Episode 12 Part 2

Thomas was walking back in silence, his thoughts set on two particular people. Phoebe and his late partner. Reflecting on Argus made his heart clench. He had recently ordered his family to be taken to prison because of how they tried to kidnap Aurora and kill his brother but punishing them felt like hurting him even though he was dead. He finally came to his house and he entered.

"Ahh, how nice of you to join us," Marcus remarked, pouring some wine. "Did you get it?"

"Yep,"

"Well let's see them," Aurora sat up.

"I'm afraid I couldn't collect them. Not until tomorrow," he said.

Aurora sighed dropping her eyelids. "Oh well. I take it the lovely Phoebe has it all sorted,"

"She sure does," Thomas didn't hide his affectionate admiration for the sweet human. It was too late to change his tone when he saw Marcus expressing a teasing smile at him. "Marcus…"

"Thomas, we all know you like that girl. Why don't you just go up to her and ask her out?"

Thomas huffed. "We are not talking about this," he placed his glass on the table and proceeded towards the stairs.

Marcus wouldn't let him. He stood up from his seat and in a blur, blocked him from the staircase. "Don't deny it, Thomas. Since I saw you two together in that airport, I saw that spark in your eyes that everyone has when they have feelings for someone else. Why are you so afraid?"

"I'm not afraid okay? I just don't want to have that feeling again when it's just gonna end up being so painful in the end," Thomas served past his brother and tried to walk up the stairs but Nate approached the staircase with Aurora and spoke up.

"This is….because you lost your husband. Isn't it?" Nate said.

"Please, guys…." Thomas begged, hiding, his tearful face. "We are not talking about my Argus,"

"I can't imagine what it must be like to lose someone so special to you," Aurora sympathised. "But do you really think this is what Argus would have wanted for you? Being unhappy? With no one to love?"

"He would want you to move on and be happy again," Nate tried to reason. "It wouldn't be betraying his love at all," his mental abilities weren't incorrect. They were precise and true. Though he hadn't known his host very long, he knew enough to understand his feelings.

"You just have to get up to that girl and ask her out," Marcus wasn't going to give up.

"No. You guys…it..it..it's..not that simple…as you think," the grief-struck Thomas stuttered, unable to turn to them.

"You just have to feel that spark with that woman that you felt with him. Just go up to her. Ask her out. Then you will…"

Thomas spun around and exploded. "I can't!" His shout-out made everyone's hearts jump. "And I haven't even been on a date in over 30 years. And for good reason!" He slowed his breathing and calmed down. "Argus was….everything to me. I don't know how to feel with anyone what I felt with him without remembering what I had lost I lost him. I'm sorry. And even if I did, what life could I ever give to a human who has only sixty to seventy years left of her life?" his words made everyone look at him with pitiful expressions. "It's just not possible for me," he turned around and walked upstairs.

His brother sank into a chair. "I just want him to be happy again," he wished. "I thought perhaps after saving Diana, he would be able to let go and move in,"

"He's letting go of his hatred for witches but it's his pain that he can't push away," lamented Aurora, sitting down beside him. "It's so hard to lose someone you love and then move on. Even after so many years,"

"Let's give him some space," Agatha suggested.

"I should have listened to you Agatha," Marcus bemoaned. "I never should have pushed him like that,"

Aurora squeezed his hand. "There's nothing wrong with trying to help him. I'm proud of you for it,"

"We should go," he said. "Let's go for a nice walk,"

"We'll take care of Thomas," Nate assured. "He's taking care of us so we should at least take care of him,"

"Thank you," Marcus stood up. He and Aurora departed through the door and into the city together. They sat in the Botanic gardens for the remainder of the day and then came back home and went to bed together.

Thomas didn't come to dinner. He was too filled with so much heartbreak. He lay on his side looking at the picture of him and his partner. Even though he still treasured many memories of their life together, they remained a painful reminder of the dreaded day he had lost everything. As he gazed at Argus's handsome face with dark striking eyes, he saw his figure fade away and an apparition of Phoebe taking its place. Thomas instantly turned the picture around and then he rotated his back to it and slept on his other side, wet eyes damping his pillow.


