She knew she should say something. But she didn't know what. Maybe anything would do. But she didn't feel like speaking. And she had a sense she'd regret it. She stayed out of Eric and Bill's mind as they were probably thinking the exact same things as her. They were going to die before dawn, they'd never see Sookie again, they'd never have a chance to fix what had been broken.

On the way to New-Orleans, Eric had explained the sanguinista movement to her. Crazy religious vampires who thought Lilith was God and humans only served one purpose: to be food. They were suspected to have infiltrated the AVL and the Authority, which meant keeping the fact that she was a fairy a secret was vital. Under no circumstances were they to find out, because that would be catastrophic. Not only for Sookie and herself, but also for all the fairies that were scattered around the world. They'd be hunted down, and killed, if they were lucky.

There would be no mention of her mind reading abilities, no mention of day walking or of human tears. She was a vampire who could make a strange light come out of her hands, that was all she was. A mystery. To them, to the world.

That was who she had always been to others. But she had always known she was a fairy. She had kept that secret her whole life, even to Sookie. All her sister had ever wanted was to be normal, so she kept it a secret. It wasn't like anyone would have believed her anyway.

And now, all that Brooklynne wanted was to be normal too. Not human, because she didn't know what that meant, but normal, living a simple life with her family and friends, not having to worry about the Authority or anyone else that wanted to hunt and kill her and the people she cared about. She wanted to be happy. She wished she could have had happy days with Eric before they had to meet the True Death.

The van stopped and Eric squeezed her hand, not to reassure her, but to say goodbye. "This is it." "I love you." "I'm sorry." She didn't squeeze back.

He didn't let go of her hand as they exited the vehicle. She didn't understand right away that it was because he was afraid they'd take her as soon as they were out of the van. He kept his hand around her wrist and kept her close behind him. It was useless and they both knew it. If they wanted her dead they'd kill her and would have no problem going through him first. But it was her maker's instinct to protect her and he would until he couldn't anymore.

They were led to an elevator. Two armed guards joined them inside and positioned themselves behind them. As she felt the elevator move up, she slid her hand in Eric's and intertwined her fingers with his. He looked down at her, hoping he'd see some forgiveness in her eyes. He didn't know exactly what he saw in her pupils but at least she didn't look away this time. She looked right back at him, and, to his relief, he saw no hate there.

As the elevator stopped and the doors opened, she slid her other hand on his arm and moved closer to him. He put his hand on top of hers as the entrance revealed itself. It was surprisingly empty, with only a busy receptionist at the desk. She didn't even acknowledge their arrival.

"No welcoming party?" Eric said, looking at Bill. "Can't be good."

"At least there's not a firing squad."

There were led by one of their guards to the next room on their right. Music welcomed them when he opened the door and they entered a big conference room. Five vampires were waiting for them there, with red champagne. Brooklynne recognised Chancellor Akinjide, who gave her an amused smile.

"Congratulations, boys!" the other man, a white tall and well dressed vampire said with a heavy German accent as he welcomed them from where he was sitting at the end of the room.

"There are the boys!" a short red-head woman raised her glass at them.

Chancellor Harris was sitting on her own on one of the two blue sofas that had been arranged into a small relaxing area at the opposite of the large conference table at the other end of the room. Facing her were two women, one whom Brooklynne recognised to be Molly as she congratulated them. The woman to her left must be, according to Eric and Bill's description, Chancellor Agrippa: Salome. At Molly's right sat Chancellor Akinjide on a black leathered armchair and to his right was Chancellor Braun on an armchair of his own.

"Hail the Conquering heroes," Salome said as she made her way to them.

She shook Bill's hand before she kissed him on the cheek as if they were longtime friends.

"Roman is very impressed," she continued as she put a hand on Eric's right arm.

Her eyes finally fell on Brooklynne who was still holding Eric's left hand, harder now, as if he would be taken away if she let go.

"I'm afraid I don't know your name."

"Salome," Eric cleared his throat, "let me introduce to you my progeny, Brooklynne."

"Right," the chancellor smiled as she held out her hand to the hybrid.

Brooke stared at it for a long moment before she took it.

I wonder why she's here, why did they include her in their plan? Perhaps he doesn't care about his progeny at all. No, he must, seeing the way he's protecting her. She's just a baby vampire. No reason to worry. Russell is here. The plan doesn't change.

She released the chancellor's hand as if it had burnt her and seized Eric's arm again. Salome rose an eyebrow but thought nothing of it. She was just a baby vampire. She was intimidated and scared, that was all.

