Another chapter is here. Sorry to keep you all waiting. See you all soon


Episode 5 Chapter 3

Aurora walked downstairs. To her surprise, she saw Marcus waiting for her with some lunch. It was bacon and sausage in a baguette with ketchup.

"Thanks, Marcus," she sat down.

"No problem. Though I might prepare something,"

Aurora took a bite and she marvelled at the flavour. "It's really good,"

"I'm glad you like it,"

Aurora paused in her eating when she noticed a change of emotion on Marcus's face. "You okay?"

"Not really," he confessed. "In all the years of my existence, I have never seen my brother or my father have such a fight like that. Since Argus died, Thomas has seemed to distance himself from us. Though he still loves us but is really changed,"

"Can you blame him?" Aurora asked. "Has Matthew tried to call him?"

"I don't think so. Thomas just needs to be alone. I just hope he comes back,"

"He will. Just give him time. I have a big feeling that he may yet change his mind and come back,"

"How do you know?"

"It's just some straight prognostic feeling I have. Like it's going to happen," Aurora sighed. "I don't know what I'm saying,"

"Aurora…did something happen to you? The day Diana took out that manuscript?"

Aurora nodded. "I feel like ever since Ashmole 782 was opened, my ice magic has suddenly become more powerful. And I feel like I'm seeing visions in my head or going mad like…like a daemon,"

Marcus just gave her a blank look.

"Go ahead. You can say I'm mental," Aurora picked up her plate and swerved off her seat to walk off.

"No. No," Marcus suddenly grabbed her spare hand. She looked back at him, more surprised than mortified by his abrupt touch and attempt to make her stay. "I don't think you're going mental at all. Whatever happened that day, it's doing something to you. And that means you need help and most importantly protection,"

"I really appreciate that Marcus but I feel like I'm only putting so much on your shoulders. You're good and kind and honest and true. I would only put you in danger,"

"Don't you worry about me,"

"I should worry about you Marcus. The thing is…" Aurora pursed her lips, feeling very embarrassed. "I care for you,"

Marcus was touched by her words.

"I just hate that…you have to burden yourself with me like this. Maybe Gillian and those witches might have done you harm if you had arrived to find me sooner. Maybe Knox could have been there and you could have been killed," she was hyperventilating like a fish out of water. Marcus saw ice crawling up the walls of his house.

"Aurora!" Marcus grabbed her shoulders and ushered her to calm down. She managed to relax. "It's okay. It's okay," As she relaxed, the ice on the walls disappeared as if they weren't there at all. "It's all right. I'm here,"

Aurora was petrified by what her uncontrollable stable state had almost done. "I'm sorry. I…I don't know what happened,"

"It's okay," Marcus promised. "Listen Aurora…I don't care about what those witches might do to me. What matters to me is that you're safe and sound. Whatever reason they want to know about you, they are not going to get their hands on you. That I promise you,"

"But what if I hurt you? Or worse? My powers are becoming more dangerous. I'm worried that one day I'm going to hurt someone,"

Marcus stared into her eyes with deep empathy. "You are not going to hurt someone. I know you're scared but these powers are who you are, it's what you are born to have. I don't know what exactly is happening to you, but we're going to figure something out,"

"Like how?" Aurora asked.

"What we need to do is study your blood. That witch Gillian and her accomplice took some from you for a reason. If we know why by studying it ourselves, we can figure out what's happening to you and how we can protect you,"

"What if that gets you all into more trouble? Matthew and Diana should be our main priority. Not myself,"

"No. You are in as much danger as my father and your sister. Whatever secrets lie in your blood, the Congregation cannot know about this. I fear you may be in grave danger than you know. That's not gonna stop me from protecting you. I won't let anyone harm you again. And I won't let you walk away in fear. If you give in to your fear, then you are only failing yourself. Just remember that you are not alone. You never truly are when you have people who care for you so much. Just like I do,"

Aurora couldn't block out the generosity that was swaying in Marcus's words. Nor could she unsee the devotion that was gleaming in his eyes. She felt her face drawing closer to his. She felt almost tempted to shut her eyes and let her lips do the rest of what she was feeling her heart compelling her to do.

