After being discharged from the hospital, Daniel saw Margaret and Amelia in their hospital room. The nurses told them they were almost ready to go and to go to them.

"Do you have somewhere to go?" He asks her timidly from the door and she looks up at him surprised.

"Excuse me?" She asks, having lifted her from the thoughts she was so lost in.

"You and the baby, after you leave here do you have somewhere to go? I don't know where you were headed to in that plane. Do you have a way to get there?" He asks knowing what he really wants is for her to say no. He wants her and the baby to come live with him. He can't explain why but he feels connected to them. Even though the only bond they share is that they are both still alive.

"I was just worrying about that actually. See we are quite alone in this world," She admits her lovely voice softly accented from somewhere Daniel can't pinpoint. Daniel's heart swells, he is quite alone too. So lonely that he is going out of his head with longing for companionship.

"I know this may sound odd. It may be a bit forward too. However I would love for you and Amelia to come live with me," Margaret looks shocked and he rambles on trying to convince her. "Just until you get on your feet yes? You see I've got this big old house, and ever since my wife died I've just been knocking about in. It would be lovely to have someone in the house again. Especially a child. You see we always wanted children but were never able to have any," He concludes looking over at the baby in the crib longingly.

"That would be lovely. As it were we might have been wandering the streets if you hadn't came along. I don't know how we will ever repay your kindness," She says and he is captivated by her lovely face.

"It's no problem on my part. It is you who is doing me the kindness," He says walking over to the crib. "May I?" He asks her indicating the baby. His arms had been itching to hold her since he walked in the room.

"Go ahead," She says her voice turning steely. Daniel picks the baby up and she curls against his shoulder. Like she was was molded to be there. He can't help but breathe in her sweet scent. Stroke her soft cheek with his finger as she looks up at him with bright green eyes. A soft cooing gurgle emits from her mouth as she grins up at him with a gummy smile. His heart is completely taken by this tiny creature in his arms.

"She is remarkable isn't she? I don't think I have seen a more beautiful creature in all the world," He says mostly to Amelia as she grins up at him.

"Oh yes, she's something else," Margaret says jealously. Her hatred for the child barely concealed.

A few days later, they flew to Wales and headed for Daniel's house. It was situated near a lake, in Sheffield. The house was a beautiful old country manor. Not large enough to be considered a mansion, but still quite grand. Far too large and beautiful for just one man living by himself. The house had been purchased with the thought that children would soon be filling up it's rooms. That the sounds of laughter would be spilling into the halls. Now it was just a house with walls, doors and windows. Not a home. Not since he lost his wife.

As he showed Margaret and Amelia around and then to their rooms he thought of a conversation he had once had with his wife. Shortly before she had been killed. They had agree to try for a baby again.

"Daniel, what do you think of the name Amy if it's a girl?" She had asked Daniel after they finished making love and were lying in bed together.

"Putting the cart before the horse are we? Naming a child that we don't have yet? Besides Amy is a bit plain don't you think?" He teased her.

"Not at all," She sighed. "And Amy is not a plain name. My mother said when naming a child think of the nicest girl you ever knew. Then name your child that and your child is sure to be nice. I couldn't stand the thought of having a mean child," She mused.

"Was this Amy your friend?" He asked her.

"No, she was a wee shy thing. Smart as a whip and would always help anyone who asked. I tried to befriend her but her mother was so strict she was impossible to play with. She moved away but I never forgot her," She said dreamily.

"Alright if it's a girl she will be Amy. What if it's a boy then?" He asks kissing her forehead.

"Then you can name him," She said before drifting off to sleep.

Xxxxxxcxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Daniel had no idea just how much things would change for him in the short time. Living with Margaret and Amelia was one of the best things that had happened to him. A blessing, beacons of light in a period of darkness. In the four months they had been living with him his life had gotten so much better.

Amelia was the sweetest baby to know her was to love her. Daniel never thought he would find so much peace and happiness taking care of a child. Working as a neurosurgeon was stressful. One slip of the hand and he could ruin a life. There were patients he worried that even the skill of his scalpel would not cure. Yet any worries of the day from work is forgotten as soon as he saw his Amelia. Just picking her up and holding her in his arms was enough to cure him of a day's stress.

