Belle paced back and forth in richly decorated room. She was in panic mode a feeling she had yet to experience. There was nothing about this situation that she had control over. She was no longer living in the bubble, the very same bubble that kept her ignorant of the truth and at the same time kept her protected as she has always had full confidence in her abilities. Tonight she learned the hard way that her abilities were not as fullproof as she previously thought. Of course she tried to make herself believe that Russell was lying when he said that he has always been stronger than her and it was only lack of training that kept her under his grip. But that look in his eyes as he held her down made her think that he wasn't bluffing.

As she kept pacing the thoughts of her real parents kept creeping back into her head, she tried to push them out and deal with this problem first. There were too many reasons to seek vengeance against Russell she didn't need to be reminded of just how much she hated him. The thoughts of her real family just brought about pain. Knowing the her father is a vampire now and not even knowing if the rest of her real family is alive tore her up inside. All the powers that she had and she couldn't keep them safe, it was illogical to think that way as she only found out that they existed some hours ago. But it's the guilt that she accepted Joseph as her father and didn't ask any questions that kept replaying in her head. Eric was able to get that information than what would have prevented her from finding the same information is she was looking. But she didn't look, she took things at face value trusting everyone but the only one who was really looking out for her. She needed to find Eric.

She heard the key as it was inserted into the lock on the door. Stopping in the middle of the room she waited. The door opened slowly making the anticipation on who was on the other side that much greater. A burly guard walked in holding a tray of food. Her stomach grumbled as the smell of fresh fries hit her. She couldn't even remember how long it has been since she ate. The guard stood by the door trying to figure out if it was safe for him to walk towards the table.

She was too hungry to think of escaping now.

"I'll wait in the bathroom" she tried to make it easier for him "Would you do me a favor tho?"

He raised his eyebrow waiting for her to name the favor.

"I want to speak to Russell"

"I can't promise anything" he finally spoke, his voice was harsh which matched his unfriendly face.

"I understand" she smiled and walked towards the bathroom door.

Locking the door behind her she waited in the bathroom until she heard the door to the room close. She wasted no time and rushed out charging towards the food. In minutes it was all gone, a werewolf would have been ashamed to watch her eat. There was no time for manners.

She heard the lock click ten minutes later. The same guard walked in.

"Drawing room" he wasted no more time for explanation and held the door open for her.

She walked out heading for the stairs. To her surprise the guard didn't follow her, again all her doubts kicked in. Was she no longer a threat? Was Russell that confident that she won't be able to get away? She hated feeling so weak and of course she was falling deeper and deeper into the illusion that Russell had so skillfully created. Again much of her surprise there were no other guards along the way. Usually the place was crawling with them. Walking into the drawing room she saw Russell who sat in a chair holding a snifter filled with blood. He looked at her and smiled slightly. That smile didn't reflect any sign of friendship it was the smile of knowing that you've won that came across his face. And she believed him accepting fully his victory over her.

"Sit" he pointed to a chair right across from him

She did.

"I hope you found your accommodations up to par" that smile never left his face.

"Yes, thank you" it was the first time that she felt nervous being around him.

"Well?" he wasn't in the mood for mindless chitchat

"I know" she summoned enough courage to stare directly in his eyes.

He laughed and took a sip from the snifter "And what is it you know?"

"Everything" her confidence was fading fast but she kept up her tough exterior "My family, your involvement in my upbringing, all the games you were playing"

"And is this the part where you vow to seek revenge no matter what it takes" his smile taunted her.

"It would bring me so much pleasure to see you meet the truth death" she smiled at the thought "But no, this isn't where I vow revenge. I came to offer my allegiance"

"Is that so?" he laughed as she attempted to put on a show for him

"I am exactly who you made me to be. A killer. It's imprinted into my DNA I crave that feeling all that time. Fighting it would be like fighting the urge to breath. I tried to lead a different life and every morning of those six months as I got up I had to convince myself for over an hour that this was the right choice and then it came to me. How could it be the right choice if I had to convince myself that it is? The only right choice is what come naturally to me and you and I both know exactly what that is. I may not like you or the choices you have made on my behalf, but I am molded now and I can't fight it. I know exactly what you want and without me you will never have it"

"And how long did you prepare this speech?" he seemed amused, but it seemed to her that she might have reeled him in.

"Speech or no speech Russell, you need me and I need to get back to what I was. Rather than fighting each other or trying to outsmart each other, we can work together. All you have to do is promise me one thing and I will be your loyal servant"

"Let me guess" that smug smile was back again "You want me to spare Eric"

That caught her off guard. Was Eric there? Did he do something to him?

"I don't believe you would harm Eric" she tried to control her panic which was setting in again "Godric is too important to your plan"

He laughed "Well if nothing else you're quite observant"

"Like I said I know exactly what you want" she relaxed a bit

"Then why is Eric bound to a tree by silver about to meet his true death" he looked at an antique gold clock nearby "Oh in about half an hour"

He has to be bluffing she tried to stay calm "You wouldn't be that stupid. You have too much to gain by keeping him around"

"Well I can't be practical all the time" he stood up "Sometimes you have to do something that just feels good"

She stood up as well as panic set back in. His demeanor gave no indication that he was bluffing and she played enough card games with him and Talbot to know when he was.

"I thought about tying you both up together so you can die with him. Make it real romantic, but I have other plans for you"

She had to act fast but her mind suddenly went black as the thoughts of losing Eric flooded her head.

