Daughters of darkness two. This is what happens one year later, and the characters, names, and storyline are all the work of L.J.Smith, but I added my own plot and a few new characters – please review!

For those of you who are reading this, this takes place AFTER the 9th book; WITCHLIGHT, so please don't get confused…

Medusa Descouedres: the eternal angel - wot WOULD I do without her?!, kamui-chan Lee.Sun-Ho: a constant supporter (gotta check out your stories sometime soon...), La Belle Morte: a nice new reviewer – thanks for everything! u guys are the best!

And I'm so sorry, I made a mistake by making Mare act like Hunter Redfern was still supposed to be alive, when, in reality, he dies before Witchlight, so sorry about that – you can criticise me, and I won't complain, when it was my fault anyway.

Chapter 7: Rescue... And Surprise

"Maya? And… Hunter?" Mare was shocked "you were both… dead, last time I checked."

"What?" Maya laughed "surprised to see me, Hellewise?"

"This shouldn't be happening." Mare whispered

"So?" Maya tossed her head "who says vampires can't come back from the dead? Not to mention I've got unfinished business to take of."

"But-but-" Mare stammered, "none of this makes sense! You're supposed to be dead!" she burst out. All the color had drained out of her cheeks, and she looked pale, almost feverish.

"Didn't you hear me? I'm alive, VERY much alive, in front of you???" Maya shook her head in irritation.

Mare was still staring in disbelief. She sank into the chaise chair, and put her head in her hands. Hunter and Maya waited exasperatingly until she had regained herself.

When she finally lifted her head, Mare asked, "So… what are you going to do to me?"

Hunter smiled, flashing his fangs. "Well…" he said, "it's a matter of what were NOT going to do to you, if you don't compromise with us of what were going to ask you…"

"What, to join your so-called right side in the Battle?" Mare laughed sarcastically. She had regained her composure, and no one could guess that she was afraid "but you should know me by now – I've made it clear which side I'm on, sister"

The blow came before she fully registered it, and Mare's head whipped to the side.

"You DARE speak like that to me!" Maya was livid was fury.

Mare looked up at her. Her cheek stung where Maya had slapped her "yes, I dare" she hissed

Maya came at her again, but Mare grabbed her hand with surprising strength. "Don't you EVER do that again" she snarled "or so kill me, I'll shove a stake through your heart!"

Maya looked startled, then laughed. "Well, looks like the mouse can roar" she said, "you've changed, Hellewise"

"life taught me better than to be naïve and innocent" Mare replied.

Just then, they heard a scuffle outside the door in the corridor, and the next second, Ash, Quinn, Rashel, and Thierry entered into the room.

"let her go," Ash growled. He held a stake in his hand, which was smeared with blood "or ill have no regrets killing you two like I killed the others"

"Ash Redfern" Hunter chuckled "a descendent of mine joining Circle Daybreak? This is making my day"

"you have no right to capture an innocent woman!" Thierry frowned.

"oh, do you see her tied up? She's free to go – I'm not holding her against her will" Hunter smirked

Mare looked at him, but just then, the lights went out

Mare walked a few steps forward, gingerly feeling her way. She came in contact with someone and sparks flew. Upon feeling a familiar Pink Haze come upon her, she smiled and whispered "Ash," gripping his hand tightly

Just then, the lights came on, and Mare gasped

She wasn't holding Ash's hand… but Hunter Redfern's...