Chapter Three
Rashel pulled her jacket around her. She kept rubbing her hands together trying to get some of the blood flowing within them. I lived in Boston all my life, you'd think I'd be used to the cold. It was the beginning of June, but it might as well have been winter still. To keep her mind off her freezing body, she looked at the map again with a puzzled expression.
Turning to her soulmate, she asked, "Are you sure we took the right exit?"
Quinn sighed, and replied, "Yes, we did, at least that's the exit you told me to take. You're the navigator." 'Though not much of one, if you ask me.'
"I think we're lost."
"We're not."
"Quinn."
"Rashel."
"Maybe we should ask for directions."
"No. We did that already, and the guy said that we were on the right track the whole time."
"When did you ask for directions?" She said, giving her soulmate an incredulous stare.
"Hey, I'm as much of a man to admit when I need a little guidance." This only gained him a pointed look. "Anyway, it was at the last town, 30 miles back."
"Oh, you mean the town that consisted of two buildings? Three if you count the outhouse. How do you know if the guy knew what he was talking about?"
"Now who's being unfair?"
"I'm just saying..." Rashel started, but never got to finish when Quinn pointed out a sign, which was partly covered by shrubbery. Welcome to Litchfield.
"See, we were on the right path." Rashel rolled her eyes, which made him laugh, and wrap his arm around her shoulders. "Stick with me, and I'll get you wherever you want to go." She just gave an undignified snort before putting her head on his shoulder.
The sleek, black Benz flew down the road, passing a multitude of small shops and restaurants. They soon came to the end of the town's center.
"Now where do we have to go?" Quinn asked eyeing the mountains in the distance.
"Keep going straight, then turn on Mahon Street, which should be on your right."
"Alrighty then."
Great, old-fashioned homes lined the sides of the road. They soon stopped at one on their left. It was a sky-blue Victorian with white trimmings. Pointed turrets spiraled upward to the heavens.
Wow, nice house, Rashel thought to herself.
Quinn whistled his assent, and then said, "445 Mahon Street must be the place. Well let's go, Keller's waiting for us."
The mahogany front door opened before they'd even reached the porch steps. A girl stood waiting for them on the doorstep. Dark hair framed her face. Even darker eyes watched them with indifference. The word vampire flashed through Rashel's mind as she too observed the girl.
"You must be Quinn and Rashel, the Cat. Am I right?" She said in a cool voice.
"We are, and you're?"
"I'm Nissa, come on in, everyone's waiting." With that she turned around, without another word. I guess we follow her then, Rashel thought, and then she too went the way the tall girl had gone, Quinn walking right behind her.
They came to a room, a sort of parlor. The old décor gave it a cozy feeling. The fireplace blazed with dancing flames.
Rashel stared at the other people in the room. A short girl with a head of strawberry curls smiled at them when they walked in, but her pain dimmed what might have been a bright smile. Rashel could see the makeshift brace on her arm, and the bandages over her forehead. This must be Winfrith Arlin, but I don't see Keller.
Another girl sat in the corner with a boy. Another vampire? But Thierry only mentioned Nissa. He had his arms around about her, and stared at Rashel grimly, possessiveness clearly plain in his features. The girl had wavy honey blond hair. Her light-blue eyes looked at Rashel, but were so unfocused that Rashel might as well have been invisible.
She must be Sarah. Poor girl seems to still be in shock, Quinn said softly in her mind. I wonder who the guy is though. Rashel just nodded. The boy vampire had by then turned back to the girl in his arms, assured that these new people posed no harm to her.
Just then Keller walked in, her black hair curled down her back to her waist. She looked upon the scene with a frown before focusing on Rashel. The two girls stared at each other, sizing the other up. Then Keller's features seemed to soften. She was satisfied with her observation; Rashel seemed to be as tough as Thierry told her.
Likewise, Rashel lightened up, and it seemed as if some of the tension in the room had been dispelled.
Keller was the first to talk, "Well, I'm glad you're here finally, I'm Keller by the way."
