Disclaimer: I don't own the Covenant but I wouldn't mind owning the boys that make up the Covenant. :o)

A/N: I'm keeping it here until the Covenant section comes out of limbo. That's where it was originally but the section seems to be in hidden in the twilight zone. :o( The actual story will take place in the present, this is just a prologue.

The Oath

Prologue

1620, England

A young woman stood on the edge of the London docks, the salt sea breeze tugging at the dark red tresses that curled over her shoulders and down her back like tendrils of creeping crimson ivy. The deep plum cloak draped over her black dress was thick enough to keep the cold out but still she shivered. A soft sigh passed through her lips, creating a puff of fog in the autumn night air. The ghostly white sails of the ship beside her blocked out the moonlight and cast a shadow over the docks. She jerked her shoulders back as she heard a creak from the planks behind her.

He was here.

"It is a beautiful night." His thick, satin voice caressed her ear. She had to fight off the impulse to shiver again as his hand curled around her waist. Arcing away from his hand, she refused to let him pull her into his embrace.

"Don't," she said shortly, taking a step away and turning on her heel to face him. The wind picked up and whipped her cloak about her thin body.

Black eyes shone as the huge sails billowed in the wind, allowing moonlight to pour across the dock. His sensuous lips were formed into a frown as he gazed at her defiant figure. "There is no need for you to do this. This place, this damned island, has no hold on you, I swear it."

The girl shook her head. She drew further away from him as if just the nearness of him to her was too much to bear. "It's different for me, for my kind. I've told you a hundred times."

"And the allure of the Power is too strong for you, I know," he replied darkly, casting his ebony gaze towards the damp planks of the docks. The sail snapped audibly as the girl stepped forward, arm raised and finger pointed at his face.

"That is not true!" she exclaimed, anger dancing in her blue eyes. "I have obligations here besides the Power. You would be a liar if you say I stay for any reason except my family. They mean everything to me, the power doesn't."

"You're afraid."

She took in a sharp breath and stared at him. "What?"

"You're afraid to commit yourself to me."

"I assure you, that is not the case."

"Then come with me," he said, glancing from her to the imposing ship beside them. The bold letters that ran the bow read as 'Mayflower'. "Please." Those normally serious, proud dark eyes begged her, pleaded with her on so many levels. She felt something hot trickle down her cheek and realized with a shock that she was crying.

"I can't." Her voice broke and she rushed forward, trying to get away from him and the 'what if's' that were running through her mind.

As she brushed by him, a coil of silvery Power left his hand and encircled her waist. Dragged by the coil, she was pulled into his arms where she struggled, pushing against his hard chest until she finally loosed her taunt body and fell into his draining kiss. The fingers of his right hand traveled up her neck and became entangled in her hair as he held her tightly. They both knew that this would be the last time their lips would ever touch and neither wanted to violate the sacredness of this final kiss.

Power sparked between their lips when they broke apart. The girl rested her head against the young man's chest for a second, listening to his heart beat. Looking up, she noticed that the lock of hair that was forever falling into his face had turned a steel gray. His fingers trailed across her cheek and he wrapped a starling white curl around his finger.

He kissed her forehead before stepping away, allowing her to leave.

"Don't forget me."

"Never."