Another chapter is done. Sorry, it took a while. But here it is.


Episode 4 Part 2

Ysabeau sat inside the front room, her fingers gently tracing over the faces of Thomas and Argus McDuff in the late 1900s. She missed Argus greatly. She saw him as a second grandson since the 1400s before Marcus came along in the 1780s.

Matthew entered the room.

"Have you called Thomas yet?" she asked, not looking at him.

Matthew turned to her. "Yes. He hasn't answered,"

"Can you blame him?"

"Thomas…has to move past his prejudice…just like you have to,"

"It's easy for you to say, my son. You've never lost your spouse to witches,"

Matthew was rather offended. "You think I don't miss Phillippe or Argus?" he walked forward. "You think I don't wish that they were back with us more than anything?" he sat down near her. "It was just as hard for me to lose them as it was for you and everyone else. But we cannot keep blaming witches for our pain for the rest of our lives,"

Ysabeau turned to him. "You forget one thing. Thomas has lost too many loved ones throughout his entire life. You cannot expect him to change so quickly as you have,"

Matthew said nothing else after that. "I'll call Hamish and ask him to call Thomas,"

"Do not think that Thomas will easily accept that," Ysabeau advised carefully.

Thomas sat on a bench in the Oxford, sulking to himself. He could not take it anymore. Hearing phone calls and messages when he wanted his father to come and give him an apology face to face. He stood up and stalked away along the river. He hung his head a little. He hung it down too much that he headed crashing into someone.

"Hey! Watch where you're going young…"

"Excuse me. I think it is you who should be keeping an eye out," a familiar voice questioned.

Lifting his head, Thomas saw that it was Phoebe. "Oh my god. Phoebe…I…I…I didn't realise it was you. I didn't mean it. Sorry, I'm not myself today,"

"I can tell,"

"I'm just having terrible family problems,"

"Well….you can't expect to avoid tensions between loved ones even if you're a grown-up," Phoebe pointed out.

"Nope, you can't. What brings you out here?"

"I'm just on a long walk around Oxford. Just having a break from work,"

"Me too. And family problems as you already know,"

"What happened?"

"Let's just say my father and brother are interacting with people that they shouldn't be interacting with. I've tried to advise them against it but they just rebuffed my warnings. It just…" he sighed. "Whatever," he slouched on a bench right next to them, burying his eyes into his fingers.

Phoebe took pity and sat down beside him. "You know what I think. Families are more trouble than they're worth. But we still have to look out for them no matter what,"

Thomas flopped his hand back over his knees and look out across the river. "Do you ever feel like when you try so hard to help someone and they push you away, you feel so…."

"Rejected?" Phoebe asked.

Thomas turned to her and pulled back his lips.

"Don't ever think that way," Phoebe advised. "At least give yourself and your family whomever they are some times to cool it. Then you can figure it all out,"

"That's the thing Miss Taylor…the family troubles we're having. They're…complicated…and nothing must get between us. I'm sorry. I know you're trying to be helpful. And I appreciate that. I'll take your advice on board. Thank you, Miss Taylor,"

"Please just call me Phoebe,"

"Okay, Phoebe…thank you very much for that pep talk. I'll take it on board. Now…I've got things to sort out. I'll see you around I guess,"

"See you later, Mr Clairmont," Phoebe said a little dramatically.

"Ha, ha very funny," Thomas did a fake laugh that only made her chuckle a bit.

They walked off in separate directions, Phoebe not realising that Thomas was sending her a glance as she walked away.


Marcus and Miriam decided that Marcus could take Aurora on a walk around the high street so she didn't feel barricaded.

"Thank you for taking me out on this walk," Aurora thanked him.

"It was the least I could do," he answered, not looking at her.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure,"

"Are Thomas and Miriam…"

"Nope. They are only as close as brother and sister. Miriam's late mate Bertrand was his best friend and he is like an uncle to her son Jason. They consider each other family. Since Argus died, he's been his confidant in times when he distances himself from me and Matthew,"

"How very generous of her," Aurora noticed that Marcus still felt quite a little sad from that confrontation earlier in the lab. "Are you okay?"

