Epilogue

Stepping carefully, Michael found a solid piece of ground that wasn't entirely coated in ice and stood up completely out of the SUV. A brisk wind came across his back and he yanked his jacket closer. Despite his hopes for slightly warmer weather, he knew better; this was Colorado in the winter. The fact that they didn't come back to another ten feet of snow blocking the roadway was impressive. Looking around, he nodded to Thomas as he slowly tread over a particularly large patch of ice.

"I guess they haven't gotten out to break this stuff up yet," he commented, doing a quick maneuver and balancing himself against the vehicle. "They're clearing out the drive so we can get as close to the steps as possible."

"Good," Michael replied, raising his voice a bit higher as another wind came through the valley.

"How was the flight for her?" Thomas asked, dropping his tone down as it suddenly grew quiet. "It didn't seem like she slept at all."

"No, not really," Michael said distractedly, stepping forward a bit to get a better look as the lights from the plow trucks started to peak through the thickly falling snow. Thomas decided not to press the question, knowing fully well that neither of he nor Selene got any rest. When he thought back on it, he realized that most of them got little sleep, partially from the adrenaline still pumping through their veins, partially from the fact that despite the closed door and roaring engines, Nyssa's sobs echoed loudly through the entire cabin. The entire ride from the castle to the private airport, she cried hysterically to the point of violent coughing and dry heaving.

But no one would begrudge her those tears. She survived the hell of this past week and now had to face up to a few lifetimes worth of pain.

Both men squinted, the headlights of the trucks blinding as they shoved aside the massive snow piles. The rip roar of the massive engines came down slightly as they came to a halt. "Road way cleared. We'll lead back to the house to keep it clear."

Michael yanked the radio off his belt and yelled into it as the wind picked up once again. "Roger that! Thomas will give the signal to go," he responded, tossing the hand-held to Thomas as they both went back into their vehicles.

"We're good," he said, tapping lightly on Kelley's shoulder. Looking back at him then quickly scanning the car interior, he smiled at her knowing look and rested back into the seat. His smile only grew as a cool hand slipped into his own.

Selene barely caught Nyssa in time, her tiny body going forward into the water as she began to fall asleep in the tub. Again. The water was murky at this point, remnants of what could not be wiped away with a damp cloth on the plane finally being scrubbed loose with baby soap and a loofah. Warm water, soft scents, and the familiar setting quickly drained away the last of Nyssa's residual energy. The snow continued to fall, yet another storm running down into the valley, and the soon to be rising sun was trapped behind the gray clouds.

"I think we're done with the bath," Selene lifted her from the tub and onto her towel-covered lap. The thick blue body towel engulfed Nyssa's limp and tired form and she leaned into her mother's loving arms. "Tired?" she asked jokingly, not expecting a response.

"We go bed?" she asked quietly, rubbing her eyes with a determined concentration as she held tightly to the soft material. "I sleepy."

"Let's put on our pajamas and we can go right to bed."

"Really?" Nyssa's question came from half sleep deprivation and the blood they fed her as soon as they came in. Her words were slurred slightly and the sway of her body became more pronounced. With an ache from the pain of seeing Nyssa in such a way and the joy of having her back home, she grabbed up the pink flannel nightgown from the counter and slipped it quickly over her daughter's head.

"Done," she said, smiling as she cradled her tiny child close. Standing up, she tread lightly over the dirty clothing from three people. The small pile would probably stay there until either her or Michael regained consciousness. And she suspected that it would not be any time soon. Even as every cell and fiber of muscle in her felt energized from the mere presence of her daughter, she knew once she hit the pillows, she would not be waking up soon. Curling her fingers around the tiny hand that rested above her heart, she knew exactly what she would eventually awake to.

Coming out into the bedroom, Nyssa leaned up from her chest and looked around. "Where's daddy?"

"He went to talk to some of the men for us."

"Why?"

"Because we want them to know what's going on."

"Why?"

"So they can do their jobs the best way they can."

"Why?" Nyssa asked again, mouth wide as she yawned.

"So we can sleep as long as we want to," Selene grinned. "We can sleep for days and days if you want."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Can we play in snow after?"

"Yes. I'm sure daddy will love to go out and play with us in the snow."

"Really?"

"Yes, darling," she rubbed her nose back and forth against Nyssa's cheek, getting a tired giggle from her followed by another wide yawn. "We can do anything you want," she whispered lovingly. A soft click bounced through the room and Nyssa looked up from her mother's shoulder. One shaking, little arm reached out and Selene turned around to see Michael coming across the room. His step quickened slightly, allowing him to take a hold of his bleary-eyed child sooner.

"Did you miss me?" he whispered in her ear, kissing her temple gently as she nodded into his neck. "Alright, let's get into bed. You want to sleep on the inside or the edge?"

"With you and momma," she lisped out, barely there anymore. He laughed quietly, squeezing her tightly before lowering her almost completely limp form onto the mattress. Immediately, she curled into the pillows, sighing as everything in her relaxed. Even with her eyes closed, she could sense the shades to their room shutting, the lamps going out, and the overwhelming warmth from both of her parents as they wrapped their arms around her.

Briefly, the blood-spattered and body-riddled hall in the castle came back to her, but she forced the thought out and gave in to an exhaustive sleep.

Despite the age of the wood, the soft knock still resounded against the stone walls. A brief pause, then another knock came.

"Enter." The voice was low and sweet, coaxing as it was comforting; the years of unexpressed motherly love came through. As the door creaked open, a kind laugh filled the air. "We really must fix that door. Its beginning to seem as if this really is just some haunted castle." Four other women, hair long and tumbling down their shoulders, laughed as well. "Well do come in! I hope you will not linger in the doorway!"

A well dressed gentleman stepped in, bowing almost immediately as he cleared the open door. Gucci suit, finely cut hair, and the faint smell of aftershave gave him away as at least a member of the wealthier class. "My lady," he addressed, his voice calm, but his tone wavering imperceptibly. Not so unnoticed by this particular audience.

"What is wrong?"

"My lady...I...I have a message for you," he smiled weakly, fangs visible only for a few seconds as he clamped his lips shut. He delved a quick hand into his coat pocket, retrieving the small envelope that seemed to bang against his leg the entire trip. Bowing again, he handed it over and trembled as it was open.

For a moment, the entire room went silent, all waiting for the contents of the message to be revealed. But instead of satisfaction, they were rebuffed. "Everyone leave us." Knowing that tone of voice and sudden shine of pooling tears, the ladies in waiting quickly exited the room. Once the door was shut, the poor messenger weighed his options carefully: he was no good with the emotionally unstable and felt completely inept given the gravity of situation.

Marcus and William were both dead. And how this meeting went would determine how the covens would continue to function.

"When did this...this happen?"

"Not two days ago, milady. The castle was stormed overnight and our forces were overwhelmed."

"The girl?"

"Taken back. Selene and Michael were prisoners until their men arrived. Michael is believed to be the one who...who killed Marcus." Stepping to the side swiftly, he dodged the crumpled ball of paper that flew toward him. "My lady, if there is anything I can-"

"Call back all forces," the order came, brusk and heavy with emotion, and a gesture for him to sit in a nearby chair. A few moments passed again, air thick and stress palpable on the tongue. "Now," a calmer voice spoke, this time curious and low, "Tell me everything."

A/N: Better or worse?