A/N: This story falls into the Aqueaura universe, though, as you'll read, each story in the universe is a stand alone. The only things they share are: characters and a few elements. However, if you do have questions about characters at all, I suggest contacting me or reading other stories in this universe.

Thank you,

Cataira

Black Daylight

The sound of leaves crunching filled the night. The pale moon glittered brightly and the forest was lit with an eerie glow. A man of twenty eight stood, starring into the blackness. Suddenly a man stepped from the shadows, he was tall and his features were non-descript. His smile was chilling as he approached the younger man.

The younger man backed up a few steps, the older man advanced, “William… You have been a very bad boy.”

The man’s eyes changed slightly, practically glowing and his canines elongated ever-so-slightly. William barely had time to make a noise before the vampires fangs descended into his throat.

A pale girl stood in the park seven hundred and sixteen years later; she awaited her friends, who had decided to be late.

From her rocky perch, Trinity Telluria watched Elexis and Faith stumbling up the steep path, panting. She smiled lazily at them.

“I have been waiting… where were you?”

“Trin, unlike yourself, we are not hiking witches who can practically control the earth and are one-hundred and two percent at home leaping from rock to rock.” Faith snapped good-humoredly.

Elexis giggled as Trinity laughed slightly, a wide grin spread across her features.

“Sorry, I do not mean to push so hard but I said nine o’ clock, not ten fifteen.” She taunted back, teasing her best-friends.

Elexis shook her head in amusement. “So, what are we here for?”

“I had a dream, like your vision, Lex.”

Both girls froze, “About Ex?” Faith gasped.

Trinity nodded, “Only the man called him William.”

“Well, that does make sense, that was Ex’s mortal name.”

“Mortal name?” Faith queried.

“Well, someone had to turn him, didn’t they?” Elexis growled in annoyance.

“Both of you, stop.” Trinity said, lost in thought.

Both girls stopped at once and turned their attention to the quiet girl.

“What?” They both asked at once.

“When was it that you met Ex, Lexie?”

“Ummm, about two years ago, why?”

“I don’t know, I have just been having a bad feeling. Could he be back from his travels?”

“Travels?” Faith interrupted.

“Yeah, he left shortly after Lex met him to travel the rest of the world, mainly jungles and such.” Trinity explained.

“I think so…he said he wouldn’t be long… that he had unfinished business here or something.”

“Do you think he’ll comeback here… to see you again.”

Elexis shifted nervously, “What do you mean?”

“Well, if he is coming back, even if there is just a chance, you could be in danger. He could try to turn you again.” Faith thought aloud.

Elexis froze slightly, “Ummm, guys?”

“Hmmm?” They both asked, lost in thought.

“He didn’t ‘try’ to turn me.”

Trinity whirled to face her, “What do you mean?”

“He, well, he, uh…succeeded.” Murmured the girl, toying with a curl.

Faith scrambled back a few steps and nearly slipped off of the precarious overhang. Barely moving, Trinity grasped her by the shirt and tugged her forward while advancing on Elexis.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Whispered Trinity.

“I couldn’t, he told me not to. I had no choice, it was a direct command.”

“Lexie, why? Why did he turn you?” Faith squeaked, still frightened of the girl before her.

“He said something about a beacon, it attracts vampires to potential vampires.”

“How can you be in the sunlight?” Faith asked.

“She is more sensitive to it but that’s all, she may burn a little quicker but she won’t die from it.” Trinity muttered.

“Trin, I am so sorry.”

Trinity waved her off, “Stop. I don’t want to hear it.”

“The beacon…what is that about?” Faith questioned.

Trinity cut Elexis off again, “It attracts vampires to ones that can become vampires. You see, vampires aren’t made, they are born that way. Around puberty at earliest they realize their true nature, but if one is bitten or forced to drink blood sooner, it may awaken their hunger and their nature, but they already are vampires. However, if they had not been 'turned' they may not have realized it until later, if at all.”

“How did you know that?” Elexis asked, awed.

Trinity shrugged, “Just did.”

Elexis eyed her curiously as did Faith; neither said a word, however. They both knew that Trinity just knew things. She was the most powerful being on earth; she was to lead the fight that was to determine the fate of the world. Although she was odd and strange things happened around her, she had no reason to lie. She only did so if it was necessary to the safety of someone.

“What did you dream?” Elexis asked, cautiously.

Trinity blinked, as though waking from a dream. “Ex, William… I saw him being turned. By a man…a vampire, he was… I don’t know.” She sighed in frustration, “I couldn’t really see, he was featureless, practically. He had glowing eyes and fangs, but that was it.”

“And Ex? By the way, what does ‘Ex’ stand for?” Faith asked.

Trinity face took on a pensive look as Elexis began to look dreamy. Elexis’ voice was soft as she answered, “I don’t know what it stands for, he never told me and nearly bit my head off when I asked, pardon the pun. He is tall, very tall. His skin is sooo white, you would think that Trin is tan; He has jet black hair and reddish brown eyes that seem to be endless. He is the most gorgeous fire element I have ever seen.”

Faith looked dreamy as well, “Wow.” She breathed.

Trinity smiled and shook her head, “You two and your hormones.”

“Yes, well, if you saw him…”

“I’d punch him in the face for turning my little sister.”

Trinity always referred to the girls as her sisters even though they were not blood related. They called her the same as well.

“Whatever, Trin. Think what you’d like, I hope that you haven’t deluded yourself.”

“Deluded? Thinking about yourself, dearest?” Mocked Trinity.

The trio laughed, used to the friendly banter that was commonly exchanged. The girls continued to talk and tease until the sun was high in the sky. Elexis glanced at her watch and swore colorfully.

“I should have been home an hour ago.”

“Damn. Me too.” Faith muttered.

“Ok, are we meeting at Lexie’s tonight?” Trinity asked.

