The early evening had just begun when Aurea felt her eyelids creak open in protest. She hadn't had nearly enough sleep to counter act the ever-increasing drama that was her life. The past evening had her entire emotional library running on over drive and disbelief.

She remembered walking down the stairs and seeing his familiar frame for the first time in what felt like centuries. It was amazing how the simple ache of his presence made everything they were fighting about ridiculous and insignificant. There were too many things in this world that were just not worth the time or the energy. Unfortunately, the current situation not being one of them.

She ran her hands over her face before climbing out of the bed and making her way towards the bathroom. She looked a downright mess with her makeup and dried blood tears making an epic racoon look under her eyes. Her stomach ached for the want of blood, but she had bigger things to worry about.

She washed her face with cold water, feeling the energy whip through her skin and removing the last ounces of exhaustion. She dried her face and quickly washed her mouth out before adjusting what was left of her hair. Thankfully no blood had made its way into the bed messed curls while she slept. She ran her fingers through and tousled the curls a bit before giving herself one more look over before leaving.

She stepped into her shoes that she remembered Eric removing with every careful note in his body as his lips left remnants of love along her legs. She didn't know what today would bring. They were off to see the Magister and what she assumed was an ending of all endings. She closed her eyes, centering her out of balance brain, and stepped out of the room.

She made her way to the pool room since figuring that was the only room they've been in since arriving. The halls of the home were eerily quiet as she felt more than heard the hatred ranting from Sophie-Anne's mouth as she stepped into the pool room. The lights were once again shining bright, mimicking the sun as her eyes fell to Eric and Russell sitting quietly, enjoying what looked to be breakfast.

"The fucking henchman arrives." stated Sophie-Anne, causing the two men to turn to her.

"Ah, my darling." said Russell, standing and walking over to her with his hand outstretched. "I hear that you slept rather well last night."

Aurea eye's glanced to Eric as Russell took her hand and guided her to the table. She sat down in the offered chair from Russell before briefly meeting Eric's eyes for assurance. With his slight almost non-noticeable nod she turned her attention back to Russell as he retook his seat.

"I did." she smiled. "Mr. Northman was most kind in escorting me and making sure I was comfortable."

"That's wonderful to hear." gushed Russell. "Breakfast?"

Aurea turned her eyes away from Russell as she grabbed an available glass of blood seated in the middle of the table. She didn't care where it came from, she was hungry and needed something to get her energy back after crying her soul out to Eric the night before.

They heard a growl from the corner as Sophie-Anne looked longingly at the blood breakfast set up. All three of their eyes looked over to her, Aurea never breaking eye contact as she sipped her blood with urgency.

"I hate to bring this up over our lovely breakfast, but what may our plans be?" asked Eric, turning his attention back to Russell.

Aurea saw the ever-increasing twitch in Eric's jaw and knew he was starting to come loose with impatience. She had been on the receiving end of one of those looks one too many times. Oh, how she longed for one of them right now.

"We will finish our lovely breakfast and head to Shreveport." answered Russell. "The Magister has had his time with your progeny and every other vampire he's seen fit to humiliate and torture just because he could."

Aurea stilled as the glass she was drinking from paused inches from her lips. Her eyes darted to Eric to see his jaw set, his eyes hopeful and anxious. He nodded silently and gratefully at Russell before downing the rest of his glass.

Pam was being tortured?

She suddenly felt like the biggest piece of shit in the world. Here she was whining and crying to Eric about herself, when his pain outmatched her own. Pam, his child, her family was being held in the hands of the Magister, and he never mentioned a word.

She downed the rest of her glass as Russell clapped his hands together and stood, making his way over to Sophie-Anne. Eric and herself remained at the table as Russell took the time to explain to Sophie-Anne their plans before he released her. Aurea caught Eric's eye before he returned them to the table top.

"Eric, what the fuck?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Not now." he ordered.

"Why didn't you tell me." she implored, her guilt and shame flowing through her gaze at not knowing.

"I said not now, lover." he growled, catching sight of Russell turning towards them and motioning them over.

Eric stood, helping Aurea to her feet as they made their way over to Russell. Aurea dropped her arm from Eric's grasp, anger beginning to seep in as once more he failed to mention information to her. Forget what she thought earlier, some soppy shit about being mad at him wasn't worth the time.

She was pissed.

"Well will soon be departing." stated Russell. "Now my dear intended, I'm sure you're aware of what you are required to do and how to act? Otherwise, my dear Aurea here will be there to guide you if you happen to forget."

Sophie-Anne's eyes burned into Aurea's as she slowly nodded in affirmation. Russell clapped in happiness before opening the bird cage and helping Sophie-Anne out. With her hand in his, he guided everyone out of the house and to the awaiting car. Eric guided Aurea in after Sophie-Anne before climbing in and shutting the door.

"To Fangtasia, my good driver." smiled Russell, like a fat kid who had the run of the candy store.

