Episode 2 Part 3:

Matthew allowed Diana and Aurora inside without a word. He offered them seats at the back of his room. They sat down watching his turned back as he was facing a fireplace.

"What brings you two here?" Matthew asked.

"We came for your help," Diana said. "You were right. About creatures coming to look for the book. Peter Knox from the Congregation. And a witch who works with him. We didn't know who she was,"

"Try to calm down you two. Your adrenaline levels are very high," Matthew said.

"You can smell our adrenaline?" Aurora asked.

"Course I can. And Aurora…you're making ice spread across the floor. Please calm down,"

Aurora realised what she was doing and inhale deep breaths. So did Diana. Their bodies relaxed.

"Thank you," Matthew walked over to a table. "Why did you two come to me? Diana, the last time I saw you, you said never wanted to see me again. And Aurora, you didn't want me to leave you two alone,"

"We have no one else to turn to you," Diana said desperately.

"You both must have friends,"

"We thought we had one, but she betrayed us to Knox," Aurora said.

Matthew remained focused on some letters.

"It was a mistake to come here," Diana took her sister's hand. "I'm sorry that we disturbed you,"

Aurora pulled her hand free. "We can't leave. We came here for Matthew's help,"

"He doesn't want to help us,"

"Who else can we turn to,"

"Does Knox want the book?!" Matthew suddenly asked, removing the tension that was growing between them.

"Yes," Diana answered. "He says it has the witches' first spells in it. He thinks witches created all living things,"

"He believes they created everyone and so they have the power to destroy others," Matthew explained.

"You seem to know him rather well," Aurora stated accurately.

"My son Thomas keeps a close watch on powerful witches. And he always informs me whenever there are witches whom he thinks are up to no good. Diana, does Knox know you sent it back?"

"Yes. He wants me to try and get it out again,"

"Will you?"

"I don't want him to have it,"

"He wanted the book to use it against vampires. But we weren't going to let him," Aurora answered.

"How very considerate of you two," Matthew said gratefully.

"It didn't feel right to just let one of our own have the possible power to kill other creatures,"

Once again Matthew was rather amused by Aurora's compassion for other creatures other than her and Diana's. He walked to his bookcase, pulling out a book. He handed it to them. "Read,"

Diana turned to the first page. Both she and Aurora looked very carefully. Shock painted their faces. "You knew Charles Darwin?" Diana asked.

"Yes. I met him on several occasions, particularly when he was publishing his theories of evolution. I began to wonder how they might relate. For a long time, I've been keen to learn about our origins. You two see I heard rumours about a book hidden from human eyes in an alchemical text,"

"Ashmole 782," Diana said.

"Yes. Once I learn that this man was discovering these manuscripts, I decided to find and read every single one,"

"So you read all of them apart from 782," Aurora figured it out.

"Yes," Matthew answered.

"You've been searching for it since 1859," Diana said. "How old are you?"

Aurora nudged her. "Not appropriate,"

"I'm older than I look," Matthew couldn't help but find Diana's question very amusing.

"300 years?" Diana answered.

Matthew playfully shook his head.

"500 years? Did you know Machiavelli? Survived the fall the Cartage?" Already Diana was very interested in Matthew's history.

"Which fall?" Matthew challenged playfully. "I would like to show you two my laboratory. The work that my sons, my colleague, and I are linked to creature origins. I won't harm you both. You have my word,"

Diana and Aurora shared a glance. They decided to trust Matthew on this. Perhaps learning about his work could give them clues to what was so important about that book. Matthew took them to the lab.

As they entered inside, Thomas peered down from a window. The sight of the witches made his hair twitch.

Matthew took them inside the giant lab.

"Wow. You sure know how to organise your lab, Dr Clairmont," Aurora complimented. "What genetics are you studying?"

"We're studying all genetics other than humans and vampires. We take physical specimens from burials mostly and extract DNA from the samples,"

"What a surprise," a voice said behind them.

The trio turned around to see Thomas entering the room.

"What brings you two here to the lab?" Thomas asked Aurora and Diana. Aurora was a little nervous. He didn't look rather welcoming.

