Chapter 3: Adaptation


Alea's POV


Eric looked disgruntled as we walked up the staircase, his steps heavy, the noise echoed throughout the small walkway. Godric's firm command still rang in my ears, I imagined it still rung firm with Eric as well. The loud sound of a man's voice could be heard coming from the speakers above our heads, it drew me out of my muse. They were calling for able-bodied men and women to join the fight, they were going to kill us. Or at least they were going to try.

As we reached the top of the long set of stairs Eric glanced around the corner, looking even more upset. I could see his shoulders tense. The sight left a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"I could have us out of here in seconds," he said, watching as people flooded through the door, they were clad in pajamas, many were children, a look of malice graced his face and I shuddered.

"The children didn't do anything wrong," I managed to get out. The blond girl looked at me with a small smile, she must be thinking the same thing. Eric went to speak, but I beat him to it.

"They have no choice in how they are raised, they don't deserve whatever you're planning." I finished the sentence with as firm a voice as I could manage, my bottom lip was shaking. Father would have beat me for much less, but this wasn't my father. Hopefully, Eric would count me as one of the humans whose blood couldn't be shed.

"Godric told me to get you both out, without bloodshed, so that is what I will do." His head swiveled back forward, as he continued his watch.

"None of those humans out there would think twice about killing us, remember that." I swallowed hard, I knew that, but for some reason, this tall brute of a man-made me feel safe. Perhaps it was his connection to Godric.

"Why didn't you bring Bill?" The blond asked. She was fidgeting, her hands squeezed tightly together. Was Bill another vampire? She seemed attached to him and her voice sounded desperate.

"His attachment to you is irrational, he would have killed everyone here to get you out Sookie," he turned to look her in the eyes. So Sookie was her name. "Including the children." My eyes went wide.

I don't think I'm going to like Bill.

I gulped down my fear, I needed a change of subject, something to pull my mind away from all of this. I felt panic shoot through my body, it was hot as it burned its way up to my throat.

"Downstairs, Sookie mentioned something about Godric making you, what does that mean?" I managed out, looking up at Eric's tall form, he noticeably stiffened. His body became rigid, and for a moment I didn't think he would respond.

"Don't talk about things you don't understand," I huffed, how was I supposed to understand it if I didn't ask about it? I watched Eric closely, the way his body moved was different up here, tenser. When we met downstairs he was relaxed, like seeing that Godric was okay was the only thing he needed in his life. My eyes widened.

"You must love him, Godric, he means more to you than I can imagine, doesn't he?" Eric looked surprised, before giving a small, and confused nod. "Don't use words I don't understand." He turned his head back sharply, obviously not wanting to talk any more.

Well, I struck a nerve.

"Eric no!" Sookie said stiffly, as Eric began walking towards the now closing chapel doors. He looked confident in his strides, and I could tell with how he held himself that he had a plan. He turned back, looking like he was going to say something.

"Trust him," I managed out before he could speak, my voice held more conviction than I expected it would. He wouldn't lead us astray. I was sure of it. I gave a small nod in his direction, a smile on my face. He looked surprised at my sudden declaration. His left eyebrow was raised as though questioning me.

"Do you trust me little breather?" The question was aimed at me, and I froze. A small tremble ran through my body, and I had to swallow hard to stop my voice from cracking.

"Without question," he smirked at my answer, looking cocky and proud, before turning back towards the guards at the door.

"Interesting little breather, aren't you?" He shoved his hands in his pockets as he began walking.

"That's what Godric said too," I whispered under my breath. He didn't stop his strides.

"Hey y'all, how's it going?" I fucking choked. He was hunched forward making himself seem less imposing. His voice was a hideous rendition of the same accent that everyone else seemed to have around here.

Trusting him just became noticeably harder.

The next few seconds went by in a blur, the men saw through Eric's disguise, though it took longer than I was expecting.

After dealing with them and realizing that our front exit was blocked, we decided to go through the 'sanctuary', as Sookie called it.

That was a mistake.

Steve Newlin was standing atop the lifted floor at the front of the large room. He looked like Satan himself, just waiting to drag us all to a fiery demise. His face was smug, and I frowned holding back a snarl.

I wanted to knock that irritating look off his prick face.

He was standing in front of what looked like an altar, it was in the middle of the lifted flooring, it was haunting. Like we were walking towards our execution. I swallowed harshly as I clenched my hands into tight fists. This was not good.

