Are you sure we're supposed to be down here?" James's voice echoed off the walls and stairs. Alex rolled his eyes, trying desperately to stay calm and not shout at James. This was, though, his millionth comment. Alex still lead his way down the steps to his father's lair, which lay in the heart of this mansion.

"This is my house too, you know, James." Alex replied. James sucked in another breath, readying for another comment, Alex was spare though… they had reached the bottom. All the furniture was exactly the same Alex remembered it, when he was here last… watching James's mother die.

The two couches in the center of the room faced back to back, and were flagged on either side by new looking leather chairs, so that it created two conversational areas. The overall effect was quite pleasing, and it divided the room nicely. The room was lined with dark oak bookshelves that were filled with heavy and dusty books. On either sides of the main room stood two openings, each leading to his father's lair. Alex turned and went into the right opening, closely followed by James. This was the mainly used part of his father's lair. This was a place where so many had been sacrificed to the Horned One, and where countless demons had been summoned, anxious to do his father's dark bidding. The lair was very dark and spacious, and had little furniture. In the center, stood a giant, ancient, concrete altar. It was stained with blood, both human and creature. Alex glanced at James, to see how he was reacting, but nothing was on James's face. Not a single emotion, he was staring blankly around the room. Obviously, he did not realize the importance of someone's lair, and how gracious you should be if you ever entered one other than your own. Alex stepped closer to the altar, mainly looking for any signs of recent bloodshed. If he knew what his father had been killing, Alex would know what his father was up to, or at least he would have a general idea. Instead, Alex found something very different. There was a thick, old spell book sitting open on the middle of the altar. It was a Cordova family spell book. Alex glanced at the page closer…

…and recoiled in horror.

James went over and looked at the spell page then at Alex's face, regarding them both questioningly.

"What is it?" He asked. "What is the— James glanced at the page again— Black… Ruin?"

Alex stood there, unable to answer. He was still thunderstruck that his father had found a way to conjure the Black Ruin. It was supposed to lost, and even if someone had found it, it should have been unattainable. Still, there it was, in the family spell book. Alex should of known… Cordovas rarely follow the rules.

James was still looking at Alex, and every second that he didn't speak, James's face grew with curiosity.

"What is it?"

"Something… terrible…" Alex started, but he didn't have to go any farther with his sentence because at that instant, he realized something. The Black Ruin always needs two Cordovas to conjure it, not just one. Alex laughed, now feeling deliriously happy and relieved. His father would never ever be able to conjure the Black Ruin without Alex. James still looked at him, confusion written all over his face.

"Don't worry James," Alex said, leading him out of the lair and into the main room again. "I will never let the Black Ruin come alive… not again. I will die before that happens."

James nodded, but was suddenly grabbed by fear. What did he mean by 'come alive' and 'not again'? Confusion swept through James, almost pushing out his fear. What was going on? Were they in danger? James noticed how Alex's father, Orvil, always looked at him with such hate and dispassion. Again, questions came into James's mind, but he didn't want to acknowledge them now. Right now, he wanted answers; and not the riddles that Alex always seemed to give – really, Alex was harder to figure out than a Suduko puzzle . Alex walked up the stairs first, and James closely followed. As soon as they got to the top, James was going to find out exactly everything that was going on.

Salem Massachusetts, 1692

September

The day was cold, and very dark. Serenity Ruth stood outside, staring up at the sky. It was definitely going to rain, and even though it was only late morning, the sky looked like night. In fact, the whole village looked strangely still. The Foresters's and the Jones's— Serenity's neighbors— houses looked at lifeless and quiet as if it were already nightfall. Considering it was a weekend, this was strange, because usually her neighbors would be out tending their garden, which was always well kept. Serenity stopped looking around, not finding anyone in sight. Something was very wrong here….

