Before you guys hit me, I just want to say that I am really, really sorry for not updating earlier. I have my exams now... At least they are not are squeezed together in a short period of time.

Well, this chapter is the longest ever. Treat it as a 'sorry gift'.

Hope you guys will enjoy reading this. I dedicate this chapter to the greatest website ever: FanFiction and of course, you guys!

*Disclaimer: I don't own the HoN Series and any of the characters.


What I've just found out-you know, the Kalona like, or even, love Zoey thing, not that there is anything going on between the both of them-bothered me a lot for the past few days.

Even though I have been with many girls before, all of them before the 'Will Incident', I believe that Zoey is the one and only for me, my true love, my soul mate for eternity-though of course even vampyres can't live that long.

Why Why must Kalona pick Zoey??? I realize that I have been asking myself this question repeatedly, and I can't ask the other people, I bet they will be as clueless or even more clueless than me. Argh!!!

Today, for no apparent reason, I am even more depressed than usual, which is seriously saying a lot, and thinking about Zoey more often, which is almost every second.

At that time, I didn't realize that it might be some kind of omen, a signal…

That night, something out of the ordinary happened. Somebody, or some people,-don't care who is it, unless it is Miss Redbird, Zoey- came onto the school grounds, causing an alarm. Raven Mockers, taking shelter in the huge trees surrounding the school, fly down and the head of the Sons of Erebus Warrior, Aristos, appeared. The half-man, half-bird creatures crouched down, preparing to attack. They formed a disjointed circle around a vehicle-a quite huge one, I might add, I would guess it is a hummer if you ask me-to prevent the intruders from escaping.

I probably should explain a bit on why it is only the head of the Sons of Erebus Warrior. Well, before that, the day where all hell broke loose, many of them died and the remaining, alive ones were sent by Neferet to do Goddess know what.

I glanced down, not wanting to go all the way down to find out what is happening. Then, I thought I saw Zoey. It must be my hallucination… I mentally shook myself.

Anyway, it caused somewhat of a mini-riot, what with all the loud cawing and voices. Again, why must it be today, when I am so gloomy for all this to happen? Nyx must really hate me for all the bad things that I've done. Yeah, that must be it, my punishment.

I shut all the windows and plugged my headphones into my i-pod, blasted the music so as to drown out the unnecessary noise and attempted to sleep.

That morning (or evening, since it is reversed and all that), I woke up very early, too early even to go have breakfast.

I took a shower and threw on a black shirt and a pair of jeans. With nothing else to do, I just lay on the covers of my newly-made quilt, thinking about Zoey…

It has been weeks since she left the House of Night-and my side. Wonder how is she now? Is she in a safe place? She's not sick, right? Unfortunately, no one will be able to answer any of my questions. Sigh…

Reluctantly, I got out of the bed-and my daydreams-and made my way to the dining hall. Like always, once I appeared, the little conversation stopped but then they will start up again, more people-usually females-talking this time, all about the same topic.

Oh my… Stark is one damn fineeeeeeee one…

See how his T-shirt clings to his body, you can always see his defined 6-packs.

His butt is so cute!!! The jeans make them look even better.

I mentally rolled my eyes at their words, not giving a big damn out of it. I always tried to block their conversation out but then to no avail. I went to queue up at the lunch line but then no sooner than one minute, it is already my turn as the fledglings (maybe I should specify, blue fledglings, seeing as now, there are two different types of fledglings) will always let me cut in front of them. I just moved along, trying my best to ignore the stares though they weren't really all that uncomfortable.

I randomly took a box of cereal and poured it into my bowl. I made sure that I took a can of brown pop. Nowadays, I always drank it as, truth be told, it reminds me of Zoey as I heard that she likes drinking brown pop and to confirm this piece of news, I vaguely do remember a can of brown pop on the table when I first met her, right here, at this table. Ever since she and her friends left, I always ate my three meals at this table as though she is present.

I hurried to spoon my cereal in my mouth and chugged down my can of brown pop, trying to ignore the stares from other tables.

I headed to the Spells and Rituals classroom, walking quickly so as to escape the many pairs of eyes on me in the corridors. I rushed to my seat, sat down and leaned back, staring at the ceiling yet seeing nothing else except Zoey's beautiful face.

