3 AM. The hour where party people were first crawling into their beds, since Last Call had come and gone. Spade usually would be right with them on that crawl into the sweet hours of bliss and the comforts of a bed. This night though she was attempting to crawl ?out- of bed. Turquoise eyes squinted as she carefully lifted the heavy arm of the Irish bloke from around her body, the handful he had of her chest. Thank the gods these blokes literally slept like the dead? and snored. By the Gods did they snore!

Inch by inch she moved as skillful as a cat crawling through iron bars till a grin of triumph. Sliding on jeans and tank top that screamed out the statement ?Trust No Boy? with one look back as she pulled her hair in a loose ponytail. She swore this was going to be the last time. She needed the money and to find her sister. Not that Jinx would be so pleased but after all? Spade had put up with the B.S. for far longer then Jinx had. Sure Jinx had played the tormented frail with the life threatening illness but truth be told, Jinx was the weaker of the two- led by emotion and that fast flashing temper where Spade was tough as nails and led by instinct. It explained why the beatings were tolerated by her where she would hear hour after hour of Jinx sobbing. It just seemed so reasonable to understand the personality of the two girls when daddy dearest could try to break his two lovely daughters, why couldn?t any other man do the same?

The difference was that Jinx clung to that awareness where Spade just held men at a distance. Giving and taking what she wanted and having her fun while never getting anyone close to her heart. She learned far too early in life that it just wasn?t the way that the world worked for her. As she thumbed through the bloke?s wallet, snagging out the handful of bills and shoved them in her back pocket she had to wonder if that?s why she and Jinx had taken over their father?s ?career? as a con artist. When it came down to it once Jinx got sick though the whole dangerous duo of Jinx and Spade as con artists just went out the window. Jinx for awhile rode her angry like a woman riding the road to Hell and playing the fragile dying girl role to a T but then emotions just drifted away? and left the Fox somber and moody constantly. No spark just shadows.

It was about that time that Spade came in to her own and came out of her sister?s shadow. To arise as Social Butterfly with a coy seductive nature on her side? far from a succubus or man eater but Spade just suddenly knew how to play her cards right. Part of the risk, Part of the thrill, back in the safety of her own rented apt she slid her final payment under the door of her landlady?s room and smoothed a hand through newly dyed hair.

Fox red traded in for Raven black. Pale traded in for Goddess Gold and it seemed that finally her body had caught up with her intentions and spunky mindset as fragile form soon had found itself embraced in mouthwatering curves. Spade certainly wouldn?t complain. A tap of bright blue painted nail to her travel documents and she left the worries of Ireland far behind her?.and headed for Rhy?din.

An empty building, An empty room. A place that held so much promise and best of all it was hers to work with and manipulate. The future home of Cloud Nine. She sat on the center of the floor, already spending money to make sure that the electricity, phone, water and heat had all been set up and ready to go. Chewing on the end of her pen she went over the list of products and supplies she would need to obtain to stock the shelves. She knew there were certain items that she would want imported in.

Turquoise eyes lifted up, caught a dark corner of the room as her teeth were exposed with that mischievious grin. Ah memories. She had to wonder how her party buddy was doing after his early night black out. Chuckling quietly her gaze shifted to the side of the room. Perhaps with a little construction she could close that portion of the room off add a door and make that the adults only area for items focused on passion and giving a significant other a most memorable night.

Eyes sparkled as she rubbed her hands together before twisting her hair up into a messy bun. Stray wisps of hair tucked behind her ears. She had a lot of work today but the promise of the future and the promise of Cloud Nine just had her giddy. If the business kicked off and was successful maybe she could even expand into a full blown massage parlor and spa. Sure the place was large enough to handle a few massage stations but not enough to develop into a spa.

Carefree and without a care in the world she scooped up her notebook and tossed it on one of the shelves and darted out of the future building of Cloud Nine. With Dark on her side and endorsing her little project she didn?t think she had a thing to worry over.