Elexis nodded, “Sure. See you at seven, bring pjs.”

“‘K, see you at seven.” Chirped Faith, prancing down the trail, energetically.

“See ya later, Trin?”

Trinity nodded and gazed at the beauty of the mountains as Elexis trotted off to catch up to Faith. After about half an hour, Trinity agilely began her trek home.

As Elexis entered her house she heard her mother, Amelia, talking to someone.

“Mom?” She called.

“Lex, come here, we have company.” Her mother called back.

Elexis rolled her hazel eyes and entered the living room. She stopped dead and gasped, horrified, her hand flying up to cover her mouth.

“Ex!”

“Elexis!” Her mother scolded, “Don’t be rude.”

“Yes, Elexis don’t be rude.” Agreed Ex, mockingly.

His complexion was one of an ordinary sanguinarian vampire, he was deathly pale but his skin held an olive tint that told of European origin and his deep British accent confirmed it.

“Mom, why don’t you make lemonade?’ Elexis requested with a nervous smile.

“Yes, Ms. Etain, lemonade sounds lovely.” Ex agreed and Amelia‘s eyes brightened.

“Of course! I’ll get right on it!” She chirped.

Elexis waited until her mother was out of the room before confronting the dark man.

“What the hell are you doing here??”

Ex gave her a half smile, “Unfinished business, Love.”

“You’ve already turned me… what business do you have here?” Elexis asked apprehensively.

“Hush, Elexis. All in do time. Besides…don’t you have company tonight? Due to arrive in a few short hours?”

“You’re not staying! Please, tell me you’re not staying.”

Amelia had walked back in to hear the last comment. “Of course, he is. Mr. Zatayrius is renting out the spare room.”

Ex smiled wickedly, “Surprise.” He whispered into Elexis’ ear.

Elexis whirled on him, her eyes icy with fury. “Don’t do this.” Her voice was hoarse.

“Elexis, are you feeling well? You look pale. I shall escort you to your room, come along.” False concern colored his voice as he steered her towards her room.

He locked the door behind them and turned to tower over the young woman. “I have a little mission, Elexis dear. I want Trinity turned, and I am going to be the one to do it.”

“What? Why Trinity?”

“Elexis, use your brain, The Most Being on Earth, under my command?” He answered condescendingly.

“I won’t help you.” She spat.

Ex smiled dangerously, “You won’t have to.”

Trinity lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. She had just finished packing and her parents were at work, like usual. She rarely saw them and she was rarely home. Merely sleeping there on weekdays during school and storing the majority of her clothes. All other times she was at either Lexie’s or Faith’s and now that summer was upon them, she was barely home at all.

Trinity sighed; she glanced at her clock and sighed again. There were still quite a few hours until she could go to her friend’s house. She turned of the light after setting her alarm to an hour before she was due at Lexie’s.

Trinity hoped that she would be able to obtain a few hours of precious sleep. Her insomnia was intensifying and her dreams plagued what sleep she did get.

As she drifted into a fitful slumber, another dream took hold.

The place was cloudy, sliver mist swirled eerily. Out of the corner of her eye, Trinity saw a figure moving deeper into the gray depths. Her interest captured, Trinity attempted to follow.

She suppressed the urge to call out to the being. In her rush, Trinity tripped, on her descent towards the unseen floor, she was caught.

“No need to fall on my account.” Came the British voice in her ear.

Trinity turned to look at her savoir and her breath caught.

This was William, Ex, the man from her previous dream. Elexis’ description no where near did him justice. He was very tall, standing at about a foot over her 5’8 frame. His hair was so black when the light caught it, it looked almost silver. It was straight and reached his shoulder blades. His eyes were a deep, dark reddish brown that seemed as thought they could see your soul and were ageless. He was lean, wiry but solid. Every muscle was defined underneath his deathly pale olive skin. Over all, the effect was stunning and intimidating. Trinity, however, refused to be intimidated and held her ground.

“William.” She greeted.

An eyebrow arched and her gave her a half smile, “I prefer Ex.” He watched her closely, “You know me, I, however, do not know you.”

“Trinity Telluria.”

Ex’s eyes widened, “You’re Trinity?” He questioned his tone disbelieving.

Trinity eyed him curiously, “Yes, why?”

“I did not expect a seventeen year old witch to look as… grown up as you do.” Ex said with an amused, appraising look.

Trinity smirked, “Well, I did not expect a seven hundred and forty year old vampire to look the part.”

My, my. Aren’t we flippant?”

“What do you what, William?”

Ex’s eyes narrowed slightly, “I prefer Ex.” He informed her slowly as though speaking to a problem child.

Trinity’s eyebrows rose, “Did I not ask you a question?” She asked her voice sweet and innocent.

Ex rolled his mahogany eyes, “What makes you think I want something?”

“The bad guy always wants something from the heroine.” She stated simply.

“Is that what I am? A ‘bad guy’?” He asked with a laugh.

Trinity’s answering laugh was derisive, “You’re telling me that you’re not ‘bad’?”

Ex grinned evilly, “That’s what I am. Bad.”

“Ooooh…you’re badass.” Trinity cooed as though saying, ‘Awww, that’s sooo cute.’

“I will kindly ask you to refrain from mocking me.”

“Oh yeah, sorry. My mother always said ‘Don’t forget to brush your teeth, and Trinity; don’t mock ‘evil’ vampires. Oh, She’d be so disappointed.” Trinity wailed in mock despair.

“You try my patience.” He stated, advancing on her.

“You make it so easy.” She stated, while matching his prowling step for step.

“You’re not frightened of me?” Ex asked, both confused and amazed.

“It takes—

Trinity sat upright, jerked awake by her alarm clock.

“It takes a lot to scare me.”

Refusing to spend time on her dream, she grabbed her bag and headed out the door.