The remaining three sat silent: one in disgust, one in anger, and one in anticipation. The drive was not long thankfully but strained. Every minute he sat; Pam was in agony. It withered Eric inch by inch each time he felt her pain, her fear, and her bravery. His eyes glazed over to Aurea. Her legs were crossed as were her arms and Eric could tell she was pissed. Not a night had went by and already she was pissed at him again. Oh, how he loved it.

The red neon flashed through the car window as they pulled to a stop outside Fangtasia. Eric was the first out and inside the bar before anyone else. Aurea quickly climbed out and followed him, hoping to get some distance between her and Russell before she had to put on a face of indifference.

"Stay up here." whispered Eric, waiting for her as he approached the basement.

"I can't." she stated. "And I won't."

"The Magister knows who you are to me. Russell will find out- "

"I won't let him get that far." she said, grabbing his hand. "I'm so angry right now but I cannot let you do this alone. Not anymore."

Eric squeezed her hand with a vice grip before dropping it when Russell came into view. Eric threw the basement door open and flew down the stairs. Aurea stood back for a moment, collecting herself, before ushering down the stairs, Eric's cries to cease echoing through the concrete.

Her hand pulled into a fist as she saw Pam chained to a table, blood seeping from her nose and skin where the silver burned her. She could hear Pam's whimpers as the Magister took a step back. Her undead heart broke into a million pieces as she held back tears. This asshole dared to touch and torture her family. She could end him with one unneeded breath.

"Mr. Northman." replied the Magister. "It's only enough if Bill Compton is with you. Is he?"

"No, Magister." replied Eric, stepping in front of Aurea as the Magister turned to him, if only to shield her from recognition. "But the Queen of Louisiana is."

"Our deal was- "

"I'll confess that you were correct before in suspecting me." interrupted Eric. "But everything I did, was at her behest."

Aurea's eyes caught Sophie-Anne's as she made her way down the stairs to sidle up next to Eric. She looked like she would throw up. Her situation had plummeted into the biggest pile of shit she could think of. It made Aurea feel slightly better about herself after everything they had been through for this hag.

"You realize you are committing treason, throwing your queen under the bus like this." replied the Magister, stepping closer to them as Aurea stepped closer into Eric's back, her eyes catching Pam's as a single tear of blood fell from her eye.

"She is no longer my queen. My loyalty is to Mississippi now." stated Eric as the basement door opened.

Russell in all of his timed glory made his way down the stairs. Eric turned, keeping Aurea behind him as he made room for Russell.

"And Mississippi is proud to claim Mr. Northman as one of her own." he smiled, coming to stand next to Eric. "Love this place, love your vibe. We must talk franchising later."

Russell gave Eric one last look before coming to rest in front of the Magister. Aurea could see doubt spread across the Magister's face as he came to realize the situation slowly creeping up on him. Aurea could care less about them, only if Russell needed her for something. While they smiled condescendingly at each other, Aurea's eyes kept filtering back to Pam who remained on the table. She felt her very own tears wanting to surface but she kept them at bay. She wanted to hug Pam and never let go. She never realized how much she missed her, but she could see relief and anger in Pam's face and knew this wasn't going to be easy.

"The authority?" laughed Russell, catching Aurea's attention. "Are you serious? Who are the authority? What gave them the authority?"

Aurea felt cold wash over her as Eric stepped away to Pam, noticing Russell had the situation under hand. She watched him check her over, realizing the relief washing over both of them. She wanted so bad to go to them but restrained herself, slowly stepping back into the shadows of the basement since she no longer had Eric's cover. One slight recognition from the Magister and this would be a bigger issue than it was right now. Her eyes caught Eric's before flashing to Russell-

"There's a new fucking authority in town!" he screamed.

"I now and always swear my fealty and loyalty- "

"My dear." sighed Russell, looking over to Aurea.

Aurea gently nodded as she reached out her right hand, stopping the Magister's pathetic prayer to the one true vampire authority. His eyes widened as they finally locked onto hers, ridiculous really at how long it finally took for him to notice her. Eric's eyes flared as he took the opportunity to remove Pam from the table and allow Russell to grab the frozen Magister and chain him to the table.

Aurea released her hold as the Magister slowly began to realize his situation. His eyes stayed glued to Aurea as she watched Pam and Eric embrace at long last. She craved to do the same, slowly eating away at her. If she had kept her ass where it should have been, she would have been on a much different side of this whole thing.

"You pathetic fool- "started Russell.

"What the hell did she just do?" asked the Magister, his eyes still trained on her. "It's against the law to use powers against another vampire!"

"Oh, is that right, I mean do you hear yourself?" chuckled Russell. "And see yourself? You are in no position, my dear friend, to be dictating the shit authority law at this present time."

"The authority will be so far up your ass if you do anything to me." snarled the Magister, glaring at Aurea. "And they'll keep her as an example. Oh, they'll have fun with you."

Aurea felt her jaw tighten as Eric stepped forward, his steps being halted by Pam. The Magister laughed as he saw the situation suddenly for what it was.

