A.N. (glances around quickly) Nope, still don't own anything. Well, except for Marissa, Samantha, Gloria, and the previously existing characters' mental states.

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Ash glanced at his watch and stood, the lazy stretch in the middle of his ascent belied by the serious expression in his eyes. When was Thierry going to learn? If you want the girl, you have to win her, not traipse around with a different female entirely.

Ash, having had years of experience as a ladies' man, could recite the Unwritten Rules of Women as easily as the alphabet. Well, some of them anyway. His concentration at the time had been solely on getting them into bed, so he'd never bothered to understand the intricate workings of their minds further than what would keep their interest. Then, of course, he'd had to learn the Unwritten Rules of Mary-Lynette, which managed to be completely different and infinitely more challenging.

Mary-Lynette...

The ache that always accompanied thoughts of his soulmate hadn't faded over the years, just dulled slightly. Now, he forced himself to refrain from rubbing his chest in the area over his heart by, instead, lifting his arms over his head for a more complete stretch. Sabrina's attention was caught by the sudden movement and she glanced over at him.

Unconcerned, he winked casually and nodded over at the door. Walk you upstairs?

She smiled and nodded, picking up the notebook Elyssa had accidentally left behind in her departure. Shall we? she asked with a flirtatious grin.

Shaking his head in amusement, he swept his hand in front of him gallantly. After you.

Why thank you, she said, sweeping past him.

They managed to slip out of the room without being waylaid by friends or strangers, and were walking down the hallway in companionable silence--a treasure in the enormous household--when Sabrina spoke up.

Ash, you've been with Circle Daybreak for years, right?

It wasn't so much the question but the nervous look on her face that alarmed him. he answered carefully. Nearly a century now. Why?

she continued, clearing her throat. Your family probably wasn't too thrilled with Circle Daybreak.

Ash snorted and ran a hand through his blonde hair, staring at the carpet. Now there's an understatement.

But, then, why did you join?

Smiling a little, he glanced sideways at her. Are you asking if I had a soulmate?

I guess so, Sabrina answered sheepishly.

Ash nodded and hesitated a moment before answering. Yes, I did. And yes, he provided before she could ask, she was human. It was a bad few years for us Redferns. James, Quinn and I weren't the only Redferns to find human soulmates, you know. Nearly half of a generation was hit. And not just vampires, the Old Powers got our witch cousins, too.

Sabrina smiled at the mockingly bitter tone he used.

What happened to her?

Wincing, she shook her head, obviously regretting bringing up the topic. No, you don't have to tell me. I shouldn't have asked.

It's all right. You should know. You and Elyssa both, he muttered, running his hand through his hair again.

What do you mean? Sabrina's green eyes clouded with confusion, as Ash's own (currently) bluish green ones skittered away to look up the stairs they were climbing.

Nothing. Mare--her name was Mary-Lynette--died just a few years before you were born. Right after Arcadia and Hann-- He stumbled to a halt, but Sabrina wasn't paying attention.

she whispered, trying to get a hold on the name. Why did it sound so familiar? Absently, she rubbed her forehead as she felt the seed of a headache take root behind her eyes. A vague impression of long, dark hair and blue eyes flashed across her mind, but dispersed before Sabrina could concentrate on it.

Ash murmured as they reached the top of the stairs, keeping a careful eye on Sabrina who suddenly seemed very dazed. You okay?

Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. I just-- Startled, she stopped in her tracks. Why is the door open?

Ash asked, blinking at the sudden topic shift and followed her gaze to Elyssa's door, which was, indeed, standing open a crack. She probably just didn't want you waking her up when you opened the door.

Yet, even as he said it, he knew that wasn't why. Elyssa slept through nearly anything--which provided was a constant source of teasing material--a fact evidenced by her habit of sleeping through her alarm. Moving forward, he eased the door open and stuck his head inside, then flung it wide. he called, his deep voice booming with authority as he stormed across the room to check her bathroom. Empty. Elyssa, where are you?

The light was on, as promised, but the bed was obviously untouched. Sabrina stepped inside, her eyes wildly tracing the room, as if Elyssa would suddenly appear. Reaching out a shakey hand, she grabbed the dresser for support and winced as a particularly colorful curse emerged from the bathroom.

