Enemies Closer

Jezi shut out Liam's complaints as she made her way to the salon. With a deep breath, she entered to a flurry of activity, more than that room had seen in almost a year. She watched the three young men scramble in organized chaos that was almost poetic in its grace.

Feeling a shift in the room, they all turned to the door.

"We know you don't have a lot of time, and we want to thank you for giving us an hour to rehearse in the space..." The young man smiled. "... we'll try to be quick.”

Jezi stared at the three of them, feeling for their energy. She found no immediate threat, but one could not be too careful. Something was on the wind, something familiar, and frightening. She would have to be on her guard.

"Forgive me, I apologize," the sweet voice grabbed her attention once again. "We've come in, and haven't even introduced ourselves." He approached her with a friendly smile, extending his hand. "I'm Rivera," he said.

Jezi offered her hand in greeting. "Jezebel," she replied.

Rivera tilted his head slightly at the oddity of her name. “Jezebel...?"

Jezi waited for the expected comment, but he merely wrapped her hand in his and squeezed. "... a pleasure.”

Jezi flashed a crooked smile at his old world manners.

Rivera turned to his friends. "This is Tooch... and Waggy.”

No wonder he didn't pause, he was accustomed to unusual names. "Tooch... Waggy..." Jezi shook their hands, her tension abating. Perhaps she wouldn't have to kill Desi after all.

"Jezi, more company?”

Speak of the devil.

"Yes Desi... the er... entertainment for next weekend... that you arranged…"

Desi looked between Jezi and the band with an innocent smile. Only Jezi noticed the fleeting moment of doubt and confusion in her eyes.

And the uncertainty that flickered across Rivera's face.

Desi introduced herself with her usual flair and congeniality. "Desiray. Pleased to meet you all.”

Rivera took her hand with a nod. "Lovely name," he said. "I'm sorry for staring. I ... had been expecting a man.”

"I'll try not to take offense," Desi scoffed.

"No, no," Rivera laughed. "It was a man I spoke to on the phone... so I assumed…"

Desi didn't have to look at Jezi to feel the jolt that went through her. The both of them knew to keep their composure, no matter what.

"Well, we have so many people helping us out, making preparations..." Desi began. "The important thing is that you're here." She flashed a dazzling smile, and as always, her voice seemed to put the young men at ease.

Jezi moved to her side. "We know you're anxious to get started, so we will let you finish setting up." She wrapped hand around Desi's arm. "Come, Desi…"

They stood on the threshold afraid to voice their concerns out loud.

"I take it you didnt…"

“Nope."

"But obviously someone…"

"Yep. Who are they anyway?”

"The Great American Witch Hunt…"

"... are you serious?”

One look at Jezi's face, and she knew the answer. They both turned to the threesome that were somehow orchestrated to be here, and wondered what it all meant.

"What are we going to do, Jezi?”

Desi recognized that look in Jezi's eyes. It was a dangerous look that masqueraded as a smile, and it never failed to make her nervous.

"We're going to listen to them play…"

As the music washed over them, Desi stole glances at Jezi. She was standing against the door frame, deceptively casual, but Desi knew she watched everything. She was figuring out these Witch Hunters, and if she didn't like what she discovered, well, Liam would have some cleaning up to do.

It was three by three until All Hallows Eve, and Jezi would send the world to Hell before she let harm come to The Black Flower... or its inhabitants.

Without a word, Jezi turned and walked away, leaving Desi to look after their unexpected guests. She could still hear the music. The sound filled the building like tendrils of smoke and fire. It climbed up the walls and across the ceilings, as if looking for a witch to burn.

Jezi turned the corner, finding what she was looking for.

Liam sat on the floor, scrubbing the baseboards, rocking along to the music. When she called to him, he grumbled "I'm going as fast as I can, okay?”

"Did you call those young men in there?" she asked.

"Did I call them what?!" Liam snapped.

Irritated, Jezi lifted her finger, bringing Liam up off the floor. She clenched her fist and he was rushed to her side, suspended two feet off the ground.

"Now, consider your answer very carefully," she warned. "Did you ... call them?”

"Why would I call a band?!" Liam choked. "I should call a priest for you crazy..." his words ended on a sputter.

Jezi released him. Hearing him hit the floor made her realize the music had stopped. "If you're lying to me, I'll have Desi turn you into a tampon... with no string…"

Jezi returned to see Desi emerging arm in arm with Rivera. "You boys are very good," she complimented, "How much do we owe you?”