The door bell rang and Elexis sprinted for the door, only to be cut off by Ex. With an agile movement the vampire opened the door with flourish.

Faith and Trinity stared up at the vampire, Faith with awe while Trinity’s eyes began to take on a fiery glow.

“Ex.”

“William.”

“Trinity.”

The three names were said as one.

Elexis cringed in anticipation, Faith openly gaped and Trinity stood emotionless.

Ex took Faith’s hand and raised it to his mouth with a devilish smile and introduced himself. She swooned.

Ex crossed to Trinity and as he raised her hand she pulled away, backing half a step.

“No greeting, Cariad?” He asked, exaggerating disappointment.

“Oh, you’d like a greeting.” Trinity crossed two steps to stand in front of the tall man, stopped, looked up at him innocently and punched him in the nose making his head reel back.

“How’s that greeting?” Asked the young woman with a feral smile.

Faith gasped in despair, firmly under Ex’s spell and Elexis’ eyes grew round with surprise and awe. Ex’s eyes glittered dangerously.

“I’ll advise you not to do that again.”

“Do what?” She asked, blinking her blue eyes innocently.

Silence fell over the four, Elexis was the first to break it as she fell into a fit of giggles, Trinity quickly joined her. Ex was about to retaliate as Amelia interrupted them to announce that dinner was ready.

Dinner was an uneventful affair, each party was well behaved. Shortly after dinner, however, all hell broke loose.

The hypnosis spell that Ex had cast on Faith was broken and Faith started screaming, this annoyed Ex who started growling. Trinity broke in by holding up a hand.

“Stop,” She demanded, “Now. Both of you.”

Faith stopped immediately while the vampire looked at the teen with shocked amusement.

“Do not demand me, Child.”

“Do not demand me, Vampire.”

Elexis drew in a breath and held it, waiting for Ex to attack her best friend.

Ex merely chuckled, “You really are a spit fire.”

Trinity smiled sweetly and spat on him, “Thank you for noticing.” She chirped before charging to Elexis and grabbing her arm who in turn grabbed Faith’s arm and dragged the two girls into Lexie’s room and slammed the door shut.

Ex’s eyes glowed red with anger. Literally. Suddenly standing in the place of the 6’8 vampire was an eleven foot tall shadow.

Trinity was fuming, Faith was in shock and Elexis was scared. The three females sat on the large bed in silence.

Elexis gasped as the shadow passed through the door.

Standing immediately, Trinity was on her feet.

With a shimmer, Ex was a vampire again.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Demanded Trinity.

The vampire charged forward and pinned her to the wall, towering over her while her friends watched helplessly.

“Don’t you ever turn your back on me again.”

“Or you’ll what? Scold me?” Mocked the witch.

Ex bared his fangs which had elongated. “What do you think I could do with these, Cariad?”

Trinity’s stormy eyes widened then narrowed as she placed her knee firmly in the vampire’s groin. He growled and stumbled backwards, with a swift roundhouse kick, Trinity sent him flying to the floor.

Trinity straddled him, “You should know better than to threaten me, William. You have no idea what I am capable of.”

With a snarl he flipped Trinity over so he was on top.

“And you, My dear, have no idea as to what I am capable of.”

Using her feet Trinity kicked Ex off of her and stood.

“You’ll make a very fine vampire, Pet.” Said the man as he climbed to his feet.

“I will never be your ‘pet’.”

“We shall see.” With a devilish smile, he walked out the door.

Trinity let out an infuriated scream and threw herself onto the bed; Faith quickly kneeled on the bed beside her.

“Are you ok, Trin?”

Trinity glared at her, “Just peachy.”

“Sorry, I meant ‘Are you hurt?’.”

“No, I’m fine.” She noticed Elexis’ vacant expression, “Are you alright, Lex?”

Elexis’ liquid hazel eyes focused on her best friend, “He’s going to turn you.”

Trinity’s smile was cocky, “Not without a fight.”

“You don’t know him…he’ll make you want it, then, after he turns you, you’ll be his slave. You’ll obey his every command without even thinking about it, like I do.”

“No, I won’t.” Trinity’s eyes flashed with a dangerous defiance.

Elexis’ eyes closed as if in pain, “Yes, you will.” She whispered, brokenly.

A week or so past, Trinity stayed at Elexis’ house as previously arranged by her parents for the month and a half that they were out of the country and Faith was on vacation in Europe for a month with her family. Amelia and her boyfriend were on their three year anniversary, opting for a cruise.

This left Elexis, Trinity and Ex.

Trinity stepped out of the shower of the bathroom adjoining Elexis’ room; she walked into the bedroom they shared clad only in a towel.

She stopped dead as she saw Ex perched on the bed. Trinity sighed in exasperation, she had formed an odd respect toward the vampire over the past week, He was witty and had an intellect that rivaled her own, but, due to the fact that he had been around longer than she, he knew more. It fascinated her that he might be able to teach her something not found in the numerous books she read. She also realized that other than turning Elexis, he had not actually done anything to them and she had judged him too quickly. Be that as it was, she still did not trust him.

“What are you doing in here, William?”

Ex growled, “Must you insist on calling me by that ridiculous name?”

Trinity smirked playfully, “Yes, I am. Unless you’d like to tell me what ‘Ex’ stands for?”

“If I did, I’d have to kill you.”

Trinity laughed, “Were you not planning on doing that anyway?”

“Well, yes. However, you would not wake from this sleep.” He teased.

Stormy eyes rolled, “I reiterate, what are you doing here? What if I had been changing or had come out of the bathroom not wearing anything at all?”

Ex smiled wickedly, “Additional benefit.”

“You know, you remind me of a child.”

“Trinity, you are seventeen and you act forty.”

The teen bristled, “And you are seven hundred and forty and you act like a pubescent teenage boy.”

