Chapter Thirty-Four (To Dream The Impossible Dream...)
"We should speak.." Edwin asked plaintively. "Should we not?"
"NO!" Althea balked at such a concept. "You had your chance to 'speak'..you chose to leave instead." The memories returned full force after the shock of seeing him again. "Papa does not like you..ergo..I..do not like you!" She made to leave once again.
"I will change LaCroix's mind concerning me." Edwin moved closer, blocking her departure route entirely with his bulk. He had stepped yet again, leisurely..his confidence rather irritating to the female. "And.." He looked at her steadily, his eyes holding her attention willfully. "I think..that you do still 'like' me..a little, at least?"
"You think.." Althea shocked him by facing him squarely, standing up to him. "Incorrectly." The grey eyes swept his bulk insolently. "Please move from my path."
Edwin experienced a moment of indecision, her manner throwing him a bit. "...Althea..listen to reason." He demanded.
"Papa says..listen to my..heart." A sadness infiltrated her voice. "My 'heart' no longer trusts you, sir." She lifted her head defiantly, waiting patiently for once but, when he did not step aside. "...is this going to get ugly?" Her tone..altered.
Edwin recognized it well, sighing mentally. He did not think this would be easy, after all. "..It has been sheer hell, Thea..being apart from you." His tone..had altered this time. And he had decided on a new tactic..one he had not tried before. The truth. He swallowed his pride and set his mind.
He was rewarded by a lessening of the female's stance, her expression slipping. He took heart, continuing. "..I have hated every minute. I had hoped..that you felt the same." His eyes searched her face reading every nuance of her expressions.
Althea was torn. She had missed him terribly. Especially in those first few weeks. She had waited for his call but..it had never came. She remembered the pain of that time. The humiliation..her lost pride when she wanted desperately to pick up the phone and call HIM.
"Well..I did not!" She spoke from that pain and anger, which colored her judgement. "I was just fine without you..I didn't need you then and I don't need you no..."
"I..NEED.." He grasped her wrist, holding tightly when she pulled angrily. "...YOU!" His gaze bore into her stubborn one, the dark eyes melting her resolve, the exclamation thrilling her no end, truth told. What he meant, she was not certain, as yet, but the brooding intensity of his expression heated her blood and moistened her thighs.
The words made Althea happy..an emotion she fought for all she was worth. He would not make a fool of her yet again. But..what she would not have given to hear him say those words..before. She closed her eyes, shaking her head negatively..
"YES!" Edwin refused to accept such a decree, stepping closer still, his tone edged with his own rising anger. She could smell his scent..the tangy, virile musk of male..but, also..his cologne. She stepped away from his nearness, fighting the strength transmitted through his touch.
"Y-You..just better leave me alone!" She could not lift her eyes as yet. It took all her willpower to fight off the emotions he could force her feel. "I..I will tell..LaCroix!" She threatened the only weapon she possessed.
Edwin's touch..softened and he moved to her side and she could feel his eyes on her face. Her nearness affected him as much as his..did her. "You may tell him other things as well, Thea." He murmured lowly, as he watched the indignant rise and fall of the young breasts..the heavy mounds were pushed partially over the brocade of the gown front, begging for attention. "..tell him..how fucking much I like that gown." His tone washed over her like a silk scarf.
He breathed in the lavender and vanilla scent of her hair, closing his eyes ..enjoy the trembling of her body. "Tell him..how very much I have missed..what is beneath those long skirts. Your..scent is driving me insane! I smell you in my fucking dreams!" He inhaled deeply, savoringly. "I..taste you.." He murmured, the tension in his body transmitted to the female.
Althea stiffened , her blood heating incandescently. She stubbornly jerked away..or attempted the feat, but..Edwin held fast, his thumb gently massaging the vein in her wrist.
"YOU..tell him." She challenged. She pushed at his free hand which attempted to fondle her breast. Edwin settled for the flat of her stomach, but..even then, his palm eased..downward across the silk of her dress, his fingers searing a heated path to..what he most wished to touch.
