Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Skys the limit 7507, Lauren j, Alexsandra, Lsb123, Jaboo101,Alphabloodwolf and BellaNessieCullen


I awoke and felt so groggy, why was I feeling so tired? I never ever felt tired, my masters made sure of that.

I paused and reviewed my thoughts. My masters? When in the hell did I start thinking of anyone as 'my masters'? I didn't have any masters; I was a free person, what the hell was I thinking?

I opened my eyes and frowned at the canopy above my head, I didn't have anything like that, at Tregarran or the Stables. What the hell was going on? Why was the scent here so familiar, but I couldn't place it either.

I sat up and got out of the bed, looking around this room with sandy coloured stone walls. The ceiling was high, and in the middle was a cartwheel made into a chandelier. Other than that artificial assistance, the only light came from the one high window.

There were screams everywhere and the scent of blood. A thousand ghosts crammed into that place, demanding that I listen to them, but I couldn't hear a single one. There were too many voices trying to shout together for me to hear one individual.

I had to force them away, shaking my head in order to concentrate.

That's when I noticed I was naked. Since when did I sleep naked? I mean, when I sleep alone when do I sleep naked? I didn't know but I needed clothes. There was a wardrobe, big, old fashioned, almost advertising a gateway to Narnia. I pulled it open and looked inside.

I felt like I was in a cartoon, like the Simpsons or something, where Bart opens his closet and it's all full of blue shorts and red t-shirts and that one suit for Sunday best hanging on the end. Only this seemed to be full of grey suits and white shirts and a black robe tucked in there at the end. The robe had a familiar shape that made my stomach roll with worry. I wouldn't touch the robe, but I guess the suit wouldn't hurt.

I pulled on the pants and the shirt, the jacket would seem too much, and looked around the room for a better inspection. There was a big door next to the wardrobe that led out of the room, I was sure of that. The bed was placed with its headboard against the left wall if you were walking into the room. To the left of the bed was a smaller door that led to the bathroom. To the right of the bed there was a TV area and in the opposite corner was a kitchenette with a small table and a set of chairs that were placed near the entrance. I knew this room, but I'd never been in it.

I decided to look further. I tried the outside door and it actually opened. I peeked out into a long corridor. I stepped out and turned to my right, walking along the length of it, trying not to be noticed. I guess it wouldn't be so easy with my height and all, but I had to try something.

I reached the top of a staircase, but I could hear someone coming up them. I dodged behind a pillar and hoped the person wouldn't look this way. When I saw a swirl of dark robe I realised I would have been better off pulling on the robe from the wardrobe, at least I'd be able to get around unnoticed.

"Tony, here you are." I jumped and turned to the small figure in black. "Why are you hiding brother, and where are your robes? You know how Uncle Aro frets if we are late for Court."

I stared at the figure in disbelief because it looked like Liza, it sounded like Liza, but it sure as hell wasn't Liza. Liza would never wear the robes or talk so fondly of Aro and call him uncle.

What's going on? I asked urgently.

Liza chuckled in delight.

"Oh Tony dearest, how quaint. We have not used mind speak since we were children. There are no secrets between us and our family, why talk with our minds so they cannot hear?" She asked sweetly.

I frowned.

What the hell is going on? Why are we in Volterra? How did we get here? Was it Alec? Did he do this? Why are you wearing the robes? I demanded.

"Of course my dearest Alec brought us here, honestly Tony, have you been out in the sun all day?" Liza chastised.

"No. I just woke up." I said with a growl.

"Oh, I see. You had the dream again." She said in serious tones as she took my arm and began to lead me back along the way I'd come.

"What dream?" I asked.

"The one where you are convinced we left this place with our parents rather than remained here. It is an intricate fantasy that builds with each visit. I believe last news was that Mother was expecting? Has she had the baby now."

"Yeah. A girl. Mom called her Billie." I replied, being carried along by Liza, lost in my own confusion.

"It is a good a name as any I suppose." Liza mused as she led me back into the room I'd woke up in. "However she is not real. None of it is real as well you know. It is all a fabrication that comes about this time of year."

"This time of year?"

"The anniversary of when we came to live here. There is still a part of you, your Quileute part I shouldn't wonder, that still rebels against the life we have made here. Never fear brother." Liza stated as she made me sit on a chair. "A trip to Mother will soon put you right."

"Mom's here?" I asked in disbelief.

"Come Tony, you must condition yourself once more, you know how much Mother is opposed to such familiarity as calling her Mom. She abides Mother merely because she is that to us." Liza chided as she began to tie a tie around my collar.

"I hate these things." I growled as she tightened it. "You know that."

"You used to hate them." Liza corrected as she straightened out the tie. "Now you know that they add a certain class to your attire."

I glowered at Liza.

"Honestly Tony, it amazes me how you seem to reset to this mode every year. What is there in that other life that could possibly merit living there?" Liza mused in tones that suggested she thought wanting to live in the real world was somehow perverse.

"Grace." I said firmly.

"Oh my poor deluded brother, it has been years since you had her in your fantasy. Not since…not since…" Liza trailed off looking agitated.

"Not since what?" I demanded.

"Not since Uncle Aro ordered her to be changed for having knowledge of our kind. Her heart was too weak however. That old condition that struck her in childhood. It meant that she did not survive the change and she expired." Liza stated, as if she was commenting on the weather.

"Expired?" I demanded. "How can you put it so, clinically? She was your friend Eliza. You called her sister!"

"It is better to distance oneself lest we get weighed down in guilt." Liza said, and that was the first time I saw my real sister shine through, even if she was trying to bury herself.

"Is it worth fighting the guilt?" I demanded. "Who tried changing Grace?"

Liza gave me a sad look, then looked away.

"You would trust none of the others to stop. You insisted that you administer the venom yourself." She replied sadly.

"Oh yeah?" I growled. "God! This is such bull crap Liza! I got back in touch with Grace two months ago and because of an accident I had to do an emergency vampanization. I'm not sure of the exact maths, but Grace survived the change. Not only that but she didn't turn all the way. She's a half vampire, which means she can have kids and she's still my imprint." I added pointedly.

"Oh poor Tony, can you not see?" Liza said softly, placing her hands to me cheeks and giving me a look that suggested I was deluding myself. "Would this not be the perfect fantasy to concoct in order to relieve yourself of the guilt you feel? You have always felt you murdered Grace, yet here in your dream world you have Grace not only alive, but give her a method to live forever whilst remaining more or less human? Is that not the perfect scenario for one feeling guilty over something beyond his control."