Margaret had also proven herself invaluable to him. She took care of the things he found so hard to do since his wife died. The things that despite hiring a housekeeper that had gotten away from him. Margaret kept a tidy house, even cleaning the place even after telling her that he has people to do that. Organizing the books and debri that had collected around the house in the absence of a woman. She also tended the garden which he often forgot he even had. Hiring a gardener had never been a priority to him. Though he had to admit the garden looked beautiful when it was cared for, Margaret had a green thumb. Margaret had also taken over the cooking. A godsend to a man who man who had been living on fry ups, and curries.

However there was something that confused Daniel. Margaret was never affectionate with her own daughter. She never picked her up or cuddled her. She was never cruel to her, at least in front of Daniel. There was just a complete devoid of interest where the child was concerned. Daniel asked the housekeeper about it in confidence worried about what went on when he was not around.

"Tell me Mrs. Baum what have observed anything out of the ordinary about Margaret and the child since they arrived?"

"Oh well Ms. Margaret she is a lovely woman," She says looking around nervously.

"Don't worry this is being said in the strictest confidence I assure you," He tells the worried woman.

"Well between me you and the walls the woman has a funny way of acting around the child," She says.

"How so?" He asks curiously.

"Acting like she wants nothing to do with her. She would rather be doing anything else but minding that baby. I told her don't you worry about washing windows or dusting. That it was my job. Then Ms. Margaret she told me that my new job was watching Miss Amelia. That she would see to everything else. I ain't ever seen her pick up that baby once. Pity Miss Amelia is such a sweet wee bairn."

"Does she ever hurt the baby?" He asks afraid to know the answer.

"No Mister, the only thing she is guilty off is pretending that little girl doesn't exist," She replies shaking her head sadly.

"Thank you Mrs. Baum. You may go now," He told the housekeeper kindly. Then set off to have a conversation with Margaret. He did not fault her for her behavior towards the baby. She had been through a great trauma, perhaps she was suffering some postpartum depression. Daniel's only thought was to get her the help that she needed.

"Margaret a word," He says popping his head into the kitchen.

"Yes," She asked a bit startled walking over to him.

"I was talking with Mrs. Baum and she told me that you are… That is to say I have noticed too…"

"The way I am with the baby?" She asks boldly and he nods. "I am sorry… It's just… Just… That.." Then she started sobbing. Daniel immediately regrets bringing it up. Hasn't she been through enough without him hassling her about how many times a day she picked up a baby.

"It's okay," He says going to her and hugging her. "Forget I mentioned anything," He tells her stroking her back. Then subject was effectively dropped.

Soon Margaret's night terrors started. Some nights from his room, he heard her scream. Daniel would rush to check on her. Frightened by the sight of her thrashing and kicking, trying to fight off something. A shadowy figure that Daniel couldn't see. He ran to her bed and tried to stop her movements. Wrapping her into a tight hug. Softly stroking her hair, whispering to her gently.

"Shh.. shh.. It was only a dream, Margaret. You're safe. You're here," He whispers to her when she tries to push him away. Slowly, she would stop thrashing. Her body would still then relax and she would wake up, unaware of her surroundings. These nights frightened Daniel but they also drew him closer to her. He liked being the one to calm her down. Daniel would hold her until she fell asleep again then sneak out of the room and pad down the hall to Amelia's room. Where if he found the child awake he would lift her up and take her to the rocking chair. Rocking them both until they both fell asleep.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcccccccccccccccc

Daniel was starting to feel guilty about how much attention he's been giving to his two guests. The days and weeks passed until suddenly one day, he realized that he hasn't been in his late wife's music room in months. Before the plane crash, her music room was his refuge. Daniel couldn't play any of the instruments inside. He only wanted to be close to things that were close to his wife's heart. The things she cherished when she was still alive. Being there, with the instruments that she loved, was the closest he can ever get.

Daniel found his fondness for Margaret was growing. He felt guilty but there wasn't anything that he could do about it. She possessed such great beauty. Such grace and intelligence that she captivated him. Daniel can't help but slowly fall for her. The only time he's ever felt like this was when he first met his wife, so he knew that it was only a matter of time before he acted on his feelings. It only depended on how long it will take for him to feel okay about the prospect of loving someone new. Of moving on from his beloved wife, to someone who can bring him happiness.

Daniel found Margaret in the dining hall, carefully laying out their food for breakfast. A gentle smile broke on his face at the sight. It was a bitter-sweet feeling. Seeing the things his wife used to do. Were now the things that Margaret did for him. Somehow, the guilt was easing it's way out and was being replaced by warmth and an all-too-familiar feeling. He has fallen in love with Margaret. Whether it was purely because of who she was or if it's because she reminded him so much of his late wife, he couldn't tell. But it was clear to him that he never wants her to leave his home. Not if he has anything to say about it.

