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Chapter Six- Elements And Angels, Secrets And Lies

"Angel?" Caleb frowned from where he perched on the edge of Tyler's bed. Everyone had automatically stayed away from Reid's bed. The blonde wasn't even paying attention; he just kept gazing at Laina.

"A Fallen Angel to be exact."

"How…how is that possible?" Pogue frowned. "I mean, sure we all hear about angels, but…how?"

Damon shrugged. "Doesn't matter. It just is. I mean, Laina wouldn't have the power she has without our mother being an Angel."

Tyler glanced out the window before speaking. "You mean, what she did out there, to that thing, was the power of an Angel?"

"Sort of. Our mother couldn't even do that, not alone anyway. It takes a tremendous amount of power to banish a creature of The Underdark from our plane. Enough power to kill your average witch or warlock. But because Laina inherited power from her father, well, it sort of twisted and heightened the amount of power she wielded."

"Wait. From her father?" Caleb shook his head. "Impossible. I'm the eldest son, it's only passed down that way."

"Look, no one like Laina has ever existed. Not in the history of magic. No one knows why Laina inherited the same power you all did--."

"You said was."

Everyone turned to Reid as he spoke. His head was still down and he hadn't moved an inch. Damon raised an eyebrow before replying, "pardon?"

"You said your mother was an Angel. What happened?"

Damon shook his head. "That doesn't concern you, Reid."

Reid closed his eyes, opening them when he felt Laina shift slightly. Her eyes were open, the emerald green bright as he gazed into them. The world seemed to shift, darkening and lighting up all at once.

"Power. He always wanted power. He wants mine. Will kill for it. Can't leave you defenceless. Give you some. But not enough now. Feel like slipping." Her voice wavered, her eyes flashing white. "Reid?"

"I'm here."

"Where? Cold. Like ice. Can feel it. Can't let go."

"I'm not letting you go, Lai. Never, you hear me? Never."

The room shook and the other's gasped in shock. Damon moved forward. He knew what Laina was going to do, but he seemed to be moving in slow motion. He watched as Laina reached up and held onto Reid's neck, Reid cupping her neck at the same time.

"Laina, no!"

There was a flash and a sound like children's laughter filled the room. When the light faded, Reid and Laina were both passed out on his bed. Their bodies radiated power, the air rippling as it settled.

Laina groaned as she raised a hand to her head, coming into contact with a bandage. She frowned as she struggled to remember what happened. Memories flowed back into her, like a stream flowing into a river, gathering speed as they moved along. There was Aaron in the stairwell. Reid holding her, kissing her. Pain, like thousands of needles. A werewolf. Reid again, holding her, gazing at her. Cold. Death cold. Was she dead?

No. Otherwise I am too.

Reid?

The hell'd you do to me?

I...I don't know. One minute I'm with Aaron and the next I'm seeing a werewolf.

I'm gonna kill Aaron.

Wait, how are you bethinking me?

Be-what?

Bethought, bethink. What we're doing now. It's telepathy. But as far as I know your family never had that power.

How the hell would I know? You're the Angel.

I am not an Angel!

Well, you don't have those pretty bird wings. But I guess you are sexy as you are.

Sexy?

"LAINA!"

"Ah!"

Tyler laughed as he sat straddling her stomach. "Rise and SHINE!!"

Laina groaned. "Tyler, have you been drinking?"

"Um…maybe?"

"Baby Boy you really shouldn't." Reid mumbled as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He looked over and frowned. "Get offa her." Tyler simply grinned and remained where he was. "I swear, Tyler, if you don't move your scrawny arse I'll beat it black and blue."

Tyler giggled as Reid tried to untangle his legs from the sheets. Laina sighed and lightly pushed Tyler off. "Come on, Ty. I want to keep your sexy arse intact."

Reid froze. "Sexy? Tyler? Puh-lease. Ain't no way that boy can beat me."

