Episode Twenty-Four Part Three

Night came at last and the cars were already leaving. Ransome and the others however were allowed to stay for a while. Everyone was sitting inside their rooms, relaxing, and having time to themselves. Ysabeau was sitting at Phillipe's desk thinking. Wrolf, Jack, Dani and surprisingly Jason as well were having drinks together. Thomas and Phoebe were enjoying a romantic night out together in the gardens. Marcus and Aurora were relaxing in their room. Diana and Matthew were with Sarah and the twins. And everyone else was in the kitchen having some tasty leftovers together.

In their room, Marcus noticed that something was off about Aurora. She was drifting off into deep thought. "Are you okay?"

"I can't get it out of my head. Whenever I close my eyes, I'm back in that moment. It was…awful,"

"I know how difficult it was seeing…your birth parents' past'"?

"It's not them. I've seen a vision of Benjamin. And quite recently…I've been thinking…. That he had something to do with Phillipe and Argus's deaths,"

Marcus felt pale. "What makes you say that?"

"While you were away in New Orleans, I've been having awful visions. All of them are connected to Benjamin. And us. And…my birth mother. I know he had something to do with her death. And it's not just him,"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm seeing a vampire in a black suit. One I've never met before. Whoever he is, he's helped Benjamin aside from Fergus and the MacDuffs. I just need to figure out a way to see more clearly,"

"Don't think of him now," Marcus held his hand. "Let's just focus on the present,"

She smiled and leaned against his shoulder for comfort.

Domenico was inside his manor house. He walked over to a small box and opened it slowly revealing a rose decades old and stripped permanently of its one rich pigment through age and neglect. Something inside him had died that day, the day his and Anna's love ended forever. And she stayed longer, he would have heard the heartbeat of the baby they had conceived through their love.

One of his servants entered the room. "Baldwin wishes to see you,"

Domenico was one to refuse but he needed something to distract him. "Send him in,". He made his way to the front room, drinking some wine. Baldwin entered and sat down. "Well?"

"Well, what?"

"What do you want?"

"A discussion," Baldwin sat on a couch, crossing his fingers. "As I recall, you sheltered a mysterious creature here. And it turns out this woman Anna had a child…your...child… his words were full of repulse.

Domenico slammed his glass down. "Do not speak of her to me,"

"From the moment I met Aurora Bishop…I knew there was something about her…and those eyes…they were vaguely familiar. And the scent…" Baldwin stood up, circling the room around Domenico's seat. "I could smell a cold touch…similar to yours but much colder,"

"I didn't even know she existed," seethed his Venetian rival aside from Gerbert. "I didn't even that…"

"That your progeny represents everything the Congregation stands against aside from the twins? Be lucky that she is under the protection of Matthew's scion. And should I tell you he has made her and Thomas's human whore his blood-sworn daughters? Now you cannot make any claim to her," Domenico froze a bit at his words. "Who would have thought learning you have a daughter would change you so much? "Nevertheless, she remains a danger to everything the Congregation stands against,"

"Are you planning to have me expunged? To have my new secret exposed?"

"What could it do? Even if I could, with Matthew's protection, they would never try to make a move on her. Let's hope for your sake that this remains to be true. She will need to be inspected. I have never met anyone more rebellious than your daughter," he turned and left leaving Domenico alone again. He turned away; his heart now clenched with sorrow as he mourned for the life he could have had years ago.

The next day came and Diana was busy playing with the twins making sparkles above their head. Knock. Knock. Knock. Aurora came inside. "Look what I made," she held up two little rattles made of ice. Her sister sniggered and she came to sit down on the bed. She passed them to the babies who rattled them and sucked up them like binkies.

"Thank you, sis,"

"When they're old enough, I wanna teach them ice skating and make magical winter wonderlands for them," she noticed her sister looked a little introverted. "You okay?"

"There's something I need to talk to you about," Diana held her hands. "But first there's something I need to ask you?"

Thomas and Phoebe were enjoying a walk around the village together. "I'm so proud of you babe," said the latter. "You delivered a beautiful christening yesterday,"

"It was the least I could do for our family. This is meant to signify a new beginning for everyone,"

"I'm so proud you stood up to Baldwin,"

"I've been waiting so long to see him put in his place. Whatever he thought he was doing, it all stemmed from his arrogance and selfishness. I wish Phillipe was here to meet you. I know he would have loved you. And the twins too,"

Phoebe leaned against his shoulder but he suddenly stopped. "What is it?"

