Sophia's POVIt was well into the night when Kairi left via shadow travel. By then everyone but Ethan and Fiona got home to see Kairi in the living room. We filled her in on all of it, how I found out about her, about Witches, Werewolves, Vampires and the bance of the town. She was shaken up about killing Francis and I honestly didn't know how to help her. Come to think of it I don't really know how I got over the guy I killed but on the bright side Kairi can now come and go anytime she wants and with that shadow travel thing she does no one would even know. As I id down looking at my ceiling I wondered if I told the girls what would their reactions be. Would they fear me, hate me or be cool with it? Just then my phone beeped, it was a message from Kairi:"I love you my Princess, sweet dreams (mostly about me) you have a big day tomorrow. See you then.""Sweet dream Kai. Love you more my Empress."And with that I drifted off to sleep.I woke up the next morning to my Mom knocking on my door, "Soph it's time to get up, we have lots to do." I got out of bed with a sigh but a happy sigh. Today was my day, my Quincea?era. I'm not a self centered person but the fact that today I get to be pampered and treated as a princess made me feel giddy. Not to mention my family members from Colombia, Mexico and Brazil are coming to celebrate and with gifts..... Life was just good right now. I walked out of my room in my PJs downstairs to the kitchen to hear Mom on the phone with who sounded like Kairi's mother. "Yes Shanai, the banquet hall. Get her there for her dress fitting, hair and makeup. Yea we'll be there by 12 so it will begin at 12:30. Ok see you all there." I got to the table and started piling on food on my pte, some ham, bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, chicken nuggets. Like seriously it was full on feast and it was just breakfast but to be fair it is a house was six werewolves. Since I triggered my curse I realized I've been eating mostly meat maybe it's a wolf thing but I'm not compining I can eat all I want and don't have to worry about gaining weight unless I've become zy. After a very heavy breakfast (thank you mother) I went to take a shower and got ready for the first part of Quincea?era Ritual, The Mass. Normally the Quincea?era, family and court would be present at a Catholic Church but seeing as we are not a normal family Mom said we do things differently.We pulled up to the town church an hour ter, everyone in formal wear. It took me awhile to notice the cars parked in the parking lot all were CR-Vs in various colors but the scents I recognized with a smile. We walked into a packed church and all eyes were on me. Sitting inside were all my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and my Grandparents with smiles on their faces. At the altar was a middle aged man in a priest outfit. Walking to the front I knelt down on a very royal looking cushion with the image of a wolf holding multi color rose in its mouth."We are gathered here to celebrate the coming of age of Sophia Rosalia Redway. All rise." The priest said gesturing everyone to stand."Do you Sophia Rosalia Redway promise to be faithful to the ways of the moon?"Taking a deep breath, I looked at my family before answering, "I do.""Do you promise to honor the ways and prestige of the loyal and powerful wolf like like many before you?""I do.""And do you accept the Goddess' blessings as a member of the Rodriguez family has all before you have?""I do.""Now to seal the promise between you and the Goddess Luna," the Priest handed me a jeweled curved bde dagger. With thinking twice I took the bde and slit my left palm making my blood fall into the golden basin before it quickly healed. Suddenly I strange feeling came over me, like I weight was lifted off me but also like a presence was now over me. My senses were also a bit shaper too. I knelt there a bit longer wondering what did I just do.Standing up was the sound of cheers, appuse and some whistling. My Abuelos soon walked up to us with pride pinching my cheeks. "Mi ni?a hermosa, estoy muy orgullosa de ti.""Gracias Abue," I replied hugging both of them. "Abuelo I've missed you.""You're just saying that so I won't get mad at you for drinking my Coronas.""Abuelo Me sólo bebió uno.Andrea bebió el resto," I replied trying to look innocent.(Grandpa I only drink one, Andrea drank the rest)"Vale mamá,Papá.que han Para Obtener Para el banquete Sa de ahora.Que dos puede tipo Este hacia fuera más tarde," Mom but in saving me.