Quickly, she disappeared inside the very cozy cottage that her, her father, and her little brother shared. Her mother had died three years earlier, when Serenity had only been thirteen years old, and Dustin— her younger brother— had just turned five years old… Serenity went inside her room and quickly changed into her favorite dress. It was very simple, and made of cotton, but Serenity liked it so much because the soft purple material matched her eyes perfectly. Satisfied with her dress choice, Serenity raced out her door, and went to the place where she knew she could find out anything. The Town Square. The journey to the Square was short, and today, it was even shorter because no one was on it, and Serenity quickly was there. She was happy to see that here, there were lots of people. But when she got closer, she wasn't sure whether to be horrified or confused. Serenity settled for both.

There, directly in the middle of the Town Square, was a huge riot of people, all cast around two young girls. They looked maybe a year or two older than Dustin. Currently, they were convulsing erratically, their heads and eyes were rolling back into their heads. Serenity had never seen someone become possessed by a demon, but she figured they would look like the two girls. Did some demon enslave them? Serenity watched the girls from afar, who were now swaying and chattering their teeth violently, still thinking. What was going on? Then, an idea hit her. If someone knew what was going on, it would be… Sarah Good, Serenity's long-time friend, and the only person she confided in that she was a witch. Sarah was eighteen, and also an Innocent. Serenity raced over to her, who sat, where she normally sat, right outside the local pub. Sarah was homeless. Serenity had asked her many, many times to come and live with her— her father and brother like Sarah very much— but Sarah always refused. She said "If the Will of God has put my in the state, so be it."

Nevertheless, Serenity hadn't stopped trying to care for her beloved friend. Just yesterday, and every other day before that, she had brought Sarah food and clothing, and some blankets, so she wouldn't suffer too badly, or lose any of her natural beauty. Serenity hated when that sort of thing went to waste. Sarah was, in fact, very pretty, with straight brown hair that fell to the middle of her back, and clear, light turquoise eyes that always shone with wisdom and wit. Sarah smiled at Serenity when she approached, but not very happily.

"Sarah, what's happening? Why are those girls acting as demons has possessed them?"

Sarah shrugged slightly, and gestured for her friend to sit down. Serenity sat.

"Two little brats have claimed that a witch is among us." Sarah shot a hating look at the crowd that was surrounding the two girls.

Serenity looked at her fearfully. Who would of found out? She, and Dustin, were always very careful to keep their spells and magic under control. They only did it at midnight, but didn't even go outside. Sarah, seeming to read Serenity's thoughts, patted her leg reassuringly, then, glanced around quickly, checking that no one was near them. By now, it seemed that the whole village was surrounding the girls, who were now rocking and bobbing around with their mouths open in a weird sort of erratic, unplanned child's dance.

Sarah lowered her voice, and got closer to Serenity.

"They don't suspect you at all though, don't worry." She let out a sweet laugh. "Why would they? You're an everyday churchgoer, you're whole family keeps their noses clean, and your father's the Reverend. Nope… nothing to worry about there." Sarah stuck out her finger, and pointed just left of the crowd. There, stood two townspeople, who were obviously with the church, restraining two women who were struggling viciously.

"Those are the accused, Sarah Osborne and Tituba." Sarah added, sounding very grim. "So far…"

Suddenly, an odd, chilling silence had swept over the entire village. Serenity knew, at once that the crowd had quieted, and she swiveled her head in that direction. The whole crowd now, was staring in their direction and was split apart so that one of the girls' fingers was all you could see. The finger was pointing directly at Sarah. In a flash, two more church people were upon them. One of them roughly hauled Sarah to her feet, and the other, with obvious gentleness, pulled Serenity up.

"Has this witch harmed you?" The man holding Sarah asked, spitting 'witch' right onto Sarah's bare feet.

Serenity stood, looking horrified into the man's eyes.

"N… n… no," she managed to sputter out. "Sarah would never hurt anybody, she's—."

Sarah cast her a look that rang aloud and clear.

Don't make things worse…

"She lies!" The second man yelled, pushing Serenity closer to the first man. "She has been bewitched! Look at her eyes!"

Serenity looked from Sarah to man holding her, on the verge of collapsing from fright. But, she tried to stay strong. That would make everything worse for Sarah. Serenity didn't fully understand what was happening, but she knew Sarah had just been accused of practicing witchcraft. That was a serious crime in the Puritan community… you could be punished by… hanging. Serenity gulped, causing the man that was holding her to snap his head in her direction, and look her full in the face, looking for signs of affliction.

