Episode Eight Part Four

"So you sure about this?" Sarah asked Aurora. "About staying here?"

Aurora nodded. "Yes,"

"You okay with this?" Em asked Diana, knowing how painful it would be for her to leave her sister behind again.

Diana pursed her lips. "If I can be honest I'm not," she looked at her sister. "Sometimes I feel like l just got you back when you came to Sept Tour, now I feel like I'm losing you again. I don't want to abandon you Aurora. Not after everything that's happened to you, everything you've been through,"

"You're not abandoning me; sis and you'll never lose me. I'll always be with you," Aurora promised. "I know that this choice…" she sniffled and wiped away her tears. "…isn't without its tears. But I must trust my instincts. Besides wherever you and Matthew go, just focus on finding the Book of Life and learning about your magic without messing with history. I will be fine. I promise,"

Diana smiled. "I'm glad you and Marcus finally confessed your feelings for each other. I'm glad I can count on him to keep you safe. You've made an excellent choice,"

"I know," Aurora smiled. "And so have you,"

Diana did a bigger smile back. "Just remember if the threat of Oxford comes again, you go to Sept Tour. You'll be safe there. Promise me?

"I will," Aurora vowed.

"Aurora…" Em spoke up again. "Sarah and I have something that we'd like to give you," she pulled out a wooden box from her pocket. "This came from your mother, your birth mother. She told Stephen and Rebecca to give this to you when the time was right. And now this is it,"

Aurora took it tenderly. Her sister scooted over to sit right next to her should she be moved to tears again. She gently opened the wooden lid and inside she saw a crystal pendant as blue as ice. She pulled it out by its silver chain and cradled it tenderly. "It's the same colour as my magic,"

"It's beautiful," Diana said. "Why don't you put it on?"

Aurora wanted to, feeling as if wearing it would bring her closer to the mother who gave up everything she had to keep her safe, but the thought of Rebecca held her back. She couldn't truly replace her in her heart. "Not now. I'm not ready," she placed it gently back inside the box. "Thank you," she said to her aunts.

The next morning it was time for the daemons to head off. They would meet up in Oxford with the vampires a few days late.

"Take care of yourselves and the baby. Thank you for bringing me the statue," Diana said gratefully to Sophie.

"I'm glad that I did and that I finally got to meet you. Aurora's very lucky to have you as a sister" smiled Sophie approvingly.

"I'll see you both soon," Aurora promised, giving her a tight hug. "Okay?

"Be safe," Sophie prayed.

"Come here," Nate hugged her, glancing over her shoulder at Marcus. "You take care of her,"

"I will," Marcus promised.

The two daemons entered the car and Hamish bid a fond farewell to Matthew. "Goodbye my friend," he bid farewell.

Hamish turned to Aurora. "I'll get them over safely,"

"Thank you, Hamish," she was in deep debt to that loyal daemon for protecting her friends and keeping them safe.

"You take care," he shook hands with her and then said goodbye to Diana. He entered the car and it drove away into the distance. Aurora sniffled a little. Diana held her shoulders. "They'll be safe. You'll see them very soon,"


The party went back inside and they shared some drinks. It would soon be Halloween; it was time for a good sleep before another despondent departure. Per Matthew and Diana's permission, Marcus was allowed to share Aurora's bed with her, on the condition they were not too intimate. They agreed, not wanting to be too fast.

Aurora lay peacefully in her bed with Marcus's arm over her shoulder and chest. When he was in her bed, she felt safer and warmer. She wondered how it would feel to be sharing a bed with him again at his house in Oxford now that they were sticking together.

But deep in her sleep, Aurora found herself troubled by a vision of warning. She was inside a giant room with nine tables. The Congregation. She saw Baldwins amongst them. Along with Peter Knox, the horrid witch Satu and six others. Most of them didn't look very friendly. She heard voices of accusation pointed at Baldwin. A vampire with well-shaved grey hair and a hairy chin standing in the centre accusing him of treason, of hiding Matthew and Diana. Baldwin's goose was cooked.