Rivera frowned. "You've... already paid…"

"I told him to go ahead and take care of everything, Desi," Jezi chimed in. "You can't be too careful on holidays.”

Tooch and Waggy came out, carrying the packed equipment.

"Ready to go?" Tooch asked.

"Well, at least let us buy you a drink," Desi blurted. "How about a glass of wine.”

"No, Desi..." Jezi smiled. "No wine…"

She turned to an antique armoire and threw open the doors. She plucked a large crystal decanter off of the top shelf. "How about some scotch?" she asked.

After a few skeptical glances, they assented, and Desi sent Jezi a look as she went to gather enough glasses.

Jezi wasn't sure why she offered it, didn't know why she stopped Desi from pouring them some of her special wine, but none of that was as disturbing as the realization that the scotch felt a little light, as if someone had been sneaking in a few shots.

She would have to ask Liam about that later.

Jezi unstopped the decanter, closing her eyes to inhale the familiar aroma. She poured a round, lifting her glass. "To the Witch Hunt..." she toasted.

"Yeah, I hope we find some on Halloween," Waggy replied.

Desi leaned across the bar with a smile. "I have no doubt," she said, "... witches are everywhere.”

Jezi kept her eyes on everyone as she drained her glass. The liquid burned a path down her chest, setting fire to the place where her heart should've been. Fire and smoke.

... Cigar smoke.

Jezi whipped her head around, but it dissipated just as quickly.

Desi watched her, concern growing. “Jezi...?"

"Whatever you will need for your performance, just be sure to leave a list with Desi. We'll see that it's waiting when you arrive on the 31st," she said distractedly.

Desi came around the bar. "I'll walk you gentlemen out…"

Jezi was lost in her own thoughts, so the tug on her hand startled her.

"I look forward to seeing you again, Miss Jezebel," Rivera said.

Jezi nodded. "Until then.”

As they departed, Jezi lifted her glass to her nose, trying to make the scent come back. Before she knew it, she felt Desi's hand on her shoulder.

"Jezi... what's going on?”

"I... I don't know... I keep feeling…"

A knock sounded at the door, interrupting them. Jezi sighed. "One of them must have forgotten something." Her heels rapped sharply against the floor in her agitation. She threw open the door and was immediately arrested by a cloud of smoke. Slowly, it began to clear, and something deep inside her clenched as two blue eyes pierced through the fog.

All of Jezi's breath left her body on one word. "... Christian..”

A smile was her only reply.

"H-Wh-What are you doing here?!" she asked.

"Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

The smooth voice seemed to physically touch her. He stepped forward, the thick smoke parting for him, and Jezi took a step back. Her mouth opened, but none of the words that came to mind made it to the light of day.

Christian entered without the slightest trepidation, smiling down at her. "My dear... you look as though you've seen a ghost…"

"Jezi... is everything okay...?" Desi called as she approached.

Christian looked up at her, his smile broadening. "... Raven?”

Desi stopped in her tracks, looking over the handsome stranger. "No...Desiray. And you are?”

Jezi's lips trembled as she finally found her voice. "... Christian Brandon."

Past Sins

Jezi watched as Christian crossed over to Desi.

"Desiray... it is an absolute pleasure," he spoke softly, revealing nothing in his tone; Ever the politician. He reached out and tipped her chin up. "You're every bit as lovely as Raven was."

"Ah, well... thank you... I suppose," Desi mumbled.

He smiled, as Desi fiddled with her braid. He hadn't lost his touch, even after all this time. Christian spoke to Jezi, though he never took his eyes off of Desi. "And what are you calling yourself, these days?" He walked casually towards her.

"Jezebel," she answered.

He leaned in closer and his cologne wafted past her. "... suits you," he said.

The smell of him, the sight of him, the sound of him. Jezi's mind rebelled against the facts her senses bombarded her with. Against all odds, against all laws of nature and existence, Christian Brandon was standing right in front of her.

Jezi stared at him, trying to convince herself that this was all some terrible dream. She knew him well enough to know that he was baiting her, but she couldn't focus on anything but the questions burning through her head.

What was he doing here?

No... she knew the answer to that. He came for the Flower... and everyone in it. She always knew he would, but after nearly a century, she had begun to hope. There was only one question that mattered.

"How are you here?" she asked quietly.

"My dear..." Christian laughed, "...do you think you're the only witch left in the world?”