Domenico was walking around the dark streets of Oxford, sheltered by the shadows of its dark buildings. His phone rang. He pressed it to his ear.

I have another task for you. Gerbert informed.

What other task do I need to inquire myself with when there have already been two blood-raged murder cases?

It's something just as important as this. Peter Knox is hiding something from us. And I know that it's to do with Diana Bishop. One of Matthew's sons will lead you to them. Search the city. Find them, discover whom they're hiding, and bring them to me.

Domenico was uncannily confounded. How can you be certain it's a someone?

There have been rumours about a creature neither vampire, human, witch, or daemon. Whatever it is, I will not see it or its capabilities fall into the hands of that arrogant witch. I want to find out if any of Matthew's sons know their whereabouts and bring them to me. Gerbert switched off.

Uncannily his knowledge mystified Domenico.


The Knights with their prisoners in the van drew closer and closer to the far south of France where the MacDuffs would be locked up and interrogated for their felonies in Oxford. They were only about a mile away.

The creature pursuing them had followed them from forest to forest finding the perfect opportunity to strike. Observing the road ahead he saw the van turn off the main road and head down a private road. The perfect spot.

The driver in front looked out into the dark view ahead. There was no light but his eyes had special sight. His ears tingled when he heard low distant scruffling coming from the woods. He slowed down. It could be trouble.

Fergus and his relatives felt the van slow down. They shared glances and nodded. Their captors noticed and demanded they'd tell them why they were acting this way. They remained silent. Even after being threatened. Loud voices suddenly shouted from outside. The sounds of swooping and whooshing shook the van. The prisoners turned their heads and saw blazing fire roaring from outside. Their guards left through the back doors and they found themselves surrounded by a ring of fire. Something powerful ascended high above them.

They prepared themselves. But an indomitable creature swooped down, knocking them down with its mighty wings. Fireballs were shot and knights were taken out. Some turned to ash. Others collapsed with holes through their stomachs.

Inside the van, Fergus smirked. "We have trained him well,"

The screaming died out. The fire ring faded. The doors were pulled open. Fergus turned to their rescuer. "You have done well. Release us,"


The night passed by. Thomas woke up and when he went downstairs he was surprised to see Sophie up and awake. Her slouched composure and unstable facial expression seemed like she had just suffered an awful nightmare.

"Hey, Soph,"

Sophie turned up slowly to him. "Hi, Tom,"

"Are you okay? You look troubled,"

"I couldn't sleep well last night. I had an awful dream,"

Thomas was intrigued. "Did you feel it felt so real?"

Sophie was a little uncomfortable with his question.

"I'm sorry Sophie. I don't mean to be nosy but if there's any chance you feel like something bad is going to happen, you must tell me. Anything you or your family envisage could help us prevent future tragedies. You don't have to tell me though,"

"I had a dream of those vampires," Sophie spoke up.

Thomas sat down opposite her, crossing his fingers.

"I saw a creature. With wings. It was powerful. That's all I saw. But I felt something else. I felt like there was this connection between it…and someone close,"

"Do you know who?"

"I don't know. I woke up before I could fully see it,"

"You just relax," Thomas soothed. "You don't have to try and see anymore,"

Sophie expressed 'thank you. Thomas stood up and he prepared breakfast, just as Agatha and Nate came marching down. With the auction house opening in a few hours, there was no need to leave. The daemons asked him how he was and Thomas said he was good. But they knew better. They said nothing. They didn't want to push him emotionally like yesterday. Nate felt especially ashamed about yesterday and wanted to apologise but his mother gently touched his shoulder and shook her head.

"I should get to the Auction House and get those portraits," Thomas said standing up. "Marcus and Aurora will be here soon. I'll leave the door open,". He left the door and departed for the Auction House. The music on his phone rocked through his head as he strolled through the streets. He enjoyed a nice peaceful walk and then he arrived at the gates. To his surprise, policemen were there. Still, he gained entry and when he came to Phoebe's office he saw her stating the chief.