"No!" she screamed unable to control her emotions any longer "You can't do that"

He laughed "I'm afraid I can and did" he grabbed her by the arm and sped away. In minutes they were standing across from a tree where Eric was bound by silver.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw how much pain he was in.

"It's time you learned that your every action has a consequence. You tried to kill me and in return you will lose him"

She turned to him "Name your price"

He enjoyed seeing Eric suffer as well as the pain in her eyes "You exactly what I want"

Suddenly everything became crystal clear to her "If I work for you no questions asked you'll let him go?"

"Precisely" he smiled at her

She suddenly broke out in laughter much to the surprise of both Eric and Russell

"You have got to be kidding" she could barely speak from laughing so hard "I mean you're really pathetic Russell. Three thousand years old and you only learned one trick. Blackmail really? Come on you could have at least thought of something more original"

His anger became evident as he stood about to strike her.

She completely ignored his stance and continued to laugh "Here I was doubting my abilities thinking that you actually won this one and rather than take advantage of my vulnerability you pull the same old rabbit out of a hat. Completely pathetic."

He charged at her pinning her to the ground, his fangs were inches away from her face. His hand tightened on her neck. He was not about to show her any mercy.

Oblivious to his anger she continued as it was still possible for her to breath "I bet you used Eric to get Godric on your side as well. Hmm originality is definitely not your strong point. You even attack me the same every time."

It was then that he felt a wooden branch that she managed to grab as he was coming for her against his chest "See" she continued "The element of surprise works much better when I can tell your every move"

His grip on her lessened and his fangs retracted, not about to test her he jumped off. She got up and threw the broken branch on the ground

"Plus your empty treats mean nothing. You wouldn't harm me" she stuck her hand out and moved her finger against her veins "Too hungry for what I got" she glanced over at Eric noticing the smoke coming off his body from the silver "And as far as Eric? Go for it" she smiled clearly no longer fearing anything about Russell.

"You want to see him gone" he wasn't about to show defeat

"I want to see you explain it to Godric and see how strong you'll be against us both. Three thousand years might make you strong, but not invincible."

"Fine" he smirked "Then he burns"

"OK" she challenged him with her eyes "Did you want to stay for the show or shall we go back in?"

"After you" he pointed towards a path nearby. That smile she hated never left his face.

She smiled back at him while in her mind she pictured countless way of killing him "It would be rude of me to not say goodbye"

"Be my guest" Russell watched her carefully making sure she didn't try anything.

Belle walked up to Eric and smiled at him, her eyes reflected the sadness of knowing that she was going to lose him "I'm sorry" she said as tears welled up in her eyes "I can't continue making deals with him"

Eric was enraged but kept quiet not about to give Russell the satisfaction of seeing him lose control. She got on her toes in order to reach his face placing her hand on his cheek she tried to kiss him, but he turned away.

"Ah young love" Russell laughed

She grabbed Eric by his chin and pulled him towards her kissing him. He tried to resist her but their kiss instantly turned passionate. They couldn't get enough of each other as the kiss lingered for much longer then Russell would have liked.

"Enough" he appeared by her and pulled her away before she can protest she was already back at the mansion "Sleep tight" he smirked at her "Tomorrow we'll collect his ashes, perhaps then you'll learn that you will never win against me"

"I just don't believe you Russell" she smiled "You're bluffing. As soon as I will leave you'll go back out there and free him and pretend that he is gone. You're little tricks won't work on me anymore"

"Well than prepare for your first lesson" he grabbed her by the hand and led her towards the sitting room where Talbot was sitting reading a book.

"Darling" Talbot perked up as Russell entered the room

"How about a game of cards" Russell smiled at Talbot

"But the sun will be up any minute" Talbot was willing to wait for Russell but stay up made no sense to him

"Today will rest after the sun has risen" Russell pointed to the table for Belle to take a seat.

Talbot was about to argue with him but by the look in Russell's eyes he knew that it would be fruitless.

Russell sat across from Belle and Talbot joined them sitting near Russell.

"Ladies choice" Russell smiled at Belle who began to look worried as dawn was fast approaching and it seemed that Russell had no intention of going to free Eric.

"Poker" she said trying her best to make him back down.

"Poker it is" Russell leaned back into his chair as Talbot began to deal.

With every passing minute as they played poker Belle's face reflected greater concern. Russell hadn't notified anyone of Eric's whereabouts and he was with her at all times. But she kept playing one hand after another until the sun was up.

Blood began to stream out of Talbot's ear as he looked at Russell "Darling I must rest"

"Of course" Russell wiped the blood away from his neck "There is no need to keep playing"

Tears streamed down Belle's face which pleased Russell greatly. She didn't notice as Russell and Talbot left the room as she walked towards the window opening the curtains. The sunlight hit her and her stomach turned. She didn't realize how bright the sun would be.

"We have to go" she turned to see the same burly guard standing by the door.

"Where?" she was too stunned to really understand what was happening.

"His Majesty instructed that I take you to collect the ashes"

The words didn't really register as he followed him out of the mansion and into the woods. The walked for a while as they finally reached the spot she was standing in less than an hour ago. The chains were now loose hanging off the tree and by the tree she spotted a small heap of ashes.

"He wasn't bluffing" she said looking at the ashes still in disbelief.