Aurora sat up, hyperventilating.

"Aurora?" Marcus mumbled waking up next to her. She turned and saw his concerned face. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Aurora's eyes hung down. "I saw a vision. I was in a giant room with nine people,"

"The Congregation," Marcus figured out. "What did you see?"

"I saw Baldwin," she raised her chin. "I think they've found out he's hiding us. Another vampire was standing in the centre. He was accusing him of treason,"

Marcus was dazed. "Then Diana and Matthew must leave very soon. And so must we,"

Aurora nodded.

"You know it's not too late to change your mind," Already Marcus could see how the less time they had left was already beginning to kill her mentally.

"I won't change it," Aurora shook her head. "Now or ever. I love you, Marcus. I'd never live with myself if I left you,"

Marcus sniffled. "I love you too," he leaned forward and they kissed again. They lay down again wrapped in each other's arms for comfort.

The next morning, Aurora immediately told the news to the group.

"Baldwin may already be at risk of being kicked off," Matthew clarified. "Are you sure you didn't see anything else?"

"No. But I have a feeling that someone is going to help him. Someone who gives a fair voice,"

"Must be Agatha," Thomas said. "If she is truly on our side then she will want to keep Baldwin on the Congregation,"

"But that means we all must leave very soon," Marcus said regrettably.

"We have to get you two packed up," Diana said sadly over to Em and Sarah who held unhappy faces. "Come on. Let's just get it over and done with,"

The family of four walked up the stairs leaving the vampires alone.

"I have something for you two," Matthew addressed his sons. "As you, both know, other than protecting Aurora and her friends, you have other duties which I cannot perform. Here," he offered a slip of parchment and a little purse. Marcus unravelled it while Thomas fished a little pendant of primaeval metal with antique carvings.

"Grandmaster of the Knights of Lazarus?" Marcus breathed. "We can't do this," he shook his head.

"I only signed up to be a knight. Not to lead this," Thomas refused.

"I never wanted this responsibility," Matthew said. "But Phillipe wanted to keep the knights and the Congregation separate. He made me promise him that the brotherhood would never be run by Baldwin. That is why I am entrusting both of you to do the same,"

"But we're not like you," Marcus said.

"My sons. You are the only ones whom I trust to do the job," Matthew said proudly. "I know you both can do this. They can help you protect Aurora and the daemons,"

Thomas and Marcus shared uncertain glances. They were not up for leading. But with their father's proud joy and high belief in them and their determination to protect their loved ones, they sense a ray of hope in their hearts. This was their role in the fight ahead.

"We will gladly do that," Thomas accepted.

The sisters and the aunts made their way downstairs with a dozen suitcases and boxes. The car was loaded. Matthew gave Sarah a card of contacts.

"Never thought I'd be staying under Ysabeau de Clairmonts roof," she said.

"Guess we'll have to stick our diet to just nuts and berries," Em said, thinking of the common vampire diet. "Diana," she embraced her tightly. "I love you,"

"Goodbye Em," she bid farewell.

"Goodbye, my darling. You take care,"

"You too,"

Em cried as she moved away to give her partner time to hug a crestfallen Diana.

"Absorb all the knowledge you can. You have so much talent and I am so glad that you are not going to waste it," Sarah cradled her cheeks before hugging her.

"Thank you," Diana couldn't contain her tears. "I won't let you down,"

Aurora found herself crying a bit watching them. She couldn't help but torment herself with such sadness that Marcus gave her a side hug.

Once the aunts had finished their heart-breaking farewells to Matthew and Diana, Aurora came over and hugged them. "Don't worry you two. I'll contact you two soon," she promised.

"Be safe darling," Em implored tearfully.

