Chapter 24: A Crack in the Heart

"Sometimes, the heart will break, but broken live on. Live on with its cracks and scars, in hope to beat whole once more..."


Dark magic has many forms and reincarnations. It can sow death and annihilation from near and far. It can change forms and forge fates in an unnatural, dark, and twisted manner. Black sorcery truly has unlimited powers, Phobos Escanor knew, hence he had been drawn to it since his earliest years. The Prince had always been naturally prone to it. His magic resembled the darkness- so different from his mother's light, from the Light of Meridian itself, but still so very strong. True, Phobos's magic needed a lot of stolen life force and sacrifices, but he didn't mind. Those who despised him and robbed him of what he deserved to have deserved annihilation.

Now, years after he had started practicing black sorcery, his abilities knew almost no borders and horizons. He could alternate the subjects of his striving even from behind the walls of his coercive shelter.

Taking his hands down, he closed his eyes and when he turned to her again, there was a contended grin gracing his cold features.

"Is the deed done?"- Leonida asked. She was on pins and needles.

Phobos cocked an eyebrow. He couldn't fully understand as to why his companion and love interest was so willing to have her mother undone. After all, they had many other things to attend to, finding the proper loop in the situation they had gotten themselves into, included. Being under royal watch and under that of Kandrakar, seriously clashed with their agenda, but thankfully, they had already developed a new strategy. Time was of special importance. Patience was needed, and Phobos hated the idea of being in the wait. However, even though patience was bitter, its fruits were to be sweet. Reminding himself of that, the Evil Prince saw no reason to deny Leonida's wish.

His own parents had treated him in a fashion similar to Magana and Andan's ways. They had met with a tragic end because of it. On that basis, the Prince could relate to the enchantress's desire to be avenged.

"It is done."- Phobos confirmed. "I told you the essence of my black roses is to be admired. I have complete control over the souls trapped in these beautiful flowers, they've adorned and protected my castle, against their will, for years. I find it quite amusing because people tend to say that I've never created anything of particular beauty; they don't get my style, you see... Anyhow, as I said, I control my roses, wherever I am. Sooner or later, they all wither. I just had to speed up that process for your mother till I no longer sensed the beating of her fragile chlorophyll heart. Congratulations, my squeeze. Queen Magana is no more."

Leonida's lips stretched into such a wide smile, as she had just been told the most fabulous news. And in actuality, that was what these words were for her. Her secrets would remain forever safe. Her mother had taken them with her to the grave...

"Thank you, Phobos."- the blonde went in his embrace and wrapped her arms around his slender waist.

Phobos responded with a surprising amount of gentleness, as he held her closely, yet carefully, keeping her still quite flat stomach safe.

He really had started to develop a particular set of feelings. Marvelous.

At that point, Leonida didn't even care whether Kandrakar or anyone else of their watchers had witnessed Magana's liquidation. The important thing was that she could no longer pose a threat to her and her future intentions...

I'm sorry, mommy, the ex-princess pondered in her head. You've already done enough evil to me. Your own daughter... Your treachery and threats no longer matter because you're out of the picture. And I? Oh, I am yet to begin painting.


Daltar exhaled in relief and wiped his forehead. It had been challenging, but he had succeeded. Now he just had to wait.

It was a chilly, windy night in Meridian, his seventh spent in the Mage tower. The Mage herself had given him a mission, and tonight he was quite sure he had completed it. All he had to do now was wait for her arrival- he had already activated the notifying card she had given him.

When the water in the tall jade-colored vase had stirred uncontrollably and all of a sudden, awakening the gardener, he had known it was time to act. Thank God for that water from the lakes near Heli... It was sure to alarm each time something was to happen with the plant submerged in it.

Even though the man was quite drawn into his own thoughts, he barely blenched once the tall figure appeared in the room, all of a sudden. He had called for her, after all. The completion of his special mission meant that he could leave the premises of this tower and return to his home.

"Good evening, Mage."- the royal gardener dropped a curtsy. "I called you here with two news. A good and a bad one. My mission-; the mission you gave me was crowned with success."

"Indeed? Good to hear, Daltar."- Nerissa moved towards the man in her shall. "Do tell more."

Her lips danced in a small, quite narcissistic smile, if Daltar had to express an opinion, which he didn't, hence he just went on:

"I've used the demigod shears and all my gardening gifts, just like you asked. Tonight, Phobos finally tried to use his influence on the rose, I suspect he wanted it destroyed. I've seen him do it so many times... I used the demigod shears and pruned the flower of the connection to his dark spell. He no longer has influence over this rose."

"Excellent."- Nerissa approved with a smirk, as she approached the big table and took the black rose in her hands. It looked almost deplorable by now. "So, the brat really does have ultimate control over these black roses of his. Impressive. Who would've thought that he is capable of creating something for a change, instead of destroying. Even with the irony of tonight, he was able to create the curse of the black roses."

