A.N. Oh my GOSH! I finally finished!!!! I've had such a lack of creative juices (and time) since I came back to school that I thought it would never get done! I think I need to buy my Muse something really really nice...Anyway, sorry this took so long to get to you guys! (Thanks to my college education, I have no money to give anyone, so don't even bother trying to sue. Not that I own anything anyway. It all belongs to the wonderful Ms. L. J. Smith.)

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Edging open the door and trying not to call unnecessary attention to their arrival, Elyssa slipped inside the small, dark room followed swiftly by Sabrina. Unfortunately, vampires are nearly impossible to just slip past, and, as everyone in the room happened to be one, the girls found all eyes on them as the door clicked shut. Smiling apologetically, they maneuvered themselves into a corner of the room and settled in to watch Anthony's interrogation which was happening on the other side of the two way mirror.

Sabrina was extremely tense and hadn't let go of Elyssa's hand since she had arrived at the house that morning. Even after two hours locked away in Elyssa's bedroom--which Elyssa was quite sure she wouldn't be using all that much anymore--discussing everything that had happened in the past forty eight hours, and despite that she was beside herself with excitement over the whole Thierry-being-Elyssa's-soulmate thing, Sabrina couldn't bring herself to let Elyssa out of her sight. As if she were going to disappear again if she wasn't watched like a hawk.

A fear which Elyssa, after listening to Anthony's story for the third time, was being to think was well-founded.

So, let's go over it again, Ash said, putting a foot up on the (incredibly uncomfortable looking) chair across the table from Anthony.

Oh, yes, let's, Anthony said in a bored tone, folding his arms over his chest and tossing his dark hair out of his eyes exasperatedly. Cuz the first three times just weren't enough.

Is that him? Sabrina whispered, leaning towards Elyssa in the darkened room. Nodding absently, Elyssa watched in amusement as Ash tried to rein in his temper.

He doesn't look much older than us, Sabrina murmured, her surprise obvious.

Well, he is a made vampire, Elyssa whispered back, shrugging.

Oh. So how old is he? Elyssa just shrugged again, unwilling to explain.

Indulge me, Ash suggested sweetly. Why did you agree to kidnap Elyssa?

No matter how many times you ask, the story isn't going to change, Anthony warned him. When Ash didn't say anything, Anthony just sighed and leaned forward from his slouch. Back in July, Briar convinced me to go through with the change. Afterward, everything was cool for a couple of months, then things got tense.

Why isn't he mentioning Soleil? Elyssa wondered. He'd seemed so upset about her death back at the hideout, but now he seemed to be pretending she hadn't existed.

Ash repeated.

I wasn't allowed to leave his safe house in case someone saw me. I was starting to get a little antsy about it.

Bad case of cabin fever? Ash asked with a flashing smile and no real empathy.

Guess so, Anthony replied without much enthusiasm. He reached up to scratch his eyebrow and then crossed his arms on the table in front of him. About a month ago, Briar started talking about Elyssa. Well, he kept referring to her as Hannah, but I knew who he meant.

Sabrina's hand tightened on Elyssa's. Patting her friend awkwardly, Elyssa kept her eyes trained on Anthony. She's heard the story already, but she didn't want to miss a detail.

Did you? Ash said, pacing pensively around the room.

Everyone knows about Elyssa, Anthony pointed out. I've been hearing about her since she turned up here in Vegas ten years ago.

And then Briar started blackmailing you, Ash continued Anthony's story, ignoring his last comments.

Sighing, Anthony flopped back in his chair.

So, we know how you got involved with Briar's plan to get Elyssa, but when did you get involved with him?

What do you mean? Anthony questioned tiredly.

I mean, were you already with Briar during the break-in?

What break-in? Anthony asked blankly, with little interest.

Ash's face was expressionless. So, you don't know about the break-in last December in London?

Look, Redfern, I'm not exactly on the Daybreak mailing list. Your dealings don't interest me.

This convention sure interested you.

