Electricity surged through my body. Grimacing, I tightened my grip on Sebastian's hand. This was more painful than I remembered. Allison, the young Cleric who healed me before, squinted in concentration. My injuries were more severe than before, and would take more magic to heal. There was a slight tingling sensation all over my body, but I didn't feel anything shift back into place. That wasn't a good sign. Allison removed her hands looking concerned. She left my bedside to whisper something to Damion. Alarmed, he whispered back, but she only shook her head. I might be outside the window of time to be healed. I shifted more comfortably against my pillows. That was fine. I'm sure I could manage.

"Taylor, we have a problem."

"If I'm outside the healing window, it's okay," I replied.

Damion hesitated.

"It's not…that."

I sat up.

"What's wrong?"

Allison whispered in his ear, and he sighed.

"She healed you the best she could, but there's too much damage. Even a master Cleric would struggle to heal you at this point."

Seeing my face, he reassured me.

"No, no! You're not in danger! You'll just be a little sore for a while."

Giving Damion a look, Allison returned to my side. She put her lips to my ear, whispering in a barely audible voice.

"You will not have children again. There is too much damage."

Blanched, I looked to Sebastian to see if he had heard her. His lips were drawn into a thin line, his eyes pools of lava. He was going to make Kane pay. I squeezed his hand, trying to grab his attention. He kissed my forehead.

"It's fine. I have you."

"Is there anything that can be done?" I asked Allison.

She looked thoughtful, then leaned in to speak.

"Miracle. You may heal naturally. Maybe find someone stronger than Cleric to heal you. Angel, maybe. True Angel."

My heart sang. There was hope! I just needed to capture an Angel! I mean, it was no easy feat, but I was planning on fighting the impossible with Kane. What was a tussle with an Angel compared to that? Grinning I nudged Sebastian.

"You wanna hunt an Angel?"

He chuckled.

"Let's wait until you've healed, my love."

Hey, who knows? Maybe Kane had an Angel in his back pocket. He had to be getting those weird artifacts from somewhere. Actually, that reminded me.

"Damion?"

"Hm?"

"I think Kane has a base in the woods."

"In the Viridi Silva?" he looked confused. "What makes you think that?"

"Well, the camo he was wearing helped him blend in. He also wasn't walking on the path when I ran into him. He was off to the side. That means he knew his way around the forest. The Viridi Silva is also huge! It wouldn't be impossible for him to be hiding in there without anyone knowing."

He rubbed his chin, nodding.

"You have a point. He would also be close enough to get to and from the manor without issue. I'll have my agents check it out."

The rune-covered dagger flashed across my mind.

"He has a knife that can kill anything," I recalled slowly, "There was also a device he used to scan me. I think that's how he knew I was pregnant. Then there's that gauntlet. I don't think it's magical, but that's what he used to hit me with."

The Prince drained of color.

"What did the knife look like?"

"It has this wicked-looking blade with a rune-covered handle."

Mouth opening and closing like a fish, Damion turned on his heel and hurried out the door with Allison not far behind. Sebastian moved from my side, his head turned from me. He started to straighten the room, but he exuded uneasiness. I bit my lip. He knew something about that dagger, and it frightened him. I stumbled out of bed, unsteady on my feet. Allison had healed the sores and cuts, but nothing could be done about my chronic pain and swelling. I staggered over to where Sebastian was folding clothes and wrapped my arms around him. He paused in his task, placing a hand on my head.

"Yes, my love?"

"I won't let him hurt you, okay?"

This made him chuckle.

"I can handle myself."

I squeezed him tighter.

"You know that dagger can hurt you, don't you?"

He was quiet for a moment.

"So, I'm right. Kane wasn't bluffing."

Dropping the shirt in his hands, he faced me, concern written all over his face.

"That dagger does more than hurt Demons," he said, kneeling to look me in the eye, "It will be used to sacrifice you."

"It's connected to the creature with unlimited power."

"Yes. It's the only thing that can wake it, and heaven help us if it does."

He kissed my forehead and returned to his work. I stood there, hands clenched into fists. I wouldn't let Kane hurt Sebastian, and I certainly wouldn't let him sacrifice me. There had to be something I could do! Jaw set with determination, I marched into the bathroom to shower. My lost memories had to play a part in this. Why else would they be gone? Tossing my shirt in a corner, I stopped in front of the bathroom mirror, grimacing at the bruises. Even Allison couldn't fully heal them, though they did look a week old now. I prodded them, surprised at the lack of pain. I guess they just looked bad.