"Tell him..how painful it has been..lying in my cubicle each night." Edwin nuzzled her forehead, relishing her nearness, his lips brushing the soft flesh. "How fucking aroused I become..remembering the time spent in your..arms."
Well, she wasn't about to tell him THAT, she knew. "That is Josef's task now.." She fought back the only way she knew how, twisting away when his fingers would have found their mark. Her breath coming in short, excited gasps. "He's pretty good at it too..just saying."
"Do you think I did not watch that bastard like a fucking hawk after my departure?" Edwin had kept his head about him. "Kostan has..moved on..has he not." He took the opportunity to look down the front of her gown..the silk doing little to hide her straining nipples pressed so invitingly against her bodice. He knew what the plumb little orbs looked like when unveiled entirely.. He had not forgotten her beauty.
Althea cursed silently. DAMN! He..knew? "...I..tired of him. I have found someone..younger. More..virile. Old ones hold no interest for me any longer."
Edwin..smiled. "Liar." He crooned silkily. "There has been no 'other'..what do you think kept me sane?" He traced the top of her breasts with a gentle finger..which..she knocked aside. His smile..grew for such audacity. "I would have killed any male that approached you..and then." He leaned close, whispering in her ear. "I would have to ..punish..you, for your..naughty ways."
Althea's flesh tingled deliciously at the veiled threat but..she..tightened her mouth irritably. "Yeah? And how many little fillies have trotted threw YOUR stable, I wonder?" The thought made her see red. How could she still be jealous of his attentions to another female..what..did it matter to her? But....it did. She hated the fact but..it ..mattered.
Edwin did not wish to go there. "I only wanted one little..jackass, more's the pity." He tried to take her other hand but she jerked away. He..drew in a cleansing breath, seeing the set of her mouth. "...not this time, Althea." He stated calmly..quietly. "I will not allow you to make me upset or..angry. Or..deter me from my intended path so..say what you will, do as you please. It will not work."
The female did not like the sound of such decisive resolve. It did not bode well for..her.
"I have lain awake nights..thinking upon it, among ..other more carnal things.. and.." Edwin shared his revelation. "I have come to realize..it is just your way of protecting yourself. A defense mechanism you use against anything which threatens you." He understood all about 'defensive' maneuvers.
"Oh, what do YOU know.." She staunchly denied such drivel. "It's just how I show people I hate them..nothing Freudian about it. Trust me!"
"No further.." He grinned down at her. Althea practically gasped, for the action transformed the usually stoic features into handsome virility. "Than I can..spit."
"Ewwwwww!" She jerked experimentally but he held firm, his fingers engulfing her slender wrist in a vise like grip. "How disgusting can you be?"
"How disgusting would you like?" He asked, his tongue tracing the tiny shell of her ear, his breath causing the female's stomach to flip-flop erratically. "Where you are concerned..I can be quite..flexible. Whatever pleases you...pleases..me. And..you do know how to..please me, do you not..little she-cat. It took a while for the scratches on my back to heal after my last bout with you."
Edwin felt the tension and stress easing, his body..while responding to the little vixen he wished desperately to take into his arms..was winding down from week upon week of established routine of..denial. Being in her company again..experiencing Althea Adams once again..
"You are becoming senile..I am sure you are confusing me with another of your..conquests!" She grated, tilting her head, breaking the spell he wove about her senses. "You just better let me go..I've had about enough of this shit!"
Edwin..leaned back a little, studying her evenly. "...Is that what you truly wish, Althea?" He asked evenly.
"Give me a bible.." She insisted. "I will swear upon it."
His fingers..loosened and he..stepped back entirely.
The young vampire looked at her antagonist warily but then she..eased around his stocky form for..he refused to move one iota, standing his ground willfully. She brushed past him, trying not to allow her body to come into contact with his, which was impossible in such a small space allowed.
