"How clear she shines! How quietly
I lie beneath her guardian light;
While heaven and earth are whispering me,
"To morrow, wake, but dream to-night."
Yes, Fancy, come, my Fairy love!
These throbbing temples softly kiss;
And bend my lonely couch above,
And bring me rest, and bring me bliss."
How clear she shines. By: Emily Brontë.
8
*Guarding Light.
Xana stood in the bathroom looking at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a black tight tank-top under her shirt, which she tossed aside to wear her gear's jacket instead. She absently touched the tattoo under her left collarbone, which was the phrase 'Salvator Mundi,' savior of the world. Under her right collarbone, she had the phrase 'Lux et Lex,' light and law. She gazed at her left forearm where she had the phrase 'Semper ardens,' always burning, and smiled. That was Michael's favorite phrase, and he had it tattooed on his left forearm as well. Also on Xana's right forearm, she had the phrase 'Semper liber,' always free, and so did Michael. She brushed her right wrist gently, which had the phrase 'Beati Bellicosi,' blessed are the warriors, which Michael also had but under his left collarbone. "I'm doing the right thing," she assured herself, put on her gear, and checked her weapons. Xana kept many weapons in her gear, only two adamas swords weren't just enough for her and she had trained with all sorts of weapons all her life, she wouldn't waste all that training. She kept throwing stars, throwing knives, regular knives, and an electrum whip with a golden handle. With a last look at her gear, she left the bathroom and went to the living room. Daniel was still in the armchair, watching with horror as Michael and Alston checked their weapons. Calum was in the kitchen making sandwiches for Michael and putting them in a small container. He beamed at Xana when he saw her. "I'm ready." Xana informed the boys. "I am too." Alston replied and zipped his bow's leather bag shut and slung it on his back, looking superior and immaculate as ever. Calum tossed the small container over to Michael, who grabbed it and said. "I'm ready now."
"I'm sure you'll behave yourself, Daniel." Xana said to the vampire, who gave her a nervous nod. "Dad will meet us here when we're done." Michael said and gave Xana a look. Xana knew the look meant 'you will have to argue with Fenris about your crazy decision.' She only nodded. Xana had other plans before she returned to Calum's and no matter what happened, she would see her plans through.
The four demons were in a warehouse area right on the bank of the Thames. The sky was a dark shade of gray and the air smelled like cold and rain. The Thames was a lighter shade of gray and the surface rippled noiselessly. The smell of sulfur and rotten garbage led them to where the demons were. They found them slithering inside an empty warehouse, their snake bodies leaving green slime on the floor. A pentagram was painted with white chalk on the floor. Some runes and burned candles were around it. "Seems like some teenagers wanted to have fun." Michael said, examining the pentagram. "Yeah, seems like it." Xana replied and withdrew one of her swords. It lit as she grabbed the hilt in her now gleaming palm. She launched forward, slicing the air and heading for the nearest demon, who hissed and spat a green slime in Xana's direction. She dodged it by ducking and tossing herself to the side. Michael brushed past her, heading for another demon. Even though he was in his wolf-form she knew he was smirking at her. She straightened up and swirled her sword, slicing through one of the demon's arms. Stinky green ichor spilled from the wound, and the demon screamed and spat wildly at Xana. Something flashed beside Xana's head and she knew that swish. One of Alston's arrows flew and struck another demon in the head, which sent him staggering back to the wall and pinned him there. Michael was slicing a demon not far away from Xana. She was busy dodging the slime when the fourth demon slithered toward her and spat some ichor right on her arm. "ARGHHHH." Xana exclaimed in agony. The ichor burned her skin even through the thick leather of her gear. Another arrow swished by and knocked the demon that sprayed Xana. She took the chance and leaped toward the first demon, cutting his head off. He turned to black smoke and his body vanished back into the void. "Are you okay?" Alston asked with concern while shooting another arrow at the same demon again. "I got some ichor on my arm, that's all." Xana said and went after the demon, and with a swift slice, she managed to dispatch his head and send him back to his realm. Michael killed the one he was fighting with. He turned around and gave Xana a look. She nodded, assuring him that she was okay. Both of them headed to the far wall. The fourth demon was pinned to the wall with one of Alston's arrows. Xana lifted her sword about to tear his head off, when the demon hissed."The princess doesn't know what she got herself into." His voice was sharp like someone was scratching glass with a piece of metal, his breath stank even more than his ichor and slime. Xana stopped and stared at the demon. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Do not listen to this filth. He is just trying to buy time." Alston said. He was right beside Xana now, eyeing the demon with his usual arrogance. Michael phased back and pushed his damp hair away from his face, "OOOH, don't tell me you are Satan's nephew or something? Or maybe his niece. We can't really tell the difference." Michael's tone was teasing even when he was talking to a demon. It made Xana smile despite herself. "He sees everything. He is watching you." The demon hissed again. His eyes were totally black. No irises or white, just darkness. His face and torso were human and from the waist down, it was a snake's body. His tail was moving slowly, slithering on the floor, leaving slime near the Slayers' feet. "Oh no, I'm shaking with fear." Xana said and smirked. "You laugh now, but if you get close, he kills you and kills your dog too." The demon looked at Michael when he said 'dog.' Michael's eyes blazed with fury. He drew a knife and put it close to one of the demon's eyes. "Who do you mean by 'he'? Say the truth, demon, or lose your ugly eye." Xana's tone was threatening now. "He is the Overlord, the Magister, and the Conqueror." The demon said, staring at Xana. "Okay, I guess he is really talking about Satan." Michael said. "Satan is nothing beside the Overlorddddd." The demon hissed loudly. "Does that Overlord have a name?" Xana rolled her eyes. "We don't dare speak his name. Keep doing what you're doing and soon he will squash you." The demon licked his lips with a green tongue. Xana gave him one look before she said. "All right, I think I've had enough of you." She drove her sword into the demon's chest and twisted it. The demon screamed as green ichor poured from the massive wound. "Heee knoooows, hee seeee." The demon said between his ragged breaths. Michael slit his throat, and the demon turned to black smoke and vanished. "What the hell was that about?" Michael asked. "No idea. Alston, does the name Overlord or Magister mean anything to you?" Xana turned to look at Alston. "I have never heard of him before." Alston replied, and his arrows started returning to the quiver one by one. "Okay, let's erase this pentagram and get out of here." Xana slid her sword onto her back and went to the pentagram. After they were done, they headed to the Mustang. Xana was driving. As usual, she wouldn't let anyone else drive her precious car. Michael was in the passenger seat beside her. He immediately went for the sandwich container. Alston was in the backseat, looking grim. "Al, what's wrong?" Xana turned around and asked Alston before she started the car. "I want to know what that demon was talking about. Aren't you concerned?" Alston asked. His eyes were fixed on Xana's. "Maybe he was just trying to buy time like you said." Xana shrugged. "I do not think demons are that smart." Alston said and crossed his arms.
"We could ask Calum about that overlord." Xana sounded casual. She turned around, looked at Michael, who was eating with delight, smiled, and started the car. The engine roared the familiar roar of a mustang, which Xana adored. "Xana!" Alston called. Xana looked at him in her rearview mirror. "Hmmm?" She had a hunch what he was about to say. "It is Alston." He said, raising his eyebrows. Xana shook her head and smiled. She was dying to go to Calum's and take a shower. She grabbed some wipes and wiped the ichor off her arm, but it didn't help much. Her skin was already burning. She was focused on something else, though. How were the boys going to react when they discovered they were not heading for Calum's? The sky turned an alarming shade of dark gray. It was going to rain any moment. Perfect, Xana thought. Jamie's garden would be muddy and slippery now, but she wouldn't take long. She made a silent promise to herself, just an itsy-bitsy glance. Alston was silent the whole way, crossing his arms and watching outside his window. He wanted to know what that demon meant. He didn't notice that Xana wasn't taking the right turn. Michael was busy eating, and he didn't notice until they were near Jamie's Street. Michael held the sandwich midway to his mouth and blinked at the view out his window. "Xana!" he said and turned to give Xana a suspicious glare. Xana only gave him one of her half-smiles and shrugged. Michael shook his head and mouthed 'Alston'. Xana put a finger on her lips, begging Michael to be quiet. Michael threw a hand in the air as if to say 'Whatever.' He put the sandwich back into the container, which was so not him, Michael never left his food unfinished. He crossed his arms. "This should be good." He said and smirked. Xana went uncharacteristically silent. She knew Michael wouldn't be a problem and he would always be on her side. He was just being protective. But Alston wouldn't even tolerate the fact that she was interested in a mundane. Alston with his arrogance and superiority and how he thought that mundanes weren't worthy of the honor of talking to Xana. He would talk for hours, reminding her of her rightful title and her superior celestial blood and the fact that the law forbade them to reveal who they really are to the mortals and where they came from and anything related to Myron and the Downworld. But she wouldn't break the law and tell Jamie. Besides, he wouldn't be interested in her the way she was interested in him. He was so handsome for a human. He would probably think she was a supernatural freak if he ever knew what she was. That thought made her stomach contract in a tight knot. She parked her Mustang a few houses away from Jamie's, flung the door open, and jumped outside before any of the boys would protest. It was cold outside and she folded her arms around herself. The wind was blowing her glossy hair around her like a black curtain and she bent her head down and arched her shoulders. The ichor on her arm burned even more, but she ignored it and kept walking steadily toward the house. Back in the car, Alston snapped out of his thoughts and was suddenly aware that they had stopped and Xana wasn't even in the car.