It seemed like a night for celebrating. Locking the door and shoving the keys in her pocket she headed off for the Inn. Monday night meant Margaritas. She would just have to clean herself up? maybe that lil black number she just purchased with her strappy sandals.

Guess Lady Luck was on her side again? funny thing that when Jinx was so miserable. Ah well guess you had to leave the Past where it belonged. In the past and with a saunter sway of hips in her steps she took that path right on to the bliss of the present and the promise of the Future.

She?d lost track of time as her cell phone was snapped shut, hand on hip as she shoved the opposite hand through her hair. It?d been another long night for her and she hadn?t slept a wink. Wouldn?t be the first time and certainly not the last for Spade.

Fingers worked out the tension that had built in shoulders from pulling such long hours to get ~Cloud Nine~ up and running. The thought crossed her mind that maybe she needed a massage and that only left her grinning. Still she had things to look forward to? the first shipment of imported products should be coming in by the end of week and then there was Avery?s concert. The scented massage oils from Japan, the aromatherapy treatments from India, the lotions from Ireland and Egypt. So much to plan for, it was easy for Spade to get excited about the simple things as shelves being stocked because it only meant she was one step closer to opening her new business. And of course Jason had said he?d do some promotional snapshots for the place, which gave Spade all the impulse and drive she needed to get things done.

The front room had been painted a deep crimson with raven trim, black velvet curtains held by crimson cords, the interior of that room washed in a warm low glow that left it embraced in an intimate, passionate presence of a room. The massage rooms of course were closed off and held lighter, more harmonious tones to promote peace and tranquility. To Spade ~Cloud Nine~ was just a personification of her own spirit. The calm of tranquility and harmony as much as that passionate nature she seemed to ever exude. Perhaps it was all explained by who she was, but that was her secret. To everyone now, Spade was just the feisty Irish lass with a voice like honey and a sensual flair for life.

This place, this life she had made for herself so swiftly since arriving in Rhy?din was coming together and day by day it felt more like home to her. Home of a spiritual sense rather then the physical sense. Then again maybe Ireland never was home? ever since she and Jinx had been outlawed and banned from their true home ? Ireland just didn?t seem like where she had left her heart.

Turquoise fell to rest on crimson. Remembered moments where clocks would tick tock half past twelve, a memory of a whisper that such a time frame was meant for dark magic? black spirits. The panic of tears that fell like the tormented anguish of the Fair Ones sobbing in horror and protest for what had been done. The shattered sound of her sister?s screams of horror at what had been done? what Jinx had done. Iron always was a strong weapon to use against them.

So much color, rich and flowing like silk against flesh of the Fair One? One that never should have been left in such a position, or the ending result of the man that had truly loved them both. He was never Father, never Brother, never Son? but everything.

The Fair Ones were hard to kill, but not so hard for Jinx and Spade to accomplish. The memory faded as silent whisper moved Spade?s lips as a play by play of the past. ?We have done what we have had to do, my sister, Let us go? we will weave ourselves a story that will not be taken as a lie.?

A plan that would save them both rather then condemn to the Shining Court. Oh they would be judged? but they would not be punished as harshly. The Fair Ones? they couldn?t lie? for words were power, but Spade at least could find a pattern of words to weave. And Weave a Tale she did?

Saving them both even if it meant banishment to save her sister, truth be told they both were Jinxed by the Fox. That she could not lie?

Times before when things had been better. When there was a heart free to be shared and not held with lock and key. Where love was offered without question. The way of her people. Passionate souls.

"You always could inspire."

Teeth flashed, giving a smile to the Fair One that complimented. Making nicey nice for the Shadowcard of a Spade when her sister walked amongst them near as Red Queen. Lady Luck. The Fair Ones followed. Days before when Jinx was Chance, a Summer Girl.

