The Other Half

by Padfoot789

Book 1 in (TOH) series, previously titled; The half sister of Hayley Marshall. Only steel and wolfsbane block Hayley's path from her sister. The witches have kept Luna in the cemetery for two decades. It takes the Mikealson brothers, Klaus and Elijah to free her. For reasons unknown, Luna is drawn to Klaus, and he is drawn to her. One this is certain...it's only the beginning...

86. Anchored Dreams part 1

...

Music in Chapter

CLANN - Dark Angel

A Great Big World- You

Reo Speedwagon - Can't fight this feeling

The Smiths - Girlfriend in a coma

Oasis- Wonderwall

...

...

Cole Pov

...

"Sir, the Ogn have attempted to break through our barrier."

Maybe I hadn't heard him right. It was not an uncommon feat to have hallucinations in the Underworld.

Delusions didn't discriminate and were welcomed here in the world down under.

Traveling in the place alone by itself drove outsiders mad. Those who were native to the landscape would occasionally get lost. Usually, they would turn up after a few centuries. Once you were lost in the Underworld, you were more likely to be eaten by something or someone than to be found. Some things made sense and others didn't. Because of this, the Underworld wasn't much different from the worlds above and around. When you started wondering how certain things existed, it never ended well. And if you did ask questions, there were rarely answers. Most of the time, it was better to not ask questions at all. There was always the possibility of a warlock, or witch that hoped to torment me. A few months since the last one, it had happened before, why couldn't it happen again? The attacks on me and my followers weren't very well thought or planned out. If they were smart, they would have been pelting them against me like it was a second skin. Fortunately, for me and my followers, they weren't smart. Still, everyone remained somewhat, alert. The tables could turn at any time. My ideas weren't, of course, embraced by everyone. Strangely enough, it would be considered an odd day if I didn't get meaningless death threats. Their infamous evil leader was not so evil after all. When they found out what I was trying to do, instant uproar. I had others behind me, who had surprisingly stepped up and agreed with my mindset. Most were friends of mine. Devoted, friends at that. Siding with me was suicide, yet they had chosen it...chose me...anyway. There were others who I didn't know the names of. That's when I knew, that change was possible or at least an attempt at it. My idea wasn't farfetched. If this was all a hallucination then why was Erza here? All the hours and missed opportunities of sleep were probably catching up to me. I didn't need thehallucinations to drive me crazy.

I felt as if I was already there.

"The Ogn as in-"

"The Hellhound's cousin."

Hmmm...Hellhound...Shadow...Lu-

The mere mention of the proclaimed dogs of the Underworld, and I thought of her. She was not here. She had never been. Somehow she was everywhere at the same time. Seeing a cup would remind me of the time we went out to go get coffee that one time. After that, we usually drunk tea together. Since she has been in her deep sleep, we've missed approximately five steaming cups of Masala chai. The Spiced tea, originated from South Asia. The recipe had been from Piper's cookbook, of all places. I knew she was going to be mad when she woke up, having missed so much. She hated being in the dark, and I hated to keep her there. The tea was fine, but I knew she appreciated spending time with me just as I did with her, more so than the smooth, spiced beverage. When The Sisters saved the innocents, sometimes in return, the innocents would gift them something they felt was worthy. Drinking the Spiced tea had been a tradition Luna and I shared. One that I was sorely missing. Seeing the triquetra would remind me of not only her but The Sisters, her mother, Wyatt, and Chris. Only two were alive out of eight. I didn't know where the hell Chris was, but I would be meeting with Leo later, after the meeting with Kyra.

"Again?"

"Yes, apparently they never learn."

"I'm sorry if I'm not as astounded as I should be," I said, as I straightened out my cloak. The last thing I needed was for someone to run an article about howdustyI was. Though I didn't care much for how I looked anymore, others. I couldn't lose everything I had worked so hard for, over something as simple as a wardrobe malfunction.

Mortals were petty, and some forgot that demons could be too.

Sometimes it wasn't the elaborate plan that succeeded, but the simpler one.

"The prompt assortment of the other's,alliance,has been too quiet for my comfort."

Everything nowadays was too quiet for my comfort. Luna had only been added recently to the list.

"Any signs of The Old Ones? The mutts only obey them."

The Ogn did not look like Luna's pup, Shadow, by any means. Their snouts were smashed in preventing them from seeing much. The creatures had to rely on their noses to track things. Their fur was black and shaggy, unlike Shadow and all of the Hellhound's short and sleek coats. Some of the smarter ones were able to pass as plants, or shrubs others were too simple for the normal thought processes. In size, they ranged anywhere from a coyote to a bear. Despite the difference in sizes, they all had overbites. The only dangerous thing about them was their teeth. As long as they didn't get ahold of you, you could probably outrun them. The only similarity they shared with the Hellhound was their red eyes. Another difference between Hellhounds and the Ogn would be independence. Shadow could hold his own, even feed and water himself. I've seen it myself. True, he did spill bits of kibble on the floor, but he cleaned it up. His actions offered humor, even with Luna lying in her bed. The Ogn, his very distant cousins, literally could not. The Old One's, their owners, had no choice to hand feed them or the creatures would starve to death. There have been cases, where things would get out of hand and the Ogn wouldn't be able to differentiate. Their owners would become nothing more than an extra meal.

Oh, well, one less enemy glaring at my back.

"No, there has not been any signs of their presence," Erza replied, wincing, I joined him. The Old Ones may be the oldest demon faction around but they didn't exactly smell the greatest.

"Status, fatalities?"

"Our defenses are holding strong and none so far. As The Old One's pets, the Ogn are not thebrightestof creatures. If they continue to evade their overly large maws, no one will perish."

"Thank you, Erza. I don't think I would have made it these long days without you," I meant every word I said; he was an invaluable advisor to me, The Round Table, and The Circle of Reconciliation.

For some reason, everything was in or named after a circle. Who cared about what it was named as long as it worked?

"I hope all goes well with your meeting."

Before I could reply, Erza was gone. Already having glistened away. It wasn't the initial meeting I was worried about, but the secret meeting I was having afterward.

The current problem I was facing was new to me. I was lucky enough to know the future. There had been Phoebe, Madeline, and then Luna.

Now Phoebe and Madeline were long gone, and Luna was sleeping.

Leaving me lost with no maps to direct me to where I'm going and if I had a future. If trying to build a better world for future demons was worth it, if it would even work.

I was mad; at all the worlds down, under, and in-between.

There was no point in lying to myself or anyone else.

Castiel explained it as Luna being locked away in her head. Only she had the power to wake back up. He had said that because of the occurrence with Abbraxas, to protect herself, she shut her body down.

The mind and spirit were often an underrated strength for witches. Little know that those two things conveniently connect to their magic. That's why tying them up never worked because they always figured a way out and struck back with a vengeance. In some cases, in others, they ran.

Seeing Luna in that bed was never easy. My frequent texting sessions with Elijah were necessary for me to get through the day. If there was no way of communication, I might leave everything to burn down here, just to be up there with her. Then I'd be sitting in a chair next to Klaus, with matching dark circles under our eyes from wakeful nights. The Halliwells never could leave anyone peaceful at their departure.

I was furious at the three of them; Phoebe, Madeline, and Luna. For being so sweet, yet so dangerous at the same time.

Delightful to meet them, oh yes, what a charming being!

When they left, even if for a short while, oh yes, it was hell!

Apollo knew it, I knew it, and now Klaus knows it.

Yet, some still think it's absurd for something or someone to be both a curse and a blessing.

The anger faded...

Like there had been no point lying to myself, there was no point in being angry with them. It wasn't like the girls relished in causing pain to others. Even if they did have warning labels on them, I doubt it would have changed the three of our fates.

Some risks were worth taking.

Those who did not know of the future got timid. If I could find an oracle, I would end all of the current difficulties I was facing.

I hoped the meeting with Kyra would go well.

...

"Good evening."

The obsidian floor had been recently polished, allowing me to see my own reflection. A sea of black cloaks sat in groups, resting on benches, hoods drawn. Hundreds of eyes were on me. There were mumbles directed toward me and others that weren't.

I expected this. It wasn't odd to hear the name,Phoebe, out of their mouths when discussing me.

One of the biggest cases of my point, (Demons can live with humans, and coexist with witches. There are different ways of life besides the endless cycle of hunting, killing, and failing but mostly failing). I told them how I lived above the Underworld, how I fell in love, with a witch no less.

Most were intrigued with the idea of experiencing something new. Some were happy with the way things were now. Few were purely curious.

I wasn't running a campaign that blatantly broadcasted how we should all be perfect little good soldiers, running flower shops, or planting trees. I was not a part of The Elder's regime and I had no interest in playing or directing mind games. With the Triad having a constant target on my back I was advised that it wasn't the best idea to have newcomers. It was a risk I was willing to take.

There were, of course, kinks to work out. Especially, with The Tribunal Council. But the fact that they were willing to meet and talk over this was a thousand steps forward.

In the opening meetings, it was always this way. The uneasiness along with suspicion. Fear that my enemies would spontaneously appear and kill them. Several unasked questions waiting to be answered. The air was tense enough to cut through with a knife.

'Change is scary.'

A commonly used statement. Though, no one could say it like Phoebe.

'But it is also necessary even if it is sometimes...weird.'

Thatpart didn't come until she tried to convince her sisters of ouroddrelationship.

Jonathan was leaning against the wall in his own world. He looked like his father, the once carefree Apollo, without the concept of love and loss. Two separate things that were for him, now grouped. He made his way over to me, flipping his hair to the side. Some of the women in the crowd started whispering amongst themselves. If the proposal didn't appeal to them, maybe his looks would.

"This crowd is dead."

I rolled my eyes; he sounded an awful lot like the younger Apollo I knew. His mother, Vera, hadn't been much different. All the Draven's grew disinterested if someone wasn't entertaining them. They were all born with short attention spans.