She noticed him and walked over to him.

"Hey, Phoebe…what's going on? What's happened?"

Phoebe looked shaken. "There was a break-in last night. I'm sorry to say this...but the portraits were stolen,"

Thomas's lips parted. "Oh my god," Phoebe apologetically led him over to some seats. "How did this happen?"

Though perplexed by his sudden interrogation like he was a cop, Phoebe replied, "The power was disabled last night. The alarm wasn't tripped and somehow the thief managed to get away with those portraits and a few other little things. Your deposit will be refunded,"

"Is there a suspect?"

"Our security guard Joe has vanished," Phoebe said sadly. "We haven't been able to get a hold of him. I truly am sorry Thomas,"

"It's not your fault," he consulted. "But thank you. I should really call my grandmother and my brother," he stood up and walked off, fishing out his phone.


In his house, Marcus and Nate were setting out the table for some lunch whilst the air was filled with the aroma of herbal tea courtesy of the three only ladies in the house. Sophie discussed her strange premonitions with Aurora.

"I had a very similar feeling last night," his close friend confessed. "I haven't told Marcus yet because I don't know how to explain it. I almost felt like I was connecting to something. Or someone,"

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to suffer but feel happy about something to come?" Agatha wondered.

All Aurora did was press her lips together before taking another sip. Her heart was beating very rapidly. Her head hummed with thoughts and questions. The humming of Marcus's phone drew everyone's attention. Marcus fished it out. Hey Tom.

Someone stole the portraits!

"What?" Marcus exclaimed. He switched the phone to speaker so everyone else could join in.

"What happened?" A flabbergasted Aurora demanded.

"Somehow the power had been disabled and the door was busted open. The strange thing was there were no signs of a struggle but the security guard has vanished. I doubt it could have been him who did it. Phoebe thinks too highly of him,"

"You'd better tell my aunts and Ysabeau," Aurora said.

Thomas switched off. Aurora and Marcus stared at one another.

"Who would do such a thing?" Aurora spoke out frustratedly.

"It could have been the security guard and they just don't know it yet," Marcus estimated.

"No it wasn't," Agatha said. "I had this feeling last night that there was a creature very fast, very lethal. And he killed someone. I know it sounds mad but…"

"I think I'm feeling it too Agatha," Aurora agreed.

"How do you know it could have been a vampire?" Marcus asked.

"Think about it," Nate supported his mum. "The door was busted open. No human has the strength to do that. And the power was disabled quickly. Only a vampire could have done that," he pointed out.

"That actually sounds pretty smart," Marcus complimented.

"Well, whoever it was, they knew what they were looking for," Aurora said. "It's possible that whoever did it works for Gerbert or Peter Knox,"

"Dear God," Sophie breathed.


Thomas re-entered the office which was still crowded. He approached Phoebe packing things at her desk. With the robbery that had happened, she decided she would leave early today. "So did you break the news to your grandmother," she asked.

Thomas nodded. "The news upset her,"

"Still better to tell the truth rather than lie,"

Thomas nodded. "My brother's upset too and so is his girlfriend. She loved the paintings and thought she could use some inspiration," He didn't know why he was drawing the conversation but he just loved talking to her.

"So…is there anything else I can get for you?"

Thomas hid his eyes and bit his lower lip, his heart bumping rapidly.

"Tom?" Phoebe leaned her head down a bit.

"Thank you, Phoebe. Please keep in touch if you hear anything,"

"Of course,"

Thomas turned and left. He stumbled quickly out of the auction house desperate to return home but something held him back. When he reached the road opposite the building, he turned back towards, his heart beating rapidly. He sat inside the restaurant and observed the building like a spy on a glass of wine.