Sebastian was gone when I returned to the bedroom, but a set of clothes had been laid out on the bed. He had chosen a forest green dress that cinched in at my waist, the flowy skirt ending at my knees. The color looked phenomenal on me, and I spun in a circle, admiring Abbi's work. I guess my new clothes had finally come in, and damn the wait was worth it. Beaming at my reflection, I went to hunt down Sebastian.

I found him in the kitchen, his suit jacket tossed over a table. I ogled him in his white-button up shirt. It hugged every curve, leaving little to the imagination. Every muscle rippled against the fabric as he moved. His sleeves were rolled up his elbows, exposing his marble arms. Lost in his cooking, he didn't seem to notice me. I tried to see what he was making, but my basic cooking knowledge failed me. I saw chicken, but what was that? Was that a sauce? Maybe? Curious, I padded closer, bumping into the table. The sudden screech of wood caused me to jump, and caught my Demon's attention. Without removing his gaze from the stove, he addressed me.

"Are you hungry, dear?"

Well, I hadn't been, but whatever he was making smelled divine. Whatever the hell it was.

"Kinda, but I actually had a question."

"Hm?"

"I don't have class today, so do you think we could go to the city? I really want to explore."

Actually, I really wanted to jog some more memories. Something about Starfield had managed to strip away my false ones, and I was convinced that it could help me remember. Exploring was just a plus.

Sebastian mulled it over while he began plating food. I still had no idea what it was, but it looked amazing.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt. I did need to go shopping soon."

I cheered.

"Perfect! I just need to find my shoes!"

The Demon rolled his eyes.

"I do still have work to finish, my love. You will need to be patient. Now, go. I will have breakfast out in a moment."

Gleeful, I flounced out of the kitchen and made my trek to the dining hall. Ciel was already sitting at the table, discussing something with Damion. Their heads bent together, they didn't notice me until I sat down. Startled, the two looked up.

"Ah. Morning, sister."

Ciel looked uncomfortable.

"Yes. Good morning. Um, about yesterday…" he trailed off.

"It's fine. I'm not really up to talking about it."

He cleared his throat, looking everywhere but at me.

"Well, I'm here. If you need to talk…or something."

Damion snickered, earning a glare from the boy. God, how things had changed. Once upon a time, I remembered a small boy fearing every sound that Damion made. Now, they were close friends. I always seemed to find them together, engaged in quiet discussions I could never make out. Come to think of it, Damion seemed to be here every day.

"Damion, have you been staying at the manor?"

The Prince nodded, gracefully taking a teacup from Sebastian.

"After your first meeting with Kane, I felt it would be better if I stayed to watch over you. It was also the only thing that would appease Derrick. I'm sure you didn't need him watching your every move." He gave Sebastian a knowing look before returning to me with a smile. "Not that I've minded. I have good company and delicious food. What more could I ask for?"

Ciel, looked away, flushed with embarrassment. Hm. I guess he didn't like being put on the spot.

"Ah, yes. I did have something to discuss with you."

"Huh?"

God, this food tasted even better than it smelled! It took all the restraint I had not to wolf it down. Sebastian found my struggle amusing, gently patting my head as he walked by.

"This is the second time Kane has come to the manor. I'm assuming that it is just far enough away from the city for him to safely visit."

"You want to move me?"

He sighed, setting down his fork.

"That was the original idea, but moving you into the city would lead to more problems. You, despite everything, are still human. Haven cities like Starfield are places where Supernaturals and humans can co-exist peacefully. That doesn't mean they do." He sipped his tea before continuing. "There is a pretty good chance that were you to live inside the city, you would be attacked by a Supernatural. God help you if they were to ever find out you were Kane's sacrifice. I'd be finding pieces of you all over the city."

That was…graphic.

"So, what's the plan, then?"

"I've hired three…maids. Yes, let's go with maids. They are powerful Supernaturals that I'm hoping will give Kane pause before attempting to seek out the manor."

So, babysitters. Because one overprotective Demon was not enough. I sighed. I was never going to have a moment to myself, was I?

"They will be here tomorrow morning, so please proceed with caution for today."

"I plan on going into the city today. Will that be a problem?" I asked irritably.

Ignoring my tone, Damion addressed the butler.