"Aurora, Diana…. this is my eldest son Thomas. Thomas, this is Diana and Aurora. Be easy on them,"

"What brings you two here? I thought you two were a historian and an artist," Thomas crossed his arms. He was hostile but he wasn't very open-hearted judging from the tense veins under his muscles.

"I'm here to show them our lab and what we are doing here,"

"Ahh…see you've brought some guests over," an energetic voice alerted them. The witches turned around to see Marcus and Miriam. The moment Aurora's eyes met Marcus's, she became overwhelmed with surprise. Marcus was rather staggered by this strange encounter too. "Ahh….never thought I'd see you in a lab,"

"Hello Marcus. So…you're a lab assistant and a doctor,"

Matthew saw the interaction between the two. "You two know each other?" he questioned.

"I brought her best painting from the latest collection from the White Halls," Marcus answered.

"And you didn't tell me?"

"Matthew…it's no problem at all," Aurora assured. She saw the distrustful look in Thomas's eyes as he circled them, keeping his arms crossed and his eyes glued on them. "I haven't enchanted it before you make unnecessary accusations,"

"Aurora, Diana …. this is my youngest son Marcus. And this is my colleague Dr Miriam Sheppard,"

"What a pleasure to meet you both," Diana greeted kindly. She suddenly frowned when she saw Marcus leaning in a little closer on her sister, sniffing her.

"AB Positive. Never seen that before in a witch,"

"That's… very cool how you can decipher the types of blood like that," Aurora said awkwardly.

"Don't suppose I could have some of your blood, please? It's hard to get something from a living witch,"

"Uh no. She's not giving blood on my watch," Diana answered, her protective instincts kicking.

"If they're not here to give blood, what exactly are they here for?" Miriam questioned.

"I'm here to show the Bishop sisters that the work proves that beyond all doubt…the creatures are dying out," Matthew said glumly. Diana and Aurora looked at him with shock. "Vampires are failing to sire. Daemons are increasingly prone to madness,"

"And witches?" Diana asked.

"Are losing their powers. They're not as powerful as they used to be many centuries ago,"

"That's…awful," Aurora said. "Why is this happening?"

"We don't. But that's what we're trying to find out. I'd like to show you guys something,"

"Ahh…can we just discuss something for a second before you share our work with strangers?" Thomas clasped Matthew's shoulder tightly. Matthew could see the denial in his eyes and reluctantly allowed him to lead him into the corridor.

Matthew did not like Thomas's cynicism.

Thomas pulled his vampire father into the corridor outside the door, placing him just outside. "Father, we shouldn't be showing them our work,"

"Thomas, don't let your prejudice…."

"This isn't about my hatred for witches. You've only known them for a short time. You can't trust them with what we're doing,"

"All they know is that we're just trying to figure out why our kind is dying out,"

"Doesn't mean we have to share it with them,"

"Thomas…they came to me for help and I'm going to give it to them,'

"They should be getting help from their kind. Not ours,"

"Thomas…" Matthew did his best not to shout. "If you're not going to be welcoming, you're free to leave and get back to doing your report,"

He left Thomas in the corridor. He huffed in anger, aggravated at his father, brother and close friend's easy-going manners with the two witches.

Matthew allowed Diana and Aurora to see the DNA data of an ancient witch on a computer. He began to decipher what the markers meant, indicating how much more powerful this witch was compared to present-day witches. Aurora found herself drawing away from the conversation and wanting to speak with Marcus and Miriam.

"So how long exactly have you been doing this work?" she asked curiously.

She saw the cold stare on Miriam's face. "I'm not a spy. Honestly. As far as I'm concerned, witches are already ganging up on me and my sister,"

"Why?" Marcus asked.

"They want the book for themselves. Peter Knox from the Congregation was going to use it against your kind. But Diana and I weren't going to let that happen. I even threatened Peter Knox myself if ever he tried to force her to call up that manuscript,"

"That's very sweet and selfless of you," Miriam couldn't help but compliment. "But you can be rather reckless too. Threatening a Congregation member could be your death,"

Aurora wasn't scared. "I don't care if I die. My loved ones come from,"

"Still…you sound like you're a very selfless witch," Marcus said.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Aurora accepted, suddenly becoming awkward again in her position. She noticed the strange look in Marcus's eyes. "What?"

