By: Lady Isis

Rating: M

Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.

Chapter 19

Veil of haze

"Is that okay Sere?" Amy asked as she finished hemming her gown.

"Yes," Serena breathed, then nervously moved to look at her wedding dress in the mirror.

Serena gasped, the dress was gorgeous, and she just knew Diamond would love it! The rippling satin was snow white, like his hair, and swished like whispers as she revolved around. The dress had a wide neckline that slipped elegantly down her shoulders and flowed smoothly down her waist, emphasizing her lovely figure. The material bloomed into a generous bell shaped skirt, and the gown was finished with intricate crystals and beads hanging from the hems.

"You look beautiful," Amy sighed, gently brushing Serena's slivery locks.

"Mmm," but as Serena imagined Diamond, his features morphed changing into the rugged and devastatingly handsome ones of someone she'd never met? Serena's heart fluttered within her chest, the black haired man was so gorgeous – totally sexy.

Serena closed her eye and leaned back, her hand over her chest as she tried to control her erratic breathing. Then as quickly as he appeared in her mind, he was gone. Shaking her head, Serena gazed into the mirror, watching as Amy pushed the final comb into her mass of golden curls and spread the veil over her face.

"Wow, from this day you'll be a married woman, Mrs. Diamond DuFort," Amy said, resting her hands on Serena's shoulders and gazing into the mirror.

"Yes," Serena said rather hesitantly, looking down at her glittering ring.

Darien, like a whisper went through her head and she closed her eyes. Returning her gaze back to the mirror Serena looked unseeing into her own eyes, fingering her diamond pendant. Something was…not right?

Darien stepped from his car and looked impassively at the large cathedral before him. It was out of town and absolutely stunning, with stone turrets and beautiful stain glass depicting saints. Crossing the road, Darien ascended the pearly stairs and walked through the massive arched doors of the church. Darien felt uncomfortable in the holiness of the church he was, after all, a creature of the night.

Pretty women lined the entrance to the church, all wearing elegant pale pink dresses and handing flowers to the guests. There were men in the background socializing, but Darien wasn't fooled, they were keeping an eye on people like himself – enemies to Diamond. Smirking he handed his invitation to one of the flower girls, who blushed profusely as she greeted him with a hello.

"Good evening Mr. De Silva," a familiar drawl interrupted.

"Hello Sapphire," Darien replied, his eyes cold.

"Oh come now, why are you so distrustful? Diamond must have some faith in you to invite you to his wedding," Sapphire seemed to mock.

"Maybe so, but that doesn't instantly remove the bad blood between us," Darien stated, "Now if you'll excuse me," Darien muttered, heading towards Malachite with Mina hanging from his arm.

"Hello Dare," Maxemus said, "Their watching us like crows."

Darien said nothing but shot a look of agreement, telling them to keep him to keep his guard up.

"Are the others here yet?" Darien inquired.

"Yeah," Max said, "They're already in the main church."

Leaving the conversation, Darien strolled into the body of the church listening to the organ playing softly in the background. The room was majestic, huge, with a massive arching roof and hundreds of pews bordering the long carpeted runway cutting through the room, leading to the embroidered alter.

Slipping his hands within his pocket, Darien slowly walked through the church, admiring the rippling colours cast by the stain glass windows. Finding Jed and Ray he conversed lightly and selected a seat as the guest began to file into the chamber.

Ray poked Jed in the ribs, "Looks like Emerald isn't the blushing bride."

Darien glanced and saw the tall beauty acting as if attending a funeral. She was wearing a black miniskirt and black cashmere sweater – rather subdued from her usual flirty fashion. She had a tissue in her hand and was crying, her face blotchy and screwed up – hate evident in her spiteful demeanour.

Max and Mina soon joined them, sitting at the entrance of the pew, the quiet chatter in the church increasing to a constant babble. However the talk soon died away as the organ tune changed, becoming more dominant, and the priest stepped onto the platform beneath the large crucifix of Jesus.

Darien's icy eyes watched Diamond strut proudly from a side door on the platform, a smug smile of satisfaction across his face. At this Emerald broke down into a new river of tears, her sobs ragged as she buried her head into Rubeus's chest. A soon as Diamond took his place in front of the alter, the distinctive wedding music blasted through the room.

The arched doors opened and the first thing people saw was a pretty toddler, wearing a dress of pale pink, throwing fresh rose petals from her chubby little hand. Following her was a line of women all throwing flowers, lining the red carpet with pink and white.