"There are many exits actually, the fastest one leads you straight to hell!" He looked so proud of himself as he stared down Eric, before turning his attention to Sookie and I, his eyes going wide as his gaze landed on me.

"Well well, looks like Godric didn't kill you after all," I shuddered and reached for Eric impulsively, he looked at me with shock, though he made no move to remove my hands from his arm.

I had only seen Steve one time before this, but his eyes still haunted me. I begged to be let go, told him that I wasn't what he thought I was. That this was all a mistake, that I had just escaped from hell, that I needed help.

He laughed. He had the gall to fucking laugh.

Gabe had tortured me senseless, but Steve was a whole other kind of monster. He didn't see me as human, more of a surface to experiment on. He had ordered a cross to be burned onto my back, like a brand, just below my neck. 'So, God knows who to look for when he sends you to hell,' he had said. Then he turned me over to Gabe, never looking back, even as I screamed for mercy that I knew would never come.

He would pay for that.

"Don't worry, you evil whore of Satan," His smile sent shivers down my spine. "We won't be so forgetful as to let you live this time."

Just as he finished his sentence the doors around us were practically blown open, and the large space was flooded with people, with his army. They were armed heavily with silver and wood. Vampire weaknesses? This wasn't good, I looked to Eric, hoping that he had an answer for this, that he had a way out.

I heard Sookie speak behind me, her voice was shrill, she was as desperate as I was.

"Just let us go, the vampire you had here escaped, he's a sheriff he will go for help." She was trembling, though she hid it well, I reached my hand out and grabbed hers. She squeezed it hard, not letting go.

"I'm not concerned with Godric, any vampire will do for our grand celebration," I hated his voice, the way that he talked. His holy righteousness reminded me of my father.

"And will you look at that, we have a vampire right here," He pointed at Eric, and I went cold. Squeezing his arm with the hand that was still on it. He seemed to gulp, contemplating. Please Eric, please don't do what I think you're going to.

"I'll be fine," He said, looking to us, his eyes focused on mine for but a second, a small, reassuring smile reaching his lips.

Why is my life such a shit show?

He stepped away, softly shaking off my hand as he walked up towards the altar, towards Steve. I swallowed hard, tears coming to my eyes. This couldn't be happening. Eric was not about to sacrifice himself. Not like this, not for me.

"No Eric! Don't," my voice trembled. He turned back towards me, his eyes showing question.

"I will be fine," the giant said, his eyes asking what his lips would not. Trust me.

I swallowed as he turned back around, finishing his ascent. I was trying to trust him, but why the fuck did he keep coming up with these grand ideas.

The silver sizzled as it touched his skin, it was sickening. The entire room smelled like fried hair, a scent that I knew all too well. It was like he was being set on fire everywhere the silver touched. Long fangs extended from his gums, I flinched. Was that a trait of vampires as well?

"I trade myself, for Godric's and the girl's freedom," Eric said, I gasped.

"Noble of you, but they are just as guilty as you are, they have betrayed their race, the human race." Steve turned towards us, his eyes eyeing us menacingly.

Fucking fantastic plan Eric.

"They hardly deserve mercy," With those words, Sookie and I were grabbed from behind. My hand was pulled from hers harshly as my arms were stretched behind my back in a painful position. I hissed in pain, trying my best to relieve the pressure by leaning back against the man who had my arms trapped.

"Maybe we should tie them to you, so you can meet the sun together," Eric let out a growl, one that sent a shiver down my spine, it was a threat. Steve began walking towards Sookie and I felt my heart speed up, my lungs burning. Why was this happening? I felt the heat rise from my lungs to my throat, and my body heated. I felt like I was on fire. I couldn't take my eyes off Eric. His eyes were on mine as he struggled to reign in the pain. The pain he shouldn't be in. I growled, it was barely audible, but Eric seemed to have heard me and his eyes went wide.

I felt the guard behind me flinch, did he feel the heat, could he feel my anger? It was consuming, and powerful. I felt like my soul was free. My eyes clouded over, and it was like I was staring through a pane of black tinted glass. Had I started crying? I shook my head no this was different.

I felt in control. The man behind me made an audible gasp as he released me, my arms coming back to my front as I turned to face him, slowly, my eyes pulling away from Eric's, he looked almost scared as I turned away from him fully. The guard's hazel eyes widened as his gaze landed on my face, he took a step back. No one else seemed to notice us, they were too busy watching Steve talk to Sookie. I smiled a bloodthirsty smile as I reached my hand out to touch the man's face, the power was intoxicating. I stopped just before his cheek and he was as entranced as I was as we watched as my skin began to change from a creamy white to a dark all-consuming black. It started at my fingertips, before extending to the middle of my forearm. My entire arm was black like my tears. I grinned that much harder, my eyes never leaving the terrified man's.