"Really Reid? I believe I just said his arse was sexy. But let me rephrase that." She smirked as she looked at a confused Tyler. "Your arse is so much more sexy and squeezable and all that stuff. Reid's is ugly and flabby."

"Why you little!" Reid launched himself off the bed and onto Laina, effectively rolling them onto the floor.

Tyler grinned. "I think I'll go annoy Pogue." He giggled at the 'finally' that was mumbled from Reid as the two fought for domination over the other.

Reid grinned as he pinned Laina under him, her wrists grasped in his above her head. "Check mate."

"Check mate my arse. Boy you better be letting go of my hands."

Reid frowned and then let go of her wrists. His eyes softening as she rubbed the bruised skin. "Sorry."

Laina looked up, for a moment thinking he meant for what just occurred. But his eyes were fixed on the bruises on her neck. She smiled and lifted a hand to his cheek. "It wasn't your fault. Aaron's just an arse that's all. And please, don't kill him. I really don't want you charged for murder."

"So, that whole thing wasn't my mind playing tricks. We were talking."

"Yep. Until Tyler sat his sexy arse on my stomach and screamed my name."

"Tyler does not have a sexy arse." Reid leaned down, his breath ghosting over her neck as he spoke. "And he ain't never gonna have any share of your sexy body."

Laina gulped as Reid's hands slipped under her shirt. His hands were warm, the material of his gloves missing. "Reid."

His blue eyes danced as he cocked his head to look at her. "Yes, love?"

"I think we should go to class."

Reid raised himself up a little and glanced at his clock. "It's only six-thirty."

She laughed as he whined. "Well, I would like very much to get up and change."

He pouted before shrugging and standing up. He offered her his hand and helped her stand, steadying her as a wave of dizziness hit. "Well, hurry up. I'm hungry."

Another laugh. "You're always hungry."

"Only when I want something, darling."

"You keep calling me 'darling' and 'love' and all those sweet endearments you keep coming out with and people will start talking." Laina called over her shoulders as she stepped into the bathroom.

"Let 'em. I couldn't care less." He paused and smirked at her in the mirror. "Love."

Laina shook her head at him and carefully unwound the bandage. Her hair was a little mattered and she shrugged. Touching the back of her head, she winced slightly. "How badly did I bleed?"

Reid looked up from where he was rummaging around for a clean uniform. "A bit. Tyler stopped it pretty quick. But your shirt's stained."

Laina sighed, her eyes flashing. Her bloodstained and crumpled uniform disappeared in place of a clean one. Her hair was smoothed and straightened, the ends flicking out in random directions. A sweet smelling floral perfume filled the air and she twirled, finished getting ready before Reid had even found his uniform.

Reid stared in disbelief. "I wish I could do that."

"You could but it takes a bit out of you. You have to draw the clothes to you and all sorts of stuff." She shrugged. "Took me five years to perfect it all."

"Meh. Not worth the time." He unbuttoned his school shirt; oblivious to the way Laina gaped at his chest. "I mean I could end up making my hair disappear."

Laina choked on a laugh and walked over to place her hand on his shoulder. He felt warmth and calm wash over him and the feeling of material slipping on and off his body. He looked down to see himself fully dressed. "You know, that trick could come in handy one day." He grinned at her as she whacked him on the back of his head.

"Come on, let's get some fooood."

Reid laughed and grabbed her hand, holding it all the way to the student parking lot where Tyler's Hummer sat. He smirked as he took out the keys and unlocked the passenger door, helping her in before jumping in the driver's seat.

"Did you ask?"

He turned the key and the engine throbbed to life. "Do I ever?"

"You know Tyler is protective of this thing."

"Which is precisely why I keep nicking it." He pulled out of the school and drove past the town, waiting for the question that he knew was niggling in the back of her mind. He smirked when she gave in.

"Alright. Where are we going?"

"There's this café just out of town that serves the best cappuccino you will ever taste."

