seth I’d text him later and switched over.
Alex’s laughter came through the phone. "Locked in your room and forgot the spell I taught you? Do you really care about this guy?"
"I’m just getting to know him. He’s human, and I was supposed to reap his soul," I admitted, feeling a pang of guilt.
"My buddy Dasher is still available," he suggested. I quickly dismissed the idea, explaining how much I disliked the dark elf.
"I cast a protection spell on Seth. I’m trying to keep him safe," I said.
"I’ll text you the escape spell. Put pillows on your bed to make it look like you’re asleep, and use an illusion spell. Good luck, little sis," he instructed.
I thanked him and waited for the message. As I lay flat on my tiny bed, I tried to think of how to avoid detection by my parents. My cell dinged with the escape spell, and I grinned as I read it. I stacked the pillows and chanted the spell. In an instant, I vanished and reappeared outside Seth’s room.
I knocked, and he opened the door a c***k, surprise written all over his face.
"My dad’s here with that girl I told you about," he whispered. I frowned, feeling out of place.
"I’ll just head back," I started to say, but the door swung open, and Seth pulled me inside.
"I didn’t mean for you to leave. Come on, say hi to my overbearing father," he urged, his eyes pleading. I took a deep breath, determined to make a good impression.
"You’re beautiful. When he saw your painting, he didn’t believe you were real," Seth said with a grin, his words easing my nerves just a little.
I smiled back, but still felt a bit awkward. "I’ll stay by your side," I promised.
We walked into the living room where his father, Kade Lockwood, and a woman named Diana Truce sat. Diana gave me a disdainful look, and Kade’s eyes wandered over me with barely concealed contempt.
"Dad, this is Leia Plath, the woman I consider my muse. Leia, this is my father, Kade, and Diana, a family friend," Seth introduced, his voice steady.
I greeted them with a smile, trying to stay composed. Kade looked nothing like Seth—he was cold and calculating. Diana dressed provocatively, and the residue around their noses suggested they were high.
"I don’t see what you find appealing about my son. He has no inheritance or stake in my businesses," Kade sneered, making me shudder.
"I don’t need anyone’s money. Marrying for wealth is outdated," I said flatly, hoping my words would defuse the tension. Kade’s scowl deepened as he grabbed Diana’s arm.
"We’re leaving. Next time, it will be for a wedding," he said, his sneer lingering. Seth shook his head and closed the door behind them.
"Sorry, he’s awful," Seth said, his voice tinged with frustration.
"They were both high," I observed, feeling a bit better about the situation.
"Probably all three. You really shook him up," Seth said with a grin, lightening the mood.
I shrugged and headed to his bedroom, collapsing on the couch. "You can have my bed. I don’t mind the couch," he offered, looking at me with concern.
I changed into some comfortable boxers and a t-shirt, and Seth’s eyes lingered for a moment. "You have no idea how hot and sexy you look, do you?" he asked, his gaze warm.
I shook my head, trying to keep it light. "Don’t be creepy like your dad," I teased, giving him a playful growl.
He wished me goodnight, and I snuggled into his bed, breathing in his comforting scent. I slept soundly, only to wake up to sunlight and an empty couch. I found a note in the kitchen.
"Leia, I had class. You can stay if you want, but let me know if you leave so I don’t worry. P.S. You snore and say cute things. Later, Seth."
I blushed, touched by his note. I left him a reply, saying I’d check in at home and would be back later. I signed it and disappeared, reappearing in my palace room just as someone knocked loudly on my door.
"I’m coming," I grumbled, opening it to find my mother, looking displeased.
"What made you think I wouldn’t recognize your brother’s spell?" she asked, her voice icy.
I looked down, feeling guilty. "He’s my soulmate, Mom. My soul feels at peace with him," I pleaded, hoping she’d understand.
My mother rubbed her eyes, looking tired. "Damon wants him reaped and will do it himself," she warned.
"I’ll lose myself if that happens," I cried out, desperation filling my voice.
"Hide him here. With our combined powers, we can make it seem like he’s not here," she suggested, her tone softening. I hugged her tightly, grateful for her help.
I texted Alex, asking for assistance to bring Seth to the reaper’s palace. He called, frustration evident in his voice.
"Your protection spell won’t work in the reaper realm. Leave him in the human world," he advised.
I explained my mother’s offer, and he chuckled. "She’s making it easier for Damon to come and take his soul. It’s a trap," he said gently. I sighed, torn between doubt and trust in my mother’s intentions.
"She knew it was your spell I used," I muttered, feeling a pang of betrayal.
He suggested tweaking the spell next time and claiming it as my own. I nodded, contemplating my next steps.
I wove a protective ward around Seth’s dorm as he walked in with Chinese takeout.
"Hope you’re hungry," he grinned, his eyes brightening at the sight of me.
"I’m glad you’re still here, Leia. I’ve been thinking about you all day," he said, his words making my heart swell.
"Likewise," I replied, feeling a rush of affection.
- Writer
