Before I could choke out a reply, Paul stood, taking his human form, and moved in front of me. He'd luckily managed to slip on his cutoffs in those spare seconds.
"Who are you?" he growled.
"My name is Domeinico." He hissed stepping forward. "And you?"
"Paul."
"Ah...you're the one Cassia told me about."
I peered around Pauls shoulder and glared.
"Why are you here Domeinico?" I asked, snarling
"Is that any way to talk to your elders, Maia?" He asked.
"Shut up." Paul growled, stepping forward. I tried to stop him, to hold him back, but Domeinico was quicker. He grabbed Paul's shoulder and spun him, then planted his foot into Paul's back.
"How about you shut up, dog. I've had to deal with enough of you today." Domeinico told him, pressing his foot into Paul's back.
"Domeinic-"
My words were cut off by a back hand to my cheek, knocking me to the ground. I cursed myself mentally. I'd forgotten how advanced he was. While Cassia's powers were the most developed, Domeinco's fighting was his best technique. That, coupled with his ability to dominate ones mind made him one of the most merciless of the half-vampires.
"Mai!" Paul shouted, beginning to stand. Domeinico forced him back down though and flipped him over.
"I thought I told you to shut up."
Domeinico's fists began to pound into Paul's face, one after the other in rapid succession.
Merciless... I thought as the scent of blood rose in the air. He won't let Paul live.
The slight thought of a world without Paul near sent burning tears to my eyes. I couldn't let Domeinico kill Paul, even if it meant....Even if I have to return to the tower
.
I turned to Domeinico and tugged on his shoulder.
"Stop it!" I screamed. "I'll go back with you, just stop it!"
Domeinco's fists stopped in mid-air, giving me a sickening view of Paul's face. Most of his teeth we gone, but I could see them growing back slowly. His nose was smashed, leaving it a flat and partially healed mess, and his lips were cracked.
Domeinico stood and whipped me to him.
"You'll come back with me, no questions asked."
"Yes. Just let him live."
His eyes narrowed as he looked between Paul and I. I could see hesitation in his eyes, but I knew it was in my favor. Volturi manipulating him or no, he had been, at one time, my best friend. I knew that he would have some amount of mercy toward me.
"Very well." He turned to Paul and slammed his foot onto his leg. Paul, who had been eerily still, shot up with a cry of pain.
"I thought-"
"I don't want the dog following me." Domeinico snapped, going to the other leg. I turned him and shoved him back, using my powers for the first time since I passed out.
I was weak though, and it barely lasted a minute before I fell.
"Your power." He whispered, lifting me up. I didn't struggle, to desperate to keep Paul alive. I saw his eyes open and focus, just slightly, on mine.
"Mai?"
I turned my face, trying to hide the tears.
"I'm sorry, Paul. I have to go...this is the only way....please forgive me."
"Don't...please don't..."
He lifted his hand, only to have it kicked away with a sickening snap.
"Stay quiet, dog."
I started to object, to command Domeinico to stop, but I felt his fingers on my head.
"Say good night." he whispered as the hideous nothingness slipped over me.
Reaching out to no where, I let the tears fall. I felt my hand brush something warm momentarily, but then senses faded as well.
The last thing I remember were three words that broke two hearts.
I love you.
AN: and so it ends, the tragic tale of two lovers. . . for now. Watch out for Totality and if you want, read Moonset in the process. It'll reduce the confusion.