She raised an eyebrow. "Reid Garwin likes cappuccino's? Who would've guessed."

He laughed. "Not even Tyler knows I love this place. He just knows I get coffee there."

Laina smiled and looked at the quaint looking café as they parked just in front. "It really does look nice."

Reid opened her door and took her hand, leading her inside where her breath hitched as she took in the high ceilings and 17th century styled architecture. "I used to come here as a kid with a friend. That is until she left. I still come here just to remember."

Who knew you were sentimental? Laina smirked as she spoke to his mind.

Funny. Just don't let Pogue find out. I'll never live it down.

He led her over to a table, a waitresses coming over after they sat down. "What can I get y'all?"

Reid smiled. "I'll just have a cappuccino. And the lady will have?"

"A caramel latte."

The waitresses smiled. "Right away. You two relax, now."

Reid thanked her before turning to gaze at Laina. "What?"

"Nothing." I can't believe you did what you did yesterday. What was that thing anyway?

Laina sighed in his mind, her green eyes closing as she struggled to remember. We were in your room, right?

Yeah.

I seem to remember a werewolf in the hallway. All I know was I had the distinct need to protect everyone. I gave everything I had to banish it.

Yeah, I saw. How does it work anyway? And who wants your powers?

She smiled and squeezed his hand. I don't know how it works. I never had the chance to ask anyone. All I know is, I can feel it when a creature of the Underdark comes into our plane. The mortal plane. When they become a physical entity they can be banished back to wherever they came from. Following?

I...think so.

Okay, so, all I know is that it requires a very big amount of pure energy. Like a life force. That's why I wouldn't be able to banish more then one. That particular creature was sent by a Warlock named Beltheir.

Reid laughed and then looked around nervously. That's a funny name.

I suppose. He killed my mum when I was five. She was taking me to visit my dad here.

Mr Danvers.

Yeah. But he never bothered me until my thirteenth birthday.

You got powers like ours then didn't you?

She was quiet for a moment. Her hand was cold in his and he kept getting glimpses of memories. People screaming and teenage Laina kneeling in a puddle of blood, crying, her eyes as black as onyx. I couldn't control it. The powers...when they combined they became something different. It took me months to learn to control anger and any other negative emotions. But then...I hurt people, Reid. I took lives.

He pulled her chair next to him and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Her head rested in the crook of his neck. It wasn't your fault. You couldn't have known what would happen. You couldn't have done anything.

She sniffled and raised her head. "How I got someone like you I'll never know." She placed a hand on his cheek. A bittersweet smile took over her features, but it failed to reach her eyes, they remained dark with pain.

Reid took her hand in his and held it over his heart. "You have more than just me."

She smiled again, this time her eyes crinkled. "I'm glad."

"Alright, kids. One cappuccino and one caramel latte."

"How much do we owe you?"

She waved her hand. "Never mind that. The two of you looked so adorable. It's on the house today."

Reid smiled and rose to hug the older lady. "Thanks."

"Oh dear. I should go before I embarrass the young lady any more."

Reid laughed at the demure way Laina sat. The two chatted about small things over their coffee. Both refrained from mentioning the secret Laina had revealed to Reid. But something was bothering him and it kept him from being his usual enigmatic self.

What's wrong Reid?

When do you turn eighteen?

You mean when do I Ascend and possibly wreak havoc upon Ipswich? Reid cringed at her bitter tone. Three weeks to the day. At 10:49pm my powers, both lots, will double, triple, quadruple, whatever. I have no way of knowing how much of a danger I will be. That's why I came here. The woods are secluded enough that I can count on there being no one to injure.

I'll be there.

Reid! He heard pain in her voice. If one could call it a voice. I can't have you there. I can't...I just couldn't live with myself if I hurt you.

Reid smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her. "Come on, let's go." He held onto her hand as he led her back to the Hummer. She was silent as they drove back, silent enough that it unnerved him a little. But he didn't press conversation. Sometimes people needed to have their own space.