The people within the room all stood as the bride entered the room, clinging to the arm of Sapphire, her steps small and slow, her face vague between the folds of her veil. She looked like a princess, her dress complimentary in everyway and a diamond tiara adorning her head. Behind them followed the maid of honour, holding the long train of the brides beautiful dress.

"Amy," Zach gasped as he caught sight of his lady, wearing a pink dress behind the bride. Why was she here?

As the long procession came to an end at the alter, Sapphire handed the bride over to Diamond then, took his place as the Best Man opposite the Maid of Honour.

The priest looked out at the guests then raised his hands in an accommodating position.

"Ladies and Gentle men, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of two people…"

Darien watched the happy couple on the platform, Diamond standing parallel to the bride, holding her hands, a contented smile on his face.

"…So we shall continue," the priest said in his warm voice, "Do you Diamond DuFort, take this woman, in sickness and in health, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish till death do you part?"

"I do," his loud voice declared proudly.

"And do you, my dear, take this man in sickness and in health to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish till death do you part?"

"I do," her soft voice echoed.

"We shall then exchange the rings,"

At the priest's declaration, Sapphire came carrying two plain gold bands on a pillow of silk. Diamond went first and slid the smaller band on the bride, who then took the remaining ring and slid it on his left ring finger.

"Are there any objections as to why this couple should not be married in holy matrimony," the priest asked.

"Yes," A voice hissed as a lone figure standing up, "I do."

The man was average height with sharp, good looking features and silvery blond hair. He was dressed totally in black and his blue eyes were like liquid nitrogen – so chillingly cold. He kept his intense gaze at the couple – the priest shocked as Diamond furious.

Serena watched the man stand up and was hit by familiar hate, it was so strong and she somehow remembered it. Feeling very confused Serena gazed around the hall, all the spectators to her wedding were watching the man as he slid from the pew and swaggered to the platform.

As her eyes roamed, Serena saw her fantasy man and he looked very amused at the predicament. He was seated near the middle and was wearing a crisp charcoal suit and blue tie. Darien, her mind prompted.

"Darien," She whispered softly then, the last couple of hours hit her like a ton of bricks.

"I don't want to marry you, you disgusting piece of shit," Serena said repulsed, pulling her hands from Diamond.

There were collective gasps around the room as the bride threw her ring at Diamond, picked up the layers of her skirt and ran. Diamond was not letting her go, no matter what! Grabbing her wrist he pulled her back and Serena struggled, slapping and yanking to get free.

The man advancing stopped and mockingly laughed, "Looks like she doesn't like you Diamond."

Diamond seethed, wrapping both his arms around his escaping bride, pinning her to his body.

"Continue the ceremony!" Diamond yelled at the priest as his henchmen, led by Sapphire, attacked the objecting man.

The priest looked shocked and continued in a trembling voice, "With all the power invested in me…"

A strangled cry left Serena's throat, she would never marry Diamond!

"…I pronounce you husband and w­­---"

"DARIEN!" Serena screamed, but her cry was cut short as Diamond punched her, stunning her into silence.

"Get on with it priest or I'll kill you," Diamond hissed.

"Ipronounceyouhusbandwife, y-y-you may k-kiss the bride."

Diamond tore the veil from Serena's face and leaned down to kiss her. Serena panicked, pushing against his shoulders, trying to keep him away, but he was too strong and slowly he got closer. No more then a couple of inches from his lips, Serena was ripped away as Darien laid a powerful punch across Diamonds jaw. Using this time Darien drew her towards him, wrapping his muscled arms protectively round her body, glaring at Diamond, his irises black with fury.

Elation coursed through Serena and she smugly smiled at Diamond, indicating he was in big trouble, then pushed closer to Darien breathing in his musky scent.

"Are you okay?" Darien asked softly.

Serena nodded, wincing as Darien touched her bruised cheek, causing him to growl angrily.

Giving Serena a tender kiss, mostly to show everyone that she was his possession, he marched up to Diamond and took him by his blood spotted shirt.

"What are you trying to achieve, Diamond?" Darien sneered angrily, "Because you stepped way out of line. Serena. Is. Mine." With that Darien slammed his fist into Diamonds face.

At the start of the fight, Sapphire and his men had to contend with Darien's faithful followers, rising and forcing themselves through, determined to serve justice to the people who had tricked them.

Darien and Diamonds fight evolved into a supernatural battle, and Serena was unable to do anything – hoping with all her heart that Darien would be safe. Serena noticed Amy, who was obviously under the manipulation of Diamond, pick up a crucifix and moved towards the battle. Serena couldn't let Amy hurt herself or Darien, and intercepted her laying a sharp but controlled jab in her face. Amy tried to retaliate, but Serena quickly defended herself and as gentle as possible tried to force Amy into submission.

