Selene had felt the nausea rising since she left the infirmary. It had been easy to keep it at bay during the interrogation. As soon as Jo left the room the nausea came back in full force, making it difficult to focus on her surroundings. She felt Varga's eyes on her for a while before he finally spoke.

'Tell me what you are thinking.'

The knock on the door saved her from answering. Her body was about to give in, and she didn't even hear what Varga and the guard were discussing. The only voice that could pierce through her concentration was Michaels.

'Selene, what's going on?' Michael asked. 'You left the infirmary an hour ago and the guards returned to our chambers without you.'

Selene wanted to look at him and signal to give her a second, but instead she doubled over and expelled the contents of her stomach. Michael was by her side rubbing her back in an instant. The world was spinning as soon as she looked up. Despite her expectations, Michaels face remained calm.

'Sit back and close your eyes.' Michael instructed. 'The nausea will fade if you keep calm.'

'Is she ok? What happened?' Varga asked.

'Side effect of Black Dusk.'

'This didn't happen the first time.' Varga spoke Selene thoughts.

'I had a look at the journals while you were in here. There was a follow up study by a different physician who injected subjects a second or third time. Vomiting after recovery is inevitable after the second dose.' Michael explained. 'Just sit and try to remain calm before we go to our chambers. You will need to rest for a couple of hours.'

'Shouldn't you take her to the infirmary?'

'Connar knows, if that's what you're asking.'

'What will happen the third time?' Selene asked while keeping her eyes closed.

'There won't be a third time.' Michael stated without room for an argument.

Michael had his hand on her knee, keeping her grounded. The nausea was going down and when Selene opened her eyes, the world had stopped spinning. She nodded at Michael to motion she was ok.

'Varga and I will help you up, just move slowly. First sign of nausea and we will be putting you back down.' Michael stated.

Michael and Varga each took an arm and slowly moved her out of her seat. 'I'm good.' Selene said.

'No dizziness or nausea?'

'No, all good. Just tired.' Selene replied. 'Let's get going. Where is Eve?'

'She is waiting for us. She saw Jo getting into the guest room and decided to join her. They know each other from the training area. The guards said Jo was free to go wherever she wanted, so I didn't see the hurt in letting Eve comfort her.' Michael said. 'What happened to her?'

'I'll tell you when we get to our chambers.' Selene replied while walking out the door.

'I was talking to Varga. He can update me while you rest. In bed.' Michael added sternly.

Selene didn't fight Michael on rest. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out like a light. She stirred in her sleep when something touched her cheek. She waved it away and tried to get back to sleep. Her mind was not ready to wake up yet.

'Selene.' Michael whispered. 'You have to wake up, my love.'

'The coven can do without me for five minutes. Just send them away.' Selene replied groggily.

'It's been twelve hours, you need to feed.'

Selene opened her eyes in disbelief. Michael placed his hand on her cheek and gave her a sweet kiss.

'Drink this and go back to sleep.'

Michael handed her a glass of blood which she drained followed by a second glass. He never took his eyes off her and once she finished, Selene found herself being pushed back into the pillows. She wanted to protest, but the look in Michaels eyes suggested this wasn't up for debate. Next time she woke up, Michael informed her Varga was in her office.

'He can wait, I need a shower.'

'Drink.' Michael stated while handing her a glass. 'I am needed in the infirmary, let me know if you need anything.' He kissed her before he left the room.

She heard Varga move to their living room and she knew he wouldn't mind waiting while she took a shower. The hot water had a relaxing effect and Selene took her time before switching back to business mode.

'What are your suggestions moving forward?' Selene inquired when she entered the room and pointed for them to move into her office.

'Michael and I have been discussing it at length yesterday and Jo might know where she was kept. She can probably take us to the place she was ambushed and we will put surveillance on the building.' Varga said. 'I also want to check their dumpsite, they might still use it. We do have to be careful how we ask Jo, it might trigger unwanted memories. She cannot be forced.'

It took Varga hours to go over every detail of the surveillance plan. Selene only had minor details to add to the already elaborate plan.

'Seems like you already have everything under control. Is everything put in motion?'

'As soon as we talk to Jo and she is willing to help, I can disperse the teams. Officially, I need your permission.'

'You have it.' Selene stated. 'As Jo will be a key player, she needs to know what happened a few weeks ago. She needs all the information before the plan will be put in motion. How do you suggest we move forward?'

'She will need to finish her training before she can be taken on missions. Jo is a good recruit, but she might not want to continue her training if she feels like she doesn't belong in this coven anymore. She blames herself for what happened to her and thinks she betrayed the coven. You might need to convince her this isn't her fault.' Varga stated.

'You need to talk to her first, she responds well to you. I saw her look for your permission to speak during her questioning, but she drew strength from having you in the room as well.' Selene stated. 'Make sure Jo knows she is not to blame. Let me know if you need any help.'

It took Varga a few hours before he came back and in the meantime David wanted a word with Selene as well. Selene updated him about the plans for the surveillance. A few minutes after he left, Varga and Jo came knocking and to Selene's surprise, Eve wasn't there. Selene had thought Eve would support Jo by coming in. She raised an eyebrow at Varga without notifying Jo and he gave her a look he would tell that story later.

