Episode Twenty-Two Part One

Aurora was sitting out in the gardens, sobbing overwhelmingly. She had been through so much heartbreak in less than a week. First, she becomes a godmother only for her goddaughter to get threatened by Peter Knox. Then she loses her aunt, Emily leading to a heart-breaking fallout with Diana. Then she gets kidnapped by a rival family on the orders of the disowned son of Matthew, and then all of a sudden she learns that her father is a vampire, a member of the Congregation who has been threatening her and all her loved ones with Gerbert and Peter Knox.

Marcus watched her from the window, feeling nothing but more sympathy for him. Thomas and Phoebe were nearby too. Both were shaken with worry for her.

"Go to her," implored the elder brother, unable to bear another moment hearing her feeble heart. "She'll listen to you,"

"What should I say?" Marcus's voice was broken, full of discouragement.

"Anything," encouraged Phoebe. "Anything you say will make her happy again. She needs you now more than ever. Only you can pull her out of her misery. Just try,"

Marcus pursed his lips and slowly stood up and left the room. After he did, Thomas slouched into a chair and Phoebe sat beside him, holding his hand. She knew his mind was on other things. "Tom…" she touched his face but he wouldn't turn.

"I thought I was gonna lose you," he was beginning to cry.

"Tom, look at me," Phoebe turned his face with succession. Their eyes met. "I am here now. You never have and you never will lose me. You haven't failed anyone. I'm safe. Aurora's safe. Your children are safe. We're all safe," she cupped both his cheeks and wiped his eyes away. "I love you, Tom,"

"I love you too," they kissed and his strong arms held her close to him.

Aurora walked through the gardens and stared through the fence out to the sea, thinking about so many painful things. She heard footsteps but didn't turn.

"You are nothing like him. You are not bound to the same path as him. Your heart is too good," Marcus's words weren't enough.

"His blood runs through my veins. I should have realised it before. He met us earlier and he recognised the pendant around my neck. I think deep down I thought it was possible. And that if I didn't think about it maybe it wouldn't be true at all. I put everyone in danger by coming here,"

"No. That was not your fault," Marcus tried to touch her shoulder. "You're just going through a hard time,"

"That's not all!" Aurora tried to walk away. "It's me! And it's because I represent something that everyone thinks shouldn't exist,"

Marcus grabbed his shoulders. "Just shut up! You're talking crazy! You're too good to feel this bad about yourself. I know that." he raised her cheek to meet his eyes. "And you should know that. You have a good heart. I've seen you do amazing things, good things for the sake of other creatures. Nobody decided for you to do that. Only you. It doesn't matter where you come from. That doesn't make you who you are. It is the rest of your story, whom you choose to be,"

She took a moment to consider his words. She closed her eyes. And she remembered.

She and Diana played with their parents when they were kids. She and Diana playing in the snow. Using her magic to make fun. Chatting and spending time with Sophie and Nathanial. Sharing dinner with Marcus and then dancing with him. Laughing with her aunts. Talking with Matthew. Helping Thomas find comfort in all his losses. Spending quality time in Paris with Marcus, Thomas, and Phoebe. Dancing with Marcus under the stars. Sharing a kiss with him as they admit their love for one another.

She opened her eyes and at that moment, she finally realised who she really was. All that pain that had led to this instant, dissolved away and she embraced Marcus very tightly and he, her. From a window, Matthew smiled, proud of the love that his son had for her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a rolled-up letter. "I hope this is enough, Anna,"

Jack, Wrolf and Blu were sipping tea together with the Wilsons. Nathanial clutched Margeret tightly; he didn't like the blood-raged killer with them.

"There's no need to be apprehensive," said Wrolf, trying to calm them.

"It's alright. I shouldn't even be here," Jack tried to leave but Blu stopped him.

"You saved our lives. You deserve to sit with us,"

"But I could have lost control again,"

"But you didn't," assured Wrolf. "I'm gonna train you to control it. And you'll never have to worry about hurting anyone else ever again,".

"How's Aurora doing?" Sophie asked with worry.

"She's still really shocked," Blu said. "I can't blame her. She's been through so much,". Sophie and Nathanial held each other's hands with worry. "But if there's anyone who can make her feel better again, it's Marcus,"

"You saved her," acknowledged Sophie to Jack. "If you hadn't found out in the first place, we all wouldn't be here right now. All of us including Thomas owe you for everything,"

"I don't really deserve it," Jack doubted himself too much.