"Rashel, and this is Quinn," Rashel said. Quinn nodded to the dark-haired girl. As if they had finally found their voices, the others spoke up.
"I'm Winnie," said the redhead.
"And I'm Blade; this is my soulmate, Sarah," said the mysterious guy.
What! But I thought that Sarah was Kierlan's soulmate, Rashel wondered.
Maybe, by some weird twist of fate she got two soulmates, Quinn said in her mind.
Maybe, but why didn't Thierry tell us?
I guess he didn't know either.
Well, we're just going to have to take both of them to Las Vegas.
Guess so. If all three of them are bound together then we'll definitely have to bring whatshisname.Blade.
More people to protect, just wonderful, Rashel mumbled to herself.
Hey, just think of this as a challenge, if you're up to it, Shelly?
As much as you are, Johnny boy.
Hey! Now what have I told you 'bout calling me that? Rashel just smirked at him before returning her attention to the scene at hand.
"So, you're the ones, who're going to take us to Las Vegas. Keller's already explained everything to us. We're ready to go whenever you are," Blade said in his calm tone.
Rashel looked at him with new respect, He's really taking this well. It's just as well; this way Sarah will at least have some one to take care of her; she'll need all the support she can get. Aloud, she said, "Good, then we'll get going soon. We're supposed to be on the jet at 8 P.M., so in an hour we'll leave. Get something to eat before then." She said this with a glance at Sarah, since Blade seemed to have already eaten. He nodded his understanding, and whispered to the silent girl in his arms before leading her away to the kitchen. Rashel stared after them with an expressionless face, but inside she felt pity for the two. She knew what it was like to have her life torn in two, and just hoped that the girl, Sarah would pull through all right.
Noticing Rashel's stare, Keller said, "I know how you feel, and I hope she can get through this too."
Rashel looked at her in surprise, which made her add, "We've both seen the darker side of reality, but Sarah's been living in the light all her life. Two nights ago, she'd lost everything in just a few moments."
"You're right we've both lived in the dark. Do you think she'd be strong to handle this? She still has a big role to play in the future."
"Sarah's strong. I know. She's actually taking it better than most people would have." At Rashel's questioning glance, she added, "I didn't tell Thierry everything about what happened that night." After a moment, she continued, " Sarah's parents were still alive when we got back from searching for Kierlan. They were bound and gagged. Blood had soaked through their cloths from many gashes. These men in black clothes stood all around them. Then they surrounded us." Here she stopped, and breathed in deep before continuing. "Those bastards made us watch as they tortured Sarah's parents some more, and then they killed them right in front of her."
"Oh God," Rashel gasped, eyes widening.
"Sarah screamed all the while they hurt her parents." Then Keller looked away into the distance, rage burning in her eyes, "That's why they deserve to die. They're too evil to live. They've hurt people I care about and love; I'll enjoy hunting them down." It was as if Rashel wasn't even there anymore, but she totally understood the shapeshifter's feelings. If anything, she wished that she was the one hunting them down. Glancing at her soulmate. Rashel wrapped her arm in his and still staring at the girl standing by the fire, she let Quinn lead her out of the room.
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Rashel looked out the window of the jet as it landed. In the distance stood the Descouedres mansion. The black roses could be seen even from where she sat. Gazing towards the house, she spotted the people coming near them, and couldn't help the smile tugging at her mouth. Along with Thierry were Hannah, Thea, Eric, Poppy, and James. Poppy kept waving at them furiously.
"Who are they?" Sarah asked from behind her. She'd started to talk more on the ride over, but still wished to be alone with her soulmate most of the time. Blade helped Quinn to carry out their bags as she and Sarah got out of the aircraft.
"Sarah, I'd like you to meet, Circle Daybreak. Of course, there are much more of us than this, but they won't come until later on."
"Do you think they'll like me?"
"I'm sure they will. They accepted me with open arms, why not you as well?" Then Thierry beckoned Rashel away, and she went to go talk with him. Sarah stood on the landing platform, lost in her new surroundings, until a blond haired girl came up to her.