Suddenly, footsteps pounded on the stairs and Thierry raced into the room, followed swiftly by James, Poppy, Quinn and Nilsson.

Well, at least Samantha isn't here now. Even in her state of shock, Sabrina realized somewhere in the back of her mind that the thought was completely ridiculous and inappropriate, but she couldn't break through the haze to actually care.

What happened? Thierry yelled, rushing over to where Ash was stepping out of the bathroom.

He was moving so fast that Sabrina couldn't even distinguish the individual movements. One moment he was standing just inside the doorway, then Sabrina blinked, and when she opened her eyes, he was across the rather large bedroom. And he was anything but calm.

She's gone, Ash said, nearly as panicked as Thierry.

Instantly, Thierry whirled and faced the others. No one leaves, he barked to Nilsson, who nodded brusquely and disappeared back down the stairs even faster than a blink.

What do you know? Thierry asked Ash tightly.

Running his hand through his hair--Nervous habit? Sabrina catalogued silently--he shook his head. Not a helluva lot, sir. She left before the meeting even started. Said she was getting one of her headaches and she wanted to go to bed. She promised to leave a light on for Sabrina, which she obviously managed to do, he conjectured, waving a hand at the lamp on the desk.

Sabrina's mind raced, thinking back through all the times Elyssa talked about the attacks. Those descriptions of clumsy attempts at capturing her to do God-knows what to her had never seemed real to Sabrina. It was just so ridiculous to think of someone trying to kill her gentle best friend, a girl who refused to even kill spiders. She was vegan for crying out loud.

But this...this was all too real. The room was spotless, nothing out of place, creepy in its very cleanliness. She could almost picture them cleaning the room after they'd taken Elyssa, adjusting everything to look as if she'd merely walked out with every intention of returning shortly.

Her mind was trying to shove something at her, something half forgotten that she probably hadn't even realized was important, but had still filed away. It felt like...a sensation of familiarity. Sabrina tried to tug it to the forefront, but she was distracted by the memory of a semi-recent conversation with Elyssa about the attacks.

It's been so long, she'd said, her gray eyes wide with uncertainty. It's never been this long between before.

Well, maybe they're going to stop, Sabrina had offered hopefully.

Elyssa'd agreed, but her tone had been so doubtful. She'd just sat there with a cup of frozen vanilla soy melting in her hand, staring unseeingly at the tourists walking by on the Strip, her face devoid of any emotion.

She knew, Sabrina realized in shock. She knew something would happen. Something worse than ever before.

No one was really paying any attention to her, so she just stood there, unable to find the energy to try to contribute to the fast-paced, half-oral, half-telepathic conversation.

It had to be one of the representatives. Who else would have access to this wing of the house? James asked. A moment later, he continued. True, but someone would have had to let them in, right? Aren't the wards still in place?

Someone must have let the kidnapper in, Sabrina filtered out. Someone. But who--Wait.

No response.

Still nothing.

Finally, their heads popped up.

What, Sabrina? James asked, trying not to sound brusque.

I think we should talk to Marissa.

Four frowns met her request. Marissa? You mean the witch from Salem? Poppy asked.

Yeah, she was acting really...weird when she met Elyssa.

As I remember it, you were the one acting strangely, Quinn reminded her, folding his arms over his chest.

Sighing, Sabrina rubbed her temple and nodded. Yes, I know, but she was eyeing Elyssa. And it wasn't the usual reaction to the birthmark, either, so don't try to pin it on that like Elyssa did. The way she stared at Elyssa gave me the creeps, she said, her cat-like green eyes earnest as they flitted from one pair of eyes to the next.

Thierry said after a long pause. Get Marissa into a room. Ash and Quinn quickly dispatched themselves to do their lord's bidding.

And, um... Sabrina found herself hesitating, and bit her lip.

Gently, Poppy reached out and touched the young girl's shoulder. What, Sabrina?

I think, that is, it might be a good idea if, we, um, talk to Samantha, too. Her voice trailed off towards the end, the momentum she'd begun with petering out.

