-Chapter 12 Part 2-

(Catarina)

"I'm going to try to get to Seba's room. It's dangerous but it's my only hope."

"Do you think he'll believe us?"

"Yes...but you should stay here."

I shake my head. "No, you know I won't."

He sighs and nods. "Okay," he tells the wolves to stay and we sneak into the mountain. He grabs a strip of curtain and rips it. He wraps one piece around his own waist then the other around mine. "Sorry but it's the best I can do for now," he tosses away the shreds of his boxers now that he is at least covered for the moment.

"It's fine. I am not ashamed of my body," I reply. "Nor should you be," and then we walk quietly together. We take a long time to make sure we are okay.

We knock on Seba's door. "Come in," he says. When we enter he is surprised it is us. "Darren? Catarina?"

"Yes Seba," he smiles. I smile too. It is good to see him again.

"Are you a vision?"

"Do we look like one?"

"Yes."

He laughs. "We are not visions. We are real. Feel me if you don't believe me."

He shakily reaches out to touch Shan and then my arm. He realizes that we are indeed real. "You were sentenced to death, Darren. And Catarina if they find out you are alive..."

"We figured as much," he replies.

"You fled."

"It was a mistake. I'm sorry."

"We thought you drowned. Your trail led to the stream and ended abruptly. How did you get out?"

"I swam."

"Swam where?"

"Down the stream."

"You mean...all the way...through the mountain? That's impossible!"

"Improbable but not impossible. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't."

"You too Catarina?"

"I tried but...if it wasn't for Darren I wouldn't have survived. When he fell in the water I jumped in after him without thinking. I nearly drowned but he pulled me out. He saved me even though he broke some bones in the process and then he preformed CPR on me. I'm only standing here today because of him. He is very strong and courageous."

Seba nods. "What happened to Gavner?"

"He was murdered."

"Murdered?"

"You'd better stay sitting while I tell you this." He goes on to explain what happened with Kurda.

"Never did I think a vampire would turn against his own brothers! And one so highly respected! It sickens and shames me. To think I have drank blood to that sham of a vampire's good health and prayed to the gods to grant him luck!"

"You believe me?"

"I might not recognize treachery when it is skillfully concealed but I know the truth when it is revealed. I believe you. The Princes will too."

"Will you be able to tell them in time."

"Yes, there is a lengthy ceremony before the investiture. I will have plenty of time to inform them."

"I want to look him in the eyes when I expose him."

"To show how much you hate him?"

"No, to show ho much pain he has caused me and Catarina. He saved my life and he was one of Catarina's only and dearest friends. We both trusted him and he betrayed us. I want him to see how much he has hurt us."

"It is risky," Seba warns.

"I'm going to be killed for failing the trials anyway. I'd rather die on my feet stopping Kurda, than in the Hall of Death."

"You are a true, courageous vampire, Darren Shan."

"No, I'm just trying to do the right thing to make up for running away earlier."

"Larten will be proud of you."

He lets us sit down so we can discuss what is going on. He hands me a robe and I cover up, blushing lightly. "Thank you."

"Despite the order for Darren's death, Catarina, there may still be hope for you. The others will be angry that you ran away with him but they may take pity on you."

"I doubt it and I don't need your pity. I am not afraid to die."

He discusses our plans with us then.