What Liza said made sense, but I wasn't willing to accept it. If there was a dream world then this was it and I needed to get out. How would I get out? Was there an exit door? I had to find it.

For now it seemed I had to go along with Liza as she ordered me to put on a suit jacket and the robes. I felt the darkness take over me. Well almost, it wasn't really, but wearing those dark robes felt like slipping into darkness. I wouldn't let myself.

I'm Tony Black; I live in Olympic Pines, Washington. I am not a member of the Volturi. I told myself as Liza led me by the hand along the corridor to the left of the door. This corridor seemed familiar now and I knew where we were going. To the Audience Chamber.

I knew I didn't want to step through those doors, could I not go through?

There was a figure waiting near the door.

"My Liza, I thought I was to escort you to Court this day." The person said and I recognised the voice of Alec.

"Sorry my love, but my brother was in need of assistance." Liza replied as she let go of me and went toward Alec before giving him a passionate kiss.

Makes you sick doesn't it. Someone thought as they took my hand.

I looked down to find Jane beside me.

However did my brother manage to ensnare your sister in such a way? She asked, although it was rhetoric.

He didn't. I thought back.

I felt Jane's eyes on me, then her hand tightened in mine.

Come talk to me after Court. She thought. Just play along and don't let them know you're remembering.

What?

I can't explain like this, Liza might hear. She stated. Play the willing tool for now and I will speak with you later.

Ok. I thought, since she was the first ally to present themselves to me. But how do I play the tool?

Do as Aro asks and don't let on you're fighting against Her control once more. Jane replied.

Ok.

Well how hard could it be? It wasn't likely Aro would ask me to do something too against my nature. Finding out a little info would be ok. I could go along with this, I could.

Don't forget your diamond skin. Jane thought toward me.

I pulled down the heat and felt my vampire self surface. Unlike Mom I'd never really disassociated my three selves into Mr Wolf, Mr Vampire and the me in the middle, they were all just me in different forms. Maybe being a dhampir all my life I'd always known the vampire me, and I hadn't tried to fight the phasing so it never became an issue. It wasn't a side of me I was trying to fight. Well there was the odd occasion that I'd have to gain control, but in the end it was like trying to hold back on an emotion.

As the doors opened I felt my back straighten into a more formal posture, like my body was used to doing this. We were allowed into Court to take up our position before the rest of the guard arrived. I was on the Volturi guard? That was seriously messed up.

I felt a mind inspect mine and I made sure my shield was strong as I looked into a pair of staring gold eyes. It wasn't often she pulled down the heat now, only for hunting, and with her hair scraped back like that it took a moment for me to recognise Mom sat there to the right of Aro's throne. Although she was sat on the floor, her back ramrod straight, her hands on her knees as she simply stared blankly ahead. I felt a shiver down my spine, as I realised it wasn't Mom sitting there; it was Esther-Marie.

I couldn't react; I couldn't react, not when I was right in the heart of the Volturi. I had to ride out this court session and talk to Jane later, find out what the hell was going on. Why did I need to talk to Jane? This was just a dream right?

I tried to force myself to wake up, but it wasn't working, I was stuck. I tried to remember what had happened before I woke up here, but I was interrupted as Jane told me where I should stand and then the rest of the Volturi filed in.

I felt panicky, but I tried not to show it. Play the willing tool, then talk to Jane later. I could do that. I mean, if I was in the robes they were hardly gonna pose a threat to me. I could get through this. I could get through this.

Actually it didn't seem that bad. All Court seemed to be was a discussion of how things were going. It seemed like a boardroom meeting, just a little get together to know how things were going within Volturi plc. It was pretty boring to be honest and if I hadn't been on such high alert I think I would have fallen asleep.

Finally it ended and we were disbanded. I wasn't sure where or when I was supposed to meet Jane, so I filed out with some of the other guard members deciding that it was probably better to head to my room. Not my room, the room that I woke up in. I refused to think of it as my room since that would make this nightmare real.

I felt a cold hand on my arm and I looked down to find Jane beside me.

Keep walking at a normal pace. She stated. "Court was rather dire tonight." She said aloud.

"You can say that again." I replied as I allowed her to lead me along the corridor.

"I miss the old days when there were people to burn, but there hardly seems to be any near-do-wells these days. You've ruined things Tony." She said playfully as she led me down stairs.

"How?"

"By being the best all round guards man we ever had silly." Jane chastised as she led me further down until I was sure we were deep underground.

"I am?" I asked doubtfully.

"Yes. You are a good tracker when you use your mind gifts and your nose is good if the scent is new. You're an excellent fighter, and although you're not as strong as your mother, your alpha command has proven itself many times." She said as she led me along a stone tunnel that seemed to slant up slightly.

"Is that true?" I asked.

"Yes. Although I think you use your work as a substitute." She observed.

"For what?"

"After you lost Grace you gave in to Aro. Without your love you had nothing to fight for and you gave up. But it's like mother like son I suppose." She mused.

"What do you mean?" I asked, as I suddenly felt cold.

"That Essie finally stopped fighting Esther-Marie the moment Tobias died." Jane replied darkly.

I stopped in shock and turned Jane to look at me.

"Dad's dead?" I demanded.

"Yes. Now come along we can't linger or she'll sense us." Jane snapped and started walking again.

"What happened?"

"The dream really has reset you this time." Jane observed. "You must not let on how much it has or they will take you again."

"Take me? Take me where?"

"From your head." Jane said ominously as we stepped out of the tunnel into a brick room.

"In here we can talk." Jane said as she went through the door in front of us.

I stepped through the door and into a round room with nothing much in it apart from a sink and some old mattresses. I looked up and found that the room was a tower with no roof. You could look right out to the blue sky above. As I saw the blue sky I thought of my promise to Billie, I had to get back so we could build that fort together.

"She never lets her mind wander here." Jane said as she shut the door behind us then led us down the steps that hugged the wall.

"Why?" I asked.

"Too many memories." Jane said as she stood in the middle of the round room, not wanting to sit on the mattresses.

"Did Dad die here?" I asked.

"No. He was killed in the Audience Chamber. That day my brother brought you here, Essie tried to make a bid for freedom, but she didn't succeed. Aro knowing that she had connected her mind to everyone but You, Liza and Tobias, ordered me to burn Tobias. Essie wasn't quick enough with her shield and Felix took the opportunity to take him out. I wish I had not done so, but Essie goaded Aro with calling him unwise and he realised what would happen if I burned her. I couldn't disobey my master." Jane said shamefully.