As my hand finally made its way to his face and his scream alerted everyone in the room to what was happening I finally snapped out of it.

His skin had black streaks, running from where my hand touched down his neck, no doubt stretching further down. I ripped my hand away, but it was too late. My skin was back to its normal color, and my eyes no longer held a tinted hue. I was pulled from my dream-like state, right back into my nightmare.

The man fell to the floor, convulsing. Everyone else seemed to snap out of their shock as they realized what had happened. The man screamed as agony consumed him, I could only watch in horror.

Horror as he stopped moving, as his breathing ceased, and as his life ended.

He was dead. Something in me purred, and I was horrified. I didn't do that, that wasn't me. My heart beat wildly in my chest as I brought my hands to my head, pulling sharply at my hair.

You are death parvulus.

My eyes clouded over as black took my vision. My tears flooded down my cheeks, I was powerless to stop them. I had killed someone. My mysterious power was death. I choked on my breath as I fell to my knees, no one made any moves to grab me again, no doubt too scared to come near me, I would be too. I reached shakily for the body of the man whose life I just took away, not allowing myself to touch him, to do any more damage.

"DEVIL," I heard the scream, but I couldn't localize the voice over the sound of my sobs. I was in hysterics, but no one dared to approach me. It was like we were stuck in limbo.

It was the sound of doors slamming open that drew my, and everyone else's, attention away. I looked up just in time to see a distraught looking man speed into the room.

"SOOKIE," his voice was desperate as he laid eyes on her, I looked over and found Steve pointing a gun at her. How had I missed that? How had I missed all of this, I looked back at the body, at the man whose life I took away. I couldn't focus on whatever everyone was saying. To the shouting. I could only focus on him. How had I done this?

Was this truly my destiny, my purpose?

I struggled to my feet, standing shakily, it seemed as though everyone had turned their attention to the rather rabid vampire at the back of the room, as he yelled for Sookie. I took a deep breath as I reigned in my emotions, now was not the time for this. I centered my gaze back on Eric, his eyes were still on me, wide and full of confusion.

I scooted my way through the crowd, easily making it to the front, and to Eric's 'alter'. He was in pain; I could tell that much when I finally got to him. I reached and as gently as I could, removed the chains that encased his body. When I was done Eric was to his feet in seconds, his wounds healing instantly. Well, that sure was convenient. I frowned.

I could feel Eric's eyes on me. He had seen it. I shuddered, my eyes locking on his. He stared at me with narrowed eyes, as if he was trying to figure something out before a small smirk graced his face. It made me feel better for some reason like I wasn't as much of a monster as I knew I was. I struggled not to turn my eyes back to the body in the middle of the room. I took a deep breath before letting my stare land on Eric's eyes, they held a promise.

Safety. I smiled back the best that I could, before turning to the scene that was unfolding behind me, just in time to hear the one voice I was desperate to hear.

"I am actually older than your Jesus, I wish I could have met him," He was standing above us, on a pillar in the middle of the room. He looked like an angel, dressed in white trousers with a bare chest, several tribal markings in full view. I realized now that Steve was on his knees, screaming something about redemption, looking like he was ready to be devoured.

What had I missed?

"But I missed it," Godric finished his sentence, then was down by us in the next second, he took a moment to analyze me, before grabbing Steve by the back of his collar, lifting him so his feet just barely touched the ground.

"Good people, who here is willing to die for this man's madness," Godric's voice was steady, and the room was silent. Not a single soul moved as Godric stood there, his imposing form sending shock waves through me.

"That's what I thought, stand down everyone," Godric seemed relieved, as did Eric. I could practically feel their shoulders relax, ever so slightly.

"It is over, go home everyone." People immediately began shuffling out of the room, and I heard soft clicks throughout the area. Fangs? The only other sound was coming from Steve, as he rather pathetically pleaded for his people not to leave.

Godric let go of Steve, and he fell to the floor with an audible thud.

"I dare say my faith in humankind is stronger than yours,"

Within the next second Godric was in front of me again, his face showing concern. His hand was at my face in the next second, wiping away my forgotten tears.