"To be fair, I helped him realize that sick dream of his, even if against my will. And I am ashamed of it."- the gardener sighed. "But the bad news is that we can use these shears to free the remaining black roses around the realm, only if the tyrant decides to pursue his control over them. Like he did with this one tonight... Queen Elyon's magic couldn't turn back all of the cursed people, transformed into roses. She only managed to cure my family, for they had been bewitched before I helped hone the curse. Therefore, I'm afraid that the same is in power for that person you're holding. Phobos is the only one who can undo his curse."

Nerissa didn't seem tоo bothered by that. She turned to the man again and shook her head, her bedazzling tresses flowing around her face like the night waters of Magjenzian falls:

"Oh, I'm aware of that, Daltar. I know that even the Heart of Meridian cannot lift empirical curses like that of Phobos's roses. But what I do find particularly soothing, is the fact that he and his deranged enchantress no longer have this special trump card. The knowledge which Magana hid from me the last time is of major importance to her prodigal daughter."

At this point, she was no longer talking to the man as much as she was pondering out loud. Nerissa turned around once again, this time facing the doors of the tower.

"And that knowledge won't be lost with the demise of this flower like Leonida wanted. It will be choicely taken care of, from now on. I will make sure to preserve Magana's life, because one day, that misleading matron will be of benefit to me."


Heatherfield

"Will, how are you feeling?"

Will opened her eyes tiredly and saw Hay Lin and Yan Lin surrounding her bed. She sat up and rubbed her hand with a grunt. What time was it? Why was she still here? Ugh! She suddenly remembered. The reason why she hadn't been thrilled to stay in her mother's house with Dean...

"Have some tea, Will."- Yan Lin suggested warmly as she placed the tray she carried on the nightstand. "You must also eat something; you don't look too well."

"I'm fine."- Will assured them, trying to ignore the sharp pain she suddenly felt in her stomach.

Gag, just looking at the breakfast she wanted to throw up...

"I'm very grateful to you, guys. All of you, but I already told you. I'm not going crazy just yet. I'm just out of sorts...And this entire condo corpse drama made it worse... All I need is to get back on my feet and I'll be as good as new."

But Hay Lin didn't even want to hear about it. She gently blocked her friend from leaving the bed and seated herself next to her. Yan Lin smiled and plopped the teacup in the redhead's hands.

"Will, no! Don't be silly. We know you've been through a lot and you need the pampering and the rest now, OK? Sit back and let's eat!"

Will sighed. Ever since being released from custody, her friends had been taking turns staying in Susan's house with her. If only she wasn't so oddly groggy all the time, she would've long ended this nonsense by now! They were treating her as she was sick, which she wasn't. At least not literally. She was, however, sick of all the drama and problems she was going through and a daily basis. And the fact that she spent the majority of her time since getting on bail, in sleeping, infuriated her.

Her mother was probably out and about, dealing with their problems and the case they were sure going to have to attend in court, at some point. Matt had been helping Dean's family with William for a week now while juggling with his work and gigs. Her friends were all around her, making sure she's doing fine, helping out with all they could, and what was she doing? She was simply sleeping, like some darn bear!

Determined to make a change for the better, Will dried up her tea and then busied herself with Yan Lin's pancakes. Yan Lin, herself, stood by her side, observing her eat with approval and contend.

"Umm, Mrs. Lin? Shouldn't you be going back to the Dragon? And you, Hay, don't you have lectures? I appreciate you two being here, I really do, but I'm sure that I can take the rest of my day by myself now."- the redhead said cautiously. "I am in a desperate need of a shower. Then I have to get the details on the entire corpse in our condo mayhem. Also, the pet store isn't- "

"Matt has the store under control, Will, don't worry."- the Air guardian stopped her softly. "Besides, he and your mom especially asked me to be with you today. You're unwell, you know! You might even suffer depression if we don't take this a step at a time-"

"Woah."- Will threw the bedsheets off herself in a moment of outrage. "Depression? Unwell? I'm perfectly fine, what crap! Matt is just paranoid and my mother is over-protective, you know how they are!"- and the guardian finally managed to stand up, only to find out she was suddenly dizzy. "Just because I'm going through a rough phase, doesn't mean that I'm falling apart! At least you two know that I've been through much worse and I've always managed it. Relax."

"Will, dear."- Yan Lin interjected. "I'm happy that you're now feeling better, but you slept for more than 24 hours. You shouldn't jump on your feet so suddenly. You have to take it lightly."

24 hours?! What the heck, was she suddenly turning into a bear for real? Or was she close to some godawful cursed Meridian writing? Whatever it was, she couldn't allow herself sloth like that.

"I've been fatigue and overstressed, but I'm better now, really. I'm going to put myself in order."

With one last look of her haggard appearance in the standing mirror, Will headed for the guest bathroom. What she needed was a quick, but reviving bath to get back to a normal regime.

"Something is off with her, grandma, I can just feel it."- Hay Lin said. "And it's not just that, our investigation hasn't been going with flying colors so far. Will shouldn't find out about the new evidence before we've found contra evidence..."