"Hi!" A shrill voice trying to be seductive said. I blinked once and snapped back to reality. Instead of the ceiling and the lights, all I saw was a face, belonging to a girl, who is still smiling at me, batting her eyelashes.

I almost peed myself-almost-surprised and not used at all to the close contact, even though we are not even touching each other. I've never been close to anyone-physically and emotionally-to anybody after the Will incident, not willing to open up to anyone about it and my feeling, until Zoey came along-or I went to her, seeing that I am the one that came here. But then now that she has left, I put myself in an even further distance from others.

I sat upright on my chair, ignoring her pitiful attempts to flirt with me, trying to get my attention. I also ignored the conversation around me, turning it down like a radio, until it was just a slight buzzing around me.

However, I caught a conversation that had my interest. Firstly, because it is finally not about me. Secondly, they were talking about yesterday night's event and I don't know why but I am indeed quite curious as to what happened.

"Did you hear yesterday's commotion?"

"Well, yeah. I think everybody could hear it, it is so damn loud!"

"Do you know what happened? As in who exactly is so stupid to enter the school without permission?"

"Stupid. That's a good adjective for that someone but you should throw in the word 'bitchy' as well. That think-she-know-it-all Zoey Redbird…"

She said Zoey's name like it was thrash and how dare she use 'stupid' and 'bitchy' to describe her? A goddess come down from heaven sounds more like it, an incredible angel. I really felt the urge to take an arrow from my back and shoot those two girls. However, I resisted because I know that Zoey wouldn't like it.

"W-o-w! What a surprise! If she thinks that she is the most powerful, what for coming back? Huh! Who can be more powerful than the super damn gorgeous Kalona, Erebus come to Earth?"

"Who knows? Bet she is coming back here to ask them to let her return, no, beg them. I totally agree with you on the Kalona thing. He is just so…so… irresistible. Like Mr. Stark Hottie over there."

The part I wanted to here is over and now their topic has yet, again, shifted to me. They turned their heads when one of them mentioned me and when they saw that I am also looking at them, they squealed, like they think that I would find them attractive and is interested in them. Hmph! They can dream on!

***

Finally, after one hour, the lesson finally ended. I headed to my 2nd period class, Vampyre Sociology and if I am not wrong, Zoey's homeroom as well.

The bell, indicating that lessons are to start rang but then Neferet, the professor in-charge of teaching this subject, didn't come as she always did. Wonder what kind of evil things she is doing now.

Then again, like I did before Spells and Rituals lesson, a particular conversation caught my undivided attention though I didn't look at them this time.

"Why didn't Neferet come? I think she is the first ever teacher that didn't teach without a valid reason."

"Haven't you heard? Neferet has to go and heal that dumbass, slutty Zoey Redbird."

Heal? Shoots. Zoey is injured? Is it very serious? My mind wandered to her, wondering what is her condition. Once I was done-actually, I will never be done with it-with my silent thinking, I registered the fact that she said Zoey is 'slutty' and is a 'dumbass'. What is wrong with the fledglings here? Are they blind or what?

I diverted my concentration to them again but then they were no longer talking about Zoey or anything related to her. One hour to endure without any lessons distracting me from it.

***

The one hour was simply torture. One more lesson left before it is lunch time and maybe I can go to the infirmary-sneakily, obviously, as Neferet will definitely be there and…well, mine or Zoey's life might be in danger but of course I don't really care about mine, just Zoey's-and find out Zoey's condition and somewhat cure myself of my Zoey-disorder.

I made my way to a big room with many different types of equipment in it, somewhat like a gym for fencing, taught by my mentor, dragon. I still remember the day where I first came here and that I was shocked to hear him introduce himself as the fencing professor. Now, I really underestimated him, you really can't judge a book by its cover. Once he picked up a foil, he suddenly look different, more fierce and frightening, in a way.

During my first fencing lesson, many girls wanted to partner me but then of course, I rejected them and in the end got stuck with some kind of Goth guy-well, at least it is better than those crazy people.