Selene motioned toward the couch in the hope Jo would be a bit more comfortable. As it turned out, Varga had done a great job convincing Jo she was not at fault as she noticed Jo walkin in with more confidence.

'Varga has been explaining what happened the last few weeks.' Jo started as they sat down. 'He and Eve also said it wasn't my fault and I was mistreated.'

'And do you believe them?' Selene asked.

'Yes, I believe them for the most part. It's just hard not to feel ashamed that I didn't warn the coven what they were doing to immortals.' Jo sighed. 'I was too scared to be kicked out of the coven if I showed any weakness and just tried to forget it happened.'

'We all do things we are not proud of.' Selene replied. 'It's part of the humanity within each of us. But we immortals cannot linger too much on the past. We have to learn from it and move on, something you will learn for the years to come. Give yourself time.'

'I will, thank you for understanding.'

'Did Varga tell you what we are planning next?' Selene asked.

'He did. And I will gladly continue training and join the mission if you'll have me.' Jo said fiercely.

'We most certainly do.' Varga said. 'We need more recruits like you. I will give the order to resume training tomorrow. You're dismissed.'

Jo stood, bowed slightly and walked out of Selene's office. Selene was hoping Varga would follow, but he stayed and started talking more scenarios. Luckily, Michael had saved the night and dismissed Varga before he could start yet another plan. Selene left it to him to work out the details and present a plan the next day.

Despite the serious look on Michael's face indicating they needed to talk, Selene was happy to see him. They hadn't had time together since the safe house not two days ago and something had been bothering him ever since. She felt it soon after she had woken up and David had confirmed something was up. Selene closed her laptop, encouraging him to speak up. Instead Michael took her hand in his and pulled her in for a kiss. The kiss was passionate yet gentle, he needed her as close as she needed him.

'This make out session is over, I've waited long enough to get some answers.' Eve exclaimed as she stormed into the office. 'Do you have any idea what you did to us? Or isn't that part of your plans?'

Michael and Selene had broken their kiss, but Michael had refused to let go of Selene. They both looked at Eve and Selene could feel the anger radiating from her body. She felt for her daughter, she had hurt the two people she loved the most in this world, something she had promised herself she would never do again.

'Eve!' Michael warned.

'No. Let her get it all out.' Selene said gently.

'So now you suddenly take other people's feelings into account. Didn't know you could!' Eve spat.

'Eve! Do not speak to your mother that way!' Michael exclaimed.

'She has the right, Michael.' Selene said and placed a hand on his chest before walking to her daughter. 'Eve, can we sit so I can explain?'

'There's nothing to explain!' But Eve turned and dropped on the couch with her arms crossed before her chest.

'I am sorry, Eve.' Selene said as she sat next to her.

'You're what?' Eve asked in astonishment.

'I truly am sorry. I didn't know I needed something I hadn't had in a very long time and I never meant to hurt you or your father in the process.'

Selene looked from her daughter to her love, silently asking for their forgiveness. Michael smiled a gentle smile and when Selene looked back at Eve, she saw the same smile on her daughter's face. She was lucky to have such an amazing family, which only increased the guilt she was already feeling.

'What is it that you needed that we couldn't give you?' Michael finally asked.

'I needed to feel the rush of the fight again.' Selene sighed. 'Overnight I went from an elite warrior to a politician. I never intended to run a coven, let alone become an elder. Those monthly fights in the arena let off some steam, but I didn't know I longed for more until we were attacked in the city. I wish I could promise you it will never happen again.'

'Just promise you won't look for it.' Eve said.

'And next time, just tell us.' Michael added.

'I will.' Selene smiled. 'Does this mean we are good?'

Eve hugged her mother in response, the anger seemed to have dissipated. Too soon, Eve let go and looked at both her parents.

'Well, I'll let you get back to snogging. See you tomorrow.' Eve said and walked out.

'Where does she get those words?' Michael asked, astonished.

'You need to ask? Varga. He had a bad influence on her.' Selene smiled, but turned serious a second after. 'Is there anything you want to add to the conversation?'

'I meant what I said, let us know if something big is going on.' Michael replied as he took Eve's vacated seat next to Selene. 'We can find ways when needed. You have no idea how scared and pissed I was seeing you stab yourself. Getting hurt is one thing, hurting yourself is something else.'

'You were taken back to night in the city.' Selene stated.

'I was. How'd you know?'

'David came by today and suggested I'd talk to you. He told me you broke down in front of the coven and again in his office. I am sorry, Michael.' Selene sighed.

'Not my best moment.' Michael said embarrassed. 'We hadn't talked since the safe house and I started reliving it all. It hit me harder than expected. From what you showed me, it felt the same as you seeing me dying after Marcus grabbed me.'

The flashback of Michael lying on a bench with a metal pipe through his chest filled her mind. Selene's world had come crashing down and she only had a second to crumble before Alexander's men came to get her. Michael had asked a few times what had happened and after a while Selene had shown him the memories in her blood. Now she felt regret. He should never have felt her feelings of losing him, let alone his own of almost losing her.

Before she could open her mouth to apologize again, Michael placed his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. In these moments, they didn't need words or each other's blood to know what the other was feeling. They simultaneously moved to the bedroom, the time for talking was over.

I finally finished the last chapter of what I call the first part. Sorry it took me way too long. Next chapters should follow a bit quicker.