"Well that's nice to know, but it didn't happen that way." I said firmly. "Aro didn't click and when you tried to burn Mom all the Volturi were affected. Her alpha voice was wicked good too, stopped everyone in their paths then she ordered all the Volturi to leave us alone forever. And it worked. You came with us and you now head the VCAC."

"That is the government for American vampires if I recall." Jane stated. "Yes, you have told me of this other memory often. Almost every year that you have been here in fact."

"Ok." I said, deciding to play along for moment to see where it got me. "How long have I been here?"

"A hundred years." Jane said without batting an eyelid.

"No way!" I exclaimed. "I'd die before I'd live in Volterra for that long."

"You have, but mostly because Esther-Marie manages to suppress you whenever you show signs of being you again. That's why I warned you not to make a scene in Court. You have to play it safe and stay you this time. Last time we nearly succeeded in getting out of this place, but Esther-Marie 'cured' you before our plan came to fruition."

"How many times has she 'cured' me?"

"About ninety times. After the incident with Grace there were a few years where you withdrew, then one year, around May, you began to question the reality we live in, stating it was some form of dream and you had to wake up. You were not a member of the Volturi, you had newly escaped. Esther-Marie suppressed those thoughts, but every year around May they reappear, only you add more onto your fantasy."

"Doesn't that sound just a little far fetched to you?" I asked. "Isn't it more likely that this is the dream and you're just saying this now as my brain tries to close me in this nightmare?"

"Why would your brain do that to you?" She countered.

"For the stress I've put it under the last couple of days? I don't know." I said with a shrug, then gasped. "Someone's coming out here."

"Right." Jane said and without warning she backed me onto a mattress, pushed me down and kissed me.

"What the hell?" I gasped, pushing her away.

Play along! She snapped and I felt a zap of her power, only light, but it still was a shock.

She ripped open my robes and shirt and kissed at my neck. This was so wrong! Grace was my imprint! I should be with her! I wanted to get home! I needed to wake up!

Tony, this needs to look convincing, close your eyes and pretend I'm Grace.

But it wouldn't work, Jane felt too cold and it just wasn't working for me. How could it? This was all kinds of wrong and I just wanted out. I hoped whoever was coming would hurry up and get here.

The door open and Jane jumped up with a hiss. I heard someone let out a grunt of pain and I looked up to see them topple from the top of the steps as Jane used her power on them.

"There is such a courtesy as knocking." She growled as she ghosted over to the figure slumped on the floor. "We could have been further along in our tryst."

The figure got to his feet, brushing dust from his robes.

"Esther-Marie wanted to know why you were coming out this way." The vampire stated.

"To be away from prying eyes while we indulge in each other." Jane stated. "Or is it a crime for us to make love?"

"Of course not Jane, but why come to this filthy place?"

"For a bit of role play." Jane stated. "Welcome to my dungeon, would you like to join in? I'm told that pain can be quite arousing when applied in the right way."

"It's a tempting offer but I have other errands to run." The vampire said, as he eyed Jane nervously. "I'll…I'll let you get on with it." He added with a stammer, then ghosted up the stairs and out the door.

"I know you are listening." Jane said. "And I can burn you efficiently enough through the door. Either join us or leave us in peace."

I felt the vampire leave us this time and Jane turned to me with a sympathetic look.

"I know you hate that, it feels like a betrayal to Grace, even after all these years." She explained. "It is our cover however, it allows us to find these moments where we can remain undisturbed."

"So we're pretending we're lovers. Like Dad and Marlin used to?"

"Yes. I believe it was what gave you the idea, although it pains you to even kiss me so rendered in your mind is Grace." Jane sighed. "I guess it matters not, you must remember to hold your tongue in Court and trust no one, even Liza. My brother has cast a spell on her so strong it is frightening. Trust no one and do not speak out in Court. Perhaps this time we can get out of here."

"Why don't we just leave now?" I asked. "We could easily scale the tower, you could even make a door for us to the outside world so we don't have to go all the way to the top."

"We are right in the middle of a population centre, we would be seen." Jane said a little warily, as if we'd been over this before.

"Not if we did it at night." I pointed out. "We could even do it tonight."

"Then we shall do so. Tonight we will return here and then we will escape." Jane said with a smile, which faltered. "But to leave Alec behind…"

"Maybe without you here he'll escape himself in a few years." I suggested. "And of course Liza will come with him."

"And without her children here, Essie might fight back so she can go find them and I will have my friend back."

"And I'll have my Mom back." I stated. "Ok, so what time shall we do this?"

"How about midnight. Make it traditional." Jane conceded.

"Ok. Shall I meet you here or will you come to my room?"

"I will meet you here." Jane said with a nod of her head.

Then it was weird, like a time jump or something because I was back in that room and there was an alarm going off. I checked it and it was ten to twelve. I was going to be late!

I left the room and raced along the corridor, but as I came to the stairs I could see a figure standing there. I recognised the sandy hair.

Jane? I thought and touched her shoulder gently, but even before I did I knew something was off.

As the head tumbled to the floor I realised I hadn't been getting any thoughts from her. I looked down in horror at her staring eyes before a foot stomped down on it and I stared into the grinning face of Felix. He punched me up under the chin and I went down.

Next thing I knew I was being propped up and Liza was standing in front of me looking solemn.

"It is a shame we had to kill Jane, but she has proven untrustworthy for the last time." Liza said in a flat voice that didn't sound like her at all.

"What does Alec think now that you've killed his sister?" I demanded as I shook off the hands that held me.

"I will consol Alec later, but now I must fix you or I will have to suffer the pain of losing my twin too."

"What do you mean by fix?" I demanded, then gasped. "You mean have Esther-Marie fix me?"

"Come now brother, Mother will not harm you." Liza said taking my arm and she started to lead me along the corridor. "She will merely put your mind to right so you will no longer suffer the guilt."

"No!" I shouted and went to make a run for it, but Felix was suddenly there along with Santiago and Barry. There was no way I was escaping them as cold fingers locked around me and forced me to follow Liza into the Audience Chamber.

There was Esther-Marie, sat now in Aro's throne with her head bowed. Then her head lifted, those gold eyes staring at me as she beckoned for the guard to bring me closer, although she only used her mind to inform them. Esther-Marie rarely spoke.

I fought against them, I didn't want her to take my mind and I knew with my shield up to the max she'd have to touch me to break through it. I wasn't gonna let that happen. This world wasn't real! I wouldn't let my real memories be erased. I wanted to be back with Grace. I wanted to know if I'd managed to help Liza escape the desert. I was needed back there and I couldn't forget about it.