"What makes this particular crowd, dead, Jonathan?"

"Not one of them has any relationship problems, none of them tell bad jokes, and they don't have secrets. It's like they are all one person."

"Every member counts."

"I know...I know...but do they all have to be so boring..."

If I didn't reel him in now, he would be of no use to me in this meeting. I needed something to entertain him.

"There's been an update on Luna."

His colorless brows lifted. Interest overtook his bored features.

"And before you ask, no, she's not awake."

He sighed, "Then what happened?"

"Let your imagination wander. After this meeting, I'll tell you."

He groaned, "At least, show some mercy and let me see a picture of her or her mother."

"Jonathan, I'm not sure either of them would like it if I fed into your dreams."

"Everyone has fantasies. I'm just not ashamed to admit mine."

...

"We are at the brink of war with The Elders and their so-called angel kin. Is it really the most convenient of times to be chasing this dream of yours, Source?"

A fair question. One of the better few out of the three hours since this meeting started.

I had half a mind to vaporize the asker, but where would that get anybody?

The answer was sadly nowhere.

"For the last time, this isn't just a dream of mine. The Dravens have been living in both the Underworld and the world above since the very beginning. It is possible to coexist with not only the mortals but the witches-"

"Yes, and by coexist, you mean for us to bed them."

Laughter followed at that statement.

Searching for whoever interrupted me, finding them, vividly imagining their fiery death by my hands, then drawing for patience, I clenched my jaw.

Johnathan, seeing me struggle decided to speak up. I hadn't been so appreciative of his continual attendance at the meetings so much before. Later, I would reward him by showing him a picture of either Madeline or Luna. Now, it wouldn't be good if I opened my mouth unless necessary.

"Those of you who are interested, please...feel welcomed to stay...Those of you who are single-minded tossers, please...feel free to leave."

I recognized the flat tone of his voice had taken. He was no longer using the beguiling ring, otherwise known as theDravenous tone.

Jonathan, too, must have been angered by what the man said as well.

The Draven family and The Old Ones clashed on many things in the old days. One of their famous disputes was The Old One's treatment of women. Apollo in his younger days, and Jonathan now, may have gone through women every few weeks, but they still treated them like royalty.

"Dealing out threats, are we? You require our compensation," the man chuckled, before getting into a coughing fit, "if you are to survive a war with the ones who rise to defy you."

"We are doing just fine, without you," replied Jonathan, not holding back the icy glare.

"If you are acting so sensitive to an offhand comment, how will you act when your domain fades to dust?"

Jonathan opened his mouth to speak; I placed a hand on his shoulder, preventing any words from coming out of his mouth. I had it under control, now.

By under control, I mean not burning everyone in the room to anything but ash, except Jonathan. Hopefully, he would get out of the way fast enough. Then doing it again after some months, after of course, they reformed.

"Don't mistake my silence for sensitivity. I still hold The Source of All Evil, as my title. If anyone wishes to question or challenge my abilities, then go ahead..."

Silence.

"This might not make sense to some of you, but few may relate to what I'm about to say."

Jonathan stepped back cautiously, smirking.

"As for my domain fading to dust, I am convinced that won't happen."

"Your reasoning, Source?"

"I know I am not the only one who wants change. Why should we go through the same torment, over and over again? Get sent by demons of higher levels tellings us to vanquish anyone from Jane to her cousin Joe, down the street. Half of the time, it's a suicide mission. If you do live, then you get killed by your bosses, yet they're so big and bad that they couldn't take care of it themselves."

More silence.

"The system is useless, and true it has been around since the beginning of time, but it hasn't gotten us anywhere. Failure is the only fate you secure for yourselves if you continue the old ways. You might think I'm absurd with my notions of a new life, but you can't tell me you haven't thought about changing things."

The murmurs started up again, negative energies dissipated. The air was no longer so tense. This time some were nodding at my words, while others remained motionless.

"I'm not saying you have to follow my every move. I won't ask you to either. Unlike my enemies, I won't force anyone to do my bidding. The whole point of this new process is so that you have a choice. That there is another option, if not for you, then for your children. When and if you make it to the human environment, you don't have to act like saints, but you can't exactly take over the world-"

"It is not natural to think such thoughts," came a voice from the back row. Heads turned, voices raised in dismay. I raised my hand, silencing all of them.

"No, let her speak."

The woman stood, her name unknown, but the expression on her face was known and had most certainly originated from stone.

"These new ways are a danger to our kind."

"Continuing the path we are now on is what dwindles us down," said a hooded figure from the front.

"Change is scary," I said, intercepting the argument.

"But it's also necessary," Jonathan joined in with a smile on his face. It wasn't his usual joking one either, but a smile of success.

...

"For a second there, I doubted that they would agree."

"Agreeing is only part of it. We have one more confrontation with the gray group before we seal the deal. As you know, they are already under contract with us. They were as soon as they entered that room and signed the Even if they wouldn't have agreed to the next meeting, they couldn't expose us. Unless they wanted to be hunted by the Avatars. Before you ask, the next meet and greet; are scheduled for next week. After they pass through tests and the trial, we should have at least half of them, if not more."

"You have to admit the group was gray in every possible aspect."

I looked at Johnathan. After the meeting with the 'gray group,' he pulled me aside, telling me that he knew of my undisclosed meeting with Kyra. How he discovered this was beyond me.

The Underworld was the Draven family's playground, for lack of a better term.

Regno De Corvi, was an entire realm inside the Underworld that belonged to the Draven family. No other demon families had kingdoms. Caverns as layers, yes. Castles, and cities, no. As the title as the most dangerous demons, the Draven's had a reputation to uphold. Jonathan had no problem shifting into everyone's expectations. To him, it came naturally.

He didn't necessarily crave attention. Others around him yearned to be near him. In that aspect, Jonathan and Luna were alike. They, unlike their parents Apollo and Madeline, were more approachable.

These days and back then, Apollo was, in other words, himself. If he didn't like you, he wasn't afraid to tell you. Go against him, and you were as good as dead. When Madeline had been alive, if someone looked at her the wrong way, it was a problem.

Madeline choke slammed Apollo against the brick wall of a dark alley in El Nido, California.

That was how they met.

Apollo, from my understanding, had been taking care of some business, Madeline too. He had followed her to warn her that where she was heading wasn't safe. But before Apollo could say anything, she surprised him. He said that he was fascinated by her strength. It wasn't every day that he was slammed into a wall, much less by a woman, one he had been trying to help. There was no pending trust between the two of them. It was something almost automatic. Suddenly Apollo didn't enter parties alone. Apollo entered them with Maddy, the friend whom; I cherished because she had helped me mourn my wife. I was able to get through it because of her. When she died, he just stopped coming to everything all together.

...

flashbacks

...

The City of Glass was always a pleasureful venture. Of course, in Regno De Corvi, everything was. There were in total 7 cities in the Draven's plain. The City of Glass is where the celebrations were exclusively held. The other 6 cities; Ekoit, Prosa, Weset, Iarith, Amirie, and finally Creswell were used for many things. The Draven's along with everyone else considered The City of Glass, to be the crown jewel of their kingdom.

In the palace furniture was supple, extravagantly thick rugs against spectral glossy alabaster floors, crystal chandeliers, tapestries hung elegantly on the walls depicting stories of how the Draven family defeated even the most ferocious of beasts on their annual quests. Every room and hall radiated elegance. Such an elegance that no other demon family or faction could be responsible for it other than the Draven's.

"Never, in all my years has anyone been so...Bold! I mean, it was so fast...She was so fast...She was...Brilliant! Attractive! Cunning! Basically, any and everything I could ever want in a woman! And to think I almost didn't go to El Nido!"

I smiled at my friend's pleasure over something others would have acted differently. And by different, I mean planning Madeline's death.

Apollo didn't seem to be interested in killing her, just the opposite. I found this interesting. Tomorrow I would be meeting with Madeline, if she didn't bring their encounter up I would.

"And get this, after I helped her she was like, 'I don't need your help, go back to whatever holeyou crawled out of.' After that we just kind of hit it off. By off I mean, insulting each other, except it was mostly her dealing the insults because as you know, I won't ever insult a woman. She stopped mid-sentence as if remembering something. She then thanked me and disappeared, leaving me thinking that I didn't even know her name..."

"So, you aren't mad?"

He plopped down on the couch, a glass of whiskey that he had stored from his travels on the mortal plane. Their construction business, the ARC. was always booming. "Mad?! Oh, no, no, no...More like amazed...You know her right?"

"Madeline and I are good friends."

His brows raised, "Friends, nothing more. I will have to warn you, Leo has his eyes on her."

Apollo smiled, swishing the amber liquid in his glass, "Madeline...I like it..."

Then he scrunched up his face, "As if I would ever be worried about an angel's eyes, much less anything else involving them. He could wish upon my death, but he wouldn't act on it. Even if he did, I doubt he is as experiencedin the act of killing someone as I am."

"Leo isn't exactly a murderer," I said, agreeing with him.

"What is Madeline's relation with the angel?" He asked, the last word with much disdain which was understandable given his past.

I settled back on the leather sofa, knowing it was going to be a long talk. "They have a complicated history. Nothing romantic...for Madeline...at least...She carried his son, so she was like a surrogate of sorts."

Apollo hummed. "So, she's a mother?"

"Yes."

"I know she's a witch, but what family-"

"Halliwell."

"Halliwell? Hmmm... I suppose that makes sense. I was torn between the Halliwell's, the Thorn's, and Abernathy's. Those Warren witches always are quite feisty little things, she just has a lot more in her than the others I've met in my 1,000 years."

"Madeline hasn't had the easiest life."

"Was she ever abus-"

"No, but her father gave her away to a friend of his for reasons unknown. She spent her life hated because she was different."

He sighed the beginnings of a frown visible on his lips. "As time goes on there will forever be those who are blind and those who are not."

"So, you see her then?"