When he pulled into Tyler's parking space he found the owner of the Hummer standing with folded arms, blue eyes glaring at him. "Hey, Baby Boy! What's happenin'? You still drunk?"

"I'll have you know I was only tipsy. And I'm sober now."

Laina smiled. "He used to sober up. Provost Higgins wouldn't want one of the school's star pupils wandering around drunk now, would he?"

Tyler frowned, ignoring Laina and focusing on Reid. "Two things Reid. One, you took my Hummer without asking! That is something that just can't happen anymore. What if there was an emergency? Huh? What could I have done?"

"Relax, Ty. I was just taking her for some coffee."

"You were gone for an hour."

"It was a really nice coffee. In a café. Outside of town."

"You took her there?"

"Got a problem?"

"Nope. Just tell me next time would you?"

Reid shrugged. "I'll think about it."

"For god's sake Reid! I was give--."

"What was the second thing."

Tyler turned to Laina. She was leaning against the Hummer, a smile playing on her lips. "What?"

"Fine. I'll quote you: 'two things Reid'. Sound familiar?" she smirked as Tyler frowned.

Reid laughed. "I am never letting you go, love." He walked over and pressed a kiss to her neck, enjoying the way she purred in her throat.

"Oh, right. Damon said if Reid made you shed even one tear he was gonna, and I quote, 'rip him limb from limb and burn him so he resembles a crispy pig'."

Laina laughed, pushing Reid away and moving off. "I don't doubt he would for a second."

"And we're officially about to start the day! Goody."

"Come now, Reid. You get to spend it with me. Doesn't that make it better?" Laina turned and wrapped her arms around Reid's neck. "I'll make sure you don't fall asleep. Much."

Tyler laughed. He enjoyed watching Laina turn Reid into a fish. And Reid really did resemble one as she let her hand wander over his abdomen before walking off. The blonde was still trying to speak when Tyler shoved him forward.

The day really was quite boring. Reid resorted to speaking to Laina in a way he much preferred over the verbal sort. No one could hear them and he could say absolutely anything to her.

What about tonight?

Gee, and I was thinking of doing my nails. Laina held her hand out and pretended to inspect the short nails. I don't think I can hurry perfection. She looked at him. Do you?

Honey, you're perfect in ten seconds flat. I'm sure a little dance wouldn't hurt?

Can't dance, Reid.

What? Virgin now are we?

Very funny. And no, I don't think I remember what it's like to be one... she snickered at the way Reid shifted in his seat. Wanna see?

Reid glared at her over Tyler's head. Minx.

And don't you love it!

Damn right I do. And everything else about you. He sighed and rubbed his stomach. Is he ever going to finish? I'm starrrving.

Laina shook her head and glanced down to where Damon sat with Caleb and Pogue. Sheiloh had decided to drop back down to her proper year. Trying to fool the teacher's she was a genius hadn't quite worked out. Caleb glanced back up and smiled sadly. Everyone but Reid and Tyler had been acting weird with her. At first she'd thought it was because of what she was, but then their eyes would flicker and settle on the dark bruises on her neck and wrists. What Aaron had done couldn't be explained and no amount of physical abuse would help.

Offer still stands, Lai.

Reid. As much as I would love to see him suffer...I won't let you go to jail.

I could make it look like an accident...

NO.

Fine.

As the bell rang, Reid whacked Tyler on the head to wake him up before leading her to the cafeteria. The poor kid had ended up with a migraine, the only part of his previous drunken state that he couldn't make go away. Reid found it hilarious that Tyler could barely stay awake.

"Tyler, my boy. Maybe you should stick to drinking with me. Pogue's choice is like fire and ice all in one shot!"

"Shut up!" Tyler blushed. "Just 'cos you're so happy you went on an early morning date doesn't give you the right to make fun of me!"