"There's something very strange about your blood. I've never smelled a witch with AB positive before,"

"Your blood feels so cold too. You're not like other witches we've been looking at," Miriam remarked.

Aurora was rather befuddled by his words. "I suppose since you two already see the signs…I guess I can show you something as my sister won't let me give blood," She raised her fingertips. Ice sprouted slightly out of her fingers tips and tiny snowflakes fluttered above

"Wow. You have ice magic," Miriam breathed.

"I was born with it. I'm not like the other witches or my family,"

"What was your parent's power?" Marcus asked, earning a nudge from Miriam.

"Oh, they died when I was small,"

"Sorry I asked,"

"It's okay. I've been an outsider to my kind for as long as I can remember. But I rather love my powers. And my sister has taught me to never be ashamed of what they are,"

Miriam couldn't help but inspect. "There's something really strange about your blood. It's not just how cold it is,"

"I think we've already given her enough to be anxious about," Marcus said.

"Well…. have you guys figured out any similarities between the genes of different creatures?"

"Why do you ask?" Miriam asked, a little arrogantly.

"Well…there must be similarities between creatures. Even if we're different, we all look human. The only thing that makes us different is our abilities. I mean vampires were humans once but now they're immortal with enhanced speed and senses. Witches are humans but with powers. And daemons are super smart, and they have visions and a glimpse of the future. We're more alike than we think,"

"That's a very smart way of putting it," Marcus praised again.

"I supposed we should take that into consideration," Miriam accepted.

"You mean we should take that into consideration," Marcus corrected.

"If you do consider that…you must compare them. Matthew said so himself that he was wondering how Darwin's theories related to us creatures,"

"I believe that a lab worker's opinion is more qualified than an artist's," Miriam carried snobbishly.

"Miriam. Be nice," Marcus criticised.

"Very well. If Matthew agrees, I will start making comparisons,"

"I do actually," Matthew said from the computer. "Please get to work,"

Miriam got straight to work with some datasheets.

"That was very smart," Matthew complimented. "For one whose artwork is very admirable to my youngest son, you seem to have developed a perfect way to help us with our research,"

"Thanks again," Aurora said.

"Ahh…Aurora…don't suppose I could uh…talk to you privately for a sec?" Marcus requested.

"Um…" Aurora shrugged her shoulders. "Okay. If that's okay with my sister,"

"Sure," Diana answered. "Just don't take too long. And no…"

"I know Diana. I'm not giving any blood," Aurora followed Marcus out of the lab towards a private room. "Sorry about her. She's just rather protective,"

"Sounds just like my brother,"

"Anyways…where he is?"

"Probably just continuing with his report. He works in biology at the university,"

"He didn't exactly like me and Diana in the lab,"

"Don't take it personally. He doesn't like anyone,"

"You mean he doesn't like witches,"

"You're quite smart," Marcus led her into a room.

"So…what did you want to talk to me about?"

"I just wanted to offer you something to help you with your work," Marcus went looking on some shelves.

As he searched, Aurora peered around his room. She saw many paintings. She recognised a lot of them. She then some a shelf of five books about art, all by her.

"You collected all my books?"

"Yes," Marcus turned around. "I love the way you evoke how art represents so many things like history and religion. You mark art sound so diverse and the way you describe how artwork by famous painters suggests certain ideas…it's like you're using magic to make everyone agree with you,"

"Why…thank you. I…never realised how much you loved my work,"

"Here…" Marcus offered her an old alchemical book. Upon opening it, Aurora was so surprised. She had never seen so many alchemical illustrations.

"What's a doctor doing with an alchemy book?"

"I used to be interested in alchemy once back when I sired in the 18th century. Thomas gave this to me. I've kept it ever since. I thought perhaps you'd like to borrow it for your work,"

"I couldn't,"

"I insist. As thank you for your kindness and how you stood up for our race,"

Aurora couldn't hide the feeling that blushing on their face. "Thank you again," Marcus's smile seemed to draw her attention; it was so hard to resist. "Well…I should probably get back to Diana. She'll be waiting for me. Thank you again. I'll be sure to return this alchemical book soon too once I'm finished with it,"

"I doubt it'll be long before we meet again,"

"Well…see you later Marcus. It was really lovely meeting you again,"

Marcus smiled and she waved, heading downstairs. Matthew waited for her at the door.