"May I speak to you again..later?" Edwin made no pretense of NOT looking down her dress, she had slapped her hand to her bodice modestly, scowling darkly at him for the fact.
"NO!" She pushed against his chest, shoving to make room to pass.
His fingers instantly clamped back around her wrist and his features..set.
Althea..calmed her temperament, knowing..it would only make his, more stubborn. "...Perhaps. Give me a call and.."
"Fuck that." He growled. "State a time and location."
"Don't tell me what to do!"
"I have all night..you?" He countered, knowing LaCroix would come looking for his little precious jewel sooner or later..just as she did.
"...Alright.." She grated. "Later then."
"When."
"...We will leave soon." She racked her brain for some suitable lie. "In an hour." She grasped at straws. "Here."
"...In an hour." He revised. "At my car."
"I don't THINK so!" She balked instantly.
"Then..in an hour..where ever LaCroix happens to be."
"W-What?" She was..stunned. "Why..would you..want that?"
"Because then..I know for certain..you will be there."
"That..will only cause trouble. And you KNOW it!"
"Yes, I do..so.." He lifted innocent brows. "An hour..my car."
She stared at him wondering what he would do if she punched him right in the nose as hard as she possibly could.
He..smiled down at her as if..he could read her mind.
Althea..blinked then. Went in search of her security blanket.
"One hour, Thea." He called after her.
"Stop calling me that!" She called over her shoulder, her tone waspish. "Only Papa can call me ..that! NOT YOU!"
Edwin..grinned slowly, watching her make her way among the paths of Sabien's stately gardens.
The mansion blazed with light and laughter. He turned away, searching in his pocket for his cigarettes. He scanned the horizon of the mountains in the distance, his mind finally at peace after so long an interval.
He lit the tobacco absently, inhaling the aromatic blend. One hour. He could ..wait...now.
The noise was deafening. Sabien had about had her fill. She had sought out the principle participant of the party, to say her farewells. LaCroix seemed relaxed and genuinely at ease, for once. The female was pleased. "Lucian..I am about to make my exit, but..I wished to say.."
"My Lord.." An elderly servant approached. Having been in Sabien's service for centuries, he was the only one courageous enough to chance interrupting such illustrious beings. "An important phone call, for you." The ancient vampire had bowed to his Mistress. "The gentleman said..it was of an urgent nature, My Lady."
"Of course, Caleb." Sabien trusted the old one's instincts implicitly. She even smiled at her faithful attendant. "Lucian..you may have a little privacy in my office, if you like."
LaCroix could think of no one who would disturb him this night, therefore, he assumed..the matter must be of the utmost importance, indeed. "Thank you, Sabien."
"I do hope everything is alright."
LaCroix took his exit with a nod of farewell, following the old servant through the crowd, down several corridors and..finally, into the relative quiet of a large room. That it served as the lady of the house's office was unmistakable. A large desk was scattered with papers and a computer, whose screen was dark now but the lights of the tower signaled, the machine was 'open for business' at any given touch of a finger.
The old servant indicated the telephone, housed on the small table lit by an elegant floor lamp. "Just press, Line two, My Lord." He then, discretely closed the door behind his exit, giving LaCroix privacy.
The vampire picked up the receiver, placing it to his ear. He pushed the number two button on the base of the phone. He received nothing but a dial tone. He scowled, pushing the damned button again, this time with more emphasis.
He felt a familiar 'recognition' twinge, as he turned..greeting the new arrival on the scene. "Oh..it's you." He offered polite recognition then..turned back to the problem at hand. "This damned thing refuses to allow me..." A stabbing pain seared through his back into his chest, so intense, it brought the Master Vampire to his knees. LaCroix looked down, to see the bloodied end of a wooden stake protruding from his ripped shirt front. A red stain spread rapidly across the crisp linen. LaCroix lifted his head to see, a rapier like saber, descending rapidly toward him. He lifted a hand intercepting the blow, his fingers curling about the assailant's wrist.