I fought as hard as I could, I called up the heat and became the wolf. I managed to bite Felix' hand off, but Santiago grabbed around my ribs and exerted enough force that showed he'd break my ribs if I weren't careful.

I turned back to my human form, knowing that I could probably fight better, especially if I pulled down the heat and used my full vampire strength. But my ribs, though healing, were a weak point now, and Barry only had to poke them and I fell to my knees.

Santiago and Barry swarmed on me, holding me so that there was no chance of escape without serious injury. They forced my head up so that I had to look up into Esther-Marie's cold face as she approached me, ready to take my memories.

Suddenly everything froze.

"Quick Tony. This way." Someone called. Grace called.

I looked toward her and she was standing in a doorway beckoning me to follow her. I managed to work my way out of Santiago and Barry's grip, they really were frozen, and I ran toward Grace, followed her through the door and slammed it shut.

"Tony." She said firmly, taking my cheeks in her hands. "It's time to wake up. We need you out here. Do you understand?"

"Yeah." I agreed. "And I can wake up now."

I knew I could do it and I pushed myself into it. I had to wake up. I had to wake up…

I woke up and I could feel Grace in my arms, all warm and soft, her scent so familiar to me now, yet still alluring. Lily of the valley and that little extra spice now she was a half vampire. I loved waking up with her in my arms.

I hugged her closer, burying my nose in her hair.

"My Grace." I murmured as I kissed her shoulder.

"Who is Grace?" Grace asked, sitting up and turning to look down at me.

"You are." I said, frowning up at her, wondering why her hair was done in some medieval style.

"I have been called graceful in my time, however I have never been called grace. You are behaving rather strange this morning, Brody." She observed.

"What?" I asked as I sat up myself. "Grace, what the hell is going on? Role play is one thing, but all this." I said, gesturing around the hut we were in. "Actually, who did you get to build this? It's exactly like the love shack you describe in the book."

"I have written no books. It is against the law for women to write anything bar letters, and perhaps the odd bit of poetry. I would not openly flaunt the laws when I wish to remain undetected so I can be with you." She said softly as she placed her hand to my cheek. "If I were to be seen to break the law in such a foolish way then Lord Anson would have all the ammunition he should need to prove to my father that I am unruly and disobedient and should be wed at once in order for my husband to put me right."

I tried scanning Grace's mind, to see what she was doing, but I couldn't get a reading. Actually I didn't have any telepathy at all and there was no feeling of Quileute fire in my gut. I just had this switch in my mind, at least that's what it felt like. A switch that I could turn to human or wolf. Right now it was set to human and as I looked at Grace I noticed some differences too. She was still blond and blue eyed, but her pallor was different, there wasn't the inner glow that my Grace had and it wasn't even the solid alabaster of the full vamps. It was the pallor of someone close to death, although there was plenty of life in those blue eyes. She was also wearing a low cut top, which gave me a view of her cleavage, and there was no scar there. I reached out and traced that line and it was weird not to feel it raised slightly beneath my fingers.

But then there it was on her arm, the three lines where she'd been attacked by a wolf as a child. And she was wearing the seal of the Talastria family around her neck. There was the ring on her finger, a wolf embracing a rose that Brody had carved especially for Lady Anna to prove his love in the vampire way since the wolves didn't put much stock in jewellery.

Then I checked myself over. I was wearing some form of crude cloth trousers. I wasn't wearing anything on top and I could see that my birthmark had disappeared, although I was scattered with battle scars. Some from vamp fights, others from rival wolf tribes. I looked back up into her eyes.

"Lady Anna." I said. "Forgive me, I had a strange dream."

"A dream? Do tell and I will interpret it for you." She said with a smile.

"No need." I said, shaking my head. "It was just one of those weird dreams that don't mean anything at all."

"A dream that means nothing, yet it causes you to question my identity and your own too. I saw you making some form of inventory. It was written on your face so clearly I thought I had developed mind reading abilities. It is most strange to see thoughts so clearly in the face of one who is usually so stoic as you." She said as she stroked the side of my face. "You are not my Brody."

I shook my head.

"Then who are you?"

"I'm Tony Black and I don't come from this world. I come from one where you are a character in a book written by my love, Grace. She based Lady Anna on herself and Brody on me. I guess I must have fallen into this fantasy in my head when I was trying to escape the Volterra nightmare."

"Then it means I am not real." Lady Anna observed.

"Who knows? Maybe somewhere in the multiverse you are real and Grace has managed to somehow tap into your world and now I've fallen into the me shaped hole in it." I reasoned.

"You've taken over my Brody." Lady Anna said pointedly.

"Sorry."

"Can you give him back?"

"I don't know how I got in here in the first place." I stated. "I was trying to get back to me."

"Hmmm…." Lady Anna observed, then shot to her feet. "Come." She said as she headed toward the door. "We will go speak to the Mystic Woman."

"The Mystic Woman?" I asked as I followed her, I'd never heard of a mystic woman in Grace's stories before.

"Yes. She knows everything and she will know what to do with you. I am sure you are a very nice man, but I want my Brody back." Lady Anna said bluntly.

"Of course." I agreed, and I had this weird image for a moment that Brody was in my body and demanding to know what was going on and who were the people with stone skin and gold eyes.

Lady Anna led me outside and you really couldn't see the hut. It was built into the banking and it was only knowing it was there that you could see it. Lady Anna put her fingers in her mouth and whistled. There was the sound of hooves and a big white horse galloped toward us, slowing to a trot and eventually stopping by us.

Lady Anna got up into the saddle, then offered her hand to me. I hesitated.

"Is there a problem?" She asked.

"I've never been on a horse before." I said as I eyed it nervously.

"Never?" She asked in disbelief.

"Nope." I admitted.

"Then how do you get about?" She asked as she gave me a curious look.

"I run, or use a car." I stated.

"A car?"

"It's like a horseless carriage." I stated. "It moves by itself."

"With magic?"

"No. I mean I guess it would seem like magic, but it's all mechanics." I said, not wanting to go into all the details of the internal combustion engine.

"We have mechanisms, they run from clockwork. There is one that makes the doors of the great hall open seamlessly, but that is not important. Do not show fear and the horse will stand firm." She said and she grabbed my arm and hauled me up behind her. "Hold on tight, if you can stomach holding a vampire."

"I got no problems with vampires." I said as I put my arms about her waist and the horse began to move. "My Grace is a half vampire, and so am I in my world."