(Ok mom, dad. We have to get to the banquet hall now. You two can sort this out ter)"Yes, yes the banquet. Come lead the way," said grandma ushering us out. Within minutes we were all loaded up and ready to move.It must look strange to other people in town seeing a convoy of vehicles driving through leaving Crescent Falls. With all the developments that have taken pce over the years, we still don't have anywhere to host rge formal events or a hotel so the banquet as well as where my family are staying in the city over."Soph, when we reach the banquet hall you'll go straight to hair and makeup then to your dress, all your friends should be ready and waiting. After you're ready just wait to be introduced ok miel.""Vale madre," I beamed while in the car with my Mom, Dad and Erik. I looked at my Dad who looked like a fish out of water. Because of the Quincea?era hype and rush I forgot that my dad is probably nervous being the only non Hispanic family member here. Resting a hand on my father's shoulder I could feel the tension running through him. "Breath daddy breath. You'll be great." He slowly rexed as we continued.We soon pulled up to a five star hotel and got out and went inside. Without missing a beat a rushed to the banquet hall at the back of the lobby. If this is what models are use to then I pity them. Going into hair and makeup I didn't have a chance to look for my friends. Mom really didn't want anybody to see me before the celebration started.Twenty minutes. Twenty minutes is how long it took for my makeup, hair (mostly hair) and dress fitting but you can't rush art or beauty and seeing I was both, I understand."HELLO HELLO PARTY PEOPLE!!!" Said a voice followed by a roar of cheers. "ARE YOU READY TO GET THIS CELEBRATION STARTED?" Another roar of cheers rang out."EXCELLENT. I'M ALEJANDRO AND I WILL BE YOUR MC FOR THIS ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS. DJ DROP THE BEAT SO WE CAN INTRODUCE THE COURT OF THE QUINCEA?ERA." The music started pying. It was the instrumental for Despacito and of course Uncle Alejandro would be the MC. "LET'S START WITH THE CHAMBELANES. WE HAVE: TRAVIS, DANIEL, JEFFERSON, COLE, MICHAEL AND LAST BUT NOT LESS JOSHUA........." Cheers rang out and some whistling too, I chuckled, those thirsty cousins of mine."NEXT UP WE HAVE THE DAMAS. STARTING OF THE DAMAS WE HAVE: DELPHINE, SARAH, SAMANTHA, SHAYLOH, CHLOE AND A VERY SPECIAL LADY KAIRI.........." Cheers erupted again now more masculine. Just then a usher came for me. "AND NOW FOR THE GIR- I MEAN YOUNG LADY OF THE HOUR. WE KNOW HER, WE LOVE. OUR ROSE WITH THORNS. OUR LITTLE REBEL. SOPHIA ROSALIA REDWAY........."I walked out in a bright blue dress. The front had a wide slit in a V from the knee revealing the red puffy fabric underneath with the rest of it being held behind me by two of my little cousins. My hair was styled in a high curled ponytail with a silver crown on my head (Tiaras are for princesses and I was a Queen). I still had on my neckce from Josh, my hands were cover in a red fishnet gloves that reached my arms. It went well with the red gdiator heels I had on and to finish the look was a purple rose belt. Looking up at the stage where my Court sat I saw that everyone matched my colors just like I had in my binder that mom took. The guys were on red suits, blue shoes and shirts with purple bow ties. My girls were in sky blue short dresses, red heels and purple belts. It was perfect, then were perfect. I slowly got up the stage and took my seat in the middle on a Throne looking chair with Damas on my left and Chambenes on my right, all of whom were smiling."Look at them, the Quincea?era Court. And my little Sophia. It seems like yesterday you were helping your cousins roll a tyre in the garage now look at you growing into beautiful flower who still hasn't fully bloomed. And speaking of memories, we have some to share and or embarrass our birthday girl," said Uncle Alejandro pointing a hughe Tv above the entrance. What showed was a picture of my mom sitting with a rge belly and my two brothers on each side rubbing it. Next was a video of my dad hold a very tiny me."You did it Terry. Our daughter is here and she is beautiful," my dad said with tears in his eyes has he sat next mom who was still ying down on the delivery bed wet from sweat. "We made a beautiful kid honey, all credit goes to you.""It better. It's like she didn't want to come out even with the doctors trying their best.""Ah. A little rebel hmm," dad ughed. The next video was of me crawling then trying to stand with much difficulty. Next was Erik and Ethan fighting over who gets to feed me, "Mom tell Erik that is my turn to feed Sophia.""No it's my turn idiota," replied Ethan trying to get the bottle out of Erik's hand."Mono.""Ape.""Estúpido.""Dummy.""Enough both of you. See even Sophia is wondering what is going on," they both turned around to see a one year old me staring at them making grabby hands for my bottle. I hall was in awes while I was hiding my face."Sophia honey, why do you have on Mom's heels?""Hey mommy," my three year old self waved at Mom."Hey little flower. So why do you have on