"Are you okay little one?" His question was soft, and it made me feel safe. Finally, safe. Tears resurfaced as it hit me, my time in this place, my time in my hell, and the man whose life I took. I couldn't hold back as the tears turned into sobs and I fell into Godric's arms, my arms wrapping around his neck as I held on for dear life. His arms instantly enveloped me, holding me close as I let it all out. The cool chill of his bare chest against my skin sent shivers down my spine, but I couldn't find the will to turn away.

I felt a soft pat on my head, it hadn't come from Godric. I pulled back to find out who had done it to find Eric, his eyes were full of understanding, as he looked to the body on the floor. The only body in the room.

"You're an interesting little breather," his smirk was still strong on his face, but his eyes held a softness to them, "are you okay?"

I barely managed a nod, as Godric looked back to where Eric had been looking, before eyeing Eric with a questioning gaze.

"Seems as though she's a special breather, after all, maker." Was all Eric said, they didn't need to say anything else, I had no doubt it would be explained later when there were fewer ears.

"Indeed, she is," Godric pulled back from the hug, as he turned towards the rest of the room.

"Come," this was the only word out of his mouth, it held an authority that I wouldn't have dared questioned. It seemed that I was the only person who thought this.

A tall man, in a cowboy hat of some kind, looked to Godric with surprise.

"Sir, after what these humans have done to you?" This man stood easily a foot taller than Godric, but you could tell just by looking at the two which one was in charge.

"I said come," Godric's words held no room for argument, and the man didn't make any more comments just moved out of the way for Godric, Eric, and I to pass.

I clutched the back of Godric's shirt nervously, sticking as close to him as I could. Eric trailed behind me, staying questionably close. Though I couldn't say I minded, the added security was nice.

As we stepped through the front doors, which were now wide open, I couldn't help but gasp at the site. The skies were clear, clearer than it had been when I had last seen it. I couldn't help but stare in wonder.

I must have at some point released Godric's shirt, as I was stepping in front of him, my eyes never leaving the sky. I felt tears come to my eyes, I did nothing to stop them. This is why I escaped. For this feeling. Hopefully, with Godric around, I'd be able to see more than just the stars.

A hand on my shoulder drew me out of my muse. It was chilled, and I knew exactly who it was.

"Are you okay little one?" Godric said as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. How did he know I was overwhelmed? His voice was soft and worried. I wasn't sure how he felt my confliction, but I wasn't going to put too much question into it right now. I was already overflowing with information. I just wanted to enjoy the stars for a little while longer.

"Yes," I managed to get out, after a long pause. My eyes never straying, even with the temptation to see Godric's stunning orbs.

"Just overwhelmed I think," I took a deep breath, the fresh air flooded my lungs, and it was glorious, it felt so crisp, so much more filling and chilled. Why was everything so much more vibrant? I let out the breath I was holding, my eyes closing as I internalized the stars. I would never forget them as I saw them tonight.

I turned towards Godric, a small smile planted firmly on my face, he looked relieved.

"Then are you ready to depart this place?" I nodded, trying my best to wipe away my tears. I was ready to leave, more than anything else. I wanted to leave this behind, to be happy. To be free.

Godric was in front of me in an instant, his face calm and his smile soft. It made me warm. In one swift motion, he had me picked up, one arm at my back, the other underneath my knees. I let out a squeal of surprise, I desperately tried to hold onto his neck.

"Hold on tight little one," was the only warning I got as air enveloped me, forcing my eyes closed. I kept my grip firm on Godric's neck. It felt like I was falling. When the wind calmed down, I heard a voice.

"Open your eyes," Godric whispered in my ear. He was close, so very close. I shuddered, a heat settling throughout my body, it was a strange feeling, but I can't say I disliked it. I opened my eyes slowly. And found that we were, hovering? Above the clouds. It looked like Godric was standing on one, his feet hovering over the top. How many things could vampires do?

I was stunned to silence. My mouth was agape. The sky was beautiful, it was so many different shades of blue, with some slight oranges meddled in around the horizon. It was stunning. The stars sparkled harmlessly overhead, so much brighter now that we were away from the lights on the ground. How was this possible?

"Not all of us can fly," I glanced up to see Godric's face, he looked so content. For the first time since I talked with him, his shoulders seemed lax, his eyes holding a soft glow.

I liked that look on him.

"Well I'm glad you can," I smiled, "how else would I have seen something this beautiful."