"Please, join us," Salome said with a nod as she led them to the sofas.

The petite vampire, Molly, walked up to them with a candid smile. She took a phone out of her jeans pocket and unlocked it.

"And you don't need these anymore," she told Eric and Bill.

And as she lifted her hand and reached for Eric's heart, Brooklynne swiftly seized the techie vampire's wrist as she took a step forward. Molly jumped and opened her mouth but the deadly look in Brooklynne's eyes silenced her. The chancellors started to laugh.

"It's okay," Eric said as he took his progeny's hand away from Molly. "She's just removing the iStake."

Brooklynne stepped back but didn't even attempt to apologise to the girl whom she let worked.

"She's quite protective of you this one," Chancellor Braun said. "Is that why you brought her along?"

"She helped us a great deal in the capture of Russell," the Viking replied with a servile tone.

"Our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to you three, then," he raised his glass of bloody champagne at them.

"Okay, stand still," Molly told Eric before she slid her hands under his shirts.

Brooklynne almost growled.

"Don't want to accidentally set up this thing, would't that be ironic?"

"No, it wouldn't," Brooke told her with a menacing tone.

Bill chuckled. Brooklynne could swear Molly had gulped. Good.

Chancellor Harris started to laugh. "I still can't believe you snagged that little psychopath alive."

"Have we learned who released Russell from the ground to begin with?" Eric asked as Molly finally removed the iStake from him.

"Salome has been interrogating Russell but…" Chancellor Akinjide started to say.

"Well, he's been a little tight-lipped," Salome finished.

He can't be asking questions now. There are only so many times I can avoid the question.

Brooklynne frowned. She watched as Salome picked up three glasses of bubbly blood she intended to give to them.

"We should know soon."

You will all know soon.

"But for a moment at least, let's celebrate."

Enjoy the party, boys. Things are about to change.

Eric took the drink she handed to him before he summoned the courage to ask:

"Would it be possible for me to speak to Chancellor Gainsborough?"

The suspicious thoughts of the chancellors echoed in her head, but there was only Salome's that interested her.

Don't worry, you'll see your sister soon enough.

"Chancellor Gainsborough has revealed her true sanguinist leanings while you were gone," she informed them.

Bill wasn't surprised, though saddened by the news. However, Eric was stunned.

"Anyway, I should go back to interrogating Mr. Edgington…"

I have to make sure he understood the plan. Russell is a wild card. Only Lilith can save him. Only she can save us all.

"I'm hoping he will provide us with a wealth of useful intelligence."

Even the smile she gave them was fake.

"Be careful," Eric warned her. "He's the strongest vampire I've ever met."

"Well, he's been silvered intravenously. He's quite impaired. Trust me."

Lies. Only lies came out of that woman's mouth. But how could Brooklynne safely warn anyone? Would they even believe her?

"Congratulations again, and thank you for all you've done. We will not forget."

Lilith will not forget.

"It was our duty," Bill smiled at her.

Salome gave him a weird look before she walked away.

"Boy Scout," Eric whispered.

"Delinquent."

Brooklynne's eyes followed Salome who was about to exit the room but a vampire entered through the same door she meant to take.

"My boys! My boys!" he shouted as he spotted Eric and Bill. "There are my boys! From here on out, officially known as the guys who took down Russell Edgington. How's that sound?" he said loudly, as if any of them were deaf. "Well done, well done."

He tapped them both on the shoulder before his eyes fell on Brooklynne.

"My apologies," he smiled at her. "Kibwe did mention you helped as well."

"She did, Guardian," Eric nodded.

"Right, and she demonstrated some… abilities," he inquired after Eric. "How did you describe it, Kibwe, remind me."

"A light, Guardian. I saw this young vampire here use light against Russell. She stopped him from killing Mr. Northman here."

"Brave, very brave," the Guardian nodded, "to expose yourself in order to save your maker. You can't wish for anything better from your progeny, can you?"

"Indeed," the chancellors echoed their leader's sentiment. "Here, here."

"So, what are you?"

There it was. The questions. The Guardian's eyes pierced through her, as if he were trying to see inside of her, but she knew that he knew. And he knew that she knew too.

I have no interest in your kind. I'm sure you want to keep it a secret, in fact I'm certain your maker has told you to. Do you know what you are? Fairy?

"Yes, I know," she said, and even he was surprised to be surprised.

Eric's worry worsened but the other vampires in the rooms were just confused. The Guardian laughed.

"I wasn't expecting you to be honest about it."

"Neither was I."

