Chapter V

Holly woke up sobbing in her sleep. She sat up, rubbing fiercely at her face. Another sob escaped her throat as she slid out of bed and slipped on her shoes. Tears ran down her cheeks as she opened the window. Holly looked back once and whispered, "Good bye, Artemis." She turned on her wings once outside on the lawn and rose a few feet off the ground.

Artemis, being a light sleeper, heard the door and jumped out of bed. He hurried downstairs and smiled at his Mother.

She smiled back as he embraced her and kissed her cheek. "Mother, I'm glad you're back." It was true. He had missed her.

Angeline glanced at him in surprise and gave him a little squeeze. She looked rather pleased as she stroked his black hair.

"How's Maggie?" Artemis asked, pulling back slightly. He glanced behind her in surprise when he noticed a blurry rectangle on the lawn.

"Holly," He whispered.

"What, dear?" Angeline asked. "Oh, the door. I forgot to close it."

He shook his head. "Nothing's wrong, but I need to go outside for a minute. Please excuse me."

She nodded and kissed his cheek.

He hurried outside and called hoarsely, "Holly!" She didn't un-shield, nor did she turn around, instead heading straight for Haven.

"Holly, please. I love you!" He cried.

But she was already gone. It began to rain, and tears filled his dark blue eyes, and slid down his cheeks. He didn't know how long he stood there, but it seemed to last longer than a lifetime. At last he ran into the house and up the stairs. "Butler!" He shouted, knocking on the bodyguard's door.

The man appeared in the doorway a moment later, looking worried. "What is it, Artemis? What's wrong?" He demanded.

Artemis was paler than usual. "Butler, Holly's gone." He whispered, looking down.

The man watched him for a minute and finally put his arms around him. Artemis glanced up in surprise, but didn't resist. They stood there for a minute, then at last Butler sighed. Artemis pulled away.

"I'm going after her." He said.

The large man nodded. "Right now?"

"Yes. Let Juliet and Mother sleep, I'll leave them a note."

Artemis nodded again.

"Shall I pack your bags?" The manservant asked gently.

Artemis looked at him for the first time. "Thank you." He whispered.

Butler squeezed his shoulder. Being comforting wasn't his strong point, but Artemis understood.

He walked briskly to his room and closed the door. After changing, he grabbed his laptop, and hurried outside to the waiting limo. An hour later they reached the airport. From there they flew to Haven.