I started to mock fight with him like we were instructed to do but then like expected, the girls didn't listen to instructions-or maybe they are just deaf-but, instead looked at me, talking to their friends about me, pretty much the same all the time, like in the cafeteria, just a bit worse.

He is so fucking gorgeous.

His sweat makes his shirt stick to his totally awesome body.

Oh, how I wish I could fuck him right here.

Get what I mean by worse but also somehow the same. They are seriously damn irritating. When will they listen that I will never be interested in them?

I was really grateful when the bell, signaling that it is time for lunch, rang. Instead of going to the dining hall for my meal, I went to the infirmary.

As I approached, I could vaguely hear same voices, getting closer with each step I took closer to where my angel, Zoey Redbird, is. Like expected, Neferet is indeed there, after all, she is the healer but then as to why she will help Zoey, I have no idea though I am really grateful. However, other than Neferet's voice, I can also make out one more voice, belonging to Kalona. Anger sparked in me. What rights does he have to be there? She might have gotten injured because of him for all I care.

Very, very faintly, I could also hear the slow breathing of another person-Zoey, my entire world, my entire universe.

Instead of entering the room and run to Zoey to see if she is alright and maybe steal a few kisses-which is exactly what I want to do now though I resisted the urge-I paced around it, but then also being careful that Neferet, Kalona or any of his weird, creepy sons will not be able to hear me.

Using my enhanced red fledgling hearing, I still can hear the conversation taking place inside.

"She stirred. I do not doubt she will regain consciousness soon," the voice I recognized as Neferet's dark voice said. As she mentioned it, it is like a huge rock have been removed from me but then there are still some loose, heavy rocks which can only be removed once it is confirmed that she is perfectly alright.

However, she didn't stop there, she continued speaking but then from the way her voice sounds, I could just imagine her walking from one end of the room to the other. "I still say I should not have healed her. Zoey's death could have been easily explained. She was almost dead when she arrived here." What! How dare she say that she should not have healed Zoey? Have she forgotten about my talent? How serious is Zoey's injuries in the first place. I simply cannot imagine such a perfect person dead, or dying like what Neferet said Zoey is yesterday.

"If what you told me is true and she has dominion over all five of the elements, she is too powerful to be allowed to perish," Kalona said, using his overly sweet-but sick-voice. Well, at least what he thinks about Zoey-no matter how much I didn't like it-can help to save her life.

Neferet defended herself, not wanting to seem like she is lying to him when she is indeed not lying, "What I've told you is the complete truth. She controls the elements,"-and I bet that you are just so jealous of her, in more than one way-being Nyx's gifts to her and Kalona's obvious attraction and liking towards her.

"Then we can use her. Why not include her in our new vision of the future? Having her allegiance would sway any members of the Council who would not readily succumb to me," Kalona stated, like it is a very obvious fact. Wait? Did I hear wrongly or did he really say new vision of the future and members of the Council? Council… the High Council of vampyres??? Holy Crap!!!

"We won't need her my love," Neferet told him, changing her voice to a seductive one when she said my love even though it is actually quite clear that Kalona don't think the same way of her, "Our plan will succeed. You should know that Zoey will never use her power for us anyway. She is entirely too infatuated with the Goddess." There is nothing wrong with Nyx! She shouldn't forget the fact that she used to-unfortunately, the use of past tense must be applied-worship her as well.

"Ah, but that can change. I seem to recall another priestess whose infatuation with the Goddess was broken," Kalona said, also changing the tone of his voice. The priestess he is referring to being Neferet and it is all his fault.

"She is young and not wise enough to allow her eyes to be opened to more intriguing possibilities, as mine have been." One small clue here that indicates what I was saying-or thinking, actually-about her being jealous of Zoey is true.

Kalona chuckled, "You are such a delightfully bloodthirsty creature. If the young priestess is not a benefit to us, then of course she shall eventually be disposed of. Until then I will see what I can do about breaking the shackles that bind her,"-just like I did to you, I could just imagine him continuing his sentence in his mind. Neferet-delightful? Hah! That must be the funniest or worst joke I've ever heard in my life. Maybe only in bed… Their voices sounded so close to each other that I think they are snuggling together, luckily I am not inside there to watch it or I might simply puke.