"Hello, you must be Sarah." At Sarah's nod, Hannah smiled and continued, "I bet you're tired from the trip, but there's a room for you up at the house, hot bath, and plenty of food, sounds good? Are you hungry?"
Sarah couldn't help but like the girl in front of her; plus her smile was contagious, and Sarah found herself grinning for the first time in three days. "Yes, I am, and I'd like that very much, thank you."
"Well, then come along. There are also some really nice people, who would like to meet you." Sarah found that her fear had vanished, and while meeting and talking to these people from Circle Daybreak she finally felt that the future might not be so grim after all.
In the distance, a leopard watched the scene. Eyes of obsidian narrowed when he saw the new girl. Another Daybreaker? Maybe, but someone important. Ryviern will be interested in knowing about her, but she could wait. Again he focused his attention on the girl talking to her. Even from where he perched, he could see her cool, grey eyes and pale birthmark. Then he smirked, which looked more like a snarl. For now, he had another prey. With one last snarl, he loped off into the desert.
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"I don't know if you should be going out today." Thierry said, but his soulmate was adamant about getting out of the mansion.
"Both Rashel and Lupe will be with us. And we'll only walk along the Strip, surrounded by thousands of people. Please, Thierry, the girls need this. You guys kept us cooped up inside for the past week."
"I don't know. I mean Sarah's also going to be with you, and I just don't know if this is a good idea, especially right now, and will you please stop moving for a second." Hannah gave an exasperated sigh, and stopped her rummaging around in her drawers for just a moment. They'd moved some her things into Thierry's room, since she'd been sleeping there for the past few days. The dreams never came when she was with him. So, after finally getting a restful slumber, Hannah was energetic, revitalized and there was no way anybody was going to keep her inside today. However, fate seemed to be against her. Why is it that I can never find something to wear? She thought frustrated.
Thierry, of course was already dressed and ready for the day. He stared at his soulmate in amusement. "It's just amazing the lengths women go through to get ready."
"You're not helping." This just made him laugh and he wrapped his arms around her when she passed by him. Hannah nestled herself in his arms, and then turned around so that she could look into his face. "We'll only be out for a couple hours. I promise. Then we'll be back just in time for the Alliance meeting. Alright?"
Thierry sighed in defeat, and then he rested his head against hers. "Alright, alright, fine, go have fun, but promise me that you'll be careful." Hannah gave him a bright smile before giving him a kiss.
"I will; I promise." Tenderly stroking his hair, she gazed at him with eyes full of happiness and love. "Your so good to me. How many times have I told you how much I love you?"
He looked down at her with a playful smile, and said "Not enough."
She gave him an apologetic look, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, I'm sorry. Well I do, and I'll make it up to you tonight."
Thierry chuckled softly, before deepening their kiss. When they finally came up for air, he said, "I'll hold you to that. You better come back soon. Now go."
"Okay, bye, I love you." Then she hurried from the room. That woman always seems to be in a rush, Thierry thought to himself with a shake of his head before heading to his office. Now to tackle that very large pile of papers on my desk. Work, work, work. He walked with as much enthusiasm as a man on death row.
He was just getting down to business when Blade barged in. "Infuriating, absolutely. unreasonable, illogical, and, and.!" He sputtered, anger coursing through him.
Totally understanding and sympathetic, Thierry said, "I see that you couldn't dissuade Sarah from going either."
"No, I mean why are women so irrational and irresponsible and, and."
Thierry just nodded his head, and said, "I know. Believe me; I know."
Blade sighed in utter defeat, and asked, "So what do we do now?"
Taking a scotch out of a desk compartment, he poured small glasses for the two of them. Raising his glass, he said, "We drink, like the millions of men before us."
"Hear, hear!" Exclaimed Blade as the two men drank their liquor.
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"Hey, how about we get a bite to eat?" Sarah asked, eyeing the fast food joint, next to them.