Spade never part of Summer and never cold enough to be one of the Winter Girls. Her life ink stained in midnight spills and patterns. Alone she played as she watched them follow her sister like dogs. How her sister glowed. Spade's voice poured out like honey and cinnamon.

"When you going to make up your mind? When you going to love me as much as I do? When you going to make up your mind... 'cause things are going to change so fast..."

10:30PM WEDNESDAY

She was a livewire, vibrant as it seemed the band energy was near a tangible sensation to feed upon. Sweet as Candy with a bit of a snap. That sensation of Pop Rocks and Caffeine. Like Lightning in the Veins.

There were no thoughts of being the girl amongst the band. Never a notion of the 'groupie' ideal. If ever the notion to cross the mind or even when working her way through the crowd there'd be a flash of Spade's grin and a murmur that she was a Muse before she was disappearing away from those searching minds with a laugh that became lost in the cacophony of sound.

She was polite enough to enjoy the offering of sound of the group on before Avery's band but she was trembling like a race horse at the gate in anticipation. Soon as they came on she was letting out that wolf whistle, turquoise flicking to the side when she heard the murmurs amongst the crowd.

The single and not so single ladies sizing up the band members. Comments of who was cute, who'd they sleep with, if backstage passes were going to be handed out. One nudged her even as those first chords from Avery's guitar began to snag at her soul.

"Isn't he fantastic. Soooooooooooo Hot!" The blond girl beside her giggled with extra emphasis which made Spade question if the girl ever had known the metal scene. Spade smiled in her good natured way words getting lost in the growling dance of a guitar.

"Oh... I think I might just be his Muse."

Soon as the set began he didn't have to search much for Spade. She was right there in the crowd, spirit as wild and alive as Lightning as the music seemed to capture her.

Despite the jostling and the random comments made that Spade overheard and from time to time would comment on, her eyes never left her God of Rock. Not once.

A Masquerade. The pair stood like a mocked parody of Night and Day. It was a night that they could be in disguise and no one would know. An escape. Even a mask couldn't promise the opportunity of belonging. If her sister was the Sun then she was but a simple star compared to all that was Jacinta.

Her eyes turned to where her sister once had stood. A banner trail of lush Fox hair. The Fox mask. The ocean blue eyes. Her sister ever had been Fire and Ice.

The sisters were not marked by age, much as the Fair Ones never would be marked by age. They were the age of the Young though. Free spirited. Free to Love. Free to Live. Free to get away with everything. No strings. No rules. No regulations.

They took what they wanted of the world.

Spade watched the crowd. Expression and even Emotion shielded by the Black Swan mask worn. Like reflex those fingers twitched. Lips parting in protest but she said nothing.

They took what they wanted...

Jacinta had taken what she wanted as she always had. The Fox would grin, sky blue eyes cold as winter as she watched the Spade as she danced with the Fair One that the Spade had always watched. Even since she was small. Ever loved in secret.

Spade smiled back to the Fox. A parting bow of head as she retreated to shadows to where that piano stayed as a solemn comfort. The Black Swan mask hid the tears.

It would be the last time she cried.

They took what they wanted...

A Serenade

Nerves could be tangible, a taste in the air like fear. Just as music and a crowd that would love a band could seem electric. She walked beside him, from time to time that carefree nudge of hip against his. Smiling, laughing as she reveled in the night. In his companionship.

The promise of the night's events lingered in the back of her mind. A serenade. When she had asked him of it, she never expected him to say yes. One of those moments that they would just joke about and brush off.

Head bowed, Raven black in turquoise eyes to mask that look of suprise when he was suddenly taking a seat on the bench. It was typical and expected for a tease to come from her but it died on her lips when he began to play.

Her arms twisted around her waist, hugged herself as head craned in a raven tilt. Near avian in mannerisms for that moment, turquoise eyes so wide.

Music moved her soul. Touched her spirit. A talent was her God of Rock. Graced by a presence and a gift, a power that she near wondered on. Never questioned but it reminded her of times so long past. The talents of the spirit. The Spirit of a Man.