"We will send her to Reverend Ruth."

Serenity sighed inwardly, and a huge wave of relief swept over her. Father would know what to do. He would sort this whole thing out, and label it a misunderstanding, and Sarah would be free… and no one would believe she was a witch. But, the man holding Sarah started back towards the crowd, roughly half-dragging her, while the second man led Serenity to the church, a few steps away…

Serenity bit back her tongue, trying desperately to keep herself together. She knew now that anything she said, or any unusual behavior, including crying, would only make things worse for Sarah. The man pushed open the church doors, and led Serenity in, before quickly exiting again. Her father, David Ruth, had obviously heard the door open and close, but he did not get up right away. He had his head down, and was in prayer. Serenity looked around, and saw her father in the first set of pews. Seconds later, his head came up, and he looked at his daughter with concern on his face. He quickly strode over to Serenity, covering to distance between them in a few strides.

She was barely containing her tears when her father came and stood before her.

"What has happened?" he asked, looking deep into his daughter's eyes.

Serenity broke down, the tears finally spilling from her eyes. She threw her arms around her father's waist and hugged him tightly.

"Father!" she sobbed. "Oh… father… Sarah! Those… horrid—." Serenity shuddered, and took in a ragged breath before continuing. "They accused her of practicing witchcraft!"

David pulled Serenity off him, and held her at arms length, digesting what she had just said.

"Witchcraft?" his voice was low, and concerned. He was very sorry to hear that Sarah had been accused – he had liked her very much – but maybe he could still help her…

Another thought came into his mind though, that filled him with fear. What if Serenity had been accused? What if Dustin had been? David himself was not a wizard, they had inherited that from their mother, but still, he though that he would be completely safe. His children though… he could not take that risk with them. David had a sudden thought, right there, that he would make his child disappear. But how would he explain their sudden absence? David had no doubt that, especially now in these times, that people would ask questions. He had a few things to work out in his plan, but he needed to be alone… with God.

"Go pack," he said. "Go fetch Dustin, and pack all your belongings."

Serenity looked fearfully into her father's eyes, but obeyed, and turned on her heels and left the church.

Outside, one person slowly pulled away from one of the church's stained glass window, satisfied with the information he had. So… there was a witch and little wizard in the village. Finally, he had found two more, just like him. Sean Cordova stepped back, just as the witch walked out of the church. She was most likely walking back to her cottage, he long, creamy blonde hair blew all around with a sudden gust of wind. She was very beautiful, Sean had to admit, and it was a shame that she was a Ruth, because otherwise, he would of married her. He had seen her through the church's windows. She had a delicate little face and body, and big lavender eyes. Sean, happy with the distance between him and the witch, began to walk, but very slowly. She still had to pack and fetch her brother, but to know where she lived was enough for right now. Sean had decided to follow the Ruth ever since he had caught wind of someone using magic. His father, the local bank teller and secretly an Immortal, will be happy to know that the witch and wizard had kept the Ruth magic alive. He had found them… and now, were never going to leave his sight.

It was very late and dark when David Ruth finally came home, and found his children in the kitchen nook. Dustin's hand was tightly clamped around Serenity's, and beside both of them, sat a large suitcase, each filled to the brim with clothing and belongings. David looked at the both of them… and tears sprang into his eyes. His two babies...

David had not told them anything about where they were going; he figured it was safer to leave that until they got to the ship. They were going to live with their grandparents in England. They were also deeply involved in magic, so he knew that his children would be the safest there, and he hoped they could learn a thing or two. He ushered them out the door, suddenly anxious. He had forgotten the time that the ship left the dock, but he knew it was around eleven.