"I feel as if I do, and if I don't then I want to learn too," Apollo replied, squaring his shoulders, defensive. "You know that I would never judge you."

"Creatures, be them demons or mortals I am always being judged, old friend"

He and Maddy should get along just fine.

...

Stepping into the Halliwell manor I expected to be greeted, I was not. Leo was rarely home on the days of the week.

The manor was an exquisite home compared to all the others that were built on the block. Being three stories high, the Halliwell house was bound to stand out. With its history of being rebuilt twice over the last 300 years, imposing stained glass windows, a substantial six bedrooms, two well-equippedbathrooms, one spacious kitchen, a prim dining room, a cozy book-lined sitting room with a fireplace, an airy living room with a flat-screen Phoebe had insisted be put up, one window filled conservatory, a wide and welcome foyer, a laundry room that was adjacent to the kitchen, a botanical and lush garden that took up most of the back yard, a converted garage, a shadowy basement that was rarely entered, and the famous congenial attic.

The house's location might have seemed odd to some but it made sense in a way. The victorian style manor was built exactly in the middle of five essential life elements; fire, water, earth, wood, and metal. So, it is not only a spiritual nexus but a Wiccan one as well.

"Madeline," I called out, tentatively walking towards the stairs. The boys, Chris, and Wyatt's toys were strewn everywhere. Holes and burn marks were in the wall from her previous run-in with a fire demon. Leo was supposed to fix it, but Madeline as always would probably end up doing it herself.

I could faintly smell burnt grilled cheese. Lunch. She had probably just put them down for a nap.

The sound of quiet footsteps pulled me out of my mind. Looking up my suspicions were correct.

"Hi, Cole. How are you?"

"Fine," I answeredwearily noticing how wild she looked today. Her hair was free and frizzed to the extreme, with what looked like cheese in it. Parts of her tank top and jean shorts were stained purple.

"How are you?" I politely asked, as she grabbing a hair tie and taming the beast that rested on her head as she would a demon or enemy.

She breathed folding her arms over her chest, "Hmm...Let's see...By the way, and thank you, so much for asking. Anyway, Leo calls me when I'm about to board my flight to New Orleans. Something about his dick bosses needing him. And I asked him, if they needed help screwing themselves. He replied saying that, the boys' grandfather is on a beach somewhere with one of his side chicks. I haven't even met the guy and he better hope that he never meets me. Now, Cole, even without your many high ranking degrees in law you should be able to answer this question... Where does that leave me?... Wait, I'll give you a hint! Nowhere near the airport!"

"Here with the boys."

She dropped her hands exasperatedly, "Yeah! I mean I love them to death but come on! I have things I need to take care of. People I need to protect. It seems like Leo is forgetting that."

I followed her to the kitchen as she continued ranting, "And I don't mean the genuine, 'oh shit, you have that thing...sooo sorry.' No, I mean the, 'oh shit, well," she started laughing briefly startling me, "I guess I sorta intentionally forgot that you have a life outside this house and the boys. And don't call me back because I have to go help my bosses jack off,' you see because they can't do it by themselves, I am basically a slave for them, and I'm gonna do it with the biggest smile! Who knows, there might even be some cuddling afterward, bye!"

Normally, I would have laughed because of the mental picture forming in my head but Madeline, right now, was dead serious.

"The witches and the Quarter are threateningMarcel, his vampires and the human council is gettingantsy. And the wolves have their hands down their pants. Jason hasn't written to me in over a month. For all I know, he could be dead. They could all be dead. I can't even check back home for a couple of days without Leo disappearing on me..."

The smell of burnt grilled cheese was more prominent in the kitchen. Madeline tried to rid a pan of a black clump stuck to the surface but soon gave up throwing it away with an angry huff. I knew that she wasn't just frustrated with the pan or the fact that she could barely cook anything edible. Leo was one of the causes of her current aggravation. Which was understandable.

I resorted to doing the dishes. She needed help, she was alone with the boys most of the time, I could tell she was losing it. The night she met Apollo was probably the first time she was able to be alone and by herself for a couple of hours."How did El Nido, go?"

She had begun wiping down the table and countertop. "Just as expected. Jethro just wanted me to check up on something, he assured me that it was just a hunch of his. Turns out he was right. There was...this guy...that I had a run-in with though...definitely...the most interesting...part of the night."

"Tell me about this...guy...you met..."

I was glad, for once, to be doing the dishes because my back was now to her. Madeline was better than any polygraph. After she dropped out of the Navy due to an "injury," she and her cop friend remained in contact. Occasionally, he would mail her an application and she would mail it back, unfilled out. She had said that she would be interested if she didn't have so many things going on at once. An everyday job would only put more stress on her. For now, it would remain in the back of her minduntil she was able to have time to herself to make that decision.

"He was following me. Naturally, I acted. Perhaps, a little too defensive. You know how I am. But for whatever reason, he warned me that where I was going was dangerous. He still followed me, and admittedly he helped."

"Did you thank him?"

She shrugged, "I mean, yeah, after I was done insulting him."

I smiled. While she punched me in the shoulder, in her usual affectionate way. "It's not that I am offended that he helped me but I was offended because I thought that he thought I looked helpless."

I chuckled, "Trust and believe me when I say, that is not what he thinks. Far from it, actually."

She paused and turned on her heel. "How could you know...unless...You know him."

Not a question. That much was obvious due to the certainty of her voice. She would make a good detective. Maybe, I should push her to fill out the application whenever Jethro sends it back.

"I have the pleasure of saying that, Apollo Draven, is one of my oldest friends."

The corner of her mouth quirked up, "Apollo. Well, it's definitely different...I'm sure I've seen the name Draven before in the bos."

"Your abbreviating, again," I chuckled out, as I finished the last of the dishes.

"I know," she said, tossing the rag in the sink and beginning picking up the toys that littered the entire square footage of the manor.

"And speaking of the bos, why hasn't anyone thought about putting a table of contents or index within its, oh so glorious, pages before?"

...

end of flashbacks

...

"I can't believe you are meeting with Kyra."

His words drew me out of my thoughts. "I can't believe it myself. Usually, I've never been without a seer."

"Luna can see things, right?"

"Yes."

"I wish we were going to see her instead."

"If she were awake, I am sure she would not hesitate to help."

"Do you think she would like me?" Jonathan asked, his tone genuinely curious.

"Luna is..." I trailed off, remembering those times she and Oliver, a werewolf from her pack, argued, then remembering howsoftshe was when she was with Klaus. It was hard to describe her specific traits, as they should cancel each other out. You couldn't try to make reasons for them. It was justher. Luna was most, of the time, peaceful. But it would only take a second for her to become violent or think violent thoughts.

...

flashback

...

We were in the kitchen of the compound, sitting on the tall stools. It was the most comfortable stool I've ever experienced.

Apparently, the Mikealson's had the best of the best. Knowing that gave me relief. My friend's daughter was as safe as she could be here.

Luna looked healthy and happy, two things Madeline wished for her to be.

"So, what beverage will we be drinking today. Since the usual is out of stock."

She leaned against the swirled marble countertop. Neither Luna nor her mother had a style per se. Today, she was wearing a pastel color-blocked pullover, straight light-colored jeans, and white adidas. They just wore whatever they felt like wearing. Luna wasn't the most confident, unlike her mother. After all, she's been through, it's understandable. I didn't think she realized she was still hiding.

The witches who tortured her were tracked down and rightfully slaughtered by his brother. Elijah made it clear that it was Klaus who had acted, even warned me. While it wasn't impossible, my death would be laborious to arrange and carry out. Elijah had replied that his brother would find a way should I hurt Luna in any way.

Luna's words interruptedmy thoughts.

"Don't worry. It's being taken care of while we wait, isn't there something you wanted to talk about?"

I studied at her carefully before making the decision not to talk about it. At least, not right now.

"Not today."

Luna nodded, "Okay."

"It isn't anything bad, is it?"

I shook my head, taking in her concerned facial expression. "Me and D had to do a protection spell. That's why our tea is out of stock. Inexplicably, all the shops around the Quarter were slammed and cleaned out."

She shakily exhaled and tugged on the end of her ponytail.

"You would think that with all the witches residing in the city that someone would be running a market or small shop by now. It happens sometimes. We have to work with what we have."

"You used herbs for a protection spell?"

"Not to brag, but I can make a little something into a big something. At least, that's what D says."

"Sorry, it's just a method I haven't heard anyone use in a long time."

The only witch in the Halliwell line to be as herb-oriented as Luna was Melinda Warren. Maddy didn't have the patience to do anything that required a slow pace, and Phoebe never brewed anything without Piper's assistance.

"What methods are you used to?"

"Your family has a book, or rather an heirloom that guides them."

"I've heard about it from Leo and my brother..." She trails off a sad look on her face.

"The book has hundreds and hundreds of pages of spells."

Along with other things, the book had things; ranging from bedtime stories to instructions on how to slay demons and monsters, plus tips on how to go about normal, everyday life that didn't include their burden of defending the world from evil. It seemed easy to the outsider, but when you had to keep constantly, putting your life on hold for others, it gets tiring.

"You haven't found it?"

"Unfortunately, no. But your heirloom is anything but ordinary. It has the ability to protect itself."

"And it allows me to contact the ones who came before me."

I nodded, swallowing hard, remembering how she told me she talked to Phoebe.

Another presence suddenly entered the room.

As if she had felt the shift, she turned. The smile on her face was soft. It was how she looked every time Klaus was around her. I felt peaceful when they were together. Not only was she safe, but she was also happy.

"Sorry, I'm so late, love. There was a delay."

Luna's eyes went to the dark stains on his shirt.

Blood. Her smile faded.

"Are you okay? What the hell happened?"

"The tea-"

"Thank you, but I don't care about the tea right now."

Luna sat him down on a stool, despite his protest that it would heal. She quickly made up a herbal mixture after buttoning down his shirt and looking at the wound. She recognized it.