"Michael! Where is Xana going?" he asked Michael and pressed his face against the window to get a better look at her walking down the street. Michael shrugged. "Maybe she wants to check something." He wasn't going to be a snitch. Michael took out the sandwich again and started eating, hoping that Xana wouldn't be long and Alston wouldn't suspect a thing.
***
It started to drizzle, fine cold drops dripping on Xana's hair. She was almost in front of the house, she looked up and blinked. She felt her knees go wobbly, her mouth was suddenly dry and she understood what those romance books talked about when they mentioned the butterflies-in-the-stomach thing. Xana froze in her position, arms around her and her hair flowing in every direction around her face and petite frame. Her emerald eyes twinkling. Her brain demanded her to run, to turn around and don't look back, but her heart was pounding fiercely, deafening her ears and dimming that screaming sound of her brain. Her stomach was filled with a million fluttering butterflies and her feet felt like solid concrete planted in the ground. How could she leave when he was looking at her like this, a beautiful angel with a captivating smile and sweet haunting eyes? The world dissolved around her, she was in space, floating helplessly.
***
Jamie was about to go into his house when he saw her. The beautiful girl from the park. He couldn't forget her, how she looked, and how her eyes were different and unique. He couldn't believe himself when he saw her right in front of him. He was worried he might never see her again, despite all his efforts to forget about her. He noticed she was wearing a leather costume. Maybe she was an actor or a performer. She was pretty enough to be one. And he noticed that she was staring at him with an expression he couldn't quite comprehend. Was she surprised to see him? Or upset? Or worse, she didn't even remember him? He knew one thing for sure, he wouldn't miss this chance, he would talk to her, know her name and who she was, to hell with his rules, for now, it wasn't like asking her on a date, it would be a casual conversation that was all, Jamie assured himself. "Hi.. uh... I saw you before in the park." Jamie said and cursed himself silently. Was that the best he could do? 'I saw you before in the park!!' he never had trouble before talking to girls. He was aware of how good-looking he was, but in front of this girl, he felt like a schoolboy, a twelve-year-old standing in front of a seventeen-year-old cheerleader, trying to ask her out. Well done, Jamie, she probably thinks you are a moron now. "I saw you too." Xana replied. She had no idea how the words came out of her mouth. She was so stunned to see him so close like this, she only planned to sneak into his garden and watch him without his knowledge, like a good old-fashioned stalker. When he spoke, she remembered how lovely his voice was. She hoped he wouldn't look at her like he did. But she was grateful that her voice came steady and not shaky as she thought it would be. "Do you live near here?" Jamie asked, trying his best to sound casual. 'Keep the conversation going, try to look normal,' he thought. "No, not really." Xana replied and thought 'Alright shut up now, you can't lie and you can't tell him where you live.'
"I'm really glad I saw you again. I wanted to talk to you the last time, but you left." Jamie said quickly before he could stop himself. Usually, he wouldn't tell a girl the first time he talked to her that he actually wanted to talk to her. That was not something he would do. He avoided being involved in such conversations all his life, but he really wanted to get to know her and he had no idea what he was supposed to say to make her interested in him, to have any kind of relationship with her. "I wanted to talk to you too, but I had to go." That was the truth. 'What else am I supposed to say?' Xana thought. She searched his blue eyes, and she found them sparkling brilliantly. He was wearing black jeans, a white shirt, and a black leather jacket. He looked really good. His shoes were muddy, though. 'Why wasn't he driving? Doesn't he own a car?' Xana wondered.
"Oh!" He was surprised. Girls weren't usually honest about how they felt. They wouldn't admit that they even noticed the guy. "You can talk to me anytime you want." He couldn't believe he actually said that. Jamie ran a hand through his damp blond hair, pushing it away from his face. A confident look was now covering his features. She was interested then. But he wouldn't be very confident, though. Girls like her always had boyfriends, and he suddenly remembered the tall, muscular boy, whose hand she grabbed and walked away with the last time he saw her. He remembered he was handsome and tall, Mr. Fantastic. He named Michael silently. But it should be a good thing if she had a boyfriend. Jamie was surprised that the idea of her having a boyfriend bothered him that much. Xana was suddenly aware that she had been craning her head for too long, staring at Jamie's face. The raindrops made her face completely wet. "Thanks." She said and wiped her face with her palm. She wasn't sure how to reply to that. She was also aware of how tall Jamie turned out to be. The last time he was sitting on the grass in the park. She knew he was tall, but not that tall. He was as tall as Michael. She faced his chest. Xana had never wished she was taller more than at that moment. Michael always teased her about it, but she hadn't cared much before. Jamie smiled broadly and Xana blushed. In any other situation, Jamie would never stop and talk to a girl like that and what surprised him more was the fact that he could not leave, did not want to leave even. His fear was subdued at that moment by this magnificent creature. Her presence pleased him and calmed his troubled heart.
***
"Michael! Why is Xana talking to that mundane?" Alston asked in alarm. Michael had been watching Xana intently since the moment he saw Jamie heading her way. He sat still, watching as they both stopped in front of each other and started talking. He didn't want to look concerned or worried because he didn't want to draw Alston's attention, but there was no way Alston was going to miss the fact that Xana was talking to a mundane. Michael hated to admit it, but Alston was smart and he could notice that this wasn't just a casual conversation between two complete strangers. 'Act cool.' Michael told himself silently before answering Alston. "Maybe he is asking her for directions or something." He even shrugged, trying to look as normal as he could be. "For this long?" Alston's tone indicated that he definitely suspected something. "It could be a really far place he is asking about." Michael threw his hands in the air. Alston leaned in between the front seats, raised an eyebrow, and scanned Michael's face, which made Michael so uncomfortable that he promised Xana silently that he would kill her for making him lie. "Michael?" Alston emphasized the name, still glaring at Michael. "Oh look, it started to rain hard." Michael said, looking away from Alston's piercing gaze. Alston didn't wait for another second. He flung the side door open and leaped outside, clenching his fists and taking wide strides towards Xana and the mundane. Michael cursed and leaped after him. Xana was aware that she was blushing, she could feel the heat inside of her cheeks. She fought the urge to reach up and push his hair away from his eyes and at that moment, she thought he could read her mind. He ran his hand again in his now wet hair and pushed it away from his face. She was thinking how inappropriate it would be if she told him how handsome he was and how his voice was lovely and so loveable to listen to, but the most unexpected thing happened before she got to say anything.
"Is everything all right in here?" Alston's tone was so filled with rage it made Xana flinch.
Jamie instantly remembered Michael, so he didn't stare at him as much as he stared at Alston. Great, another handsome boy with her. This one was a bit strange though with that bright silver hair and fake elf ears, but that didn't change the fact that he was handsome. Even Jamie couldn't deny that considering he probably wasn't the best male beauty judge. Jamie also noticed that the two boys were wearing the same clothes, that tight leather outfit. He decided to name Alston Mr. Gorgeous.