"I see Marcus has let you borrow his favourite alchemical book,"

"Yep. Matthew…I just wanted to say thank you for giving your help to me and Diana," Aurora said gratefully.

"Thank you for being generous for all vampires. It warms my heart that you and your sister would go against your kind in such a just way,"

"We'll die first before we let a selfish witch get his hands on that book. I genuinely hope we see you again. Diana seems to enjoy your company. And your son…I must see is a really lovely gentleman. Miriam's nice too in a cold sort of way,"

Matthew chuckled.

"I don't blame your son Thomas for being a little distrustful. I'm sure that we can get along with him,"

"I'm sorry to say it but I doubt that a lot. He's had quite a history with witches far longer than any of us. I may be centuries older than him…but he seems to have longer dealings with others compared to myself,"

Aurora shrugged her shoulders and departed out the door. She walked across some yards and found Diana waiting for her.

"So…I take it you enjoyed talking with Marcus and Miriam?" she asked.

"Yep. Not only is Marcus a good customer but he loves my work. He even lent me his alchemical book to help with my work,"

"Gosh. I never thought I'd see the day when a vampire admired the work of a witch. It proves you're right about creatures needing to be kind to one another,"

"Anyways, how was Matthew?"

"He was rather pleasant. He interests me. He's seen so much of human history. I'm glad he only wants the book just to find out about our origins and not to use it against us the same Knox wants to use it against him and his kind,"

"He seems to take your fancy,"

"Shut up sis," Diana playfully shoved Aurora making her laugh.

"Hey, Diana…I told Marcus and Miriam about my powers. They smelt something in my blood,"

Diana wasn't quite assured. "Are you sure that it was a good idea?"

"I just felt that in my heart that I could trust Marcus with it. Even Miriam too. They send that my blood wasn't like any other witches they studied. I don't we're in any danger from either of them or Mathew. I was thinking maybe I could give some of my blood to help them with their research,"

"I'd rather you didn't unless they request it and you're certain,"

"Okay. Matthew's son Thomas didn't like us in the lab,"

"I'm sure that he can be good with us at some point soon. It's not every day you see a witch consorting with vampires,"

"Matthew says that he's had a long history with witches. They've probably caused him so much pain. Probably more pain than anyone else,"

"Can't say I blame him for being distrustful to us. I'm quite surprised that Matthew allowed us into our lab and that his youngest son and colleague weren't very hostile with you,"

"Marcus was good. Miriam on the other hand was a little arrogant. But I guess she's like that with everyone. Thank you for taking us to Matthew,"

"I was just doing what was right for both of us,"

"I'm just really glad that we've got new friends. Even if they're vampires. It's been a long day and I really could do with a nap now,"

"Let's go inside," Diana swung an arm over her shoulders and brought her sister in. This was the first time in a good long while that they both felt relaxed. It turns meeting Matthew Clairmont and his colleagues had somewhat made them feel safer.

From a distance, Thomas watched them carefully. He could everything they were saying. Leaning against a wall, he took out a black and white picture of himself and his beloved.

Oh, Argus. What do I do? He walked back to his lonely house, pulling off his smart suit and into some casual clothes. Once again he buried himself into his writing of articles but for a moment he paused. He tilted his head to the left side of his desk, looking at a picture of his entire vampire family. His father, his brother, his grandmother, his grandfather, his uncle, his cousin, his partner and himself. The people who stood smiling in that picture frame were the most important in his life. He had lost a few of them and he couldn't bear it if he lost anymore again. It would be like reliving his childhood when he lost his dear parents and precious sister to witches. He was not going to let that happen again.


And that's Season 1 Episode 2 done. What did you all think of the character development in this chapter? And Thomas's distrust? We'll get over his distrust for witches and be good with them. We'll have to wait and find out. Please send any reviews. Thank you everyone for your support. And don't worry Baldwin will be appearing at some point soon.