This is my version of the next installment to the House of night series, called destined. I own none of these characters. and I do not mean any copyright infringement.

Chapter one

~*Stark*~

Zoey lay her head on my chest, letting out her sorrows at her mother's death. Her tears soaked through my shirt covering my skin, chilling me to my core. With her every nerve- wrecking sob my body shook with misery. How could I get this to end? Her happiness was my happiness, her pain was mine, as well as her sadness. Though I didn't know what to say, I'm not very good in the parental department. My mom died closely after my birth, and my father, so taken with depression, drank himself into an empty void being.

All I could do was stroke her beautiful hair, occasionally saying things such as, "it'll be okay," "At least you know she loved you," and, "You'll see her again, in Nyx's realm, she'll be waiting for you until then." My last sentence tore a gaping hole in my heart. The only way my queen would ever die is if I failed as her warrior and Guardian. Even thought I knew that if Zoey did depart this world, I would follow shortly after, still her guardian in death.

I began to redirect my thoughts as Zoey's sobs died down and her breathing got under control...

"Stark?" She whispered my name, as if checking if I did not leave her too, though it would be foolish of her to think that. Just like every time she would say my name, my heart would swell with happiness- however, this time, it was laced with sadness.

"What is it Mo Bann Ri?"I said gently into her ear- as if she were a fragile flower.

"You know I love you right?"

I felt the ghost of a smile touch me face, all too soon it was gone, "I do, but I love you more." She didn't hear my response for she was in the realm of dreams. I quickly followed.

Tonight's dream was no different than the rest. Filled with a black haze that covered and concealed everything. A voice came to me through the mist. "James Stark..." The voice cued mockingly, "Zoey Redbird will soon be mine. She was meant to love me, never you..." The voice faded away, leaving me sweeping through the dark for Zoey. The last thing I saw was a white bull.

I woke up panting, my breath had escaped from my body with my security. Covered in my sweat mixed with tears I removed my shirt and threw it to the ground. Letting the clean air relieve my drenched skin. I looked to the side making sure Zoey was safe. There she was, looking like a Goddess.

"My Goddess..." I whispered before wrapping my arm around her, caressing her cheek and putting myself as close to her a physically possible.

"Goodnight my love..." I swore I heard in Zoey's voice before I slipped into a restless slumber.