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: Bonsiour, Mon Ange! (Uh, WHY THE HECK AM I SPEAKING FRENCH?!) I'm guessing you know what I mean, anyway, and I'm thinking of doing 3 more chapters, making 12, so my story will be over soon. YAY ME! I'll have a party when its finished, and you're invited, unless you're invitation gets lost in the mail (Hopefully it wi- OUCH!) So, I love everything you've done for me, fully appreciate it - Au Revoir!!!

kamui-chan Lee.Sun-Ho: I know, that's VERY bad, isn't it?! well, here ARE a few more surprises along the way, I think... some good and some bad, so just wait and see what happens, before making conclusions... but anyways, your daily reviews are fully appreciated (NOT! HEHEHE, nah, just kidding, please dont take it seriously)

La Belle Morte: You really think my chapters are getting better and better? thanks! It's my first fanfic, so it'll be a bit weird at the start, but what the heck! I'm writing another fanfic at the moment, so id like it if you'll hopefully review that when it's published...

Gothic Girl 3000: You're a new reviewer? Anyways, thanks for your Reviews! Appreciated, and hopefully, you'll review it again :D


Chapter 9: Loose Ends Tied

It was a while before Mare finally regained consciousness.

"Wha-what happened?" She was lying on a Crimson Couch, and she had a headache, but someone was stroking her hair. The last thing she remembered was Ash running out of the meeting, having all these Flashbacks of her and Hunter, and passing out.

Wait, Flashbacks of... Hunter?! Mare thought She tried to sit up, but someone gently pushed her back down.

"You shouldn't try to sit up. You just fainted" It was Ash, who'd also been stroking her hair

Mare sank back down. "Ash" She whispered weakly, gripping his hand

He smiled at her "Hey, Mare"

"Wait - How long have i been out for?" Mare asked in alarm, sitting up. This time Ash didn't make her lie down again.

"You've been out for a total of 3 hours" It was Mark. Mare felt a pang of guilt as she realised she had hardly talked to Mark all day. She also noticed that Jade, Kestral, and Rowan were all crowded round her as well, as well as Thierry and Hannah.

"What is going on?" Mare frowned.

"Nothing. After you fainted, everyone went there own ways, and Thierry has been checking into Hunter's story about you two being Soulmates... And it seems like they true" Hannah told Mare softly

Mare closed her eyes against the barrage of tears that threatened to spill "OK" She whispered, when she had finally regained herself, "But can i change out of these clothes? They're a bit... bloody, and I've been going around in them for the whole day"

"Of Course. You can borrow some off Iliana or the other girls" Thierry said "And... if you still want to, you can sleep in Ash's room"

Mare sneaked glanced at Ash. His face was blank, unreadable. "OK"

She ignored the flash of surprise that crossed his face, and dropped her feet to the floor, leaning against the sofa "I'm SO sorry I've been ignoring you all day, I've been a bit occupied" Mare apologised to her Brother and the Redfern Sisters

"It's OK, Mare - We heard about everything that happened. Do you want to talk about it?" It was Rowan, her face full of Concern.

"No, It's OK, I-" Mare gasped, looking horrified

"What's wrong?" Mark asked

"Claudine and Dad! They don't know what's happened to us!!! I COMPLETELY forgot about them all day!!!" Mare sank back onto the Couch, and closed her eyes.

"Oh, that?" Kestral asked sarcastically.

Jade glared at her "Well, I would care" She pointed out

"They already know. I... used Mind Control on them, and now they think that you and Mark have gone on a Skiing Trip with us - Something Normal, for once" Rowan put in

"Oh, Thanks" Mare breathed a sigh of relief

"I think we should be going now - I'm sure you and Ash need some time together to talk. Jade, Rowan, Kestral and Mark, Your rooms are ready" Hannah said, looking pointedly at them

"Okay, Were going" Mark smiled at Mare "See you, Sister"

"Night Night, Sleep Tight" She returned the smile, and watched as the Thierry, Hannah, and the others went out the door, Jade and Kestral bickering loudly about which rooms they were going to have.

When they were gone, Mare turned to Ash. "Ash, I'm so sorry about everything" There was a lump in her throat

Ash sat next to her, and held her hand, "It's OK, I understand, as long as you don't start cheating on me with him" He tried an attempt at a grimace, and failed. The Atmosphere considerably lightened, and Mare found she could breathe easily

Mare laughed, "Yeah, Right" She stretched, feeling sleepy.

"You tired?" Ash asked, walking Mare to there Room.

There were some clean clothes already on the bed, and Mare picked them up, walking to the bathroom that was just next door, with a door in the wall, separating the door walls "Yeah. And i have to shower get dressed now, and you CAN'T come inside, so shoo!"

Mare laughed at Ash's glum face, and shut the door gently.

When Mare came out of the Bathroom, dressed and everything, she waited curled up under the duvet until Ash came out, then slipped out and hugged him, arms curled around his neck.

"I really AM sorry for everything" She murmured.

"it's OK - I don't blame you" He whispered. He kissed her, then they curled up in bed together, Mares head against his chest.. Within moments, they had fallen asleep, and the whole Mansion was Silent.

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Mare woke up in the Middle of the Night, sensing something in the Building. She frowned, detaching herself from Ash, and got out of the bed, slipping on her gown that was hanging on the hook behind the Door.

She crept out of the Room, and heard a movement behind her. Mare whirled around, then the next second someone had grabbed her, stuffed a gag in her mouth so she couldn't scream, and was carried out of the mansion, slung over someone's shoulder...