The being was powerful and..even with LaCroix's superior strength..a strength that was rapidly ebbing...he was finding it difficult to ward off such a skillfully maneuvered strike.
Nicholas De Bra Bant felt the pain..a sharp, stabbing agony that doubled his body over, taking his breath from his lungs. He fought the blackness threatening to descend, gulping in fresh air. He straightened instantly, his sensed kicking in. He was off and running in the direction needed, his immortal strength giving him added impetus.
Janette DuCharme fell to her knees, her outcry piecing Josef Kostan's overly sensitive ears. He caught her in capable arms, easing her to the floor. Concern etched his face, but he was momentarily at a loss for she had seemed perfectly fine a second ago.
Mick St. John drew his attention from Nicholas De Bra Bant. The other vampire had rushed through the crowd, shoving a path, unmindful if male or female, his intent to reach his Sire as quickly as possible.
People stumbled or hurried to get out of the way, their faces confused, a few..indignant, most..concerned or perplexed as to the sudden turn of events.
"Janette!" Beth Turner had knelt beside the vampire, bewildered but, wishing to offer assistance. She held Janette's hand, searching for any sign of injury or mishap. "What's wrong?" She watched the woman struggle. It looked like Janette could not catch her breath. She gulped in air, but..something seemed to be terribly wrong. "Should we call..." Beth's first instinct was..911..but she was in another country and..this woman was..not normal. She sought Josef Kostan's advise. "Josef!"
Kostan had witnessed De Bra Bant's exit. "It's not her." He sensed the problem. "Janette..." He grasped the lovely face between firm fingers, forcing her to look at him. "Is it LaCroix?"
Janette was heaving for breath, her mind trying to assimilate all that her senses were experiencing. She nodded shortly, her eyes filled with terror. "H-H-el-p! H-H-Him!"
Josef nodded grimly. "Stay with her, Beth.."
Beth's mouth opened to ask how she could help but...the two males were pushing through the crowd, headed in the same direction as...Nicholas De Bra Bant.
Coraline exchanged perplexed looks with her brother. Lance Duvall shrugged his shoulders but even he was curious as to what was going down with his arch rivals.
The assailant was gaining the upper hand quickly. The blood flowed from LaCroix's wound freely, his life's force draining quickly. The Master Vampire dredged all his mental power, concentrating a focused energy effort, sending the black garbed menace sailing across the room.
The attacker landed against the upper shelf of the bookcase, hitting hard, sliding down the entire length of the North wall. He shook the effect hastily, however, rising a bit unsteadily, all the same, producing his lethal looking sword yet again, which he had managed to hold onto.
He advanced on the Elder Vampire, with a determined stance, his hand lifting yet again for the final blow that would sever the head of the Ancient Master.
A tinkle of glass broke the silence..followed closely by..another pane shattering on the french doors that were the only other entrance or exit to the room.
Nicholas De Bra Bant burst into the room, the force of his 'entrance' dislodging the heavy oak door from it's mooring. It took only a millisecond to gage the situation, his keen senses aiding him in the endeavor.
He witnessed it all..almost as if ..in slow motion.
The male was standing over his Sire..LaCroix's head was bowed, as if inviting the horror about to take place.
Nicholas' mind shut down for a moment, unwilling to accept what he saw as reality.
He did not hear the glass shatter so intent was he upon saving his Sire from harm. Nicholas started forward, knowing..he would very likely not reach the son-of-a-bitch before the deed was accomplished.
He knew he had to try, though.
The black clad figure stiffened, his arm jerking at an unnatural angel, the sword gripped so tightly in his hand before, clashing to the carpeted area with a loud clunk. The being seemed to suspend in mid air for a long moment, his body posed in a most odd position. As if hanging upon some invisible hook.
Josef Kostan rounded the corridor just in time to see the window panes shatter apart..he pulled up for a second, his first instinct being...to duck.