She watched him, standing there with a shudder of delight crawling a path along her spine when he sang. Unexpected.

Knowing she had asked but not expecting a result. The words were stolen from her. Words could not express that sensation as he sang.

Her eyes never left him. When his song came to a close she did not applaud or wolf whistle or make some teasing jest. Close of distance and her mouth brushed his own. Lingering and sweet.

No words could explain that moment. What was felt and sensed. So she did what she would do best for the day. Spade sat on the bench beside him, head resting on his shoulder as she watched the night.

Her face was cold. A strange glisten of moonlight caught in the corner of her eyes like crystals that would fall in ribbon trails.

Tears were so elusive.

Once upon a time she had lived in a world where they took what they wanted... only to find herself in a world where things were given. She would never be the same...

Judgement Day. Standing before the Court of Summer, of Winter, of Night, of Dark. Spade would not dare to raise her head. Fear to reach their eyes. Concern that her eyes might betray, that the tears might fall again.

They had weaved their story well, keeping to the truth as best could be offered without twisting in lies. Jacinta was willing to lie, to break sacred vows that bound their people. She was a Summer Girl after all, carefree to the cost of her actions. Turquoise eyes were kept lowered, fingers dancing in nervous habit as the stroking caress she might have offered on piano keys.

That Embry had approached Chance, advanced beyond her wishes and when she protested Embry took action. He was of the Night claimed after all. They would believe that. The Night claimed would take what they wanted far more then the others would. It was that moment as Chance sobbed artificial tears of anguish and broken hearts for the man she cherished above all, her promised, to attempt to steal something that was so willingly offered if only requested in the right way.

Spade?s fingers twitched. Chaotic against those invisible keys of ivory and ebony as it quenched the desire to strike her sister at that moment. It was in those moments that Chance became Jinx to Spade, and when Spade spoke out the new name the name had stuck for Jacinta.

A broken bond between sisters, broken by blood and violence and shattered trust? she could not handle it. Spade had loved Embry, would have followed him to the end of the earth to the dark depths. Would have saved him from the Wild Hunt, anything and everything for him, their kind ever were so selfish and arrogant? she could not be so.

?She Lies.?

A shocked gasp was taken by the court as Spade spoke. The Black Bird ever had been so shy and reserved, never one to raise her voice or defy the rules. Turquoise lifted then. Bold. They noted the subtle changes. The Black Bird seemingly over night had become Black Swan. The once blood and darkness streaked mane was now ensnared in oil and midnight stain. Fragile limbs had found curves that made her mouthwatering. There was a coy, calculating nature in eyes then. As if overnight to come exposed, Spade would ignore the hiss of protest from her sister. She stopped the woman with a stare.

?You are a Jinx. No longer Chance. Your name no longer belongs to you. You have defiled it. You are a Jinx.?

?And you are trouble. No more then a Spade.?

?So be it.?

Family ties easily could be severed like ribbons trimmed by scissors. The court motioned Spade forward.

?Sidonie? tell us.?

And like honey and cinnamon her voice wove that story that was nothing more then Truth. Of how Jinx took what she wanted, always had? even when the ring had spoke and bound Embry to Spade that Jinx had used and manipulated Embry into her own arms. Ever since the Masquerade, using her own gift to make Embry?s eyes see Spade rather then Jinx, That once Embry had overstepped his bounds and Jinx had tired of him that she had used the Forbidden against Embry. Taking his life, Making it look like self defense.

Spade knew better. Knew that Jinx recently had ignored all the rules that kept their courts in balance, beyond Fair Ones ? Jacinta had thought herself a goddess again. Better then them all, and to have Embry deny that to fall for shy Sidonie? that could never be allowed.

The Judgement was made. Sidonie knew she easily could have condemned her sister to death? but instead? a price to pay. Stripped of all that she was, Jacinta was cursed to be human? and diseased. Like her soul the Court had said, her body would be cursed with the sickness of her own soul.