"I will be fine. I promise,"

The aunts entered the car and they drove off into the distance. Soon it would be time for the remaining four soon-to-be-leavers to say their goodbyes as well.

Aurora and Marcus packed secretly in Aurora's room. She was packing a bit slower to save time but Marcus was filling up quicker than her.

"What happened yesterday evening? When I was talking with your friends?" he asked.

Aurora showed him the box and the necklace left to her by her birth mother. "She left this for me. My parents were meant to give it to me when the time was right,"

"Have you tried wearing it?"

"I don't know how to. I want to feel like she's with me, but…I don't want to neglect everything the mother who raised me did for me,"

"Aurora, wearing that necklace doesn't mean you're neglecting Rebecca. It means that you're fulfilling their wishes of wearing it,"

"I don't want to now. But one day I will," Aurora packed it in her fancy handbag. They walked downstairs and they saw Miriam doing a cheek-swap on Diana.

"Right all done," she said packing it. "We'll continue your tests in Oxford,"

"Thank you," Diana said.

Thomas saw his brother and girlfriend. "Are you two ready?"

They nodded.

"You're leaving now. You guys aren't staying for Halloween?" Matthew asked.

"We thought you two should share some time alone," Thomas said humbly.

"And as you know, we hate goodbyes," Miriam said, putting on her long coat. She expressed a sympathetic smile to Matthew and clasped his shoulder bidding him goodbye.

"May I talk with you for a moment?" Thomas requested Diana.

"Sure," Diana led him into the living room.

"I want you to take this," Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a red talisman. "It's a vampire talisman. Show this to all vampires you meet and they will know you are no enemy to them,"

Diana took it. "Thank you,"

"No, thank you, Diana. For the first time in years, I feel that I'm finally beginning to move forward. Thanks to what your love for my father has taught me,"

"I'm sorry that you can't come with us. I know how much…"

"You do not need to be. I know that my role is to stay here and protect your sister and her friends. Marcus and I have been made the grandmaster of the Knights of Lazarus. Aurora will be provided under their protection,"

Diana was relieved. "Thank you,"

"But you must know Diana, the Knights of Lazarus will have their own tasks, and that could put Aurora in even greater danger,"

Diana's relief turned sour. "What kind of danger?"

"There are conflicts which the de Clairmonts and the Knights have been dealing with for centuries. Conflicts which to our regret have continued today. That doesn't mean that Aurora won't be any less safe. Marcus above all will keep close to her at all times. Just as I know Matthew will for you,"

His words gave her comfort and hope. She couldn't keep worrying for Aurora. She had to place her faith and trust in their family to provide her with the protection she required to remain safe whilst also staying true to her beliefs and wishes.

"Thank you," Diana said nodding. She gave Thomas a warm hug which he returned.

In the kitchen, Matthew bid his sad goodbyes to Marcus and Aurora.

"Both of you take care of each other. Aurora, don't ever stray away from Marcus again or any safe place he takes you to," Matthew implored.

"I wouldn't leave his side ever," Aurora promised.

"The moment a Congregation member appears in Oxford, take her to Sept Tour," Matthew ordered Marcus.

Marcus nodded. "Thomas and I will have Knights positioned around Oxford at all times. But otherwise yes,,"

"I heard you two have been made its new Grandmasters," Aurora said admirably. "I'm proud of you,"

"It feels so strange calling them all together after centuries," Marcus said.

"We need their help now more than ever in this fight. I know you and your brother will inspire them to serve the good of our loved ones," Already Matthew was proud of Marcus and his sons. "Good luck," he came forward and he embraced his son tightly.

Thomas and Diana entered the room just as they were letting go. As a last affectionate gesture, they pressed their foreheads together.

Thomas tearfully embraced his father. "You both come back safe,"

"We will," Matthew promised. "Take care of each other,"

"Come here," Diana pulled Marcus into a hug. "Look after Aurora,'

"I will," he vowed wholeheartedly. "Thank you," he was more than grateful that she had allowed him to love and start a relationship with her sister.