"Hi, I'm Jamie Moon, nice to meet you." Jamie said in a friendly tone with a smile. He extended his hand in front of him, not sure who he should shake hands with first. 'Better show some manners.' Jamie reminded himself. To Xana's and Michael's surprise, it was Alston who shook Jamie's hand. Xana stared at the two boys' joined hands. Alston never shook hands with anybody. He wouldn't even let anyone touch him, only Xana and on very rare occasions. Alston was enraged. He grabbed Jamie's hand violently, maybe more than he intended to. 'No, that was exactly how violent he wanted,' he thought. "Alston Malereiel, I wish I could say the same." Alston said with disdain and superiority. Xana glared at Alston. Michael tried to stifle a laugh and choked on his own breath instead. Jamie instantly looked hurt and puzzled. Xana wanted to stomp her foot into Alston's knee. But Jamie's face held something else, pain. Alston's grip was solid. Jamie felt his fingers go numb and his knuckles turned white. The boy hated him, that much he knew, but why exactly? He intended to find out. Jamie swallowed and endured the pain. 'don't look weak now' he thought. Xana's glare brought Alston back to his senses and he let go of Jamie's hand. Michael instantly reached out and shook Jamie's hand gently. "Michael Oakstaff, a pleasure to meet you, Jamie." Michael said, flashing one of his most friendly smiles. Xana felt grateful to him. She knew he was trying to fix what Alston had just said.
Jamie smiled and looked at Xana then. "I believe I forgot how to introduce myself when we first talked." He extended his hand towards her. Alston's behavior intrigued him. It was a challenge now. Xana hesitated for a second, but she shook his hand. It was warm despite the cold and the rain, and it was soft under her touch. "Xana Star." Xana said her name with confidence. She always felt more confident with the boys beside her, despite how much she wanted to punch Alston in the face at that moment, but she was glad he was there.
"Xana Star." Jamie said her name and gave Xana a small nod. He noticed how small her hand was between his fingers, but she had a strong grip. Alston rolled his eyes and touched the knife in his pocket.
"Moon, Star, what a coincidence!" Michael said in an amused tone.
"Indeed. Do you guys want to come inside? You all look like you could use some tea and maybe some towels." Jamie said and gestured toward his house. He wouldn't usually invite complete strangers to his house, but he was willing to take any chance to talk to Xana for a bit more. Xana wished she could accept his offer, but she already had messed up all her plans in keeping a low profile, watching him from a distance and she couldn't trust Alston, he would behave like a total jerk and she didn't want Jamie to get hurt and also, she wasn't sure she could trust herself around him either. Which hurt her, but she had no choice. It was an enormous risk. For a moment, she imagined what Uriel would do if he knew she was hanging out with a human. "That's really nice of you, but we have to be somewhere else and we are already running late." Xana gave Jamie an apologetic look. 'Please don't be offended' she thought.
Jamie's face fell for a second, but his expression changed quickly and he gave Xana half a smile, ignoring the constant glaring from Alston and the curious looks from Michael. "Can I at least get your number? We can't keep running into each other like this." He said and fixed his gaze on Xana's. 'A girl's number.' Jamie's conscience was screaming at the top of his voice. "Sure." Xana said quickly before Alston could say anything, but she also regretted her decision. Xana told Jamie her number while he saved it on his phone, covering the phone from the rain with his jacket. "We really have to go now. Take care." Xana said and turned quickly, unable to look at his eyes any longer or she wouldn't be able to leave at all. The two boys were on her heels.
"Wait," Jamie said, and Xana turned around to face him. Jamie kneeled on the ground, which made one of his knees completely wet. The rain was dripping harder on his fine blonde hair. Xana was puzzled for a moment until she realized what he was doing. "Your shoelace is untied," he looked up into her eyes and smiled while he tied one of Xana's shoelaces. Xana blushed and gave him a shy smile. Alston gritted his teeth and clenched his fists firmly. His nails were digging through his palms and he fixed Jamie with a hostile glare. Michael looked surprised and worried. He put his hands in his pockets. Xana was fighting the urge to run her hand through Jamie's hair and see how it felt.
"There, I can't risk you tripping in this weather." Jamie said in an amused tone and straightened up. "Thanks, bye Jamie." Xana said and this time she turned quickly, almost stumbling into Michael, who grabbed her elbow and walked her toward the Mustang. Alston, right on her heels, was radiating anger waves. They settled in quickly. It was pouring now. Xana sat frozen for a moment behind the wheel, just taking slow breaths. The way he looked up into her eyes while he tied her boots and the way he smiled. Michael's gaze was fixed on her. He was worried. Alston was furious, but he kept his gaze out the window. Xana's phone rang, and she jumped. Making the two boys flinch, Michael even cursed aloud.
"For God's sake, Xana, it's just your phone," Michael said and watched Xana take out her phone and stare at the screen. "I guess we have a good idea who that might be." Michael added after seeing a number without a name flashing on the screen. Xana cleared her throat and picked up. "Hello!" "Just making sure you didn't give me a wrong number." Jamie said. He sounded very amused and somehow proud of himself. Xana's mouth shaped into half a smile. "I wouldn't do that." She said and bit her lip. "Drive safely, Xana. Nice car, by the way." Jamie said, sounding so casual, as if they were friends for years and used to those goodbyes. "Thanks, umm... bye." Xana hung up and looked at Michael, who shrugged, then fetched his sandwich container but found it empty. He immediately looked disappointed.
"Who is he exactly?" Alston asked, still clenching his fists above his knees and staring at the rain. His hair was soaked and falling into his eyes but he didn't bother pushing it back. He was furious.
Xana started the car and started moving, "Jamie, he is a singer, I guess." She tried to sound casual, but she felt guilty for putting Alston in such a situation. "A mundane? He is just a mundane. Why did you give him your number? I do not even have your number." Alston said in a bitter tone. "You don't have a phone Alston, you refuse to carry one, remember?" Xana answered him, trying to keep her tone even. She wasn't in the mood to argue about anything. She was amazed at what happened and how Jamie talked to her and took her number. 'He likes me,' Xana thought and had mixed emotions about that thought. She was thrilled, happy, hopeful, disturbed, worried, and pained. It was too many emotions to deal with all at once. Michael turned around and shot Alston a warning look. Alston understood what Michael meant, 'Not now.' The three of them went silent until they reached Calum's apartment.
***
Fenris, the twins, Charlie, Calum, Emily, and Daniel were all in the living room. The twins were talking to Emily animatedly, making her giggle. They had the same gestures and expressions, and they were completely identical even in their behavior. Fenris and Calum were talking to Daniel, who looked pale and small beside them. They both looked serious and concerned. Charlie was pacing near the fireplace, muscular and handsome as always, in jeans and a plain T-shirt.
"Finally, you decided to use your key." Calum said when Xana entered the room and gave him a shy smile. Xana loved to knock and ring Calum's bell at the same time. Fenris gave her a broad smile before he said. "You three go get cleaned up before we talk."
"Yeah, because you really stink." said Simon and wrinkled his nose. "What is that smell, anyway?" asked Mark sarcastically. "Nagas slime, want some?" Xana said and pretended to throw something at the twins. They moved swiftly to the side. Xana and Michael laughed at them and the twins made faces at Xana. Xana went to Emily's room to find Emily at her heels, smiling and tenderly looking at her with her pink eyes.
"Hi Emily." Xana said, and Emily touched Xana's hair gently. "Wet again!" Emily said, and Xana nodded. Emily led Xana inside and gave her some towels. This time, Xana was glad she had some of her clothes with her. Jeans and a black sweater, so Emily wouldn't give her a dress or some oversized girly-looking clothes. She washed her arm several times until the pain was numb. She even washed her hair quickly and dried it with one of the towels. When Xana returned to the living room, she found Michael and Alston were already there. Fenris was holding the golden message they got from Emrick. "Xana, are you sure you want to go through with this?" Fenris asked. Xana threw herself on the couch between Michael and Charlie. "Yes. The moment I took Daniel I decided to help him and I'm not backing out now." Fenris and Calum were both in armchairs across from Xana. The twins were on a small couch near the fireplace. Daniel was in an armchair beside Xana and Alston decided to sit on a windowsill behind the couch Xana was sitting on. "You can always decide not to take the duel. No one will blame you." Fenris told Xana. Xana could sense how worried he was. She glanced sideways at Daniel, who laced his pale fingers in his lap and looked at the floor. "I'm not worried about that. I want to take the duel. Fenris, I'm not trying to prove anything. I just said I'll help, and that's me helping. I don't want you to worry," she looked around the room and added. "I don't want any of you to worry. I fought vampires before, many vampires actually." 'And slain them all,' she thought but didn't add that. Daniel was looking scared enough already. "But of course, we will be worried. I'm worried. You know I've always considered you as a daughter. I know how good you are, but vampires can't be trusted." Fenris said, and Daniel flinched. Xana nodded and said. "I'll be careful. I promise." "That is if I let you fight." Fenris said and crossed his arms over his chest. "What?" Xana's eyes went wide, and she wasn't the only one. Michael stared at his dad, puzzled, and Alston got off the windowsill and put both his hands on the back of the couch right behind Xana's back. "Can you really stop her?" Alston asked Fenris. "Not stop her, but fight instead of her." Fenris explained.
