CHAPTER TWELVE

THE eight of them arrived home just a little after three in the morning, exhausted from a night spent dancing. Callum had been worried that they would have to leave early, considering the history Mary Louise had with one of the hosts, but Mary Louise assured everyone there was no reason to leave, that they should enjoy themselves, even though she spent most of the time huddled away.

Nora had spent most of the Ball sitting with Mary Louise in silence. Anytime she opened her mouth to say something, no words would come out, and the only time Mary Louise seemed to actively engage in her surroundings was when she suggested to Nora that they should at least have once dance with their dates, who were also sitting on the sidelines.

Now it was just the two of them, in the bedroom they shared, and the silence that was present at the Ball, had managed to find its way into Nora's favourite room.

Mary Louise was by the dresser, slowly removing her jewelry as Nora watched. Even when she looked troubled, she was still the most beautiful girl in the world to Nora.

Nora cleared her throat. "So, what did you think of tonight?"

Nora could see a small smile appear on Mary Louise's face through her reflection in the mirror.

"It was nice. Cynthia seemed to have a good time. Everyone seemed to have a good time, actually."

Nora looked at Mary Louise through the mirror. "Including you?"

Mary Louise's tensed, her shoulder blades becoming visible. She pressed her hands on top of the dresser, her blonde hair falling in front of her face.

"Can we not talk about this," Mary Louise said quietly.

Nora frowned, not happy with the response. "A woman you've known from your past has shown up suddenly and you don't want to talk about it?"

"Yes, that is exactly what I am saying," Mary Louise answered, her voice surprisingly calm.

Nora crossed her arms. "I feel like we should talk about this."

"Nora, please."

"I've been an open book with you, Mare. You know about my past. Out of my whole life story I have told you, I maybe get like five tidbits into your past, which is like breadcrumbs."

"I don't like talking about my past," Mary Louise responded, anger rising in her voice. "And why is it so important that right this minute you need to know what it was like for me growing up in late 1800s London being a Siphoner and Gay—you know what it was like: horrible."

A slight crack suddenly appeared on the mirror, the result of Mary Louise's anger. Nora sighed, mostly out of frustration. It was late, and she didn't want to get into an argument while the others slept.

The two of them continued to get ready for bed in silence, and when they were done they had each made their way to their own side of the bed and got in before turning off the lights. Their backs were facing each other.

Nora hated the tension. For almost 133 years, when they could, they would always kiss each other goodnight. The only time it didn't happen was when they desiccated, when they briefly broke up, and when the Armory had separated them for three years.

Nora shivered at the thought of their break up back in Mystic Falls. Even though she initiated it after what Mary Louise had done, that was the hardest thing she ever did. They had both said things they didn't mean out of hurt, and she was miserable without Mary Louise. She was the other half of her heart, her soul mate, and she loved her more than words could ever describe. But this woman, Victoria, made Mary Louise defensive, and Mary Louise only ever got defensive over people she cared deeply about.

Nora suddenly felt Mary Louise wrap her arms around her, pulling her close. She felt a small kiss on her cheek, and a wave of warmth washed over her.

"I love you, Mary Lou."

"I love you too."


LONDON, 1879

OVER the past few months, the Heretics had moved to different spots throughout London, not really settling into any specific place for too long.

Their newest living arrangements had been an upgrade from the smaller, dingy homes they had lived in. It was a fair sized Tavern, with sleeping quarters upstairs, and Lily had compelled the owner to kindly sell it to them for less than it was worth.

Most of their evenings were spent in the bar area after a night of feeding. On this night in particular, Beau, Oliver, and Malcolm had decided that they needed a men's night out and had abandoned Nora, Mary Louise, and Valerie.

Mary Louise didn't mind spending the evening in. It allowed her to spend more time with Nora, and any moment she spent with Nora was treasured.

"Ladies!" Came Julian's boastful voice as he entered the bar. He had a male friend with him, one they didn't know.

The three women looked at Julian and his friend curiously. The man that was next to Julian wasn't bleeding from his neck, so he wasn't food.

Julian patted his friend on the back. "This is my good friend, Richard. We go way back. Richard, this is Mary Louise, Nora, and Valerie."

Richard was nothing remarkable. He was 5'8, with dark hair and eyes. Most women probably wouldn't have looked twice at him, and Mary Louise had already regretted looking once.

"The adventures we had," Richard continued, his words slurred. He had obviously been drinking.

