As we made our way back down to the guild, I caught sight of Rune speaking with a member of the Dawnguard, leading him towards the ratways. We took the shortcut through the graveyard, avoiding them as much as possible, making our way down to the Raged Flagon.

Delvin gathered everyone's attention, "So this is what's going to happen: We haven't seen, heard or spoken to Aela for weeks. We know nothing about her… vampirism… and we don't want anything to do with it - or her. Got it?" He paused, waiting for any objections or questions.

And sure enough, Dirge got up out of his seat, kicking the chair back as he shouted, "Why in oblivion should we risk our lives to protect her?!"

"She's a member of the guild, she's your sister!" Sapphire objected, "We have to protect one another, isn't that what a guild is supposed to do?"

"And who are you to know anything about our guild and ways? You've been here for barely a month and suddenly you're walking all high and mighty, thinking you have a say in any of this?!"

Before I could defend myself, Vex stood up as she stared down Dirge, "They're right, she is one of us, she's our damn sister, and we will protect her. Now shut up and sit your ass back down."

As I watched him glare her down, he grabbed a tankard off the table and stomped out of the room.

I tightly clenched my chest with my arms, What if he can't be trusted? What if he reveals me to the Dawnguard?

I felt a hand wrap around my back to my waist, "Don't worry lass, he'll come around," Brynjolf whispered into my ear, as if reading my mind. "He's stubborn, but he knows better than to rat out one of our own."

I couldn't help but smile, I put my arms down as I walked to the centre of the room, "I know this is dangerous, and that all of your lives are at risk…" I paused, looking back at Brynjolf, who was still standing near the entrance. He smiled, giving me a reassuring nod. "…but I swear to you, we will get our revenge," I continued, "Mercer has put all of our lives on the line. He's underestimated the Guild, and our honour, and he will pay for this."

The room was silent as I caught Delvin giving me a sympathetic smile. He came to my side, "Aye, we'll chase to him the ends of Tamriel, and mount his damned head on a spike!" He roared with a deep laugh, raising a tankard into the air. The rest of the guild soon followed, tankards raised into the air, along with cheering and drinking.

Our voices were cut short as Dirge sprinted back in, hushing us all, "the Dawnguard are here," he said nonchalantly. He then turned towards me, "don't think this changes anything between us," he glared as he made his way to a stool.

Brynjolf hurriedly made his way to my side, "time for you to take cover, lass." He ushered me towards a nook in the Raged Flagon, hidden away in the shadows, as the rest of the Guild prepared for the Dawnguard's arrival.

"Don't make a sound, and stay hidden," he whispered to me as his hands made their way to my cheeks, "Please, lass. I don't want to lose you again," he said, barely audible as he kissed my forehead.

I was silent as his calloused fingers slowly stroked my cheek, closing my eyes I relished in the moment, a small smile appeared across my lips.

As I felt his hands break away from me, I opened my eyes and found him walking back to the centre of the room, the doors opening as several members of the Dawnguard entered the room. I quickly huddled in the nook, hiding behind a cupboard as I tried to listen, although the sound my heart pounding in my chest and blood rushing to my ears made it difficult.

A/N: It's been a looong time since I've updated this story, but I've had the urge to write again, so hopefully some of my older followers are still around, and that maybe I can get some new readers here :P. I'm a little rusty, and I tried editing this chapter as much as possible, but it has been a while. I admittedly forgot a few of the plots, so I'll have to go back and read up on my characters and their backstories. I know it's short, but I just wanted to get back into the swing of things. I plan on going back and editing older chapters, so sorry if there's any annoying spelling mistakes/grammar (I cringe when I see I used the wrong there/their D:) Please review! It's very much appreciated and it's what keeps me going. Thanks!