"You do," spoke a voice. Thomas and Phoebe were right behind him, the human a little behind her vampire. Jack tried not to be afraid. "I don't blame you for what Benjamin forced you to do. But like Sophie said we all owe you our lives. And I for one am extremely grateful to you for saving my children. For that, Wrolf will teach you,"

Jack became all emotional all of a sudden. Thank you. L, promise you I will make up for all the trouble you got into. And I'm sorry I stole from the auction house and killed your guard, Phoebe," he felt an apology was really needed.

"It's gonna me take some time to get past it…but I do owe you my life," said Phoebe.

"Besides you being our dad's son as well makes you family," Thomas offered a hand and Jack slowly shook it. "You're one of us now. And don't worry about Ransome and the others. I'll make sure they don't cause you any trouble,"

The doors opened again and they saw Marcus and Aurora entering. "You doing okay?" Phoebe asked, coming forward.

"I'm getting better," Aurora wiped her eyes. "But I've come to realise now we aren't defended by where we came from. But by the love we have for others,". She loved everyone in this room. Even Jack because of the love he held for her sister. Phoebe gave her a warm hug. Then Sophie joined in too.

"We shouldn't stay here in New Orleans anymore," Nathanial announced much to their shock. "We've brought enough trouble here as it is,"

"No. That was not your fault," said Thomas. "The cause of this is…you know who…" he dared not mention any of their enemies' names, lest it hurt Aurora's feelings or anyone else's. "We can protect you here,"

"No Dad. They're right. They shouldn't stay here," agreed Dani. "But you're right. They need our protection. And I can give it to them,"

"Dani, no," begged Wrolf.

"I refuse to let you leave New Orleans," Thomas disapproved.

"Dad, after everything that's just happened, how can they stay here?" Dani challenged. "For the sake of Margeret, they need to keep going on the run. But I can go with them. I can protect them,"

Thomas still didn't want to. He had come so close to losing her today alongside her brother and Phoebe.

"Let her go," encouraged Phoebe. "If she thinks this is right. Then trust her. The MacDuffs are imprisoned again,"

"But how do we know Benjamin's fire killer won't just break them out again?"

"They went behind his orders," said Jack, earning their shocked faces. "I doubt he'd want to work with them again. But I agree with Phoebe. They should go with Dani as their protector. It's the best option until it's safe for them to return to their lives again,"

Thomas eyed Dani carefully. "You're really sure about this?"

"Absolutely Dad. We all have a role to play in this fight. And my role is to protect them,"

"And we'll be forever appreciative for that," said Sophie with deep gratitude.

Knowing there was no avoiding the encouraging faces of his loved ones, Thomas nodded and gave his daughter a warm hug which Wrolf joined in. "I'll make the arrangements for you three tonight. Dani and a few Knights will watch over all of you while the rest of us deal with Benjamin and the Congregation. Go and rest now. And Wrolf, you can get started on Jack's training,"

"Now?" asked Jack.

"The sooner you train the better,"

With nodding faces, Wrolf and Dani guided Jack and the daemon family out of the building, leaving him, his brother, and their lovers alone. Right after they left, Matthew appeared eying Aurora with concern. "You must let what I have told you upset you any longer. Like Marcus said, it doesn't matter where you came from. What matters is what you choose to be,"

"Thank you for telling me still," Aurora said gratefully. Matthew offered a hug which she accepted without hesitation. After they let go, he eyed his slightly distrustful sons. "I know you two have no reason to trust me. After everything that has happened. But we need each other now more than ever. And if we're going to make a stand against the Congregation, I need to form my own scion. But I can't do it without you both," he said to his sons who hadn't quite forgiven him. "It's the only way to save all your children and grandchildren. And the women you love,"

The brothers were silent for a second. Facially eying Phoebe and Aurora for support, they couldn't help but agree with Matthew that this was a perfect way to take on Baldwin and anyone who dared to threaten them. "We'll do it for the good of our families. And we both agree that Baldwin should no longer be in control of us and what we do," Marcus reluctantly accepted.