All prices were to be paid. Spade herself forbidden to ever return. To turn her back from the court of the Fair Ones. Never to be Summer Girl or Winter Girl? creation of Night or Mistress of Dark? , no powers stripped but exiled all the same.

It could have been far worse? they knew that the loss of Embry would be enough of a punishment. A permanent burden of her soul, a savage thorn in her heart?

Empty the feeling of the darkness devouring. The murmur whispers had those turquoise eyes in panic, suspicious. Deeper drawn within, closed off to the world. A lack of the black swan mask for the ugly duckling to hide behind, raw exposure for all to see, still there was a bold face she wore with a stubborn set of jaw. Arms encircled too long legs blood red strands had been stained shadow black. She wanted nothing more to be a Shade. To be Darkness, to disappear, she flinched under their cruel inspection and the lilting laughter of their harsh words. Only a childling and she was learning how evil, cruel the world could be.

Her gaze shifted, longing in eyes as she watched Embry from her far corner. Glorious, he was all but a shining beacon like the Sun. If he was the Sun then surely her sister was a Star. Bold and beautiful, Jacinta?s laughter filled the room, infectious. Contagious as the Shining Ones crooned at the adorable nature of the older Malloy childling. Already they talked of what a lovely match Embry and Jacinta would be. Destined they would foreswear. Surely the ring would speak in favor of the pairing when the two were of age. There though were those whispers of how once that ring had fallen in the hands of Sidonie and had glowed like it had been blessed by the light of the Moon. All in the presence of Embry.

Surely the ring had been confused, surely it had not meant that Sidonie was the right choice. Surely it pulsed in intentions for Jacinta and just had the sisters confused. Jacinta had been close after all.

Bitter she was towards them, she sank deeper into the shadows. Seeking escape and solitude, a quiet place to hide and disappear. Sidonie?s eyes were born in onyx spades of untrust and wary apprehension at that moment. She covered her ears blocking out the sound of laughter, shielding her eyes from the brilliance of the Fox?s smile that touched on her sister?s lips. There was nothing but shadows when it came to the twisting nature of her name on their tongues

Sidonie was gloriously relaxed, sprawled out on her floor with her headphones on and her eyes closed. Hands behind her head as she drowned herself in music. There was something so healing about music to her, something that freed her from the memories that flooded her mind. Never again did she want to be that weak, uncertain child that shied from the sun and the stars and sought the comfort of the shadows. She had learned to embrace it all now sun, and star, and moon. Surely the shadows were still a part of her untamed spirit but they did not torment her as they used to. Easier it was now to plaster on a smile, so much easier now to laugh when she felt the urge to scream.

Those turquoise eyes closed as her thoughts drifted to Avery. She hated that awkwardness that now lingered between them, loathed it with a passion. Surely there was the thought of settling down but the notion left her shuddering with uncertainty. Embry had died because of her ? had died because of a competition between sisters ? a raw jealousy that ate away at them both. Stupid ring she wished it had never fallen in her hands. Curse the gods for that ring. It was ridiculous that a ring would mark partners and pairs anyways. It all seemed foolish. Nothing more then mumbo jumbo and love potions in her opinion that ring and the antics of her kind seemed.

Nose wrinkled as a frustrated sigh escaped her. She had loved Embry for so long and it had broken something inside of her when Jacinta had killed him. Accident or no she had to wonder just how selfish her sister was, how deep that jealousy would run. She couldn?t let that happen again. Not a chance. Not for Avery. She?d not let him be the one cursed by a Jinxed Spade.

There were rumors. There were opinions and beliefs. She could give a sod less what any of them thought. It didn?t matter a lick to Spade, pacified as the lyrics of ?Starlight? flowed through her ears and seemed to bleed into her veins. Igniting her spirit with that calm that came so infrequently anymore, Nothing else mattered right now because when it came down to it? No one really knew her at all?