The others in his house sat silently waiting for Thomas. Agatha poured tea and wine to soothe their souls but it did little comfort. The stillness was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of Aurora's phone. "Must be my aunts wanting a word," she stood up and went upstairs to talk to them. Hey girls. Did Thomas tell you and Ysabeau the news?

She did. How are you, honey? Thomas told us what happened to you and Marcus. Did some vampires really try to kidnap you?

Em, I'm fine. Aurora didn't like to be babied about. They've been taken care of so there's nothing to worry about. Our concerns should be who stole those portraits.

Must have been someone working for. Peter Knox. Em said.

I only wish we could come to Oxford. Sarah babbled irritably. Bad enough that Ysabeau won't let us out but now she's confining us inside the chateaux.

She's only trying to keep you both safe. Besides, maybe it's the better option. Gerbert or Peter could have spies watching Sept Tour and I just want you two to be safe.

How are you darling? Em asked.

I'm very well. Marcus and I have been going out on some joyful outings together.

And how are Sophie and Nate?

Very well. Their baby gets bigger every day.

I'm so happy for them.

I'll tell them you said that. Aurora sighed turning despondent. I miss Diana and Matthew.

We do too honey. Sarah said. What's important is they're safe and sound. I'm so worried about you still.

I'll be all right Sarah. I've got my friends and Marcus.

You know I'm so delighted that you've found love like your sister darling.

Aurora smiled. Thank you, Sarah. I'll call you and Em again tomorrow if that makes you both more settled.

That would be wonderful honey. Em approved.

I promise you two I'll come over soon. But I want to be here when Sophie's baby is born.

Of course, you want to. Sarah accepted. Ta-ta darling.

Bye aunts. I love you. Aurora blew a kiss and shut the phone. Despite the news, she re-joined her boyfriends and the others and assured them that all was well at Sept Tour.


For three long hours, Thomas's eyes never left the window. He just watched and stared. He heard voices both inside and outside. But he detected no accelerated heartbeats. No vampire had entered this building. No one was opposing a danger to Phoebe. The wooden doors opened and Phoebe walked down the stairs gracefully. Thomas observed her, hearing her heart beating normally, hearing her silent breaths. He had never felt very protective over someone like that. Since his significant other's death. Ever since he had saved her from those mean men a few days he had begun to feel a connection to her, a desperate desire to keep her safe from all harm. His sentimentality drove him to leave his seat and catch up to her.

Phoebe was peacefully enjoying some music hoping it would calm her nerves from today's charade. She was pulling out her phone when a skateboarder came by and was about to crash into her when Thomas appeared out of nowhere and pulled her safety pressing her against the wall.

The skateboarder moved on crying out, "Sorry!" behind him.

Phoebe hyperventilated being crushed between Thomas and the wall. "You okay?" he asked.

Phoebe nodded. "You think you could um…"

"OH right sorry," Thomas stood back and allowed Phoebe to breathe.

She stared at her rescuer. "Were you stalking me?" she asked.

"What? No! No! I was just sitting at that restaurant across the road all day thinking about things but then I saw again and…I don't know,"

"Well, I'm actually glad you came by just in time. I would have had a serious accident," she said. "Probably wouldn't be at work tomorrow. Thomas, I must ask, how did you do that?" she was mesmerized by his sudden appearance. It was like he had puffed out of nowhere like magic and his fast reactions to save her seem too quick.

"It's…part of my nature," was all he said. "Phoebe I know we've only known each other for a couple of months but I was wondering…." Thomas raised his head again showing a cheesy but nervous grin. "…Would you like to go out to dinner with me?"

Phoebe was surprised by his question. "I…don't know," she was reluctant but Thomas could see flushing colours on her cheeks.

"Come on. I don't bite," he joked back.

Phoebe chuckled. "Then…yes. I would like to,"

"So how about….8? Tonight?" Thomas offered.

"Sure,"

"Anywhere you'd like," he said.

"How about the Varsity Club?"

"It's a date. No, wait. A dinner," Thomas corrected himself.