"I just really wish that things were so easy between us. I feel like the rift grows wider with each passing day,"

"Still, it's important you're there for him,"

"Always. We promised Argus that we would always watch over him in times of need and I will always keep that vow. Now tell me what bothers you. Your heart is beating a little faster than normal,"

"I'm worried about Diana,"

"She'll be fine. She's got, Matthew. And Ysabeau's housekeeper Marthe is very welcoming. She reminds me of you. She's so kind and open-hearted. Like you,"

Aurora felt a little relieved. "It feels so strange being away from her. For as long as I can remember, she's always been there for me. Whenever I felt alone or when I was scared,"

"Everything will be all right. And you're not alone now. You've got me and Miriam to protect you. You both will see each other again.

"Was it hard?" Aurora asked strangely.

"Was what hard?"

"Adapting to being a vampire. Even when you had your brother and father to guide you?"

"Not exactly," Marcus confessed. "But what was hard…was having to say goodbye to my human family forever. I think about them all the time. And I always tell myself that they're still with me…but then I always remember that the pain is still there,"

"That's exactly how I feel about my parents," Aurora said. "They died. When Diana was seven and I was three,"

"What happened to them?"

"They were killed by humans. Your brother wasn't the only one who lost his family to a different species. I don't like being around humans a lot. Even if I don't hold prejudice against all of them, it was l hard to be around them. Still…I learn to accept that you cannot see the worst in everyone,"

"You're very open to everyone Aurora. And I admire you for it," Marcus said proudly.

Aurora did her best to hide a blush.


Thomas had arrived at Saint John's College when he heard his phone ringing. He pulled it out. He expected it to be his father. Instead, the phone displayed another name. Baldwin. The name made Thomas's skin shake a little. He feared that name. He feared that vampire. But he wouldn't hold back. He pressed the green button.

"Baldwin, what an unexpected call?"

"You're calling this call 'unexpected'?" a cold voice responded.

"You never call me. You hate my guts enough as it is,"

"Stop buying time!"

"Time for what?"

"Does Matthew want to cause a war?"

"No! What makes you say that?"

"He has a witch at Sept Tour,"

"I know,"

"You allowed him,"

"I tried to tell him not to. He wouldn't listen,"

"Tell me why he wants the witch,"

Thomas wouldn't answer.

"Look he may be your father but I am the head of your family. Tell me the truth,"

"Why don't you ask him yourself?"

"He's not picking up. Now answer,"

"How do I know you won't allow the Congregation to punish him?"

"That depends on his excuse for acting against Phillipe's laws,"

"I can't answer that. But know this. Keep an eye on Peter Knox. And call Matthew again and give him a reason to make the witch leave Sept Tour. But don't punish him,"

Before Baldwin could answer back, Thomas shut the phone. He felt a little scared. He couldn't answer Baldwin with a proper answer. No matter how much he wanted Diana out of the house, no matter how much he wanted her and Aurora gone from his family's life, he couldn't give his father away. He loved him too much to give him into the Congregation. He just continued with his day…but still…he remained fearful of what was to come sooner than later.


Marcus brought Aurora back to the house.

"Enjoyed that walk?" he asked.

Aurora nodded, trying again to hide the blooming colours on her face. "Yep. Thank you for taking me out,"

"I wouldn't give you protection without giving you a chance to walk out for some fresh air. I wouldn't want to make you feel like a prisoner in your own home. So…what are you gonna do next?"

"I'm just gonna work on my painting and do more of my book. Could we work in the same room? Maybe with some music?"

"Sure," Marcus accepted.

Together they sat down in the living room and Aurora did some work on her story whilst he worked on some doctor appointments. They hid glances from one another. For some strange reason, it seemed to draw them closer. As some rock music from the '80s played, Aurora started doing sketching much to Marcus's surprise.

"I've never seen you do much sketching before," he observed.

"I prefer painting but I sketch for more personal things," Marcus circled to the other side of the table and looked down at her work. "Wow,"

Aurora's illustrations were two faces. One of a man with glasses and brown short fuzzy hair. The other face was a beautiful young woman with hair that waved down to her shoulders and a bright smile. She wore Diana's pendant.