Thomas's ears were on high alert. "There is a witch close by. Weakened,"

Phoebe saw something. "Look," she pointed left. Thomas twisted his head and saw a bruised witch with floppy blonde hair. Her heartbeat was weak.

"Aurora…you've been under so much shock…since I discovered the book. You have learned so much about yourself in less than a year and now…I've learnt something that I know I have to tell you…but….I don't know how to bring it up," Diana pursed her lips and hid her wet eyes away. She couldn't bear the thought of sharing what she had learnt from Jack with Aurora. Would it hurt her too much?

"Sis…it can wait,"

"No. I can't bear to keep secrets from you,"

"Whatever it is that you want to tell me…I know I can handle it. So long as I have you and everyone here,"

Before Diana could say something, Marthe came into the room. "There is a witch downstairs seeking your help, Diana. She is very weak,". Exchanging alarmed glances, the sisters sped downstairs leaving Marthe to watch over the babies. They came downstairs and they saw Thomas gently helping the witch sit down before offering a blanket. Marcus examined her whilst Phoebe got a fire going and Sarah made her some healing tea. Matthew came in.

The witch gazed up at Diana and Matthew. "My name is Lena,"

"Hello. What brings you to Sept Tour?" Matthew sensed something on her.

"I'm here to warn you all about Benjamin,". Everyone's hearts elevated from their chests. "But above all, it is you two I am here to warn," she eyed the parents anxiously.

"What happened to you?" asked Diana.

"Benjamin….kidnapped me. At first, I just thought he wanted me for his sick pleasure. He wants to open up the truth about witches. He talks of a witch with the power of life and death that would enable him to control everything," as she spoke, Aurora's feeble fingers slipped into Diana's and she felt fear sprouting from the pit in her stomach again. "Then he mentioned that he wanted children,"

"Vampire children,"

"Did he try to sire you?" Matthew asked.

"Not vampire children. Witch children," this time Diana's grip tightened on her sister's hand. "He's been kidnapping witches and killing them with brutal force. But you must know he talks about you too," she eyed Diana. "He's infatuated with you. He told me he wanted me to be his Diana,"

Aurora felt like she was going to faint. Only her firm grip on Diana's shoulder with her free hand kept her from falling.

"How did you know to come here?" Thomas asked.

"He said that someone made him do these things," Lena eyed Matthew carefully; his face had scrunched up from the thought of his disowned son going anywhere near his mate. "He said that you made him do these things from within these castle walls,"

"I can assure you that is categorically untrue," Matthew spat in disgust.

"You think I believed him? You think I would be here if I did?"

Matthew felt regretful. "I apologise,"

"Was there a creature?" Aurora asked.

Lena nodded. "Yes. A being. With wings which Benjamin rips from his back. He is being kept chained. Benjamin claims that he's his father but…no father could be so cruel and foul," Lena's words shocked everyone.

"This father would," said Matthew grimly. Her words soaked Aurora's eyes. Diana patted her hands, deep inside feeling sick of how Anna had been forced to bear this poor creature who had spent his entire life in captivity.

"He helped me escape," Lena's words surprised everyone. Despite everything he had done, he wasn't evil at all. "I wanted to save him but his collar….keeps him captive. He is under Benjamin's control. But…with every escape attempt he makes, he suffers for it,"

"Do you know what he is planning now?" Marcus asked.

"I don't know. But he's after you too," Lena talked gently to Aurora. "He talked about a creature who could rival his creation, his weapon against the de Clairmonts. And that's all I know,"

"That's all we need," said Sarah.

"Let's make you comfortable," Ysabeau offered. She and Sarah led Lena out of the lobby leaving the others alone to talk.

"This is my fault," Matthew cursed himself.

"You weren't to know," his mate comforted. "But we need to do something before anyone else gets hurt,"

"What we need to do is keep him away from you sis," Aurora said with determination.

"And you as well," Marcus swore that he would protect her with every amount of strength in his body.

"We need more knights than ever," said Thomas. "The threat grows stronger every day. With Fergus now in captivity, Benjamin may be seeking new allies,"

"I'm quite surprised Benjamin hasn't even tried to break Fergus out," Matthew said.

"He did betray him to deliver me over to Domenico in exchange for Thomas being put to death," Aurora reminded him. "That doesn't mean he won't try to escape again," as she spoke, she eyed Thomas carefully. Phoebe rubbed Thomas's shoulders to keep him calm.

"Might I suggest we invoke some new members to the Knights?" Marcus offered.

Night came and rings were placed on a sword. Hands were placed over it.

