HEY GUYS, SOOOO ON THE PLUS SIDE THE UPDATE DIDNT TAKE AS LONG AS LAST TIME... BUT APOLOGIES REGARDLESS OF THAT :) HAPPY READINGS

DISCLAIMER: NO I UNFORTUNATELY DO NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS USED IN THIS STORY *SIGH* ASIDE FROM CALLUM OF COURSE XD

Chapter 7

Eddies POV

Using my years of guardian stealth training, I silently walked towards the podium. As I stood before it, I knew I had made my decision. I only hoped it was the right one. I noticed a thin pinpoint of red light mixed with the usual white from, what I presumed was a skylight. Then more became clear, and black ones only I could see with my trained eye. Hesitantly I tilted my head up. As I did a beautiful and intricate stained glass circular window became clear. How hadn't anyone noticed it, I guess beauty just stays hidden to most sometimes. It was beautiful, with an arcing design twirling between itself like a serpent (AN: link on profile). I wonder what it meant.

Guilt lunged into me like a knifes point. Only hours ago I was out with the guys buying suits and agreeing to be Adrian's best man. Now I was going behind their backs for my own selfish desire. Yet even as my conscience weighs down on me I cannot bring myself to replace the book. I need my best friend back.

Times ticking. It's now or never. Sydney and the girls will be back soon and I don't know how long Mikhail or Dimitri will believe my feeble excuse of dejection over marriage. At least Adrian was preoccupied with the little ones.

Steeling my resolve I tuck the book under my coat, turn on my heel and leave the room.

I pace back and forth in the bedroom of our apartment, before going to the wardrobe. I place the book in an old shoe box towards the back, hoping no one will think to look there.

I knew she'd found the book as soon as she entered the room. Her face was paler than a sheet. "Eddie, what's this?" she breathed softly holding up the book. Almost as if she didn't dare speak to me.

"It's... I need to read it. It could bring back Mason, Jill"

"Well, at least it means I didn't go on another sleep-walking shopping spree again huh" she smiled faintly though her eyes were filling with tears.

I cross the room in a few short strides before enveloping her in my arms. "Darling, why are you crying?"

"I just... I know how much he meant to you and I... I want you to be happy and I guess I'm sorry I cant make you happy like that"

"Jillian Manstano Dragomir don't you ever think you are in any way inadequate, that you aren't the light of my life because believe me you are what makes me."

"Did you see the skylight last time we were in there?" I questioned "It looks really familiar, but I can't place it?"

"Urm no" she paused to think, then took a sharp breath "but I know who might" she said

grabbing my hand and tossing on some shoes, Jill bolted out the door me following.

Finally Jill stopped to catch her breath and I walked with her, hand in hand.

"So a while ago Rose mentioned a woman named Rhonda, a reader" Jill spoke.

"Yes, I remember her mentioning that too, come to think of it" I racked my brains.

We then continued our quest to the spa in silence. But not an uncomfortable silence. Slowly the spa building came into view, a large structure with swirling architecture. I reached for Jills hand and walked in, greeted by a pair of honey orange eyes, Ambrose.

"Hi guys, I haven't seen you in a while" he sprung up to us.

"I know, you look great! How is Mark?" Jill rushed out.

"Haha thanks, and yeah he's great been chewing up my shoes again though. Now I presume your here for a reason?" He replied laughingly.

I spoke up "ah yes, we wondered if we could speak to your aunt?"

"Of course Eddie, anything for a friend of Rose"

He began leading us down a pristine, blue tiled hallway. Slowly, as we got to the end and it became darker, I saw a door. Ambrose lead us in and I was bombarded with the strong smell of incense. Behind a large table in the middle was a woman in her late forties with dark hair and piercing dark eyes, wearing a long black dress. This was aconteast to the red velvet chaises with red cushions, red wallpaper and, well, red everything.

"Hello dears, what can I help you with today?" Rhonda questioned, gesturing for us to sit opposite her in the big red chairs.

"Well I found a symbol and no one I know can tell what it is. I was wondering if you could help?" I asked pulling a sketch out of my pocket.

"Hummmmm, I recognize one bit here. This is the ancient symbol for spirit, used in many ceremonies." She traced her boney thin fingers along the page "but I cannot understand the rest, sorry dears"

"what you have done is plenty, thank you for your kindness madam" Jill replied.

"Its fine princess, anything for friends" she smile a crooked but genuine smile "feel free to come by again" she lead us back to the reception.

"Well that went well, and now we have something al least. I suggest we go back home and call the others over, we need the help. And you never know, they may want to join in?"

"Well okay" I said

whipping out my mobile, I text the boys and Rose to come over. I took a deep breath, please understand...I need this, I need my best friend back.

"So Eddie why should we help you, and go behind Syds back?!" Rose said.

But I had pre-planned this .

"Well we both miss him and you can stop blaming yourself!"

"I know that hit low but I need this. Remember how you felt when Dimitri was strigoi? How much you missed him and you would do anything to get him back? I helped you and never asked questions, please can't you do the same for me?" Both Rose and Dimitri flinched at the memories.

Rose sighed "fine Eddie, you always were good at getting your way" she smirked "I'm in, and Dimka?"

"If Roza is in I cannot say no" He smiled faintly.

Me too and nods moved around the room I looked up at a sudden noise, only my guardian hearing picked up on. Every guardian in the room tensed and stepped forward. The door slammed open, and Sydney walked in with Adrian trailing behind. We all relaxed, kind of.

"Sorry guys I tried to stop her, but you know how she is. She just knows how to get what she wants!" Adrian said clearly out of breath.

"What did I tell you Eddie!" I flinched, I hate lying "you didn't listen, this could be full of dark and dangerous consequences but you still did it. And behind my back, all of you!" Well at leat she's still good at her lectures.

"You don't know how sorry I...we are but he is my best friend . I miss him Sydney. Its like when your mom and dad split, you felt so bad and guilty and we had to spend hours consoling you. Can't you do the same?" I pleaded.

She sighed looking worn "damn it Eddie! Your right. Never mind I'm in, just show me the plans"

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