"Hay Lin."- her grandmother interrupted her softly. "Sometimes we want to protect our friends and families from too many things, forgetting that they're adults and fully capable of handling many situations with dignity and success. You and the girls are noble for what you're doing, but Will deserves to be a part of your investigation and know the truth. She will find out, sooner or later, that the court now has evidence making her late father main suspect in the case. It might as well be better if she heard it from her friends."

Hay Lin seemed hesitant when she stood up from the bed and proceeded to make it with a worried look on her face.

"But her mental state..."

"I don't think that what Will's going through is so much about her mental state."- Yan Lin voiced her opinion.

Her granddaughter turned to look at her in perplexity.

"Then what is it about, grandma?"

"I'm not saying anything with certainty, my little Hay Lin. But I do notice this to be the second morning she wakes up and goes straight to throwing up."

Hearing that, Hay Lin gasped, for she, just like her grandmother, suddenly heard it, thanks to their power. The sound of vomiting behind the guest bathroom door.

The Air guardian met the former Air guardian's eyes in a shocked glance:

"B-but grandma! Oh, my God... Do you think that she might be- "

"I think you should convince her to see a doctor, granddaughter. As soon as possible."


"Gracious, Orube! Of course, you can stay in Mrs. Rudolph's house again, for as long as you plan to be in Heatherfield!"- Taranee exclaimed, overwhelmed by the fact that she had just bumped into an old friend, for the first time in years.

Orube, who went as Rebecca Rudolph on Earth, had remained pretty much the same. With her dark bob of hair and a set of casual clothes that she apparently had from before, and even Taranee had to admit looked quite old-fashioned. But that wasn't what was important.

The true joy the Fire guardian had felt when seeing the warrior was connected to the many, dear memories they had made with each other. The fact that Orube was now once again on Earth was both exciting and overwhelming- the girls hadn't heard from her for almost 9 years now.

"Thanks, Tara."- the Basilíadian said gratefully, placing her hand on the other woman's knee.

They were sitting on a bench in the park. It was cold but sunny and since she had bumped into the feline near "Hannah Baker" park, Taranee had decided that they could as well sit and talk there.

"I hope you don't mind me asking that, but what brings you to Heatherfield?"- the Fire guardian asked amicably. "I mean after those romantic disappointments and that man's death- "

Taranee stopped and licked her lips cautiously. She knew this was a delicate topic she had just raised- it had also been the reason for Orube's dolor and abdication to her home planet all these years ago. A man who she had been in love with had lost his life in an unfair tragedy, breaking Orube's heart and newfound trust in feelings.

But apparently, time had healed a great part of that wound, because Orube replied, almost without a trace of misery:

"Time made me realize that tragedies shouldn't stop us from living our lives to the fullest. I've spent years in being a devoted warrior of Kandrakar and my planet, now I decided that I should spare some time for myself and my personal life. The truth, Taranee, is that I liked it here in Heatherfield. I had friends, a job, romantic interests... I miss these days. That is why I decided to come back here and give life among humans another try. If you and the other girls are going to be concordant with that- "

"Orube, what are you talking about! Of course!"- Taranee exclaimed. "Having you back in Heatherfield will be a breath of fresh air for all of us! We have so much catching up to do, too! With all the problems we've been having lately, a girls' night will do us wonders! Hey, we can have it at Mrs. Rudolph's house, tonight, once you've moved in!"

The warrior listened to her old friend's excited talking with a growing smile. She had to admit all that did sound lovely and she was indeed looking forward to meeting the rest of the guardians again after 8 and a half years. They had probably all matured into beautiful young women, just like Taranee. Being honest with herself, Orube was actually taken aback by how fast time on Earth went by...

Then she remembered her ulterior goal and gloomed a tad.

If only I wasn't deceiving you...I wonder whether you're all going to be as friendly with me if you get to know.

Yes, coming to live in Heatherfield after so much time again was part of her cover story. She was here to gather intelligence for her teacher's bitter heart. But the more she thought about it, the more the actual idea of starting a life in this city again, appealed to her.

Who knows, Orube thought as she laughed together with Taranee at a joke she hadn't exactly heard. She was too immersed in her own thoughts. I might even fall in love again...Heatherfield is a place with magic of its own!


" ''Lair on the Air'' sounds from your devices today, thanks to our many, wonderful sponsors! A word from them, you'll hear in the commercial break! Don't forget that you can tune in to our online station, as well! Martin is always online, ready for you guys! Now a word from our sponsors, don't go away, after the commercial break we're gonna be hearing Matt Olsen's newest hit-single 'Years and Up'! ''Lair on the Air'' for you! You already know all the competition is canceled, honey!"

Having said her last line, Irma tossed her curly ponytail back and went into commercial break, turning her microphone off and ending her live broadcast.

Once she stood up, getting ready to exit the recording area, she saw Cornelia in a white crop top and white high-waisted pants, standing in the other side of the modern studio.