my heels?""Because mommy looked pretty in them and I want to look pretty like mommy.""Awe Soph, you are pretty like mommy even prettier. Just look at these chubby cheeks," she slightly pinched them and I ughed."Ok people we will be going to memory ne in a bit but now it's time for the Father- Daughter Dance," Uncle Alejandro announced. My Dad slowly made his way to the dance floor still looking nervous. I got up and made my way to him who took me by the waist and hand. Sending a nod to my uncle a slow song started to py. Has we danced I could still feel how tense dad was as he spun me around."Daddy you're doing fine.""Really, cause you are the one leading.""I don't see why you're nervous we've danced a lot of times.""Yes but this dance is different. And I'm just nervous but I bit sad too.""What, sad. Why?""Because this dance just reminded me that my little girl has become a woman. That you won't be my little princess anymore. That you'll leave the pack just like your brothers.""Yeah but you never cried when they left.""That was under different circumstances and they're men but you're my baby girl. Even though I've taught you how to fight I still worry about you differently than how I worry about them."Sigh,"Daddy I don't know if it's the 'adult' talking but. No matter where I go or what happens, I'll always be your little girl. That won't change no matter how old I am. I love you Papi.""I love you too my little pup."The song soon came to an end and I with the rest of my Court were ushered to a long table in front of the other. Sitting down with Kairi on my right and Josh on my left I could hear Jeff, Mike and Cole talking about which one of my cousins looked the best. Kairi leaned over, "I knew your family was huge but I wasn't expecting this.""Some aren't here so most are videoing. You see my cousin over there in the white suit," I pointed to my tall cousin Rohan in the corner drinking wine. "He works for National Geographic, he could help you with your Blogs, Documentaries and Photography.""Are you serious right now babe," her pitch higher than usual."Go show him how talented my girl is." With that she practically flew out her seat. Suddenly my head spun to the entrance picking up a familiar scent and apparently so did most of us with how their heads also turned to the entrance. There stood Johnathan in a well tailored white suit, red tie and shoes with a bck Dahlia on the left side of his suit. Every werewolf's movement in the hall slowed slightly, watching Johnathan's every move. I got up and rushed towards him."Raygan you're fashionably te," I smirked at him, a hand on my waist."Well I was hesitant in to a party full creatures that can easily kill me," he replied matter-a-factly as we sat down on two nearby chairs. "Anyway, I didn't have time to buy a gift so I hope you accept a cheque.He handed me an envelope which a 50,000 cheque. "Thanks Johnny but this much, you shouldn't have."It's the least I could do and also thank you and Kairi for disposing of my two disobedient creations.""Well I was defending myself and they deserved it."With a smile he added, "I also came to give a heads up. Since my two creations are destroyed I am in need of two to repce them and to put your mind at ease I will be choosing worthy candidates."I stood there processing what he side then something fshed through my mind. As I was about to say it, he first me has if reading my mind."And no I won't be seeking any of your friends. I sense that our world would be too much for them.""Of thank God I was worried for a sec.""How is Kairi holding up?""She's getting through it in her own way. It was her first, we all struggle with our first," I looked down trying not to think about mine."Does yours still affect you. Are you ok Sophia?" his voice was calm and caring but it carried a hint of sadness."It does sometimes, mostly when I sleep. I'm right back there, in the moment, looking at him, still and bleeding. His lifeless eyes staring back at me. How was it for you?""It was my first time feeding from a person. Growing up it was artificial blood, around age ten it was blood bags. My parents wanted to manage my hunger, teach me control. My older sister took me out. She said it was time a taste fresh blood. She said told our parents that she'll teach me how to hunt, feed and erase to survive. So we went into town that night, my sister showed me how to do it and said the next one was mine. Soon a couple came into view, sis took the guy and I took the girl. I compelled her to stay quiet then sank my fangs in her neck. I've tasted blood before but when I tasted hers something snapped inside me. I couldn't control myself it was like a drug. By the time came to my senses my sister was bleeding from the head, the guy was gone, there was a cracked wall and a dead girl. I drained her dry and hurt my