I couldn't see Godric's face, but I felt him smile against the top of my head, he was leaned down, his face buried in my hair. I closed my eyes and leaned into him. The next time I opened them we were in front of a large house, it was grand, to say the least. People were flooding in, and I suddenly became anxious. I was still only clothed with Godric's shirt, and I suddenly felt very self-conscious. I had never been around this many people before. I shuddered, and Godric seemed to take notice.

We were through the crowd in an instant, stopped in what looked like a bedroom. It was the most lavish room I had ever seen, covered from top to bottom in dark black silks. The bed looked like it was fit for gods, I glanced to Godric.

'Fit for Gods indeed,' I thought to myself, as he set me down softly, his hand staying on my back to ensure that I kept my balance. When he was sure I wouldn't fall he removed it, placing his hands behind his back in a passive position.

"Isabel will be in in a moment to help you with the shower, I'm sure you would like to have one after your ordeal. I will be out in the main hall if you need me little one," he gently placed his hand on my head, with an enduring look he was gone, and pretty much instantly a woman appeared in his place.

I jumped at the transition nearly falling, my heart thundered loudly in my chest. I glanced at this woman, Isabel, with caution. She seemed kind enough, her eyes held back untold emotion. Held back her pity? I frowned.

"Isabel, right?" I managed to get out, though it sounded much less confident that I had hoped it would. I still shook, but I managed to continue looking her in the eyes. She smiled softly at me, nodding.

"Let me show you how to work the shower," her voice was beautiful, I wasn't sure what her accent was. She led me into an equally large room that was conjoined to the bedroom. It was all a pristine white, from wall to shining wall. It was like nothing I had ever seen.

The bathroom that I was used to was in a room, no larger than that of my arm's length. It was dingy, with a tiny shower and a toilet. This was something else altogether.

I stared, I could live here, in this room with no complaints. By the time I got over my marveling I noticed that Isabel had started the shower, the water poured from the ceiling, I could easily fit my entire body under the rushing water. I reached my hand out and touched the water, to find something rather surprising.

I pulled my hand back with a gasp and Isabel looked worried, she quickly reached out and grabbed my hand, before she could ask, I spoke.

"Is, is the water supposed to be warm?" I sounded so desperate, the water was a perfect warmth, and I could feel myself be drawn to it. Did everyone bathe in warmth? If so, I was never allowed that luxury, I was allowed two minutes every two days. The water was frigid and left me shivering for hours. Was this how it was supposed to be.

"Pobrecito." (you poor thing) I didn't understand her words, but she sounded distraught like she understood how I was feeling.

"Yes darling, the water is supposed to be warm. Does it feel okay?" I only nodded, to enchanted by the water to look at her.

"Then go ahead and shower, there are soaps on the edge, and I will place some clothes on the bed for you when you get out." She paused. "Take as long as you want, you don't have a time limit." She seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. I had all the time in the world. She was out of the room in the next instant, leaving me alone to the white room.

I stripped slowly, peeling off Godric's shirt before gently placing it on the floor, I cringed. It was covered in blood. I hoped they could get it out.

I waited to take off my panties, choosing instead to take a moment to check the damage in the mirror. See how bad the scars had set in.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had settled well.

So well in fact, that they were no longer there. Not even ones that had been there before my most recent adventures with Gabe.

I couldn't even find the energy to be surprised anymore, there was so much I didn't know, and I was too excited to try out the shower to care.

I stripped the rest of my clothing off, setting it in the pile with Godric's shirt.

I stepped in the shower with hesitance. I waited for the cold prods to hit me. For the shocking chill of the water to send me into shivers.

The warm was an unexpected comfort. It felt awkward, but at the same time, I never wanted to leave. I let the water run over me for a long time until my hands began to shrivel up. I took that as my queue to try and wash.

There was an assortment of washes, I found the one that smelled the best and scrubbed myself down, reveling in the soap, another commodity I wasn't allowed very often. I was given one bottle of soap a year. If I ran out, then that was it.

I scrubbed diligently, making sure not to miss anything. It was intoxicating.

My hair came next, I chose a different soap, it had hair mentioned in the description, so I assumed that meant it was for the hair. It was silky, and as the dirt and grime fell off, I felt lighter. When the water finally ran clear I leaned down and turned the shower off. I immediately missed the waters warm embrace.

My skin felt like it never had before, I felt raw and exposed. It was a terrifying feeling, but the feeling of being truly clean outweighed the pit in my stomach.