"No! I want you to stay away from her!" Neferet snapped suddenly, though it is, like, totally expected. Second strike. More proof that she is jealous.

"You would do well to remember who is master here. I will not be ruled or commanded or trapped, ever again. And I am not your impotent Goddess. What I give I will take away if I am displeased!" Neferet really is stupid. He is kinda obvious that he used her, just she get out. Next, who said that our, no, my Goddess is impotent? He should speak for himself. And, if I didn't remember wrongly, Neferet introduced him as Erebus come to Earth and wouldn't Erebus look up to Nyx as well. Huh! Lastly, if Nyx were to take back anything she gives, which is also taking back her gift of free will to us, though sometimes it thoroughly sucks to the pits of hell, Neferet's gift will be the first one she will take back. That backstabbing bitch!

"Don't be angry. It is just that I cannot bear to share you," Neferet is now practically begging him to forgive her. Again, I say Stupid!

"Then do not displease me!" Kalona shouted, softer than before as his volume earlier is so loud that you can practically hear it bouncing off the walls, becoming an echo, that is still loud.

"Come with me from this room and I promise I will not displease you," Neferet said and then moist kissing sounds of them making out could be heard. I really pity anybody watching that scene playing out in front of them now as just by hearing it, I can hurl. It is just that disgusting.

"Go to our chamber. Ready yourself for me. I will follow you there shortly," Kalona said after they broke apart. They even share a chamber, as he like to refer it? They don't have sex every day, right? I mean, even for one time, it is already total Yuck!

"Come to me soon, my dark angel," Neferet replied, catching me by surprise. It almost sounds like she is actually not dumb like I thought but were instead manipulating him or maybe it is just him that is to lustful.

As Neferet swept out of the room, I was more careful, not even taking a breath, not wanting to risk the chances of her seeing me over here. Fortunately, she didn't notice me and I continued to monitor the things taking place inside. When will Zoey wake up? I thought Neferet said it will be soon just now? Urgh! How is she now?

After a while, a faint rustling noise could be heard from inside, seems like one of Kalona's sons, most probably Rephaim, considering he is the favorite and all. Then, a sound that lifted the rest of the rocks in my heart but then placed new ones in them, a really piercing scream, coming from Zoey, could be heard. When I heard it, I was so shocked that I am sure that I have at least jumped about three foot high. However, when I registered it, in both my mind and heart, I was a little terrified, for Zoey, of course but then I just couldn't bring my feet forward, even though Neferet was gone, Kalona is still there.

I strained my ears further, and could hear some scrambling then a thud. A hiss came out and some ruffling noise, sounding like they-as in Kalona or Rephaim, my guess is on Rephaim, spread their wings out.

Right after that, the Warrior, Darius, ran in, in response to that seriously high-pitched shriek. Who knew Zoey had it in her to scream like that, just like those girls on TV show. As he neared the room, I also moved closer so that I will be able to see what is happening.

At the moment, Darius took out a small but apparently sharp knife from his leather jacket and flung it across the room, hitting Rephaim-see? My guess is correct-squarely in the chest-good aim.

"You dare attack my son!" Kalona exclaimed as he took two strides towards Darius and lifted him up by grabbing his throat, so high that he slammed the ceiling. Although the Son of Erebus Warrior punched and kicked, trying to break free from Kalona strong and firm grasp, it didn't work.

"Stop it! Don't hurt him!" the beautiful voice in the whole world-no, world is not enough, universe, that's much better-rang out. She grabbed the sheets of the bed and wrapped it around her. Why would she need to do that? ... Unless she is not wearing any clothes underneath. My anger is rising inside me, ready to explode. Why would treating her require her to be naked? Damn Kalona…

She walked-no, that is not really appropriate, seeing that she is still so weak and cannot really keep her balance though she is trying to hide that fact so maybe stumbled is the better word for it-over to Kalona and Darius, ducking under one of Kalona's huge raven black wings.

She took a deep breath and lifted her arms, causing the towel she had wrapped around her to drop down her slender body and pool at her feet. However, I didn't realize it then as I was only concentrating on what she is going to do.