"She will not leave you side, correct?"

"Even if I must chain her," Sebastian declared.

"Then I see no issue. Ciel?"

The boy's head shot up from his food.

"Hm? Oh, yes. I'm sure I can manage."

He gave Damion a look I couldn't decipher. The Prince raise an eyebrow, a sly grin forming behind his teacup. What was going on with those two? God, I hope they weren't plotting something. One devious little devil was enough. Two working together? Absolute hell.

"I suppose you will leaving soon," Damion stating, setting down his cup. "I'm afraid I have business to attend to. Excuse me."

Another look passed between the two, and then Damion was gone. I studied Ciel as he finished eating, trying to figure out what the hell was up with those two. The young boy's face betrayed nothing. Draining his teacup, he stood and addressed his butler.

"I will not have need of you services for the rest of the day. I only ask that you ensure that no harm comes to Ms. Wilson."

The older Demon bowed.

"Of course."

He inclined his head towards me.

"Enjoy your outing."

I waited about ten minutes after the young boy left before getting to my feet.

"Those two are up to something," I stated, "and I plan on finding out what."

Sebastian smirked, clearing the table.

"I'm sure you are quite mistaken, but I will not stop you."

I scampered out of the dining hall, trying to find out where Ciel had gone. These winding halls made it so easy to get lost, but I was starting to find my way around. This hallway went back towards my room. That one would lead to the grand staircase to the massive ballroom. This one led to Ciel's study. Oh? Were those voices I heard? Crouching, I snuck closer to the door of the study. Ciel's soft voice could be heard within, sounding worried. Curious, I gently cracked open the door and peeked inside. The blunette was sitting behind his desk, moving his hands frantically. He seemed to be speaking to someone. Inching closer, I tried to hear what he was saying.

"This is not fine!" Ciel hissed, "We can't be doing this!"

"Are you saying you don't feel the same?" a familiar voice purred.

This took Ciel aback.

"What? I-! Of course not!" his cheeks flushed. "I'm just saying it isn't proper!"

"Why? It is because I'm male? Too young?" the voice sounded exasperated. "None of that truly matters."

The blunette jumped to his feet.

"You're a Prince! I'm stuck in a thirteen year-old body! How does none of that matter?!"

Damion shushed him.

"Do you want your butler or Ms. Wilson to hear you?"

Ciel scowled.

"If you think Sebastian doesn't know, you're a fool. Nothing escapes that man. Nothing! He lets you think he's clueless, then hints at what he knows when you least expect it. He thinks it funny!"

The Prince came into view, closing the distance between them.

"So be it. Then only Ms. Wilson is unaware, and why not tell her? Are you embarrassed?"

The boy looked away.

"I don't want assumptions to be made."

The Prince leaned closer, inches from Ciel's face.

"Of what? This?"

Grabbing the boy's shirt, Damion brought his lips to Ciel's, causing the boy to turn bright red. He tried to push the Prince away, but Damion only held him tighter. A sigh escaped the boy, and his eye closed. His hands found the Prince's snowy hair, pulling it free of its braid. Hand over my mouth, I tried not to gasp. Damion and Ciel were in love? Oh, god, I had so many questions!

The two pulled apart, the Prince caressing Ciel's cheek.

"I know you feel it," he said, his voice raspy, "Don't deny it."

Hesitantly, Ciel leaned in to kiss him. Damion met his lips, a low growl forming in his throat. Okay, this was going somewhere I didn't need to see. Crawling away from the door, I used a wooden bench to help me to my feet. I tried my best to be quiet, not wanting to disturb the two in the study. I gave myself a moment to steady myself before sneaking away. To my dismay, I bumped against a table, slamming it into the wall with a loud 'thud'. I slapped my hands over my mouth to muffle my startled squeak. Ciel cried out in alarm from the study, ignoring Damion's throaty growl to calm himself.

"Sebastian! Is that you?" the boy called out frantically.

Oh, shit! Oh, shit! What was I going to do?!

"Yes, my lord," a rich voice answered.

Sebastian opened the study door, motioning for me to hide. Panicked, I crouched behind the door, praying Ciel wouldn't leave the room.

"I was coming to let you know Ms. Wilson and I will be leaving soon."

I could hear Ciel's relieved sigh.

"Very well. You're free to go."

"Of course."

Sebastian started to close the door.