He knew the sounds of a firearm round when he heard it. He had put an arm out, halting Mick St. John's intended entry into the room. Mick had ran full force into the muscular barrier, the wind taken from his body.
They crouched just outside the office, then..quickly made their way to either side of the destroyed door facing. Nicholas was kneeling by his Father, cradling the Elder in his arms. A bloodied, wooden stake lay beside LaCroix's form. Nicholas was allowing his Sire to feed from his arm.
LaCroix drank greedily, but in seconds..halted his feeding. Nicholas refused to allow such actions. "Drink, LaCroix..more!"
"Do not take..." The Elder was weak and shaky, but..his spirit was still strong and vital. "Too much, Nicholas." He smiled feebly at his son's worried expression. "How many times..must I tell you."
"Drink!" Nicholas offered his arm, this time his tone more assertive.
Josef knelt, rolling up his sleeve hastily. "Is this a private party.." He offered the blood that was needed. "Or can anyone donate?"
LaCroix bit anxiously, grateful for the offer. Josef winced a bit but..met Nicholas' appreciative stare over the head of the Ancient.
Janette had recovered a bit, having reached her Sire's side as well now..helped by Beth Turner. Others looked into the room, curious and wishing to be of assistance, if indeed..assistance was needed.
Janette offered her neck, having thrown herself into LaCroix's arms. "Dearest..." She whispered, relieved to see he was still functioning. "Partake."
LaCroix was more gentle with the female, and less..hurried.
Nicholas glanced at the object of his growing anger. The black clad being lay on the carpet meters away, groaning in agony. The figure thrashed about weirdly, growling and distraught.
Mick had watched him as well for some time now. He had noted the three broken panes of glass, and the shards on the carpet. His senses tingled alarmingly as..another figure emerged just outside the french doors.
Josef was up and in a defensive attack stance before Mick could offer a warning shout..but..then..Josef relaxed visibly which gave Mick pause as well. The younger vampire returned his attention hastily to...the opening doors.
Edwin Aldemeer looked dapper and unruffled. He held an odd weapon in his hands. He noted, first..LaCroix..sitting up now..then..Kostan, standing over the being.
He glanced to the victim on the floor, dismissing him in the next second. "I trust...you are alright, Elder?"
LaCroix...nodded slowly. His eyes fell upon...the weapon dangling in Aldemeer's hands. Edwin noted him...noting it.
"A little invention of mine." He held the modified cross bow for inspection..because Mick St. John was fascinated by it, clearly. "My people informed me of his arrival a few minutes past." He nodded to ..the assailant. Ignoring the being's obvious pain and suffering. "It is a tip that is designed to break apart upon impact." He showed Mick an arrow from the pack on his back. " It contains ...holy water."
Each individual in the room looked to...the assailant who ..although attempting not to show his..agony, was still in the throes of something very..unpleasant. Each vampire present cringed inwardly, knowing how this..individual must be suffering. And yet..it carried itself with remarkable..dignity of restraint.
Holy water seared a vampire's flesh upon contact. Edwin had put three 'bullets' into his body..which meant..he was being eaten alive by the flames rushing through his system.
"It will kill a human, of course." Aldemeer stated off-handedly. "But, I knew this ..person, was one of us."
He crossed, grasping the 'person's' shoulder roughly, turning him over. He wanted to know the identity of..the bastard that would give Althea Adams over into his capable keeping. He might even thank the fucker...after LaCroix got through with him. That is..IF...he survived the agony of the holy water burning his insides up.
Edwin...blanched, recognizing...the assailant instantly.
"OH..HOLY...MOTHER OF GOD!" He cried out in distress and anguish. This..could NOT be! What..had he done? His face was a mask of torturous disbelief. "STEFAN!" Edwin had gasped his shock.. "NOOOO!" His fists clenched tightly upon the lapels of the black shirt. Stefan Richter tried a smile but failed miserably. He grasped Edwin's sleeve of his tuxedo tightly. "I...I..." Edwin could find no words. He looked into the face of his brother and..witnessed the torture he had sentenced Stefan to suffer.