Ex merely laughed, “I came up to inform you that supper is ready.”

“Thank you, William. I’ll be down shortly.”

Ex stood, looking at her.

Again she rolled her eyes. “Kindly desist your appraisal and leave so I may get clothed.”

With a nearly disappointed sigh, Ex nodded and exited the room, closing the door softly behind him.

When Trinity joined the two vampires, she glanced at the elder and fixed her attention on the younger, “Sister dear, next time you decide to send William to fetch me for dinner, ask him to knock.”

“How was I supposed to know you were bathing?” Ex questioned playfully.

Elexis laughed, “You were in the shower!?”

Trinity glared, “You find that amusing?”

Elexis lost it, laughing loudly she gasped, “Hell yes!”

Ex smiled devilishly and Trinity gave in with a smile of her own.

“Alright you two.” She turned her attention to Ex, “Knock next time.”

Ex merely grinned.

A few days later, Trinity could not sleep. She glanced over at the sleeping girl next to her and sighed. Sleep would not come that night and she did not need to wake Elexis with her tossing and turning.

Quietly the teen made her way to the small office and grabbed a book. She then went into the living room to read when she sighted Ex who was sitting on the couch.

“William, what are you doing up?”

“I am a vampire, Cariad. And I could ask the same of you.”

“I have insomnia and you know as well as I that being a vampire doesn’t affect your sleeping pattern. Just because you are sensitive to sunlight doesn’t mean you can’t go out during the day.”

“Fine, Fine. I am an insomniac as well. How do you know so much about vampires?” He asked curiously.

Trinity shrugged, “I am not exactly sure.”

As she became absorbed in her book, Ex regarded her closely. After a few moments she became aware of his eyes upon her.

“What?” She asked, not looking up from her book.

Ex averted his eyes and resumed watching the fire which danced merrily.

“What kind of a vampire do you think I’d be?” Trinity asked, both curious and innocent.

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think I’d be a sanguinarian and drink blood or a psi and feed off of energy or both?”

“I couldn’t say.” Said Ex, regarding her with a thoughtful expression.

“Well, what are you?”

“Both.”

“And Lexie’s a sanguinarian, right?”

“Correct.”

“Thought so.”

Slightly chilled, Trinity grabbed the blanket from behind Ex and snuggled into it. Playfully Ex pulled the cover over himself. Back and forth they tugged until it covered them both.

Trinity and Ex fell into a companianable silence. Both of them read the same book silently until Ex took the book from Trinity and read it aloud to her softly.

Slowly, comforted and warm Trinity fell asleep next to him, her head on his shoulder.

Without acknowledging the drooping of his eyelids, Ex followed her into sleep.

A few short hours later while the sun was just peaking over the horizon, Ex awoke. For a moment he panicked, a pressure on his chest weighed him down. Opening his maroon eyes, he saw a curtain of deep brown hair splayed across his chest. Trinity lay curled atop him, sleeping silently as the birds chirped outside the window.

Ex smiled contentedly and shifted. This slight movement woke Trinity who lifted her head and blinked sleepily.

All at once she realized her position and blushing, scrambled away, “Sorry,” She murmured, not meeting his eyes.

Ex smiled wickedly, “Feel free to use me as your pillow anytime.”

The red that highlighted the young witch’s cheeks deepened in hue.

Ex smiled, still stretched out across the couch.

“I really am sorry, William.” Trinity said, eyes still cast away.

“Exanimere.”

Trinity looked up at him, “What?”

“Exanimere, that’s what ‘Ex’ stands for.”

Trinity smiled sweetly, “I still prefer William.”

Ex frowned, “I hate that name.”

“Fine, I’ll settle for calling you ‘Liam.”

“Liam?” Ex mocked, an eyebrow raised.

“Either that or Billy….Willy’s nice too.” She teased.

“Alright. Liam will be suitable.”

Trinity smiled at him, “Okie dokie, Liam.”

Ex groaned and rolled his eyes.

Elexis walked in to see the witch and the vampire bantering playfully.

“Nice to see the two of you getting along.” Elexis commented.

Ex snorted, “All you women are alike.”

“Yeah, well, Like Mom says, ‘All men are like public toilets…’”Elexis began.

Trinity smiled and continued the saying, “They’re either engaged…”

“Or full of crap.”

The females collapsed atop one another, laughing hysterically.

“You, my dear children, are odd.” Exanimere drawled.

“Well, Liam. You are strange.”

“Strange!? I am not!” Denied Ex, hotly.

Trinity smiled, “No, you are just childlike.”

Exanimere fumed while Elexis burst out laughing, “Liam!?”

Elexis slept while Exanimere and Trinity read by the fire. She woke as a large shadow with red eyes entered through the wall.

“Ex!’ She hissed, “You scared me.”

The shadow growled demonically.

“You’re not…” Elexis paused, realizing this was not the man who shared her house, “EX!!” She screamed.

The vampire rushed into the room immediately, Trinity right behind him.

“What the…?” Trinity trailed off.

The shadow charged at Ex, knocking him backwards.

A giggle caught the attention of everyone, “Johnny, it’s William.” Chirped a child’s voice with a cockney accent.

“Mary! Be quiet!” Snarled the shadow.

“But ‘Liza didn’t”

“Mary!” Roared the shadow.

Exanimere grew even paler if possible.

“Jonathan….Marilynn?”

Trinity and Elexis whirled to face him as the shadow disappeared.

“You know them?” Elexis asked, skittishly.

Exanimere nodded, “They are my kin.”

“Kin?”

“Brother and sister, though the other two were missing from the little reunion.”

“I did not know you had siblings.” Trinity stated.

“You did not ask.” Exanimere snarled at her.

“Retract your claws, Dearest.” Warned the teen.

Exanimere ignored her.