Phoebe chuckled at his speaking. "Well then…see you at 8 then," she walked off and disappeared around the corner. Thomas stood still where he was, half-proud but half-terrified. He had waited for so long to ask her out but now that he had done it, he like he was drowning in a sea of terror.


Marcus was walking in circles. "I've called him and he doesn't respond. I've texted him and he doesn't respond,"

"Marcus, I'm sure he's just sorting something out," Aurora assured.

"Or maybe he's hanging out with that human he likes," suggested Nate. "I've had a feeling for a while,"

No sooner had he just said that, than the door opened and Thomas walked straight in.

"Would it kill you to answer the phone?" Marcus snapped. He had been worried sick. Thomas pulled off his coat and put down the phone, not making eye contact. Marcus's irritation turned to concern. "What happened?" He crossed his arms. In a way, he already knew what the answer was judging by the accelerated rate of his brother's heart.

"I watched the auction house in case the thief would come back. I just…I didn't want to leave Phoebe behind," Thomas couldn't believe he was speaking out his resolve to keep her safe at all times. "I asked her out!"

His guests exploded into peals of joy. "Whoopee!" Aurora cheered, sharing a high five with Sophie who felt so happy.

Marcus was beyond overjoyed. "I knew you could do it, bro,"

"What have I done?" Thomas felt so dreadful that he sank into a seat. He hid his panicking face from the others.

"Tom, this is just what you need," Marcus sat next to him. "You asked her out. There's no going back from it,"

"And you most certainly aren't going to go dressed like and acting all pale like that," Aurora stood up. "Come on. Let's get you ready,"

"But it's not even the evening yet!" Thomas complained.

"You're not giving us the slip Tom," Marcus pulled him up and he pushed him up the stairs with Aurora behind him. The daemons smiled, enjoying the drama.

For the remainder of the mid-afternoon, Marcus and Aurora scavenged through Thomas's wardrobe for the perfect suit for this perfect evening. Thomas stayed still in his seat unable to move. He didn't know whether it was guilt from moving on from Marcus stopping him from doing anything or anxiety overcoming him, influencing him into thinking he would blow it with Phoebe and make the wrong move that would make him lose her forever.

"Ah ha…found one!" Marcus pulled out a smart neat black suit and a black tie.

"Come on Tom. You're not going to make this hard for us," Aurora flicked his fingers and a quick cold frostbite made Thomas jump up towards the tall mirror.

"Dress up," Marcus tossed the suit to him and they shut the door waiting outside. He and Aurora shared goofy grins. "This is perfect,"

"It sure is,"

"This is what I've wanted for him for thirty years," he said. "And he is not gonna mess it up,"

"I can still hear you and I don't like you being the older brother!" complained Thomas.

"Less shouting! More dressing!" Aurora retorted back, banging twice on the door.

"What do you say we go out too?" Marcus offered. "Not to where Thomas is going but to somewhere else?"

"I would love that," Aurora said. "And we don't have to worry about that awful Fergus anymore. We can just enjoy it whilst it lasts,"

"There's something I'd like to ask you. Have you ever worn that necklace? The one your…mother left for you?"

When Marcus asked that question, Aurora pursed her lips and hid her eyes. "I've never really thought about it much. But I want to. To honour her memory. Even if I never knew her…" she paused. Her voice was cracking and she struggling to control her repressed emotions again.

"Hey," Marcus gently raised her chin. "It's okay to feel that way. I would too. I think wearing this necklace will make you feel so much closer to her,"

"Then I will do for her," she vowed.

They leaned in for another kiss when Thomas opening the dressing room door made them pull back. After Matthew and Diana caught them kissing, they vowed never to do that again in front of anyone.

In front of them stood Thomas all nicely dressed.

"You look so handsome. There's no way Phoebe's gonna resist you," Aurora said admirably. "Now let's do your hair," she walked back in.

"I can do my own hair in my own house," Thomas complained, tired of being babied like that.

"Well tough," countered Marcus.