"Brooke…" Eric tried to stop her but she raised a hand to silence him.

"I wasn't going to, but there's something I know you need to hear."

The Guardian rose his eyebrows. "I'm listening."

She took a deep breath, before she moved her eyes on Salome who was standing behind the Guardian.

"She's the traitor you're looking for."

Gasps filled the room and even Eric was too shocked to worry about the implications of her accusations.

"When I shook her hand I heard, I saw. She hasn't silvered Russell at all. In fact she's the one who freed him."

"Impossible!" Chancellor Harris breathed.

"What are you talking about," Salome laughed nervously.

"If you think I'm lying there are easy ways to find out."

"Brooklynne," Eric tried to make her stop.

"Think about it, Eric. You told me she's the one who helped Nora's career, she's the one who convinced your sister to become sanguanista. I saw it, Eric."

"You cannot come in here and start making insane accusations at a chancellor of the Authority. What proof do you have?" Chancellor Braun asked.

"Like she said," the Guardian replied. He was pissed. He was fuming. "There are easy ways to find out."

He gestured for the guards that were posted at each side of each door to move on Salome.

"Arrest Chancellor Agrippa. I will check on Russell myself."

"It's a lie!" Salome yelled. "They're setting me up! Can't you see?"

"I will see," Roman snarled. "Lead them to their quarters. Next time I see you three, someone will die."

Eric was alive and that's all that mattered for the moment. She had been given her own rooms, though she could see they were someone else's. Personal items were scattered around the room, makeup and dresses in the closets… At least the sheets seemed to have been changed.

She could hear Eric's erratic thoughts. She could feel him worry. But why would they have to worry? She had told the truth, and the Guardian would see that. And as pissed as he would be about the betrayal of another one of his chancellor's, he couldn't exactly put that on them.

She sat on the chaise lounge, not knowing her maker had sat right there just a couple of days earlier. And she waited. And she wished Eric were there so they could talk. So she could explain. Eventually, she started to wonder if she should even feel bad. After all, she could make her own decisions, and she hadn't endangered any of their lives. In fact, she had saved many lives, including the Guardian's. He were to be thankful for that, wasn't he?

Maybe she had done it out of anger and frustration. Maybe she were too tired for these schemes and secret plans. Better to be done now than having to deal with it later on. She had seen Salome's plans. What would have happened if they had succeeded? It would have been a catastrophe.

About two hours after having been locked in those chambers, she heard footsteps coming from the hallway. Coming for her. She straightened up as the Guardian entered the room. He didn't seem angry. Or not at her, at least.

"These were Salome's chambers," he said. "I'm not sure why I wanted you to see them. Or perhaps, I just wanted to make a point that Chancellor Agrippa was a trusted member of this Authority and now, these rooms are all that is left of it."

"You killed her?"

"No, no," he chuckled. "No, she will be given the True Death. But, she has many things to tell us first. Your help would be welcomed."

"What are you gonna do with Eric?"

He rose an eyebrow. "Your first thought is for your maker. Such loyalty is rare nowadays." He sighed. "Mr. Northman and Mr. Compton have been given full pardons," he informed her as he sat in the armchair before her. He crossed his legs as he leaned back. "What do you know of Salome's plans?"

"She thinks you've betrayed all vampires. But she wanted to go by the book, so, she meant for Russell to kill you then pardon him as she would take your place."

"She thinks the mainstreaming agenda is an abomination, doesn't she?"

"Yes. As Guardian her first order would have been to put a stop to it."

"You got all of that from shaking her hand."

"I looked around inside her head. She's… old."

"That she is… that old bitch."

"What about Nora?"

"What about her?"

"Are you going to kill her?"

"She will be given the True Death. She is, after all, sanguinista."

"Salome brainwashed her! I saw it. It took years and years of manipulation for her to convince Nora."

"And she is still convinced. I can't release Nora as she is now."

"What if I can get through to her?"

The Guardian frowned. "How do you mean?"

"I could get inside her mind, remind her of what it was like to be human, of a time when she thought differently."

"What if you can't help her?"

Brooklynne paused.

"Then I can't help her."

"How long have you known Nora?"

"I don't. I… I met her once."

"And you would do that for her?"

"She's Eric's sister."

"Indeed… None of us knew Nora was Mr. Northman's sister."

"I shouldn't have said, it was a mistake."

"That mistake, Miss Stackhouse, is how I know I can trust you."

She watched as he stood up.

"You will have your chance to speak to Nora. For now, it is time for all of us to rest for the day."