Even Marcus was doing the same thing. Their faces were only an inch apart. All it took was one lean forward.

Just then a loud phone ring made Marcus stop and Aurora jump. Aurora felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. "Oh my," she pulled it out. "It's Sophie,"

"Who's she?"

"A friend of mine. I'm really sorry. I have to take this,"

"No of course. Go ahead," Marcus assured.

Aurora with a regretful face took her plate and she jogged upstairs to her room. Marcus watched her every second, unable to keep his eyes off her. Truthfully he wished she was still with him. But he wouldn't be selfish and stop her from talking to her friend. He just hoped they would be sitting down together again soon.

Aurora sat down and pressed the green button. "Hello, Sophie,"

"Aurora…there you are. Thank goodness. Are you okay? We've been worried about you. We just wanted to check in to make sure you're all right,"

"Sophie, please don't panic again for the baby's sake. I was attacked again,"

"What?!" Nate and Sophie's terrified screams made her eardrums ring painfully.

"I'm okay guys. The witches took a bit of my blood but Marcus's father came back and he got it back. Marcus found me and nurtured me again,"

"As long as you're safe," Sophie sighed. "I'm worried I'm going to have too many panic attacks before the baby's born,'

"I'm so sorry I've just worried you both. Have you heard anything from your mother Nathanial?"

"All we know is that a member of the Congregation was sent to reclaim your sister. When you said Marcus's father was giving her protection, did you mean that he took her to his family house?"

"Yes. Is that a reason the Congregation has to threaten her and Matthew in such a needless way?"

"It's against the Covenant,"

Aurora pushed her lips. She needed to her friends of what she discovered which they knew already. "Guys…you're not gonna believe this. I never knew about the Covenant until now,"

"What?" they screamed again.

"Aurora…how many more panic attacks are you going to give me?" Sophie asked.

"What do you mean you didn't know?" Nathanial asked.

"My aunts never told me and Diana because we didn't want anything to do with magic. Domenico of the Congregation accused them of breaking it. Diana's in love with him. I don't see a reason why they can't be together,"

"I'm so sorry that this was such a shock to you," Sophie consoled. "We were so sure you knew before,"

"I've always known many creatures to have so much prejudice with one another, but I never thought it was because of some stupid rule saying you can't be with someone different from you. Let alone be close friends with them or have social contact with them. Why did you both remain in contact with me if it was against Covenant laws?"

"We were so sure you knew and that you didn't see a reason to have to obey it. And unlike many other witches, you've been so kind and good to us Aurora. How could we let the Covenant get in the way of that?"

Aurora was so touched by their love for her. "Thank you, guys. Do you know what's happened in the Congregation since last night?"

"Not yet. But I fear things are getting tense. They know about the Book of Life," Nate warned.

"I know. Marcus told Baldwin,"

"Then why are you still staying with him if he's put you and Diana in danger?" Sophie asked.

"Because he didn't have a choice. He had to obey the head of his family. And it's a good thing. I don't know why I asked you guys to keep it secret,"

"What's important is it won't fall into the wrong hands. My mother and the daemons would never allow it," Nate had deep faith in his mother. "Like you, she has an open heart and she gives everyone a voice,"

"What will happen now?" Sophie asked.

"I don't know. But I don't want you guys to get involved in this. It's possible I shouldn't visit you two before the baby's born. Those witches wanted my blood for a reason. I can't bear for you two and your child to get in trouble because of me,"

"Don't worry about us,"

"I should. I couldn't bear it if you all got hurt because of me,"

"Please keep in contact with us," Nate implored. "You're our family Aurora. And it wouldn't be the same without you,"

Aurora pursed her lips and closed her eyes firmly. She was afraid of how much danger her dear daemon friends would be in if she kept in contact with them.

"Please promise us," Sophie begged.