Amy sensed that she was no match and turned running through the side door, Serena quickly followed – she needed to save Amy from Diamonds control.

"I'm not finished with you," that chilling voice said, grabbing her wrist and hurling her back.

Serena flew through the air and hit the wall, knocking the wind from her and making her head spin. Focusing, Serena wobbly stood up, however the blond man was waiting and slammed his hand on her throat, pinning her to the wall. Serena gasped as she felt herself denied of air and curled her hand around his arm, trying to pull his hand away.

"I will take my revenge, you killed my one and only, and for that you will die," The man said, glaring into her eyes – a mirror of his own.

"No," Serena spat, "You did! You condemned her life the first moment you met her! You should die for what you did!"

The man snarled and punched her in the stomach. Serena wheezed and collapsed, her arms protectively curling over her waist as she tried to control her pants.

"It was you and your repulsive coven that ruined everything!" He back handed her and Serena landed hard on the ground, her already bruised cheek stinging.

"I hate you filthy witches and I'm going to make sure you all die," he declared kicking Serena in the side.

Serena rolled out of range as he attempted another blow, and rose to her feet, her eyes burning with anger. She was no pansy and was going to make sure this man suffered – her father he maybe, but he had left a dark shadow upon her and forced her into a responsibility she didn't want. Not to mention never having parents, always dependant on the rest of the family.

Remembering all those years of pain, Serena formed a ball of crackling energy within her palm and hurled it at her father. It hit him in the shoulder, but almost instantly his wound healed and he continued to advance, murder within his eyes.

Serena was going to fight back, no longer would she deny her heritage – she would use it to her advantage and she would win. Attacking with extreme agility, Serena put all her strength into the head on attack, punching him squarely in the chest, jarring his heart then slamming her knee into his gut.

"Is that all you can do?" Her father tormented, grabbing her by the front of her gown and hurling her over the pews into the isle.

Serena groaned and rolled onto her stomach to get up. She was shocked; none of her attacks had any affect on the man. She realized, though as strong as she was, she wasn't nearly as strong as an elder immortal.

"Watch out Serena!" Ray screamed.

Serena jerked from where she lay, but not fast enough to avoid the blade that slashed past her side. Serena cried out and backed away, hand clamped over her torso, blood blooming from her hand streaking down the white dress.

"Silver," her father sneered, "And this time I won't miss."

He was so fast and Serena knew she couldn't avoid the next attempt. Closing her eyes she waited for the final blow, but it never came.

Darien had powerlessly watched as Serena was confronted by Damon Wynette, who proceeded to hurt her. She may be a vampire hunter, but Damon was much stronger then her mortal body. Watching Serena get stabbed from his peripheral vision, made his blood boil and he threw Diamond through a stain glass window, gliding to protect his lover.

Intercepting the blow, he punched Damon – sending him reeling back.

"Out of the way De Silva, my battle is not with you – but her," he said, pointing at Serena rising off the floor.

"Her battles are my battles," Darien said, keeping Serena behind him.

"I guess you live to fight yet another day. Mark my words, angel of death, revenge will be mine and I will crush everything you love."

An energy ball automatically formed within her hand. Unlike the usual white balls, this one was hissing red, and Serena threw it, her rage propelling the spitting orb of power. The ball was fast, created by her hate, and it met its target – hitting Damon in the face, burning his side.

"You were the root of your own misery, I hope with all my heart that you suffer from this truth," Serena said.

"But how long will your mortal heart keep beating?" He smirked, "No matter what, all your paths lead to death – and you and I both know that."

Spinning around Damon was gone, leaving the church oddly empty – the guests long gone. An involuntary sob was torn from Serena's chest, a tear streaking down her cheek. In a moment Darien had enveloped her, whispering words of reassurance and love.

"Amy!" Serena said, jerking from his hold, "We must find her!"

"Not now, you've got wounds to see to," Darien said, pulling her hand from her waist to examine her wound.

"It's just a scratch, we must find Amy. She's under Diamonds control," Serena said, the man with soft golden hair riveted to her words.

Spinning Serena picked up her skirts and ran through the exit Amy took. Using years of practice, Serena scanned the church courtyard for an indication as to which way she went.

"This way," The blond said, leading her towards the bell tower bathed in dusk.

Climbing the twisted stairs of the bell tower, they soon stepped into a large circular room, made of crude stone with large arched windows and a massive bell. Diamond was standing there, with his brother and cronies – Serena hated him. Creating a ball of energy, she was about to throw it when Amy stepped in front of Diamond – protecting him.