"No," Xana shot right up, "No way. I'm not putting you in danger because I made an irrational decision. I'm the one who should suffer the consequences of my actions." "It will never be only you who suffers, can't you see that?" Alston stormed. Xana whirled around and stared at him. Usually, it was Michael who shouted. It was a werewolf temper. Alston would argue in a more controlled tone. All eyes were on Alston now. But he stood his ground, keeping a fuming, steady gaze on Xana. "Alston, I don't ..." Xana started to say, but Alston cut her off. "You don't think? Is that it? You never do think. That thing does not deserve you risking your life for him," he jabbed a finger at Daniel. "And yet you will still do it, leaving all of us to worry about your safety, wondering if you will be alright, if you will live." Alston swallowed hard around the lump in his throat. Xana gaped at Alston's unexpected reaction, not sure what to say. "I think you must let me handle it my way, Xana." Fenris stood up and put his hand on Xana's shoulder. She started to protest, but Fenris added. "It's best for all of us. And besides, those duels aren't the last man standing combat. It's about dropping your opponent on the ground. There will be no killing. And Emrick should have addressed me as the leader of the alpha pack. He knows that this area is under my control and not Calum's. Let me do this. I will fight for him as long as you think it's the right thing to do." Xana looked around. Everyone was looking intently at her, even Emily, who was near the kitchen. Xana exhaled and thought for a long moment. "Okay, since there will be no killing, I guess you better do it Fenris." She said finally, feeling horrible. She didn't want to put Fenris in danger. She knew how well he could fight, but she couldn't help but worry. And then she realized what Alston meant by 'leaving all of us to worry about your safety, wondering if you will be all right, if you will live' Fenris would be all right, she thought. After all, it's not a combat to the death. But she still felt guilty. It was all her fault. Why did she have to interfere and save Daniel? She unconsciously touched her tattoo 'Salvator Mundi' and remembered her oath. remembered she swore to protect the weak and needy and keep the order of the Downworld. She only hoped Accalia wouldn't be mad at her.
"Did she just say okay? Did everybody else hear her, or was it just me? That was totally bizarre," Michael said in an astonished tone and jumped off the couch. He playfully shook Xana's shoulders and added. "Who are you, and what did you do with Xana?" Everybody laughed, except Alston, who went out to the balcony. Fenris exhaled and sat back in his chair, looking relieved. Mark and Simon took advantage of the situation and went to stand in front of Xana. "She does look pale." said Mark. "Maybe if we put her head under the cold shower she will feel like her stubborn self again." Simon said and ruffled her hair."Okay, you can shut up now." Xana made a face at them and ran a hand through her hair to arrange it. "Well, I think we all could use some tea." Calum said and straightened up, looking pleased. He headed to the kitchen and Emily stood with him to help him. "And something to eat." Michael said, and rushed after Calum. Fenris gave Xana a smile, and she sighed. "You should check on your elf." Charlie whispered to Xana, who nodded and took a deep breath, then strode to the balcony.
***
It stopped raining, but it was cold outside. Xana zipped her sweater all the way up to cover her throat, then jammed her hands into her pockets, trying to get warm. Alston was leaning against the edge, looking over Hyde Park. He hunched his shoulders and laced his fingers. His hair was blazing silver even in the dim light outside. The wind was blowing it into his eyes; he looked as beautiful as a painting. Xana moved slowly and leaned against the edge beside him, taking a deep breath and bracing herself for one of Alston's lectures. He didn't move or look at her; he shone magnificently under the moonbeams that escaped the heavy clouds. "I'm not going to apologize. Keeping a vampire guest and interacting with a mundane gives me the right to be angry." Alston confirmed. "I wasn't expecting one. I thought I was the one who should apologize." Xana shrugged. Alston turned his head and looked at her, scanning her eyes. His green eyes looked calmer now, not blazing like when he was shouting. Elves' eyes weren't kind or warm, but Alston had a unique kindness and warmth in his green eyes, they were hidden most of the time by his arrogant and superior glares but they appeared in times like this, and Xana loved that about him. "Are you sure you are all right?" Alston asked and raised an eyebrow. "Why is everyone asking me that?" Xana shrugged and rubbed her palms together. It was getting colder. Alston unfolded his hands and tucked one of Xana's stray locks behind her ear with a slim, tall finger, something he had done rarely during their whole life together. "If anything bad happened to you, it would affect all of us. Especially Michael and me." He said softly and watched Xana, waiting for a reply. "I figured that, but I can't help it. I swore I would keep the order of the Downworld, remember?" Xana sighed. "I remember, but I want you to make better choices." Alston said and looked toward the apartment. They could hear everyone laughing and talking in the warm living room. Xana wasn't sure if Alston only meant Daniel. Did he know how she felt about Jamie? She wasn't even sure how she felt about him. She loved watching him, and she knew she would go and see him again. She couldn't stop herself. But she wasn't ready to share it with Alston just yet. Before Alston could ask her about Jamie, she said, "I'm cold. We should go inside and join everyone." She gave Alston an innocent smile and headed inside. Reluctantly, Alston followed her.
The living room was filled with laughter and a very good baking smell. Xana inhaled that delicious smell and her stomach grumbled, reminding her how hungry she was. Emily made cookies, and she was walking around handing them to everyone, wearing a silk green dress and canary yellow heels. Michael had the largest portion. Xana and Alston sat beside Michael, and Emily handed them both some cookies. Even Daniel was looking more relaxed now, though he didn't eat any. Everyone looked relaxed and cheerful while enjoying the cookies. They chatted and laughed. Xana looked at them with delight and gratitude.
"We should be going now, thank you for the cookies Emily." Fenris stood and got ready to leave, he signaled his sons to get up too.
"I was thinking about spending the night here. Calum, is that all right?" Xana asked Calum. Calum beamed at her and said. "That would be my pleasure." And Emily immediately smiled at Xana. "I will stay as well." Alston said and grabbed another cookie. "I'm definitely staying with these cookies." Michael said. His mouth was filled with cookie crumbs along with his shirt.
Fenris looked at Michael and laughed. "Okay, we will gather here first tomorrow, then we go together to the duel." He nodded at Xana before saying a polite goodbye to Emily and Calum.
Fenris, the twins, and Charlie left. Xana, Michael, and Alston sat together on the couch, fighting over the last cookies. Emily went to bake them some more. Daniel went back to his room and Calum cast the protection spell on the door to keep him there. Michael grabbed his boots, which he had taken off earlier, and left them beside the couch and wrinkled his nose. He moved the boots closer to his face and cursed. "What on earth? That cat peed in my boots, my favorite boots." He said in frustration, looking wistfully at them. Xana laughed aloud at his expression. "Well, technically, you are a dog. The cat has a point." She teased Michael, and Alston laughed.
Calum was trying to stifle his laughter but failed. "I can fix them for you, Michael," he moved closer and pointed his fingers at the boots, red and blue sparks ebbed from his fingertips and surrounded the boots. A moment later, Calum added. "There, they should be as good as new now."
Michael carefully sniffed his boots and beamed. Then he stuck his tongue out at the cat, who was licking his paws in front of the fireplace, looking superior and bored. Xana's phone rang, and she flinched. Michael and Alston stared at her. She took out the phone and exhaled. "It's Sam," she told everyone. "Hey Sammy," Xana paused for a moment, listening to Sam, and then she beamed. "I told you so, silly. Congratulations, I'm so happy for both of you," everyone stared at her until she hanged up and added, "Sam and Haley are getting married."