"Wind and fire, come to me. I need you. Make the winged guy get off Darius!" she said, her voice powerful but still quite weak, her eyes narrowing when she felt the presence of fire and water, I think, as I cannot be sure, not able to feel or see it myself.

As she said her last sentence, she flung her hands out to Kalona like she is throwing a ball to him except that it is not hot air she threw but a blast of hot air. The result was instantaneous. It tossed Kalona back, thus causing him to release Darius. When that strong gust of hot air came into contact with Kalona's skin, a strange sizzling sound could be heard and there were actually mist rising from him.

After using her elements, Zoey noticeably got weaker as she struggled to stand upright and she is also blinking non-stop, like she is trying to get something out of her line of vision.

I also chose to make my grand entrance then. What made me do it? Well, one is of course that I wanted to help Zoey though I couldn't go any nearer because of that beast inside of me which is another reason why I entered the room, to protect Kalona.

It is like he is some kind of device and Neferet has tuned him to protect and obey what she or Kalona says, even though he is totally not willing to do it due to the fact that he still has some good left inside him.

This is one of the situation whereby the good in him and the monster start battling but then the monster, the evil creature, is stronger by about ten times, controlling his movements.

I lifted my bow, already notched with an arrow and took aim at Darius. Well, at least I still have enough sense that they won't find out that I have been eavesdropping outside to know that it is actually not Darius who hurt Kalona.

Anyway, if he really dies, there will be less one guy in this world snatching for Zoey's affection. Oh my goddess, did I really just think what I think I did think? The evil is really rubbing off me.

Instead of being like the other shooters, as in looking at their target, I was watching Zoey, and the fact that she is still naked. She seem to realize it as well as her face blazed red with embarrassment and she bent down to pick up the sheet to wrap it around her body, bath-towel style.

I quickly averted my eyes back to Darius, not really sure if I should really shoot or not. "Stark! Don't shoot him!" Zoey told me, panic evident in her hazel eyes. Who can deny a girl like her of her wish?

"If you are meaning to kill the person who threw me across the room, then the arrow will strike the priestess and not the warrior. And it is not the priestess I want killed. It is the Warrior," Kalona said, getting up from the floor. Please, like I would even try to kill Zoey… Surprisingly, both of us wants to do the same thing at that time-kill Darius, though once I got more time to think through it, I wouldn't want to anymore because he is capable of protecting Zoey.

"Darius was just protecting me. It was a raven mocker who did this," Zoey pointed to an angry, jagged red line across her chest which even though she was bare just now, I did not notice but then it is really obvious. However, she still looks beautiful or even more beautiful because of it, a war scar.

How dare a raven mocker hurt Zoey, to the extent that she has to come back to the danger zone to receive treatment? She must be injured pretty badly and by judging, I think I almost lost her for good. I thought Kalona has already ordered his sons not to touch a hair on Zoey? What? Are the raven mockers rebelling now? Hah!

"When Darius heard me scream and he saw Rephaim bending over me, it was only logical for him to assume I was being attacked again," Zoey finished off. When she ended, both she and Kalona stared at each other for what seemed like centuries, with silence hanging over the air. Really hope that Zoey won't fall for that 'fallen angel'.

"Is this true, my son? Did one of my children cause the priestess's wound?" Kalona asked Rephaim, the dagger still protruding out from his bony chest.

"I have no way of knowing, Father. Not all of the sentries have returned," Rephaim replied in between short, panting breaths. Well, of course, I expected this answer. Zoey have most likely killed him already. Hmm… Wonder which one is the worst fate for him. Getting killed by Zoey or getting punished, don't know how severely by Kalona? Well, if it is up to me, I'd rather choose death, at least it is delivered by Zoey.

"It is true," Darius insisted. If I am him, I wouldn't even open my mouth.

"Of course that is what you would say, Warrior," Kalona retaliated.

"I give you my word as a Son of Erebus that I tell you the truth. And you have seen Zoey's wound. Surely you recognize an injury made by the claws of one of your own children," Darius stated. Well, seeing as Kalona isn't really Erebus come to Earth, I doubt he will care about the Son of Erebus word although I must admit that the second part is really brilliant.

