Kaulder and 37 were sitting in arm chairs, both staring at Arielle as she sat on the couch in front of them. She had a glass of bourdon in her hands but all she was doing was staring at it. They were giving her time. Kaulder was running the memory over and over again in his head. He was frowning and trying to understand what was happening. Arielle inhaled sharply then quickly threw back the drink. She grimaced as it burned down her throat.
" Okay. I'm going to start with the Queen's death." She said when she finally looked up at Kaulder. "Shortly after her death there was a prophecy. That a new Queen would be born and witches everywhere would feel it. But then the prophecy splits. It becomes two, two paths. The first one says the New Queen will be of the light."
" What is the light?" 37 asked. Arielle answered but never looked away from Kaulder.
" She will choose the side of the light. She will move the Witches into a new direction. One is which they live beside the humans, help them and be at peace." She explained.
" And the other path?" 37 asked.
" The other one is where the dark ones will take her over. They will make her as the old Queen and the dark times will start again. The prophecy comes together then. No matter the path the new Queen takes there will be a war. Many humans and witches will die." Arielle finished slowly.
" Is she here?" 37 asked. Kaulder glanced at him then back at her.
" It's you." His deep voice said. Arielle nodded slowly and 37 sat up straight with wide eyes.
" When I was born, my parents and grandparents felt it. Inside their souls. They knew right away and decided to hide me. They knew the others would come for me right away. Both sides would want to raise me to install their wants in me. A protection spell was done and they moved as soon as they could. I was kept hidden. As long as I could remember I knew what I was. Things were fine until one day my grandpa felt someone of the dark was coming and told my grandma to hide me."
" This was six hundred years ago." Kaulder said, making her nod.
" I kept myself hidden, my powers. I reached the age twenty-nine and never aged again." She explained slowly. " I don't know why. I guess because of what I am."
" So why haven't you tried to take over yet?" 37 asked. This time she did look at him. Something that looked like hurt or betrayal had flashed in Kaulder's eyes and she couldn't take it.
" Because I don't want too. I don't want to be the Queen. This between our sides have been fine. If I reveal myself, the war will happen. Many innocents will be killed. That isn't right. Why should these people die for me to rise?" She wasn't really asking and they got the point.
" Is that why he came after you in your apartment?" Kaulder asked. Arielle slowly blinked but looked at him and she nodded.
" I think so. I have had some slip ups. I usually do the cover, or protection, spell once a year. On my birthday. It keeps my powers muted but for some reason, they have been slipping out. I am starting to lose control of them. Things move on their own, doors open, people's thoughts come into my mind. When Chloe died, I lost control. After I left you, I was running back home and I felt it lashing out. I knew it was because I was so raw and so scared. I think he followed it and found me. But I don't think he knows that I'm the new one but he knows I'm different."
" Can he find you here?" 37 asked. She shook her head. Kaulder stood up and walked over to his floor to ceiling windows and placed his hands on his hips.
" No. When we left my place, I used a clocking spell. As far as he knows, we haven't even left my apartment yet. I mean, unless he's gone inside." Kaulder was staring out at the night sky. She couldn't tell his mood but she knew he wasn't happy.
" How does Kaulder work in this?" 37 asked. " And why did they go after 36?"
" I think they went after him to find where the heart is. The dark doesn't want me to take over, even if I wanted to bring back the old ways. They want the old Queen back. They want to turn the new Queen into her. The only way they can do that is with her heart." Arielle explained.
" I think that's enough for now." Kaulder interrupted. " You should go home. We need to sleep. It's late." 37 and Arielle exchanged a look but he stood up.
" Of course. It's been a long day. Should I plan on coming back tomorrow?" 37 said.
" Whatever you want." Kaulder said.
" I'll call you then. so...good night then. I'll see myself out." 37 gave Arielle a nod.
She waited until she heard the door shut then took a deep breath. She stood up and linked her hands together to press them into her stomach. She was nervous now. She was nervous to be alone with him, nervous for everything she revealed to him. Would he hate her? Why did she suddenly care so much if he did?
" You should go to bed." Kaulder said. Arielle drew in a long breath.
" I'm not going to take over. I don't want that. If I did, I could have done that years ago." She tried to explain. Kaulder didn't turn around or say anything. " I just want to live my life."
" You should go to bed." He repeated. " We can talk tomorrow."