"Who are they?"

"They're my parents,"

"You make them look so real," Marcus observed.

"Yeah. It's almost like they're still there," Aurora sniffled. Marcus noticed and touched her shoulder gently. She clasped it.

"Why do you draw them? If it makes you so sad?"

"It makes me feel like they're still with me like they've always been in my heart even though I never see them,"

Marcus was deeply touched by her love for her parents. "I wish I could be as talented as you. I wish I could draw my human family. But it's been so long that I can't even remember what they look like now. Still, I feel they're with me…whenever I think of them,"

Now Aurora felt touched by his story. She turned her head and for a brief moment, they were lost in each other's eyes seeing nothing but the deep longing in them. Before she could speak, she heard her phone ringing. She picked it up. She gasped. "Oh my,"

"What is it?"

"It's some friends. They must be worried. I'll…I'll be right back," Quickly Aurora dashed upstairs and into her room. "Sophie, is that you?"

"Aurora, what happened to you? I've been calling you for three days and you didn't answer,"

"I'm so sorry Sophie. I was attacked,"

"Attacked?" Sophie was horrified.

"What are you talking about?" Nathanial asked.

"You remember Peter Knox? He attacked me. He threatened my sister with the book of life. I tried to protect her but he cast a spell on me that put me in a deep sleep for three days,"

"Three days?" Sophie breathed.

"Yes,"

"I should tell my mother. She can tell the congregation of Knox's intentions. They can expunge him,"

"Are you sure that is a wise move? It would mean she would have to tell you what I told you two before. What the Congregation threaten my sister for the Book of Life?"

"We may not have a choice," Nathanial said.

"Where are you now?"

"I'm staying at a vampire's house. But don't worry his name's Marcus Whitmore. He's so nice. And his father is giving my sister protection,"

"Just as long as you're safe," Sophie expressed relievedly.

"I'm so sorry you guys were worried,"

"Don't worry Aurora. Whatever it is that Knox is planning he won't get away with this. If the Congregation could just allow my mother to give a full voice…he may yet not get away with it,"

Aurora was silent for a second. "For now…please don't tell your mother. You can tell her about Knox threatening me and Diana…but please don't mention the Book of Life. At least not yet,"

"Okay," Nathanial answered.

"I'll call you guys soon I promise,"

"Okay. Please stay safe," Sophie implored.

"I will,"

Aurora came downstairs where she saw Marcus's back was turned. Like he had just finished a phone call or something.

"Marcus?"

"What?" Marcus spun around in a flash.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yeah. Yeah! Everything's all right," Marcus assured pulling him together. "What was that call?"

"I was calling some daemon friends. They were worried about me,"

"You have daemon friends," Marcus said. "How very sweet. Creatures aren't supposed to be friends with one another and yet you're secretly friends with daemons,"

"Sophie Norman is her name. Her husband is Nathanial Wilson. We met at art university. Been best friends ever since. They're expecting their first child in a few months,"

"How lovely," Marcus said.

"Nathanial's mother is Agatha Wilson. She's a member of the Congregation,"

"Did you tell them about the Book of Life?"

"I did a week ago. But I asked them to keep it hidden. I just thought it would be catastrophic if the Congregation knew. They may be in charge of everything but I felt the Book of Life should remain secret,"

"I'm afraid it might not stay secret for long," Marcus said glumly.

His tone made did little to lift Aurora's anxiety.

"But don't you worry if it does…we'll make sure they know of Peter's Knox's intentions," Marcus promised.

"I hope you're right," Aurora answered. She wanted to hide her fear but she was doing little success. She sank onto a chair staying silent for a long while.

"It's okay to be scared," Marcus said sitting down near her. "I'm pretty much scared all the time too. We just need to have faith in these things. Do you wanna know what I think you need? A nice night out!"

"What?!" Aurora spoke up. "No!" she shook her head.

"Come on! Come and join me and my human friends for a drink tomorrow night! It'll keep your mind off things,"

"I'm not part of a party person," Aurora awkwardly blabbered.