"If your Grace did indeed create this place and created me in her image and Brody in your image, why did she make him a werewolf?" Lady Anna asked as the horse carried us on.

"Because I'm also part werewolf." I replied, wondering what she'd make of that little piece of news.

Lady Anna gasped.

"You are part vampire and part werewolf?" She asked in amazement.

"Yep."

"Oh my! Then there is hope for our future. What I would not give to have children with Brody and rear them in a world without hatred." Lady Anna mused. "To have children who bear the abilities of both our races, our kind finally united in one being."

"That would be nice." I agreed. "And maybe then the vampires will finally accept that the werewolves are equal to you and you should be allowed to marry Brody."

"To make our relationship public would be the most splendid thing." Lady Anna observed. "But I can not see it in our life time. Maybe our children will have better luck."

"You gotta think positive and hope for the best." I stated. "Some day Brody will be allowed to stand beside you on the steps of Gathon and both wolf and bat will raise their voices in unison and laude their united leaders, Lady Anna Talastria and Lord Brody Wolffang."

"That is a nice picture to imagine…" Lady Anna said sadly.

"Yeah, and hold onto the image." I cut in before she could add the 'but'. "Make it real and it'll happen."

"I will try." She stated. "Now we must be quiet, the path to the Mystic Woman can hold peril to the unwary."

The horse slowed down at Lady Anna's command and we moved on to a narrow path through gnarly trees, their leaves lost in winter. There was a cold wind that seemed to blow out from between the trees and I shivered. The darkness seemed to tighten around us and the horse didn't want to go on.

"We must go on foot from here." Lady Anna said as she dismounted and I more or less fell off. "You really have no experience with horses." She observed with a chuckle as I got to my feet.

"None whatsoever." I said as I brushed the dirt off my hands. "So is it straight on?"

"Yes, but do not believe your senses. Let the fear take you and you will succumb to it." She stated. "Move ever onwards behind me."

I followed her along the narrow path, through the dark trees, out into a clearing. But it was only a clearing because trees found it hard to grow on a sheer cliff face. The path was very narrow here and I tried not to fall off. I remembered what Lady Anna said too, I mustn't let my fear take me.

We were back into the trees, the ground rising and falling sharply as the wind grew stronger, looking to force us back. I realised this was all a test, if you couldn't make it through all this then whatever problem you had to take to the Mystic Woman wasn't worth it.

Finally we came to another clearing and here there was a cave.

We entered it and it was quite light inside, there were crystals in the walls that seemed to glow in the dark. There was no wind in here, but there was still an unwelcome feeling. You really did have to be determined if you wanted to meet the Mystic Woman.

There was a door set into a wall and I stopped.

"What now?" I asked.

"We knock." Lady Anna stated and she knocked on the door.

The door flew open and we entered a room of darkness and flickering candles and smoke. It took a moment to see that there was a concentration of candles in the centre of the room. They were on a table covered in a dark velvet cloth. Behind the table was a hunched figure dressed all in black. She wore a huge bonnet with a dark veil draped over it so you couldn't see her face.

"You have passed my obstacles, be seated and tell me what the Mystic Woman can do for you?" The figure rasped.

I sat down on the floor and Lady Anna sat beside me.

"Lady Anna, you honour me with your presence." The Mystic Woman stated as she looked at us through her veil and the candlelight. "And I see you bring your mate with you."

"I do Mystic Woman, yet he is not my mate." Lady Anna replied.

"He is not? I know all, I know who your heart belongs to." The Mystic Woman insisted.

"This may be the body of my mate, but another soul rides it at present. That is why we seek you, so that he may go home and allow my Brody back." Lady Anna explained.

"And what say you skin rider?" The Mystic Woman asked, addressing me for the first time.

"I want to get back to my own world where my Grace is waiting for me. No offence to Lady Anna, she may look like my Grace, but she is not my Grace and I just want to wake up…" I stated.

"Enough." The Mystic Woman said, cutting me off with a flurry of arms that put her long, baggy sleeves in danger of catching fire. "I think I can remedy this, however I must ask you to wait outside the cave Lady Anna."

"Whatever you request Mystic Woman." Lady Anna said without argument and she left.

The Mystic Woman appeared to be listening out for something. After a minuet I knew she was looking at me.

"I think I know what you mean." She stated.

"About what?" I asked with a frown.

"About a person looking like another but not quite being them. I know I'm having a hard time dealing with you looking like that." The Mystic woman said with a laugh and her voice changed until I recognised it.

"Grace." I stated.

"Yep." She replied as she pulled up the veil.

"You're the Mystic Woman?" I asked, almost in disbelief.

"Yeah. It was weird. I was trying to help you out of your dream and then I ended up here and everyone thought I was a mystic so I played along, hoping you'd come along eventually." She replied. "We're in Darktide right?"

"Yep." I said with a nod of my head.

"But how?"

"Well I did think this was my fantasy, but I think that we might actually be in the depths of your head now. I mean it would make sense, how intricate the detail is and everything, and you are the Mystic Woman who knows everything, where Darktide is concerned." I pointed out.

"I guess." Grace conceded. "So why are you Brody?"

"Because it was the only place I could fit within the Darktide world." I suggested.

"I guess that makes sense." She agreed. "So how do we get out of here?"

"I don't know." I said. "Maybe you can tell me what happened, I mean I passed out didn't I?"

"Yeah. Whatever you did to try and help Liza it caused you to, well not pass out. Carlisle said you've gone catatonic, like your mother did."

"Yeah." I said since I'd suspected as much. "When Mom was sixteen she tried pushing against her wolf half and ended up reading the whole of Washington State. It drained her and she was unresponsive on the outside. Inside she was living this perfectly concocted world where she was human, where everyone was human. It was like her idea of a perfect world."

"Right. So how did she get out? Carlisle said that last time someone named Jila was in town and she helped out. She's not in the country and with Essie in Arizona we'd have to call on Hunter or Tina. Carlisle suggested that I should try talking to you in the mean time since you've pulled me onto the dreamscape before. And because I'm your imprint, it might allow me access to your mind." She explained.

"And there was no harm in trying, if it didn't work Hunter or Tina are on their way anyway. But if it does work all the better?" I realised.

"Exactly. So I lay beside you and looked into your eyes and spoke to you, called to you. For hours I kept this up and nothing seemed to be happening. I wouldn't give up though, I don't know how long it took for me to get into your mind. The last thing I remember was hearing that they'd found Liza and Mal alive and well and they're heading home. I told you that and it seemed to breakthrough something because I was standing in darkness with a little window in front of me. I could see through to you having to live in Volterra, it took a while for me to figure out how to get to you, but when I felt your fear that they were gonna wipe your mind I knew what I had to do and that door just seemed to appear. Then we were running for our lives, and then I was here."