As Luna pricked her finger with a dagger, much to Klaus' dismay, she asked her silvery voice low, "What happened?"

"I had a run-in with a witch. I was trying to get the tea, and she attacked me."

"Is she dead?"

"No."

Her eyes, now steely, lifted from her work.

"She will be as soon as you tell me where you went."

Nothing else was said; as she applied the paste to his wound. It healed in seconds, taking the herbal creation with it.

I knew that without a doubt, it had something to do with her blood, or well their blood mixing together. In the supernatural world, blood is an unquestionable powerful element.

Klaus ventured out and squeezed her hand, thanking her before saying, "I'm fine love."

Luna blinked owlishly, "she hurt you."

...

end of flashback

...

"She's just herself. I don't know how else I'm supposed to explain it. Besides, I'm sure the two of you will get along fine."

Jonathan snickered. The sound echoed off the walls of the cave we had just entered.

It was I who suggested this place. Since I didn't trust Kyra and Gaco cave didn't exactly have that many visitors, I figured it would be the best spot for our meeting. And it would be easy to dispose of a body if need be.

"That hasn't been what I've been imagining."

I was afraid to ask what he had been imagining, but I did anyway, to which he responded with, "I am hoping that she'll either want to kiss me or kill me."

The smirk he wore was smug, and his dark eyes lightened with amusement. "As you probably know I would prefer the latter."

I allowed myself a small smile.

Poor Jonathan, I would have to warn him about Klaus before he met Luna. Maybe then he would keep his fantasies to himself.

I would try to spare to boy's life. I was sure Klaus didn't take kindly to Jonathan telling him the fantasies he has of Luna.

...

Graco cave, fortunately, had some lighting provided by the mostly harmless demonic slugs that clung to the ceiling and were about the size of a snake. There were tall ceilings near the entrance but as you went deeper the ceilings went lower and the air smelled of sulfur. Both big and small stalagmites hung low and high. If there were to be an ambush here, demons who could not teleport would have a hard time coming through. For me, the cave felt homey. I hid from my old bosses, the Triad here.

Phoebe hated this place, and Maddy didn't exactly love it. I was sure Luna would be in-between their opinions. Either that or she would downright hate it.

"I thought we would be alone," drawled a voice. I turned to see a woman almost completely encased in a coal-black cloak.

Kyra, of course, I recognized her voice. Moments later, she shook her umber hair free from her cloak's hood.

"And I thought you would be wearing velvet," Jonathan fired back. Only his thin-lipped smile and squinted eyes told me he was annoyed.

Her expressive coffee-colored eyes wandered over him before rolling skyward.

"You Draven's think you own everything."

"That's because we do, darling."

Kyra folded her arms over her chest, "Men and their egos."

"If you respect me to respond to that sexist comment with one of my own, then you are sadly mistaken."

"I'm shocked that you and your family can remain in the Underworld with your ever-growing monumental egos. How is it? Cramped, I would imagine."

Jonathan scoffed in response, "I'm shocked that you-"

Perhaps their war of words would have been more entertaining if I hadn't heard the sound of whispering.

"Could the two of you keep your thoughts to yourselves? I think someone else is here."

The two stopped and looked at me. To make sure, I waited until I heard it two more times. My senses had never lied to me before, and they suggested that there were other presences in the room.

"Here, take my hand," Kyra spoke lowly. All traces of her disdain gone.

"How can we trust you?"

"Exactly how many options do the two of you have?" She sneered, and Jonathan muttered something under his breath that in the presence of his father would have gotten him punched.

"Besides, I'm trying to gain your trust. If I go against you, I'm good as dead anyway, even if the Avatars don't find me."

I took her hand, and Jonathan took mine, mumbling under his breath before sighing as we entered yet another cave, Kyra's cave.

...

Marcel Pov

...

"Brennan thinks that it was just a muscle spasm. An odd one at that. Apparently, that sort of thing is normal for someone who is in a coma. I stopped listening when the words got longer. Not to be mean. Oh, stop looking at me like that. I don't understand how Luna could be friends with that woman. Let alone understand her. Even the bug boy, Booth, and Cam are easier to listen to."

I shook my head, disagreeing with my girlfriend about themuscle spasm. While being surprised that she had adopted one of Damon's nicknames.

The lab people were interesting to say in the least. Seeley was the easiest to understand and most relatable.

Rebekah wasn't optimistic as usual and a little cross here of late. Given what threats we currently face, it was understandable. But then again, she yelled at Kol because she thought his breathing was annoying. So she was maybe a little more than cross.

"For a human in a normal coma, most likely. But for a werewolf witch hybrid, I think that question remains unanswered...There haven't been any documentation records of werewolf witch hybrids and the comas they wake from that I know of." She raised a brow, unamused. To sarcastic? Probably. Where was Damon when he was really needed for once; to lighten up the mood? Where was Luna to lighten up the room itself?

"And of course, there is what Castiel said," I reminded her.

"The shock of being pushed off the tallest building in New Orleans, combined with all the feelings and emotions she has kept buried inside, forced her body to shut down. A protection thing, from my understanding. Yes, yes, yes! The bloody angel was so helpful as to telling us why he couldn't wake her up! For some reason, he was able to bring back Josh, who was dead! But not Luna! Don't even get me started on that little-"

A nearly perfect recall. Everyone had been in such shock; trying to remember what exactly happened wouldn't be possible. I don't think anyone had the same reaction. Klaus and Hayley's stood apart from the rest of us.

"But it doesn't make any sense that her moving was normal. Luna hasn't done anything like that in the two weeks she's been in a coma. Klaus-"

"My brother has missed hours of sleep. Without the moon, I fear he will descend into madness. Or one could even argue that he was mad before and Luna's appealing presence only masked it."

I couldn't disagree with her on the;he would descend into madness if she didn't wake up, part. Klaus was many things, but he wasn't crazy. But if Luna doesn't wake up anytime soon, I'll begin to think differently.

Maddy, during the last few months of her life, talked about one thing above all. Balance.

A healthy balance of complicated friendship with Jason, struggling with the offset to mend her relationship with her previous best friend Laura, pondering her old self and newfound self. They say that having a child changes you. My friend didn't change very much, and if she did at all, she became even more ferocious than before. Maybe it was because she knew she had something more to fight for, besides trying to work things out with Jason and whoever that guy she was hungover from in San Francisco; caught in a hard place, being in love with two people at the same time, and being a new mother to top it all off. Few could imagine what she was going through. Others wondered how she even made it through the day. Luna wasn't a chance or a shot in the dark. Most of Madeline's relationships might not have ended well, but she really tried to be better for her daughter. People started giving her a break. Then the next thing that happened shocked everybody. Who would've thought?

"She's going to hate to be the center of attention when she wakes up," I said, breaking through my thoughts. I wasn't ashamed of still grieving over a lost friend. I like to think of a world when her and Rebekah met.

Just thinking of all the trouble and chaos those two would get into made a smile form on my face, free from any pretenses.

"Strangely enough, I think that she'd be quite pleased with my brother not leaving her side."

"I'm sure Kol has missed pranking my nightwalkers with his trusted sidekick; Elijah too, they've probably read every book in the library at least twice. I couldn't count up how many times those to spend in the music room together."

Rebekah laughed, and I turned, startled at the sound. "I wasn't talking about them. Though I don't doubt my brothers have missed her playful spirit during these monotonous times we find ourselves in, I was talking about my other brother."

"Klaus?"

She laughed softly, "Who else..."

"Babe, even if there might be someone else, they wouldn't last long. Family or not."

"That is true. I should be glad that Kol dropped his interest and Elijah has only seen her as his sister."

"Kol?"

"Oh, yeah. It happened."

"When?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Before he met Davina, of course. He was always teasing her, and she was fine with it. She teased him back. You know my brother, and how possessive he acts..."

"What'd he do? Slam him to the ground?" I laughed, imagining how it would have played out in my head.

She shrugged her shoulders, "I honestly don't know. One day, he just stopped."

"I can only imagine what was done..."

"What was said..."

"Has Luna ever had any experiences like that? With other girls I mean?"

Rebekah chuckled, "There were some at the mall. Nothing too big. Since he was there with us, no words were said. I could tell that she wanted to. Of course, she did rip poor Genevieve to pieces."

"She had it coming..."

"Yes, there was something oddly satisfying about watching her blood spray on the walls and her body being slung around."

It felt like a long time since I had gotten the chance to sit and talk with my girlfriend. Face to face: thinking about others from a romantic perspective was a turnaround from the war prospect I had been settling into for the past couple of weeks.

"Can you keep a secret?"

I found myself smiling at her sudden enthusiasm, so naturally, I replied with, "We've been keeping our relationship from your brothers for five months, and we all live in the same household, sooo..."

"Marcellus Gerard! It's been seven months!" Her mouth, curving into a smile even though she had hit me with her pillow.

"Nuh-uh, five months since we'veofficiallystarted dating," she snuggled closer to my side, forcing my arm to go around her.

"I thought you would be one of the ones who forgot. Naturally, I assumed I would be the one to remind you and then get angry because you forgot it in the first place."

"Like, I could ever forget the moment, down to the minute that my childhood crush asked me out for dinner. What was it that we ate...Risotto...right?"

"It was brunch! And we ate Biscotti! Yes...I remember...At that cute Italian restaurant in Powell county, down Marco street, IL PIACERE, in Shreveport. We stayed later than expected and had to get a motel. Maybe, if we go there again it'll refresh your memory, or maybe a good slap to the head would do just fine..."

"Bekah, I'm messing with you!"

After the laughter died down, her expression became thoughtful.

