Renegades: A New Dawn

by Primal WolfBlood

In Part 3 of The Renegade Chronicles, follow the Renegades as they try and recover from the shocking end to The Renegade Revolution, and continue their lives with more action and suspense than ever before, as they learn who the true enemies are, and finally confront Segolia once and for all, to end their clash with each other.

2. Healing

Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter II: Aftermath

The next morning, Phil was… somewhat brighter. 'Hey Dad, nice to see you.' 'And you Maddy.' 'You seem… in a better mood if you don't mind me saying.' He then sat down next to her. 'Have you been speaking to Sean Dad?' 'I had a short conversation with him this morning. He mentioned you went to see him yesterday, but mostly we just talked about the football.' 'Fair enough.'

Maddy then started to get suspicious. 'Why are you suddenly so much better?' 'I'm not – I'm just getting on with life how I can.' 'I'm sorry.' 'What do you have to apologise for?' 'I'm here for you.' 'We're here for each other.' They then hugged, as the door buzzer went. As Phil opened the door, the twins were stood there, with suitcases.

'What are you two doing with suitcases?' 'Did you not hear? Akiza threw us both out.' 'Technically Lyds, she threw ME out because you wouldn't repeat your phone conversation with Blair.' 'Yeah, because I would have been kicked out for swearing. She's gone completely power-crazy. So yeah, we kind of needed somewhere to stay.'

'You can move in here if you want, but I guarantee you that you'll be able to move back in at the base within a day.' 'But' 'No buts. Now I'll take your cases thanks.' As he took the cases, the girls walked in.

'What's up with him?' 'Dunno. Been so much better today. Like he's a changed man.' 'Strange.' 'I like it.' 'I like it but not when I don't know what's going on.' 'Everything will be fine I'm sure.' 'I'm glad you are. I heard him talking to someone in the early hours.'

'I thought your bedroom was on the other side?' 'I moved over in case he needed me in the night.' 'Oh right. So what were you saying?' 'I heard him talking to someone, but I don't know who. It can't be Sean, because Sean was up early for work this morning and would have been asleep most like.'

'Hannah's adoptive mother?' 'He doesn't have her number. Only Hannah did. Why would he be calling anybody with how he's been feeling?' 'I dunno.' Phil then arrived back down. 'I've put your bedrooms on the far side so you don't have to listen to my snoring.' 'Oh, thanks. You were quick.' 'Well you were travelling quite light.'

'We didn't exactly have time to bring much. We were given 15 minutes and even then Lukas started pushing us around after about 3.' Phil nodded, before realising what had been said. But not wanting to drop his guard, he came up with an excuse.

'Maddy.' 'Yeah?' 'In my bedroom, in the cabinet on the left-hand side, there's a slip of paper with a phone number for someone called Comfort. Could you go and get it for me?' 'Sure. 'As she ran off, Phil moved up.

'Girls, I need to talk to you.' 'What's up? Other than the obvious.' 'I had a visit last night – Hannah appeared to me in a dream.' This shocked them both. 'What did she say?' 'A few things. One thing she said stuck with me though.'

'Why are you telling us?' 'I'll be open – I need to borrow your shapeshifting. Both of you.' 'Sure. What is it?' 'Hannah told me that there's a piece of paper hidden in an envelope under her desk. It contains her resignation notice from being president. And she specifically nominated Maddy as her successor. That overrides any right Akiza might have to the presidency.'

'So you need us to sneak in there?' 'Yes. I need you to disguise yourselves as Lukas and Tee.' 'Got it.' 'Just need to work out a way to get them out of the picture for a few hours.' 'No problem. We've got it sorted.' 'Thanks.'

Maddy then came back down with the number. 'Thanks Maddy.' Freja then formulated a story. 'Maddy, can you help us?' 'Sure.' 'We're wanting to get revenge on Akiza.' 'And?' 'Well, we kinda figured you'd be able to help. We just want to make Akiza's life hell for a while.' The four of them then spent over an hour formulating a plan for vengence, including a phone call to Sean.

That afternoon

As everyone else was distracted, Sean slipped into the office, and spread his work tools all over the office, and then, he let off two stinkbombs in there as well, before running out of the office before Akiza came back.