Julian chuckled at a memory the three women weren't privy to. "Anyway, as you know I have a date with Lily. And I was telling my friend that I know three beautiful women, all without a companion."

Valerie abruptly stood up from her chair. She had a disgusted look on her face. "I'm going for a walk."

Julian and Richard both watched as Valerie left, before they turned their attention back to the two girls remaining.

"Doesn't matter," Julian said, referring to Valerie leaving. "These girls have a lot to offer. Why don't you get acquainted with them? Who knows, maybe one of them will be the love of your life. Like what I have with Lily, who, is going to have my head if I am late again."

Richard waited until Julian was gone before he grabbed a chair and put it in the middle of Nora and Mary Louise. His attention immediately went on Nora, who was bright red from blushing.

Mary Louise got up from her seat, exited the bar area and headed toward the staircase that lead to the sleeping quarters. She made it up a couple of stairs before she turned around and sat herself down, resting her face on her hand. She hated the idea that Nora was in there chatting with someone who wasn't her.

Some time had passed, and Mary Louise was brought out of her own thoughts by the sound of Nora crying as she ran toward the stairs.

"Nora," Mary Louise said once she saw her friend, who looked distraught. Nora ran up the stairs, passed Mary Louise. "Nora!"

Mary Louise quickly followed Nora up the stairs, but Nora had already slammed the door to her personal quarters. She could still hear her cry.

"Nora, what's wrong? What happened?"

"I hate him," Nora said between sobs.

Mary Louise put her hand on the door, but never opened it, and in a gentle voice she said, "Please. Tell me what happened."

"It doesn't matter," Nora said, and then more quietly she repeated, "It doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters," Mary Louise assured. "Please tell me what happened? Why are you so upset?"

There was a long pause.

"He…He…tried to kiss me. When I refused he…grabbed me and he…he put his hand up my dress," Nora said. "I was able to push him off…but…but he is Julian's friend. He is staying here. Tonight."

As Nora broke down again, anger flashed in Mary Louise's eyes and a viciousness over came her. She quickly made her way down the stairs and into the bar where Richard was helping himself to more drinks.

"Don't you think you've had enough?" Mary Louise casually asked, causing Richard to look over at her.

Richard raised the bottle. "Come and join me."

Mary Louise walked closer to him. "I would, but I have errands to do for the night." She headed toward the entrance.

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Anything I can help you with?"

Mary Louise paused, turning to face him. "I suppose." She grabbed a lantern, lighting it before heading out.

Richard quickly followed her as she led him into the alley. There was a crate, and not much of anything else. "What exactly do you have to do out here?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Mary Louise said. "Usually Nora takes care of these things."

Richard laughed. "Nora's kind of a prude isn't she. I was just trying to have a good time, and she got hysterical on me. I should have focused my attention on you instead."

"Now I remember," Mary Louise said, and within half a second her hand was in Richard's chest. "You will never hurt or insult Nora again."

She ripped out his heart, his dead body falling to the ground. At this point she didn't care that this man was Julian's friend. He had hurt her friend, and she would not stand for it.

"Incendia," Mary Louise chanted, lighting his corpse on fire. She threw his heart on top as he quickly burned into ash.

After wiping the blood from her hands, Mary Louise headed back inside, making her way to Nora's room. The crying had stopped. She knocked on the door.

"Nora. Can I come in?"

"Yes."

Mary Louise quietly opened the door to find Nora on her bed. It was heartbreaking to see her so sad.

"I'm sorry for crying," Nora said, half laughing. "I must look like a mess."

"You look fine," Mary Louise said, as she made her way inside. She sat next to Nora on her bed.

"Is he still downstairs?" Nora asked. "I don't think I will be able to sleep if he is still here."

"You don't have to worry about him," Mary Louise assured. "He's not here anymore."

Nora raised an eyebrow. "He left willingly?"

"Not exactly…"

"What do you mean by 'not exactly'."

"I may have given him a little push…through his chest…and pulled out his heart."

Nora shot up from her bed. "Mare! Why would you do that?"

"He hurt you! He had to pay!" Mary Louise said defensively as she also got up from the bed.

Nora blinked. "You killed him…for me?"

"I wouldn't let him hurt you again. He upset you and what he did was not right, Julian's friend or not."

Nora walked over to Mary Louise and wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace. "That's the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me."

Mary Louise fell into the hug and returned it. "I'd do anything for you."