It seemed to work as well. Kalona covered the space between him and Zoey and lifted a finger to trace the path of Zoey's wound but then he isn't actually touching Zoey. However, Zoey still seemed to be able to feel it, probably the chills as she is gritting her teeth hard.

"It is the mark of one of my sons. Stark, this time do not kill the Warrior," Kalona told me and I am surprised that he even remembered I was there. At his words, Zoey heaved a sigh of relief but then it is only temporary because apparently, Kalona haven't finished his instructions yet. "Of course, I cannot allow him to wound my beloved without redress. But I prefer to admonish him myself."

His voice was so calm when he spoke that no one expected what he did next-he pulled the knife from Rephaim's chest and raked the blade down one side of Darius's face.

The Warrior staggered under the blow, fresh red blood gushing out from his cut. At the sight of that tempting liquid and smell, I almost sucked it dry of Darius and will probably lick the floor as well but then looking at Zoey, I manage to control my thirst for it.

Kalona, not bothered at all with what he has just done, bent down to whisper at Zoey's ears, so soft that I have to really strain my ears to be able to catch them. "Remember, my little A-ya, the warrior can protect you from all others except me. Not even the power of your elements can keep me from claiming what will eventually be mine again."

Kalona is calling Zoey 'A-ya' again, seriously, after quite long, I still don't know why. Since Darius and the elements can't protect her from him, I will. But then, it really is almost impossible as I can hardly control my own actions. And what exactly does he mean by 'claiming what will eventually be mine again'? What's his? Zoey? No, Zoey most definitely does not belong to him, not to anyone, even Nyx. She is given free will. Another thing…again? Since when, even in the past, have Zoey been his? Does this have something to do with 'A-ya'? Argh!

As if what he just said didn't mess with me enough, Kalona actually have the nerve to kiss Zoey. Oh, how I wish I can do that… What I also wish to do now is to be able to kill Kalona, once and for all. But again, of course it is impossible. He is immortal, meaning that he cannot die and will live forever and ever and ever, bringing don't know how much more chaos to the world.

When Kalona pulled away and walked out the infirmary with Rephaim tagging along behind him like a dog, Zoey collapsed onto the floor. Please let that be a good sign. Good sign being that she doesn't like Kalona, hate Kalona…


Thanks to...

Desi772, horsemadissy, jamesstarkgirlfriend, Jazerelle, vampluver19, RayRayluvs2read, ImaginationFlow, ChAoS MiZoRe, Amiralys, quhuai, ruiqi, Peahen, rashel..quinn, Cassierb 183, SarahBird925, Melly31992, I-chart, LonelyEmo64, Brie, HoN and Harry Potter fangirl, HoN and TB fangirl, FoxRider743, TreasureDimond, jamesstarkdreamgirl, daisyrose22, lovevampiresxxx, clapurhands, XMusicIsWhyILiveX, Jasmine, TooLazyToLogInAtTheMoment, booklurver, brittney, ily stark 4 eva for giving a review.

Amiralys, horsemadissy, ChAoS MiZoRe, geeniebop, Melly31992, Tash Salvatore, Desi772, Peahen, Cullenz-Rule, analilo, rashel..quinn, Stark's one and only girl, I AM NEAR, I-chart, TanzH, Lolita86, XMusicIsWhyILiveX, LonelyEmo64, SarahBird925, TreasureDimond, jamesstarkdreamgirl, daisyrose22, vampluver19, Loves Ironic Tragedy, KyoCutie13, fangmiceter, Saaphire for putting it on his/her favourite story list.

horsemadissy, RayRayluvs2read, ImaginationFlow, Blazedanblazin, Peahen, digaholendie, I AM NEAR, LonelyEmo64, SarahBird925, TreasureDimond, Loves Ironic Tragedy, XMusicIsWhyILiveX, fangmiceter, daisyrose22 for putting it on story alert.

If you guys are free, can you chaeck your name above? Because some people changed their names. rashel, sorry but then whenever i type your full name, it will always become like this...

Please review. Can I have at least 10 reviews for this, please? You all are totally AWESOME!!!

The Review button changed already. Now, there is a little speech bubble at the side. However, I prefer the previous one, nice and simple. What about you? Do you prefer cute or simple?