Meanwhile, Lydia approached Tee and Lukas, while Freja came up behind them. 'Akiza said you're not coming in.' 'I know. I … yeah, I just came to apologise to you both. You see, you've been doing such a great job helping Akiza, and I've really not helped you. I just wanted to say' Tee and Lukas then collapsed, as Freja injected them both with anaesthetic. 'I just wanted to say fuck you.'

The girls then found a quiet corner, and both transformed, first into their atom forms, and then into Lukas (for Freja), and Tee (for Lydia). 'Right, we've got about 40 minutes before I change back Lydia.' 'Yeah, and we've got about 35 minutes until I lose Tee's voice.' 'Let's go then.'

As they went in, Akiza was clearing up the mess. 'What's happened?' 'Those cows Lydia and Freja have messed this up – they've completely wrecked the office.' 'We'll clean it up for you.' 'It's fine, I'm here now.' 'Well the police are here to speak to you about Claude raping Blair. Apparently she's decided to press charges.'

As Akiza walked into the main seating area, Brooke (the bandanna seller) was sat there, in a suit and wearing her hair up tight. 'Mrs. Izinski I presume?' 'Yes. You seem… familiar.' 'I patrol the area regularly.' 'Despite your accent?'

'Yes, this is off the record, but between us, I transferred from South Wales Police 3 months ago. Anyway, I need to speak to you about a Mr. Claude Duane. You know him?' 'Yes, before the… incident, we were quite good friends.' 'Ok, I have a few questions if you don't mind.'

In the office

As Lydia cleared up all the tools, Freja started looking around the table. A few minutes later, she banged her head. As she rubbed it, she realised the bottom of the table had come away. 'Lyds, look at this!' 'It's a false bottom! Of course. Freja, it's going to be in there.' Freja then gently moved the bottom of the table, and a note dropped out.

'Is it that?' 'Yeah.' As they continued to clear up afterwards, Akiza came in unannounced, leading to Freja hiding the note in her jumper. 'You're making light work of this aren't you?' 'Yes.' Akiza then let "Tee's" hair down, and started rubbing it. 'Soon enough, we will have our plan complete. Maddy will be one of us. Perhaps we'll go after those two scoundrels afterwards.'

'Yes mistress.' 'You're so good you two. Now you go off and train – I will finish off.' 'Understood.' The girls then ran off as Akiza wasn't looking, escaping the base. After they did, Freja placed the note on the ground and transformed back. 'You got it?' 'Yeah.' 'Let's get it to Maddy.'

Meanwhile, in the hospital

Blair was still keeping an eye on Rio, when suddenly she saw something 'Jade, Jade, come quick!' 'What's going on?' 'I just saw her twitch!' 'Blair, it was probably just a muscle spasm.' 'I'm telling you – she twitched!'

Jade then walked over to Rio, and changed the plaster on her grazed wrist. The doctors then walked in, looking very serious. 'Ms. Flannigan, we need to speak with you.' 'Ok.' 'The police investigating have been retrieving evidence. However, they can only find two bullets.' 'Right. So you wanna know where the last one is?'

'We have an idea where it is.' 'You do?' 'Yes.' The doctor then showed Blair a photo of a brain scan. 'This is Ms. Kastle's brain.' 'Right.' 'Look here.' He pointed just behind the temporal lobe, to a small object, as well as a tiny area of black where the brain would be. 'Is that...'

'Yes, we believe the bullet for whatever reason has lodged in her brain. Specifically, it has come to rest in the prefrontal lobe, in what we call Broca's area.' 'So what does that do? I wasn't good at biology in school.'

'Broca's area controls the perception and production of language. With damage to Broca, she might not be able to speak, or understand you speaking to her. Which leads to why we wanted to talk to you. We have pioneering brain surgery available here to try and patch the damage to Broca, and remove the bullet.'

He then sat down in front of her, with some paperwork. 'What are the benefits?' 'We should be able to restore full Broca function if successful, we can take the bullet for evidence, and see up close if there's any other damage. But I do have to warn you, this type of surgery currently has an 18% fatality rate.'

'So 18% don't survive?' '18% don't wake up. The success rate for restoring function is around 65%.' 'That leaves 17% uncounted.' 'Yes, the other 17% did not have full function restored. Also, if she is to have this surgery, we need to know today because our only current neurosurgeon is going away next week for a confrence. It's your choice. Here is the information written down.' 'Thanks.'