"As we make this vow, we remember that any enemy who takes us on, they take on all of us," declared Marcus.

Thomas enacted the oath. "Do you all swear to protect everyone at this daemon? Witch, vampire, or daemon?"

"We do," they all chanted.

"We declare you all knights. Wear these rings to signify your position in this cult,"

Everyone slipped their silver ringers on. As official knights, they would all swear to protect each other no matter what. Whilst Fernando talked with Matthew who welcomed him into his scion, Diana with Rebecca in her arms and Aurora walked to the window. Both were extremely conflicted about Benjamin now more than ever.

"I'm not gonna let Benjamin get his hands on you," said Diana. "I promise"

"I won't let Benjamin lay a finger on you," Aurora swore back. "Whatever it is that you feel you have to tell me, it can wait,"

"Are you sure?"

"I feel if you tell me I won't be focused enough for our next move. The safety of all of us has to come first. We've lost enough people already and we can't afford it," as she spoke, she thought of their parents and Em.

Thomas was staring out the window. Phoebe was with him. He noticed Dani was standing nearby concerned for him. He gestured with his chin and they came over to stand with them.

"It's a beautiful night," Dani observed. "I wanted to thank you, Phoebe,"

She blinked. "For what?"

"For making my dad happy again. After everything he's done for me, Wrolf and everyone…he deserves it. And you do as well,"

"Thanks. It means a lot coming from you," Phoebe's sweet smile made Thomas's eyes glisten. "When I become a vampire…I thought that perhaps maybe…you, Wrolf could join me and Thomas. I feel it would be a great way to get to know each other more,"

"That would be amazing," Dani accepted. "I'd love that more than anything. I know Wrolf will too,"

Wrolf was looking at his father's portrait in a corridor. "I miss you, Dad. So much. I think of you. All the time. I know it'll be hard accepting Dad has moved on to love Phoebe…but I promise you I will do all I can to make sure he doesn't suffer that pain ever again. And I will try my best to accept her too,"

"It's not easy letting go," Wrolf turned his head and saw Jason coming over. "I know the feeling. Look at my mother and that science chap," he eyed Miriam and Chris leaning over a laptop and exchanging smiles. "After my father's death, I'd never imagine she might mate again…" he whispered the last bit.

Wrolf sniffed a little. "Well, he seems like a really good chap. Who knows maybe she does like him,"

"And maybe it would be nicer if you two weren't talking like that when I'm right here," Miriam eyed them warily making her son and Wrolf chuckle.

"Relax…I didn't hear anything," Chris said awkwardly. "Whatever it was,"

"What do you do for a living Wrolf?" Jason asked.

"I work in cars. I am somewhat of a musician but I don't play that much,"

"I'm quite surprised you didn't play your bagpipes. Your father says you're an amazing player,"

"Haven't played that much with them, to be honest,"

"Well then play them now," Jack playfully encouraged, jumping out all of a sudden.

"Yes. Come on. Play," Jason pushed him back into the lobby again where everyone was.

"Yes. Come on bro. Play," Dani clapped her hands.

"I haven't heard playing from your father's bagpipes in years," Ysabeau remarked. "It would be lovely to have some music. Lighten the mood,"

"OH no. I'm not performing now,"

"Well, you gonna have to," Jack pushed. "Cause we're not leaving until you do," before Wrolf could complain, everyone's eyes were locked on him.

He huffed. "Oh fine," he took out his bagpipes, cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and blew. His street playing sent Scottish themes echoing through the halls. He made sure his playing wasn't too loud so as not to startle the twins. It was emotional, and moving…and to his grandfather's surprise, it lulled the babies to sleep. As he ended, everyone clapped, expressing amused smiles. Even he was so struck by their glee. He shared a mischievous smile with Jack who he facially thanked for encouraging him. And when he saw Jason, he saw him giving a teeth-over-lip smile.

"That was amazing, Wrolf," said Thomas. "It's time for you to share your music for a living,"

After a decent dinner with every one of their guests, it was decided that rest was needed. They all retired to bed. But Matthew's mind was made up for what would follow. He would face Benjamin himself. And when he did, he would make sure he paid for everything he had done.

That's Episode Twenty Four. Only two more to go. I might get this done next week or the week after. I hope you all enjoyed it. Do you guys think something might happen between WRolf and Jason later in the next book? You can all guess. Thank you to those who have sent over potential OCs. I have done some planning already and will try to incorporate those ideas as well. In the meantime, see you all in the next episode. And please keep sending reviews and ideas. See ya.