"It's about time." Michael said, sounding amused. "That is great news. I'm going to get the happy couple a nice wedding gift." Calum said. Xana straightened up and said. "Calum, a word," Calum followed her to another room of the many rooms of his apartment. Xana added, "I will send a message to Aldora now. Are you ready for her to be here if she agrees?" "Yes. And you can tell the boys about that. It's not really a secret." "Okay." Xana smiled, then lifted her palm and spoke softly in it, telling Aldora that they need her help and Calum would portal her. Silver sparks flew from Xana's palm, went up, and vanished toward the ceiling. A few minutes later, silver flecks danced above Xana's head, forming the words, 'portal me in fifteen minutes.' Calum's face lit up immediately. Xana watched him, puzzled, and wondered what did he expect Aldora to do? What was really wrong with Emily? She might be a bit odd, but she was not sick. When Aldora came out from the shimmering, red and blue, and silver portal, she hugged Xana tightly, nearly knocking her breath away. Xana hadn't seen Aldora for a while. Sometimes she couldn't go to Myron for weeks when she had many missions. "Are you all right? Are you hurt? Is it one of the boys?" Aldora asked rapidly after finally releasing Xana, not giving Xana the chance to answer. "We are okay, don't worry. It's Calum who needs your help." Xana said and straightened her sweater, giving Aldora an assuring smile. "Oh. I see," Aldora turned around to look at Calum, "It's good to see you, Mr. Bennet. How can I help you?" she sounded puzzled. Warlock magic was powerful. They didn't need fairy magic often. "It's good to see you too, please call me Calum. I think I should show you first what I need your help with." Calum said and pointed toward the door, Xana went out toward the living room, Aldora followed her, puzzled, and Calum behind the two of them, anxious.
Emily was busy making new cookies. She only smiled at Aldora and went back to put the cookies in the oven. Michael and Alston were surprised to see Aldora. Michael immediately hugged her, and Alston greeted her from his place on the couch.
"You didn't tell us that Aldora would be here Calum." Michael said. "We weren't sure she would agree to be here," Calum replied, then added, "Come please, we should all sit down and I'll tell you everything," he bowed politely to Aldora, who walked shyly and sat in one of the armchairs. Aldora had her grey hair in a messy bun and was wearing pale pink robes. Her grey eyes were kind and warm. She relaxed her hands in her lap. Emily was humming softly in the kitchen as she baked more cookies, her heels clicking on the floor as she moved. Everyone else settled down on the couch and looked intently at Calum, who looked uncharacteristically nervous.
Calum cleared his throat and added. "I need you to help my sister, my twin sister, Emily. I am sure you all noticed that Emily is special. She wasn't always like this. She was normal before. Fifty years before, to be exact," Calum said, looking at Aldora. "Something happened to her that changed her, she even stopped using her magic and became uninterested in everything around her, I could start a fire in the house and she wouldn't even notice," Calum looked down and hunched his shoulders. Xana and the boys exchanged anxious looks. Xana glanced at Emily and felt uncomfortable. Emily was within earshot. She would hear everything. Calum caught Xana's gaze and assured her. "It's okay, she wouldn't even notice we are talking about her," he cleared his throat and started talking again. "Fifty years ago, she met a boy in his late twenties, just an ordinary mundane. She fell in love with him and he said he loved her as well. She didn't listen to me when I warned her about having a relationship with a mundane, usually, relation between two persons from totally different worlds don't work out as they should, but she was in love," he paused, Xana swallowed and was aware of the sideways glances from Michael and Alston at her. Calum continued. "I was afraid he was using her for her magic. Especially when he started asking for spells to make him lucky and fortunate, she helped him make a lot of money and after a while, he said he would marry her, and together they would adopt a child, he knew of her love for children and used that against her, asking for more spells and collecting more money. She really believed he would marry her and she would have a life with him and a family. He stayed with her for three years. One day he vanished without a trace, took all the money he collected. Emily tracked him down to find him with someone els, getting married. She came to me then, devastated and heartbroken. She has never been the same since then." Calum exhaled and shook his head. Aldora looked horrified, one hand covering her mouth. Michael and Alston looked sympathetic. Xana was shocked and mad.
"How could he do that to her? Do you know where he is now?" Xana asked Calum, clenching her fists above her knees, remembering all the toys she saw in Emily's room. They were for the child she never had. "I don't, but I managed to make him lose all the money he gained from my sister's magic," Calum sounded smug for a second before he looked at Aldora and added. "I tried warlock magic and enchanted herbs, but nothing worked. She remained like this, living in her own world and refusing to use her magic. I thought maybe fairy magic would help her restore her old self again and that is why I asked for your help, Aldora." He locked his gaze with Aldora's, looking hopeful. His gray eyes twinkled and his white hair shone like diamonds. "I would love to help, of course, but I'm not sure where to begin. She is not injured, and I was never a healer. I'm a librarian as you know, I could search the old books and maybe ..." Aldora was saying and Calum cut her off gently. "Healing powers are in your blood. It doesn't matter if you haven't practiced. I will assist you and pay you, but I ask one thing in return, to keep this matter a secret. Nobody needs to know about Emily's condition." Calum said and glanced at his sister, who was taking out hot cookies from the oven and laying them on the counter to cool down while humming softly to herself. "You don't have to pay me, Mr. Bennet. It will be my pleasure to help her," Aldora said and looked at Xana, then added. "It will be a good chance to see you, my dear."
Xana smiled at her and stood up. "I'll go help Emily with the cookies." She headed to the kitchen, followed by the worried gazes of Michael and Alston. Xana was mad at what happened to Emily, and was afraid of what might be waiting for her, 'Relations between two persons from totally different worlds don't work out as they should,' that line kept repeating itself in her mind over and over again. She nearly dropped the cookies over Michael's lap when she was handing him a plate full of cookies. No need to be worried, Xana assured herself. Nothing was between her and Jamie, at least, nothing yet.
Calum showed Aldora to her room. She left her bag there and went back to the living room to join everyone. Calum offered to magically bring dinner and Xana shot him a look, so he went to order one instead. But he brought clothes for Xana and the boys, magically, to their rooms from the sanctuary. Xana changed into her pajamas, a gray shirt with a white skull on it and the pants were a darker shade of gray covered in a pattern of black small skulls. Michael's pajamas were black, the shirt had the phrase 'Beware of the dog,' in white writing and a dog paw underneath. Alston's pajamas were plain light gray without any patterns. After dinner, Aldora went to her room. Xana said she needed sleep and went to one of the many bedrooms. Xana lay awake in the bed, staring at the ceiling and thinking of Emily, Daniel, and Jamie. She didn't hear the soft knocks on her door. Michael opened the door ajar and peeked inside. He was surprised to see Xana awake. "Hey, I knocked many times. Are you okay?" he said, stepping inside and sitting at the edge of the bed, looking at Xana with concern. "Really? I didn't hear anything at all." Xana said and sat up, leaning her back against the pillows. "What were you thinking about, anyway? If it's about dad, don't worry about him, he can handle the vampires," Michael said and tilted his head to the side, watching the odd expression on Xana's face, then added. "Oh, you are thinking about him." he wriggled his eyebrows when he said the word 'him.'
Xana looked down at her hands and her mouth shaped into one of her half-smiles. "Him and other things." "But mostly him." Michael teased her playfully. "I'm not sure why, but I can't stop thinking about him, Mikey." Xana looked up at her friend and shrugged. Her emerald eyes were twinkling brightly. "Oh boy, I know that look and that tone. The same way Sam was when he first met Haley." Michael said and leaned back on his elbow. "I look at him the same way Sam looks at Haley?" Xana asked incredulously. "Worse. You look at him in a protective, possessive, admiring way. I understand why, I wanted you to know this, it's something Calum said long ago about how similar the fairies and the werewolves were when they fall in love, how their emotions are intense and so much more powerful than anyone else's. I guess that's why the laws allowed the werewolves to reveal their nature to their soul mates, who swear to secrecy. It's cruel to try to break that powerful bond, especially since it happens only once in a lifetime. So, I understand why you act like that near him, you can't control that bond, you just fall into it helplessly as it grows and consumes all of you, you will give him all your heart and you will break whatever boundaries that might keep you apart." Michael sounded concerned. He would do anything to stop Xana from getting hurt. Xana swallowed visibly. "How come you know all of this? You've never dated anyone, remember?" she tried to sound teasing, but it was her best friend she was talking to. Michael raised an eyebrow. "Really! Star. You just gonna turn the table over me?" "No. But you are forgetting an important part. The laws forbade the fairies from having romantic relations with the humans, so I can't let myself fall into that bond." Xana said and threw her head back. Michael hated to see her like this. She looked helpless. "We can always keep it a secret and do it the werewolves' way, you know. If the human freaked out and didn't accept our nature we get a warlock to wipe his memories and voila, the enchanted world is saved and the human is back to his boring life, but that hasn't happened as much as I have heard, humans can't resist our charms." Michael winked, hoping what he said would make her feel better. "But the wolf won't forget his feelings. He will be tormented for the rest of his life. Thank God that didn't happen to Sam." Xana said and closed her eyes shut.
