Let me start off by saying it was never my intention to long for someone of ill nature.

As far back as I can remember, I'd been fairly straight-edge. Good grades, decent boyfriends, respectable jobs. I guess after being so cookie-cutter he was a relief. Thrill and adrenaline rushes were promised to be present whenever I managed to catch sight of him, and it all drew me in.

The first time we met was on my birthday. It was mid-winter, and snow had begun falling softly by the time I left the Blue Bar. It had nearly been a year since I inherited my father's ranch in Forget-Me-Not Valley, and the villagers had a birthday party for me at the town's only restaurant and bar.

It disbanded at around 11:30PM, and the only people who remained were the bar's usual patrons. I wrapped my winter coat around me tightly as I slammed the door of the bar behind me, closing out all of its warmth and cheer.

A few snowflakes landed in my straw-yellow hair, and only when I went to brush them out did I realize I was still wearing Lumina's tiara. She brought it to the party for me to wear, saying that on this special day I was to look like "the Princess of Forget-Me-Not Valley."

Lumina had gone home much before I had, so I expected her to be at the Villa if I went there promptly. The village, bathed in a navy blue glow, was solely lit by the scarce street lights scattered alongside the paths. They were my only indicator of where to go, as the moon had failed to come out on the unforgiving winter's night. Changing my path to the Villa, I walked as quietly as I could down the dusty street. A cold wind pulled at my hair, throwing it in front of my face and turning the tip of my nose red. I pushed my way through the rapidly increasing snowfall, hoping to reach the Villa and get safely home before the snow became too heavy.

Once I was walking up the elegant path directly attaching to the Villa's courtyard, my way was much better lit by the sophisticated street lamps lining the pearly white-tinted-violet trail. Snow had gathered on my head and shoulders and I quickened my pace to rush the whole process.

When I walked into the courtyard, I was surprised to not hear a piano being played. Lumina almost always played the piano when she was home, especially after parties. She told me playing the piano calmed her down and made her sleepy after a night of fun, so she'd play it before going to bed. But tonight, the Villa was silent.

Almost.

I made my way to the front door and was reaching out to open it when someone from inside did. Thinking they did it for me, I nearly stepped forward, but someone slipped outside and closed the door behind him. We were face to face, both equally startled. He was a good amount taller than I, and for a moment we just stared at each other, confused, before his stunned expression was wiped away by a mischievous smile crawling onto his face. His lengthy silver hair glistened in the darkness, as did his silk, white, leopard print shirt. The sleeves were rolled up and a few buttons at the top were unbuttoned, revealing a black wife beater underneath. He wore two matching pieces of jewelry; a silver dog tag and a silver watch. His elegant tuxedo pants were the color of a ripe eggplant, and they draped over his expensive-looking dress shoes.

I was inches away from him, astonished. He let out a soft, boyish snicker. "Hehe. Hello, beautiful. Walking alone at night?"

My eyes fluttered and I opened and closed my mouth once or twice.

"Hehe. I'm quite the ladies' man, and a prince of the stars."

More eye fluttering ensued. I was prepared to respond, but the doors yet again swung open, nailing Skye in the back. He pitched forward, his torso knocking hard into mine. I lost my balance and soon found myself on the ground below a chuckling 'prince of the stars'…and a fuming Lumina.

"Hey!" she shrieked. "Aren't you that famous thief who warns his victims ahead of time?!"

"Hehe." He turned his back to Lumina and stepped over me. "Sorry, but I'm a bit pressed for time. I'm about to jet out." He took another step forward, and turned his head to look at Lumina. "Hehe. Call me Phantom Skye." His gaze flickered to me. "I have a feeling we'll meet again. It's in the stars."

"Wait right there!" Lumina hollered after Skye had strode off towards the fountain.

Skye halted at the corner of the fountain, placing his hands in his pockets. He remained facing away from us, but called to Lumina, "Hold up, beautiful. Don't let such raw anger steal away your beauty."

Lumina took a sharp intake of breath. She watched Skye stroll away and murmured, "What a smooth talker…Phantom Skye…" She collected herself after a moment and ran off after him, though he was far away by that time. A few seconds later, Lumina returned. "Phantom Skye! He…he got away from me!" she sighed, sounding more wistful than distraught.

I was still sitting on the ground dumbfounded. Barely able to get myself up, I staggered to my feet and held Lumina's crown out to her. "Here," I muttered.

She took it from me, not even looking at it. She was still staring ahead into the darkness in which Skye had vanished. "Do you think he'll be back?"

"He said he would…But I bet he's all talk," I said softly, hoping silently to myself he'd return.

Though Phantom Skye had been correct in his statement about meeting again, our next encounter wouldn't be nearly as pleasant as our mix-up at the Villa.