Jezi's mind raced. This was no ordinary witchcraft. There was no magic she knew of that could have brought Christian Brandon back from where he had been sent.

"What do you want?" Jezi asked.

"Why... I want an invitation to the party, of course..." Christian replied. "I even arranged for the... entertainment.”

"So that was you..." Jezi accused.

"I thought you'd might like that. Though, I was surprised to see them leaving here unscathed," he added, disappointed.

"They weren't real witch hunters.”

Christian put his polite smile back in place. "You'll be surprised what people become, once they find out what you …"

"I'm afraid our party is projected to be filled to capacity," Jezi interrupted. "I'm sorry.”

"Tsk." Christian frowned. "I was so looking forward to spending time with my old friends…"

They stared at each other for a moment, so much history going unsaid. But, it was Christian who broke first.

"Ah, well," he shrugged. "You'll let me know if anything changes, yeah?”

Before she could respond, Christian wrapped her up in a hug. "It's good to see you," he whispered.

His fists clenched tightly around her back, he pulled her in closer, and Jezi felt her spine groan in protest. He held her there, until she winced. This was the side of Christian Brandon that not many had gotten to see in his lifetime. But this was the Christian Brandon she knew. He didn't forgive, and he didn't forget.

And there was no doubt in Jezi's mind that he remembered everything.

Christian lightened his grip, keeping his hand flat on Jezi's back. "I'll see you soon... both of you.”

Jezi heard the threat within his sweet voice loud and clear.

Christian smiled at Desi, and shot her a quick wink, before turning and walking out of the door.

"Okay... who was that?!" Desi sighed.

Jezi looked down at her hands, and realized she was shaking. "Christian Brandon." She ran behind the bar, pouring herself a stiff drink, reveling in the burn. She needed the pain to focus.

"So..." Desi prodded, "what's the deal with this Christian.”

"It's a long story," Jezi replied. "All you need to know is that he tried to destroy the Flower... and James." Jezi took another drink. "And he damn near succeeded.”

"So, what do we do?" Desi asked. She hadn't seen Jezi so frazzled before.

"You continue taking care of the preparations. I'll go down to the tomes and see what I can figure out." Jezi left before Desi could respond.

She didn't miss the slight pout on Desi's face, though. Jezi hated leaving her out, especially at this critical stage in her training, but there were secrets, old secrets, deep secrets that she needed to keep buried.

Jezi opened the door, looking down the long dark staircase. She grabbed the candelabra from the wall, the candles flickering to life at her touch. She slowly made her way down the stairs, the air cooling as she descended. When she reached the bottom, she scanned the dank room for the glow of a lone candle.

Jezi didn't know why she wouldn't let her run electricity down here.

Over in the far corner, she saw it. From the low light, the candle must be nearly burnt out by now. She would never notice until it sputtered out completely. Jezi smiled at her focus. Walking over to the alcove, Jezi placed the candelabra on the table, illuminating the book. Only then did the reader notice her presence.

"Oh, Jezi! How are you?" Bright eyes blinked up at her.

"Hello Robyn." Jezi smiled at her. "I'm doing well.”

Every school kid knew the story of Robyn Red Breast. At this point it was reduced to a simple ghost story, a double dutch song, but not many people knew of the real horror of a sweet little bookworm with a special gift, who lived every school day in torment.

Bullied every day, because she was quiet and studious, she had finally had enough. She hadn't even known she could move things with the power of her mind until she had crushed the star quarterback and head cheerleader behind the bleachers on Halloween thirty years ago.

She ran from the school in terror, chased down by a group of popular kids that knew what she had done. They had cut through the buildings, where they finally caught up with her. They stabbed her in the chest, leaving her to bleed to death.

That was where Jezi found her, and brought her inside. Despite her enormous power, Robyn decided she wanted to spend the rest of her afterlife peacefully, and was content simply to read quietly in her corner, as she had most of her life.

She had read every book in their extensive library more times than she could count, and knew everything contained in those pages.

"What can I do for you?" she asked.

"How can a soul be brought back before All Hallows Eve?" Jezi asked.

"That is... powerful magic," Robyn looked skeptical."... and dangerous.”

"I know," Jezi said, "it's important, though.”

Robyn shrugged, glancing around. She lifted her hand, concentrating. A book came flying towards her. She caught it effortlessly, flipping through the pages.

Jezi already knew the answer to her question, but she really hoped she was wrong.