“What?” Elexis asked, referring to his grave expression.

“I have no idea why they are here. And if Jonathan and Mary are here, Elizabeth and Jacob will not be far behind.”

“Why would they not want to see there brother?” Trinity paused and gasped in sudden realization, “Why are they still alive?

“My older brother Jake turned me and I turned ‘Liza, Johnny and Mary.”

“You turned your own family?” Trinity asked, disgusted.

Exanimere glared at her, “Would you rather me have seen those I loved die around me?”

Trinity lowered her eyes to the floor, “Sorry.”

Ex said nothing nor did Trinity. Elexis grew uncomfortable with the tension, “What do they want if this isn’t a happy reunion?”

“Revenge is what we want or have you forgotten?” Asked a female with deep chocolate brown hair and mossy green growled with a cockney accent.

“I have not forgotten, Elizabeth.” Growled Jonathan viciously. “The opportunity passed me by.”

“Passed you by? Passed you by!? We have waited for this ‘opportunity’ for seven hundred and sixteen years and the opportunity ‘passed you by!?!” Screamed Eliza.

“Shut-up, Liza.” Jake interrupted, his accent matching Lisa’s and Mary’s. “We will have our revenge, be patient.”

“But Jake! They ruined it!”

Jake ignored the enraged woman, “Johnny why, pray tell, did the opportunity pass you by?”

“He had company.” Mary said.

“Company?” Jake inquired.

“Yes.” Johnny nodded. “A young woman that looked to be in her early twenties came in with William and I frightened a young woman about my age. She was dainty, small and looked so incredibly angelic.”

“Oh, looks like little Johnny had a crush.” Cackled Liza.

“Liza! Leave me BE!” Roared Jonathan savagely.

“Don’t you dare raise your voice to me, Child!”

“Both of you stop!” Jake yelled. They both shot fiery looks at the eldest brother, “We need to think of how we can go after him.”

“I don’t want to hurt William.” Mary stated, sincerely.

“Well, William wanted to hurt you didn’t he? And he succeeded.” Teased Jake, spitefully.

Mary’s big green eyes filled with tears and Johnny turned on Jake with vengeful hatred.

“You mean to say, Brother dear, that eventually you would not have done the same. After all, was it not you who changed him?”

“Jonathan. Do not toy with me. You’re fate is in my hands. William abandoned you to me.” Jake spat, his mind digging into Jonathan’s viciously.

Jonathan looked away from his brother with barely contained fury, he screamed in pain as his mind was ripped apart. As he slipped into unconsciousness, the last things he heard were his older siblings laughing while the youngest sobbed, terrified.

As Trinity, Ex and Elexis ate dinner, the silence was deafening.

Elexis huffed and puffed in annoyance yet she was ignored.

Suddenly a child’s scream broke the silence. The trio was immediately on their feet and in the backyard. Exanimere gasped and increased his speed as he recognized his little sister crouched over his little brother.

“Mary! Jonathan!”

“William! Jake hurt Johnny! I didn’t know where to go! They were going to hurt me too, they said so!” Screamed the child in despair.

“See to Mary.” Ex growled, gently nudging the child in Trinity’s direction.

Trinity gathered the little girl to her chest, rocking her gently, trying to sooth the little girl’s cries. Elexis stroked Mary’s hair while here eyes were fixed on Jonathan’s still form.

“We must get him inside.” Ex stated, standing and heading inside.

“What’s wrong with him?” Whispered Elexis in reply to Ex’s hasty command.

“it is serious, Jake has separated Jonathan’s spirit from his entity. If I do not find a way to restore it, he will die.”

Mary’s cries which had subsided in volume, doubled. Trinity’s eyes grew concerned as did Elexis’.

Ex placed his brother on the living room couch and paced.

“What are you waiting for?” Hissed Elexis.

Exanimere turned on her, “I haven’t the power. Let me think of another way.”

“I have the power, but I don’t know what to do.” Trinity volunteered.

Ex’s red eyes went from Trinity to Jonathan and back, “It can only be done by one experienced in mind torture. I could use your power to heal him.”

“Do that then.” Trinity said.

“It is too risky for you. Draining your power that much may harm you. I will not put you in harms way.” Ex disagreed.

Trinity put her hand on his arm, “It’s either you risk a slight chance in hurting me or you let your brother die. And if you don’t, I’ll tell you that since I am the most powerful being, I sincerely doubt it will even affect me.”

Exanimere closed his eyes and nodded. He clasped Trinity’s hand in his and placed his other hand over his brother’s forehead. A slight glow encased Ex then Trinity then Jonathan. Trinity’s head drooped forward as her eyes glazed, Jonathan’s red eyes opened and with a snarl he flung Trinity backward from her spot next to the couch. Trinity crashed into the wall with a sickening crack.

Mary ran to Johnny as Elexis and Ex ran to Trinity. Trinity sat up dizzily, her hand pressed to her forehead at her scalp. “I’m fine, I’m fine.” She said, wincing in pain.

Jonathan watched her carefully while hugging Mary, “I’m sorry. I did not mean to harm you. It was a reflex.”

Trinity managed a weak smile, “Don’t worry about it.” She pulled her hand away, revealing a nasty gash and tiny rivers of blood trickling down her cheek.

The vampire’s all focused on the flowing crimson liquid immediately, hunger claiming them swiftly.

Ex steeled his strength. “Elexis tend to Johnny and Mary while I stitch Trinity’s wound.”

“How could you let them get away!?” Screeched Liza.

“You were the one watching them.” Growled Jake.

“I was not.”

“Were too.”

“Not!”

“Too!”

“NOT!!!”

Abruptly Jake backhanded his sister across the face, splitting her lip.

“We don’t need the children anyway. We will use his weaknesses against him.”

“William? Weaknesses?” She scoffed.

