Chapter 3 I've found her!

The quaint bell chimed softly as Cassidy pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping into the cozy boutique nestled between bustling city streets. The air was infused with the scent of lavender, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the café next door. Soft jazz music played in the background, adding to the ambiance of the place.

She could basically hear mother superior telling them how it is wasteful to spend money lavishly. Blah ... Blah ... Blah

The boutique was a treasure trove of eclectic finds, with shelves lined with trinkets and displays adorned with sparkling jewels. Delicate crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the polished wooden floors and ornate mirrors that adorned the walls.

Cassidy's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she made her way through the store, her heart fluttering with excitement at the prospect of finding the perfect piece of jewelry to add to her collection. She ran her fingers along the smooth surfaces of the display cases, admiring the intricate craftsmanship of each piece.

Then, nestled among a display of vintage rings, her gaze fell upon it – the ring that would change everything. It seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. As she reached out to touch it, a jolt of electricity ran through her veins, sending shivers down her spine.

With trembling hands, she lifted the ring from its velvet-lined box, marveling at its beauty. The metal was cool against her skin, the surface etched with intricate designs that seemed to dance in the light. And there, engraved on the inside of the band, was a symbol, a phoenix.

_so cute_

Her heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned upon her. She had never seen this ring before, and yet, it felt strangely familiar, as if it held a secret that only she could unlock. Excitement bubbled up inside her, mingled with a sense of belonging from just the feel of the ring. Damn those mystery novels.

Anyways, she couldn't wait to show it off to her friends and when she said friends, she meant Katherine.

She carefully slipped it on and could have sworn that angels sang. Laughing to herself she knew it was the wonderful effect of reading so many books.

Checking out after buying a few jewelry, she stepped out the sidewalk. She was to go to the school library and then back to the foster home. All to come back after three. That's divine mercy period.

"God have mercy on me" she raised her hands to heaven them studied her newest obsession. _This ring ain't leaving my finger, ever_

As she raised her head, her mouth dropped open. She rubbed her eyes furiously to be sure of what she was seeing. Straight out of a novel? Because that's what he looked like.

He was drawing so much attention with his odd yet amazing outfit.

She didn't even notice when she began walking towards him.

Jaxon was all but concerned of the way he looked... it's how he got here that was the main problem.

One second he was with Sydney and the next....why would a little girl wear shorts....outside???? Little whores now? What happened to all their morals?

He kept wondering until he saw her, that one person that could make his heart stop. His girl...but how?

Ocean eyes against caramel pools and at that instant, the wind stilled and seemed as if it was just them on earth.

He was as giddy as a teenage kid with his first crush and she? Well her perfect boyfriend just popped out of the book.

Without thinking, Jaxon grabbed her and hugged her tight.

Cassie's eyes nearly popped out if their socket, his eyes alone were enough to end her and now a hug? _If this was death, I never wanna wake up!_

Passersby stopped and watched them, curious. Was this some sort of show or what?

"I've missed you so much snowdrop... you"

"I really don't know what you're talking about but I like it" she giggled silly as she pulled away and began to miss the smell of fresh pines from him.

His eyebrows furrowed and his heart dropped instantly, " Cassidy?"

Her eyes shone brighter than ever as she began to jump up and down, with a scream she held his hand, "The universe definitely sent you to me...."

"What?..."

Pulling him away, she continued,"For the frat party remember? We've gotta change your dressing"

_Frat party? Please tell me she hasn't forgotten me_ He thought to himself as her watched her pull him away.

"Now why would the universe want you all dressed up like a blue blood?" She faced him as they entered the mall.

"Blue blood? I thought blood was red snowdrop?" His confusion was etched in his handsome face making him look even better.

Trying to stifle a giggle, she explain further. "Like royalty...you know, you're even carrying a sword." Her gaze fell upon the sword and carefully she trailed her fingers on them. Cold to the touch.

"Of course...I'm a prince. How could you even forget?" Jaxon was totally devastated, Cassidy didn't even remember him. He would have to remind her just like he had promised, for now it seems like he was gonna change everything. _But what I don't get is how I got here?_ He thought to himself as he scanned the area. Their way of dressing, arrangements and even way of talking was totally different. But if this was the life his princess was now living, why not?

He smiled as she stared at him, she wasn't even able to answer his question.

"So...change of outfit huh?" His gaze shifted on to the blonde girl who waved earnestly at him. He was about to smile when he heard Cassie huff and stomp far off into the mall.

"Hey...wait up!"

With quick strides, he caught up easily with her and spined her around until she was facing him.

"Why'd you take off that way, I would have gotten lost yunno"

"Well I don't think so, you have that Blondie at your beck and call" She whined as she avoided eye contact with him.

"Nah....I have a thing for brunettes" His voice had a tease in it and sub-consciously, Cassie grabbed a handful of her hair and smiled when she realized what he meant but quickly composed herself.

"That doesn't change the way...."

"Is someone jealous?" He brought his face closer to hers and watched as her eyes widened as a doe at headlights.

"Let's check out that section" She quickly walked away and left behind a smiling Jaxon.

***

"Don't tell me I'll have to wear this snowdrop?" He said as he eyed the crisp dark tux and white shirt with a bow tie.

"Left for me you'll look good on anything and even without anything..." She quickly glanced at him and realized he understood what she meant. With a slight blush she continued, "... But everyone at school's gonna come"

"Why don't you go out with someone from school?" He was curious, like why wouldn't she go out with someone from her school?

"I asked the universe to send someone and here you are!" She stated as a matter-of-factly.

"You and I know that's not how I got here" he said absent mindedly as he stared at the cloth.

"Huh? You said something?" Cassie asked as she pulled out another one, this time a three piece.

"Yeah....this frat party, does it have something to do with all these blood drinking, demons and stuff? Like the usual?"

Cassie blinked twice, "I hope not, I'll totally freak out. I don't even know what that is. But why would I bother... I'll have you prince"

Reaching for her bag, she pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down the address of the place where the frat party would be held.

"Please be there at eight pm exactly. I'll find a way to come out. Since I have a real reason to be out of that place "

"Yes princess, at your service."

Her eyes softened as she stared at him, there was something about the way he called her snowdrop, like they've known each other for a long time.

"I'm glad it's you I get to go with...." Throwing her head back, she laughed - a hearty one.

"..like I mean...it isn't every day you meet the sweetest stranger and make him your date to a party!"

"Whatever you mean though ... I'm just glad I get to see you again Snowdrop."

His fingers gently brushed along her skin.

"I actually didn't get your name prince"

"Jaxon....the name's Jaxon princess.

(Please not that aside from the transitions between the two universe, they'll be themselves.)