Laina shook her head and kissed Tyler on the cheek. "Don't mind him. He's just grumpy 'cos he ain't getting any."

Caleb laughed. "And I thought Reid could have whatever he wanted!"

"Reid couldn't pick up a blind girl. Not if he keeps saying they remind him of his Nan."

A blonde girl walked up and sat down next to Caleb, followed by a darker girl who hugged Pogue before settling beside him. "Hi, I'm Kate. This is Sarah." She motioned to the blonde who waved cheerfully. "You must Laina. Pogue told us that Reid hasn't stopped chittering about you for a fortnight."

"I do not chitter!"

Laina laughed. "Trust me, he doesn't. Well, not really."

"Whose side are you on?"

She leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around her. "Your's."

He huffed before leaning his forehead against hers. "Don't sound like it."

Sarah smiled as she witnessed the dramatic change in Reid's demeanour. "So, I guess she's good for him?" she turned to Caleb who smiled.

"He isn't such a dick if that's what you mean."

Laina looked around and smiled before stealing a bite from Tyler's sandwich. Reid's was already gone. "So you guys must be Pogue and Caleb's girlfriends?"

"Yeah." Sarah smiled sweetly. "I only transferred in a few weeks ago. Watch out for Aaron and his friends. Their kinda creepy." She looked around as the whole table went quiet. Even Kate looked surprised. "What?"

Laina looked at Reid. She smoothed the frown away before speaking. "I already had a run-in with him."

"Oh. The bruises?"

Laina nodded. Reid tensed beside her and she slipped an arm around him, snuggling closer to him as she did. He relaxed as she smiled up at him. "Don't worry. He'll pay. One way or another." Reid's voice held little room for argument so Laina shrugged it off.

"I'm so sorry. He really is kinda full of himself."

Laina waved the subject off. "He doesn't scare me. Not now. I have Reid to protect me. Him and Tyler saved me. They're my heroes. Tyler's my fave." The table filled with laughter as Reid scowled.

The hell with that.

Calm down Reid. You're the one getting me, aren't you?

Good point.

When the day ended, Damon and Sheiloh were waiting for them outside the building.

"We need to talk. All of us."

Caleb nodded. "Can Sarah and Kate come too?"

"I don't think so."

"Damon." Laina walked up to him, her fingers interlaced with Reid's. "I get the feeling they already know."

Damon frowned before shrugging. Sheiloh pouted. She hated it when Laina was right. "Fine. We need somewhere safe to talk though."

"What about my house?" Caleb shrugged when they all looked at him. "It's big and only my mum is there."

"I am not going near her."

Reid smiled softly as Laina refused to budge. "I'll be there the whole time."

She looked at him. He could see her fear and he squeezed her hand reassuredly. "Okay."

Caleb drove Sarah and Sheiloh in his silver Mustang GT, while Kate opted for Pogue's Ducati. Tyler led Reid, Laina and Damon over to his Hummer.

"I'm driving Reid."

"Go ahead, Baby Boy. I'm sitting in back."

Tyler stared at him, his mouth open in shock. Laina laughed before closing it for him. Damon shook his head. "I'm gathering Reid and he usually argue over this?"

She laughed again. "You could say that. It's more of Reid forcing Tyler to move over."

Reid grinned. "Come on, Lai." He held his hand out and helped her in. She smiled at the old-school way he was flirting. He held her hand and softly kissed it. She was still staring when he hopped in beside her.

Damon laughed, his auburn eyes twinkling. "Well this is a welcome change, Lai."

"Shut up!"

The drive to Caleb's was quieter then it usually was. Tyler was avidly talking to Damon about everything they could do, surprised that the Half-Angel didn't know much about what they were capable of. But Damon wasn't exactly in the dark and he met Laina's eyes more then once. Not that Laina noticed him much. Reid had suddenly decided to…well, court her. Something that was very un-Reid like.

