Darkness Falls

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Chapter 1

Her blood practically sang. That she had not been found by any of the others, or by the council, was incredible. Especially considering she was not among her own kind. Owain watched the four year old witch who was completely ignorant of what she really was. And currently locked out of her relatives home. The lights were on and he could hear them. He doubted they had any idea of her true power. And what, with the right training, she could do. If they did, they would not dare treat her in such a way. He had no such ignorance. And then there was the prophecy... he grinned. The wizards had given him the means to bring down not only the council that adhered to their laws, but the wizards themselves as well. With her magic, his plans would succeed. With a little patience.

15 years later

"Thana!"

The nineteen, nearly twenty year old shot up out of her seat. She straightened her shoulders and picked up her tablet, before heading for the source of the call, out of her office and towards the other office, this one bigger and with the best view overlooking the city in the company building. Merrick Enterprises was one of the world's leading technology companies. The main office was in Canary Wharf and oversaw the companies other branches both nationally and internationally.

Her walk was smooth and quick. Elegant. She did not falter even once in the heels. Not many people knew she brought a whole new meaning to the term killer heels. Entering the office she saw her 'employer'. At least, to the public. "Yes sir?" She asked. Normally he used the intercom. But not when he was impatient. His tall, lithe frame was tense as he stood at the window, looking out, his black hair slicked back, keeping it tamed. His face, sharp and handsome turned to face her and her green eyes met his blue.

"Do you have the paperwork I asked you for ready?"

"Yes, your lawyer had it delivered this morning," she nodded.

"Good. I want this takeover completed today. I do not wish to give them a chance to slip away," Owain said.

"Sir, may I ask why this company is so important?" It was a small drills manufacturer and he had never gone after such a small company so relentlessly before.

"When their representative arrives in an hour, you will see why," he smiled at her, allowing Thana to see the predator. This was not just business, this was a hunt.

Thana nodded. "Very well sir, I will go and make sure everything is in order for the meeting."

He turned back to the window. "I'll have lunch after the meeting then."

She smiled. "Of course," Thana acknowledged, before leaving.

Thana Hanes prided herself on her work. She owed her life to Owain Merrick and would not disappoint him. That night, when she had still been Ivy Potter, had been a cold January night. Not an hour after Owain had approached her, giving her his coat before picking her up and taking her away, it had begun to snow. That night would have been the death of her, if not for him. From then on she had only ever had the best. Clothes, food, education. Tutors had been brought in for a private education. And not just in the usual subjects. She was taught about her magic and had honed it to the point she did not need a wand. She knew her Master had taken her in because of her powers so she had pushed herself. Became the best she could. And it spilled over to her non-magical education as well. She was meant to help him take down the Vampire Council, and later the wizards. So she learned what could help her. Combat which combined magic and physical defence and even politics, history and business. All would be needed when a new order was established. She currently filled the role of his PA, which gave her practical experience in business.

Then she double checked all the necessary papers were in order, before pulling a compact mirror out of her purse and checking her appearance. Her deep auburn hair was in a tight bun, which it had not escaped yet. Her make up was also undisturbed, blusher adding colour to her naturally pale skin. Her eyes were a deep shade of green, and calculating. She was ready for the meeting with the Grunnings representative and whatever surprises it may hold.

However, Thana found herself barely able to keep her composure as the man walked in. The whale was someone she would never forget. Even though he did not seem to recognise her. Vernon Dursley, her uncle and the man who used to beat her until she passed out, had entered her masters' office. She had to restrain herself from hexing the man. Her masters' smile reassured her it would all be taken care of.

"Mr Dursley, glad you could make it. Please take a seat," Owain said, and just like that, business began. It was concluded fairly quickly, with Owain getting exactly what he wanted. Grunnings. It was then that Owain surprised both humans. "Mr Dursley, I would very much like to have you and your family for dinner tomorrow night. I promise a night you will never forget."

"Mr Merrick, we would be honoured sir, thank you," Dursley responded, puffing himself up with pride. Thana felt sick. Her master knew who he was, she was sure, so why was he putting her through this?

"Good, Miss Hanes here will give you the address and directions to my home. It is outside the city proper," Owain smiled. "Oh and Thana, do not forget lunch, when you have seen Mr Dursley out."

"Of course sir," she replied. If she sounded strained, no one noticed or commented. She all but ignored Vernon while leading him out and writing down the address. "Will you need anything else, sir? Extra directions?" she asked, handing the paper to the man.

"No thank you. I have a sat nav. My family and I will be fine," he leered at her.

"Good. We will see you tomorrow night at seven," when she re-entered her masters' office, she closed the door behind her but did not move further into the room. "You practically invited those people back into my life. Why?"

"Oh my darling Thana, do not fret. Tomorrow will be the night you get your revenge on them. I did promise you that those who hurt you would pay, after all."

Thana smiled before moving over to him and sitting on his lap and baring her neck. He bit down on it, drawing blood, and Thana could feel excitement well inside her at the prospect of revenge.

A/N: Short first chapter, I know. Things will seem to progress rather quickly in the next chapter, I will warn you, but keep in mind that Thana has now been in the service of Owain for fifteen years and feels her very life is owed to him. I do intend to also include some flashbacks in later chapters.