A/N: I am elated that so many people are reading this, but it is a little discouraging that not too many are reviewing. While I completely respect those who like to read and not leave a comment, it is difficult for me to determine whether my readers are enjoying the direction I've taken. So, please kindly take the time to remember to review if you can; it also helps boost my confidence. Contrary to what you may think, I am still unsure of my work sometimes. Thank you; it is greatly appreciated.

Chapter 12

A short time later, Nathan returned with a tray loaded with two plates of eggs and toast and two cups of coffee.

"Oh, it smells wonderful," Kristin exclaimed as Nathan set the tray down in front of her. Then, he grabbed one plate and a cup of coffee and sat down in the chair next to her bed. "Thank you so much, Nathan."

"Oh, you're very welcome."

They sat in silence for a moment while they ate. Kristin had been thinking about Marielle and her dream, and she really hadn't much of a choice. She needed to run her thoughts by someone rational. And, Nathan was her confidante. "She's trying to show me something."

"What?" Nathan asked, slightly confused.

"Marielle," Kristin said. "I think she's trying to show me something. I-I don't think she's trying to hurt me."

Nathan looked at her doubtfully. "If that's the case, then why don't you have any energy?"

Kristin countered, "Well, I was the same way on The George, and Lillian wasn't malicious."

Nathan thought for a moment. After the experience on The George, Kristin had been tired afterwards, but then, admittedly, he hadn't concerned himself with it very much. She had recovered quickly, or she hid her exhaustion well at the time. Kristin was a strong woman; he never had to worry about her much. But, now it seemed as though she was wasting away in front of his eyes, and it was frightening. "I guess," he said. "What do you think she's trying to show you, then?"

"I think Marielle was murdered."

"Well, that's why Brigitte said that the rest of the black magic sect was in jail," Nathan said. "Brigitte said she was murdered."

"No, you don't understand," Kristin said. "Brigitte said that Marielle was practicing black magic herself, but I don't think she was. And, I think those in jail are innocent."

"And your basing all that on a few dreams?" Nathan scoffed.

"I-I know it sounds a little crazy; that's why I was reluctant to tell you."

Nathan sighed. "I'm sorry, but it does sound a little far fetched. And, how do you plan to prove it?"

"I don't; I mean, we're going home later," Kristin explained. "I suppose Marielle will just find someone else to-"

"What if she doesn't?"

"What?"

"What if Marielle doesn't leave you alone?" Nathan asked, worriedly. "I mean, that protection ritual was supposed to-"

"Well, I don't think I need protection from Marielle," Kristin said, standing up, but this made her head spin. Kristin tried to pretend it wasn't happening, but Nathan noticed her falter.

He immediately was at her side. "You alright?" he asked. "Maybe you should lie down?"

Kristin sighed. "I'm sick of lying about," she said, but Nathan helped lie down anyway.

Nathan looked at the clock. It wasn't yet six. "I can have Dr. Levin come to look at you when he is up and about. Maybe you're coming down with something?" he said hopefully.

Kristin nodded. "I certainly feel like it."

Nathan began gathering the plates and cups and putting them back on the tray to take down to the kitchen. "Do you want me to let you rest?"

"Maybe if I can get some more sleep, I'll feel better," she said.

Nathan nodded. "Maybe. Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will," she said. "Are you going back to bed, too?"

Nathan shook his head. "No, I think I'll just do up these dishes and relax a bit before Lucas wakes up. He wants to go spend the day with Tatiana, so I'm sure he'll be up early. I want to see him before he goes."

"I think he's going to be the only one who's sorry we're leaving," Kristin said. "Tell him I said to have a good time, if I'm not awake."

"Well, I know he misses Darwin; he'll be fine. And, I will." He started walking towards the door. "Sleep well," he said.

"I'll try. Thank you." And with that, Nathan shut the door behind him.

Kristin sighed as she closed her eyes. She was looking forward to it being over, but she knew that if she didn't figure out what happened to Marielle, she would never be able to get rid of her. "Just show me what happened," Kristin whispered as she turned over and tried to sleep. And soon, she drifted off.

Again, Kristin found herself in the same forest she'd seen in her previous dreams.

"OK, Marielle, show me what happened," Kristin said, turning around to see if she could see her. When she didn't see her, she began walking through the forest. She came to a clearing, and she saw a woman sitting on a large rock. Kristin noticed she appeared to be deep in thought or possibly prayer, for her head was bowed down.

Kristin carefully approached her.

"Excuse me," she said. But, the woman never looked up, never even acknowledged Kristin's presence. Kristin tried once again.

"Excuse me," she said a bit louder, placing a hand on her shoulder. But, to Kristin's shock, the woman fell over limp. Kristin cried out softly when she realized the woman was dead.

She turned to run, but the way was blocked by Marielle.

"Did you know her?" Kristin asked. Marielle nodded.

"She was one of their victims as well?" Kristin asked. Marielle nodded once again.

"Who did this?" Marielle took Kristin's hand and led her to the temple once again.

Bum, bum, bum, bum. Kristin heard the drums once again. She wanted to ask what exactly the ritual was for, but when she turned to ask Marielle, she was gone. Kristin walked closer to the temple so that she could see. Once again, she saw the two drummers. Bum, bum, bum, bum. The drums were constant and steady. The four women were dancing and chanting, and poor Marielle was lying on the floor, her mouth taped, her hands bound.

Then, the women stopped and began talking. Although Kristin couldn't understand what they were saying, it was clear they were arguing about something. Then, one of the women grabbed a bottle from the alter. She opened it and threw it's contents all over the other woman she was yelling at. Kristin had no idea what could be in that bottle, but whatever it was smelled horribly putrid.

The woman began screaming, as though she was in excruciating pain. Then, she fell back, as though she'd been struck. But, she didn't make any more sounds; Kristin covered her mouth when she realized the woman was dead. And, she knew who she was-the woman she'd seen in the forest.

Then, the woman who had appeared to be in charge loomed over Marielle while the others helped restrain her. Suddenly the woman in charge lifted turned her head just right where Kristin suddenly recongnized her. It was Tatiana-Marielle's own sister!

She pulled the tape off Marielle's mouth and say, "Now you must pay." Then, she took a knife from the alter and proceeded to cut out Marielle's tongue.

Kristin looked away as Marielle screamed in pain. "Oh my God," Kristin said quietly, but apparently, not quietly enough.

"Someone's out there," she heard a voice say.

Kristin turned and saw Tatiana coming towards her. Kristin turned to run, but she felt a hand on her shoulder, restraining her. "No!" Kristin screamed.

"Kristin?" Katie Hitcock had her hands on Kristin's shoulders. "Kristin, you're dreaming."

Kristin woke up with a start, sitting straight up.

"Are you alright?" Katie asked. "We heard you screaming."

"I-I'm sorry," Kristin said. Then a thought came to her. "Where's Lucas?"

"Oh, he said something about going to see Tatiana. She wanted to introduce him to her friends."

"Oh no," Kristin breathed.

"What?" Katie asked.

"Um, when did he leave?"

"About an hour and a half ago," Katie said. "Why?"

"Because I think he's in trouble. Where's Nathan?"

"Downstairs. What do you mean 'in trouble'?"

Kristin jumped up out of bed. Her head felt like it was going to float away, but she had to ignore it. She grabbed her robe and slipped it on.

"Doc?" Katie said.

"I'm sorry," Kristin said apologettically, "But I have to talk to Nathan. Follow me, and I'll fill you in."