"Ok. I think we have jumped into your mind. Which is good because I can help us out of here now. We're not stuck in my mind but yours. I'm the telepath so I know how to untangle my mind from another one." I stated as I started trying to think the best route out of this.

"Is that what happened? Our minds were too tangled?" Grace asked.

"I think it was more a case of me not concentrating on where I was going. I overshot the station." I stated. "I should have sensed it out better. But it doesn't matter, I just need to be me again and then I can leave."

"What do you mean be you?"

"This ain't my body Grace, I'm one hundred percent werewolf here. But I think I know how to separate myself from Brody now, but you have to help me." I said as it became clear to me.

"How?" Grace asked.

"You have to separate us in your mind. I am not Brody, I'm your lover Tony. Brody is a character you created as a substitute when we couldn't be together, but you don't really need him now. You can separate the two of us." I said firmly.

"Brody was never a replacement for you." Grace stated. "And I didn't intentionally set out to base him on you. He just ended up that way."

"But he's not me." I stated. "So maybe you should start picturing him a little differently from me, and stop picturing Lady Anna like you."

"I don't picture Lady Anna like me." Grace said. "That's how you see her."

"Maybe I got a tiny bit of influence here then." I conceded. "But Lady Anna isn't important right now. I need you to separate me from Brody."

"Ok." Grace said. "How do I do that exactly?"

"It's your imagination. You just have to think it." I stated.

"Ok." Grace said looking doubtful.

"And you have to believe that you can do it. We're in your mind, what you think counts for everything." I said gently.

"Ok." Grace repeated, and she sounded more convinced of her chances this time.

I smiled at her in encouragement and watched as she closed her eyes. I closed my own eyes as felt a pull. I let myself go along with it and when I opened my eyes I was standing in my own body, wearing the jeans, t-shirt and open plaid shirt combo I'd favoured in high school. Standing beside me was someone who looked a lot like me, but there were definitely differences.

"Oh thank god." Grace sighed as she rounded the table to hug me, and now she was wearing her usual jeans and sweater.

"Lady Anna? What's going on?" Brody asked.

Grace turned to him.

"I'm not Lady Anna." She stated. "I'm Grace. Lady Anna is waiting out there."

Grace led the way out of the room and out of the cave. Lady Anna was nowhere to be seen.

"Lady Anna?" She called.

There was no answer.

"What's going on?" Brody demanded. "Who are you and where is Lady Anna?"

"She was here a moment ago." Grace stated, not turning around. "Lady Anna!"

Brody let out a growl and I could sense him about to attack.

"Easy there bro." I said, blocking him from Grace. "There's no need to get violent."

Brody tried to push through me, but couldn't, I was a lot stronger than him. His nostrils flared for a moment and then he frowned.

"What are you?" He asked.

"Doesn't matter." I said. "I just don't want you hurting my Grace."

Brody wasn't sure what to make of me, and he was starting to wonder if Lady Anna was playing a trick on him. Why was she pretending to be someone else? It was good to finally have my telepathy back. Then I caught something behind me.

"Uh-oh." I said as I turned around in time to see figures emerge from the trees.

Three of them were keeping Lady Anna subdued by weighing down her limbs. A fourth held a knife to her throat, and in front of them walked, well it could only be Lord Anson. Handsome, blond and arrogant, he was the perfect vampire lord. He knew how to deal with werewolf scum, and that amounted to killing them no matter who they were.

"Is this not a twist in the story?" Anson observed as he stepped up to Grace and placed his hand beneath her chin. "You could almost be sisters."

"Take your hands off her and step away." I growled, using my alpha voice.

Anson dropped his hand and stepped away from Grace, he looked shocked for a moment that he'd obeyed me, but he soon rallied.

"And I see there is another Bradley too." Anson observed, deliberately getting Brody's name wrong.

"My name is Tony Black and I am close to losing patience with you Lord Anson." I warned.

"Do not address me dog." Anson said coldly. "Bring the wench here."

The vampires holding Lady Anna captive moved forward.

"I want her to watch as we kill her friends one by one. Maybe she will think twice before disobeying me again." Anson said to his men and they laughed sycophantically.

"You have no right to kill here." Grace said angrily. "This is the land of the Mystic Woman, and it's on Wolffang territory. You should not even set foot here, never mind kill the prince of this land."

"I did not realise it was the prince. I thought it some other wolf, they do all look the same to me. I was trying to retrieve our good lady, stolen from our midst and I had to unfortunately kill the wolf in question."

"My people will not stand for this." Brody snapped. "It'll mean war."

"That's what he wants." I stated.

"Well it's not what I want." Grace snapped. "I don't even know what you're doing here. Well I'm the author; I'm taking control. You don't know about Lady Anna and Brody. You've never been to this place. You're all back at the castle going about your daily business."

Anson went to argue, but he and his men vanished.

Brody rushed straight over to Lady Anna and they embraced. They kissed for a moment as I took Grace's hand. Then they turned to Grace and me. They walked over to us and gave us a level look.

"Then it is true we are mere characters in your books?" Lady Anna asked.

"Well you're alive in my head, so you're not just in my books. Sometimes I feel I'm not writing so much as copying the story that's playing in my head. So I don't really control you, you write your own story." Grace stated.

"I think I understand what you say." Lady Anna observed. "And you were the Mystic Woman."

"I still am." Grace said with a smile. "I just won't be here anymore. I'm going back to my own world. I can make you forget I was ever here if you like."

"No. I'd like the memory of Anson being bested at least once in my life." Lady Anna observed with a grin and I saw her pointed fangs, which was a little disconcerting. "What has spooked you Tony Black?" She asked.

"It's just, fangs." I remarked.

"I thought you were a half vampire." She observed.

"Yeah, but this is what vampires look like where I come from." I stated and pulled down the heat.

"You're a vampire?" Brody demanded.

"Part vampire." I corrected.

"You have gone pale and your eyes have turned gold." Lady Anna observed.

"That's how vampires look in my world." I stated. "At least the good vampires who feed on animal blood and not those who kill humans. They have red eyes."

"That's a good way to tell 'em apart." Brody observed.

"Yep." I agreed.

"Anyway, we really should be going now." Grace stated. "I think I might know how to do it."