Arielle lifted her chin as she stared at his back. If he was going to be mad at her, so be it. She would do what she promised, help him to free 36 and then she would leave. She would clean out her bank account and fled. She always wanted to go to Ireland, maybe she would go there. It would be far enough away that the tracker would lose his hint of her.
Kaulder listened to her walk away. He watched her reflection in the mirror but didn't move from his spot. Her news was shocking to him. The entire night was overwhelming and he hadn't felt that in a very long time. 36 knew of the heart and in all their years together, he never told Kaulder. They were close. They were the closest he had ever been to a Dolan. He thought of them as friends and he kept this secret. 36 knew there were still times that Kaulder struggled with things, struggled with his long life and watching everyone he comes to know die. With the heart around, 36 knew there was always the possibility of the Queen's return. If she returned, she would begin to destroy the world again. To stop that, Kaulder would be more than willing to give up his long life.
There that thought led him to the problem of the new Queen. The one under his roof right now. She had a good heart. He knew that now. She wasn't like the ones he arrested. And being around him, Kaulder had put her in the path of danger. She had kept herself hidden this whole time and now things were falling apart around her. Her friend died, she would lose her home and her business. And it was all his fault. Not to mention the fact that he was angry with her for not telling him and that confused him. She didn't owe him anything. If anything, he owed her. He didn't care that she said they were even. He was going to protect her, no matter what. After the dust settled, he would figure out why he was having feelings for her.
Kaulder stayed looking out over his city for an hour. He needed to speak to her. They needed a plan and he didn't want to wait until morning. He had things he needed to say to her and things he needed to ask her now that some time had passed. She seem to have a lot of answers so he hoped she knew the right answers to give him now.
Kaulder quietly stalked through his penthouse. He stopped by his Dolan's room and looked in on him. He made sure 36 was warm enough and gave him a quick run down on everything that had happen as well as promise he was going to fix things. He patted the man's shoulder then left the room, leaving the door cracked opened.
Kaulder walked to the room Arielle was staying in. Her door was slightly a jarred and he could see she had a light on. He pushed open the door and peered in. Arielle was sleeping on her side with her cat laying across her body. She looked relaxed, for the first time since they had met. Her face soft in the bedside lamp light. She looked carefree and not like the weight of the world and a possible war was pushing down on her. Kaulder walked into the room to turn the light off. Their talk could wait until morning.
Kaulder's hand froze on the chain link of the lamp. His eyes zoned right in on her neck. The back of his throat burned with regret. Shame flooded his system. On her delicate throat was a bruise. One that was in the shape of his hands. Kaulder reached out and gently touched her throat. He never hurt an innocent. That was the vow he took all those years ago and now, all he had done was hurt her. She was as innocent as they came.
Arielle forced her breathing to stay even and deep as she felt Kaulder touched her. He brushed his thumb over her jawline. He brushed the underside of her chin and whispered he was sorry. Then he was gone. The room was plunged into darkness and she knew the door to her borrowed room shut. Arielle opened her eyes and stared into her abyss.
NRNRNR
It was six in the morning the next day when Arielle woke. She loved on Sally for a few moments then set her aside and left the bed. She gathered up the things she needed to get ready for the day and disappeared into the bathroom. Her stomach was flipping and rolling. Would he knew she had been awake when he came to see her? Would her face show it? Would he turn her over? What was going to happen between them now?
After she had showered, she left the room and went to 36's room. She checked on the old man before she retraced her steps through the penthouse and to the kitchen. Kaulder had the TV on but his back was to her. He was pour himself a cup of coffee and had there were plates of bacon and eggs sitting on the island. Arielle took a deep breath and cleared her throat. Kaulder glanced behind him at her but didn't turn around.
" Hungry? Eat what you want. I made scrambled eggs and there is toast and butter." Kaulder said. "Coffee?"
" Yes, please. You didn't need to cook." Arielle said. He turned around and set a cup on the island.
" There is creamer in the fridge and sugar on the counter, if you need it. I have somewhere to be and I'd like you to come. I know someone who might be able to help us find that witch from last night." Kaulder said. " She's an old witch and every powerful. " Arielle slipped into the bar stool and nodded. She looked from the cup to his eyes. And when she saw where his eyes were, she touched her neck.
" It doesn't hurt." She said quietly and quickly.