Michael reached out and took Xana's hand gently. She opened her eyes and looked at him. Michael smiled and said. "Whatever you decide to do, I'll be here for you and I'll help you as much as I can like I always do, okay?" Xana took a deep breath and nodded, she felt so relieved at that moment, at least she had someone by her side. Michael added. "As for the elf, we can always threaten to throw him in a waterfall if he talked. " He sounded really amused about that idea. His eyes sparkled, and he gave Xana a sly grin. Xana laughed, then said. "Alston wouldn't hurt me like that, I'm sure of it." "I know. I was just kidding. But did you see his expression when he saw Jamie? I'll never forget his face as long as I live." Michael laughed aloud. "I guess he will have to learn to accept him." Xana shrugged. "That will be amusing to watch." Michael said and grinned, running a hand through his light brown wavy hair. It was getting longer now under his shoulders. "You are really enjoying this, aren't you?" Xana threw a pillow at Michael. "Walking around killing demons can get boring," Michael said and lifted his eyebrows. "Now, off to bed, we will train together tomorrow, okay?" "Okay, thank you, Mikey." Xana said and smiled. Michael ruffled her hair and left the room.
***
Jamie was standing alone in the park, looking handsome as always. His blond hair falling into his eyes, his high cheekbones looking marvelous. Xana stood watching him with a big smile on her face, then she started walking towards him, unable to stop herself. He beamed at her and he ran a hand through his hair, pushing it away from his eyes, which were so blue, Xana couldn't look away and when she reached him, he took her hand and smiled. All his features lit up as he smiled. The sun was high in the sky and the grass was green and warm under them. A soft breeze blew their hair around their faces. Xana looked up into his blue eyes, but they were dark. The sky turned black and Jamie collapsed to the ground. Xana kneeled beside him, looking horrified. She touched him and found him so cold. She looked at her hand and screamed. Her hands were soaked with blood. Xana shook Jamie but he was stiff, his eyes rolled back and his mouth was ajar. She screamed his name over and over again, but he didn't wake up. 'Please wake up, don't leave me, Jamie, please,' she pleaded with him and screamed her lungs out, but nothing changed.
"Wake up, Xana, you are dreaming." Michael's voice was urgent and alarmed. He shook Xana's shoulders, trying to wake her up. Xana sat bolt upright, blinking and panting, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She didn't understand what was happening for a few minutes. She stared at Michael and Alston, then threw herself back on the bed. She was soaked with sweat, her hair was tangled and plastered on her neck and back, and the covers were tangled around her body. "Are you all right? That happened yesterday as well." Alston asked with evident concern. "I'm okay." Xana managed to say, keeping her eyes shut, shaking the bad dream out of her head. "What's wrong? You were screaming." Michael asked. "I was? It's just a nightmare. A really bad one, that's all." Xana assured the boys, who looked worried. "Get up and come outside, then. There's breakfast and Aldora is waiting for you." Michael told Xana, then he exchanged a look with Alston and both of them strode out of the room. Xana untangled the covers from around her and dangled her legs over the side of the bed. Trying to erase the image of Jamie's blood on her hands. It took her a while before she was able to get up and leave the room. She took a quick shower and dried her hair.
The living room was so bright, the sunrays pouring into the room from the tall glass windows making everything shine. Calum and the boys were talking, sitting in armchairs. Calum's hair was blindingly bright under this light. He was wearing tailored black pants and a white shirt, and he looked elegant. 'Who is he trying to impress this early?' Xana thought. The boys were still in their pajamas, looking sleepy. Emily was in a very bright yellow dress and red heels, her white hair like a waterfall on her shoulders. 'That dress is way too bright for the morning,' Xana thought, but she gave Emily a big smile. Aldora was helping Emily, and she was in one of her pale gray dresses, just a simple, plain, fairy dress. Aldora was the same as Xana always remembered her. Sweet, kind, and loving. But she looked a bit different today, and Xana couldn't figure out what was different about her. Xana went straight for the coffee, and Aldora gave her a disapproving look. "You still drink that first thing in the morning?"
"I wouldn't be able to live without my coffee, Aldora." Xana said, and sniffed her steaming cup of coffee with a satisfied expression. She went to sit beside Michael, who offered her a donut, which she took happily. Those nightmares made her really hungry. She looked around and didn't see Daniel. Of course, he was hiding from all this sunlight. The day went by slowly. Xana spent most of it training with the boys in a room Calum had magically fixed to fit their training sessions. They trained with throwing knives and regular knives. Xana and Michael trained on the combats and Alston refused to join in. He trained with his bows and arrows instead. Xana's phone rang, and she stared at the screen for a moment before she answered, "Hi, Jamie," Alston and Michael stared at her. "I'm okay, thanks," she added and turned around, away from the boys' glares, "Oh, that's really nice but tonight isn't a good time for me, I have a very important thing to do," she sounded disappointed, "I'll try, okay, bye," she hanged up and sighed. "He is performing tonight and wanted me to go." She said, answering the unspoken questions in the boys' eyes. She felt bad about not going. Now he would think she was blowing him off. Xana hoped he would believe her. If there was a way she could tell him that she couldn't lie. She tried to focus back on her training but only half her brain was in it, the other half and her whole heart were with Jamie. Michael was his normal cheerful self, but Alston was different, upset, and absent-minded, he even missed his target twice, which had never happened before.
***
"You all are ready to go?" Fenris asked Xana and the boys. He was standing beside his truck wearing his usual clothes, jeans, and a shirt. Xana always wondered why he didn't wear any jackets. It was freezing.
"We are. Daniel, why don't you sit in the front?" Xana said and watched as Daniel took the front seat. He still looked pale and nervous, his red eyes anxious and his blond hair neatly falling over his eyes. Xana knew neither Michael nor Alston would sit beside him, and that was why she wanted him in the front seat.
"Smart move." Fenris whispered to Xana, and she smiled at him. "I didn't get to thank you Fenris for doing this and I'm sorry you will have to fight instead of me." Xana said and pursed her lips. "Don't be silly," Fenris said, and ruffled Xana's hair. "It's my duty and it's an honor to fight for the right thing and, for the joys of battle, my dear." Fenris's eyebrows shot up as he said that. He really enjoyed doing his job and fighting to keep the order. "Okay, they will be waiting in Phoenix Garden in St. Giles. You know the place, right?" Xana asked. "A place within our territory, Emrick knows that we won't break the rules and attack them." Fenris said matter-of-factly. "I hope they won't be the ones to break it." Xana sounded uncertain. "If they did, they will have to suffer the consequences," Fenris said and gestured towards his truck. Sam was inside, and in the back were Billy, Charlie, and the twins. Xana waved at them and hoped things wouldn't go wrong. She didn't want any of them to get hurt because of her. Fenris added. "And there will be other members of my pack around the garden, just in case." He assured Xana and went to his truck. His brown hair looked longer than usual. He needed a haircut. Was he too busy to go and get one? Xana wondered. Xana got in and started the car. The boys in the back were glaring at Daniel, making him feel more uncomfortable. Xana shook her head at them and both of them gave her sly grins. The three of them were in their gear, just in case they ended up fighting after all.
Phoenix Garden was behind the Phoenix Theatre in central London, it was empty now because it was nearly midnight, which made it a perfect place for a duel between a werewolf and a vampire. It had many big trees and bushes, untamed, which made it a perfect place to do things without drawing the humans' attention, things like a fight between a massive werewolf and a super-strong vampire. Stone chairs were scattered among the bushes and one wooden bridge over a small pond led to the center of the garden. The sky was dark and filled with stars, there was no moon tonight.