"Sebastian."

"Yes?"

The boy's voice turned icy.

"You saw nothing."

The man bowed, a smirk on his face.

"Yes, my lord."

He shut the door, a hand over his mouth to silence his laughter. With his free hand, he gestured for me to follow him. Cautiously, I darted after him back to our room. Once inside, he burst out laughing. I stared at him, unsure of how to react.

"Forgive me," he said, pulling himself together, "Very rarely do I find my young master in such a compromising position."

"How long have you known about this?"

He shrugged.

"For a while, I suppose. The young master was always so desperate to please the Prince, but I assumed it was politically-based. Then, a few months ago, I found them sleeping together. I usually wake him at seven each morning, but I decided to let him sleep in that day." He chuckled. "He looked so sweet in the Prince's arms."

Well, things were starting to make sense now. They were always together, speaking softly to each other. Then there was the looks that passed between them. I don't think I remembered a time where Damion wasn't sitting in Ciel's study drinking tea, now that I thought about it. Hm. As long as they were happy, I suppose.

"Why don't they want me to know about it?"

"My young master is from a time where relationships like his were not…accepted. It will take time, but I'm sure he tell you soon enough. Now, shall we go?"

I loved the Art District. While it sported the same sandy-colored stone buildings as the rest of the city, it was lost beneath a multitude of colors. Vibrant colors dotted the street, the buildings reminding me of a box of crayons. Only the road remained bare of paint, the sidewalks decorated with thousands of different images from a thousand different hands. Music floated from the numerous karaoke bars, some accompanied by beautiful voices, others by the sound of something dying. Giggling, I peeked in the window to see three girls singing painfully to a country song. The sound brought a grimace to my Demon's face.

"I don't think anything can improve that ungodly screeching," he muttered, striding swiftly away.

"It'll be better when the sun goes down, I'm sure. Maybe we could stop by on our way back?"

He grunted, shielding his ears from a high-pinched shriek from another singer.

"If you plan on singing, promise me you won't sound like that."

"No promises," I chirped, "I have no idea if I can sing. No memories, remember?"

We passed into the residential area of the Diamond District, and I stopped, taking in the salty scent of the ocean. I regretted not bringing a bathing suit, but today was about exploring, not swimming. Hearing Sebastian call my name, I giggled and dashed after him. True to its name, the Diamond District was home to the wealthiest families in Starfield. Each house was almost as large as the manor, though more modern in appearance. Housewives gossiped in lawn chairs, peering over their sunglasses at us. There were some obvious Supernatural races among them, such as the feathered Harpies and heavily sun-screened Vampires. I only saw one crimson-eye Demon among the women, a scowl on her face as we passed holding hands. Other races were hard to determine, as they all looked human. Most had a second form, such as Werewolves or Succubi. Witches and Mages were just humans with an innate affinity for magic. I think there were different types of Demons, but I wasn't familiar with them. Strange. You would think that would be the one race I would know the best, being engaged to the Crown Prince and all.

We passed down a street when the charred remains of a house stood. The front of it had collapsed, giving the house a gaping maw that made me shudder. I stood there, gazing into the blackened house, a chill going down my spine. Something about that place was terrifying. As I turned away, I felt something warm against my throat. The mysterious pendent from my dream was giving off heat, like it had been sitting in the sun all day. Frowning, I looked back at the house. A man with long silvery hair stood on the lawn in front of it, a hand pressed to his cheek as he stared into the house. Intrigued, I walked over to him.

"Hey. Are you okay?"

The man turned, grinning when he saw me.

"Ah, yes. Hello." He giggled behind a long sleeve. "Don't you find this so interesting? A burnt house here? Why! I would think someone would have torn it down."

Okay. This guy was little off his rocker. I studied him for a moment, trying to gauge if he was dangerous. There was a long scar that crossed his face, disappearing beneath long bangs that hid his eyes. He wore a curious black hat that looked like it belonged in a museum that he tipped ever so slightly to me. Hm. Crazy, maybe, but not dangerous.

"It is curious, isn't it?" I replied, turning to face the house. "Though, a bit unnerving, don't you think?"

The man snorted.

"Unnerving? I think you are mistaken. Children seem to enjoy climbing amongst the ruins. Would children play somewhere scary?"

No, I wasn't mistaken. The house was definitely frightening. If I stared at it too long, I could almost smell smoke.

I looked strangely at the man.