Jake’s eyes glowed with hunger, both lusts had to do with his sister. “He is male after all.”

Jake kissed his sister savagely, his fangs cutting into her lips.

Exanimere placed Trinity on the bed in his room, the blood still flowed from her wound and she was still very drowsy, her breathing labored and her eyes glazed. He concentrated on healing her headache and restoring her power, as minutes passed Trinity’s eyes cleared and her breathing returned to normal. She was still slightly sleepy however and tugged Exanimere down to her side.

“Liam.” She breathed, turning on her side to face him.

Ex’s breath caught, scant inches from his face was Trinity’s blood which smelled enticing and looked even better. His fangs lengthened and his eyes went red, he began to pull away yet Trinity pulled him closer.

“Trinity.” He warned.

Trinity pressed herself closer to him, “Stay.” She whispered.

Now only centimeters away from the crimson liquid Exanimere gave in. He gently lowered his lips to her cheek. His tongue snaked out to catch the sweet substance. Trinity gasped and closed her eyes, swallowing hard. Cleaning the blood off her cheek, Ex moved to the wound itself and lapped at the blood slowly, savoring its rich, heady taste.

Trinity sighed delightedly and pressed herself against him, freely giving him her trust.

Hours or minutes passed this way, them both in a daze of pleasure.

“Elexis? Are you an angel?” Asked Mary with a sweet innocence.

As Elexis opened her mouth to reply, Jonathan beat her to it. “Yes, she is.”

Elexis lowered her eyes, blushing prettily.

“I’ve always wanted to see an angel! Mumma always said that I was one, but I want to be a butterfly.” Babbled the little girl, her blonde curls dancing with her enthusiasm.

Mary danced away, frolicking through the backyard without care.

“Has she always…?” Elexis began.

“No, Jake made her this way, but that was after.”

“After what?”

“After William left us to that insane animal.” Growled Jonathan.

“Why did you leave them?” Asked Trinity softly, from her spot in Ex’s arms. Her power restored itself and she felt better, even healing her cut after the blood flow stopped.

“I had to, there was no choice in the matter.”

“What happened?”

“I was drawn and quartered by the villagers.”

“Then how…?”

“I was reincarnated by Xerex, an old friend.”

Trinity nodded, “Did you tell them?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“It’s easier to have them hate me.”

Trinity slept soundly in Ex’s arms as he did the same.

A dream took hold.

Trinity walked through the hallway. Everything was deathly silent. The doorway she walked led into a large bedroom.

The walls were charcoal gray like smoke. The floor was red like blood and the sheets were as black as sin on the huge canopy bed. Candles gave the room a glow. Intrigued, Trinity continued further into the chamber. Arms wrapped around her, drawing a gasp of surprise.

She turned towards the source of the embrace. Clad in black, William towered above her.

“Cariad.” His voice was burning and Trinity happily succumbed to the flame.

The first kiss was as first kisses should be… soft, teasing, and gentle. The second was hard, demanding and passionate.

Trinity and Exanimere lay on the bed, sleeping. Their limbs intertwined.

The bite marks upon her pale flesh glowed darkly on her throat.

Elexis sat Mary down in her Mother’s bed, the little girl blinked sleepily. “G’night, Lexie, Night, Johnny.”

Jonathan bent over her and kissed her forehead, “Sleep sweet, Butterfly.”

Elexis and Johnny went into the kitchen, quietly as to not disturb any of the house’s sleeping inhabitants.

“Do you like coffee?” Asked Elexis.

“Does it have blood?” Jonathan asked in return.

“I know, after that, I’m hungry too.”

“What do you usually obtain your blood from?”

“Myself.”

“What?” Scoffed Jonathan, “You don’t feed off of others?”

“No.” Elexis held out her arm for his inspection. Jonathan’s eyes fell in the large amount of tiny scars that peppered the tan expanse of skin.

“How long have you been a vampire?”

“Around three years.” Elexis stated, going about making coffee.

“Three years?” Laughed the vampire. “You’re still a fledgling.”

Elexis glared at him, “Is that such a bad thing?”

Johnny’s smile was devilish. “On the contrary. It merely means that someone must teach you.”

“And I suppose that you will be the one to do so?” Laughed Elexis.

With a toothy grin, Johnny replied, “Naturally.”

Trinity stretched out like a cat and made a small noise of contentment in the back of her throat.

Ex, who was watching her, laughed softly. Trinity’s stormy eyes sprang open.

“Oh, good morning.” She muttered, a pink blush staining her cheeks.

“That it is, Cariad.”

The endearment set her cheeks a flame ad her dream was recalled. Trinity stood and made her way downstairs, Exanimere at her heels.

“Sleep well?” She asked, trying to mask her discomfort.

“Delightfully. Pleasant dream.” Ex answered absently.

This did not help with Trinity’s embarrassment.

Thankfully Elexis and Jonathan walked into the room with Mary cavorting behind them.

“Good morning you two.” Elexis said.

“Good morrow, Trinity. Good morrow, William.” Mary greeted, bestowing a hug upon each of them.

“Trinity. William.” Nodded Jonathan in greeting.

“Good morning.” Trinity and Ex replied in unison.

As silence descended, Mary’s stomach growled.

Trinity laughed, “Breakfast?”

Mary nodded, “I’m hungry.”

The four vampires and the witch filed into the kitchen. Trinity stared into the empty cupboards. “So…where do we want to go to eat?”

“McDonalds.” Chirped Mary.

Jonathan shot her an annoyed look, “Do you wish to spend the rest of eternity with clogged arteries?”

“What are those?” Asked the confused child.

“I would like to have pie.” Elexis said, smiling quirkily.

“Pie?” Jonathan laughed, “At eight in the morning?”

“Me too! I want some pie.” Giggled Mary.