"You wouldn't like to hurt your friend, now would you?" Diamond mocked, placing his hands on Amy's shoulders, peering at them over her head.

The pale blond growled, fists clenched. It was then that Serena realized that this was the man Amy been talking about, the one that had weeks, before had chased her through the alleys. Isn't that ironic, Serena thought.

"Let her go Diamond, you have no right to hold a person under your control," Darien said, trying to ease Serena's fear for her friend.

Diamond laughed mirthlessly, "I've had her under my control since she was a child."

With that he tilted her head to the side, revealing two old scars on the side of her neck. Serena felt sick, no wonder Amy had a fear of the dark – the monster before her had tainted Amy's childhood innocence, plunging her into the night world.

"So why should I release her now, she's been my best servant," Diamond antagonized, "Isn't that right?"

Amy nodded, her eyes blank, face devoid of emotion.

"You sick bastard!" The blond yelled, advancing on Diamond.

"Zach, no!" Ray yelled, holding onto his arm.

"Don't be stupid," Jed added.

"I'll release her under one condition," Diamond said, "If that condition is not met…"

Amy moved from Diamonds hold and stood on the railing of the tower, her dress ruffling as she precariously stood at the edge.

"NO!" Zach said in anguish.

"Name your condition," Nathaniel said calmly.

"Her," Diamond said pointing at Serena, "I want her."

At once Darien's arms caged over Serena, pushing her back against his chest.

"Anything but that," Darien snarled.

Diamond shrugged, "Well then…" Amy moved closer to her death.

"Darien please let go," Serena whispered, trying to pry his arms away, "I can't let her die!"

Darien didn't answer, intense rage bubbling within him, he would never let go.

"Darien, trust me," she implored, looking over her shoulder into his eyes.

Slowly she peeled Darien's arms from her and walked up to Diamond. Stopping before him, she saw his hungry eyes devour her and she glared. Bringing her hand up she slapped him, and ripped his diamond shaped diamond necklace from her throat, hurling it into his face.

"You're despicable," She hissed, "But you know – two people can play that game."

Serena smashed her mind into Diamonds, braking through his mental walls. Diamond fell to his knees, unprepared for her attack, but soon began to retaliate fighting back. Serena winced and imagined a huge impenetrable wall, which nothing and nobody could get through and reinforced it with positive thoughts. Keeping her mental walls up, she crudely searched Diamonds mind looking for his connection to Amy.

As long as she kept hurting Diamond, he would be too distracted to tell Amy what to do, and she continued, ripping through his thoughts. Serena cried and drew back as he rammed into her mental walls, gritting her teeth she pushed back in and located his control over Amy. The particular area of his mind was filled with thousands of cobwebs; Serena realized these were connections to thousands of people. Serena felt so infuriated; he had absolutely no right to manipulate people!

Pushing against the oppressive force – that was Diamond forcing her out, she slashed the connections, severing his control and freeing his prisoners.

"Get out!" Diamond screamed mentally and physically.

All of a sudden she was hurled from his mind as Sapphire mentally reinforced him. Serena stumbled at the force into Darien's arms, totally drained but satisfied as she sent him a nasty grin.

"What am I doing?" Amy squeaked, wobbling terrified on the railing.

At once Zach was by her, carefully guiding Amy from danger. Amy was trembling, going into shock and gazed at the people surrounding her.

It was him! The man who attacked her as a child! Amy landed on the floor and shrunk away, whimpering softly as she curled up in a corner.

"Leave Diamond, you have no power without leverage," Darien snarled, once again, much to Serena's annoyance, pushing her behind his dominant body.

Diamonds expression was of pure loathing as Sapphire tried to drag him away. Diamond jerked his arm from Sapphire causing him to stumble then, marched proudly to the window and jumped disappearing into the crimson horizon, followed by his lackeys.

"Stay away from me!" Amy screamed, trying to merge with the wall as Zach tried to comfort her, "You're one of them! All of you are! You're going to kill me!"

Zach looked shocked, his face full of anguish – she was afraid of him.

"Amy," Serena breathed, pushing through the men gathering around.

"Serena!" Amy cried, wrapping her arms around her neck and burying her face in her shoulder, "There going to kill me, they all are!"

"Shuush," Serena tried to sooth, her own tears welling at the whole ordeal and her friends torment.

"I'm scared, I'm so so so scared," Amy whimpred, "Please get me away. I don't ever want to see the these people again."

Though in whispers, the men heard every word of the distressed woman, and Zach turned around stalking mournfully out of the tower, his heart felt like breaking – his own soul mate, which he had searched centuries, was terrified of him.

"Let's go home," Serena said.