Kaulder was frowning and looked as if he was in pain. Before he could respond, a newscaster reported on a fire that had burned a building down the night before. Both of their attentions went to the TV. The report showed pictures of building, a burned shell now. To the world, it had been an abandoned place. Chloe had cast a spell that kept all humans away. The story said a burned up body was found inside and the police had no idea if it was a female or a male. Arielle closed her eyes.
" We can claim her. We can say she was your sister. That you knew she had been staying in there. We could make up a story about why she was homeless." Kaulder said so gently and with such care that tears prickled her eyes. She shook her head and wiped one away that had escaped.
" I can't say that. She would kill me." She gave him a sad smile. " She had a lot of pride, you know."
" Tell me what you want me to do." He said.
" Nothing. She had no family. I was her only friend. There is no way for me to claim her without questions." Arielle said. There were a few minutes of silence before he nodded.
" We should eat. We have a long few days ahead of us." He said.
After they ate, Arielle insisted on cleaning up. He could see there was no fighting her on it, so he left her too it so he could make a phone call. He made plans on visiting a few people that he thought could help them. One would be willing to do it on her own and he knew why. She had been trying to get into his bed for years. She knew he didn't cross that line with a witch but it didn't stop her from trying and he knew just why. It would be a trophy for her. He wasn't interested in being anyone's conquest and until recently, he had never wanted to sleep with a witch. The one, well he would have to be forced to help.
Kaulder text 37 and told him they would meet up later, that he had business to take care off. He tried to leave Arielle there but she refused. Like he knew she would. She was as invested as he was. He respected her for that. When he asked if it would be safe for her to be out and about, she shrugged and said they would find out. He felt a small bit of pride that she wasn't willing to hide away. She was ready to face things head on. Of course, she assured him that she had the cloaking spell so she would be safe.
At noon, Arielle was walking beside Kaulder through a sea of hardly dressed women. They were getting ready for some fashion show but looks weren't as they appeared. On the outside, they were beautiful, tall, sexy women but she could see through the illusion. These were old women with greying skin and wrinkles. Some were missing teeth and had patches bald spots on their head.
It didn't matter what she saw. She knew what Kaulder saw. They were tanned, fit and perfectly done up. They were everything she wasn't. Big tits, sexy bodies, and confident. As they walked through the hall, she felt more and more uncomfortable. Here she was dressed in faded jeans, vans sneakers and a grey Mr. Rogers tee shirt. Her long dark hair was pulled up into two messy buns. She wasn't sporting the sexy smoky eye and flawless makeup. She had a small amount of black eyeliner and shadow on. That was it. These had to be the women he liked...Arielle frowned and shook her head. It didn't matter what he liked!
As they came upon a set of double doors, Kaulder looked back at her and saw her taking everything in. He knew what she saw. She had to think they were all perfect and he wondered if she could see through it all. They weren't as young as they seemed. In fact, all it would take would be a little bit of pressure to the small crystals they were wearing and it would all fade away.
The doors opened ahead of him, making him look through it. And there sat the witch he had been looking for. She had four other women around her. She was a fashion designer an in charge of everything they were seeing now. She was beautiful, stunning really, and never had a shortage of men around her. But all they were saw was what she wanted them too. Vanity was strong in her.
" Kaulder, my dear friend. Your message was vague. What can I help you with?" She asked as she stood up.
Her voice was sickly sweet and intended to lure men in. She batted her fake eyelashes at him. When Kaulder reached her, he leaned down to let her kiss each of his cheeks. When he pulled away from her, he saw her eyes zoom right in on Arielle. Danique sized her up with disgust and Kaulder was annoyed. She rolled her eyes at Arielle and dismissed her quickly.
" I need your help finding someone." Kaulder said.
" Well have a seat." She swept her hand out to luxury loveseat beside her velvet blue chair.
As Kaulder and Arielle sat down, she knew right away she didn't like Danique and Danique didn't like her. She was damn near throwing herself at Kaulder. She was running her finger tips over his hand and pressed her tits up so they appeared larger than they were. She was acting like a whore and Arielle wanted to lash out at her.
" Tell me, who is this I can find for you?" Danique purred.
" Your mother." Arielle snapped. Kaulder sat back in shock as he looked at Arielle.
" I'm sorry, who the hell are you?" Danique asked with a sneer. Arielle sat forward and smiled as she thrust her hand out.
" Hey, I'm Arielle." She said. Danique reared back as if the idea of shaking her hand was repulsive to her. Arielle dropped her hand. " Oh sorry, I must of forgot to put on my false nails today. So sorry if my natural body is upsetting to you."