"Then we shall leave you. I really must get back to the castle before I am missed." Lady Anna stated.

"And I need to make certain Anson didn't cause any damage to my people." Brody added.

"Of course." Grace said without adding that Anson hadn't done any damage because she wouldn't allow it.

Brody and Lady Anna left, leaving Grace and me alone in the clearing.

"So what's your idea?" I asked.

"Kiss me." Grace said.

"What?"

"Just kiss me and think about what we're missing out there in the real world. If we want it hard enough we'll get back to our bodies." She stated.

"Well, I like your idea better than mine." I said with a smile.

"Which was?" She prompted.

"To imagine a door." I stated. "I prefer your way though." I added as I stepped closer to her.

"I thought you might." Grace replied as she placed her hand to my face and pulled it down to her.

Our lips met and it felt so good to be kissing Grace again, especially after the nightmare of Volterra where she didn't exist anymore. Anyway, that place wasn't real. There was a real place where Grace and me were imprinted and we'd be together forever. That's the place I wanted to be.

As our kiss grew in intensity I was sort of aware of things shifting around us, but not completely. And it wasn't like things sometimes shifted on the dreamscape, this was a definite shift in reality and suddenly I was lying in bed kissing Grace, but I was aware of other minds around me.

I pulled away from Grace and we both looked up to find Noah watching us while Jodelle was making a show of politely looking away. I felt my cheeks burn in embarrassment and tried to pull the cover up over my head but there wasn't one.

"No need to feel embarrassed." Noah said. "You've only been kissing for the last minuet, and that's a good thing. It was so boring up to that point."

"I told you they wouldn't appreciate being watched." Jodelle stated.

"But it's been boring here the last day just watching them." Noah complained.

"I've been out a day?" Grace and I asked in unison.

"You've been out a day." Noah said pointing at Grace. "You've been out for two."

"I…I have?" I muttered as I sat up. "God, I feel so… I hope I didn't worry anyone."

"Of course people were worried." Jodelle observed as she turned back to me. "But Carlisle assured us you'd be fine, you just needed the right incentive to bring you back."

"And Grace found it." Noah piped in and Jodelle nudged him in the ribs. "Hey."

"Stop teasing them." Jodelle said. "Just be happy they're back with us."

Noah rolled his eyes.

"Anyway, now that you're awake I'll go let Carlisle know so he can check you over. Make sure you're ok and not likely to attack the Quileute." Jodelle stated.

"Yeah. I think I'm safe now. I feel really full." I realised. "Have you been feeding me on blood?"

"Yeah. It's all you would take." Noah replied.

"I was like Mom was then." I observed. "Just wish my fantasy world had been as nice as hers, rather than the Volturi nightmare I found myself in."

"What happened?" Jodelle asked, looking intrigued.

"It doesn't matter." I observed. "I need to go find out more about Liza. I heard Mom and Dad found her." I added as I got up off the bed.

"Yeah." Grace replied as she stood beside me. "And Mal too. They were in a cave and they had them out safe and sound. That was the last I heard." She added as we left our room and made our way to Carlisle's study.

"There's been some developments since then." Noah stated as he followed us with Jodelle in tow.

"What developments?" I asked.

"There was a cleanup needed and Liza insisted that she and Mal help." Jodelle explained.

"Why?"

"I don't know, but operation fool the cops is underway." Noah replied.

"Ok. Well I hope it goes well." I said as I knocked on Carlisle's door and walked in.

"Tony, it is good to see you up and about." Carlisle announced as he indicated the chair opposite his desk. "And you too Grace."

"It's good to be back." I replied. "That place was a nightmare, worse was I knew it was fake but they kept trying convince me that I'd been building this reality for years, that this was the dream."

"Did you believe them?" Carlisle asked.

"Not at all. For one thing it made Mom look weak, that she'd fold so easily. Even if the Volturi had killed Dad, Mom would have made sure Liza and me got out. What about my own shield and alpha powers? I wouldn't have stayed there in Volterra, and I definitely wouldn't let them touch Grace, let alone insist on vamping her to become their eternal slave. And I wouldn't have folded and gave into them, I would have died without Grace. That whole reality was like the anti-real world. It was horrible."

"It sounds terrible." Carlisle agreed in sympathy. "Did you have a bad time there too Grace?"

"No. I got pulled into an anteroom I guess you could call it, although I couldn't figure out how to get Tony out of his nightmare, then it became obvious. We were escaping that dream place, but then we ended up in my head. Inside one of my books." Grace replied.

"You had quite the adventure." Carlisle observed.

"Yeah. So what's happening with Liza?" I asked.

"Essie had intended to send her home as soon as she found her, however, Liza insisted that she and Mal help in clearing up the mess Alec has caused them. I'm waiting on confirmation from Alice that the plan was successful then I will call Essie to let her know you're awake."

"Trust Liza to want to stay behind and help tidy up." I said with a laughed. "So, Liza is ok right?"

"Other than being dehydrated, starved and extremely angry with Alec, she is doing well." Carlisle stated.

"When will they get back?" I asked.

"As soon as the police give them the ok to leave." Carlisle replied.

"Police?" I asked, feeling a little worried.

"They plan to offer another in Alec's place." Carlisle said, keeping his thoughts very guarded.

"A human you mean?" I asked, understanding why he was being so hesitant.

"A human who has escaped justice for other crimes." Carlisle corrected. "He was the one who attacked Mal and Liza before they went missing."

"Even if he has done bad stuff, is it right to frame him for murder?" I asked.

"Possibly not. I suppose it depends on the crimes he has committed. We'll have to wait until the others return before we discuss the full moral canvas."

"I guess." I conceded. "Is Alec dead?"

"No. Bella is protecting everyone from his power whilst Emmett ensures he doesn't try to escape down in the cellars."

"Those old creepy rooms we never use?" I asked with a shiver.

"It's the best place for him until the trial."

"The trial's gonna be here?" I exclaimed.

"It's for the best. Jane wishes to draw as little attention as possible given the celebrity of the accused." Carlisle said, his words careful again, it was the tone he used when he wasn't sure about something, but had accepted it as the best course of action available.

"He's famous?" Grace asked with a frown.

"In the vampire world he is." I stated. "Very famous. Him and Jane were the ones every one feared on the Volturi guard."

"Why?"

"Because of their powers. Jane can make you feel as if you're burning up and Alec cuts out all your senses, leaving you unable to defend yourself when the guard rip you apart." I explained.

"Oh god!"

"Yeah. But then Jane's not a Volturi anymore and soon Alec will be nothing. He should never have come after Liza. He should have left us alone!" I growled.