"Good shot." Stefan whispered, his eyes softening for Edwin's obvious distress. "...I would..have..." He coughed spasmodically, blood flicking upon the spotless linen of Edwin's shirt front. "Done better, of course."
Edwin's eyes scanned the pale face. He knew...what Stefan was going through. KNEW? He had planned the entire..
"It's..alright." Stefan sensed what his friend was suffering. "I..forgive you. You..may keep my..Sinatra DVDs."
"STOP!" Edwin pleaded, his features twisted with remorse and guilt. He turned to the one person who could stop the suffering. "LACROIX.." He sought out the Master Vampire, his impassioned eyes beseeching the Elder. "HELP HIM!"
LaCroix now stood, looking down upon the scene, his face, stoically composed. "Why should I? He tried to behead me."
Edwin was at the end of his sanity... "HE SUFFERS HORRIBLY...HELP ME!"
LaCroix felt a hand touch his sleeve. He glanced to it's owner.
"Please." Althea Adams asked quietly, tears streaking her face.
"Do not..Edwin." Stefan gasped, the pain too intense to continue for a beat.
"Shhhh." Edwin begged, hovering over the being protectively. "Feed..." He torn his coat off, tearing the expensive material of his sleeve aside. "It will ease the pain...feed, Stefan...here." Edwin ripped the flesh from his arm, placing the bloodied appendage to the other vampire's lips.
Stefan did not even have the strength to suckle. Edwin closed his eyes, tears welling in the dark orbs. "S-Stefan...I...did not ...know."
"Well.." Stefan chuckled wearily. "That..makes two..of us." He caught Edwin's sleeve in a death grip. "I...did it..for you. He would never have...given her over willingly." His eyes asked forgiveness. "We..we were...friends, we were not, Edwin?"
"We ARE..." Edwin choked on his own emotion.... "Friends...you are my...brother, Stefan.. Always!"
Edwin placed his forehead to his friend's..choking back a tortured sob.
"Stop!" Stefan's brow furrowed a bit. "Not..in front of..the peasants." His mouth pulled into a grin, but it was short-lived, the fiery water doing it's task. He grimaced, moaning brokenly.
Those gathered at the door peered in, some..not certain what had transpired..most arriving on the scene after the facts. Word spread through the crowd, but..no one was saying much of anything at the moment. They could only watch..and wonder.
"LACROIX!" Edwin tried again. "...PLEASE!" He wasn't above begging now. "YOU FUCKING OWE ME!"
Lance Duvall's eyes watched the scene unfold, his thoughts his own. He had not had to push his way to the front of the gawkers...they had parted to allow him through. Coraline's eyes were for Mick St. John, who seemed torn by whatever was taking place between those horrible Enforcers and..the equally horrible..Althea Adam's family.
She could have cared less..but, if it affected Mick. She wanted to be around in case...he needed comfort. From his own kind.
She cast Beth Turner a cold glance but..quickly returned her interest..to Mick St. John.
The being was kneeling, holding Stefan's head in his lap. He had offered his own blood as well but..the Enforcer had refused to partake.
LaCroix glanced at Althea once more, swiping her face with his thumbs. He...sighed heavily then...crossed the room.
He knelt, studying his attacker for a moment.
Edwin wanted to scream at the being..force him somehow...to stop the suffering he knew Stefan was..experiencing. He also knew..LaCroix was the only one present..that had the power to..do what had to be done.
"Look at me." LaCroix's voice was low..soothing...his eyes fixed on Stefan Richter's face. But..the Enforcer refused to do so..turning aside.
Edwin started to force Stefan's head back but..LaCroix himself, took hold of the being's face.