"Well, there's always possession..." Robyn began.

"No." Jezi shook her head. That wasn't the soul of Christian Brandon is someone else's body. That was Christian.

Robyn flipped another page. "The only other way is through blood magic.”

Jezi sighed. She was afraid of that.

Robyn read aloud. "A soul may be reclaimed prior to All Hallows Eve, so long as it remain confined to the location of it's reclamation."

That didn't make sense. Christian didn't seem to be confined by anything, not even the protection spells she had placed over the Flower. There was no doubt in her mind that today wasn't the first time he'd been inside.

She ran the risk of revealing more than she wanted to Robyn, but she really needed answers. "What about a soul... trapped in Purgatory?”

"Purgatory?! Are you sure?" Robyn asked.

Jezi hesitated. "... positive.”

Robyn had a look of deep concentration on her face. Then, she sprang up from her seat and stalked towards the bookshelves.

It took a moment for Jezi to follow her. Robyn usually brought the books flying to her. It was rare for her to move from her comfortable spot in order to seek out a specific publication. But, here Jezi was, winding through stacks of books and shelves in pursuit of a very determined Robyn.

"There aren't many records of people making it out of Purgatory, which I guess is the point of it, I suppose," Robyn narrated.

"But when it does happen, it is almost always on Halloween. The lines between worlds are blurred just enough that some people, if they are strong enough... or angry enough, can manage to get out.”

Robyn came to a stop, looking up on high shelf. She pulled a chair over and stood precariously, stretching to grab something from the very top shelf.

"Why don't you just... woosh it?" Jezi asked.

Robyn caught the book carefully, a layer of dust trickling all around them. "Too old," she answered. She flipped through the pages more excited than Jezi had seen in ages.

"There was this one case... Petyr St. Jacque. His mom was a witch. He got involved in some really...questionable practices, and got into a lot of trouble.”

Robyn started reading, and Jezi wondered if she'd forgotten she was there. "Holy Shit..." Robyn said.

"What?" Jezi asked.

"His mother was the one who created the Binding Spell for Purgatory!”

"How did he escape?" Jezi asked.

"Well..." Robyn sighed. "His father had a secret that he'd managed to keep from them both.”

She closed the book gently, stroking the worn cover. "He was a vampire.”

Shit, Jezi thought. She tried to keep her face neutral. "What happened to Petyr?”

Robyn shook her head. "No one knows. His return of course caused quite a stir. But then... there's just nothing.”

Jezi tried to smile. "Thanks for your help, Robyn." She turned and wound her way through the bookshelves, darkness closing in on her. She began to climb the stairs, feeling something she hadn't experienced in decades.

Fear.

She walked into the parlor to find Desi dusting off and organizing the china. "Desi, have Liam close and lock every door and then…"

Desi smiled brightly. "I don't know where Liam is…"

Jezi narrowed her eyes at Desi's innocent tone.

"He could be anywhere," Desi giggled.

Jezi looked over the sea of plates and bowls and cups, noticing one teacup with a chip in it, and a broken handle. Jezi picked it up carefully, and placed it on a nearby table. “Desi..."

With a smile, Desi flicked her wrist and Liam appeared curled up on top of the table. With the slightest movement, he promptly fell off. When he rose, Jezi held up a hand.

"Unh! I don't want to hear it. I need for you to close and lock every door and window, and make sure they're secure. Now!”

With a parting glare for Desi, Liam scurried off to do his duty.

“Desi..."

"What? You were gone. I was bored." she shrugged.

"Come with me," Jezi sighed.

Jezi led Desi to the hall of portraits, wariness growing with every step. Desi could feel something shifting in Jezi, and it scared her. "Jezi, what's going on?”

"We're gonna bring them back... tonight," Jezi said.

"We can do that?!”

"I can," Jezi replied. "This is blood magic, and it can be very dangerous. But, not as dangerous as Christian Brandon.”

Jezi halted Desi's questions before they began. "This will likely weaken me, so you will have to protect the Flower tonight.”

"Okay," Desi said.

"Christian Brandon cannot be allowed in, or it could be the end of us all.”

Desi nodded. "I understand. I won't let you down.”

Jezi stood in front of the first portrait and pulled a small jeweled dagger from the folds of her skirt. She cut her thumb, running it slowly across the golden nameplate at the bottom. She closed her eyes, quickly whispering words in a language older than the recording of time. She swiped her thumb over her tongue, continuing the incantation.