"Good morning," He greets, making Margaret turn around to face him.

"Good morning to you, too. You're up early," She replies.

"I have an early meeting with the hospital's board of directors so I need to be there in an hour and a half," he tells her, looking at the spread on the table.

"Well it's a good thing breakfast is ready then. Go sit and I'll make you a cup of tea," She moves to the other side of the table to pour him a cup of tea and milk,

"Here you go," she says, putting the cup and saucer in front of him. She was about to walk away to get the rest of the food from the kitchen, when Daniel grips her arm, stopping her.

"Where are you going?" He asks.

"The bread is still in the oven when I left, I just need to take it out," She tries to free herself from his grip but he wouldn't let go.

"You're not a servant, Margaret. Please, join me. Take a seat," He nods to a seat to his left and looked at her.

"But, I sti-" She starts.

"No. Please, just sit with me and join me for breakfast," he pleads, looking at her with determination.

Margaret found his insistence, endearing. Daniel has been nothing but kind to her for the past few months. Although she would prefer if Allayna, or Amelia as he knows her, was not in the picture. Margaret knows that part of his affection for her was because of the child.

Even with that in thought, her original plan was starting to slip her mind. She liked living with him. More than that, she liked living in this dimension. There were a few differences about how people in this world go through their daily lives, but that doesn't even bother her. People here did not have abilities like some of the commoners had in their world. If it's only because she hasn't met one, she didn't care anymore. It even surprises her that she seems to have forgotten her real purpose for being in this dimension. Or that her powers still have not returned. All that's been on her mind when she was awake were thoughts of how to make Daniel happy.

"If you insist, then," She relents. That's when he lets go of her. She takes a seat and looks at him.

They ate together in silence, chancing a glance every now and then. When Daniel finished, he told her that he needs to be on his way so he rose from his seat and so did she. He was about to go through the door, but he stopped in his tracks, thinking if he should ask her. She noticed that he was still standing by the door and barely moving.

"Daniel? Is everything alright?" He looks at her but he doesn't say a word. Margaret walks over to him and taps his shoulder. She still doesn't get any response from him.

"Daniel?" She tries again.

"Uh… do you think… I mean… can I take you out to dinner tonight?" He finally says.

"Take me out? You mean outside the house?" She confirms, not sure what he means by "out".

"Uh yes. You know, go to a restaurant to have dinner. Just you and me," he clears up.

"Oh. That sounds lovely," She smiles at him.

He smiles back and nods his head. He just asked her out and she agreed. He wasn't even sure where his confidence came from, but they were going on a date and that excited him a lot.

"Wonderful. Thank you, I will be home by six. Wear something lovely," He tells her before heading out the door.

Margaret pondered what that dinner invitation implies. What is considered "lovely" when it comes to clothes in this dimension. Shrugging off her worries because she knows she can ask the servants in the house, she went on with her day, thinking about what their exclusive dinner will bring to them.

Daniel arrived home ten minutes before the time he told Margaret and he was quick to get himself washed up and dressed. Just twenty minutes later, he was already in the living area of the house, waiting for her.

Margaret chose a black dress that hugged her curves beautifully. The dark fabric was such a contrast to her fair skin and made her brown eyes sparkle. She decided to just leave her hair down. One last glance at the full length mirror and she made her way downstairs.

When she finds Daniel, she hears squeals coming from Amelia. She curiously peaked inside the living area to find him playing with the baby. She felt irritated and immediately thought that Amelia was actually coming with them.

"Little Amelia.. Lovely, little Amelia…" He coos to the smiling child in his arms. "But you know, Amelia is a mouthful when you start learning to talk. How about… Amy? Yes. That has certain ring to it. A shortened version of Amelia," He asks the little girl who just continued blinking at him.

Lovely? Margaret snorts hardly. The child is a monster. However she knew now that she can't get rid of Allayna. Daniel was as phased with the child as he is with her. If she is to stay in this dimension with Daniel her and his precious Amy were a package deal.

They go to their dinner and have a lovely time. Margaret is convinced now she is falling in love with Daniel as much as he is for her. She hopes that perhaps tonight he will invite her to his room. Instead he gives her a small peck on the cheek and goes to his own room. Disappointed she goes to her room and falls into a fitful sleep.