"I see now." laughed the Magister. "Everyone using everyone for their own benefit. Well Mr. Northman, I hope it was worth it. I hope you were able to fuck your wi- "

Aurea's hand shot out quicker than anyone saw as the Magisters throat quit working, his words dying on thin air. Everyone's eyes flashed to hers as she kept her eyes focused on the Magister. One wrong look to anyone would surely cause some issue.

"Thank you, my dear." smiled Russell, looking down to the Magister. "Now, let's have some fun."

Russell took advantage of Aurea's hold on the Magister to hang him from an overhead hook that he had previously used for Pam. Eric and Pam themselves moved towards the stairs, behind Russell and Sophie-Anne. Aurea kept her hold on the Magister but faltered slightly when she felt Eric's fingertips graze her lower back as he stepped behind her.

The Magister screamed in agony as Russell took the silver tipped cane and stabbed it into the Magister's shoulder. Aurea had let go her hold as she watched the Magister writhe in pain, his pathetic whimpering bringing satisfaction to everyone present.

"You can dish it out, but you can't seem to take it can you, Magister?" goaded Pam with a grin on her face.

"Let's see how this pans out, Pam." Eric said, glancing towards his progeny. "You can always taunt later."

The Magister screamed again as Russell stabbed him, letting the joy of his pain wash over them all. Sophie-Anne though in all her drama couldn't handle the thought of her future any longer. She interrupted Russell, moving along the forced marriage before she 'got cold feet'.

Aurea snorted as Russell smiled at the Magister, noticing his pain and refusal hadn't budged an inch despite the silver piercings.

"You know, this would go so much less painful if you just said, the fucking words!" shouted Russell, causing Aurea to jump at the intensity.

"I am bound by duty- "

"Ah, ah ah." replied Russell, placing the silver tipped cane onto the Magister's chest. "Your call."

The Magister paused but continued his rehearsed speech of being duty bound, blah blah blah. Russell rolled his eyes and ground his teeth before turning to Aurea with a wide smile on his face.

"My dear. Would you be so kind?" he asked, gesturing towards the Magister.

It didn't take a rocket scientist to work out what Russell wanted. She chewed on her tongue and rolled her wrists as she glanced towards Sophie-Anne, fury in her eyes. She glanced back towards Eric and Pam before turning back to Russell, stepping forward and coming to stand in front of the Magister.

"You stupid cunt." snarled the Magister. "You won't make it out of this alive."

"And neither will you if you don't say the fucking words." she snarled back, hoping she wouldn't have to force him.

"Fuck you…and fuck your hu- "

"Magister." she commanded, stepping into his eyesight instantly catching his attention.

Everyone in the room stiffened when Aurea entranced the Magister. No one had ever seen or met a vampire that could glamor another vampire. Russell smiled deliciously while Sophie-Anne looked on in anger, since she was once on the receiving end. The remaining two in the back watched on in fear and uneasiness, sharing a look between the two as Aurea stepped closer.

"Magister, do you hear me?" she asked, watching him shake his head in confusion. "You are here to perform the wedding vows for Russell and Sophie-Anne. The short version if you please."

Aurea stood up taller, keeping her eyes on the Magister as he lifted his own head, keeping her eyes connected with his own as he focused on the words.

"I hereby pronounce you, husband and wife." he muttered.

"Thank you." stated Russell before turning to Sophie-Anne, exchanging kisses on both cheeks as confirmation of their vows.

"I'm so happy I could bleed." snarled Sophie-Anne.

"Congratulations, your majesties." replied Eric, watching as Aurea broke contact with the Magister and stepped away, back towards him and Pam.

"You know the authority will never recognize- "

"Its own irrelevancy?" finished Russell. "That's where we differ for, I feel they will, and very very soon."

The basement fell quiet as Russell stood in front of the Magister. Aurea continued to slowly creep backwards until she was posted right next to Eric, his fingers once more ghosting across her lower back, her tension slowly ebbing out of her, but it slowly began to creep back as Russell lost his shit.

"Law of nature, survival of the fittest! And we need to take this world back from the humans, not placate them with billboards and PR campaigns! That is not authority, that is abdicating authority- "

"Majesty!" interrupted Eric, causing Russell to look back, quickly calming himself as he broke himself from his speech. "Shall we?"

Russell resigned his rant, realizing he had gotten what he wanted without much fuss. He looked at Eric and nodded before turning back to the Magister.

"We shall." resigned Russell, turning and following everyone as they made their way to the stairs. He grabbed Aurea's hand before turning back to the Magister. "Actually, no."

Aurea's eyes caught Eric's as Russell dragged her back with him towards the Magister. Fear gripped them both at what changed his mind and what he suddenly was up to. Russell came to a stop in front of the Magister, pointing the silver tipped cane at his chest. Aurea held herself a step back, cautious of whatever the fuck Russell was up to.

"Say hello-" he started, "to the true death."

Aurea's eyes widened as the Magister's head promptly left his body with nothing more than a quick swipe and squelching splat on the basement floor.

Russell turned around to face the shocked expressions of everyone there. He smiled a relaxed and calm smile, as if a million weights had been removed from his shoulders.

'Christ.' she thought.


Here you go! I hope everyone is still staying safe!