"Everyone thinks that because you grew up with me, us being in a relationship would be weird and even wrong," she scrunched up her face as she twirled our hands together. "I wasn't preying on children, but I also wasn't your Aunt per se. I was Niklaus' sister...just Rebekah...to you... This doesn't feel wrong at all. It feels right. And loving you is something I grew into, like flowers popping up out of a concrete foundation. I will admit...it was...unexpected. But isn't that part of the fun? If you walk this earth, knowing everything, and having everything, then there's no point really. Desire and determination are the forces that drive us forth. Whether that be into the arms of someone you swore to never love. Or a deadly mystery your family has been trying to solve for generations. Love like having a family isn't necessarily for everyone. Those two things are what I have always wanted...I'm sure one day...it will all be possible. To each its own, I suppose..."

Eventually, she and I both knew that we would have to tell the world what we had been hiding. As much as I hated to admit it, I was afraid of rejection. I didn't care about what everyone else thought, but she did. Rebekah would be hurt. And our relationship would be strained until there wasn't a relationship at all. I didn't tell her this, and I wouldn't. She managed to worry for both of us.

"You worry too much about what others think, Bex."

"I know, I can't help it, darling."

She sighed, standing and walking to her dresser and pulling out what looked like a photo album.

"My oh my, what do we have here?" I wondered aloud as I traced the meticulously drawn sun and moon. Unmistakably, Nordic style, though not drawn by Klaus or Luna.

"Kol and I, as well as a few others, have been putting a photo album of sorts. We call it, Sól and Máni."

"Which is which?"

"Originally, Sól and Mániwere brother and sister. Sól,the sister,being the sun, and Máni,the brother being the moon. Obviously, we had to switch things around, but there wasn't a perfect pair. I thought since everything is so inadvertently centered on my brother and Luna that everything and everybody else was simply the sky."

Now that I thought about it, they did unintentionally remind me of the sun and moon. Whether Klaus or Luna knew it or not, the choices they made affected everyone. Whenever they were together, everything and everyone turned into nothing but the background. That's how it looked, at least, from the outside. In their wolf forms, Luna's fur was silver, and Klaus' was gold. Despite being different, they went together. And the way they acted around each other. There had to be more than friendship. Maybe, they couldn't see it. Even if what they couldn't see was beside them, behind them, above them, or right in front of them. Together they were a complicated subject when trying to figure out their status. I would think it would make sense that they had their own rank. Not all questions have answers to them. Sometimes it justwas. The sun rose in the day, and the moon rose at night. Just by saying, Klaus and Luna, as an explanation, somehow made everything a little clearer.

As Rebekah flipped over the first page, I automatically recognized the neat handwriting in block letters.

"Captured Moments."

"Davina?"

"Yes, she has taken quite a few of the photographs. I recognize that she has quite a passion for it."

I nodded, remembering when I got her that polaroid camera for Christmas. She was still putting that old thing to use.

The pages didn't have numbers, and the pictures weren't in an organized timeline. What the photos did have were captions below, all of them in Davina's handwriting.

Adorable, smiling baby Hope. With something green and chunky dripping from her chin. Somehow it even managed to get in her auburn hair. The caption was,for when she starts dating #1. As it turned out: there were a lot more numbers and many varieties of colors and positions.

"I think that's supposed to be sweet peas," Rebekah said, touching her niece's picture, beaming.

"Let's hope it's that and nothing else."

Moments were captured. Some humorous, others sober, different emotions displayed but all were meaningful.

This was the Mikealson family.

"Look at us..."

And I did.

Freya working on a spell, with Kol posing ridiculously titled, little brothers, with an eye-rolling face drawn.

Davina sitting between Kol and me on a bench in the Quarter.

Luna and Hayley in the bayou.

Kol babysitting Hope, the two of them covered in spaghetti.

Davina and Luna reading grimoires with Ester in the background.

Ansel teaching archery to Luna.

Freya and Luna sitting on the luxurious sectional in the living room of the compound. Kol was laying across their laps.

Damon with his arm around Luna glaring at Klaus.

Klaus and Luna painting, hearts drawn into the frame.

Rebekah and Cami at a shoe store in the heel section, titled, when combat boots were banned.

Luna and Elijah in the music room sitting at the piano on the bench. Instead of his fingers on the keys, it was Luna's. Judging by the look on his face she was either doing very well or not good at all. Around the photo music notes were drawn.

A series named Wedding #1. Hayley and Jackson's wedding, or was bonding the right word? Looking over the photos was like reliving the night. The girls, (Cami, Rebekah, and Davina) in the dressing room getting ready. In a different shot, it showed that Hayley didn't look happy to be in her wedding dress. Luna was sitting next to her sister saying something. After that was an identical image. except Hayley now looked more at ease and they were smiling at each other. Luna escorting her sister down the aisle, Rebekah's idea. Klaus and Luna sharing eye contact across the room. Hayley and Jackson during the ceremony. Jake glaring at the floor. Hayley and Jackson's first dance. Damon hugging Hayley. Luna dancing with her new brother-in-law, Jackson. Jake playing the guitar and singing. Davina trying to teach Rebekah the cupid shuffle. I laughed, remembering that she still couldn't get it, even after an hour.

"What? I'm no good at group dances."

"I know but that doesn't stop you from trying. You have to admit it is a little..."

"Funny," she finished, laughing. I was afraid that she'd be offended.

Luna dancing with Ansel, while her sister danced with both Josh and Aiden. Rebekah, Luna, and Kol playing a drinking game. Elijah and Davina going through vinyls. Klaus and Ansel drinking together. A cake fight with my vampires and the wolves, a laughable event. Me and Hayley dancing, the talk we had was anything but business. I thought it would be best for her and everyone else to enjoy the night, the music, and the people before worrying about what could go wrong. Elijah and Klaus talking on the stairs. The four (Davina, Luna, Josh, and Aiden) drinking...a lot... Davina, Josh, Aiden, and Luna dancing and screamingto nostalgic songs that were favorites of everyone. Next were shots of Klaus and Luna dancing. Even in pictures, the world seemed to blur around them. The last photo was of an empty and incredibly messy room.

"I'm sure the staff appreciated the mess," Rebekah spoke, calling me out of my mind.

"The compound's personnel are the most appreciated, overpaid, and well-informed staff in the world."

It was the truth. Most of the staff were human, but they were also aware of the supernatural world. Every one of them aware of the risks. They were also free to leave at any time. Paid vacations, paid sick days, easy work, and weekly checks always drew in people. No matter the risks. Since things turned sour with the mayor, we've had to clean up a lot of messes ourselves. When everything went back into order I would task my head vamp, Marcus, to begin screening and highering new staff.

Various photos of Klaus and I talking to our vampires simply labeled, Kings of New Orleans.

Rebekah and Hayley laughing about something eating contrasting cereals. Cami sitting with her feet propped up in the darkly lit part of the kitchen sporting dark sunglasses, Damon's maroon beanie, and his leather jacket. He was feeding her broken pieces of what looked like a cherry pop tart, a humorous and tender scene. Klaus hitting a laughing Kol, blood bag in hand, Davina grinning at the two original vampires, slightly burnt buttered toast in her hand. I was at the stove talking to Josh, cooking some bacon, the compound's chef had been on vacation. Aiden, Jackson, and Jake were attempting to feed Hope her morning porridge, their clothes were plastered with it. While in a comfortable corner Elijah and Luna quietly drunk their coffee, watching everything around them, as usual. The headline was,Breakfast Routine. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Davina and Luna trying out some new makeup.

Cami and Rebekah taking Luna to a spa for the first time.

Hayley and Klaus folding some of Hope's clothes.

A Halloween series came next, the title had a simple number one. Hayley, a pumpkin given her already rounded appearance. Cami and Davina dressing up as baby dolls for Halloween wearing; pigtails, bright makeup, glitter, and tulle dresses. Josh and Diego, as punk zombies. Damon dressing up as Dracula, and Luna beside him as his daughter the both of them wearing; fake fangs, powdery make-up, and capes. Not a lot of us had been around dealing with the witches of the Quarter. It was a shame to have missed it, but seeing that those who were there had fun was enough.

Hope blowing out her first set of candles on her first birthday cake. Klaus and Hayley up front cheering her on. Everyone else in the background singing with joined hands. That had been a damn good day.

Elijah and Hayley talking at the dinner table with Jackson looking in their direction titled,Turn it loose.

Damon and Klaus sitting on barstools, waving, and wearing their most threatening smirks named, Have Mercy.

Rebekah showing Freya nail polish for the first time titled,Fan Out the Funk!

A series of images showing Luna, Mikael training. Davina as well as Rebekah, Hayley, Cami preparing for something in different handwriting titled; Head Above Water, Track #12.

"Kol," Rebekah said. "Oh," That would explain the sloppiness and the music reference.

Thierry playing the trumpet, me, Diego, and a few others in the background titled,Rockin' with the rhythm of the Rain. That one made my heart ache. Everyone in the photo was dead beside me. Before Thierry died, he recorded some things. An entire album. It would never amount to if he was here in person...that man had a gift...I was thankful that he left a piece of himself behind before leaving the world so soon. All Diego had was an Xbox and a bunch of first shooter games that Josh now had.

Luna and Cami playing pool in a bar, Damon in the corner watching them, titled,Professional vs Passionate.A hard call. If I was not mistaken I think every time they played it was tied up. With those two it wasn't possible to tell who was winning what.

Another series of images showing; Hope holding Ester's finger with Klaus standing nearby arms crossed over his chest with a look on his face that was between worry and on the verge of smirking, a sleeping Ansel holding Hope in a rocking chair with a vivid multi-colored knit blanket thrown over them, Mikeal on the ground with Hope rolling a ball back and forth. The entirety of the mini-series was captioned, love can build a bridge.

"Oh, oh, oh this one! Marcel! You should have been there!" I laughed at her enthusiasm and then laughed even harder when I saw the picture.

Luna, drinking something steaming out of a mug, her eyes very green and wide over its ceramic, red surface. There was an entire page dedicated to Luna's reaction over whatever was in the mug. The last photo was of her holding the red mug, a bright smile on her face. This time she wasn't looking at the camera but the person beside her. The one who always returned her smiles. Klaus. The caption read, hot chocolate has never tasted so good. Inside of the first letter 'o' in the word 'good,' she drew a pink heart.