When she opened her eyes, the frame stood empty. Jezi's knees buckled and her vision blurred. Two pairs of hands caught her before she hit the floor. Jezi looked up to her left and a familiar smile restored a small hope.

"Fox!" she gasped.

Matthias smiled brighter and hugged her. "Hey there, Jezi..." When he released her, she still hung on, so he hugged her a little tighter. "Jezi... what's wrong?”

"He's back, Fox. I don't know how, but he's back…"

Matthias took a step back, frowning at Jezi. "He can't be. You put..." He saw the warning look on her face and decided not to finish his thought. "That's... not possible," he said.

"Sure it is," a deep voice chuckled.

Every breath held, and they all seemed to be frozen in fright. It was Desi who first broke the spell.

"Jezi, run!" she screamed.

Flight or Fight

"Jezi, run!"

Desi's scream threw Jezi's body into action. Without thought, she ran around the corner, hearing the clamor of pursuit. She whirled around to see Matthias charging towards Christian.

"Fox, don't!" she yelled. She lifted her hand and a burst of light pulsed through the air, sending them flying.

Christian was up in a flash, coming after them again. He moved so fast, far too fast. Jezi couldn't get a handle on where to strike. She felt a gust of wind, and suddenly he was in front of her. He grabbed the back of her neck, and Jezi barely caught a glimpse of the dagger before he plunged it into her chest.

Desi gasped deeply at the scene. "Oh god, Jezi!”

Awareness shone in Christian's eyes at Jezi's lack of reaction as he pulled the blade free.

Jezi lifted her hands reflexively, but he was gone, reappearing behind Desi, the dagger poised at her throat.

"Do it, and you kill your friend..." Christian mocked.

Jezi shook with her desire to end him. Slowly, she lowered her hands.

Christian smiled, a devious smile of the damned. Jezi knew that smile. Before she could open her mouth, Christian sank a pair of sharp fangs into Desi's neck.

Jezi couldn't hear anything, could only watch as Desi reached around, clawing at his head. When he released her, everything slowed to a standstill as Jezi watched her body drop to the floor.

Matthias rushed forward, wrestling Christian to the ground. With her blood fueling his spirit, he was so much stronger than she realized, stronger than Christian had anticipated.

The frenzy that had served him so well in his boxing career returned, and the edges of the room started to blur. He hauled Christian to his feet, barely feeling the blows to his own body.

Jezi ran to Desi's side. "Hey, Desi... look at me. Open your eyes!”

Desi lie there, her chest rising and falling rapidly, twin rivulets of blood streaking down her neck. "Jezi... it burns!" She clasped Jezi's hand.

"I know, sweetie. It's gonna be okay. You're gonna be okay." Jezi reassured her. She squeezed Desi's hand with a smile on her face. Jezi closed her eyes, words pouring out of her mouth, as her voice began to deepen and fracture.

Beneath his feet, Matthias felt the floor shudder, throwing him and Christian off balance. A pained look crossed over Christian's face and an unseen force drove him backwards out of the window with a crash.

"What the hell was that?!" Matthias asked.

"Ejectus spell," Jezi replied, "for vampires. Now he won't be able to enter without an invitation.”

Matthias knelt beside her. "Why the fuck didn't you do that before?!”

Jezi smiled down at Desi, unclasping their hands to reveal a mangled tuft of jet black hair. "I needed something of his…"

Desi smiled as much as she could against the pain. "I did good?" she asked.

Jezi tried to stop the tears welling in her eyes. "... you... did great," she whispered.

"Yay," Desi said weakly. "I earn my keep.”

Liam and Biggun came rushing into the room. "What the hell was that?!" Liam yelled.

Jezi looked up, blinking to clear her vision. "Biggun, take Desi to her room." As he approached she placed a hand on his arm. "... stay with her.”

"Yes, Mistress," Biggun replied. He scooped a now limp Desi into his arms and carried her out of the room.

Matthias stared at Jezi with unanswered questions in his eyes. Before he could voice them, Jezi stood abruptly. "We need to go see Robyn.”

When they opened the door, Robyn stood at the bottom of the staircase, candelabra in hand, and a look of concern on her face.

"Is everything all right up there? she asked. "What happened?!”

Jezi and Matthias made their way down to her. "A vampire bit Desi," Matthias said.

"Is she going to turn?" Jezi asked.