As the doctors left, Blair put the papers over her face. 'Don't know! How am I supposed to decide Rio?' She then took a deep breath. 'Well you're not here really so I have to make the decision for you. Just don't hate me for it.'

She then started to trawl through the documents, reading every single word, without fully understanding most of it. As Jade came back in after taking time out, she was surprised to see Blair reading, with over 20 pages of information discarded to the other chair.

'What are you doing?' 'Rio can't make the decision, so I have to make it for her. So I'm getting as much information as I can first.' Jade nodded silently. There was then a surprise visitor, as Rio's estranged brother walked into the ward.

Immediately, Blair squared up to him. 'What do you want?' 'Settle down pitbull, I've come to pay a visit to my sister.' 'Why bother now? Hoping you wouldn't have to look after her?' 'I've got as much right to be here as you.'

'Oh really? I'm the one who's been looking after Rio this week. I've been cleaning her up every day, I'm the one who has been at her bedside, I'm the one who has been monitoring her vitals every 20 minutes, and I'm the one who's about to decide if she has brain surgery which could bring a homicidal maniac to justice!'

In an unexpected move, Nash smiled. 'Would now be a good time to say thank you?' 'Sorry, what's this now?' 'Let's just say a little birdie told me you were the one who saved Rio's life.' 'She's the real hero – she took a bullet so Phil wouldn't.' 'You're made for each other. I came to see my sister, not to cause trouble.'

Blair then stepped aside for him. 'Marin, what happened? If you could talk to me right now, we could work it all out. He'll pay for his sins, trust me on that one sister. I await your return.' Nash then kissed her on the head, and left.

Meanwhile, in Rochdale

Lydia and Freja rushed back into the house, with Phil keeping himself busy and Maddy elsewhere. 'Did you get it?' 'Yeah. Freja.' The younger twin then passed the letter over, for Phil to read through. After several minutes, he put the note down and walked around. 'Is it the right note?' 'Yes it is.'

He then went to the bottom of the stairs. 'Maddy.' 'Yeah?' Could you come down here a minute please? I need to speak to you.' Maddy then came down rather gingerly. 'What've I done?' 'You're not in trouble. I've got something here which completely changes the game with the club.' 'And you're telling me because?'

'I'll be straight with you – it's Hannah's resignation notice. As president.' Lydia then put her arm around Maddy. 'Maddy. Or should I say, pres.' Maddy then freaked out and snatched the note, reading through it more than a dozen times.

'But… this is impossible.' 'It's very possible.' She then looked at Phil accusingly. 'You… you knew about this.' Phil then lowered his tone. 'Maddy, sit – I want to talk to you face-to-face.' They then both sat down.

'I did not know about the existence of this note. I was aware that Hannah was unhappy as president, I knew she had been considering a resignation. My understanding was she would gradually pass the responsibility over to you and quit at the end of the year.' 'Really?' 'Really.'

Lydia then joined in. 'We were just pranking Akiza like we discussed, and Freja banged her head on the bottom of the desk, and broke the false bottom.' Maddy then took the note again. 'I need some time to think.' Phil just put his arm around her. 'Take as long as you need. I'll stand by your decision.'

Maddy then ran up to her room. As she looked at the note, she started to cry. 'Why did you have to do this to us Mam? I ain't ready for this' She lay in bed, ready to reject the chance of becoming president. And then, it dawned on her. 'Hang on… I… was president. I get it now! Mam wasn't just using me for free help, she was easing me in.'

Maddy then started rooting through her wardrobe. 'I know what I have to do. It's time to meet my destiny head-on. Thank you, Mam. I'll never forget everything that you taught me. And I'll never forget the mistakes you made so I wouldn't.'

At the hospital

A few hours after Nash left, the doctors came in to see Rio, who was starting to breathe slowly. They came in, and started switching off the life support system. 'What's going on?' 'I have some good news Ms. Flannigan. Your friend's condition has improved enough for her to be taken off of life support.'

She then pulled the lead doctor over to the side. 'I've been thinking about what we discussed.' 'Around the surgery?' 'Yes. I've decided that I don't want Rio to undergo the surgery.' 'I understand your concerns. Are you certain about this?' Her response was stern and unwavering. 'Yes. I… we don't want to take the chance.'