"Did she really do that?"

"Yes, and it's every time!"

"No," I shook my head.

For doubting Luna's reaction to hot chocolate, I got hit. Across the head, with a pillow.

Classic Bex.

"Yes! And If you don't believe me ask my brothers."

...

We stayed up all night, looking through the cleverly put-together photo album.

It was so peaceful. No talk of wars or death. Just laughter and smiles. Our family was anything but mundane. Sitting down, turning pages, and reading captions seemed to make us temporarily forget the outside world.

My phone vibrating broke the revere that had settled over the room.

"As some damned depressed person said, all good things come to an end."

Her tone was annoyed. All traces of her happiness gone.

Before I could blink, the photo album was gone, back into the dresser.

"Not until at least noon."

She turned, folding her arms over her chest. Out of my back pocket, I pulled out an envelope. Rebekah took it with explicit interest.

"Lu Anne's? I've been trying to get Luna and me in there for weeks! How in the world, did you manage to get this?"

"I can be charming."

"Yes, but unfortunately, it was a waste of time. I promised Elijah that I'd-"

A knock at the door silenced her.

'Relax, darling, just act normal,' she mouthed before giving me a quick peck and moving to open the door. She was wearing one of my shirts. I hoped he wouldn't notice.

Dressed in a suit as always, Elijah, stood in the door frame looking surprised to see Rebekah. She was in my room, after all. Great.

"Marcel and I were discussing his encounter with the regent of the nine covens. Despite not having any degrees to my name, I am an expert profiler. We stayed up late, arguing the rest of the night. He can fill you in on all the boring...details."

Elijah raised a brow. He might have been busy, but he was not insensible. "Arguing?"

"Yes, you see, he had given me the chance to go to this spa, Lu Anne's. I have been trying to get in for quite some time. Then I remembered that I promised you that I'd stay at the compound and supervise over the wolf packs along with-"

"No, no, no. Marcellus is right. You need a break."

Rebekah smiled, "If you say so... You know I'm not one to complain about getting pampered. I'm certainly not going to fight you on it."

"If Niklaus were here he would agree and reply to that with a snide comment. I, however, think that you deserve to be pampered."

"Aww...you are the best big brother a girl could ever ask for," she said kissing him on the cheek.

"Well, I have no time to waste...as I have plans...to be pampered. That and hearing you boys talk about war can be daunting at times, carry on!" With the sway of her hips, she was gone.

I was happy to be the one to send her away for a much-needed break.

As I closed the door to my room, I was relieved that he hadn't said anything odd about our behavior.

...

"The music room?"

"Yes. I thought it would be more peaceful...up here."

"The wolves arguing again?"

"Actually, no," he said as he sat on the bench. "Your vampires are cordially clashing with the North East Atlantic pack. It is clear to me that they will not rise above the stereotype that their kind is supposed to naturally hate the other. Luna's pack has refused any more meetings until her condition improves."

"She hasn't moved all?"

"No, not since last night. Believe me... nothing has changed."

"Guess it's time for plan b," I noted, pouring some cognac into two glasses.

"But there is no plan b."

"I know, but now we have no choice but to make one up."

Elijah sighed and began playing a song I had never heard before. It wasn't something that could pass at a party. Too sad and heartbreaking for any celebration. I wondered if this had any connection to Hayley. She did marry Jackson quickly. So far, all their marriage has done is hurt. Her mother, Luara, had lied in order to marry Jason. She had used whatever power she had over him to get her way. Luara strived to get Jason away from her best friend while still having feelings for his brother James. Even after they were married, she still saw his brother behind his back. The only reason Madeline sought to work things out with her former best friend was because of Hayley and Luna. Unlike some assumed, she didn't forget nor forgive. Instead, Madeline set aside her pride, which was a hard thing to do for the girls. So they could grow up together, like any other family. Luara was still practicing her sneaky behaviors. Sometimes I couldn't help but wonder if she played a part in Madeline's death. And by doing so, she unintentionally caused her own life as well as Jason's.

The motive was good. Maybe, Luara knew Jason was going to leave her for Madeline. Though, something was telling me that Madeline would have gone to San Francisco before going back to Jason.

My eyes drifted around the room. Admittedly, it had been too long since I've been here.

A contemporary chandelier hung in the middle of the ceiling. Instruments with many different names were in their rightful places. The grand piano was the star of the room. White leather ottomans and armchairs were the only pieces of furniture in the room. Walls painted an ivory white with gold trim. Seemingly rustic, gray, and silver carpet made it all come together. The room radiated this, classic, energy.

One painting hung on the accent wall. One was plenty. Before I knew it, my feet were cutting the path to approach it.

I studied it cautiously...sipping my drink. Not comprehending what I was looking at but at the same time undeniably interested.

There wasn't a distinct subject from what I could see. Only the surges and feelings of emotions were unswerving. I swear it was almost like it was playing tricks. One minute I thought I was looking at the point of view of someone underwater, in the next staring into a dark void with a light at the end. That light spread, but not like a stain would, more like a splatter, no, an explosion? Surely, now, I was looking at a night sky. Near the bottom and around the edges was a balcony. It was so realistic, I wondered that if I touched it, I would experience the clear night it must have been.

"Extraordinary, isn't it? Or is the word,magical, a more fitting term?"

"Why not both..." I wonder aloud, replying to his questions. "Who-"

"Luna's work. When I renovated the room, she offered. I could hardly say no..."

Elijah began to play a more familiar ballad.

"Clair de Lune?"

"Her favorite."

As he played the song's first notes, I could vividly see her sitting with Elijah on this bench.

"It's been months since we've been in this room together. With everything going on, we haven't had the time..."

"So, this is where she gets all of her ideas," I said, remembering how she explained needing a calm setting to be able to think clearly. Luna and her mother had the same mindset when it came to the statement that music aided in relaxation.

...

flashbacks

...

"Oh, hi, Marcel."

My vampires as usual perked up at her presence. Trying their best to sneak a peak. I would pull Klaus in to talk with me about that. It was in agreeance between the two of us that our vampires wouldn't be dogs like everyone else sniffing her up and down, panting at the sound of her silvery voice.I looked Luna up and down. Her thick and long hair was in a messy bun on the top of her head. A red sauce looked to have been sprayed all over her leggings and a purple and yellow batgirl hoodie that Josh gifted her. Her strange green and gray eyes were a sign that she was in a good or at the very least decent mood.

"What happened, Batgirl? Did the Joker pay you a visit?"

She laughed, graciously accepting the towel I had handed her. "Yeah...he paid me a visit alright, and then his girlfriend hit me in the head with a ladle."

"It's Harley Quinn," Josh said, interfering.

Luna smiled, "Right...Okay...So the Joker and I had a bet...Whoever could make the most edible spaghetti sauce had to clean the other's room. Harley volunteered to be the referee."

All other conversations in the room stopped. Everyone focusing on her, despite the conversation involving nothing about them.

"One thing led to another and we were in our cooking corners, making spaghetti sauce. Kol, ahem, the Joker thought it would be a good idea to try and have a fight. Except one around boiling tomato paste, and green herbs...Dav- excuse me, Harley tried to stop him but hit me with the ladle instead."

Laughter filled the room, Luna didn't join. Instead, she turned and left. I could hear her quick-paced footsteps as she made her way up the staircase.

I waited thirty minutes before making my way upstairs where she sat on the top of the stairs.

"You okay?"

She nodded, pulling on the edge of her shirt. "Yeah...just waiting...for 'Lijah..."

My brows went up. That had not been the name I was expecting to come out of her mouth.

Seeing my surprised expression she felt the need to explain herself.

"He helps me calm down, that and the soft scores he plays on the piano is relaxing."

"I thought Klaus calmed you down," I said, as I sat down a couple of steps down from her so I could stretch out my legs. It had been a long day.

"Klaus...does help...with a lot...of things...but not...everything. Besides, he has business to take care of. We have plans this Friday and it's been a couple of weeks since Elijah and I have really got the chance to hang out."

Luna was not as clingy as her sister thought. She realized and accepted the fact that Klaus had his own things going on. She was more than okay with the fact that the world didn't revolve around her. Hayley was wrong, Luna did not crave attention.

"I get most of my ideas when I can actually think. Not that anyone is overbearing-"

Holding up a hand I stopped her, not needing an explanation.

"It's okay you don't need to explain your thinking method to me."

She looked relieved.

"Your mother was like you in that way."

I could tell I had her full attention at the mention of her mother. "Did she like River Flows In You, by Yiruma, or was she more Dawn, by Dario Marianelli?"

"Which one do you like the most?"

"I could never choose between those two pieces, it's why I mentioned them in the first place."

"Madeline never did appreciate the piano. However, she did appreciate the Smiths."

"The Smiths?"

...

"Girlfriend in a coma, I know

I know, it's serious."

The sound of Madeline's syrupy voice echoed throughout the compound. Strangers would try to discover the source of the singing. But the people who knew the teenage Halliwell witch stayed their distance.

My vampires were wise to stay their distance. They knew that it was in fact, serious. Because she wasn't in the best mood.

"Girlfriend in a coma, I know

I know, it's really serious."

She was hanging upside down, yellow and black headphones over her ears hooked to her purple walkman, her long legs hooked securely around the banister, she wasn't going anywhere.

Judging by her appearance she looked fine. Her hair was weirdly straightened and not frizzed, there were no tears in her pants or shirt from a fight, no blood either.

"There were times when I could

Have murdered her."

For a second her syrupy tone disappeared, and it sounded like she was growling.

So it wasn't Jason who pissed her off but some girl...

"Luara, came over today, they fought," said a gravelly voice. I turned to see Madeline's guardian, Blade.