Robyn pondered the question. "It's hard to say..." she began. "Vampires are singular creatures. Some can turn with a bite, some require a blood exchange. Some can control, some can drain power from their victims." Roby shrugged sadly. "I'm afraid there's no real way to tell.”

Jezi let that information sink in, trying not to lose hope. "How do we kill him?" she asked.

"The only way to kill a vampire is either sunlight... or silver," Robyn replied.

Jezi nodded. "Thank you, Robyn.”

Robyn looked at Matthias. "It's nice to see you again, Fox." She slid a glance to Jezi. "Though... a little early.”

Jezi smiled at the warning. Blood magic wasn't necessarily bad... but it was dangerous. That was one reason Jezi hadn't practiced it in years. Still, one never forgot.

"Should I be worried?" Robyn asked as they turned to leave.

Jezi shook her head. "I will always protect the Flower, and everyone in it," she replied.

When they reached the ground floor once more, Matthias grabbed Jezi's arm. "Okay, Jezi... how about some answers?”

"What is the question?”

"I saw Christian stab you through the heart..." he said.

"You saw him stab me through the chest," Jezi countered.

"So what, you're saying you don't have a heart?”

Jezi scoffed. "Of course I have a heart," she began. "... it's just... not in my chest.”

Matthias frowned at her. "Where the hell is it?!”

"Fox, we don't have time for this. I don't know what Christian has planned, but we both know what his end game will be." she sighed.

"Well, he can't enter without an invitation, right?" Matthias asked.

"Yeah... but I doubt that'll stop him." Jezi thought long and hard. "He'll find a way. If he can come back, others can as well. The big party is tomorrow. He could send anyone.”

Matthias shook his head. "I have an idea of who he would send." He sighed heavily. "We'll need to wake the others... now.”

Jezi looked unsure for the first time.

"Can you do it?" he asked.

"Yes... but it'll weaken me," she answered. She didn't like the thought of both she and Desi being out of commission at the same time. But, if anyone could hold down the fort, it was Fox.

Jezi picked up the dagger that Christian had dropped, tapping it against her thumb. "I trust you, Fox," she whispered.

Matthias had a feeling that she wasn't just referring to his care of things in her absence.

Jezi slashed the dagger across her palm, running it down her lifeline. She slammed her hand against the wall, taking a deep breath before reciting the spell. It was as second nature to her as spelling her name.

The building shook violently once, then once more with a loud thump, and another until it settled into a steady rhythm.

The rhythm of a beating heart.

The walls seemed to expand and contract in time with it, breathing... living.

Jezi slid down to her knees, unable to give anymore.

"Shit, Jezi!" TJ called. "What the fuck is going on?!”

"Is she okay?!" Raven asked.

"Help me get her to her room!" Matthias said.

TJ hefted her up off the floor. "We got ya Jezi," he said.

Jezi reached for Raven. "You... can't leave..." she mumbled, holding out her bloodied palm.

Raven nodded her understanding as they helped her down the hall.

Desi tossed and turned unable to get comfortable. She alternated between hot and cold, between sleep and awake in a never-ending cycle. She glanced over at Biggun's sleeping form pouring out of the side chair.

“Desi..."

The voice came out of nowhere, but she recognized it.

"Desi, I need you to do something for me,”

There it was again. Desi shook her head and shut it out.

"Desi... get up!”

She felt her body move of its own volition, and forced herself to be still. "No!" She wanted to call out to Biggun, but as she opened her mouth, her words stopped in her throat.

"You're a willful little witch.”

Desi felt his smile as though he were right next to her.

"Stop fighting me... we both know you won't win." he chuckled. "Now... get up!”

Desi climbed out of bed quietly, feeling like she was being pulled. She held onto the bedpost, but the draw was too much. It hurt when she disobeyed.

"That's right, Desi, come to me.”

Silently, Desi tiptoed through the hall, wishing she could call out to Jezi. She looked on the wall at the empty frames, wanting to rip them down, to alert someone, anyone. But, it was no good. Her very own blood was calling to her, and she was powerless to resist for long.

She turned the knob slowly, muffling the click of the lock. She opened the door, and began to walk down the road.

"Good girl..."

With a smile, Christian turned to the faces looking back at him. He blew out a cloud of smoke, placing the cigar between his teeth once again. "Get ready, guys. Tomorrow, we're going to a party..."

He took his leave among the cheers and preparations that filled the room and headed to await their new arrival.