Aurora opened her eyes and sighed. "Okay, Soph. I'll keep in contact but if this gets any worse…I can't come and see you all. Do you understand?"

"Okay," Sophie accepted her answer. "But that's not gonna stop us from trying to find you. There's something else you need to know. I believe your sister is the witch in my dreams…the witch whom I must give something to for when she needs it most,"

Aurora was filled with questions. "What?"

"I see her in a castle of seven towers…and she's with her dark king. They're both linked to alchemy. or something that's like alchemy. It's hard to explain. But I have a feeling we need to meet your sister very soon,"

Aurora thought about the dark king. Was this Matthew? Were he and Diana destined to meet? "Please don't do anything else at the moment, guys. I'll contact you both when it's safe. But for now, please do nothing,"

"Okay," Sophie accepted. "Please call again soon if trouble rises up,"

"No Soph,"

"We've both been fighting all our lives," Nate said. "We can handle what'll come,"

"I'll call you both soon. I promise. I love you guys," Aurora ended the call. She said nothing else after that. She sat alone and finished her sandwich. She remained alone in silence for a long time. She worried for her friends, for her sister, for everyone she cared about. Lying on her bed, she closed her eyes and thought of her parents, thinking about how they loved her and her sister. She knew in her heart that they would support Diana no matter whom she loved.

She heard the door opening and she sat up. Matthew entered. He handed his hands in his coat pockets. Marcus stood behind him. "How are you feeling Aurora?"

She nodded.

"I'm going back to Sept Tour," Matthew announced. "And I'm taking you with me,"

His words surprised both Marcus and Aurora. Aurora also felt hope flying in her heart. Once he was going to defy the covenant's expectations and be with the woman he loves? With Diana?

"I should have done so before and I am truly sorry for leaving you here. You and Marcus are not to blame for what happened to you. And I want to apologise profusely for separating you and Diana like that,"

Aurora pursed her lips. "Thank you, Matthew," Although she had enjoyed the comfort and kindness his son had given her, she wanted nothing more than to be back in her sister's arms.

Matthew cocked his head down for a second. He then turned to his youngest vampire son. "Please help Aurora with her bags, Marcus,"

Marcus nodded and Matthew turned and left.

Marcus helped her pack her things. "I'm going to miss having you around the house," he said.

Aurora turned to her and saw his despondent posture. "Me too. You've been a kind vampire to me, Marcus. And you helped me even though I pushed you away. I'm deeply in your debt,"

Marcus didn't have the words to say after that.

They walked downstairs and Matthew awaited them with his car and Miriam. They loaded her trunk in the back.

"You know what this means Matthew," Miriam was serious.

Matthew stood up and turned to her. "I do,"

"Once you do this, there's no turning back," Marcus warned.

"I know," he said. "It's not too late for you two to turn your backs before you get drawn into this,"

Marcus stepped closer to him. "You are my father Matthew. Would I ever turn my back on you?"

"No," Matthew shook his head.

"We're with you till the end," Marcus vowed. "And I know that Thomas will turn too. He loves you too much to ever forget that," he hugged Matthew and he embraced him back.

Aurora saw a warm smile on Miriam's face. Her hope was lifting. Matthew's loved ones would stick by him and Diana no matter what the cost. And so would she.

Matthew let go and Miriam gave him a gentle firm hold of affection on his shoulder. He smiled and then turned to Aurora. "Let's go. Your sister will be for two surprises,"

Aurora smiled and let out a tear. Matthew entered.

"Thank you so many guys," she said to Miriam and Marcus. "For everything. I won't forget what you two have done for me,"

"This isn't goodbye Aurora," Miriam said. "You're one of us now. And we owe you,"

Aurora crossed her eyebrows. "For what?"

"Your kindness inspired us to accept Matthew and Diana's love. You were right. The Covenant has outlived its usefulness. And it's time we stood up for what we believe in," Marcus was proud of Aurora. At that moment, Aurora felt it was just him and her right now.