Running a rough hand through his hair, Anthony sat forward again. Briar just handed me the directions to the mansion and the safehouse. All I knew was that I was supposed to pick up Elyssa and bring her there. That was my part. I don't know anything about a break-in.

And how did Briar find out the date for this conference?

Here Anthony winced. Well, he gave me the information, but I already knew it. I don't know how he got it.

And how did you come across this information?

Though his expression reverted to casual, Anthony remained stubbornly silent. Sighing, Ash moved on. You didn't give it to him?



Ash waited patiently for a moment, but, when Anthony offered no further information, he threw a file down onto the table. We already know you got the date from Marissa.

Anthony met Ash's eyes blandly. Did I?

Ash gestured to the file on the table challengingly. Marissa told us herself.

Raising an eyebrow, Anthony reached out a hand and pulled the file towards him slowly. Then, flipping it open, he began to scan it.

Marissa sold him out? Sabrina whispered in shock.

Elyssa shook her head. Not exactly. Sabrina's hand tightened painfully on the arm she held and Elyssa grimaced, patting the hand soothingly.

She told you all this, huh? Anthony said, flashing a half-smile. He looked so young and tired when he did it.

Without answering him, Ash sat down across from him. Do you know who was supposed to pick Elyssa up.

Flipping the file closed again , Anthony gave it a light shove that sent it across the table. I told you. I have no idea. Could have been Briar, could have been any number of his little minions.

But it probably wasn't, Ash reasoned.

Anthony stared at him for a moment, then moved a shoulder in what could have been a shrug, but might have been him just getting comfortable. Probably not. Elyssa's too important to them. They'd send a full blooded Redfern to do it.

Should Ash be the one in there right now? Elyssa thought to herself, worried about Anthony's dislike for Redferns.

He's not really a Redfern anymore.

The sound of Thierry's mental voice had its usual calming effect on her, and she smiled at him across the room. But the worry was still nagging at her. He'll be fine, Elyssa. If anything, he's the best person for the job. He just might convince Anthony that not all Redferns are the same.

This put a frown of confusion on Elyssa's face. Thierry, why are we trying to convince him? She paused before a thought occurred to her. What? Are you trying to recruit him?

I think he'd be a valuable asset. If we can recruit him, anyway.

Elyssa thought back on her conversation with Anthony. Would he be willing to join Circle Daybreak? He'd never disparaged the Circle, or Daybreakers in general. In fact, she could only remember him directly referring to it once and that was in passing when he mentioned his sister.

I guess we might have a shot, she thought doubtfully.

A mental chuckle filled her head. Try not to be too optimistic.

Do you know what their plans were after they picked her up? Ash was saying as Elyssa tuned back in.

Anthony shook his hair out of his eyes again, hazel flashing from beneath his lashes. Then, just as Ash was about to move on again, he added, But it wouldn't have been pretty.

A deceptively bland expression crossed Ash's face. What makes you say that?

I heard Briar talking on the phone once. I don't know who with, he cut off Ash as the other vampire opened his mouth. But they were talking about making--here he added air quotes--the little vermin' pay.

Ash questioned carefully.

Anthony looked like he was struggling with his temper. For killing Maya, he enunciated slowly and clearly, as if speaking to a small child.

Does he have to be so matter-of-fact about it? Sabrina hissed.

Unable to think of a response, Elyssa shifted a little, and shrugged one shoulder uncomfortably. Honestly, Anthony's attitude didn't bother her. He seemed more resigned to the facts than malicious. And with all she'd learned about her past, resignation was a great deal more attractive than usual.

The interrogation seemed to stretch on forever, but finally, Ash stood and crossed to the door, which Quinn opened from the outside to meet him in the hallway. Elyssa watched as Anthony slouched down in his seat, dropping his head back to rest on the chair.

As Ash entered the small, crowded room behind the mirror, Thierry met him at the door and motioned for the taller vampire to leave the room with him. The others followed, leaving Elyssa and Sabrina huddled in their corner with confused expressions.

Thierry? Elyssa thought to her soulmate. No answer. Frowning in earnest, she pulled away from Sabrina, despite whispered protests, and opened the door into the hall. Only to find, once she stopped blinking from the sudden influx of light, that it was devoid of any life.