"But do not assume this means you haven't got a lot to make up to everyone in this city," warned Thomas.

"Getting them to agree to form a scion will take time…" said Matthew. "Which is why I am asking you two to return to London tomorrow," he addressed the women.

"No. We're not going," refused Phoebe, shaking her head.

"We could help Diana find the missing pages of the Book of Life," reasoned Aurora. She didn't like the thought of Marcus leaving any more than they did, but they all needed their roles to play. "I know that you're the best person for the job,"

"She's right," agreed Tom. "The Knights will keep you both safe and with the three of us here with Jack and our families, Diana needs all the support she can get but can't during her pregnancy,"

"Then I will gladly do that," smiled Phoebe. "I've always wanted to put my love of history and artefacts for a good purpose and now….now this is my chance,"

"You both will return to London tomorrow. I will make sure protection awaits you at every turn out," he vowed. "And I make sure Baldwin cannot make a move on either of you,"

"How do you plan to do that?" asked Marcus.

"Phillipe marked Diana before we married so that no one could question her place in our family. And now I intend to do the same to you both," his words surprised all four of them. "I may not be the head of this family but this is the first step I will take to show Baldwin that I will no longer be under his control," he was going to give Phoebe and Aurora his blood mark. The boys were touched. And the girls didn't know what to say, especially Phoebe. She hadn't known Matthew long at all and yet he had seen that she was a perfect match for Thomas. Pulling out a knife, he cut his thumb and he traced a ring of blood on Aurora's forehead between her eyes. Then he did the exact same to Phoebe. The scent of his iron-rich blood filled the air and his sons smelt his blood fusing with theirs turning them into his blood-sworn daughters. "You are both now official de Clairmonts,"

"Thank you," Aurora thanked wholeheartedly, shedding a tear or two.

"I will never forget this," Phoebe promised. After this was all over, she decided she needed time to get to know her lover's father. And Matthew agreed the same way.

The next day, a taxi was brought and the daemons and Dani were saying goodbye. "We'll see each other soon," promised Sophie after giving Tom a hug before moving on to Aurora.

"Stay safe," she prayed. She clutched Dani's shoulders tightly. "Protect them," she implored.

"I will," she vowed. "I will give my life if necessary,". This earned her a hug.

"Look after each other," Nate hugged Marcus and Thomas at the same time.

"Don't be afraid to call us if you need help," Matthew shook his hand.

Wrolf and Jack arrived. Jack was looking good. "You looking good, Jack,"

"Training was quite challenging last night. But I think I'm starting to get the hang on it,"

Matthew eyed the slightly weary Wrolf. "You're a good teacher. Thank you,"

"Don't thank me yet," his voice was plain. "We've still got a lot to get through," Wrolf hugged his sister. "It feels weird parting like this,"

"I'll see you again soon brother," she promised. "It was so nice to meet you, Jack,"

"I hope we see you soon," Jack shook her head, earning a chuckling smile making Thomas playfully cross his eyebrows. He detected an accelerated heartbeat. Dani and the daemons boarded the taxi and with tearful waves, everyone bid them a temporary goodbye as they drove away. Aurora was crying a little again. She had just been reunited with them only to say goodbye to them again. Matthew and Marcus escorted her away whilst Wrolf and Thomas remained where they were looking out.

"All my life I've done what it took to keep you guys safe," Thomas said to his son. "And now if seems I'm letting you guys go now,"

Jack tried to comfort them. "She'll keep them safe. And she'll protect herself. I know you might not want me mentioning this but…your late mate Argus…was a wonderful man. And I'd like to offer my condolences for him,"

"Thank you," said Thomas. "I'm glad he was at our father and Diana's wedding. And that you and Wrolf are such good friends. We're gonna need to stick together now more than ever,".

Night came and this time it was Phoebe and Aurora leaving for the airport.

"Be safe," Matthew bid. "Aurora, I have something else for you, Aurora," he pulled out the letter and offered it to her. "It's from your mother. I convinced her to write these words for you. I know it's not much but…I just hope it'll be enough,"

Aurora took it and hugged him again. "Thank you, Matthew…for everything, and for keeping Diana safe,"

"She'll be overjoyed when you return. Watch over her,"

"I will," she promised. "I won't let anything happen to her. Or the twins. Whatever they're born as, it won't matter at all. And as long as we all love them, that's all that matters," They would be just like her. Born of a forbidden union but loved, nevertheless.