She was about to say something else but Matthew cleared his throat. She turned around saw his slightly impatient face. She nodded. Looking back to Marcus, she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. The moment her lips touched his cheeks, his whole body seemed to freeze but his cheeks blushed. She pulled back, smiling affectionately then sat inside the car in the front seat.

As the car drove away, she leaned outside the window and looked back, waving to Marcus. He waved back. Aurora didn't take her eyes off him until he disappeared into the distance behind her.

Aurora fell asleep in the car as Matthew drove the car overnight to a night ferry to France and then for most of the journey through the centre of France towards Sept Tour. She woke after 10 hours of sleep in the front seat. A blanket had been draped over her and her dreary head was leaning against a comfortable small pillow. She yawned as she sat up straight.

"Sleep well?" Matthew asked.

Aurora nodded. "Thanks, Matthew,"

"I hope Marcus's house was very comfortable for you,"

"It was. Thanks. He was so sweet and welcoming,"

"Which is more than what can be said for Thomas,"

Matthew's critical words made Aurora frown. "Matthew…you've got to make it right with Thomas. If you don't you will regret it for the rest of your life. What Marcus said before is right. He loves you too much to turn his back. It's my fault for making him angry at Marcus's house the other night. I should have been gentle and comforting. Instead, I was rude and unpleasant,"

"He has to stop being so heartless about you and Diana," Matthew wouldn't turn his head.

Aurora sighed. "I agree that his actions were rude and rash. But what he did, he did out of love for you and your family. Don't you feel even the slightest bit guilty for how you treated him?"

She couldn't see Matthew's face break but she saw the slightest movement of muscle under his checks.

"If you don't make amends, your family will never forgive you. Please, Matthew. Do it for Marcus. He loves his brother so deeply. Just as I love my sister so deeply. Diana would want you to make things right too,"

Matthew remained silent. Aurora didn't say anything. She thought he wouldn't utter a single word of regret. "Your sister has changed me so much. And you are right. She would have wanted to make things right. I regret deeply what I did to him. If I had the courage to pick up my phone and called him before he left England, I would have taken it,"

Aurora didn't recognise any remorse in his tone because it remained strong and slightly impassive. Nevertheless, she knew that deep inside he was a warmly devoted vampire who would risk anything to protect those he loved.

Soon in front of them came a view of a giant chateau towering over a town at the foot of giant green hills. They had arrived. Matthew drove them through the village and up towards the chateaux that looked like an ancient castle. He parked on the slope which would lead up to the wooden gates. They stepped out of the car and Aurora took a moment to admire the amazing architectural features of Matthew's family home.

"It's beautiful," she observed.

"Just wait till you see what is inside," Matthew encouraged.

Aurora turned to him. "Are you ready?"

Matthew turned his face to her. "Only if she is,"

"Whatever you two will face, I will join it," Aurora declared. "Please love my sister with all your heart Matthew. And don't ever hold back from whatever gives you great happiness,"

Matthew smiled fondly at her. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "You are a very brave woman Aurora. Shall we go and surprise her together?"

"No Matthew. You go and make the first move on Diana. This is it. I'll be right here. And I'm not moving until you do," Aurora made her lips form an encouraging smile and Matthew made the first step.

She watched him walk up the road towards the doors of Sept Tour. Out from the right, Diana burst into the scene in clear sight wearing a long blue coat with blue slippers.

Although she couldn't hear what they were saying, Aurora could make out that they were both looking at each other with warm eyes of eyes. She saw Matthew raise his hand. Diana raised hers. Their fingers touched and then interlinked. As they fastened them together, Aurora felt tears prickling her eyes. They fell down her face as her lips curved into a smile. She then felt her heart pounding against her chest when she saw Matthew and Diana leaning in for a kiss.

Diana was beyond overjoyed that Matthew had returned her feelings. She didn't care about what others would think. She didn't care about the Covenant or the Congregation. She didn't care about what dangers they would face. She just wanted it to be him and her forever. She pulled back from her passionate kiss with Matthew and held his cheeks.