"But you know, I would hate

Anything to happen to her."

Her voice had returned to its softer tone.

"No, I don't want to see her..."

She trailed off, spotting me and Blade, and putting her headphones around her neck.

"What's up?"

I laughed, knowing what was coming. "You."

"Wow, I didn't think you would notice. I mean it's not like you have super senses or something..." She giggled, an odd sound from her.

She really must be upset.

"Madeline, you are dangling at least 25 feet in the air, honey. Who wouldn't notice?"

I was thankful that she was dangling on one of the lower levels today.

She hummed, "Let's see my boyfriend and my apparent...best friends. Would you like me to start naming off your vampires," she said, now looking at me.

"Please, get down," Blade said, and she huffed, "Okay."

Madeline never did things the usual way. So, that meant that she didn't swing her legs over the railing and walk to the staircase.She fell...purposefully

If I didn't know that she would have done one of her flips I probably would have been worried, Blade included. Ever since she was 4 she had been taking gymnastics. This was normal...for her at least.

"Was that really necessary?"

Her head came up, a smile forming on her face. She stood from her kneeling pose.

"Jason?"

"I mean you're making the rest of us look uncool... It's not fair. Somebody has to say it," he said extending his arms widely.

"Don't you know being cool is my job," was her reply.

"You do it well, Maddy, you...always...do..."

He was the one to hug her first. That was normal. She wasn't the most affectionate person in the world when she was in one of her moods.

"I thought you were staying in Memphis for another week, Cowboy. You are certainly dressed for the part. Those jeans, that hair, oh my god! Is that a flannel? Jason...Jason...Jason... I barely recognize you."

"Well, Maddy, you know that the biggest little town can't handle me for long."

"Don't you mean, you can't handle the biggest little town? And I know your damn ass didn't go to Nashville without bringing me back a record," she retorted in that special tone of hers but her eyes had softened.

"I came back to get you. Maybe on the way back we can get some damned records together."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

Jason suddenly reached for Madeline's pinkie, with his own. Something that was considered normal for them.

"You know that I would never do that to you, Maddy."

She nodded, "I know, but your brother and your girlfriend would, Cowboy."

Jason scrunched up his face at the sound of that six-letter word. "Will you drop the nickname?"

"No, I think it suits you..."

"Since when? You've been calling me Jace and I've been calling you Maddy since we were five."

"Things change."

"Not our names."

"I'll drop the nickname when you lose the flannel and grow out your hair again... I swear...Jace...if you come anywhere near me with a cowboy hat-"

Blade chuckled but the two teenagers' gazes remained on each other, pinkie's still locked together.

"You are supposed to be fixing the relationship between your pack and Ray's. What the hell are you doing wasting here? Or do you want a war?" She was the one to unlock their pinkies and step back.

"I could use...an extra pair of hands." He paused glancing over at me with those strange green and gray eyes of his. I knew his secret. Maybe Madeline would find out about the trip they would take together.

"You mean my hands. C'mon...just admit it..."

"Admit what, Maddy?"

"You want me..."

I could tell what she meant by that, probably Blade too, but Jason... He went into a spluttering coughing fit.

"What...makes you think...that I-"

"Your brother seems to think that I am, oh, so sexy."

Ouch. That must have hurt. He was so well-practiced that the pain on his face was only there for a few seconds, long enough to be there, but not long enough for her to see it.

Madeline put a hand on his shoulder and leaned forward slightly still looking up at him as he had a good few inches on her.

"Relax...Jace... I know you only think I'm pretty on summer nights."

He opened his mouth to speak but the words that came out weren't what he truly intended to say.

"Look, I know you need a way out. A break. Everything with James and Luara, school..."

He had finally got to her. I could tell that because she shifted her feet.

"Let's say I'm in. And it's great. When we get back it'll be hel-"

"If you want to call James and ask to go with-"

Her eyes had hardened as she cut him off, "I don't need to ask your brother's permission."

"And I don't need to ask for Luara's."

The two had one of their stare off's. Him, cheekily grinning, already knowing he had offered her something she would never refuse. Her, frustrated at the fact that he knew he had already won.

She jogged past him breaking their eye contact.

"Where are you going?"

"Packing, Jace. Unless, you changed your mind...

He shook his head and Madeline smiled, "Thought so, Cowboy..."

Jason laughed, "Are you even going to ask the G-man?"

Blade smiled, watching as she ran off. "I let her go willingly or she sneaks out. I learned a long time ago that the saying, you can't stop a hurricane, also applies to Madeline."

"Sir, I meant no harm."

Jason was more respectful than his older brother.

"It's Blade, and no harm was or will be done."

He said it in a way that even I knew no harm would be done.

Jason hesitated, before jogging in the direction she went. "She is gonna break his heart."

"Or they'll both get hurt," Blade finished, pouring himself some whiskey. He'd need it in the weeks that followed after Jason and Madeline got back from their trip.

...

end of flashbacks

...

"Luna has a particular talent to surprise those around her."

"More like a birthright..."

"Was her mother like that at all?"

"No. Everyone could usually predict Maddy's moods. Luna, however, is-"

"For the most part, unpredictable," Elijah summed up as he began a new ballad. Another one I had never heard.

Nothing filled the room besides dramatic notes for a moment...

"Tell me about the meeting. How is the regent, Ms. Ellis?"

"She's dying."

Elijah's hands paused, causing the song to cut off abruptly.

"Dying?"

I nodded, taking a deep breath before telling him all about the meeting with Audrey Ellis.

...

flashback

...

"I apologize for not coming here earlier...I should thank you..."

My brows went up at this. I was surprised at the witch's words and that I haven't told Damon to shut up yet.

Audrey Ellis was not herself. That much was obvious. But I couldn't exactly turn down meeting the regent of the nine witch covens of New Orleans.

"We haven't had any issues with your kind for a year and a half," Audrey said. The ghost of a smile on her face.

"Maybe, they haven't pissed enough of us off yet. Give it a month or two; we'll be glad to be at your kind's throat."

Damon had called me before arriving with the current regent. One of her sons, Haun, was missing. Her other two sons: Jay and Aaron, were still working at the restaurant, Munchies, according to Booth, who had a quick talk with both brothers. The Fbi agent was proving to be much helpful.

"Is this one's mouth always ready to go?"

"I'm afraid so," I said, sighing as I sent Damon a look.

Audrey twisted her wrist, and there was the sound of a body hitting the floor.

"Not that I'm complaining, but was that really necessary?"

"For what I'm about to tell you, yes. This subject is incredibly confidential, one I'd strongly advise you keep between us."

"Bet it's been a long time since you've had to use that word."

She shrugged, "Not really...I used it just last week in a joke. Mayor Medina did not find it amusing."

"Mayor Medina, wouldn't know a joke if it hit him in the face."

I chuckled, "Alright, but I don't see the words, operations officer, coming out of your mouth any time soon."

Audrey leaned back, laughing. "I may surprise you."

"This is all still supernatural related, right?"

"Yes, as most things discussed between us are... How is the harvest witch?"

If this were any other witch, I would tense up, fearing a fight. Audrey Ellis was not any other witch.

"She's happy. Two of her good friends are talking about going to college with her, for support."

"Photography, right? Every time I see her in the Quarter she is always taking pictures."

"I think. Of course, I'll have to talk more with her about her plans. I've been running this city a long time, I may know a thing or two about colleges. But the final choice is hers."

Audrey smiled, "Good."

She asked about Davina some more, and I answered all her questions honestly without hesitation. I trusted Audrey, and she trusted me. After some more small talk, the room fell silent.

Whatever she wanted to tell me, she was struggling to find a way to do so.

"I'm afraid it's time I began crossing things off my bucket list."

I chuckled, watching as she coughed into one of her purple-spotted handkerchiefs. "Audrey, you are only 55. You just might be the Betty White of the supernatural world and outlive everyone."

She didn't reply to what I said. Instead, she held out her handkerchief, now blotched, with blood.

Her blood.

"Damn... What happened?"

Audrey blinked hard, "The ancestor's nasty work, I'm afraid. I refused to kill you and the ones around you, so they are killing me. Funny, isn't it?"

I gave her no response. To busy, mulling over the fact that I was going to be losing another friend.

"Your boys-"

"Haun is missing. With people disappearing and turning up dead the next day, he likely shares their fate. Aaron's father destroyed whatever part of me that was inside of that boy. Now, he wishes even our allies dead. Jay...now his future is promising. He's studying to be an analyst..."

"Looks like he got a lot from you. Work ethic, and interest in the CIA."

"He's a good boy..." Audrey stated, before shaking her head, chuckling. "Sorry to have brought you down. You can joke, but just know that I'll poke you back. I don't have the time to sugarcoat anything as much as I would like to."

I waved her off, pouring some of the best booze we had to offer. She looked like she needed it. I wasn't going to lie and say I didn't need a drink.

She took the glass with a shaky hand.

"As you may or may not know, it is customary for the regent to choose the next in line."

I hadn't known that. "Is Jay..." I trailed off. It wouldn't make any sense if she chose her son. There would be no reason for this conversation to be top secret.

"No... I don't want him to be tied down in this city like I was. Jay, unlike his brother Aaron, has a chance. If I could turn back time, I would have never stepped foot in this city. He may stay in the city for the rest of his life, or maybe one day he'll leave and start a new path for himself. I would rather give him that chance than force him into something he has no interest in doing."

"Does he know?"

The look in her eyes told me he didn't. "For now, no, but he will soon enough."

She cleared her throat, taking a small drink before continuing. "As I was saying before, I have chosen the next regent. And it is not any family of mine, at least, that I know of."

"Who is it?" I asked, the curiosity breaking through my patience. Whoever she chose, they must be an unusual pick because I was clearly the first person who would be let in on the secret.

"Davina."

I choked on my whiskey, not bothering to hide my shock. "My Davina?"

Audrey nodded, "Yes, the last living Claire witch. The only living harvest girl, shall I go on?"