"Come on. They won't bite," Marcus teased with a goofy grin.

Aurora just sent him a playful glare. "Okay," I accept. "Tomorrow it is then,"

The two went back to the lab later today. To their surprise, Thomas was there. He looked rather discomfortable. He was shooting cold eyes at Marcus. Aurora noticed the tension and felt a little anxious.

"Go to my office upstairs," Marcus told her.

"Okay," she answered.

"I'll go with her. And be nice to each other you two," Miriam warned the boys. Aurora knew exactly what was going to happen.

Once they disappeared, Thomas marched upon Marcus.

"How could you tell Baldwin?"

"I didn't have a choice," Marcus answered.

"You could have just put down the phone,"

"He's the head of our family. He already hates you more after you ignored him,"

"All I did was tell him not to punish our father and convince him to make Diana leave Sept Tour and keep a closer eye on Knox. But I didn't mention the Book of Life,"

"It's a good thing I answered," Marcus replied. "Had I not…then the Congregation wouldn't have known what his plans for the book of life,"

"But they will know about the Book of Life. Maybe more members of that council will want it for themselves,"

"Do you always have to see the worst in people?"

"Yes. For the sake of our family. You know I met a human today who told me that no matter how much families argue we have to stick together. And no matter how much you all reject my judgements…I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect this family,"

"Well…maybe you should stop trying so hard," Once again Marcus had said another thing he deeply regretted. Thomas stormed out in anger. He didn't know how much longer he could take it. The rift of his family had only grown wider and it seemed as if nothing could ever restore what strong bond he once had with them ever again.


Aurora sat up quietly in her room with Miriam. "Is this another argument about me and Diana?"

Miriam didn't answer. "It's more complicated. But it isn't my right to tell,"

"I'm sorry that we've caused all this tension between Thomas and the rest of you,"

"It is not your doing. He must learn to be open but we must be there for him when he needs us. Just as much as we need him,"

Aurora saw the deep care that Miriam held for Thomas. She could truly see indeed that Thomas looked up to her as a sister. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. To her surprise, it was Diana calling. "Excuse me just a second," She left the room and stood in the hall.

"Hi, Diana. Is everything okay?"

Diana did answer for a second.

"Diana? What's wrong?"

"Sis…you're not gonna believe what has happened,"

"What is sis? Is something wrong?"

"Matthew…. looked at the pictures that Knox sent us. He analysed them and…. he saw a circle around our parents' bodies. A witches' circle,"

Aurora's throat clenched itself again like back at Marcus's house. "What…" she struggled to breathe. "What are you saying?"

"They weren't killed by humans. They were killed by witches. Matthew told me a moment ago. We never have and we never will be safe amongst witches. It's just our family and the friends we have now,"

Aurora felt a tear leave her eye.

"I'm sorry I told you. Please call me back again soon. I love you," Diana hung up.

Aurora's phone dropped from her flopping hand. She sank to her knees.

"Aurora…" Miriam came outside. She stood still when she saw how unresponsive Aurora was to her voice. "Your heart…it's beating numbly. Are you okay?" Still, Aurora wouldn't answer.

She bent down. "Hey. It's gonna be okay. You're not alone now,"

Aurora allowed Miriam to hold her in her arms.

In a flash, Marcus appeared.

"What's happened?" he asked.

Miriam looked up at him with a sad glance.

"Aurora…" Marcus stepped forward and bent down to her side. "Hey…can you hear me?"

Aurora wouldn't answer back.

Marcus and Miriam stayed by her side until she allowed them to help her stand up and walk her back home. As they placed her frail body on the bed, Marcus pulled a blanket over and he tucked some of her hair behind her ear. Her eyes were closed and her face was red with tears. He sighed sadly.

He and Miriam left the room. Before he closed the door, he took one last glance at her, hearing her heart beating very numbly…as if a very shocking revelation had made her will to think and respond very weak.


What did you all think of the dialogue, of Thomas and Aurora's characterization and the second scene between Thomas and Phoebe? Please send reviews and tell me what you all thought. I hope you hope you have all enjoyed this. Thank you so much everyone for your support.