'It's a difficult decision. I completely understand. Thank you for giving us an answer.' 'You're welcome.' As Rio's breathing had started to stabilise, Blair relaxed slightly. 'You had me worried there girl. Just keep it up. As for James, I will deal with him. When the time is right. It's not vengence it's justice.'

In Rochdale

Lydia and Phil were talking, when Maddy came down the stairs. She had swapped her shirt and ripped jeans for a plain white shirt, grey blazer, and plain black trousers. 'What you dressed up for Maddy?' She then passed the notice back to Phil. 'Needed my signature as well. How about we go and sort out some business?'

Phil smiled, and hugged her. 'That's my girl. What changed your mind?' 'Nothing changed my mind, I just realised it was now or never.' 'Girls, mount up – we've got a club to rescue.' 'Got it boss.'

At the base

Akiza was hosting another very important meeting. 'Everyone, I thank you for coming here. We start this meeting with an update on the future of Claude Duane. As you all know, Claude was accused of rape by Blair several weeks ago. This is a very serious accusation which I don't feel was given the full respect it deserves. Therefore Claude will be reinstated immediately, while we conduct a full investigation.'

'Now if anybody has any questions, please don't hesistate.' The voice then came from the door. 'Don't mind if I do.' Maddy strode into the hall, alone, hair up tight, and with purpose. 'Maddy, you're on compassionate leave.'

'Correction – I WAS. Until I found out you have no compassion. What – you take over and all of a sudden you're kicking people out for nowt?' 'I don't do anything without reason.' 'You kicked Freja out because Lydia annoyed you. But that ain't what I'm here for Cracker.'

She then walked through. 'Because Mam left me something.' 'That's sweet Maddy. Is there any chance we can discuss this in a few minutes?' She then held the note out. 'I think you wanna read this.' Akiza then read the note, and gradually, her face went from surprise to shock to worry, and then, to intense anger.

She passed the note back, saying nothing. 'Akiza, I'll give you a chance. Resign now or face the consequences.' 'Resign? Never. This changes nothing.' 'This changes everything. This is Mam's will.'

Maddy then stepped up to the front. 'Everyone, dunno if you can hear me at the back, but I'm sure you'll get the fun-size version. I have found Hannah's resignation letter as president. She chose me guys, she chose me as president to replace her. Under our constitution, I have the unequivocal right to be president.'

'I am not giving up MY position Maddy. Not for you, not for Lydia and Freja, and especially not for some stupid piece of doodled-on scrap paper.' Maddy then unleashed a low, deep growl, making the very foundations of the base shudder. 'This isn't a stupid piece of paper. It's Mam's last wish. Now stand aside… before I make you.'

Several minutes of staring then ensued, before Akiza stepped down, and Maddy replaced her. 'Before I take over, I want to know I'm wanted. All those who are happy for me to be president instead of Akiza, raise your hands.' All but Tee and Lukas raised their hands.

'Right, I want to make one thing clear. Under me, everyone starts with a clean slate. Nobody will be victimised or punished for anything they have said in the past. I expect no talk of this today, unless it's to talk about how awesome I am. And I apologise if I'm rambling, I had no idea of this until a couple of hours ago.'

'This club has been through the worst possible time. You're thinking it hurts me more than most? That ain't true.' Everyone then bowed their heads, with many club members visibly upset. 'Everyone here is hurting. And we're gonna hurt. And we should hurt.' Maddy's eyes then watered. 'But what we have to remember, more than anything, is that she gave her life for us, for the Renegades. And we have to be willing to do the same. Anyone who is not willing to do that shouldn't be here.'

'The role of the president is to be the figurehead of the club. As such, it is my job to keep you all safe. But I apologise, I can't guarantee I will always be able to do that. Therefore I need to know that I can trust everybody here to play their part.'

'There has been some confusion here over what is expected of club members. This confusion is unacceptable. As such, a rule book will be created, detailing exactly what is expected of all of you. Now does anybody have any questions? If you do, I'll try and answer what I can.'

'Kris.' 'Who are your assistants gonna be? And is there a vacancy?' 'There is a vacancy, but I'm yet to think about who's getting the gig. Right… Lydia.' 'Is Akiza going to be punished for what she's done?' 'As I said, everyone is starting with a clean slate. The event has been noted, but no action will be taken. If you have any concerns, speak to me in the office afterwards. Taylor.'