Fenris took the lead and behind him were Daniel and the rest of the Oakstaff brothers. Xana and Michael and Alston were in the back. Michael broke the 'No dogs' sign and gave Xana a sly grin and a shrug. Xana shook her head and smiled. They walked between the untamed trees and crossed over the bridge toward the center of the garden to find a clearing. The ground was filled with untamed grass, and big trees and bushes surrounded the clearing. Waiting for them was Emrick Bendsteen, the head vampire, in a black velvet suit and glossy shoes. He was scary and beautiful at the same time. His red eyes scanned Fenris and everyone with him until he saw Xana. He gave her a full scan from head to toe before he turned his gaze again to Fenris. Three more vampires were with him, all in black clothes, their faces expressionless.
"Emrick." Fenris said, giving the head vampire a small nod. "Fenris Oakstaff, long time no see." Said Emrick in a calm voice. His black hair looked very dark and was gleaming strangely. "Indeed." Fenris's tone was cautious. "I have to say I didn't expect to see you here tonight. This matter is between me and the princess." Emrick gave Xana a little bow when he said 'princess'. His hair didn't move at all as he bowed. Xana rolled her eyes. Usually the ones who called her princess were just being sarcastic, and they didn't mean well.
"I find it hard to believe that. This is werewolves' territory. Surely you didn't expect me to just stand by and watch." Fenris's tone was cold and harsh. It was unlike him. Xana suspected the feud between them wasn't just about the duel, it seemed an old feud that had to do with many other things. "But she isn't a werewolf. I don't understand why you are here, Fenris." Emrick matched Fenris's cold tone. Xana felt everyone around her tense. Michael put his hand on her shoulder and fixed his gaze on Emrick. "Because I accepted the duel, I will fight who chooses to claim Daniel." Fenris crossed his arms. Emrick looked thoughtful for a while, and then he shook his head and said. "I'm afraid that's not possible. It wasn't you who took him from his clan. So, either you hand him back or the princess fights to have him, you know the laws, Fenris."
Fenris narrowed his eyes and looked at the three other vampires with Emrick. They were standing still, eyeing Xana and the werewolves. One of them was particularly taller than the other two. "I'll do it." Xana managed to get away from Michael's firm grip on her shoulder and whispered to Fenris. Fenris turned around to face her. "I can't let you do that." "You have to. I will never make you break the law for me. It has to be me and besides, you all are here with me and there are just four of them." Xana pleaded with Fenris, who looked grim and disapproving.
"I say we hand him back and walk out of here." Michael said and clenched his fists. "I agree with Michael." Alston added.
"I don't like it when you two agree on something," Xana locked her gaze with Fenris's. "Fenris, I can do this. You will have to trust me." Xana was aware of Emrick's curious gaze on her, his red eyes shining like gems and his flawless ivory skin shimmering. Vampires were beautiful, nasty, and most of them had no respect for the law, but still, they were beautiful. Fenris thought for a while before he spoke, "All right, but if they break any rules, you attack with all your might and use all your power and so shall we," Fenris said and looked at all of his sons and gave them a nod, then he turned to face Emrick. "Xana accepted your duel. What are the rules?"
"AHHH, to the young, nothing is difficult," Emrick said with an unexpected amusement. "A weaponless combat, who knocks their opponent first wins." Emrick said and smiled an awful smile. It reminded Xana of the vampire who beat up Daniel. "I can do that." Xana assured Fenris. With all the times she trained with Michael in physical combat, this should be an easy task. "I'm right here behind you. If I see a weapon from their side, I'll tear them apart." Michael made sure all the vampires heard him. Alston gave Xana a nod, and she stepped forward, standing in front of Fenris. "I see that you have grown, not so much, though." said Emrick in amusement. Xana narrowed her eyes. Was he making fun of her height? The last time he saw her was at the council. She was a baby. "Hello Emrick," Xana said and eyed him, "Who is going to duel against me, is it you?" She raised one eyebrow and gave Emrick a challenging look.
"I'm afraid not. It will be Matthew." Emrick said and pointed at the tallest vampire among the three standing beside him, who wasn't only tall, no, he was a giant, taller and more muscular than Michael. He stepped forward and grinned. Xana tilted her head and checked him carefully. 'Okay. Not so easy, but not impossible,' she thought. "Any time you are ready." She said. Xana was wearing her gear. For some reason, she thought she might need it, and she was right. "You may begin now, and remember, no weapons are allowed." Emrick sai, and took a step backward.
Xana and Matthew stepped forward, facing each other. Xana was aware of all the eyes on her, but she shoved them away from her attention and focused on her opponent. Making a battle plan to knock him easily without getting herself injured. Matthew extended his arms and hunched his shoulders, ready to strike. Xana stood straight, bracing herself. He launched forward with vampire speed and was ready to knock Xana over, but when he almost reached her, she bent her knees and leaped up in the air, over his head, then landed behind him. Matthew whirled around and stared at her with puzzled, wide eyes.
Xana shrugged and gave him half a smile. Michael and Alston were watching her intently. Fenris was crossing his arms and didn't take his eyes off Xana. Daniel was nearly hidden behind Sam. Matthew tried to grab Xana, and she ducked away from his reach throwing herself backward to land on her hands and kicking his knee, he groaned and went to grab her leg but Xana was already on her feet, aiming her fist into his stomach. He grabbed Xana by her shoulder and threw her backward. Michael took a step forward, but Fenris stopped him. Xana didn't fall, instead, she landed in a crouching position and wiggled her eyebrows at Matthew. Her hair floated around her like a curtain. "She is enjoying this." Alston said. "I bet she thinks it's useful training." Said Michael.
Emrick was watching Xana with wide, curious eyes, studying her moves and techniques. Fenris kept giving him warning glares.
"Bring it on." Matthew said between his teeth. "I'm not sure you are up for it." Xana teased the vampire, who laughed and got ready to attack again. When he launched forward this time, Xana bent her knees and was ready to jump up. He reached out to grab her, and she grabbed his hands, surprising him, but instead of trying to pull him down she jumped up, still grabbing his hands and in a flick of motion she managed to flip herself upside down and lock her legs around Matthew's neck, then she let go of his hands and swung herself around making Matthew spin and stumble. Xana punched him several times on his face while he desperately tried to unlock her legs from around his neck, but failed. So, he went for her hair and pulled it tightly, Xana felt her neck snap. She loosened her legs and jumped to the ground behind Matthew, and started kicking the back of his knees. Matthew staggered and fell on his face, hitting the grassy ground hard. Xana knew he was dizzy because she punched his face and focused on his nose, which was bloody now. Vampires' blood was bright red, so much brighter than human blood. Xana rubbed her aching neck and stood waiting for Emrick to speak.
"Impressive, absolutely remarkable." Emrick said in astonishment.
That was the last thing Xana expected. Shouldn't he be mad that she won? That she would claim one of his own? Michael was immediately beside Xana, checking her neck. "Does it hurt?" he asked Xana, then looked at Matthew, who was trying to stand up with the help of the other two vampires. "A bit, don't worry Mikey." Xana said and ran her hands through her hair. Alston was by her side too, staring at her neck and looking furious. Fenris gave her a nod before he spoke to Emrick. "I'm sure that settled things here, don't you agree, Emrick?" "Oh, yes, of course. The boy is yours. He no longer follows our lead and we won't cause him any trouble. You have my word," Emrick said to Xana and gave her a small bow.
For some unknown reason, Xana wasn't comfortable. Something was fishy about Emrick, but she had other things on her mind and she wanted to leave as soon as she could. "We shall leave now, then. It's been a pleasure, princess. I hope we will meet again, perhaps under different circumstances." Emrick said before he vanished between the untamed bushes. The three other vampires followed him. "I hope not," Xana muttered before she turned to Daniel. "Do you have a place to stay?" She asked him, and Alston rolled his eyes. "I can go to my old house, thank you." said Daniel, who was looking more relaxed now. "Fine, but remember to follow the rules, otherwise I'll come for you myself, Daniel." Xana's tone held a threat. Daniel nodded and said nothing.
"You can go now, and remember what Xana just told you," Fenris said to Daniel, who nodded and vanished between the bushes. "You fought well, really impressive." Fenris added, looking at Xana with pride. "She always does." Michael said and gave her a high-five. "It wasn't that easy. Did you see how tall that Matthew was?" Xana said, raising her eyebrows. Fenris laughed. "I think Emrick underestimated you, thinking one tall vamp could beat you."