sister who tried to get me off her. As I looked down at her wide opened eyes I felt like a piece of me was gone but I got my full power. But that feeling it's like—.""You lost a piece of yourself, your soul.""Equivalent Exchange. That is what it's called," a sweet and aloof voice said over us. It was Delphine and... Cole? "It's the first lesson a Witch learns before we start learning spells. My grandmother would say 'Nothing comes for free' and that's the w that governs the supernatural. For us certain spells demand payment, do those spells without paying can bring consequences, random consequences. For you guys, it took a piece of something valuable that can't be given back and gave you power. Equivalent Exchange, something of equal value."We sat there in silence for awhile, I mean after that what can you say, then Johnathan stood up. "Well that was enlightening thank you for that Delphine but I must be going.""But you just got here...""Yes but I have somewhere to be and I'm the only Vampire in a banquet hall full of wolves so I'm going to leave. Sophia, enjoy your day and good bye to the rest of you." And with that he fshed out of here."Excuse me everyone. At this time I'll opening up the stage for toast. So if anyone would like to say a few words to the Quincea?era, please come now."My father walked up to the mic beaming with pride, "My little princess. I remember when you were born you looked so fragile, so meek. And from the moment I looked into those blue eyes fifteen years ago I made promise that would protect you with every fiber of my being. To raise you into a beautiful woman like your mom. But I didn't account for was that stubborn, rebellious behavior of yours. I thought this little girl is going to send me into a coma soon," the hall ughed with some voicing the same. "But those qualities made you who you are today. My strong, fearless, independent, talented, rebel of a daughter and I couldn't be any prouder to be your Dad. To Sophia."He raised his gss followed by cheers. I looked at him with tears in my eyes. Happy to have parents like these. Chloe and Shayloh then took the mic and this made me concerned."Good day everyone. I'm Shayloh.""And I'm Chloe. And we would like to say something to our best girl.""We met Soph in Kindergarten and we didn't like her." I widen my eyes at this."Yeah, her drawing were always better than ours.""She was cuter than us but coming from a family with people who look like movie stars, models and goddesses it was expected." Shayloh said earning a few ughs."But one day we were getting picked of by the Mayor's son Travis over there," Chloe pointing at Travis who was trying to hide his embarrassed face with Jeff, Michael and Daniel making fun of him."He was taking our stuff, pulling my hair and he wouldn't stop.""Then out of nowhere a letter block hit in he's head. Only to find out it was Sophia who threw it.""When our teacher asked why she did it she said 'Boys should protect girls not bully them. That's what my daddy says'. And wouldn't apologize until Travis did.""And then on the three of us have been inseparable. We're like sisters than friends.""And to our sister we would like to say this.""We love you to the moon and back.""And on your special day, we wish you nothing but the best.""So keep shining like the beautiful star you are and know we'll be right there with you.""So happy birthday to the Queen on her day," they said unison. "And may you live to see many many more."Before I knew it I was right in front of them in a bear hug. "You perras are making me cry and messing up my makeup.""I would like to say something," we broke away to see Josh holding the second mic. "I don't know if I can top Shayloh and Chloe? And I definitely can't top uncle Tommy? So I'm gonna keep mine short. Sophia we have been best friends since we could mumble sounds and I couldn't ask for a more loyal, honest and just amazing person. So happy birthday to you Rebel and I'm gd to be in your life."I was just a crying mess at this point. Like what is up with all these emotional toasts. The other rituals, the Waltz and cake cutting were a breeze and we killed it. The st doll was lovely as I gave my first barbie doll to my little cousin Maya. The Shoes Ritual was ok I took off my white Converse in exchange for silver heels, symbolizing my first steps as an adult. Then it was finally time for the presents and I could not wait to see what I would be getting. I got a new graphic tablet, clothes, dresses, shoes, four new ptops, paints (some was glowing effects), a custom made esle, spray paints (glow in the dark too) and a ft screen, like damn. If these are the gifts I'm getting now, imagine my wedding, when that is."I would like everyone's attention please," a voice belonging to Ethan said. "My brother and I have a gift for our little sis but sadly