"Thank you for your blood gift," said Phoebe. "I really would love a chance for us to get to know each other better once this is all over,"

"I already have," said Matthew with an approved face. "I've known you long enough to know you're an excellent choice for my son. I see so much of him in you. And I couldn't be happier for you both," he gave Thomas a warm smile too which he deeply appreciated, the same smile he had given him the first time he had fallen in love.

Phoebe became so emotional again. "Thank you,". The new blood-sworn father watched happily as his children, vampire and blood-sworn, embraced one another exchanging kisses and hugs and promises. They shook hands with Jack and Wrolf before entering the car and driving away, knights beside them to protect them. The boys looked out at them with hopeful smiles. But now there was much work to do.

Diana was holding her locket thinking of her sister. Every moment she had worried for her praying that she was and there was a chance of reconciliation. Her phone rang. "Matthew?"

"She's coming home,"

Diana's heart elevated in her chest.

On the plane in the dark, nearly every human was asleep including Phoebe who slept against Aurora's shoulder. Aurora, on the other hand, wasn't tried at all. She had spent every second staring at the scroll her blood-sworn father had given her. Could she open it? She was desperate to read her birth mother's words but she was afraid of what they would bring. Would they bring more pain? More hidden revelations? Or something worse? She had been through so much since she discovered Ashmole 782 with her sister. Could she bear it anymore? Gathering her courage, she unravelled the scroll and on the white paper was beautiful writing forming a message. Some of the words were made of messy ink indicating tears shed during the writing. Tracing her eyes to the top line, she began to read in her head.

Dear Aurora,

I know that when you read this I am already dead. But remember I miss you and I love you always and forever. I hope that by the time you read this Matthew and Diana have made it back to you. I am so grateful to them for telling me everything about you, about the wonderful woman I knew you would grow up to be. I couldn't be prouder of you.

She sniffled, finding it hard to contain her emotions again. Her mother was proud of her if she hadn't known her.

As you are reading this I know for certain Matthew and Diana will have by now told you who your father is. It doesn't make you any less my daughter or me any less proud of you. I am proud to be your mother because you are kind and good and you care for all other creatures. I believe you are meant to make a stand in a world of bigotry and hatred, that you are a representation of how all creatures should live together with love and respect.

What I wish is that I could meet your love, Marcus. Matthew told me so much about you both. And I pray that you two can have the life I wished I had with your father. Never doubt yourself. Never define yourself by where you came from or what you are. Remember you are defined by the love you have for others. And that includes your sister Diana. And I will always be you. When you read these words, I will rest in peace knowing you are living a wonderful love with the people you love and protect.

Love Mum.

Pressing the letter to her chest, Aurora inhaled deeply and her lips formed a wide smile. She had never felt more like herself than she had in her years. She had finally figured out who she was and who she was meant to be.

Domenico was looking at a picture of Aurora. He had waited for news from the MacDuffs but nothing came at all. They had failed. "When you want someone, you have to do it yourself,"

The plane arrived. Gallowglass and Fernando awaited. Phoebe and Aurora dressed up warmly and arrived with suitcases. "It's good to see you both," Fernando greeted.

"It's good to see you too," said Phoebe. Aurora had expected Diana to be with them.

"She is waiting for you," Gallowglass smiled. "She would have come herself but you know…morning sickness, cravings…"

"I understand. Besides I'd rather talk to her alone anyway,"

"Let us go," said Fernando, escorting them to the car. They walked to their vehicle and as they did, he glanced intriguingly at the girls. "I can sense Matthew's blood vow on you both,"

"He gave us this for protection against Baldwin," said Phoebe. "Not that I'm scared of him very much,". Her heartbeat accelerated a little. "He just…he creeps me out,"

"He is still full of hatred and arrogance. He shouldn't be the head of this family," said Aurora bitterly. Fernando opened his car and they sat inside, Gallowglass placed their bags in the back. The father and son sat in the front and they drove off. They made their way through London and they parked a short distance away from the house. They walked out and began to make their way towards the house.

