I could list all my reasons for not updating in such a while, but it would take a lot of happened. Im sorry for the delay.

Thank you for staying with this story and continuing

Shanes POV

I couldn't help but glance towards the door, my senses triggered by the sound coming from downstairs. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Claire's tilted head, probably working out possibilities of the latecomer. Amelie? But that ice statue doesn't use doors, not in my encounters anyway. I should be heading downstairs but two vamps and a sludge monster could take whatever is in that doorway, right?

An involuntary glance at Claire had stopped me in my tracks. She wasn't the same broken girl that I cradled, or she would in turn would comfort me. As much as I love her, I respect her decision, but that wouldn't stop me from protecting her, even if she didn't know it. I could ramble all about the life changing decisions we have encountered, but it wouldn't really matter. Not really.

"Ladies first" I swept my arms in a grand gesture, leaning towards the door as some old timey gentleman.

"Not a chance" she showed me towards the door and I opened it just in time, avoiding leaving a dent in the door in the shape of my face. I jogged downstairs to avoid further shoving, to find Myrnin downstairs sitting upside down on the couch as Michael was having a conversation with the newcomer at the door. On closer inspection, he looked like one of Amelies guard; he did have the delicate Founders crest on his chest, along with the fangs to match.

"Mikey, who's our vampy guest?" I jibed playfully, avoiding the overly bright and narrowing eyes of the vampire. He seemed appalled at my lack of fear or urgency at his appearance. To be truthful, there is always a crisis going on in Morganville.

"Are you a resident in this address?" vampy dude ignored me, looking past me like I didn't exist, also failing to provide me with a name. Another thing I noticed about him, he was clutching earplugs in his left hand, probably helping him to drown out the draugs call, but we killed most of them when rescuing Eve. Not that we did a good job of that, but we got her out alive. Sort of.

Mikey nodded which prompted the guard to pull out a nice piece of paper and start reading from it.

"Residents, as the imminent threat of the draug increase around us, I am providing you with a chance. The matter shall be discussed at noon in Founders Square. Bring your belongings. Founder." Without a breath or a heartbeat more he was gone. So was his fancy paper. Glancing out into the early morning street, there were a few more of Amelies guards, no doubt distributing the message throughout the neighbourhood. I could see the house across from us, almost identical in structure, the people there probably have no idea what they mean, but I could see the panic creep in. Rushed movements. Commotion from upstairs, the door left ajar in the hurry.

"It must be worse than we thought." Mikey ran his hand through his blonde hair, his pale skin paler than usual, probably scheming and worrying in that bright head of his. I didn't reply, but simply walked to the kitchen, absent in thought.

It seems like Amelie was running and leaving Morganville in the dust. Is she actually taking residents? Or just some of them?

Michaels POV

Belongings. She wants us to bring our belongings. Are we going to leave Morganville? But where would we go? All these thoughts tangled together and crashed in rhythm, as if a waterfall was building inside of my head, powered by the worry and the consistent danger that I feel.

I could feel the advances of the sunrays; I could feel the sun rising in the sky, a low warning signal in my head, warning me of the consequences. It wouldn't be long before noon reached, just a handful of hours, a handful of decisions.

As the people awakened around me, I stood and watched the familiar humans, rushing from places with a purpose, but more disorganized than usual. Without warning the sun reached me, stinging my skin, making my eyes water. It's strange to think that people cry at sunrises, sunsets even. I can barely remember the tingling warm sensation the sun would bring when stood directly in the rays, how it would complete a lazy day, rescue a boring weekend. Nothing close to the pain I felt now.

Closing the door quietly, I waited a few moments before entering the main room, letting my sunburned face heal, a feeling that I probably won't get over anytime soon. It felt like a cool rushing sensation over my being, something that could be compared to touching newly formed dew drops on the grass in the morning, or the chilling but refreshing air in the middle of the night.

I couldn't help but feel annoyed. Morganville has collapsed so many times, been in so much danger, and this time was no different. We always pulled through, always saved the town, maybe with a few losses, but an overall win. She couldn't leave now, not with all the sacrifices everyone has contributed. I thought all this over while going in the direction of voices.

"-are you sure that's what he said?" Claire's enquiring voice asked, while someone poured cereal into a bowl.

"I have functioning ears Claire, and a pretty good memory." Shane bantered back. I could tell the strain from his voice, probably from the decision they made upstairs. Sometimes I couldn't help but overhear things; sometimes they made life easier around here. Probably not in this instance.

I quickly entered the main room, where Eve was anchored in the ever present bubble. Would she be able to leave with us? I couldn't leave without Eve. The babble stopped, and most of the room looked towards me, apart from Myrnin who seemed amused sitting upside down on the couch.

"Well, we should move it. We don't want to be late." I said somewhat cheerily, trying to raise the mood of the campers. I noticed how they stared at me, like someone had shocked them. Even Claires somewhat bruised face was somewhat surprised.

"What happened to your face, Mike?" Asked Eve quietly. I could see her eyes assessing me, looking for signs of pain or discomfort. My face must be a little pink still from the sun; I didn't think they would notice.

"Oh, the sun caught me. It'll heal." I replied dismissively, moving towards Eve to question what sort of things I should pack for her.

"So we're just gonna go? Leave?" Claire jumped up from her position, striding towards me. She looked determined, but she has to know as much as me what's best.

"And what, stay in a ghost town? I know how hard it is, but survival is important Claire. Food will run out. We will be hunted by the draug, we can at least hear out what Amelie has to say." I touched the dome, reaching for Eve's hand, a gesture that is all too familiar to me. I clearly caught Claire off guard, winning silence.

"I know you want to fight, but we have to focus on what we can save right now. Can you help Eve?" I asked, the last question more of a plea, more of a private question for her ears.

"I can try"

That's all I ask.

Magnus POV

Useless. Everything was useless. I can't find Amelie, only her guards which seem to fall for my singing, to be carried off to my lair. They come in numbers, almost if they are some sort of scouts, always scared and powerless against me in their final minutes of sanity. Still alive.

It wasn't until this truly stupid guard fell for my singing, despite the earplugs and the extra pair he had clutched in his left hand. All but powerless against my call, my beckoning for their secrets, their virtues. No-one could resist the call of a master draug. It wasn't until I noticed the fool had a few pieces of parchment gripped in his hand, before I had him carried off.

It was a message from Amelie. To her residents. And a list of streets this scoundrel should deliver the messages to. A very clear plan formed in my head, now that I know where she will be, publicly no less. I could use the sun to my advantage against her, even if she didn't burn as much as a younger vampire. She will burn as hot as the rage I feel for her.

I need Jason. And an old family heirloom. She will burn, hotter than the betrayal I feel for her.

How was this chapter? Again, apologies for the delay. I can feel the endgame coming...(not like last time when other stuff happened lol) I will definitely be updating in a few days.

Don't be shy and leave a review! Oh and also to put it out there, Im not strictly clane or clyrnin. Stuff happens. Im not sure how many chapters are left, maybe 2?3? Depends how I write it and how I want to leave it...a sequel? I dunno. Leave your thoughts below! Love you xx