"I don't know about the kids you're talking about, but that house is definitely creepy. I think someone died in there." No, not one. "A massacre," I breathed, stepping back.

The man's face sobered. Brushing the bangs from his face, he peered into my face with gold-green eyes. He was a Reaper? Damnit, Derrick! Did you send someone to watch me? My phone started to ring, breaking me from my thoughts. An irritated voice growled at me.

"Where are you?"

"Sorry! I got sidetracked looking at a house." I searched for the street sign. "Oh! It looks like I'm on Maiden…Lane."

I tried to think of the street I used to live at, but it just wouldn't come to me. I was pretty sure it was something Lane, but what was that something?

The man beside me put a hand on my shoulder. I turned towards him wide-eyed, Sebastian's calm voice telling me to stay where I was. He gazed into my eyes, as if searching for something. Then, leaning closer, he whispered in my ear.

"Do you remember?"

My phone fell from my hand, the screen cracking on the pavement. The screen showed Sebastian's name across it, the words 'call ended' beneath it. Leading me by the hand, the strange man guided me to the charred house. The acidic smell of smoke filled my lungs and I found myself surrounded by fire.

"No! Don't go in there!"

I ignore Stacy's shrieking and continue running to the flaming monster that was once my home. Three cars sit in the driveway, Mom's, Dad's, and Skye's. I need to save them! I run as fast as my ten-year old legs will take me, and suddenly I'm surrounded by unbearable heat. My eyes sting from the smoke, but I don't let that stop me. I run down the first hallway I see, calling out for my parents and Skye and Jessica. Stumbling past blackened walls, I realize that I'm heading towards my Dad's study. I have a few coughing fits before I reach the heavy doors with the stained glass lilies. The door is the only thing not burning, and I notice it is slightly ajar. Desperately screaming for my Dad, I burst into the room, startling a large robed figure standing before a large wooden cross. There were five crosses leaning against the wall, four of them occupied. Horrified, I fell to my knees. A scream echoed through the room, and it took me a moment to recognize that it was my own. Upon each cross was my family, red rivers staining the wood they hung from. The empty one rested between Skye and Jessica, and I knew I was going to die. A voice in my head screamed for me to run, but it felt like I was fused to the ground. The robed figure seemed genuinely surprised I was there, but simply shrugged and reached out to grab me. Just before his fingertips brushed against my arm, a man's voice called out my name. Hissing, the man turned and fled out the door on the other side. His robe lifted ever so slightly, and I swore the man's skin was covered with shiny green scales.

"Do you remember?"

I was kneeling in the study, the strange man beside me. On the wall in front of me were the charred outlines of five crosses. Dark brown rivers stained the wooden floors, marking where blood had once spilled. The man asked his question again, and this time I answered.

"Not enough," I whispered, "Not nearly enough."

"You will."

He disappeared from my side, but I barely noticed. This had been my home, once. I used to have a family. Now, all that remained was this shell of a house and the outlines of the crosses. I heard my name being called, and I rose. Stumbling, I walked towards the voice in a trance. I could see fire out of the corner of my eye, but it would be gone when I turned my head. A tall man appeared before me in the remains of the hallway, his red eyes glowing. Without a word, I grabbed his hand and took him to the study. He spoke to me, but I couldn't understand what he was saying through the pounding of my head. In the study, I pointed to the outlines. Sebastian gave me a concerned look.

"What is it?"

I pressed his hand against the first outline.

"This is my father." I moved his hand to the next one. "My mother, my brother."

I paused, hovering over the next one before skipping to the last one.

"My sister." I moved his hand back. "And me."

I dropped his hand and sat cross-legged on the ground. After a moment, Sebastian did the same.

"I was ten," I said, staring blankly at the wall. "I was only ten, and I watched them die."

"What do you remember?"

I looked at him.

"Fire. Blood. A Supernatural." I motioned to the wall. "My life has consisted of nothing but death and misery. Everything I love dies. My family, my fiancée, my child. When does it end?"

He didn't answer.

"This world is just out to get me," I declared bitterly, "and you're next on its list."

Arms wrapped around me.

"I won't leave you, my love," he promised.

"No, you won't. Because I've had enough of losing people."

I stood, glaring at the outlines.

"I'm going to get stronger," I swore, "and I will protect the ones I love."

I placed a hand on my cross.

"And my enemies will burn."