Chapter 7's up and whooping! Blasters included! A rather short chapter, but I think it will serve it's purpose!

Madnun: Thanks!! You'll have to… you know… and find out… yeah! You know the drill!~

Jia: Woah!~ You're back! Thought you're not coming anymore! I just grab the names from the air. Took a little help from the dictionary… And then the last names I just created them out of nothing!~

Let's go!

         Jade looked around the ballroom self-consciously. She was amazed by the daybreakers' ability to transform the usual plain multi-purpose hall into such a grand looking room. Glass chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their light casting soft shadows on the wall. Quite a number of daybreakers had already arrived. All dressed to the nines, some danced slowly to the music, others were either chatting or getting food from the buffet table.

         Jasper nudged her and woke her up from her awed stupor. His other arm was hooked to the brunette vampire's hand. He gave a wink and then led his partner to the dance floor, leaving Jade standing at the doorway.

         Jade spotted Russell and Jodie at a table and headed over. The blond vampire gave a wide smile to her. He looked suave in his tuxedo, a perfect match to Jodie's lacy pink gown. However, only after she sat down, then she felt the tense situation between the couple. She looked around and wondered when Kyle was arriving, since most of the guests were already sitted. Skye met her eyes across the table and gave a knowing smile. You'll see. He said simply.  Jade was surprised at why the elder had chosen to speak to thought-speak, instead of talking aloud to her. Then she realized that it was almost impossible to talk over the noise.

         The stage curtains drew open and the guests fell silent. The spotlight fell on the host, and Jade was so surprised that she gave an audible gasp. Skye laughed softly in response to her reaction.

         Kyle looked solemn and cool in his suit, his black hair in spikes. The bright light made his black hair a stark contrast to his complexion. "Evening, ladies and gentlemen." His low voice filled the ballroom. "Welcome to Circle Daybreak's annual Christmas Party." The guests cheered as he announced, "Before we start the party, let's invite Elder Dermot Fallis to say a few words."

         Everybody turned as the doors opened to reveal a smiling Dermot and Paula. The guests murmured approvingly at the pair. Paula looked elegant in her blue dress and her long blond hair was swept up in a bun on her head. Dermot led her to the seat beside Skye before making his way onto the stage. The applause finally died down as he began to speak.

         "Dear all, fellow daybreakers! It is my pleasure to stand here, addressing all of you." His baby blue eyes crinkled in the corners as he chuckled. "You might have noticed that I have brought along with me, for the first time in several decades, a fine lady. Allow me to introduce her – Paula Finster!"

         "I had prepared a speech. Alas, my old brain failed me and I'm left with no words, but well wishes for everybody. Now," he smiled again, "enjoy the party!" The guests cheered happily as the band began to play a beautiful classic.

         Kyle came over to the table and sat down beside Jade. By now, it was painful to be around Russell and Jodie. Icy silence between them, there was no doubt they were having a quarrel – through thought-speak. Suddenly, Jodie rose from her seat, grabbed her sequin handbag and left the table. Russell gave a frustrated sigh and started after her.

         Skye cleared his throat and tried to ease the tension at the table. "Kyle, why don't you and Jade go for a dance?" Jade was worried that Kyle might be put in a difficult position, and was about to change the topic. Unexpectedly, Kyle offered his hand to her and smiled. She was pleased and nervous at the same time. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest as she stood up and let Kyle lead her to the dance floor.

         They swayed slowly to the music and Jade rested her head on Kyle's strong shoulder. Jasper was on the dance floor as well and he looked very happy with the brunette. Jade smiled back at her brother. She tilted up her head to look at Kyle and felt contented to see his intense gazed focused on her. "You know, I wasn't sure if you… liked me or not." She started. "Every time you seemed to be so cold to me." She felt Kyle's cool fingers on her bareback and went ecstatic internally.

         Kyle did not say anything, but Jade could read the yearning in his heavily lashed eyes. They swept across Jade's face and she felt herself drawn into it. He lowered his head and Jade closed her eys to accept the moment.

         And then the whole world turned upside down.

* * * * * *

         "You're being ridiculous." Russell said. He ran a hand through his blond hair in exasperation. Jodie whirled around and stared at him, tears making her blood red eyes look pained, just like how her heart felt. "I'm not! The council, the council you say. Sometimes I wondered if the council will indeed delegate so many tasks to you, that you wouldn't even have time for me!"  Jodie said bitterly.

         "You can check with Kyle if you don't believe me. I told you – we are the Elders' understudies. Why are you being so difficult?" Russell asked.

         "I'm not –"

         "Like hell you aren't! It's already tough. I thought you will lend me your support, but apparently you want to make things harder for me!" Russell shot back angrily.       

         Just then, a blast ripped through the ballroom and Russell pulled Jodie to him, using his body as a shield. The glass doors shattered and the debris flew everywhere. The impact sent everything flying and blackness engulfed all.

* * * * * *

What could have happened? Are you thinking, damn! It had to happen right now!

Well, to see what will happen next, be nice and stay tuned! Till then….

Read and review! Hiakz!