"That's your new slogan? ''The competition is canceled, honey''? Talk about a lack of creativity."

"What do you want, Corny?"- Irma smirked sourly. "We're the station with the highest ratings in Heatherfield and the area, and that's all that matters! That includes online. So, what's with you and your son coming here all of a sudden?"- and she gestured at the high-end stroller, Cornelia was holding onto.

Cornelia, in her turn, made a face and playfully pinched the Latina:

"Ouch!"

"Don't tell me you forgot, Irmy!"- she taunted. "We made plans to go and dig around that jackass Jessie Alexis today! We're going to follow him, remember?"

"I do remember!"- Irma snapped. "We have to get to the bottom of what's with this guy giving Will and Susan such a hard time over seemingly nothing."

"Then?"

"I meant why is Killian here, he can't come with us! Don't you have like 20 nannies at your disposal? In the face of your lovely relatives, that is."

At that, Cornelia just snorted under her nose and flipped her long, today also wavy, hair.

Some things never change, even with adolescence and years, Irma smirked as she watched her friend do her trademark move, she had been doing ever since elementary school.

"Don't get me started on them! I need them one day and nobody is available! Nerissa decided to vanish off to somewhere without saying a thing!"

"Knowing her, she's probably standing in front of Phobos and Leonida's home arrest place, huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf who wants to blow the house away and get them pigs."- Irma cracked a joke, which Cornelia paid no attention to, going on with her rant:

"Julian and Caleb are working, and so is my dad, of course. My mom has an exhibition today and Mrs. Lin was somewhere down the cheap side of town, where my son shouldn't be! All the other girls are busy, Will's a mess- "

"What about your grandma?"- Irma interrupted her.

"She's getting her botox done in Midgale."- Cornelia rolled her eyes. "Won't be back until they tuck that turkey neck in, nice and smooth, too. So, there's that. She's having a week devoted to cosmetic surgery."

Irma tried not to bat an eye at that, but her expression had undoubtedly twisted:

"Gee, your grandmother is crazy, have you heard? You're getting it all from her, I know! Harold and Liz are such nice people, you're just Vera 2, the Socialite of Socialites-"

"Whatever, Irma, we don't have time for you to be extra lame!"- Cornelia almost yelled and then cringed, realizing she and Irma so very often behaved like they were still 14.

But then again, to a serious extent, their relations would most probably forever remain like that.

"So what do you suggest, that we carry him with us?! He might be turning 5 months-old soon, but I'm pretty certain he won't take a 'shut-up' command seriously, even if we're right behind Alexis! No matter how smart you claim your kid is, Corny, he's a baby and-"

"I haven't even thought of taking him along, would you stop blabbing! We're going to leave him here! With Martin. I'm sure they'll be fine."

"Woah."- Martin showed his head from his office. "As much as I'd love to, this is a place of business. Diapers and radio don't mix up. Besides, I'm not ready to-"

"Were you eavesdropping on us, Martin."- Irma interrupted him, unimpressed.

"Uh, no... But you still have your mic attached and it's on, sugarplum."- Martin grinned in response and got ready to return to his work.

"Huh."- Irma snorted under her nose, looking down at the device on her ample chest." Then I guess I'm thrilled that I told you all about Kandrakar months ago, cuz I would've totally screwed over by now, thanks to all your gear, you n-"

Annoyed with the wasting of potential time, Cornelia stepped on Irma's foot, making her squeal. Then she took Killian out of his stroller, snuggling him close to her face:

"Nevertheless, Martin, neither of us has a choice."- the blonde declared in an intolerable to objections tone." Killian will stay with you for a while, but don't worry, he'll be an angel! Isn't that right, my cutie?"- she cooed, ignoring the man's reluctance. "You'll be a good boy for uncle Martin, won't you? Oh, yes you will! Yes, you will!"


Coronia

Ungraced for months, the realm of Coronia and its capital, at most, kept losing more and more of their brilliance, like a pearl sinking deeper and deeper into the ocean.

Almost 9 weeks had passed ever since the Wisdom and Beauty of the kingdom, in the face of Queen Magana, had been taken away. Almost 9 weeks in which her son had been desperate to save the prodigious lands of their kingdom- the planet with all its provinces, culture and riches. Andan hadn't managed to do much but observe losses. Up until his mother had left him all alone, he had had no idea how tiresome and hard it was to rule with honesty and grace... But Andan also knew that it wasn't all up to him and his values. Coronia was a Queendom. A man could hardly ever sit on the throne without failing in any way or matter. It was clearly stated in the constitution of the realm...

"Collect the taxes and give compensation to those who've lost property in recent weeks. May the villages around the eternal river receive more. The people there aren't that rich, and last week's flood ruined a lot of their produce."- the young man gave last orders to the royal tax-collector and his group of men.

They all nodded humbly as they made their way out of the Throne Room, accompanied by Visser, who gave the prince one last small of reassurance. For Gold's sake, if it wasn't for this man, Andan was surely going to collapse these days. Visser was a jewel of a retainer...