"Why? They hate her and have tried to kill her dozens of times, overriding your rules."

"And where, Marcel, do you think those who disobeyed me are?"

Her gaze had turned hawk-like, somehow it was different than before.

The pleading was still there in her eyes.

"I realize my idea is unconventional-"

"Audrey, are you hearing yourself? Your idea is more than unconventional. Would they even listen to you or her?"

"This is different than before. They have no choice, but to respect my decision, and go by what she says. When I die, her word will be law. I know I may have not been the best mother but being regent for long as I have has taught me things. And I think that Davina would be rather good. She's young, powerful-"

"And not available."

"Have you even considered the pros to this arrangement?"

"They'll hurt her or wo-"

"Okay since you are avoiding listening to reason, I'll say it for you. With Davina Claire as regent, you will have the witches under your control."

I put my head in my hands, thinking that it would block out the good reasons she was giving me.

"You have already successfully worked with the werewolves many times. I sense that after Madeline's daughter wakes, all will be fine. And you will walk away with more allies than you've had before. With the 9 covens on your side, in agreeance, there would finally be peace. Any smart enemies of yours or the Mikealson's will cop out and wait until you pass the Louisiana state line. And as for the mayor, well, he wouldn't be able to taunt you any longer because you'll have not 2 but 3 supernatural forces standing behind you. He can't exactly argue with that."

I struggled to find excuses. "She won't have time to run 9 covens, and go to school."

"Meetings every two weeks to discuss how things are going. Technology has made everyone's life much easier. Besides, she won't be babysitting, she'll be leading. During certain months she will be showered with gifts."

"The ancestors."

Audrey nodded once, "Don't worry about them."

"How am I supposed to not-"

"Because I have a theory, on how to close their link to our world."

I took a careful sip of whiskey, hoping to take the edge off my headache. Audrey stood and I didn't bother to lift my head. Being mentally and emotionally exhausted.

Her hand laid on my shoulder, she coughed. This time I could smell the blood.

"I will give you some time to think this over, even though my time is limited. If you do tell someone, tell someone you can trust. I don't mean to manipulate your decision by any means but if my pick for regent doesn't pan out, Aaron will take my place. He will want Davina dead and Luna back in a cell tortured for hours on end. It's up to you, Marcel."

...

end of flashback

...

"That seems-"

"A little dramatic," I finished, watching as he finished the song.

"Do you agree?"

"I'm more worried about what your brother would think."

Klaus was called a mastermind for a reason. Despite most disagreeing with his methods, they worked.

Elijah stood straightening his suit. "Then let's go see."

I shifted my feet, unsure, "Do you think that's a good idea?"

"My brother could use a distraction."

...

Luna's room has never been so quiet.

The only different thing was Luna's hand gripping his tightly. Small drops of dried blood had stained the white sheets.

If Klaus had noticed our arrival, he paid no mind. He was in his usual spot. How he managed to stay by her side all this time was a mystery to me. Of course, some of us functioned differently. I had to move constantly and talk to try and solve problems. Klaus needed to stay by Luna's side. Everyone had their differences.

"Brother, how are you feeling?"

Klaus briefly turned, glaring at Elijah. In my opinion, I had never seen him look worse.

"Where is Shadow?" Elijah's next question seemed easy enough for my comrade to answer.

"Out walking with young Joshua and Aiden."

"Go join them," Elijah suggested, unshaken by another glare thrown his way.

"I can't..." He answered, slightly holding up his hand only to pull Luna's with it. They were connected. This display reminded me of a memory...

...

flashback

...

"Jace, I know you're angry, go walk it off."

"I can't... We're cuffed together, remember?"

Here we go.

"I haven't forgotten. I just thought... It doesn't even matter what I think or say, you'll still be mad at me."

Jason scoffed, "Me mad at you? That's like asking a dog person to hate cute puppies?"

"You think I'm cute...hmm...from what I remember I was more than that to you a month ago."

"Maddy...you are... just... stop."

"Stop what? I haven't done anything-"

"Looking at me like-"

"So, now I'm not allowed to look at you? Don't blame me for this," Madeline stated while holding up their conjoined hands and shaking. "I told you to get out!"

"I couldn't! What the hell was I supposed to do, Maddy?! You started a bar brawl. What did you expect?"

Walking in on Madeline and Jason's conversations were always entertaining. You never knew what you were walking in on. I kind of felt sorry for Blade.

Jason was now living with Blade and Madeline because, after the Tennesse trip, Luara broke up with him and kicked Jason out of her apartment. Mysteriously she had a bloody lip and a black eye a couple of hours later, from what I was told Madeline paid her a visit. I didn't see those two rekindling their friendship any time soon. His older brother, James, and Madeline were at odds every time they saw eachother out of the bedroom, and when they weren't fighting, Jason was utterly miserable. For an immortal man, Blade was quite the gossiper.

"I expected to fight, duh," Madeline answered, her hair poofed, knuckles bruised, and shorts and t-shirt ripped and tainted. Jason didn't look any better. "It's been too long since I've seen a good brawl anyway."

"Madeline Heights, the starter of fights."

"Nice title, except I would prefer Halliwell. And whatever did I do to make you think of it?"

"Your full name is, Madeline Pele Waiola Halliwell-Heights."

Madeline put her hand over her chest, feigning shock. "Jason Matvei Aleksandr Labonair, sincewhen did you start speaking Hawaiian?"

"Since when did you start speaking Russian?"

She sighed, Madeline always had problems with her two last names. While Jason had problems with his two middle names. "Besides, you know I'm not into the whole hyphen thing-"

"Fighting get's you high."

"And being with me is your high. Jace, this may come as a shock... but here it is; you are a werewolf who is best friends with a hybrid who is both werewolf and witch, let's not mention the fact that the whole world is against us, and now we have just learned what gets us off. I have words three words for you. Congratulations, ya cowpoke, we are weird. And everyone else knows, so, yeah...get used to it..."

Jason flinched, and for the first time since I entered the room, I noticed he was flushed. Either from anger, frustration, or Madeline. My guess is it was all three. Guess the secret was out now-

"Jace, I never asked you to be there-"

"We were detained, and you ran."

"No shit! What was I supposed to do? We made it out, didn't we?"

"Barely..."

"Ugh... Can you stop whining already..."

"Oh, but Maddy, you didn't say the magic words."

Madeline rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. When the magic words were said, everything became less tense.

"Peas and carrots."

A relaxed smile spread on his face. There was a peaceful silence, until-

"Today is gonna be the day

That they're gonna throw it back to you"

It was Jason who broke the silence with his singing. The boy had a gift. The only thing his parents had left him was a guitar. Ever since he could walk he's been playing that thing and singing everything and anything he could. This time he was hoping to cheer Maddy up. It must have worked because she smiled weakly.

"By now you should've somehow

Realized what you gotta do"

Madeline sang the next part in her usual syrupy voice.

"I don't believe that anybody

Feels the way I do about you now"

They sang in sync, laughing a little before stopping completely. Now they were just looking at each other.

Interesting...

"How are we," Jason cleared his throat. "Going to get out of this."

Madeline sighed, not meeting the green and gray eyes that searched for hers. "Easy, just hold still."

"Yes, mam."

She briefly looked up at Jason before rolling her eyes, and whispering, "Rima."

The cuffs instantly fell to the floor, broken. Her attention was again, on Jason. His wrists were raw, he tried to wave her off unsuccessfully.

"I'm fine, I'll heal."

James came in then, smelling like liquor. I was shocked he didn't bathe in it.

Of course, he had to come in at the wrong time. His eyes narrowed seeing Madeline's fingers brushing against his brother's wrists, as she syrupy whispered words in latin.

James sauntered his way towards her.

"Oh hell," Blade whispered, drinking back more whiskey.

"Sano-"

He gripped her shoulder and spun her around, getting in her face, slurring, "Where...the hell...have you been?"

"Hmm let's see... I took a left... then a right, and I drove straight... about five miles down... you know from...none of your damn... business."

James was 21 and the current alpha of the werewolf pack down in the bayou. He was drunk or stoned half the time. Madeline was 17. She was both werewolf and witch, though no pack or coven spoke for her. Even if anyone got word of their relationship nothing would be done about it. There was no stopping Madeline, the cops that handcuffed her and Jason together must have been new. She was untouchable, and James being basically royalty was too.

James snickered, I felt Blade tense up beside me.

"Now, that's funny, Maddy. Studying to be a comedian. The finest in all of New Orleans. I know something else that is the finest..."

Madeline like everyone in the room was not amused. She turned back to her work, muttering in latin, faster than before.

He spun her around again. "I believe I was talking to you."

Jason grit his teeth.

"And I believe that given the fact that those hazy blue eyes are locked on mine, that you can see I am busy... so fuck off!"

James leaned against Madeline as soon as her back was turned. He didn't seem to care that not only were my nightwalkers here, but his younger brother, Madeline's guardian Blade, and me. She didn't like it when someone defended her but if he hurt her and I saw it-

"Ouch... You are a bit feistier than usual. Is it because of last night?"

Madeline didn't stop or her work or turn as she replied. "Just leave me alone."

"No."

"Please...James... I need a break."

James shook his head, his blonde curls bobbing. "You can have a break when I'm done."

Jason stepped forward and if it weren't for Madeline gripping his shoulders he would have been in his brother's face.

"Get outta here."

"I'll leave when Maddy does, she is my girlfriend after all."

Madeline turned to James while still holding back Jason. "I have to stay late. Marcel says he's found some new info about my family."

A lie. I told her all I knew a few years ago, but I didn't mind if she stayed.

"Stay away from her."

So, it didn't matter what Madeline said, this was between brothers.

"Or what little brother?"

"I'll put you on your ass the next time you talk to her like that."

...

A/N: So sorry for the wait! I decided to split the chapter into two parts. Part 2 should be out soon, hopefully...