“Ok, pie and…?” Trinity questioned.

“Seafood.” Exanimere said primly.

“We’ll at least someone is going to eat healthy. I, myself, would like beef.”

“Alright, a place with seafood, pie and beef.” The brunette teen, paused, thinking. “Oh! Firelights! The food there is divine and they have over fifty types of pie.”

“Fire lights? Like fireflies? Oh yes! Please! Let’s go there!” Pleaded the blonde girl.

“Alright, we’ll go to Firelights.” Elexis said, “Let’s get dressed.”

Exanimere stood downstairs impatiently. He was dressed in his normal attire. A beautiful, expensive Italian suite, black of course with a red silk shirt and a black tie with black shoes. His long black hair was tied at the nape of his neck with a red leather cord.

Jonathan paced impatiently. Unlike his brother, Jonathan dressed like the age he looked. He wore a black shirt and jeans that were not as baggy as most were. He also wore black leather biker boots; a matching jacket completed the bad boy look.

They turned as they heard a giggle. Mary pranced down the stairs in a lovely light blue sundress and white shoes. Ex picked her up and froze when he saw Elexis and Trinity coming down the stairs.

Elexis wore tight low riding jeans in dark blue with a white tank top and white tennis shoes. Her curls were still wet and hung elegantly around her tan face. Her hazel eyes were outlined in black and her lips were painted in a silvery pink.

Trinity wore tight black jeans and black leather boots with a tight dark green tank top that accented the paleness of her skin. Her stormy eyes were outlined like Elexis’ and she wore a creamy brown gloss on her lips. Her hair had been curled into loose waves which framed her face.

Both females flashed smiles at the males and Trinity dangled her keys from one hand, “Ready?”

Mary happily ate rhubarb pie that had a mountain of whipped cream. Beside her Jonathan sat eating his London broil that was medium rare, beside him sat Elexis eating her strawberry pie and whipped cream with a delighted smile. Trinity sat next to her eating her very, very rare steak and mashed potatoes and Ex ate his shrimp sautéed in red wine and mushroom sauce atop his linguine noodles.

Elexis laughed at Trinity, “I am so not going to be surprised when your steak says ‘Moo’ and walks away.”

Immediately Mary was on Johnny’s lap, “Don’t let it eat me, Johnny!” She squealed.

Elexis’ face quickly turned from amused to ashamed, “Oh, sweetie. I didn’t mean it. I was just teasing Trinity. Plus I don’t think Johnny could save you from the undead bovine.”

Mary peered around at the steak cautiously, “Are you sure?” Elexis nodded. Mary was up and out of Johnny’s lap and in front of her pie within seconds. “Ok, Lexie, but Johnny would have saved me.”

The crisis gone Trinity and Ex fell back into their heated discussion. “No, Liam. I do not think its right to steal people’s energy. You should find another ‘job’.”

Ex huffed in exasperation, “its not stealing! The people take power from me and then pay me back later. That’s a better offer than they would get if I were feeding.”

“Yes, but when they pay you back it’s with 50 interest!”

“No, its only 25!”

“Oh! That’s sooo much better!”

“You are insufferable!”

“And you act infallible!”

They both turned away from each other, arms crossed over their chests. Johnny noticed people staring, “Alright, time to go.”

As the waitress came with their check, Ex made to take out his wallet.

Trinity beat him to it, “Thank you, Terry. Put it on my Mother’s tab, please.”

“Oh, of course Miss Telluria. I hope you enjoyed everything.”

“It was splendid as usual.” Trinity answered with a dismissive smile.

“Uh oh.” Johnny whispered in Elexis’ ear, “Ex hates being outdone, they are going to have an argument.”

“No, they are going to have a fight.” Elexis corrected.

“What?” Mary asked, “Who’s going to fight?”

Johnny growled, “No one, Mary.”

“But you just said.”

Elexis cut her off, “Mary, Hun, I’ll race you to the car.”

With a giggle, Mary burst from the booth and ran towards the parking lot with Elexis and Johnny at her heels. Trinity followed, walking quickly, ignoring Ex who was half a pace behind her.

Elexis, Mary and Jonathan immediately headed into the backyard. Trinity made to follow but was stopped as Ex grabbed her arm. “Let go.” She hissed, “Please.”

“Do not ever attempt to dominate me again.” Exanimere growled, bending down into her face.

“I wasn’t aware that I was, however, you should take your own advice.” Trinity said angrily.

“Why must you be so infuriating!?!” Roared Ex.

“Why do you allow me to infuriate you so?”

“Stop it.” He commanded.

With no reason Trinity stopped. Confused she blinked a few times, “Do not command me!”

“Do not command me!”

With an enraged scream, Trinity began to storm off; Ex quickly grasped her arm, spinning her around. This caused her to loose her balance and she fell heavily onto Ex as they crashed to the ground.

Both froze, the angry passion quickly transformed into passion of a different sort. Blushing, Trinity stood, “Sorry.” She murmured, rushing outside.

Ex took a few moments to compose himself before following her.

Elexis and Jonathan watched Trinity rush out of the house as though death was on her heels, Ex right behind her.

The moment the sun struck Trinity she yelped and covered her eyes, collapsing to the ground. As one they rushed to her. Ex, who reached her first, picked her up and raced into the house, setting her on the couch. As he did so, he pulled back as though he had been burned. As he moved out of their line of vision, Elexis, Johnny and Mary gasped.

Trinity’s skin was white, like pancake makeup for a clown, her hair was dark, deep brown like it was when it was wet and it was straight, ever so straight and shiny. Her lips were blood red and her cheeks were highlighted with red showing off her high cheekbones. Trinity shifted and yawned producing her long, white and wickedly sharp fangs into view of the others.

“Good gods.” Elexis yelped.