"Not that rich? Andan, the people there earn more in a month than the majority of Meridian city people do in three!"- Elyon exclaimed. She had seated herself close to her fiancé, dressed in a long, royal garment in yellow. Her crown shone at the lights of the blinding room.

"Elyon, dear, that's true, but the fact that Coronia has hundreds of times more funds than Meridian is indisputable."

"Still, you have got to stop spoiling them! Are you sure that your mother provided everything and everyone with so much gold and diamonds?"

"She did much more."- Andan sighed. "She knew how to maintain the balance, Elyon. I don't...The people of our world are used to having abundance and luxury, yet that has never spoiled or corrupted them in any way, shape or form so far...That is what the good ruler can do and I can't... This is why you must marry me sooner."

Elyon sighed as well when she heard that. Her mind was traveling to Phobos and Leonida all the time, anyway, to Galgheita and her fate... And even though that by now, she liked Andan a lot, no she could even say she loved him; the entire idea of wearing two crowns worried her.

"I thought that by now you've got that one thing about me. I'm not a good ruler."- she smiled dismally. "As for our wedding, I'm looking forward to it. Spending time with you helped me overcome so much pain and the terrible loneliness... But we already said that we are to wed in spring..."

"You underestimate yourself again"- the prince argued softly. "Your people are lucky to have you. You saved them from darkness, you're their light- both literally and figuratively. Ever since you came to reign, fear, famine and social decline have come to an end. I've done nothing and I'll never be able to do anything better than marry a true-born Queen like you."

"Well, that was pretty easy, I just gave people access to their paid jobs, grain and harvestables, unlike Phobos who kept them in total misery. It's not like I've led Meridian to unimaginable heights or anything... I'm not that great at all."

"No you're not. You're phenomenal. In every possible way one can be, Elyon."- and the prince popped out a single purple magnolia from his shirt, tenderly placing it in the young woman's hair. "You're just too humble to believe it."

Elyon smiled. Even if his compliments were way too pompous at times, she adored them. Especially that side of him which didn't insist when it was obvious, she was thinking about other things. Like with the wedding, for example. Andan was a gentleman. Realizing how very special he is, Elyon was asking herself as to why wasn't she his wife already. But it was just that. An inner emotion. She would know when she was ready. She had to know.

It was then when the sound of a child scream was heard. Elyon instantly perked up, but Andan remained unbothered. And why would he bother? His sister's monstrous child had probably fallen again. The little brat spent his days running through the Palace, practically plotting his next mischief. Andan snorted and went to the next page of his tax book.

"I'm going to check up on Dua."- Elyon announced.

"Sit sedately, he probably scratched his knees while romping."- Andan tried to talk her out of it. "One of the nannies will surely tend to his needs. Before you know it, he's on his feet again, running to somewhere else. Will possibly break a vase or two on the go."

Magana's love for Dua had been grand. His wasn't. In fact, he barely even had sympathy for Leonida's little beast.

"I think I'll still go check on him."- Elyon smiled. "Just for my own reassurance. I'll be right back."

Her fiancé shrugged and busied himself with royal administrative work. Yes, Dua was his nephew, but he had never felt him close. If Leonida could forget her family relations and destroy both of their parents, then why did he have to take care of her little bastard?

The Aerate Edifice seemed just as huge and misleading as in the beginning, in spite of the fact that Elyon had already been here quite a few times. She made her way through the endless corridors, encrusted with rhinestones, gold and platinum, trying to determine where exactly the young boy's cry had come from. It hadn't come exactly from his room, had it? No, she knew where the boy's room was very well. His cry had sounded from a more hollow place, somewhere behind a hollow wall or something of the sort...

"Dua?"- Elyon concentrated on him and used her powers.

It was a powerful, but easy spell for someone of her descent- in the next intermission of her eyelids, she found herself standing in front of a dead-end corridor, strangely dim in comparison to the rest of the Palace. It was then when Elyon realized that a heavy door had suddenly appeared on the wall...

"Dua, how did you get here, sweetie? And what...what is this- "- Elyon didn't have the chance to finish. She had found the prince behind the odd door, but what she had found him in had her tongue-tied.

This unnatural build-in, hidden room that the young prince had stumbled across, was not larger than her old room back in Heatherfield, but the way it was built in and decorated had an eerie vibe to it.

Elyon walked past the child, who had long calmed down- apparently, he had tripped over at the threshold. He was fine, but now that she was here, Elyon couldn't remove her eyes from the hidden chamber. The walls were dark and many of them were covered in strange paintings and scripture written in an unknown language.

Among all the strange parchments and books on the bookshelves, there were also other puzzling for Elyon objects, such as crystals, candles and something that smelled very sharp. Incense? Rosemary and garlic? She couldn't know, what she did know, however, was that this room was very atypical in the background of everything else in this palace. For heaven's sake, it looked more like her brother's creation than any of the other Coronian architectural luxuries.