Tyler pulled in through the Danvers gates as Caleb's Mustang idled just beyond. The gates slid silently shut, locking them in beside the eerie lake covered in a thin layer of mist. As they parked in front of the mansion Reid felt Laina tremble. Her green eyes were dark, whatever had happened here was something that she both remembered and loathed.

She claimed I would reign death upon this family. That I would taint the Danvers name beyond repair. Maybe I did.

Reid squeezed her hand as they entered the foyer. You did nothing wrong.

She turned and smiled. Her eyes were filled with tears, yet she refused to let them fall. Caleb went to led them up the stairs when Evelyn Danvers entered the foyer and immediately fixed her bleary eyes on, what she perceived, as the unearthly glowing form of Laina.

"You devil spawn! How dare you step foot in my house!"

Laina froze. She had hoped not to have to face this. With a deep breath she moved away from the others and towards the mother of her brother and wife of her father. "What right do you have to banish me from it? This house is as much a part of me as it is Caleb."

"You were born under a bad sign. Born of a Fallen Angel! You serve nothing but evil, and your intentions follow that line!"

"How dare you!" Laina suddenly began to glow, she let the veil fall and her complete form was suddenly visible to everyone. Pure white wings rose to their full length within the small foyer. She remained dressed in her uniform but she glowed with an ethereal light. "I will never serve those who hunted my mother. I will not serve evil. I will kill myself long before that."

"Then kill yourself now! Lord knows your kind are immortal enough!"

"Mother!" Caleb stepped forward, gently leading his mother from the room. "We don't need this right now." His voice faded as he led her further away.

Laina suddenly seemed to deflate. She collapsed on the ground, the wings drooping with weariness. The glow disappeared as a single tear slipped down her cheek. Her pain was visible to all, but Reid felt it as keenly as his own. Despite his surprise at seeing the wings, he moved forward and crouched before her.

"You alright, love?"

"No." her voice was small. She looked up at him. "I'm…help me?"

Reid smiled softly. The air around her shimmered and the wings disappeared again. He lifted her up, glad when she wrapped her arms around his neck and she pressed her face to his shoulder. He knew she was hiding, he could feel the slight tremors as he led them all up the stairs and towards one of the lounge rooms.

When Caleb joined them it was to find Laina laying with her head in Reid's lap, her eyes closed as he smoothed her hair. "Well, that wasn't something I anticipated. Sorry, Laina."

She opened her eyes. They were once more clear and bright. "It's fine Caleb. I shouldn't have reacted that way." She shrugged and remained silent.

Damon waited for Caleb to take a seat next to Sarah before addressing them all. "First, I want to be sure that Sarah and Kate do know about who you guys are." Sarah and Kate nodded. They'd known for a couple of weeks now. "Good. But what I will say is going to shock you if you're not ready. And I can't wait for the two of you to be comforted all the time. Because time is evidently not on our side."

He sighed and closed his eyes. They remained closed as he spoke. "The boys already know that we were born of an Angel. A Fallen Angel as Evelyn kindly pointed out. Sheiloh and I have a mortal father who was made immortal by the Higher Order. They're a group of Angels and Demons who govern what the sub-orders are allowed to partake in. Laina however has the same father as Caleb, which makes her unique. No one like her has ever lived. But she is incredibly powerful, something I'll explain later. Right now I want you all to know what we are first."

"You're Half-Angels." Pogue frowned, it seemed obvious to him.

Damon's eyes remained closed as he laughed. "True but because of that we have certain…affinities. For instance, I have a particular affinity for the element of Fire." His eyes opened and they gasped. His eyes were black and they blazed with an inner fire. He held his hand out and a fireball appeared, breaking off into smaller balls of fiery light. Small giggles and high-pitched chatter filled the silent air. "These creatures are Elementals. They're everywhere. But with my power I can make them visible. Most people refer to them as Imps. Good Imps really. They don't like evil people much." His eyes closed and the lights disappeared. When he opened his eyes again they were back to their normal auburn colouring.