'Hey, erm, when can we go and visit Rio in the hospital.' 'Yes, an update on Rio's condition, I apologise. Rio has been taken off of life support, she is breathing, but slowly. She isn't currently taking visitors, but I have brought a book with me for anybody who wants to sign it with their best wishes for her. The book will be left in Meeting Room A, and you can leave whatever messages you like in it.'

'Is anyone going to be watching us?' 'No. You can go in on your own, or with any club members you like. But I will read through the messages before it's given to her, just in case anybody's comments need to be… moderated. But as long as you can be sensible and sensitive, write whatever you like. There will be some rules up there as well. Kris again.' 'When's Blair back?' 'There's no timetable on her return currently. I can't ask her until Rio's condition improves.'

'Belle.' 'What's the deal with Claude?' 'Claude's suspension ends on the 9th November. He will be on 6 months' probation after that, where he can be removed permanently for any rule infringment. I trust that nobody will actively try and cause trouble though.' This was the last of the questions. 'Thanks for listening to me go on. Akiza, I want a word with you in the office now. Anyone who wants to speak to me after knocks.'

As the crowd dispersed, Maddy and Akiza headed to the office. As they sat down there, Maddy had something to say. 'Akiza, I want to make myself clear on one thing: no power grabs. If I do ask you to be one of my VPs, I do not expect you to start making plays for my job. That is treason and I might be forced to kick you out. Understand?'

'Of course.' 'You, Tee, and Lukas can benefit the Renegades massively. But you need to work with us.' 'You want me to apologise to the twins?' 'Don't waste your time. Tee and Lukas have had… attitude issues within the club recently.'

'You putting them on warning?' 'I could easily do that. Instead, I want you to talk to them. I want to avoid punishing anyone if avoidable. So if you'd have a little chat with them, that'd be great thanks.' 'Of course. So am I going to be on the presidency team?' 'I've not decided who is yet. Everyone has a chance. Now I've got stuff to get on with.'

Akiza then walked out the room, and Freja dashed straight in. 'Freja, I told you to knock.' 'I wanted to know what you and Akiza were talking about.' 'Nothing interesting. And even if it was Freja, it's confidential.'

'So, who's going to be your VP?' 'I don't have a fucking clue. Because my first choice is currently busy at the hospital.' 'Blair was your first choice? Gotta admit I didn't see that coming.' 'Yeah, neither did I.' 'You're not becoming boring like her are you?' Maddy smiled. 'No I'm not. But there's a lot to be said about her practical approach to life. Wouldn't do me any favours in the popularity stakes, but quite honestly nowt will.'

'Why?' 'It just won't. Point is, I need someone who's the complete opposite of me. Someone practical, calm, level-headed, uncomplicated' 'Maddy, we're all complicated here. Comes to a point when me and Lyds are the normal ones when we're freaking shapeshifters!'

'Yeah, the "normal ones". Point is though, I need somebody who I can trust to run a steady ship. And I dunno who that is. I don't know if anybody can honestly.' 'How about Akiza?' 'With the stunt she pulled, I can't trust her anymore.'

Freja then stood up. 'If you need anyone, ask.' 'I will do, thanks.' As Freja left the office, Maddy started writing a letter. As she finished writing it, there was another knock on the door. 'What is it!' Taylor and Phil walked in, the popstar carrying a plastic box. 'Figured you were busy so I made you some lunch.'

'Thanks. Sorry, just trying to get this done and keep being bugged. Everyone wants to know who my vice-president's gonna be, but I haven't had chance to think – 4 hours ago I was at home studying the legalities of drugs and now I'm writing letters and signing off building work.'

Phil then sat down in front of Maddy. 'You don't have to have a vice-president. Hannah didn't have one before she became pregnant.' 'Thing is, I really wanted Blair to be my VP, because, like, she really deserves it, and I need someone like her.'

Phil stroked the top of her head as he talked to her, keeping his daughter calm. 'Well wait on appointing until Blair's ready to return, and then approach her about it.' 'Thanks. I'm going to visit Rio in the hospital again tomorrow.'

'No worries.' Taylor then piped up. 'Let me know when you're ready tomorrow and I'll drive you down there. I know you could run there, but it'll be easier on you if I take you there.' 'You know… you know, about' 'Wolfblood? Oh yeah, no sweat. By the way, Kelly texted, she's hoping to be back by Tuesday. There's been a fire near the airport in China, so she's stranded there for a couple more days.'