But the most eye-catching thing was the peculiar, shapeless statue in the center of the premises. It was about 5 feet tall, altar-like bust with no particular shape or form, but still, disturbing for some reason.

Why is this room so different from everything else in Andan's castle, Elyon couldn't help but ask herself. What is its purpose and what does it hide...

"Grandma forbade me from coming here on my own-"- Dua called from behind.

Elyon blenched and turned around. For a second, she had forgotten about the child.

"- but I wanted to get my corn doll."- the prince murmured, keeping his head lowered. "It used to be my mom's. Please, don't tell."

Elyon, who was still dumbfounded by the room she was in, could only nod and smile weakly at the little boy and the small toy he was holding.

"It's OK, Dua. You can go play now."

"No, I can't leave you here alone."- the boy shook his head in fear as if she had just suggested he spends the night all alone in the woods.

"What? Why not?"

"Because, then the door will disappear and you'll be stuck here. This is a very special door. Once, a servant followed me and grandma here, but we didn't see him. Then we had to go because it was bedtime. We found the servant days later."

"Where's that servant now..."

The boy shrugged, further confirming Elyon's worst suspicions. She looked around herself.

"But Dua, what's so special about this room that your grandma had it secured with spells... Why can only you two enter it?"

"No, grandma can't enter it without me."- Dua objected. "I'm the only one who can make the door appear."- he then pointed at the door behind himself and shrugged again. "I don't know. Grandma says this room is a special place where me and her get to bond. We come here and she writes in her diary while I play with different toys. But..."- suddenly Dua didn't appear as eager to tell her more. His little face twisted in a nervous, almost fearful expression. "I shouldn't tell anyone about this. It's our little secret. I only told you, because you're going to be the new Queen...Please, don't tell grandma I did."

Elyon had heard enough to feel shivers run down her spine. She had gone through this when she had been quite older than Dua and had still been fooled. But from her current position, she could see right through the entire bonding room story. There was something dark and wrong in this hidden space and the way the young prince had been brainwashed...But what for? What was the purpose?

"Don't worry, Dua."- she managed to smile weakly, her eyes pinned on the enchanted door. "It wasn't your fault that you told me. I happen to be quite persuasive."


Mrs. Rudolph's old house remained unchanged. After a little dusting and an opened bottle of wine, it was all ready to house the very next girls' night for W.I.T.C.H and Orube. Together again, after almost nine years.

Taranee had completely undertaken the emprise of preparing a home-made dinner for this special event. She had also been the one to call the rest of the girls without specifying. She wanted Orube's return to be a surprise and she wanted to accompany that special surprise with good food and wine.

After all the drama and the things each and every one of them had been and was still going through, in the past few weeks and months, they needed this quality time.

She had already prepared the salads and was now busy with baking the fish.

Her dark hair was unbraided for the first time in a while and just slightly wavy, gathered in a high messy bun. Taranee was ecstatic to make Orube's return a memorable event. What she didn't know, however, was that fate had other events in store for that very evening.

"Tara, you won't believe it!"- it was Cornelia who had barged into the house like a storm, startling Taranee so much that she almost dropped the glass pot on the ground.

"Guys, what are you doing here so early? I said 7:30!"- she whined when a breathless Irma lined up with the blonde.

"There's no time to lose, Taranee, Alexis is the biggest dick!"- the water guardian spat. "And no, I'm not saying it in the complimentary meaning of the phrase-"

"Hey, what's with the feast, I thought we were going to have a quick dinner and watch a movie or something."- Cornelia had noticed all the food behind Taranee, who had desperately tried to hide it with her body.

It was of no use. Her surprise was already ruined. The guest of honor would most probably appear any minute now too, having heard the commotion. But the mentioning of the sketchy police inspector took the focus away from all that, making Taranee inquisitive:

"Jessie Alexis? You've been snooping around him? Alone? We were supposed to go all together! What did you find? Any proof that he's trying to defame Will and her mom? Did you find something about his agenda?"

"If you count the fact that he tried to shoot us as proof!"

"What? He saw you?! Oh, no, now we're screwed- "

Irma was getting feisty over what she had just gone through and Taranee was about to panic due to the possible worsening of the case, but Cornelia, being the coyest and most composed amid the three, interrupted:

"We were glamoured, and despite Irma's ghastly disguise, there's no way he recognized us. He aimed his gun at us once he realized we're eavesdropping on his conversation, but before that, we managed to make out partial things which he was saying."

"Things? Things like what?"

"Things like: 'everything's going according to plan' and 'his name is in the case, just like you wanted.'. He was totally reporting to someone about his progress on the Vandom case!"- Irma folded her arms with a huff. "Someone's pulling his strings!"

"Wait."- Taranee eyed them. "How do you know he was talking about the Vandom case, with certainty? And once he spotted you, how did you escape?"

"Because he said ''the Vandom case". How many Vandoms do you think he's dealing with in Heatherfield?"