"LOOK AT ME!" It was commanded. The light blue eyes bore into Stefan's pain filled ones. The moment..lengthened as Stefan fought the effect washing over him. His body twitched jerkily, the spasms of pain rocking his powerful frame visibly now. "...It...is...warm." LaCroixs vice was...quiet and..steady. His eyes never leaving Stefan's face.
He held his head...his hands more gentle now. "There is no pain."
Stefan was clearly fighting..his mind wishing no assistance from his foe.
"There is a bright light.." LaCroix soothed. "It is...warm and..inviting. Is it not. Look...at it."
Stefan...calmed..his face losing a bit of the agony etched upon it before. His body..easing a bit from it's sharp, sudden movements.
"...Does it not feel wonderful...to feel the..warmth in your body again?" There was a hypnotic calming quality to the Elder's tone. Everyone in the room felt it's weight.
"Feel the warmth...the light.." LaCroix continued to hold his spell over the Enforcer. His gaze rested on Stefan's face. "The light is..so soothing. It is a new beginning.. It beckons you... go to it, Stefan. Release yourself to it's...loving embrace."
Edwin's face was wet from his tears..his heart ached for his friend. And even though..Stefan seemed to be..out of pain.. Edwin was...disconsolate.
The Enforcer lay quietly now..his eyes focused and..fixed upon the Master's face.
"Go now, Stefan..." LaCroix gently insisted. "Close your eyes..you are so...weary. Your journey is...at it's end. You are..warm and safe. Close your eyes and....walk into the light."
Stefan's eyes closed and...his head fell to one side.
The silence in the room was like a heavy pall.
Edwin closed his own eyes, his misery complete. He sat for a long moment, unable to function.
LaCroix rising set something in Edwin's brain off and..he gently lay Stefan's body aside. He..motioned for his students and they instantly lifted the other being's body, removing it from the room with respect and the dignity deserved.
Edwin watched the proceedings. Through the opened doors the night was silent and beckoning. He followed the path his students had taken, his heart and mind deeply depressed. He did not have much time.
Stefan must have a warrior's burial. It was the least Edwin could do...the very least, considering. Considering...he had killed the only friend he had ever truly wished have.
The sun would rise in a few hour's time.
A new day.
Edwin could not think that far ahead. He was surviving minute by minute..second by second. It was what he did..he and Stefan...they ..survived. Well...he stopped that thought. He...had things to which he must attend. A warrior's burial. Stefan would like ...
Edwin moved through the night. His head bowed, his spirit..broken..his soul...tortured.
Perhaps..surviving wasn't such a noble thing after all.
He would think about it later.
Althea Adams stood in the door way of Sabien's office. She watched the figure until it disappeared into the cold mist of the lake.
"...Go to him." LaCroix stood tall beside her. He spoke above the buzz of the room behind them, but..his words were for her alone. "He will need ...a friend."
Althea smiled wistfully. "He does not consider me ..a friend, Papa."
"Go." He instructed. "Find him. He will need you."
She lifted haunted eyes. "Stefan...tried to take you from me."
"He had good intentions." LaCroix shrugged. "And..I am fine. It is my wish..that Edwin Aldemeer ...not be alone this night."
Althea glanced at the night awaiting outside the french doors. She questioned her Sire with her expression. "I...do not know..what he needs."
"You will." LaCroix smiled. "You will know....go. Child."
Althea..accepted Nicholas' offer of her cloak. "He's a good guy...he was there when LaCroix needed him...I wasn't."
"Nicholas." LaCroix scolded gently.
"If you can help out...try to do so." Nicholas had his own demons to dispel now. "Sometimes, all it takes is...just being there."
Althea..nodded. She...took her exit, her heart heavy. "I will do...what I can, Papa." She did not know how much that would be..but.. "I will do..my best. I promise."
LaCroix nodded. He and Nicholas watched the small figure for some moments. "Are you alright, LaCroix?" Janette lay her head on her Sire's shoulder. "I was so..afraid."
"It is ended." LaCroix closed the doors. "Let us...calm the natives."