it could not fit in here so can we all please make our way to back of building."With mummers and whispers we made our way outside. And what I saw left me speechless. It was a custom royal blue Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with carbon fiber side skirts and spoiler. Dark red rims to match the red tinted windows and a multicolored (mostly red and purple) rose on the hood. I looked at my brothers wide eyed and couldn't find the words to thank them."It's has neon lights under it and in the rims. Fire it up." Erik threw me the keys and I ran to my car. Starting it up for the first time and hearing the engine come alive my ability to speak came back. I came out and looked at the red neon lights glowing. I could die happy right now, well right after I've driven it."You guys are the best big bonehead brothers I could ask for.""Boneheads and we built you a custom car. Wow, "Erik rolled his eyes."Yeah you are but you're my boneheaded brothers," I turned to my friends smiling from ear to ear. "I GOT A CAR GUYS!!!!!!!" After the excitement calmed down and the car turned off, Kairi stepped up."I have a present for you babe, it may not a car but I hope you like it. It's inside on the TV." We all went inside and took our seats with Kairi standing in the middle of the hall, all eyes on her. "I have been searching for the perfect gift to give give to someone as perfect as you and with some advice from my Mom, Shayloh and Chloe I think I've found it. I love you baby."The hall grew silent as the TV turned on.A Kairi Yang Production."Ok guys gather around," I was dance practice in our first years of high school. "We have a visitor, Miss Kairi Yang and Jaden Bennett here are putting together a slide presentation on behalf of the Video and Photography Club showcasing all the clubs and activities we have. So just pretend that they're not here and let's run it again."Miss Valentina were running us through the dance number again. A good way into the video Kairi's voice whispered. "Hey who is that girl over there, that blue eyed, dark haired, cute girl?""And why do you think I know her?""Because you're the school gossip and you're gay. You know everything.""Aren't you gay Kairi?""I'm bisexual baby boy. I just tend to date mostly girls. So who is she?""Her my sweet doll is Sophia 'Rebel' Redway.""Rebel? Sounds like may kind of girl.""Mhm, she could be? Word around school says she's gay. I heard a dude went to touch the other day and she broke his nose.""Feisty too, I might be in love. You, think, I should ask her out?""Honey I would have asked her out. Most of the straight boys and half of the lesbians in the school have asked her out. I mean look at her, she's nowhere near fully matured and she has a body like that, curves in all the right pces." At this point my face was red as a tomato with everyone ughing at the screen. "Plus I hear she's half Mexican por lo que caliente.""I'm going in wish me luck." Practice was over and everyone was heading out."Soph see you at the point ok hun.""Ok Shay."The camera view got closer to me. "Umm Sophia? My name's Kairi.""Yea from earlier. Miss Valentina introduced you and JB.""You know Jaden?""Every girl loves Jaden. So what's up I saw you stealing gnces at me.""Y..you saw that?""Yeah, it's cute. Like you. I was going to come over and ask you out."She chuckled, "I was about to do the same. What a coincidence?""My Abue says there are no such thing as coincidences only fate. So how about we meet at the Gill ter, around 3:30?""I would like that. And sorry for videoing all of this. I want to be a Videographer and Photography so I'm always videoing.""It's cool. Who knows we might watch this someday and ugh."The rest was a slide reel of all our times together. Our dates, picnics, us around school, with the crew at events with Dandelions by Ruth B pying in the background. Then the st slide saidTo my Princess turn Queen.You are my heart. I love you mind, body and soul.From your Empress: KairiKaiphia.Without waiting another minute I ran to her (in heels) and hugged her tight. My hands around her neck, her's around my waist. In that moment it was like no one less existed. I pulled back staring into her beautiful dark eyes that for a second glowed purple, then kissed her, tongue and all with tears running down my face. I loved this girl with everything in me. My Kairi."I love you Kai Kai, always.""I love you more Soph."We were both crying and smiling at this point in the middle of the hall. Soon cheers, appuse and whistling surrounded us."Well I don't think nothing else can top that. I'm happy for you two girls. And seeing as there is nothing left on the program let's end it on a high note. DJ drop the beat." Uncle Alejandro was feeling himself as Danza Kuduro's Lucenzo ft Don Omar started pyed. And with that my Quincea?era came to an end.