"His case isn't clean, Taranee, he's obviously a corrupt cop. Irma and I were talking about it: Don't you think it's strange that Tom got transferred unwillingly just now and then that prick came in his place? Oh, our grand escape? Let's just say that I've been meaning to punch him in the face ever since I met him."- Cornelia also crossed her arms with a spark of smugness in her eyes. "I got my shot at it and I loved it."

Taranee leaned against Galgheita's old stove, sinking into thoughts.

"It's not good to draw his attention, girls. Not before the case is over... Even if at first sight he can't pin it on us, that man has his ways. We have to investigate him without direct confrontation. God, I knew that he'll use my mother's words and he did, he's-"

"Don't you think that there's something more important to discuss right now?"- Irma rolled her eyes. "Like who the hell is Alexis doing all this for! Who's his boss and what their problem with Will and Susan? Whose corpse was found in their condo?"

"I hate to admit it, but Irma makes a valid point."- Cornelia looked up at Taranee. "We have to do more than avoid confrontation, Taranee. More than just uncover Alexis's boss's motive."

"More?"

"Yes."- the blonde declared with certainty. "We have to find out the truth behind that body they found. Regardless if Tony had something to do with it or not. We have to give the case a push in the right direction. In one way or another."

Just when Taranee was meaning to explain to her friend the gravity of certain laws and interfering with them, she saw herself forced to stop and bring her hands to her temples. Suddenly, she had felt this numb pain accompanied by a grinding sound in her head...

"Taranee?"- Irma shot her a worried look. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."- Taranee shook her head. "I think I'm getting something. A thought. A very unchanneled and chaotic one."

"Like a message?"-Cornelia exclaimed. "From whom?"

Taranee barely managed to nod and raise her palm to ask for a moment of silence, still trying to make out the different words, the buzz of which she was currently hearing in her head. The worst such experience she had had as a telepathist, had been back when the ex-guardians and Elyon had tried to contact her without any harmony from the Scepter of Phobos. But that had happened many years ago. By now, the fire guardian had improved her telepathy skills to a much greater extent and she could tell that whenever she was getting an unclear message, it was mostly because the one sending it failed to channel their emotions and powers.

But ''news are known to travel fast'', is not a saying created in vain. Before Taranee could even make out the meanings of her message, Matthew Olsen was already pursuing his. A text message, in particular, one sent by their friend Hay Lin, and one that had made him abandon everything and rush to the hospital with accelerated pulse.

He was nervous, yet euphoric. He was sure that what was to follow would be for the best. What he didn't know, however, was that he was in for something much more unnerving and upsetting...

"Excuse me? I'm here for Will Vandom."- he uttered breathlessly once he reached the reception.

The woman behind the desk gave him the information, he thanked her in a hurry and headed for the room where his girlfriend had been accommodated.

Matt barely found the patience to put on a pair of nylons before barging in Will's room. He had so many questions and emotions boiling in him. The emotions connected to parenthood, the first-born child- a big change that was to come in their life, and, of course, the big surprise all this was. They hadn't planned on having a baby, it had just happened, much like it had happened with their friends, Cornelia and Caleb. But Matt knew, even though it was a big surprise, he would love his child and be the best father he could possibly be. After all, he loved Will with all his heart and this baby was the result of their long-term romance.

"Excuse me, sir, you can't enter. Not yet."- Matt gawked when one middle-aged doctor practically pulled him back right at the door. "Ms. Vandom is still under anesthesia. Are you family?"

"I'm the father of her child."- the young man specified, giving the doctor a side glare. What was this guy even talking about? Wasn't it obvious who he was? "But I don't understand, why is she under anesthesia? Our friend told me that Will felt rather unwell today and hence she came here where her pregnancy was discovered. Everything with her and the baby is fine, though? Right?"

His voice came out unwittingly thin at that part. Just observing the doctor's expression made Matt unrestful.

"Yes, sir, that was what happened initially, but later on the situation escalated and we had to perform a gastric lavage and surgery. There were high levels of methanol and glycerol in her blood, and given the fact that Ms. Vandom had a cryptic pregnancy, we had to act fast."

"Wait, what? You mean to tell me that she was poisoned? Surgery?!"- Matt exclaimed in shock. He couldn't wrap his mind around what he had just heard. It made no sense. "And cryptic pregnancy? What is that supposed to mean?"

"A cryptic pregnancy occurs seldom, but when it does, it usually means that the mother goes through her gestation with minimal symptoms and external changes. "- the doctor explained. "That's why your girlfriend hasn't been aware that she is actually in the sixth month of her pregnancy. If it hadn't been for the substance that she has somehow stomached, she would have most probably remained oblivious. Many mothers that have had cryptic pregnancies get to know that they've been carrying a child when their waters break. Didn't your friend inform you of all that?"

Matt was too dumbfounded to reply at once. Then he realized that his phone had died shortly after he had received Hay Lin's message. She had most probably called him a billion times afterward but in vain. The man slammed his forehead with his palm and groaned. How was this possible? How the hell was this happening now, on top of everything that Will was already going through...