She was running fast; she was running aimlessly, just eager to get as far away as possible from the voices that sends chills down her spine. Her clutch on her son was tight, lest she trip on something and falls. She needs to protect him. It was dark around the forest and she was grateful for that. The brightness of the moon was the only light source, but that was enough for her to see where she was stepping.

"Duvessa!" A man yells from afar. She has no idea just how close, or how far she was from her pursuers; to her, as long as she could hear their angry voices, they were close. The baby boy in her arms started stirring and crying. Her anxiety grew, thinking about her son's discomfort.

She came to a clearing and saw a cave nearby and decided to seek refuge inside it. It was surprisingly small and she was forced to crouch down. She looked back at the mouth of the cave and considered if she should block the way or not. She assumed that she should be able to find another way out of the place, so with a wave of her hand, stones started to form a barricade, preventing anyone from getting in or getting out.

Once the cave's entrance was completely sealed, she looked around the now deep, black surroundings that they were in. Securing Dorjan, her son, with one arm, she raised her hands and twisted her fingers in the air and said, "Deorc!"

It was as if the darkness around them was being sucked in her palm and she started seeing the inside of the cave. Sure enough, there was a tunnel ahead and she started following the path. About ten minutes in and she felt, more than heard, an explosion. There was no other way to explain what caused it; the seal has been destroyed.

She starts running again as thin smoke starts crawling from the entrance; a result of the explosion. Trying to glance behind her to see if anyone was getting near them, she trips on a protruding rock that send her falling on the ground. Holding on tightly to Dorjan and having her hands full to protect herself, she hits her head on one of the stalagmites. The blinding pain that followed was too much for Duvessa and her tight hold around her son loosens. She hears footsteps as they get closer to where they were.

"There they are!" Came from one man.

Duvessa was struggling to keep herself from falling into unconsciousness. She barely saw the trio of pursuers as one bends down and snatched Dorjan from her. Her strength failing her and could no longer hold on to her baby.

"Not him… please! Spare my son!" She pleads as the man starts walking away from her.

"You know only one of them can be the next keeper of the darkness. Your son will never be the one," One of them tells her.

"Please… please…" Was all that she could say.

"Amaro is the true keeper. Not your bastard," The man with her son tells her.

Her eyes closed, but her mind didn't shut off. She could hear her boy crying; the sound, slowly fading. Then, the earth quaked as two of the men who were in front of her started closing the cave again; trapping her inside. She felt so weak and helpless in that moment. She felt like her end was near. Before she falls into unconsciousness, she spoke her last words: "If I ever survive this, I swear I will avenge you my son… My sweet… Dorjan…"

"Dorjan! Dorjan!" Margaret calls and Daniel scoops her into his arms. Rocking her back and forth trying to soothe her cries.

"It's alright now, shhh, shh… There , there, I'm here now," He tells her placating.

"Daniel? Is that you?" She whimpers.

"Yes love, I'm here," He says stroking her hair as she calms down. "Would you like to tell me about your dream?" He asks, looking down at her.

"No," She sniffs wiping away her tears.

Daniel sighs, but doesn't let go of her. Instead, he continues stroking her hair until she finally relaxes in his arms. He worries about her and wants nothing but to find out what's causing her night terrors. But every time he would ask her, her response was always no. She never talks about anything from her past. He thought that something really bad must have happened to her. Daniel tried to connect her flippant attitude with the child, with whatever it was that she had to go through before they met. Unless Margaret tells him, he can only assume, so until she's ready to talk about it, he told himself that he will not think much of it.

Whatever it was, he was sure that it was awful. That it was something that she's not willing to revisit. When he feels her slump in his arms, he looks at her and found her sleeping again. He gently laid her down and pulled the covers up again. He looks at her, studying, memorizing her features. His eyes land on her lips for a while. There has been many nights that he would dream about Margaret. Holding her, kissing her. But he's always brushed the thoughts aside. Whenever he thinks about starting something with her, his wife's face flashes before his eyes and a guilt, too strong to ignore, consumes him.

With a heavy heart, he pushes up off the bed and silently leaves the room. Once the door is closed behind him, he leans against it and lets out huge gust of air. Shaking his head, he starts to make his way back to his own room.

"Daniel?" She asks in the dark.

"Yes, love?" He asks startled.

"Please stay," She asks softly.

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