"Hurry children!" he whispered, and together, they set off into the night. The dock was not very far from here, but he knew they shouldn't dawdle. David grabbed both of their hands, and raced on. He looked sideways at this children… relieved that he did not have to wait any longer to know that they were safe. Once they were on that ship, they would never have to worry about being hanged, or worse…

Already today, ten people had been accused of witchcraft, and David had to try and think of a way to prove them innocent. He knew it would probably do no good, once the townspeople made up their minds they rarely changed opinions, but he would try, starting with Sarah…

David felt an unexpected pang in his heart. He guessed that thinking of Sarah, he was thinking of his children, too. He would probably never see them again, unless he went to England. But yet, he plowed on, reminding himself that this was for his children's safety, not his. He stopped, causing Serenity and Dustin to run into the back of him. He muttered a quick apology. There at the dock, stood a giant ship, four masts looming against the night sky. David pushed Dustin and Serenity in front of him. Dustin turned around, and looked at his father, fear circling all around him.

"You're going to go live with your grandparents in England," he said. "They will be waiting for you."

Serenity started toward the boat, carrying her suitcase, and pulling on Dustin's hand. David stood up straighter, reminding himself that he had to look brave for his kids. He heart swelled up with pride as he looked at his brave children got closer and closer to the stairs that led up to the main deck. There were many, many people, probably more than his entire village put together, getting on that ship.

Serenity and Dustin hurried to the bottom of the steps, taking one last look. Their father was watching them. They waved, and hurried up the steps, getting swept up in the crowd, not noticing at all that a certain blond haired male had also stepped aboard…

"Wow!" Dustin said as Serenity opened the door to their room they were assigned. It was certainly a nice place. There were two smaller beds, which lay on either side of the room, and there a wooden bedside table that sat between them. On top, was a single candle. The rest of the room had a very… ocean feel to it. The room itself was painted blue, and there was a circular window on the far side of the room. At the foot of each bed, on the floor, sat a very old looking chest. Dustin sat down on the bed farthest from the door, and closest to the window, still looking around the place admiringly. He laid his head down on his pillow, facing towards the ceiling, and clasped his hands over his chest, sighing.

"This is— he yawned widely— the best room." Dustin's energy seemed to have drained out, even though he was very energetic and sad before they had left, and Serenity knew he was minutes from sleep. If Dustin fell asleep, she could go out and explore the rest of the ship. She looked at Dustin, who was now closing his eyes and, a minute or two later, opening them again. Serenity sat down her bed, the closest to the door, hoping to coax Dustin into going to sleep…

Dustin yawned widely again, and rolled over on his side, turning his back to Serenity.

"Good night, Serenity." Dustin voice dripped with drowsiness. Serenity stood up slowly, so she wouldn't wake up Dustin, or cause him not to go to sleep. Tiptoeing to the door, Serenity looked back over her shoulder to make sure Dustin really was asleep. He was. He had always been fast to go to sleep.

"Good night Buddy." She whispered. The door barely made a noise as she closed it. The hallway was empty and dimly lit, but surprisingly, Serenity did not feel uneasy. There was an eerie quietness that seemed to rock the boat, but Serenity kept going, despite the chills she was getting. She was hoping it was from the cold. Serenity knew she would feel better as soon as she reached the main deck; she always felt better when she could see the sky and the water. As she turned around the corner, she dipped her head for a minute, and thanked God that their room was so close to the deck. Now, she didn't have to worry about leaving Dustin in their room, because it would only take moments to get back. Serenity expected to find the main deck full of people, all laughing and talking about their journey abroad. Another shiver went up her, and not because of the cold. There was no one. Not a single soul. Serenity walked out farther, away from the comfort and safety of the giant opening that lead to the hallways. A shadowed figure stepped from the darkness. His features, which were unblemished and defined, were illuminated by a bright, unseen light. He had short, blond hair that brushed slightly past his eyebrows. His eyes were his best feature though. They were very dark pools of icy cerulean. They widened in surprise. The unknown boy was extremely handsome, something that was very rare in Salem. He looked to be a couple years older than Serenity, and walked more slowly towards her, analyzing her. Serenity was unable to move, despite her tries. Mysterious energy flowed through and around him… and not in a good way.

"Good evening." He said smoothly as he reached her. Serenity could hear the iciness in his voice though, and she put up her defense. Something was definitely wrong with this boy.

