The Countess had been gone for several weeks going back to her home in California. Never before had Cordelia longed for someone as much as she did the blonde. She missed her steady heartbeat against her own in the middle of the night as they slept entangled in one anthers embrace. The Supreme had not meant to fall for Elizabeth so hard but it seemed she had no choice in the matter her heart had long since surrendered to The Countess. Cordelia's fear was that Elizabeth was not as in love with her as she was with her. Even though the blonde had opened up to her The Countess still kept somewhat of a distance between them.

Cordelia knew that whatever The Countess was feeling for her was something that the blonde had not felt for a very long time. She also knew that these feelings scared Elizabeth and every second she spent apart from her made 'Delia fear she might not come back.

In her elegant suite on the top floor of her hotel The Countess paced her floor. She hadn't slept in days and though her body was tired her mind would not let her sleep. Thoughts of Cordelia made it impossible for her to remain still. Though she did not want to admit it The Supreme made her happier than she has ever been including a time when she was with the man she had lost forever. Even with him Elizabeth felt as though she was giving up part of herself but with 'Delia she felt like she didn't have to, she felt accepted.

A life with her new lover however did mean a life away from The Cortez. But as she looked around that thought surprisingly did not scare her. The Countess had used this hotel for a shield from the outside world for almost a hundred years maybe it was time for her to step out into the light and away from The Cortez. This place was not meant for the living; it never was.

"What's the matter with you?" a morbid voice echoed around her.

"We would all be happier if you minded your own business, Sally," The Countess responded turning slowly to face the tear stained ghost.

"But you know how much I love to meddle into everyone's life. What else is there to do around this place," she said lighting a cigarette.

"Go away," the blonde brushed past Sally making her way to the bar.

"Oh, come on, throw a girl a bone I know something's up," Sally eyed her as she blew smoke from her lips.

"If you were alive I'd have killed you by now," the blonde hissed while pouring a drink.

"Lucky for me I'm already dead," she moved closer, "I've known you for a long time I can tell when something is bothering you." The Countess shot her a look. "If you think I'm going to turn around and tell March let me reassure you, I'm not. I hate that man as much as you do."

"Trust me, your level of hatred is nowhere near my own," she said before downing her drink. She turned to face the ghost debating for several moments whether to continue the conversation. Sally waited patiently until The Countess decided to speak, "If you were still alive and knew the secret of this place would you still be in this hotel?"

Sally moved to sit on the arm of the couch across from The Countess,

"Not a chance in hell."

The driver opened the door and Cordelia exited the black Lincoln. Her meeting with the government hadn't gone as bad as she had expected. Ever since coming forth to the public about the existence of witches she had frequent meeting with the local and national government to continually reassure them that her coven was not to be feared. It was an exhausting task for many feared their kind. This particular meeting had lasted longer than hoped but ended without too much hostility which was better than last time. It had been a very long day and she hoped she was not needed by the council so she could get some much needed rest.

Her stiletto heels clicked off the floor as she walked through the door of her academy. Kyle entered from another room his blonde hair hanging loosely from his face,

"Hello," he grinned.

"Hello, Kyle," she smiled. "Did the council called a meeting tonight?"

"No, but," he paused looking down, "The Countess. She's here."

Cordelia's heart skipped a beat at Kyle's words,

"Where is she?" 'Delia tried to keep her voice even.

"She is waiting for you in the parlor," he said softly and quietly made his way into another room.

Upon entering the room The Countess rose from her seat to face her. She looked fierce in her white dress that shimmered slightly in the lamplight. As always the dress was cut low in the front exposing alabaster skin. The blonde's hair fell in soft curls around her face making her look like she walked off the set of a Fred Astaire film. Her eye's seemed to shine almost silver as she looked upon The Supreme.

"I missed you," the immortal woman whispered before moving at an inhuman pace to stand in front of The Supreme. It always surprised Cordelia at how fast Elizabeth could move. The blonde placed one hand on Cordelia's hip pressing herself against the young supreme.

"I was afraid you might not come back," Cordelia said looking away from the blonde. A gentle hand on her face drew her gaze back to The Countess.

"I'm sorry I was away for such a long time," she paused, "It has been such a long time since I have felt something for another person. I needed time." What Elizabeth said was true she had needed time but what Sally had said made her realize where she wanted to be. It had taken her a very long time but she now understood that hotel was poison and she was willfully letting it seep into her veins but not anymore. She would not let the past keep her from having a future.

"Will you be leaving again?" Cordelia timidly asked fearing the answer.

"No. I am here to stay if that is also what you wish," for the first time in decades the blonde feared rejection and it caused her heart to race.

"Yes, more than anything I want you to stay."