After Matthew slowly let go of Thomas, they pressed foreheads together before he came over and hugged Aurora in a fatherly manner again.

"Take care Aurora. You are protected,"

"Thank you, Matthew. For everything. Promise me you'll protect her,"

"I will," Matthew patted her back, tightening the hug. He let go and he led Miriam and his sons outside allowing Diana and Aurora to say their tearful goodbyes alone.

"I guess this is it then," Diana said sadly.

"Yeah," Aurora pursed her lips and nodded. "I'm sorry that it has to be this way,"

"Me too. But I never would have forgiven myself for taking you away from someone you love so much. And I've never been happier for you than ever,"

"Take this with you," Aurora pulled out a locket made completely of magic ice from her pocket and handed it to Diana. She took it and opened it tenderly. She saw two pictures of them. "I made this with my magic so that it will never melt or be broken. Wear it always, so that I won't feel that far away from you,"

Diana sniffled and looked up at her. "Thank you," She pressed it to her heart.

Aurora smiled as tears rolled down her face.

Diana clipped it around her neck. Then she pulled off her usual necklace and tied it around her sister's neck. "There. So, you have a part with me with you always,"

Aurora clasped the pendant tightly; it was her new precious treasure. "Thanks,"

Unable to hold back any longer, they wrapped each other in one another's warm arms. As her tears fell onto Diana's shoulders, Aurora pictured herself as a child being rocked by her birth mother the day she regrettably left her to protect. The song she had sung to her resonated through her head angelically.

Sun goes down and we are here together
Fireflies glow like a thousand charms

Diana's tears fell again remembering the vision of Anna singing that beautiful song. She decided she would sing the rest.

Stay with me and you can dream forever
Right here in my arms tonight

Once the song ended, they knew at that moment it was time to say goodbye. Holding hands together for the precious number of seconds they had left, they walked outside where the vampires waited.

Diana didn't want to let go.

Matthew walked forward, venting a sorrowful face to his mate. "It's time,"

Diana looked again at Aurora unable to let go.

"It's okay," she said softly.

"I love you, sis,"

Aurora sniffled as she smiled. "I love you too sis,"

They gave each other one last tight hug which brought tears to all the audiences' eyes. As they let go slowly, Marcus came forward to comfort Aurora as she slowly let go of Diana's fragile tender fingers and pulled herself away. They approached the car with Miriam and Thomas as Matthew and Diana ruefully side hugged.

"You do this…there's no turning back," Miriam warned.

"I understand," Aurora said prudently. "I hate that I've made this decision but I know that my part in this fight must be with all of you,"

"We'll be proud to stand with you," Thomas said proudly. "You and your sister have begun to change the world Aurora. And I have a strong feeling it will bring a better future to all creatures,"

The way he spoke made Aurora reflect on the words her father had spoken to her birth mother back in that vision. He and Rebecca knew what fate had in store for their daughters. Their fate was to bring about a better future for creatures. The fight had already begun.

They sat in the car, Miriam and Thomas in the front, Marcus, and Aurora in the back. As they drove away from the Bishop's house, Aurora poked her head out of the car window and wove tearfully to the sister whom she was leaving, who was leaving the present.

Once Diana disappeared far into the distance, Aurora sat in the back silently and lay her head against Marcus who wrapped his arm around her shoulders protectively. She felt tired and closed her eyes. In the mind of her eye, she saw her sister and Matthew in white nightgowns raising their left feet and disappearing in a would make it the past. And that gave her hope to survive in the present with the vampire she loved. No matter what would happen they would win this fight.

And they would all do it together as a family.


And that's it. Season 1 is finally done. Just two more to go. And spoiler alert if you don't want to know...an extra story of my own. I hope you all enjoyed this a lot. Please send over any ideas for Seasons 2 and 3 if you have any. See you all in the beginning of Season 2.