"Good evening." She returned, nodding her head in his direction. Her voice was standoffish. He stuck out his hand, and Serenity stared at it for a moment before hesitantly taking it.

"Sean Cordova," he said. "And you are?"

She sucked in a breath, and her mind reeled. Suddenly, Serenity wanted to throw down his hand, and run back to her room, but she couldn't, Sean was squeezing her hand very tightly.

A Cordova, she thought. Serenity went back for a moment, to when her mother was alive, and Serenity was five years old…

Salem Massachusetts, 1681

Now, listen Honey," Kari Ruth started, looking Serenity in the eyes as she sat on the floor, mystified. "You're a witch, and I'm going to give you some advice. Never trust a Cordova. They're manipulative, evil, cunning, and above all, nothing but bad news. Plus, all Cordovas are our immortal enemy…."

Salem Massachusetts, 1692

On the ship

Serenity was brought back, now frightened to look Sean in the eye.

"You already know who I am…" She said, and was surprised to see that Sean was laughing. "What do you want?"

Sean stopped laughing but it didn't leave his eyes. The blue of his eyes turned up in intensity, and Serenity already knew what he was going to say before it came out his mouth.

"To ruin the Ruth family… forever."

Sean pushed Serenity away forcefully, finally done squeezing her hand to a pulp. It felt numb. Sean leapt back even farther from Serenity, and at that same instant, the wind started to whip around, causing everything on the deck – chairs, tables, candles – to go flying in the air around Sean. They all gathered in a cloud around him, in a matter of minutes, then, with a smirk, he released all the debris. Everything came hurling at Serenity through the air, and it knocked her down flat on her back with the force of a hurricane. She lay there for a minute, horrorstruck and hurting.

He's going to kill me, she thought frantically. Must…

She sat up and closed her eyes in deep concentration. Ball of light… Ball of light…

Serenity held open her palms, and opened her eyes. A giant globe of light floated inches from her hand, illuminating the whole deck, and Sean's angry face. She threw it. Sean dodged it, causing the light to hit part of the railing and explode. Serenity summoned another light, threw.

The duel lasted for hours, neither side willing or wanting to give up, so they kept fighting, even through pain of a wound, and exhaustion. Sean hurled a small orb of green light through the tense air, and it hit Serenity's thigh, causing it to bleed freely. She grimaced. Enough was enough. Serenity knew they couldn't keep fighting forever. Drawing all the energy she had left, Serenity conjured another light, and aimed it right at Sean's tired, but still handsome face. He was laughing at her. She threw it perfectly, but immediately realized she had made a mistake. The ball hit another part of the railing, causing it to explode and fall out into the water. Serenity looked around frantically. It couldn't be! Sean Cordova had disappeared.

Serenity took off running, stumbling and bleeding along the way. Dustin had suddenly popped into her mind. She had to make sure he was okay, because if Sean really wanted to hurt her… that would be the way to do it. Serenity ran up and down the hallway frantically, searching for her room, she knew it was down here somewhere. She thought about Sean's smirk and laughing face right before he had Transported… that meant that everything that her mother had told her had been true…

Serenity felt dizzy. It had all been true… the story about Spendrella and Toren, the fact that the Cordovas had the secret to the Black Ruin, and that they were the Ruths' sworn, immortal enemy… forced to chase each other through the centuries. She found her room seconds later, and silently struggled with the doorknob. It twisted, and the door opened. Serenity wanted to throw open the door, and rush in to Dustin, but she didn't. She barely cracked the door, just enough to look onto Dustin's bed. There he was, sleeping peacefully, untouched, unharmed, and snoring slightly.

Sean had not gotten Dustin.

Serenity closed the door and sank with relief against it, right there in the hallway. The strain of the day was finally catching up with her. What had happened to Sarah? Serenity had an idea, but she didn't want to believe it was true… at all. She hoped that her father had found some way, any way to save her. A tear fell from Serenity's cheek when she thought of her best friend. Serenity, alone in the dark, allowed herself to finally cry…