"You alright?" Phoebe asked Aurora. She simply nodded. "Everything will be alright. You'll both be together just as you're supposed to be,"

"How are you doing?"

"Bit nervous really. I've never been this far away from Thomas before,"

"He'll be alright. He's got Marcus. What questions me is how they're ever gonna convince Ransome and the others to join this scion Matthew has planned. It will take a lot of apologies for them to agree. But they have to if it means standing up to the Congregation,". They noticed Fernando stopping. "What is it, Fernando?"

"Don't look back. But we're being followed. Keep walking,"

The girls were confused but they did everything the two vampires did. The pace quickened.

Quite a distance behind them, Domenico seemed to be closing in. He watched them turn a corner. But when he turned the corner, Fernando blurred, pulling him into a dark alleyway.

Gallowglass ushered the women quickly to the house and quickly he knocked. Sarah opened and immediately she threw her arms around her niece. "I was so worried about you," she cried.

"I missed you too, Sarah," sobbed Aurora.

The aunt suddenly gripped her shoulders, shaking her uncontrollably. "What were you thinking?"

"Sarah, we have to go in," ushered Gallowglass. "He's here. For her,". Quickly they went inside, and he double locked the door.

Domenico was pinned to the wall by Fernando. "Get your hands off me,"

"Come near my property again, and I won't be so merciful,"

"I'm here for what is mine,"

"She doesn't belong to you. She belongs to Diana and her only. She wants nothing to do with you. And don't even think of alerting the Congregation. You'll know what they'll do to her," Domenico couldn't deny it at all; they would do her what they would have done to his former lover from years ago. "There will be knights watching the house, scouting all over London. And if you so much as make a move on us, you will not be treated with clemency. Now get away from my property," he gave the Venencian vampire one final death glare before whizzing away.

Sarah had given Phoebe and Aurora tea and coffee. Diana was still upstairs recovering from morning sickness. Fernando approached the room slowly. As he did, Sarah gently held Aurora, afraid of her being taken away from them. "He's gone," he promised. "He won't be coming near my property again,"

Aurora sighed. She couldn't believe how close her biological father was to getting his hands on her. "I want nothing to do with that man,"

"We will not let him touch you," Sarah patted her back. "Go to your sister," she encouraged. "She's missed you,"

Aurora nodded, no longer wanting to be distant from her for another moment. She made her way up the stairs towards the top room. She heard shallow breathing and walked slowly inside. Diana was sitting on her bed slowly sipping tea. "Diana…"

Diana's voice elevated higher than before. She turned around and saw her sister smiling slightly. She stood up slowly stumbling towards her. "Are you…"

"I'm alright. Everyone's alright. How are you doing? You've got months till you become an official mother," she saw how big the baby bump had grown since she last saw her.

"I wanted to come to the airport but I just…"

"It's okay. I wanted to talk to you in private anyway,"

"Of course. Anything," she invited her to sit on some seats. They sat down together in front of the fire. "Matthew told me you guys saw my mother. I read that letter you guys brought back from her,"

"She loved you so much Aurora," said Diana. "For her, there was no better way to show you. I told her about you, what you grew up to be, and she wanted me to tell you how proud she is of the person you are," The way she spoke made Aurora see her as both a mother and a sister. She had loved and raised and looked out for her all their lives. "Did Matthew…"

"He did," Aurora gently interrupted, causing Diana to purse her lips to release how horrified she was to have a father who was one of their enemies. "But he will never ever be my dad. Our dad is my real father,"

"I'm so sorry Aurora," apologised Diana, placing her hand over hers gently. "You are too good for him and more human than he will ever be,"

Aurora knew in her heart that her words were true. She never had and never would become anything like the vampire who conceived her with her mother. "Though I'm so conflicted about what am I and who my real parents are, I've finally figured out who I am now,"

Diana felt stunned to hear her say that. "You have?"

"I'm your sister," Aurora was pulled into her tearful sister's arms as they stood. She closed her eyes as her tears fell off her cheeks onto Diana's shoulder. "I love you, Diana,"

"I love you too Aurora," she cried. They just stayed where they were for many moments, embracing one another in the warm room under the warm moon of the gentle night.

That's another chapter done. What did you all think? Please send reviews if you have any opinions or ideas. Can expect the next chapter in a week or two. See you all soon