"No, night will fall and those monsters will drink us dry," Amy whispered hysterically.

"Oh Amy," Serena sobbed, only imagining what her friend had gone through, "Don't worry I'll protect you, no matter what!"

The rest of the men got the idea to leave, and when Serena and Amy made their decent down the tower there was no one to upset the already distraught woman. The taxi driver had looked very strangely at the bloody bride, and her unstable bride's maid, both looking as if they were pulled through a bush backwards. Getting back to their apartment, Serena concocted a simple sleeping draft and made Amy drink it, sending her to sleep within ten minutes. Serena sighed with relief; the potion would keep her knocked out, in a dreamless state, until late tomorrow when they could rationally talk to her.

As she stepped into her bedroom, Serena felt a pair of gentle hands encircle her waist, and she stiffened fists balling in fear – could you blame her?

Spinning around to give the intruder a butt kick, she looked up into Darien's serious face.

"Darien! You gave me freaking fright! Are you trying to give me a heart attack? Why are you here anyway? How the hell did you get in!"

"No I didn't intend to give you a heart attack, I am here to take you with me and I came through the door," He answered in his deep voice.

"Like hell I am!" Serena protested, pushing from his arms.

"I heard Wynettes threat, and if I can get into your home – without even trying – then he certainly will," Darien said irritably.

"I don't need your protection, I can protect myself," she sniffed haughtily, shaking herself from Darien's arms.

Once again Darien encircled her from behind, pulling her against his taunt body, "I didn't say you couldn't protect yourself," He purred nuzzling her neck, "It's just – I can do it better."

"Oooh you are so bigoted!" Serena said, "But really, I can't go; I have to look after Amy. What happens if she wakes up and finds no one here?" Serena answered.

"The woman is fine, but you're not. You might be able to protect yourself but you can't look after yourself," he scowled, trying once again to look at her wound.

"I'm dealing with it," Serena said eluding him, grabbing some medical supplies from the closet.

Dropping them onto the bed, a sudden feeling of dizziness hit her – Darien was right, she couldn't look after herself. Hell she wasn't even sure she could get out of the complex dress and grudgingly accepted she needed Darien's help.

"Darien," she called in a soft defeated voice, "Can you help me?"

Darien didn't say anything of triumph, knowing that she had put aside her pride to ask him. Standing behind her, his nimble fingers quickly pulled the laces from the bodice, exposing the long expanse of her creamy back. As it came undone, Serena felt a sense of freedom from Diamond, and feebly tried to help Darien pull the dress from her body – but she was so exhausted, a slight wobble telling Darien she wasn't stable.

As he eased the tight dress from Serena's hips, he couldn't help feeling aroused – she was so beautiful, even exhausted and bruised. Lifting her from the gown piled at her feet, he laid her on the bed her eyes flickering closed on contact, and got to his most important priority of her wound.

The wound wasn't too deep, but it was long and Darien scowled, trying staunching the blood with gauze. However, no matter what he did, the bleeding wouldn't cease and despite being a clean cut, the skin around the wound was inflamed – was she a haemophiliac? He doubted it, but something wasn't quite normal. Serena whimpered in pain at the pressure he was applying, and he was left with no other option then to allow some of his own blood to drip into her wound – which would promote healing.

Despite this, the wound still didn't heal to what he expected – though, to his relief, it did stop the bleeding. Cleaning the blood from her flat belly, he wrapped a bandage around it and gently inspected her, noting each injury – anger developing, not just at Diamond and Wynette, but himself for not protecting her.

Darien's jaw clamped at her under attire, it was anything thing but modest. It was a strapless white satin and lace bra with matching bikini panties and lacy suspenders holding white pantyhose, finished with a pair of killer stilettos. Diamond had certainly planned his honey moon intentions and displayed it all over Serena's body. Darien scowled, first removing the frilly garter embroidered with DD, leaving her in only the raw underwear as not to scare her in the morning.

Carefully positioning her correctly in bed, he pulled the covers over her body and removed the diamond clips from her hair – all possession signs of Diamond. Removing the final piece of jewellery – a choker – he felt the tiny connection between them expand like a suffocating person finally allowed to breathe. Darien instantly knew their connection had been tampered with and horrid anger swarmed through him, his fist closing around the choker, crushing it.

Controlling his raging temper – pulled to it limits from the day; he kissed Serena softly on her lips, and sent waves of his love to her. Serena sighed and Darien made the goal to stop being so nice and take what was his. He knew as long as she was always with him she would be safe.

:D I'm done! Thanks for your reviews and support – go and check my responses at my livejournal. Till next time – adieu!