Ashlar's sword glows with bloody light as she points it at me. "Melinda is dead, as you well know."

"But it is she who brings me here. Why are you hiding my daughter from me?"

Ashlar's face flickers, as if surprised I know this. As if surprised I know of my daughter's magical awakening. She would be safe and firm, I know.

"Your daughter is not ready for what you have to say. We have only just retrieved her from the human captor she was with. When the Queen learns of this-"

"She will not. You leave the Queen out of this," I say softly. My voice is difficult to summon. I have spent at least 2 years in silence.

"Your daughter does not want to see you."

"You know nothing of what my daughter wants, for she knows nothing of me."

Now Ashlar is truly surprised, I can tell.

"And how would you know that?"

I smirk. "I have been amongst the humans. I have seen her. She has the face of Melinda."

Ashlar looks uncomfortable at this statement. Going near humans is dangerous and can lead to difficult questions.

"Mikael, I may not know what transpired between you two, but I do know the law. You are banished from this place for your crimes. Your daughter will be taken to the palace as soon as she is able to withstand the magical flows, and as soon as she is safe from outside threats."

"I did not want it to come to this..." I say softly, summoning my source magic. "You will regret turning me away."

Her eyes only widen slightly as she drops to the ground. Pale white mist swirls around her, then dissipates. She sleeps softly on the leaves, along with the rest of her clan.

I walk down the hill. A valley forms a basin around the lake, its slopes covered in leaves. Some trees grow on the sides, shedding their leaves in the cold October air. The lake is shallow, hardly more than a pond now. I frown at the state of the mud and wattle entrance to the Blood Clan's lair. I get the feeling of neglect once again. This is not how it should be. All is cold and colorless.

I climb down the ladder into the dark lair. The air warmer here, out of the wind and rain. My ears prick up at the sound of swift movement. Out of nowhere, a branch flies at my face. I duck effortlessly.

"Who's there?" A girl's voice calls, somewhat hysterical. "Why aren't you asleep too?"

"Heather Sanguis...It's...I'm...your father," I say, taking a step into the torchlight.