" Arielle." Kaulder warned. She looked at him and blinked her eyes innocently. A silent exchange went through them and then she rolled her eyes and sat back with her arms cross. He looked back at Danique. " I need to find a man."
" A man? Really? And I thought you went the other way." Danique said with a smile Arielle wanted to smack. Kaulder smirked.
" This man, he attacked another witch's business. He tried to kill me and Arielle. He did kill another witch who was helping me." He explained.
" Well we can't have that now can we? It would be my pleasure to help you. Promise me you will have a drink with me afterwards? And stay for my show. You must see my new designs." Danique smirked at Arielle then. " You can stay as well. You might learn a few things."
" You bitch..." Arielle snapped and moved to get up when Kaulder's hand on her arm stopped her.
" Can you help me?" Kaulder asked, giving Arielle a squeeze.
" I can." Danique picked up a small box and set on the coffee table in front of them. She carefully removed the lid and set it aside. There was graveyard dust inside it. The smell reached Arielle at once and put her on high alert. Graveyard dust meant dark magic. And that meant one thing, she and the man were working together.
" Kaulder, we have to get out of there." She said urgently.
Before he could process what she had said, Danique blew the dust into his face and Kaulder was set far away, mentally.
He was back at the stream with his wife. His daughter was picking flowers on the shore and Kaulder was on his knees in front of his wife. He was cupping her pregnant belly and kissing it while she laughed and ran her hand through his hair. Another child would be coming soon and Kaulder secretly hoped for a boy.
" Kaulder. Please wake up." He looked to the side to see Arielle coming towards him. She was running with a look of fear on her face. He stood up and faced her.
" What are you doing here?" He asked.
" Papa!" He looked to the shore and smiled as he daughter held up her flowers.
" This isn't real. You have to pull out of this! I can't do this without you!" Arielle pleaded. Kaulder looked back at her.
" You weren't alive when I had them. Why are you here?" He asked.
" Because it's not real. Please, fight this." Arielle said. Kaulder watched as she walked over to him. " I'm sorry..." She said before she slammed her hands into his chest.
Kaulder forced his eyes open and found himself being dragged. His head felt drugged and cloudy, like before but worst. He closed his eyes again, his head falling back. He knew his arms were around two men and they were taking him somewhere but he didn't know where. And he didn't know where Arielle was. But he knew one thing for sure. Danique was excited and going on about how much money she was going to get for turning him over to someone named Belial. And if he didn't pull his shit together, they would be in real trouble. Arielle had muted her powers for so long, she couldn't do this by herself.
" Quit struggling, bitch!" He heard someone snap.
" You are so fucked!" Arielle returned. Danique laughed.
" The only one who is fucked is you, my sweet. How was Kaulder even with you? You're so plain." Danique spit.
Kaulder took a deep breath and tensed. He opened his eyes to see there was a man in front of him. Kaulder gathered everything inside of him. He grabbed the shoulders of the men carrying him and kicked out his legs to hit the men in the back. And the fight was on. He flipped one man over his shoulder as the other let him go. He spun around and grabbed the gun out of the hand of the other hand and shot him at once. He spun again, pointing the gun on Danique and her friend, who were holding onto Arielle.
" Let her go. Now!" He yelled. Danique held her hands up. Arielle took her change and sucker punched the friend then grabbed the necklace from Danique's neck.
" Give me that back!" The model screamed but Arielle dashed away and to Kaulder's side. He linked his free arm around hers and pulled her into him. Arielle held the crystal up and squeezed it, causing it to crack. " Don't!" Danique begged with one hand out.
" Who are you working for!" Kaulder demanded.
" I'm sorry! I had no choice!" Danique cried.
" You had a choice, bitch! You just made the wrong one. Tell him where we can find Belial! Now!" Arielle yelled.
" I'll tell you if you make her give the crystal back!" Danique begged.
" I will tell her too, answer her." Kaudler said.
" He lives in an abandoned building outside of the city." Danique said.
" What does he want?" Kaulder asked.
" To bring back the old ways. The old queen." Danique said, her eyes glued to the crystal. Kaulder gave Arielle a squeeze.
" Give her the crystal back." He said. Arielle smiled and dropped it to the floor. As Danique made a dash for it, Arielle stepped on it, crushing it. Danique let out a scream and covered her face. Her hands already starting to decay. " She never listens." Kaulder said before they walked out.