I dried myself off quickly, drying my hair to the best of my ability, before going back into the bedroom portion of the room. Sure enough on the bed was an outfit. It was a lowcut shirt of some kind, a vibrant purple, much like my eyes. To go with it was a set of pants, they were long and tight? The last thing was a set of something, that looked like they belonged on my feet. They were feet shaped. I scrunched my nose, before going to work at putting the outfit on. The moment I finished pulling the pants on Isabel was back through the door, she looked at me like she was admiring her handy work.

"Come here darling, let me fix your hair," I walked to her, my bare feet echoing across the floor. She ran her fingers through my hair before the feeling was replaced with a brush. It was soft, and I thought the feeling was going to lull me to sleep. She pulled it up into a bun, leaving some strands out to frame my face.

She smiled happily, "how do you feel?"

Odd, out of place. I felt so many things. I didn't even know how to begin explaining it.

"I feel good," I tried my best to show gratitude, that I was happy and thankful, but I just felt so off. This was all so odd, and mystical to me. I sighed.

After a quick realization that the shoes went on my feet and some rather plentiful apologies for my absolute lack of common knowledge, Isabel spoke.

"Come, Godric will want to know you're well," her smile was reassuring, it told me that I wasn't alone. That I would figure it out. I managed a smile of my own, following her long strides the best that I could. The shoes felt weird like they were squeezing the life out of my feet, I grinned and bared it.

We walked into a room that was filled to the brim with people, I felt my hackles rise, and my instincts to flee took over. My breathing was harsh, too many people. It was Godric's calm face that kept me sane as I walked through the crowd. Many of the people stared at me in question, no doubt wondering why I was here.

I took a deep breath. I could do this.

We arrived in front of Godric a few seconds later, his face lit up upon seeing me. The person that he was talking to was quickly pushed aside as Godric stood to greet me. The man seemed to stumble and mention something about how it was a great honor to meet Godric before scurrying away.

Godric must truly be influential for people to act that way around him.

"How are you little one?" It was a simple question, and I didn't know how to respond.

"Good I think, this is all, very odd to be honest." He seemed curious at my response. He must have understood, that I was feeling outrageously out of place. Everything felt so foreign.

I fiddled with the sleeves of my shirt, trying to distract myself from my surroundings. The feeling of unease didn't lessen, and I began to wonder if it ever would. I frowned deeply.

Godric must have noticed my musings. As he pulled me into a hug, the collective gasp from the vampires around us was loud enough for me to hear, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. I didn't pull away, if anything I burrowed deeper into his chest, enjoying the moment of safety.

"You are safe here, safe with me little one," His voice was soft and comforting, he was trying so hard to make me feel content, someone he just met. Why? Why was he so kind?

"I know, but why?" He seemed confused. He went to answer, but it wasn't his smooth voice that I encountered.

"Because when he takes an interest in breathers, he tends to keep them forever." It was a roguish smooth voice, and it sent a chill down my spine and brought a smile to my face.

I pulled my head up from Godric's chest to face Eric, as he smirked rather smugly at us. I couldn't help but smile.

"In case you're wondering, I was one of those breathers." His smirk widened, and I chuckled. It was nice, to hear the humor firsthand.

I pulled back fully from Godric now, feeling a bit more accepting of my surroundings for the moment. He seemed hesitant to let go, his arms holding stiff for a moment around my waist before he released me.

"So, what did I- "

"Excuse me, everyone," a voice bellowed. It was loud and demanding, I turned my attention towards it, a man was standing in the middle of the room. He was wearing a large coat, and his eyes held a look of desperation and anger. I swallowed hard, my lungs started to burn, and a very familiar feeling began to rise in my chest. I was overwhelmed with heat, confident, intoxicating heat.

This wasn't good.

"If I could have your attention please," this wasn't happening. I felt bile rise in my throat, people were about to die. It hit me then, as he pulled the coat away to reveal what looked like a jerry-rigged bomb. I ran towards him without thinking. I had to stop him, this mad man from continuing with his plan, my resolve centered, he wouldn't hurt these people.

He wouldn't hurt Godric and Eric.

Godric and Eric were both too shocked to try and stop me, as I ran right at the man.

"Alea, no!" I had reached the mysterious man before I could be stopped. The last thing that I saw before I touched the man's skin was a bright white light. A loud piercing noise rang through my ears, and I sucked in a surprised breath.

The bomb had gone off.


Authors Note:

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I hope to continue updating regularly, but with classes starting up I can't promise anything. Regardless, let me know what you think of this chapter.

Je t'aime my lovelies.