A/N: I am back in the and thus updates should be quicker! I'm hoping to get you as interested as possible so that you will still want to read my story even when I take longer breaks. Once again, a big thank you, Mermaid Monster, for your recent reviews! I really do appreciate it :)

I know it's not much but folks, how do you like my story so far? Constructive criticism is also welcome!


Chapter VII


Anne and her demon found Emilie crouched in a corner of the dark hall. Wickham stood by her, getting ready to leave.

Anne's orbs fired up with rage and there was no trace of hesitation in her composure as she whispered, "Kill him."

The demon quietly followed Wickham further in the darkness while Anne rushed to her sister's aid. She fell on her knees, wrapping her arms around her little sister. "Emilie, oh, Emilie!"

Emilie, although breathing heavily and visibly distressed, did not cry. Her share of tears was shed by her sister who blamed herself infinitely for this irrevocable tragedy.

The demon returned soon but the lack of light prevented Anne from making out too many details of his appearance. She could only make out his striking red irises.

"Emilie, can you walk?" Anne helped her sister up, arranged her gown and fixed her hair. "Emilie." She cupped the girl's cheeks and looked her in the eye. "Emilie, I need you to wait here for a moment. I will go fetch mamma and we will leave. I just need a moment."

Anne kissed her sister's forehead then distanced herself from her, joining the demon in the obscure comfort of the blackness. If her sight hadn't been blurred by tears, she would have greatly appreciated the demon's looks, to the point of being smitten—she, who had an affectionate eye for anything worth admiring and generally devoid of envy.

"I apologise, my lady," the demon found it appropriate to say, "it appears that I—"

She held up her hand to interrupt him. "Enough. Please look after Emilie and mend her gown while I look for my mother." She paused and breathed in. "What was your name again?"

"My name is whatever you wish to call me."

Anne pondered on that for a brief moment. "Darcy. Thomas Darcy."

And off she went, her sobs vanishing along with her.