"Tony, perhaps you should show a little compassion. Alec seems to be showing remorse for what he has done. If he seeks forgiveness perhaps we should give it." Carlisle said gently.

"Well it's not really ours to give. Only Liza and Mal can do that. They are the ones he kidnapped." I pointed out.

"Yes, but you still feel resentment toward him for hurting Liza and taking you to Volterra all those years ago. You've settled within yourself the fact that it led to the release of your parents, but that doesn't negate the fact that Alec took you there to induct you into the guard."

"I guess there's that, but I've never really thought about it in terms of forgiving him. I never thought I'd see him again so it was a moot point. Maybe I should think about it now." I conceded.

"Perhaps."

"Although it might not be worth it if he's gonna die anyway." I reasoned.

"It would not hurt to forgive him his sins before he is punished. Is that too much to ask?" Carlisle prompted.

"I'll have to think about it." I said firmly, because I know Carlisle was all about mercy and forgiveness, but he wasn't the one that had nearly become Volturi slave because of Alec.

Maybe I was being more judgemental than usual because of my recent trip to fantasyland, but anyway, Alec had hurt my sister and very nearly got me enslaved as a kid. Did I really owe him anything?

"I think I need to go see Billie now." I said as I got to my feet. "She's got to have been worried these last few days."

"She was asking after you before I was out." Grace stated as she stood beside me.

"Esme has been watching her since." Carlisle informed us. "They're in the playroom."

I knew that anyway, but I thanked Carlisle regardless as I took Grace's hand and we went into the playroom via the nursery. Although I stopped and in the silence of the room looked toward the crib, there was a baby sleeping there.

Is that Maurice? I thought.

Yep. He's not as fast developing as Billie. He's still like a newborn baby right now. Or at least he was before I entered your mind. He might be running around now for all I know and this is just a nap. Billie said with a laugh.

I guess we should leave him to it then. I replied and we went through to the playroom.

Billie was sat at the art table, drawing random shapes with a crayon, but otherwise looking bored. Then she looked up and let out a shriek of excitement.

"Tony! Gracie! You are awake!" She declared before jumping at us and managing to hug us both. "You were in a sleep and away from me. Now you are back. I'm happy."

"I'm happy to be back too li'l Sis." I said as I tapped her back.

"And you Gracie?" She prompted.

"I'm happy to see you again." Grace said softly.

"I have missed you both so much. More than Mommy and Daddy, cause they are far away. But you two were in your room, but I wasn't allowed to see you. I didn't like being kept away from you." She stated.

"It won't happen again Billie, I promise." Grace stated, and I hoped she was right.

"I am so happy that you are whole again. You scared me when you were ill." Billie said firmly. "I wanted to help, but I am a child and can't do that yet." She sighed. "I really wanted to help."

"You did help me." I stated. "I knew the bad world in my head wasn't real cause you weren't there. You helped me a lot."

"And you helped me." Grace stated. "You told me the words to whisper to Tony. The ones you thought would help."

Billie nodded.

"Just cause you're not big a strong yet doesn't mean you can't help in other ways." I stated.

"But is making people happy really helpful?" Billie questioned.

"It's very helpful." Grace stated. "People forget to be happy when they're worried, but having a few moments where they can forget what's happening and laughter can help a lot."

"I will remember that." Billie said.

"You really will be helpful if you do that." I stated and kissed her forehead.

Billie giggled as she hugged me.

"Are you hungry?" I asked, directing it to both Grace and Billie. "Cause I could eat a horse."

"No. We mustn't eat horses, they're for riding on." Billie said with a gasp.

"It's just an expression. It means I'm really hungry. Why don't we go have something to eat and you can tell me all about the horses." I replied as I realised I'd passed out before I'd got chance to ask her about it.

"Oh yes I haven't told you about the horses." Billie said brightly. "I will tell you about them, but do I have to eat?"

"Have you eaten today?" I asked.

"Not since breakfast and it's lunch time now." Esme stated.

Billie pouted a little.

"I'll let you put the stuff into the bread." Grace enticed.

"I can make the sandwiches?" Billie asked with a grin.

"Yes."

"Then what are we waiting for?" She demanded. "Let's go make sandwiches. Can we make them for Alex and Twain and Marshall and Jareth and Ariana and Marie and Billy. We have to make them for Billy because he has the same name as me."

"We'll make some for everyone." I promised as I carried her down to the kitchen with Grace close behind.

"And Grandpa Jake and Granny Ness too?" Billie added to our list.

"Everyone who eats human food." I confirmed.

We made sandwiches, lots of sandwiches because Billie really liked building them. It was fun and I was hungry so I didn't mind eating them. The pack liked them too and I guess it was good they all had big appetites. And that I didn't want to take a bite out of any of them, there were no after effects from my trip into my mind.

It was a clear day for once, something I realised when I took a look out the window. I remembered my promise to Billie, one I intended to keep. If I was honest with myself I'd realise I was trying to distract myself, it would be a long wait until Mom and Dad got back with Liza. Carlisle had come to inform me that they were on their way home, right now, but whatever, it would take hours. A distraction would help.

So Grace, Billie and I spent the afternoon making a start on renovating my old fort. It really did help take my mind off everything until it started getting dark and we had to return to the house.

It was still quite early and I really didn't want time to think, especially to think that the one who'd caused all this trouble was right under my feet. I needed activities to keep my mind busy and swimming was a good choice.

I swam with Grace and Billie, just enjoying the freedom of being in the water. It was amazing how much enjoyment one activity could bring. I would have stayed in there all night, but inevitably Billie felt sleepy and we had dinner to eat, which Granny Ness had cooked so that was worth getting out of the pool for.

Then it was time for Billie to sleep. The last two nights Esme had stayed in with her, but she wanted Grace and me again. I knew I had to sleep though. Part of falling into my mind was through lack of sleep before trying such a difficult bit of spirit walking, it had exhausted me.

Anyway, I wanted to sleep tonight and I didn't want to risk going to sleep as the wolf since the only other time I did that I woke up in my human form. That meant Grace and Billie couldn't sleep against me again. I thought of a better solution.

I carried Billie's bed through to my room and set it up at the foot of my bed. Billie thought it was great that she was staying in my room and was soon settling down to sleep. Grace and I went to sleep too, it was better really, it stopped me thinking for a few hours in which time Mom, Dad and Liza would be even closer. It was the best strategy.

With this in mind, I snuggled up to Grace and drifted to sleep.


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