'That's not a problem thanks. So are you back for a while?' 'Permanently. My only priority is the Renegades.' 'You sure?' 'No doubt.' Phil then left the room, leaving Taylor and Maddy alone. 'Oh yeah, I wanted to show you something.'

'Ok, but make it quick.' 'Sure. I've been writing a new song about me and my… questionable past, but I was wondering if you fancied using it as your walk-on? Got the words here, I've adapted it a little for you.'

Maddy then started reading through, and her eyes started flashing gold as she did. 'So, what do you think?' Maddy just nodded. 'Let's do it.' 'Great. I'll get it recorded and it'll be ready for you tomorrow.'

That night, back in the hospital

It was 3:25am, and Blair was still sitting by Rio's beside. Suddenly, there was a couple of groans. Then another one. And then, slowly but surely, the Idahoan opened her eyes, seeing Blair by her bedside, nearly asleep. 'B… Blair.'

She awoke with a start. 'RIO!' 'Blair. I...' 'You're alive! I am never going to take you for granted ever again!' Jade then walked in, and dropped her coffee immediately. 'R… Rio.' 'Hey stranger.' 'You're… awake.' Rio just gave a weak smile. 'So I made it?' 'You did. Jade, I'm going to call Maddy – could you keep an eye on Rio for me?' 'It'd be my pleasure.'

As Blair left the ward, Jade took her place. 'So how long has it been?' '8 days.' 'Seriously?' Jade silently nodded. 'Blair's been here the entire time for you Rio. All 8 days.' 'She slept?' 'Barely. She's been busy looking after you.' 'Th… th… th… thank you.'

Rio then started to remember some of what happened. 'H… Hann… Ha… ha...' 'Hannah?' Rio nodded. Jade then grabbed her by the hand, fighting back tears. 'Rio, I have no idea how to tell you this, but… Hannah's gone.'

'G… gone?' Jade nodded. 'Birchall shot her through the neck, they did all they could but… there was too much bleeding. She fought as hard as she could, but… she died.' Rio then started to tear up, as did Jade.

'I'm sorry Rio.' Rio nodded. 'It's…' She then started crying out of frustration, as Blair walked back in the room. She rushed over, and cradled her friend. 'Calm down. You'll be ok.' 'B… B' 'Rio, breathe.' 'Wha… t's happening to me?' 'I'll explain when you're a little better. You need to concentrate on continuing the improvement at the moment.' 'Sle… sleep… you' 'Honestly, I'm fine. I have been sleeping, just not much. I need to look after you.' 'And you..' 'How can I look after you if I'm not looking after myself? Now you get some rest.'

Rio then started coughing. 'Jade, could you lift her pillows slightly?' 'Sure – this do?' 'Perfect, thanks. Rio then lay down and went back to sleep, as Jade and Blair left the ward for some fresh air.

As they got outside, Jade burst into tears. 'I had to tell her.' 'I understand.' 'There was no way I could break it to her. How do you tell her that kind of thing? She's barely in better condition herself.' Blair then kissed her. 'Calm down. Everything will be ok, I promise. Rio will be fine.'

The next day in Newcastle

The club members travelling to Prague (Maddy, Kris, Lydia, Freja, Akiza, Tee, Lukas, and Taylor) were on their way to the airport, to meet up with Jack. 'So Rio's awake?' 'Yeah, she's only staying awake for a couple of minutes at a time though.' 'When's Blair returning?' 'Haven't the slightest clue – don't think it's crossed her mind. It's high time that James felt the true anger of the Renegades.'

Unbeknownst to Maddy however

James was in bed that night when he was awoken by a ghostly apparition. It had no form, it had no face, but it had a voice – the voice. Hannah's voice. 'Oh James.' 'Wh… what are you?' 'I just wanted to pay you a visit. You were a very naughty boy. And very naughty boys deserve punishing. And soon, you will be punished.'

'You're...' 'A ghost? This is simply what you made me.' James then grabbed his gun, and started shooting, but the bullets went through the appirition as if it didn't exist. 'Lead doesn't split spirits. Beware… justice will be served. Beware… the power that remains is greater than ever. Beware… beware...' The voice then vanished, and a fierce chill filled the room, as the windows blew clean out of their frames, smashing on the floor.