What the heck? she muttered, leaning out to look down the hallway in both directions.

Sabrina asked from behind her.

Stepping aside, she motioned for Sabrina to look for herself. What the...Where did everyone go?

I have no idea, Elyssa said faintly, her eyes locked onto Anthony's prone, immobile figure through the glass.

They could have given us some clue as to where they were going, Sabrina grumbled, still staring at the emptiness of the hallway. Or even that they were going.

Decision made, Elyssa pushed past Sabrina and into the hall.

She heard Sabrina's surprised but didn't stop until she was at the door to the interrogation room. Hurried footsteps sounded behind her and then Sabrina was at her side.

What do you think you're doing? the brunette hissed, green eyes flashing with worry.

I have to talk to him, Sabrina.



The worry was evident in her voice now, but it was laced with a fear that had Elyssa stopping and smiling encouragingly at her. Don't worry. Everything will be fine.

Sabrina stared at her in disbelief. Not if you're going in there, it's not.

I trust him.

And when did this develop? When he kidnapped you? When he had you gagged and tied to a bed?

Elyssa winced. How could she possibly explain? Instead of wasting words, she merely opened the door and stepped inside.

Anthony didn't move.

Striding confidently towards the table, Elyssa pulled out the chair across from him. Sabrina watched, frozen in the doorway.

You shouldn't be in here, he said, head still back, eyes focused on the ceiling.

She shook her head. It'll be okay.

He flashed his trademark half smile at the ceiling. You mean for you, or for me?

Elyssa just shrugged a bit.

Who's your friend?

Sabrina jumped back in surprise, slamming into the door. Wincing in both pain and embarrassment, she looked up to find that he had finally turned his head, though it was still resting on the chair back. And, damn him, he looked amused.

You okay? he asked, hazel eyes running over her, taking in both the door and the way she held her elbow. His amusement overwhelmed her confusion and she glared in return.

she replied calmly, but shortly, and joined Elyssa at the table. His eyes followed her movements for a moment, but then he seemed to lose interest and brought his eyes back to the ceiling.

Anthony, Sabrina. Sabrina, Anthony.

he offered lazily, finally sitting up and leaning his forearms on the table.

Inwardly, Sabrina winced at the primness of her tone. Silence reigned after the awkward introduction, while the girls shifted nervously and Anthony just flitted his eyes back and forth between them.

Elyssa began tentatively.

His eyes reverted back to being amused.

Why didn't you tell them everything?

A wall seemed to slam down suddenly behind those hazel eyes, but a lazy smile graced his lips. What are you talking about?

Sabrina eyed him nervously as Elyssa leaned forward towards him. His posture remained the same though, easy, without a trace of threat about him.

When Ash was asking why you did it. Why didn't you tell him about... She trailed off and Sabrina shot her a sharp look.

His eyes never left her as he leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. So they sent you to get more information, huh?

Elyssa asked, surprised. Of course not. They aren't even down here. Hearing what she'd said, Elyssa winced while, next to her, Sabrina gasped and sent wide eyes back to Anthony, who suddenly looked calculating.

Not down here, huh? We're all alone? he asked softly.

The wall was still disguising his eyes and Elyssa was no longer sure she really understood what he was feeling. But, determinedly, she squared her shoulders and plowed on, clinging to her first assessment of his character.



So, anything could happen and no one would be around to stop it, he continued in the same soft tone.

I'd be here, Sabrina said, tossing her hair back, her green eyes dark with anger.

His eyes swiveled, meeting hers for the first time and she found herself caught in them. They aren't just hazel, she realized wonderingly. They've got green and silver flecks.

Inwardly, Sabrina was convinced that a millennium passed while she stared into his eyes. She felt frozen in them, unable to move while he looked at her. And he looked at her as if he knew something about her that no one else did. Like he'd reached into her mind and knew all her thoughts and dreams. However, in reality, it could only have been a matter of moments before Elyssa spoke, breaking the silence.