An irritated Thomas sat at the desk whilst his brother and close friend styled his face and hair. Aurora brushed his hair and then oiled it with the scent of lavender. Marcus gave his face a good shave and plucked his eyebrows much to his irritation.

They stood up and they marvelled at his new stunning look.

"Now for the final touch," Aurora waved her hand and ice rose as the other night appeared in his lapel and sprinkles of snow glittered and rained on his well-oiled hair and his jacket. He began to sparkle like a star.

"There," she smiled and stood back. "Perfect,"

"You're ready," Marcus smiled. "Don't forget to give Phoebe some flowers,"

Footsteps approached the room and they saw the daemons admiring Thomas's new look. "That definitely suits you," Agatha approved.

"You look so fine-looking," said Sophie. "Great make-up," she high-fived Aurora.

Thomas blurted out in a flustered state. "I don't know if I can do this guys,"

"Yes you can," Marcus knew he was trying to back out of it. "All you gotta do is go up to her, tell her you're pretty…" he started listing all the simple actions a guy with a girl would do making Thomas roll his eyes and block out his voice. "Then when the time is right…."

"No! No! This is just a friendly dinner between friends nothing more," objected Thomas.

"Then why is your heart beating rapidly and your face is the colour of a romantic rose?" his brother teased.

"Oh, shut up," Thomas pushed Marcus, who was in the silliest state he had ever seen, away. Aurora chuckled seeing them behave this way.

"We brought you these to give to Phoebe," Sophie held up a bouquet of many coloured roses. "I have a feeling that these will make her fall for you even more," she held them out. Thomas gently took them.

"Thanks," he said. "I never apologised yesterday for my outbreak,"

"It's okay Tom," Nate assured. "We're sorry we pushed like that. You've been so generous to us and we want to repay you. Go on this date with that girl. And if she's the one for you, just tell her how you feel. And you'll finally be happy again,"

Thomas didn't argue back. All he could focus on was their happy motivating faces. He said thank you to the daemons for the flowers. Marcus led him down the stairs and whilst he and Aurora sat in the front, Thomas seated himself in the back, dressed up, styled up, and prepared with the perfect gift for the lovely Phoebe.

Marcus drove him to a spot not too far away from the restaurant. He turned back to him. "You ready?"Thomas took in a deep breath and breathed out. He nodded.

"You got this Tom," Aurora offered a fist bump and he fist bumped back. He slowly opened the door and stepped out of the car. The engine roared and the couple drove off giving him good luck smiles and waves before disappearing around the corner.

Thomas made his way to the restaurant. He leaned against the glass watching couples inside having romantic dinners together. Watching them feel so much love and passion made his eyes tear up. He thought of Argus. His gut started telling him not to go through with this. But his heart told him to stay where he was, go with the flow, and spend the night with that girl. Human or not, she had ignited a spark in his heart which had been lit for many years.

"Hello Thomas," Phoebe's voice rang in his head.

Thomas turned his head and in front of him was a beautiful woman in a red dress with black dots, a black cardigan, a silk scarf with flowers, and a black purse. Her hair was well brushed and curled and she had applied lipstick to her face; he was bewitched.

"What?" she asked.

"You look…really pretty," he confessed awkwardly.

"Thank you," she said.

Thomas chuckled. "Oh, these are for you," he held up the bouquet his friends had given him to gift to her.

"Wow," breathed Phoebe. "I…I don't know what to say," she took them. She gave them a long sniff sucking in the glorious scent of those flowers. "Roses are my favourite,"

"Well, I'm….glad you love them," Thomas answered.

Phoebe chuckled again and for a long moment, it was just the two of them oblivious to their surroundings. Phoebe broke the silence. "

"Yes. Yes of course," Thomas awkwardly answered. "After you," he gestured inside. Phoebe elegantly stepped through the open door and he followed after.


That's it. Thomas and Phoebe are officially having a date together. I hope you guys have enjoyed this extra-long chapter. See you all soon in the next two. Bye for now!