Rashel looked at her in disbelief. "Sarah, you just had two hot dogs less than thirty minutes ago, a cookie, and a chocolate brownie frap, w/ extra whip cream, before that. How in the world can you still be hungry?"
"Hey, I can't help it if I have a fast metabolism," Sarah protested.
"I never could stand people like you. You can eat as much as a horse, and not gain an ounce," Rashel said in disgust. Sarah stuck her tongue at her, which made Rashel whap her on the arm. The others laughed at the two.
"Please, just a burger, or maybe chicken tenders," Sarah pleaded.
Rashel laughed again at her pathetic expression before saying, "Alright, alright, let's go feed you."
"I don't mind having something myself. I'll come with you," said Thea.
Hannah and Lupe stared at the clothing store across the street, and Hannah said, "Okay, you guys can go. We'll be at that shop over there." The others nodded, and followed Sarah to the restaurant.
"Hey, how about this?" Poppy asked, holding up a sheer black dress with pretty red blossoms on it.
"It's cute; why don't you try it on?" Replied Lupe.
"Okay, I'll be right back," and she bounced off to the fitting rooms.
Hannah laughed at her friend's behavior, but turned to Lupe, and said, "I'm going to see if they have any formal gowns."
"Alright," said Lupe, who was still riffling through the pants rack.
As Hannah was going through the dresses before her, she barely noticed the man before it was too late. Gazing upward from the ground, all she could see was a classically handsome face with a strong jaw, and sharp features. His mouth was drawn into a smirk as he looked down at her. Dark red hair framed that pale face. However it was his eyes that drew Hannah in. They were just pools of ebony, bottomless pits, and she felt as if she were looking into the darkness of an abyss. Those eyes sucked her in, and she felt as if she were falling. It took all her willpower just to jerk her eyes away from his.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going, here let me help you up," he said. His voice was as foreboding as his features, insincere and arrogant. Hannah couldn't keep down her revulsion, or fear. She absolutely did not want him to touch her, but by the time that thought had crossed her mind, he had already grasped her hand.
Hannah gasped as waves of chills swept up her back, like slimy tendrils. She tried to jerk her hand away, but the man just tightened his grip. It hurt, and she held back her cry of pain.
Then there was a spark inside her; a thought that pushed past her panic. A voice that she'd never heard before, clear and firm it said, you need to get away, now. Get away!
Desperate, Hannah called for her power. Nothing. Damn, why wont it come? It did before.
Reach for it, the voice said, full of authority.
Hannah listened to it. Then gradually, she relaxed her body. Reaching within herself, she called forth the power within her. She needed to make him release her, needed to escape. She needed to hurt him.
Her power flowed through her body like it did before. Her hands grew warm to touch, and suddenly she had it. Fire. She had already invoked the element when the clear voice yelled at her to stop. However, it was too late.
Fire curled and danced over her hand and his. She gazed at it, amazed. It didn't even burn her. Then she noticed that it didn't burn him as well.
Darshear gaped in shock at the display of power, but his moment's lapse didn't last for long. With a laugh he absorbed the heat in himself, and watched with growing satisfaction the terror on her face.
Hannah stared at him in fear. It didn't work! Fire can't hurt him.
Fire is his own. He knows what you are now. The voice said, sadness in its tone.
"Well, well. This is quite a surprise, and here I thought your kind died out a long time ago," he said in a menacing tone.
Oh Goddess, he's going to kill me now. Goddess help me!
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Picking at his burger, Nivar stared across at the three girls at the table in front of him. He'd been following their group ever since they left the mansion. He was curious about the three in front of him, two were human, yet they came from a house that was teeming with Night Worlders. He'd been listening to their conversation trying to find out any information.
Apparently, they were a part of some secret cult. Since there were humans, it must be an illegal one, for he was certain that the Night World would slay any such group. What have you gotten yourself into Hanae? He thought.