Thierry and James both blinked in shock, but Poppy nodded. All right, then. James, she said, turning to her still gaping soulmate. Let's go round us up a red head.

Do you really think that Samantha might have... Thierry questioned, his own voice tapering to a whisper. He sounded so shocked that Sabrina took pity on him, despite his role in Elyssa's current heartbreak, and limited herself to shrugging.

At that moment, he must have turned off his emotions, built up a wall of some kind, because, suddenly, the forlorn young man of a moment before was replaced by a man of complete control. A lord.

Why don't you come downstairs with me? He wasn't really asking, she could tell. We're going to need to talk to you, too, he explained, walking briskly from the room.

Sabrina followed and was shocked to find two of Thierry's minions standing on either side of the doorway in the hall. Having no idea how or when they had arrived, Sabrina marveled at them (while they remained as expressionless as the Queen's guard at Buckingham Palace) until Thierry put a firm hand on her elbow to guide her down the corridor.

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Elyssa awoke slowly to a pounding headache, lying in the deepest blackness she'd ever experienced. Residual panic caused her to jerk upwards into a sitting position, only to be jerked back again less than halfway up by the bonds around her hands and feet. She lay there for a moment, trying to regain her breath. Through her disorientation, she registered that no one responded to her sudden movement, so either no one was in the room, or they were being incredibly trusting of their bonds.

Her confusion faded some as she realized that a blindfold was covering her eyes, and that was why she seemed trapped in an endless darkness. She expected more panic to arrive at any second, and braced herself, trying to even out and deepen her breathing, just like Rashel had taught her.

Wait.

Rashel? She didn't know any Rashel. She shook her head groggily, trying to clear the cobwebs from her mind. Rashel. It sounded so familiar. An impression of long dark hair and a smooth, predatory walk flashed into her mind, but faded again just as swiftly.

Gloria, she realized with some relief. I must be thinking about Gloria. But then, where did I get Rashel?

The answering silence in her own mind was just too disturbing, so she willingly let the name slide away. Hopefully into oblivion.

Now where are you? she asked herself.

Carefully, she moved her head back and forth, which seemed to be resting on something soft. A pillow maybe. Either there was no knot in the blindfold, or, more likely given the cottony feeling of the fabric, the knot had been moved to the side of her head.

Why? For my comfort? If she'd had more energy, she might have snorted out loud, but as it was, she mentally snickered and went on with her inventory.

Okay, lying on something soft, but not as soft as the pillow, probably a bed. She attempted to bounce lightly, and discovered the material not only had give, but squeaked.

She'd never experienced a metal spring mattress before, all manufacturers having upgraded to synthetics long before her birth, but she recognized the cliché sound from old films. Ah. Vintage. How lovely.

She was obviously inside a building of some kind. And, considering that she felt no draft, seemingly a well-built one. The bed, though old, was sturdy enough that the frame didn't shake with her movements, but she decided not to chance it with any more forceful jerking.

Sighing mentally, she moved on to her next sense: hearing.

There wasn't much to hear in this place. If she was in the city, this place had to be soundproof, and if she was in the desert, she was no where near civilization. She couldn't even hear any coyotes.

Okay, mental update. I'm tied to an old bed in the middle of nowhere. Useful.

Next sense: smell.

She sniffed delicately at the air, but couldn't pick up any sort of traceable scent. If only I were a werewolf, she wished mournfully.

Well, tasting things is definitely out, she thought with a certain level of disgust ill-befitting to one in her position. And sight isn't really an option. What now?

Her whole being rebelled at the idea of just sitting around, waiting for her fate to find her, but she honestly couldn't think of anything else she could do at this point.

Isis, a reverent whisper sounded in Elyssa's mind. Guide me.

What the...? Elyssa stilled completely under her restraints. Where had that voice come from? It certainly wasn't hers. But...it hadn't been voiced aloud either. It sounded like...telepathy.

But was it friend or foe? Uncertain what to do, Elyssa tried to recoil from the thought, but another one came. This one brought the feeling of a cool wind at dusk in the desert. Don't be afraid, Elyssa. You have to remain calm.

Uh...okay, she thought automatically.