"What made you change your mind?" she asked in tears of joy.

Matthew affectionately smiled. "I brought someone over. Someone who convinced me to fight for our love,"

He turned his head towards Aurora standing by the car down the slope. Diana saw her and in an instant, she realised Matthew's hands and she sprinted down towards her sister. Aurora opened out her arms to catch her. In five quick seconds, Diana's arms were engulfing her in a tight embrace. She spun her around a bit and then placed her back down.

"I'm never leaving you again," she cried. "Never, ever ever," she kissed her sister's forehead and embraced her tightly. She looked over her shoulder towards Matthew who smiled happily. "thank you," she whispered.

Her quiet voice reached Matthew's ears as she smiled in gratitude.

Together they entered Sept Tour, Diana between Matthew and Aurora linking their hands. They entered a giant living room which made Aurora feel like she was walking into a whole new era with its ancient paintings and artefacts scattered everywhere on walls and displays. A powerful woman with blond hair in a French bun and a straight face awaited them. She was sitting in her chair but they saw only the side of her face.

Aurora guessed this was Ysabeau de Clairmont, Matthew's mother. "Do you realise what you have just done?" she spoke up.

Aurora's fingers tensed. Would Matthew's mother turn her back on him or would she support him as his son and Miriam would?

"If we are not welcome here, Diana and I will leave," Matthew answered respectfully. "But please…give Aurora protection here,"

Diana and Aurora tensed. They couldn't be separated again.

Ysabeau's face turned to them. "Have I ever deserted you?"

"No mamon," Matthew answered.

"Then would I now?" she asked as she stood up. "You are my beloved Son," she gazed at Diana. "And you are now my daughter,"

Diana was heart-struck.

"Your fight is now my fight," Ysabeau offered her arms and she accepted them. She then onto one another, giving each other affectionate cheek kisses. "If you have the courage to love my son, you have no need to fear your power. The women of the de Clermont family defend themselves. And you will be no different,"

Aurora smiled at the affection between them. Ysabeau noticed her. Diana stood back to allow the mother of her new mate to greet her sister.

"You must Aurora Bishop," Ysabeau stood towards Aurora. She felt a little nervous but Matthew and Diana's encouraging smiles made her feel safer.

"Welcome to Sept Tour," she greeted warmly. "You were welcome to stay here as long as you need,"

Aurora was rather surprised by her new warm nature. From everything Diana had told her, she had pictured a cold woman with no feeling. But Ysabeau was now behaving warmly like an angel. "Thank you. I promise I won't be any trouble here,"

Ysabeau chuckled. "I like a little trouble,"

Diana chuckled at the interaction between the two.

Footsteps approached them. It was Marthe.

"Marthe, please prepare Aurora's room," Ysabeau requested.

Aurora was given a room which to her surprise belonged to Marcus whenever he would visit Sept Tour for a while. Diana never left her side for a moment. She made sure she was rather comfortable.

Matthew smiled fondly, watching his new mate enjoying being with her sister again. His phone rang interrupting his moment. He walked a little down a corridor so he had some privacy.

"Marcus?"

"Did you guys get over?" he asked.

"Yes. Aurora's been given your room for a change,"

"What a coincidence," Miriam's voice rung up.

"So...how did Ysabeau react?" Marcus asked.

"She accepted," Matthew's voice was no longer devoid of emotion. "I didn't Thomas here. I thought there was a chance he might come,"

"He will come back Matthew," Miriam assured. "Just give him time,"

"I need you two to do something. Do tests on Aurora's blood. Those witches wanted it for a reason. Whatever it is, I fear she is in far greater danger than she already is,"

"You will tell Diana her results right?" Miriam inquired.

"Yes. I have a feeling something was done to her a long time ago that's causing her magic to react the way it is. She needs to know now,"

They had some dinner that night as cooked by Marthe. To Diana's delight, Aurora got along very well with Marthe; they were becoming fast friends already.