"Emrick was acting fishy. I didn't like him." Xana said and shook her head. "Who would?" Sam asked incredulously. "Emrick has many reasons not to like you, not just because of what you do, but because something had happened during the council meeting," Fenris said and looked beyond Xana and the others, remembering something from long ago. He took a breath before he spoke again. Everyone was looking at him in anticipation. "Cassiel insulted him in front of everyone, and from my knowledge of vampires, I know they don't take being insulted easily, especially the head of vampires. I always feared the grudge he would be holding against you." "I never knew that but there's no need to worry Fenris, I guess he learned tonight not to mess with me, I took his vamp down without any weapons at all." Xana sounded smug, but Fenris wasn't sure this was the end of it. The way Emrick watched Xana with amusement and fascination worried him, he feared what Emrick might do, even though he couldn't think of a way he might hurt Xana other than fight her or send his vamps after her which she could handle but he couldn't be completely at ease.
"We should be going now, are you heading back to Calum's?" Fenris asked, trying to hide the tension in his voice. "Not directly, I have somewhere to be first." Xana said, and both Michael and Alston shot her questioning looks. "All right, but make sure you come by the sanctuary tomorrow. I have some news about the investigation of Adam's situation." Fenris told Xana before he left and Xana promised she would be there. Sam, Billy, the twins, and Charlie all left with their dad after giving Xana high-fives and whistles, indicating how impressed they all were with her combat technique.
"May I ask where are we going? Cause I have a slight hunch." Michael asked in a teasing way after settling in the front seat beside Xana, who was smirking. "I thought we were heading back to Calum's or otherwise, the sanctuary." Alston said after he closed the side backdoor. "We won't be long." Xana said, avoiding their gazes and starting her Mustang. The motor roared, and Xana smiled in satisfaction. The sound of her engine was like music to her. Michael gave her a wink and relaxed back in his seat. "We better not, I'm hungry." "You didn't even phase Mikey, you can't be serious." said Xana incredulously. "I was under a lot of tension. That also counts." Michael protested. Xana shook her head and focused on the road ahead. Only thinking about Jamie, she knew the place where he was performing, but he must be done by now. She would wait near his house and make sure he was all right before she headed back to Calum's and this time, he must not see her, at least until she figured out what to do about the way she felt for him. "Haven't we been here before?" Alston asked, snapping Xana out of her thoughts. They were close to Jamie's house. "Yeah, Alston." Xana answered him and waited for his objection. "We shouldn't be here. I thought you knew better, Xana." Alston protested and crossed his arms, fixing his gaze on Xana. His green eyes suddenly were filled with anger and Xana could see the tension in the lines around his mouth and between his eyebrows. "I'll be careful." Xana said shortly, before bringing the car to a stop and stepping outside. "I can't believe you are letting her do this, Michael." Alston said, glaring at Michael. "Stop her if you can." Michael shrugged. Alston flung the door open and jumped outside, hurrying after Xana. "Damn." Michael snapped and went after Alston. Xana hid between the bushes of a house's front garden not far away from Jamie's house, staying completely out of sight on her knees. "We should leave." Alston whispered, kneeling beside Xana. "Be quiet or get back in the car." Xana warned him. Michael tried his best to stifle his laughter. Alston shot him a look and went silent. He didn't say anything else to Xana.
Not long after that, Jamie appeared on the street, walking slowly, carrying his guitar in its leather case on his back. He kept his hands inside his pockets and bent his head down, making his hair fall over his face. It was dark and cold, a moonless night with a million stars twinkling in the dark sky above. Xana felt her heart beat faster when she saw Jamie. She wanted to go to him and tell him she was sorry she couldn't attend his performance that night; she wanted to talk to him and look into his beautiful eyes, even just for a little while. And why was he walking? Why didn't he order a taxi? The thought of Jamie walking all the way alone and that late bothered her.
Two shadows emerged from a narrow alley between two houses and headed towards Jamie in urgent, wide strides. Xana's chest tightened and she tensed. Michael sensed her tension and touched her shoulder lightly. Xana pointed at the two moving shadows, and Michael narrowed his eyes and watched them. Alston was irritated and just wanted to leave and take Xana away with him. The shadows turned out to be two men, wearing black and covering their faces with caps. They stopped Jamie and seemed to be arguing with him.
"Do you think they are his friends?" Xana whispered, peering from between the bushes to get a better look. "I'm not sure." Michael said and didn't take his eyes off the two men.
One of the two men grabbed Jamie's arm and Xana stood up instantly and was ready to leap forward, but Alston grabbed her.
"Alston?!!" she exclaimed and before she could do or say anything else, she heard it. A sound she only heard in the movies, but she knew very well what it was. Gunshots, three of them, even with the gun muffler, Xana recognized the sound. Michael sprang forward, his booted feet echoing in the empty, quiet street. Xana pulled her arm fiercely away from Alston's grip and whirled around, running after Michael towards Jamie. The two men were already running away and vanishing in the narrow alley where they emerged. Jamie was sprawled on the ground, his guitar lying beside him.
"Jamie," Xana said in a low whisper, kneeling down beside him while he was taking ragged breaths. He looked at Xana and tried to say something, but no words came out. Xana touched his chest, where the wounds were, and withdrew her hands quickly, staring at them with horror. They were soaked with blood, Jamie's blood, hot and thick on her hands. Xana felt the world around her dissolve. She wasn't aware of Michael's hand on her shoulder or Alston's urgent tone, begging her to leave with him. Nothing was left around but herself and Jamie, lying motionless on the cold ground, soaked in his blood. Xana saw as his eyes rolled back in their sockets and the light started fading out of them. "I'll fix you. Stay with me please, I'll fix you, Jamie." Xana whispered softly as she took Jamie's hand in her own and placed her other hand above his soaked chest. The smell of blood made her head light, but she pushed that away from her mind, focusing on one thing and remembering a certain phrase Calum said, 'healing powers are in your blood, it doesn't matter if you practiced'. She had to do this. Jamie must be cured. Xana focused on a certain power she had never used before, her healing powers. She had been injured so many times before. She knew how the Medela fairies cured her, how they focused on her wounds, placing a hand on them and concentrating their powers on healing those wounds, therefore, that was what she did. She closed her eyes and summoned all the light inside of her, transforming it into healing power, a power that would close Jamie's wounds, keep him alive and breathing, and keep his heart beating and his eyes shining. Xana's hands started to glow as she felt that pull inside of her, which meant she was drawing on her powers and using her energy to strengthen her magic. "Xana! What are you doing?" Michael pulled his hand away from Xana's light and asked in alarm, but Xana didn't answer, as if she hadn't even heard him. Alston stood frozen, watching wide-eyed as Xana's light surrounded her and Jamie, as Jamie lay under her light, which seemed to be protecting Jamie from the world, guarding him and keeping him safe. Her hair fell around them like a shield.
Xana pulled on all of her energy, directing it into Jamie's body, 'close his wounds, get rid of the bullets,' she kept thinking. Xana's wings sprang loose, visible and magnificent over her shoulders, sparkling silver and casting silver beams on the ground. Xana felt something ebb under her palm on Jamie's chest, something warm and metal, the bullets. It was working, she managed to take the bullets out. Xana didn't know for how long she sat there. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, but she didn't stop trying. His heart was beating under her touch, faintly and barely, but it was beating. The wounds started to close and no more blood came out. Xana started to feel dizzy, but she pushed that feeling away to the back of her mind. She was not going to pass out now, not before Jamie was perfectly cured. She was aware that she was panting, but that didn't matter. She kept all her attention on healing and curing.
"Xana!!" Jamie said in a faint voice and Xana gaped at him. "You are glowing." he added wide-eyed. Xana's heart skipped a beat, and she nearly lost her balance and fell backward if it wasn't for Michael who balanced her by putting his hand on her back. "Are you okay?" Xana managed to ask, pulling Jamie up into a sitting position. "What is going on, what is that light?" Jamie asked and Xana realized that her wings were visible and her body was still glowing, before she opened her mouth to answer, Jamie dropped to the ground with a thud. Xana glared at Alston, who unexpectedly banged Jamie on the back of his head with his adamas bow.