"What about Sheiloh?"

Sheiloh smiled at Sarah's question. The two girls hadn't screamed so far. "I like Air, and its my affinity." A wind whipped up, buffeting them yet it didn't touch a thing in the room. "Unfortunately I don't have cool eyes like Damon and Laina. But I can make a mean storm. I'd show you but…well, the rooms too small!" she laughed and the wind died down. "Laina's the interesting one. The special one." Her bitter tone didn't escape Laina's attention and she grimaced.

"I'm not that special." She sat up and smiled sadly at everyone. "I just lucked into it all."

Damon sighed. "Laina was born Half-Witch Half-Angel. It gave her the ability to reach into both sides of magic. She can use the powers of Evil against those with dark intentions, while purifying anything they touch. That pure energy is what allows her to banish creatures of the Underdark from our plane. And trust me it's useful."

"So what's her affinity?" It was Tyler this time, his head was cocked to the side as he listened.

"Ready Lai?" she sighed and stood up, nodding to him as she did. "Light."

A blinding white light filled the room as Laina closed and re-opened her eyes. When the light faded her eyes were a pure white, sharply contrasting with the usual black when she used. Her eyes closed and she sat back down next to Reid. "You see everyone has a special talent. Whether they're mortal or not. Witch, warlock, angel. We all have them. Ours are just a little more obvious. And some talents are things we don't always want to know."

"Are you going to tell them?" Sheiloh's voice was soft as she questioned her older sister who looked like she wanted to turn invisible.

"I suppose so." She took a deep breath before explaining. "Each of you will Ascend and gain ten times what you could have dreamed of. But, like us, something will come a little more natural, easier, to you. These things will be what you may use more. They won't use as much power as everything else either." Her eyes closed for a moment. "Damon, Sheiloh and I each have the ability of Foresight, although we're not as good as Jeroime. It allows us to see possibilities, not definites. Caleb has already Ascended yet he hasn't noticed anything different."

Damon continued for her. "You see, Caleb. You could lift a car using your power as easily as you would physically lift a pencil. Even over long distances. You have an affinity for Telekineses."

Sheiloh spoke up then. "Pogue, when he Ascends, will be able to discern danger, including those of a similar nature to us. In other words yours will be Truth-Seeing." She paused before continuing. "Tyler, when you Ascend, you will be able to Heal and Raise everything. Meaning that you can heal the living and, in time, perhaps raise the recent dead. Although that depends on whether you remain as pure as you already are. If you do, you will not be able to raise the dead, only bring back a dead environment."

Everyone waited for Reid's to be revealed, looking expectantly to where Reid and Laina sat. With a sigh Laina spoke, "Reid will be different. He won't have anything like yours. His possible futures have changed. For better or worse I'm not sure. I just know that it's all hazy really. What I can see is that he may be blessed by the Higher Order."

Reid stared at her. No fucking way.

Reid...

You telling me I could become immortal?

You could. But don't be too hopeful.

But you're immortal and that means I could stay with you!

Laina sighed and smiled at him. You have a way of persuading people.

Damon smiled at his sister. Whatever had transpired between the two of them was what Laina had needed. He would protect this. "So what do we do about the Covenant's Ascension? As well as yours Lai."

She looked over at him and spoke as if the answer had been clear from the beginning. "Why, we help them of course."

They spent the afternoon exchanging stories of power use that backfired on the user. Laina's laughter joined everyone's freely, something she had refrained from for five years. Yet none of them noticed the shadow that faded from the room as they stood to depart for a time, agreeing to meet back in the evening.

"So," Reid wrapped his arms around Laina as they stood near the pond at the rear of the Danvers's mansion. "How are we planning on spending our free time?"

She laughed and rested her head on his shoulder, inhaling his scent. "Not the way your thinking Reid."

Reid pouted as she laughed again. The world suddenly looked like a brighter place.