Soon after they had finished and shared a toast to Matthew and Diana's new romance, Matthew requested that he'd speak with Diana and Aurora alone.

"What did you want to talk about Matthew?" Aurora asked.

"I did some test results on your blood Diana," Matthew spoke up. He handed Diana a piece of paper with DNA marker sheets. "We don't understand everything yet but you have the elemental markers of air and water,"

"Witch wind and witch water," she breathed.

"You also have earth, which means you're likely, more than likely to be able to cast spells,"

"I've never felt connected to magic like Sarah or Em. Or even Gillian," Daian said.

"Your magic is behaving like it's waking up from a long sleep. It's restless. It wants to get out," Matthew said.

"When you put it that way, he makes a good point sis," Aurora agreed.

"I've asked Marcus and Miriam to look at your blood Aurora," Matthew spoke up next. "I believe there is something about it that has made you a target. You could be in more danger than you realise,"

Aurora pursed her lips. She was trying to contain her fear.

Diana gripped her hand tightly. She vowed to let nothing happen to her ever again.

"I should leave you two alone," Aurora stood up. "Since you two are…mated…you two had better get up to do what mates do," the last bit was so awkward that she twiddled her fingers and grinned nervously.

Matthew and Diana laughed at her facial expressions.

"And whatever happens guys….I've got your back," she promised.

She hugged Diana tightly and kissed her cheek. She then gave Matthew a hug and she left the room, closing the door behind her. She breathed in slowly. Then exhaled out calmly. She was feeling deep joy for her sister and Matthew. She was going to fight for them no matter what would happen. She walked to her room and fell onto her bed, pulling the blankets over her shoulders. As her head lay on the pillow, she heard a ding from her phone on the bedside table. It was Marcus calling. She accepted it.

"Hey,"

"Hey," Marcus sounded dreamy. Matthew told me you're in my bedroom,"

"Would you rather I sleep somewhere else?"

"No. No. Consider it my room yours now,"

Aurora chuckled at his tone. "Your grandmother was so sweet. And Marthe…she was just like Diana described her before. Matthew told me you and Miriam were going to look at my blood,"

"Are you okay with it?"

"I never thought I'd say this…but yes. I've often wondered about myself for years. And probably my blood will finally give me some answers about why I'm so different,"

"Whatever is inside your blood…don't let that change who you are. I should let you get some sleep,"

"How do you know I'm tired when we're talking on the phone?"

"Just an instinct feeling,"

"Thank you, Marcus. I hope we see each other again soon. As much as I enjoy it here, I really miss your house and that room you let me sleep in,"

"I really miss having you in it. I'll call you again as soon as I can. Goodnight Aurora,"

"Goodnight Marcus," Aurora yawned, then turned off the phone. She stared up at the ceiling of her bed until her fatigue took over and she fell asleep.


Deep in the mountains, in a lonely cabin with a trail of smoke fuming out of the chimney, Thomas stood staring out into the dark distances, seeing very little light, but smelling loads of life from metres away.

He was feeling incredibly mixed emotions. Love. Hate. Anger. His mind had been a vortex of stress and tension for the past few weeks and there was nothing he could do to blow it all away. It was just like Phoebe had told him before. He couldn't run away from his problems. He missed his family. He missed everyone he cared about.

He truly wanted to go back. But he feared he would only make things worse. He had never meant to disappoint them…but he felt he had let them down. He began to reflect upon his hatred towards the very people who had caused him so much pain. How could he move on and forget about it? Why was it that was simpler for others but not himself?

Those were questions that he knew couldn't answer.

Thomas was about to head inside when he detected a strange scent swarming through the air thousands of feet up. What was it? It kept him up and alert. He sped off into the night.


Another chapter is here. Sorry for taking long. Thank you very much for your support everyone. Please send reviews and let me know what you all thought. I hope you all are enjoying Aurora and Marcus's interactions. They almost had a kiss and dang it was interrupted by a phone call. Will they have it soon? We'll have to wait and find out. Hope you all are enjoying this story. See you all much sooner.