"How is she?"- he managed to ask in the end, in a dry voice. "Is everything with her and our baby alright, doctor, please tell me!"

"You may want to sit down, sir."

"Oh, my God."- Matt exclaimed, fearing the worst, while on the verge of grabbing the other man's collar. "Just tell me, God damn it! How is my girlfriend?!"

"Sir, I'm terribly sorry. Ms. Vandom's condition was critical. The high levels of these substances in her blood had been there for a long time and it was inevitable... A choice had to be made...Now, the hospital can't take such a decision without consent from the family, but thankfully that came just in time. I understand this must be hard to hear, sir, but it was fortunate that a reaction came almost momentarily. Had we not acted fast, Ms. Vandom could have died."

Matt felt the blood leave his every limb as he hardly managed to stop himself from puking. This was too much for him...

"Sir, are you alright? Do you need anything?"

"When will I be able to see her?"- Matt asked in a heartbroken tone.

He collapsed on one of the chairs in the waiting zone, burying his face in his palms. This was a nightmare.

"Ms. Vandom needs her rest, but we can allow you to visit her after an hour."- the doctor replied sympathetically. "Once again, I'm very sorry for your loss, sir. At least your girlfriend will be fine, that I guarantee. You're young people, you have so much time to make new babies- "

"Who signed Will's documents?"- Matt interrupted him. He could understand that the man was doing his best to empathize with him, but he wasn't up for that right now. He needed answers and some time alone to heal. "I mean, you said that someone from the family has to give consent, so I take it that none of our friends could have done that. So, who was it?"

Matt doubted that Susan had done so without talking to him first, but then again, he had been unavailable and the situation had obviously been an emergency. Still, he wanted to know for sure. The doctor excused himself and went to double-check with Will's papers in order to give him a proper answer. Meanwhile, the girls barged into the waiting zone. Matt sighed. True, he had thought he needs to be alone, but now he had understood that if he did actually spend more time by himself, he'd go crazy over what had happened.

"Matt!"

"Matt, we're so sorry."

Matt sobbed in Cornelia's hair as she held him in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry too."- he whispered. "I'm so busy all the time, I don't spend enough time with her and now this happened...We lost our first child before we knew it."

"Oh, Matt!"- Taranee whimpered, trying not to fall apart. She was falling apart because she already knew. She knew that this tragic experience would leave a crack in her friend's heart...Poor Will, she thought crestfallen. She has too much on her plate, too much for any person.

Cornelia slowly pulled away, keeping one arm around his neck. She had cried. She didn't even bother with cleaning the makeup smudges under her eyes, she turned to the others, who were also crestfallen as one could get, and said:

"Hay Lin went to get Susan. Irma, get Matt a cup of tea from downstairs."

The Latina wiped her eyes, nodded, and with one last pat on the man's back, went to fulfill the task.

"Taranee, call Will's lawyer."- Cornelia went on.

"W-why?"

"Because, they have to take all charges against her down!"- Cornelia snapped tearfully. "Look at what happened to her! They can't keep treating her like a criminal over nothing too!"

"Cornelia, I know how you feel."- Taranee was fully crying by now. "B-but, unfortunately, this isn't how the law system works. We just need to help Will go through with this- "

"It's unfair!"- Cornelia yelped and threw her hands over her knees. "It's so very unfair..."

It was now Matt's turn to comfort her. One way or another, he was beginning to find the strength needed to stay positive. It was just how he was. Yes, their first child was no more, but being fair, they hadn't even known about it till today. On the other hand, Will was going to be alright and that mattered so much more... Taranee took her glasses off to wipe them. She had just joined her friends' hug of mutual consolation when the doctor returned.

"Mr. Olsen, right? I checked with Will Vandom's file, there is a slight problem with the documentation. The paper with his signature is... oddly missing, but our head-nurse and the receptionist both confirmed; It was her father who signed her papers."

"That's impossible."- Matt exclaimed and looked over at Cornelia, who looked just as flummoxed as him. "What kind of people are working here, damn it!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"How is the paper missing?"- Cornelia raged before the doctor had time to take offense over Matt's blunt reaction. "We have to see this black on white because there must've been a mistake or something! Will's father can't have signed anything!"

"Wait, doctor."- Taranee stood up. "You mean that Will's stepfather signed her papers, right? Mr. Dean Collins?"

The doctor looked at the three young adults in front of himself, in utter perplexity.

"Frankly, no, miss. The man that signed your friend's documents and gave consent for her surgery, presented himself as her birth father. Mr. Tony Vandom. He had the needed personal identification documents too, otherwise, our board wouldn't have approved his signature- "

"Cut the crap already!"- Matt clenched his fists. "That's impossible- "

"But Tony Vandom's deceased, he died almost a year ago! I d-don't see how could have he signed anything."- Taranee stammered, meeting Cornelia's concerned gaze. "He's dead... Isn't he?!"