"Wait! Have you… who else knows…"

"The Chancellors may know, as I did, but they're under strict orders to keep it confidential."

She frowned, as she couldn't understand why he'd even try to protect her secret.

"Why?"

"Few of us know about fairies. But those of us who do know for a reason."

"Daylight," she guessed.

He nodded. "The sun is forbidden to us. And it would be against our own laws to allow vampires to go after another vampire. Even if you're only half a creature of Lilith," he said as he turned around and made his way to the exit.

"Can I…"

"You may join Mr. Northman in his chambers," he finished her thought as he disappeared out of the room.

She didn't know what to expect from Eric. He'd be angry, for sure. Worried too. But would he be more pissed than anxious? She had lost all of her confidence from before. She had thought about it while she waited in Salome's chambers. It wasn't confidence that had made her do it. It was anger. It was frustration. She was in a room, surrounded with the most powerful vampires in the world, and she had the one information that could save them all, and the only reason she couldn't tell them was because it was dangerous. Because she was too weak to do it. But she wasn't weak. She wasn't strong, or as strong as them, but she wasn't weak.

Her whole life people had told her what to do, what not to do. But what about what she wanted? It was never considered. It was always about her safety, about what was best for her. And that had led them here. That had led Eric to leave her. Never again.

Two guards opened the door to Eric's room and they closed it behind her as she disappeared inside. Eric was pacing, worried, no doubt, for both his sister and Brooklynne. But when he heard the door open, he was expecting to see the Guardian or another chancellor, someone to tell him they had killed Nora and taken the gifted vampire away.

She saw the surprise on his face, but mostly the relief in his eyes. He froze, not daring to move, as if she were a hallucination he could blink away. But she kept walking towards him. She was real. She was safe.

"Hey," she said gently as she stopped before him.

He stared at her, a million thoughts running in his mind. He didn't know what to do, what to say first. She was expecting another scolding. But it never came.

She felt his lips on hers before she even saw him move. He put his hands on each side of her face as she tiptoed to meet his mouth. He put all of his regret and all of his relief into the kiss.

He kissed her so deeply, as if he were looking for something. Her forgiveness maybe, or just her love. He kissed her like it had been a thousand years since the last time. He kissed her, maybe, to tell her all the things he wanted her to know but for which he hadn't found the right words. He had looked for them, had tried to find ways to tell her, but it was as if the words didn't exist, as if they hadn't been invented yet. So he kissed her, because that was the only thing he could do to let her know how sorry he was. How much it broke his heart to leave her behind, how it had almost killed him to walk away from her. She had to know it was the most painful thing he had ever done, and for four days, those torturous four days he had been away from her, had been convinced he'd never see her again, all of his thoughts had been for her. And he died all over again each day when he woke up at sunset without her. And when he came back, when he entered Fangtasia and saw her on his throne, it was like coming back to life, like his heart had started beating again just to get crushed all over again by the look in her eyes. It had felt like a thousand needles to see that look of betrayal in her eyes, that pain and that anger, and those tears… And though he had tried to remind himself he had done it to protect her, he couldn't help but regret it, because he might had just lost her while trying to save her. So he had included her in his plans, he wasn't about to make the same deadly mistake again. He wouldn't put her aside this time, he would stay with her and never leave her again. Until the Authority came for him and gave him the True Death. Because even if his last days consisted of chasing after Russell Edgington, they'd be the most beautiful days of his life if she were there with him. But he wasn't dead. And she wasn't dead. Even after his worst fears came true. Even after all of this and all of that, she was there, she had come for him, and she was kissing him too.

She kissed him because she loved him. She kissed him because she had missed him. She had missed his lips and his hands on her. She had missed his blue eyes, his voice and his subtle accent. She had missed his love. She had missed him. As angry as she was she kissed him. Because that was the only thing that could wash off the last five days. It wouldn't erase them, but it would make it better, for the moment. Because she had been convinced she'd never see him again and for those four agonising days she had wondered what she'd do with herself and an eternity without him. She could taste his regret and his pain on his lips, and after a while, after they got each other's clothes off in a desperate hurry, the pain went away. His mouth traveled on her body, and after kissing every inch, biting every weak spot, devouring her like she liked it, his lips started to feel normal again, as if her skin had cleaned him of his sins.

And though she still had things to say, she cast it aside for now, wanting to enjoy the moment. She had thought she'd never see him again, thought she'd never be here again, thought she had lost him forever. Every second with him healed the wound he had given her, filled the hole he had left in her chest. So she laid on the bed and let him worship every bit of her. Let him make amends.