You wouldn't do anything, Anthony. We both know that.

Then those eyes were swinging away from her, and they focused once again on Elyssa, leaving Sabrina to both mourn and bless the loss.

Was that mind control? she wondered, clenching her hands together to stop their shaking. No, it hadn't felt like he was controlling her, despite the paralysis.

Telepathy then? Again, no. Whatever it was hadn't felt like what Elyssa had always described.

Maybe I wouldn't, maybe I would. Point is, nobody would know.

Elyssa shrugged, uninterested in the topic. The point is that you aren't helping your own case by withholding information. When he glanced off to the side, Elyssa leaned forward to press the issue. Circle Daybreak can help you, Anthony. You just have to let them.

He snorted. Help me? How can they help me, Elyssa? What could they possibly do to save me?

They'll take you in, she insisted. Just give them a chance. Tell them what you told me.

As soon as the Redferns hear that I've changed sides, I'll become a target. Taking care of traitors is an even higher priority than you. They'd stop at nothing to kill me.

Then let us protect you, Anthony.

Anger flashed through his eyes causing them to sparkle with his suppressed magic and reminding her of his heritage. Why do you care so much?

The question caught her off guard though she supposed it really shouldn't. He was bound to ask that eventually. So, she sighed and leaned forward to answer as truthfully as she could.

You're a good person, Anthony. I know that just from talking to you. I can't stand to watch the Redfern family destroy yet another good person.

The sparkle was still there, but it wasn't anger anymore. Or, if it was, it was no longer directed at her. She sensed the gears turning in his mind and could only hope they would finally settle in her favor.

If Elyssa hadn't been staring at him so closely, she might have missed the brisk nod. Triumphant, but trying not to smile too brightly, Elyssa nodded in return and leaned back in her chair, hiding a wince as her back twinged at the sudden movement.

I guess, she began hesitantly, unsure of her footing. I guess we should find Thierry. Despite what she'd told Anthony, she wasn't sure how everyone was going react to her news.

Anthony nodded, then smirked a bit. Maybe I should wait here.

she agreed, standing with a shrug and an easy smile. Turning to the closed door, she paused a moment, considering it. The door probably didn't open from the inside.

Obviously the same thought had occurred to Sabrina because she cleared her throat and asked, So, how are we going to get out?

The door's usually a good place to start, Anthony offered from behind them when Elyssa didn't answer.

Sabrina shot him an acidic glare. Thanks for that little pearl of wisdom, but, in case you haven't noticed, this is an interrogation room, not a Holiday Inn. The door's probably locked.

It's not.

And how would you know?

Anthony said through clenched teeth, it didn't lock behind you.

Elyssa glanced at him in surprise, but Sabrina was too caught up in her annoyance with him to notice.

Anthony rolled his eyes. Why don't you just go test your hypothesis?

Sabrina glared and started to respond scathingly, but Elyssa was already moving towards the door. Barely controlling a wince, she watched as the doorknob turned easily. Gathering her dignity, she refused to spare Anthony even a glance while she could still feel him staring at her mockingly.

Elyssa sounded a little flustered, but Sabrina couldn't quite make herself speak and fill the silence. I guess we'll be going then.

She glanced back and forth between Sabrina and Anthony, suppressing a sigh. Welcome to Circle Daybreak, Elyssa finally said, meeting Anthony as he stepped forward to take the offered hand.

Thank you, he said with just the barest amount of interest concealed under all that indifference.

Elyssa smiled hopefully at Sabrina, who stifled a sigh. Why do I have to shake his hand? she whined internally. Squeezing her eyes shut for a moment, she took a deep breath to center herself, before opening her eyes and offering her hand to the tall, dark haired vampire in front of her. Welcome to Circle Daybreak.

He paused a moment, those eyes flicking from her face to her hand and back again, but eventually reached out with an air of nonchalance.

His voice was cut off as their hands touched. A strange pink light fogged his vision and he tried to lift a hand to swipe his eyes, but his hands wouldn't move. One was stuck in a death grip with Sabrina's and the other just hung uselessly at his side.