You've been through worse. You can handle being tied up. It was a little strange, and Elyssa felt almost silly for thinking it, but the voice sounded almost as if it were trying to remind itself, rather than Elyssa. Yet, the voice was infinitely reassuring, and Elyssa didn't question the sanity of hearing voices in her head.

Then, she heard it. It took a moment to realize she was hearing with her physical ears rather than another sound in her head. Footsteps. She heard definite footsteps from another room.

Her heart beat accelerated and her breathing grew shallow. Desperately, she tried to remember the breathing exercises Rashel had taught her. In. Out. In through the nose, out through the mouth. A circular motion.

Again with the Rashel, she groaned silently, still breathing as the footsteps grew louder. They seemed to have to go through a number of rooms to get to this one, and Elyssa was immeasurably grateful for that fact.

She isn't important right now, the cool voice reminded her. Just breath. Rashel will still be here when this is over.

Elyssa heard a door opening in what must have been the room connected to the one she and her bed occupied, then closing again and the footsteps continuing towards her.

In and out. Elyssa's breath rushed in through her nose. The door opened near the bed and her breath whooshed out uncontrolled.

Awake, then? a voice asked. Male. Her kidnapper was male. Unsure of the wisest course of action, Elyssa lay silently.

A deep sigh was released across the room. I know you're awake, you might as well speak up.

I don't know what to say, she said honestly, before she could stop herself. What are you saying? she asked herself frantically. Shut up!

Are you hungry? he asked, moving closer to the bed.

A little thirsty. Again, she cursed herself for answering without thinking.

The man paused. Let's move you out to the living room and then we'll get you some water.

What? Before she could say anything, his hands were at one of the knots at her wrist.

Just so you know, he said in the same emotionless tone as before. It would be pointless to try to attack me. I'm a vampire. So don't even think about it, and I won't have to tie you up again.

Elyssa refused to answer, but was unable to stop herself from sighing in relief as her raw wrists came free. The man shifted to untie her ankles and then swung her easily into his arms. You can go ahead an take off the blindfold. It'd be best to do it in here. No light.

So, she reached up and found the knot, which was indeed on the side of her head, and she slipped the blindfold off. Blinking in the new darkness, she made out blurry shapes and the approaching outline of light around the door.

Close your eyes, he ordered, balancing her easily with one hand to grasp the doorknob. She did as he said and managed to close her lids just before the brilliant light flooded through the doorway.
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Reviewers:

Yav-You have good instincts, as does Sabrina. Thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked the chapter, I think that one was my favorite to write. Okay, maybe not my favorite...that's too hard to pick. But definitely in the top three! :p

tanya-Hehe, I hope this satisfied your thirst for more for a little while. And I hope you liked this chapter as much as the last ones! : ) I should be updating again really soon. Thanks for reviewing!

Soraia-Thanks! I really liked writing the ending. It just seemed to flow more easily than any other part of the chapter. I had a lot of trouble writing Thierry in this chapter. I think he came off a little too stoic, but, let's face it, he's been through this how many times now? (sighs) Well, she might have asked, but was given a vague answer or something. I think I assumed she must have asked and was lied to, so I didn't even think to include it in the story, which probably wasn't the best plan. :p I'll work on that a bit.

Queen of the mole people!-Thanks for your review! I know. Tt's so easy to blame Thierry. I mean, seriously, why don't you just SAY something already? But you gotta love the guy. He's trying his best here. Yes, I totally agree: Viva la Elyssa and Thierry!

Terriah-Haha. Don't worry, it'll all be over soon. I mean...I don't think it'll be that many more chapters...Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Charlotte-Thanks for the review! I hope you liked the chapter even if it was a bit unexpected. :p

laura-I'm so glad you liked the chapter. It was really fun. I just love Nilsson. Can't you see him reacting that way to George's little story?? Hehe. Sorry about the cliffhanger, it just seemed to work out that way. :p Hope you enjoyed this chapter, too!

Marissa-Hi, thanks for reviewing! I'm really glad that you like the story and I hope you keep reading.

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A.N. I don't know if Chess ever actually becomes an Awakened Old Soul, but in my story she just might. Is that all right with everyone?