Heather Graham

Heather stood on the stern of the boat, setting sail off the island. This was just too hard, the stakes just too high. Though she was saying goodbye to her photography program and possibly her chances at becoming a photographer, she just couldn’t take this place anymore. It seemed the only option to quit her job at Dark Desires, to get her shifter forms back, to avoid all the pain this island caused her. Though she would deeply miss her new friends, she knew it was for the best. 

Heather needed freedom, and this island offered her none. She held her breath, waiting for her memories to slip away as she left the island. Soon her mind would be emptied of most of her time there and she’d be spared of this hollow feeling in her chest. She looked down to her arm where she’d written one sentence that the school luckily allowed.

‘You’ll miss it, but do not go back there’

It was her way of ensuring she never returned after all this was forgo-

Heather stared out at the island. College had been okay, and she’d learned a lot from her classes and made some cool friends but it just wasn’t for her. She looked down at her arm where she’d apparently written herself a memo.

‘You’ll miss it, but do not go back there’

“Oh no! Not my dad, my Daddy! And he’s a student here. And he co-owns a club! The Crimson Clover, you’ve probably heard of it. He owns it with Miss Jude, I know you know her, right?” Ophelia giggled at the misunderstanding, but did not think much of it. “Dark Desires? That’s the place owned by Master Emmanuel, right? Did something happen?” Ophelia frowned at Heather as they walked, a look of contemplation on her features. “I think I’d have to disagree with that, Miss Heather. I think talking helps. Even if it doesn’t solve your problems right away, it’ll at lest help you feel a little better about it. When we’re burdened with our troubles and bottle them up inside, they begin to weigh heavier on our shoulders and make us feel alone. Even when we’re not.”

Heather was confused and then it hit her.... “Magnus?” She asked, a little shocked. She’d heard of Ophelia but had never really met her. She was.... just as nice as she’d been described which was surprising to Heather. “I do know Jude, and Magnus...” Oh no. Would Ophelia be mad if she found out that Heather had slept with Magnus? She bit her lip and concentrated on Ophelia’s line of questioning.

“That’s the one,” she confirmed. “And yes but.... it really doesn’t matter-” she stopped, shocked when Ophelia disagreed so whole heartedly. Her words were so confident that it rendered Heather a little speechless. 

Margeaux chuckled a little, grinning at her. “Okay okay, you’ve got yourself covered it would seem,” she said. She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s a good day to be a shifter isn’t it?”

“Well, it is for now,” she frowned. She wasn’t naive enough to think this freedom would last forever. The institute would gain control over the situation eventually and Heather would be bound to this form all over again.

“Of course! I was just heading back to my cell after spending a couple days with Daddy, I didn’t have any plans other than catching up on some reading! I’m more than happy to spend that time with you though.” Ophelia smiled again, big and warm, and continued to lead Heather towards town. She did not drink much, and being bound meant her tolerance was quite low, but she did love the airy feeling of being drunk. 

Heather gave her a response to her question, but Ophelia wrinkled her nose and squinted her eyes at the blonde. “Miss Heather, I think you’re fibbing. It’s not good to fib, you know. What’s really on your mind? I bet you’ll feel better if you talk about it.”

“Daddy? Your dad works on the island?” Heather casually asked, happy to have a companion for her drinking excursion. 

“Yes, of course. I wish I could bid on everyone, but unfortunately I am only allowed four bids. I would be honoured to put one in for you, Heather.” Luisa smiled warmly and nodded in understanding. “Alright, if you insist. But I do want you to know that I do not feel as though one person deserves to be protected any more than another. You deserve to be taken care of as well, Heather. So I will be back and put that bid in for you, okay?”

She couldn’t help but smile and relent. “Thank you,” she genuinely expressed to Luisa. From this encounter alone she knew she wouldn’t mind being rented by the woman. She seemed kind and caring, something others were deserving of but she wasn’t about to fight the offer of a safe rental week when so many dangerous ones loomed throughout the room.

Calliope had wanted a small little special treat for herself for her birthday. While she had thought of throwing a party, she decided against it as she didn’t think she knew enough for a wild party. Though, birthdays were commonly celebrated with parties and not presents at her home, she thought a small treat would be enough. She entered the bakery and bough a cupcake, requesting a candle be added on. She blew it out, making a silent wish. One finger brushed along the sweet frosting as she licked it off. Only as she turned around did she notice the other staring. “Uh oh, looks like I’ve been caught.” 

Heather was enjoying her large black coffee, nearly chugging it for sustenance when she noticed the woman with a candle and a cupcake. She watched as the woman quietly blew it out and recognized the ritual for what it was. 

Ophelia watched the woman carefully as she spoke. It seemed to her that something was amiss with the other woman, and sure enough, she admitted as much. “Oh! Well we can go for a drink if you’d like! We’ve got a couple hours before curfew, let’s go!” Ophelia looped an arm through Heather’s without waiting for a reply and started back the way she came, heading towards town. “What are you looking for a distraction from? Is it anything I can help you with?”

She was taken aback when the woman so easily changed whatever plans she had to join Heather. 

“Really?” She asked in disbelief, but Ophelia was already looking their arms and leading them to town. She was still sputtering from how sweet this woman when the question was asked.