He was the only other person in the world.

His black eyes, shining in their teasing, dangerous way, held her's steadily as he looked down on her, slowly stepping towards her, making her heart race and her breath catch in her throat. She felt that thudding fear that they were about to be caught, but as his warm hands closed around her cheeks, she forgot anyone else existed.

It was just them, holding each other in the dark corner of the garden, under the navy sky with its twinkling silver stars and full moon. He covered her lips with his own in a soft, gentle, warm kiss. He pulled away softly, as though asking her silently if it was okay. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her mouth against his. They kissed passionately, his hands snaking down her spine to rest around her hips, making her shudder in pleasure as they deepened the kiss.

"You traitors!"

An acid voice, sharp and angry, sliced through their moment. They pulled away from each other and turned their heads to see her brother push his way through the bushes. His eyes were narrowed, his jaw set in anger. One hand was on the sword at his waist.

"Gabriel," she said, wrapping her arms protectively around her lover's waist and resting her cheek on his warm chest.

"Vladislaus, you have betrayed the Church," Gabriel snarled. "Alexandria, you knew fine well this isn't allowed."

"What isn't allowed, Gabriel?" Alex asked softly, close to tears. "Our love?"

"Love? Alex, this man has used and abused you!" Gabriel shouted. "He knows nothing of love, and neither do you!"

"You know that isn't true," Vlad growled, holding Alex around the shoulders. "I love your sister with all my heart! I love her more than life itself."

"That's lucky," Gabriel murmured, drawing his sword.

It was the most beautiful sword in the world, with a handle of gold embedded with sapphires and rubies, and a very long, slim silver blade. Alex looked at the sword, and felt her blood run cold.

"No," she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Alex, go inside," Gabriel warned sharply.

"Gabriel, please," Alex begged. "Not this. Anything but this!"

"You have chosen this path yourself," Gabriel snarled. "Go inside."

"No!" she shrieked, clinging tightly to Vladislaus.

"Go inside," Vlad whispered soothingly. "I love you."

"I won't leave you," she replied, looking up at him, her eyes sparkling with tears.

"You must," he replied gently, brushing her forehead with his lips.

Then he pushed her away. She stumbled back, and had to clap her hands over her mouth to stop a scream spilling out as Gabriel stepped forward and pushed his sword into Vlad's heart. Vlad's eyes widened and a low groan escaped his lips as Gabriel pulled his sword out and strode off.

Vlad fell on his back. She was screaming now, as she ran to him and fell to her knees beside him, a loud high-pitched scream which would be sure to wake everyone.

"Alex..." he whispered.

His eyes fluttered shut. She was screaming and crying, and she knew that as he died, most of her died too.

Alex opened her eyes with a sharp scream. She was drenched in cold sweat, tears mingled with the sweat rolling down her face.

"Alex?" Carl's voice, soft and smooth yet urgent, cut through the darkness. Her scream must have woken him.

His arms suddenly seized her, and he held her tightly. She held on to him, sobbing into his chest.

"It's okay now," he whispered, gently stroking her damp hair.

"I had that dream, the one with my past love," she said, her voice trembling. "The one where Gabriel kills him."

Carl said nothing. He seemed to be thinking.

"How does he kill him?" he asked finally.

Alex looked up at him, her expression one of sadness. "With a sword. A beautiful sword with a gold handle set with sapphires and rubies, and a long slim silver blade. He... stabs him in the heart."

Carl chewed his lip. "Go back to sleep. It's okay now."