All of a sudden he felt her, and looked up in shock. Shit! What the hell is she doing? Then he felt another source of power, and it chilled him to the bone. No, it can't be! Leaving his cold, lonely meal, he rushed out of the restaurant, ignoring the strange looks he was getting.
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I'm going to die,Hannah thought to herself, despair making her throat tighten.
Then a voice cut through her daze. "Hey, let go of her! Now!" Lupe said, changing into her wolf form.
"No, Lupe don't!" Hannah cried, but Lupe paid her no heed.
Dashear gave the werewolf a disgusted glance, as if she were merely an annoyance. He let his black power build.
Hannah widened her eyes as she felt dark coils of energy surround and fill him. Oh Goddess, he's a dragon. Then before she could do anything he lashed out at Lupe. She barely put her arms up as his energy hit her, like a sledgehammer, and she went flying. The sound of glass breaking into a million shards filled the store, and everyone froze.
"Lupe!" Hannah screamed as she watched her friend's still form. Then the screams started.
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"What the fuck was that!" Yelled Rashel as she stood up, along with Thea and Sarah. "Oh shit!" Together they ran outside. Rashel quickly dialed Thierry's cell. "Thierry here, who is this," came his voice on the line.
"We need help down here; we've been attacked."
"What? Rashel, what are you talking about?"
"Something's happening." then she saw Lupe's body. There was a man kneeling beside her. "Oh God, Lupe," Rashel whispered.
"Rashel, Rashel? Where are you, I'm sending people right away."
"We're on Rosemont, next to Vickie's Corner, and Arby's. I have to go."
"Rashel! Wait." there was panic in his tone as she hang up.
Reaching the man, she said, "What are you doing?"
"Your friend is badly hurt, but she'll live if taken care of right away. Wait! You can't go in there." Nivar tried to reason with the dark-haired girl.
"What do you mean? Oh course, I'm going in there. Now let go of me."
"Trust me. You won't stand a chance. Tell your boss that there's a dragon here." That shocked Rashel more than anything. Who is this guy? Wait, a dragon? No, no, there can't be, but seeing the serious look in his eyes she knew it was true. Oh God, no, Hannah, Poppy! Again she tried to get past him, but he wouldn't budge.
"Look, my friends are in there. Let me go!"
"You have others to look after. I'll get them."
"But, who..."
"You need to get them away from here." Then he looked right in her eyes. "Get away." This isn't your fight.
Rashel looked at him, and realized that he was right. She couldn't protect all of them, not against a dragon. It took two shapeshifters, one vampire, and a witch/ Wild Power to defeat a dragon last time. That's it; she needed to get Thea and Sarah, especially Sarah, somewhere safe. Then she'll come back. That dragon's gonna pay.
Gently carrying Lupe, Thea helping, Rashel beckoned for the others to follow her. They struggled with their burden, until they came to an alley, a few stores away from the restaurant they were at. To Thea, she said, "Try to help her if you can. Thierry's sent someone. They should be here soon." Turning to Sarah, she said, "Call Thierry, tell him that we have a dragon on our hands, and need all the help we can get."
"What are you going to do?" Sarah asked softly, fear apparent in her eyes.
"I'm going back to help that man," she said simply.
"No, Rashel, you heard him. You'll get killed." Her cries fell on deaf ears as Rashel walked out of their sight.
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Nivar rushed through the ruined front of the store. People were everywhere, several were crying. But he couldn't see the dragon, or Hanae anywhere. Grabbing the front of one of the store's clerks, he asked, "Where did they go?" The man shook visibly, but pointed towards the back.
"He ran that way; out the back exit," he mumbled.
Nivar swiftly let go of the man, rushed towards he back where he spotted another of Hanae's companions, the short red-haired one. There were long gashes across her torso, which were slowly healing. Good, she's healing. Then she'll live. He quickly covered her body, and carried her to another store clerk. "Give her to the dark-haired girl who's coming, okay. Can you do that?" At the girl's nod, he got up and as fast as he could he ran out the back.
AN.2-Oooohh, a cliffy. Curious about what happens next, hmm, hmm? Please review!