Then he heard her gasp. Somehow, he knew she was going to fall forward and he instinctively leaned to catch her, more worried about her than his sudden paralysis or the strange pink light. But even as his arms caught her, and one part of his mind thought, What is this? the other part screamed, No, no, no, no, no.

Because he knew. And he wished like hell he didn't.

Reviewers:

happyaccident: Thierry IS eloquent, isn't he? sighs Well, since I'm keeping Anthony for myself, you can go ahead and keep Theirry. :-p I know, silly, silly Quinn. He doesn't seem to understand the importance of the Brooding Man. I'm hoping to give Anthony a happy ending in the next story I write, which will begin as soon as possible. You know, Kaitlin is so much cooler with a So everyone else is just missing out! :-p

Soraia: Sappy is good, isn't it? sighs contentedly I hope you liked this last chapter! I hope to get started on my next story soon!

Blaze: I'm glad you liked the story. Hopefully the cliffhanger ending won't deter you from reading the next one. : )

Terriah: Hehe, there will indeed be a sequel. Focusing on Anthony, Sabrina and another couple. I haven't gotten all the details worked out yet. :-p I hope you liked the final chapter!

Yav aka Shibs: It's so hard to write Elyssa and Thierry separate. They're just too cute together. I guess you would build up a rapport with someone after a couple millennia, though, huh? :-p

EarthDragonette: big smile Your reviews are always so great! You always seem to understand exactly what I'm trying to get across! I'm glad the chapter wasn't too fluffy. I wanted Thierry to seem a little nervous while he told the story. Isn't good to have him be so darn sure of himself after keeping her in suspense for 10 years!!! (I can be so vengeful...) I really hope Don Quixote didn't kill you and your muses are back on top of the computer where they belong. Good luck with your stories!

Incarnated-soul: I'm glad you liked the convo. I really stressed over it, trying to make it just right. You know, with the perfect mixture of nervousness on Thierry's part and confusion/enlightenment on Elyssa's, etc. :-p This was the last chapter of this story, but I hope you read the next one too!!!

Aglaia Di Willow: Barely walk?? My gosh, what's your job? Isn't Thierry amazing? I love him so. But not as much as Ash, and now, of course, Anthony. I adore Anthony. In fact, I think I will keep him for myself. evil chuckle I hope you liked this chapter!! And I hope you continue reading Anthony's story!

Annie: I'm glad you liked the story! I hope this ending isn't too much of a cliffhanger. :-p That IS the all-important question, isn't it? As for why Ash stopped aging, I think I'm going to explain this in the next story. Though I will tell you that it was at Mary-Lynette's insistence.

queen of the mole people: Yes, it is finally done. Sorry the last chapter took so long. But I will be writing a sequel! Yay! I'm excited. I hope you liked this final chapter!

Catch 17: I'm so glad you enjoyed the story! I have been in love with L.J. Smith's writing since I was about ten years old. Yeah, I always kind of wished that Hannah had wanted to be a vampire, but I have to respect her wishes. : ( I'm sorry. But just think, Hannah/Elyssa/etc. and Thierry WILL be together forever!! Cuz she keeps coming back! That's something, right?

katysays22: Yeah, poor Thierry. He had to keep all that distance all this time. shakes head Poor brooding fellow. Though, when you think of it, poor Elyssa too. I mean, she's having to watch him fall in love (even though it's in her own head) with another woman, she's suffers from an crush on him for ten years. I mean, as one who has suffered through an unrequited crush...that's really harsh. But it was a good idea on Thierry's part, letting her start to remember on her own. I liked that.

A.N. That's all folks. This story is officially complete. However, I will be writing another story which follows the Anthony/Sabrina plot, along with a SURPRISE couple! (Okay, not so big a surprise after the first chapters, but, you know...) Thanks SO MUCH to all my reviewers, especially you guys who've stuck with me since the beginning. I really appreciate your support and comments. You've helped to make this a really fun, and improving, experience for me! I hope you all continue reading and enjoying my stories! Kaitlin (fate22)