Trinity opened her eyes in alarm. They were the most frightening thing about her change. The furthest part of her irises matched her lip color, deep, bright red. The red lightened into orange and the orange faded into yellow as the colors moved closer to her pupil, which was a vertical slash like the eye of a cat.

Trinity sat up sleepily and blinked her strange eyes. She quickly noticed the stares of the others and grew uncomfortable with the eyes on her.

“What?” She asked nervously.

Everyone openly gaped at her. She bit her lip as she normally did when she was nervous or uncomfortable and yelped, her hand flying to fell her teeth. As she felt her fangs she bolted to the mirror.

As soon as she saw her reflection, which vampires do have, she gasped in dismay. She heavily slid to the floor, “Oh gods.”

Mary went to her, “Oh, Trinity! You look like a goddess!”

Elexis, Johnny and Ex stared. Elexis’ face held horror and awe, Johnny’s face held amazement and wonder while Ex’s face held desire and anger. Tears, big fat tears ran tracks slowly down the newly made vampire’s cheeks.

“Trinity, don’t cry. You look lovely.” Mary soothed.

Elexis shook off her trance and knelt next to Trinity, she pulled her ‘sister’ close to her. “Trin, it’s not a bad thing, it’s good.”

Johnny nervously held back not knowing if he was welcome but as Elexis motioned to him, he went and laid a hand on Trinity’s shoulder. Ex was stunned and enraged, someone had turned his female. Not thinking, Ex stormed over to Trinity and yanked her into a standing position, several inches off the ground. Elexis, Mary and Jonathan stumbled away.

“Who did it?” Growled Ex dangerously.

Trinity’s eyes were confused and blank as Ex shook her, “Who turned you?” He snarled.

Abruptly Trinity broke his hold on her. “I don’t know, I don’t know!! No one had ever bitten me and look; do I have any bite marks?” She swept her hair to the side, showing one side of her neck then the other.

Ex grabbed her by the throat lightly and tilted her head to the side. The bite mark was extremely noticeable against her white skin.

“Do not lie, Cariad. Your skin tells the truth.” Exanimere said silkily, his voice dripping with venom.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Her hand went to her neck and she winced as she came into contact with the wound, “Oh my…”

Elexis spoke up, “You didn’t do it, Ex? You said that you came back to turn the Most Powerful Being, didn’t you? You wanted her under your control.”

Trinity’s eyes widened, “Liam, is that true?”

Ex nodded, “Of course, who wouldn’t want you under their control. Yet, someone best me to it.”

Trinity glared icily at him. Johnny decided her would try and be helpful, “Elexis, can you take Mary up for her nap, please?”

“Ok, Mary sweetie, let’s get you into bed.” Elexis took the young girl’s hand and went upstairs.

Johnny turned to Ex and Trinity who were glaring balefully at each other. He cleared his throat, two sets if red eyes focused on him.

“Trinity, think, has anyone bit you? Anytime, any place, recently?”

“No. Well, in a dream I had, but other than that…”

Johnny and Ex shared a surprised look.

“Tell me about the dream.” Johnny instructed.

Trinity blushed, she lowered her eyes, “Ummm, I was bitten by….uh, Liam.”

Exanimere stared at her, his expression unreadable. Johnny watched Trinity with amusement of her embarrassment.

“I need to know exactly what happened.” Johnny said, impatiently.

Elexis heard the last part as she came downstairs, “Happened? What happened?”

“It seemed that Trinity dreamt that I bite her.” Ex said eyes still on Trinity.

“Oh yeah! In that dream she had where the both of you were…”

“Elexis!” Trinity interrupted both murderous and frantic.

“Where she and I what?” Ex asked, barely glancing at the curly haired female.

“Having sex.” Slipped out of Elexis’ mouth before she could stop it. Elexis was horrified, Jonathan was amused, Ex was smug and Trinity was humiliated.

“Well, William, you are a type of incubus.”

“That’s ridiculous, had he been an Incubus I would not be alive.” Trinity stated.

“It’s true. I am partially Incubi. Yet the particular breed of Incubus that I am only has the ability to enter dreams, not the ability to feed off their host.” Ex informed Trinity.

Suddenly Trinity looked down, lowering her eyes submissively, “I’m sorry.”

A total of three seconds passed before Trinity raised her head with a ‘snap’.

“What the…?” She trailed. Her mind flashed back to herself telling Ex that she would never be his pet. “No,” She spat, shaking her head savagely, “I will never be your pet!”

Sparkling defiance glowed in her eyes.

Exanimere growled, “Stop being idiotic. I like the way you are. I have use for a pet. A partner on the other hand…”

Trinity’s eyesight sharpened, her eyes focused on Ex who was the most powerful there. Her stare was unblinking.

Slowly Ex began to grow weak and he dropped to the floor. Trinity’s eyes remained where he had been standing. After a few long moments Trinity’s strange eyes turned back to their normal stormy color, her skin tone turned creamy and her hair changed back into its bouncy, golden self, not even her fangs remained.

Trinity went to Ex who was getting up

“What just happened?” Elexis asked.

“That’s the way psi’s feed.” Johnny answered.

“That was feeding?” Trinity asked.

“Yes, that was feeding.” Ex snapped, “Do not ever take my energy without my permission again.”

Trinity’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “I am ever so sorry, William. However, do not look over the fact that I have only been an energy leech for the past ten minutes.” A false sweetness in her voice made her look even more dangerous. “I have no clue as to how this works.”

“Then I shall teach you.”

“I think you’ve helped enough already, thank you.”

“Both of you need to calm down.” Elexis said, as they both looked at her she squeaked, “Please?”

“I’m tired and my head hurts. I am going to retire. Night.” Trinity announced shortly after dinner.

Exanimere, who had wanted to talk with Trinity, started to object. She ignored him, however. So his plea went unanswered.

Johnny glanced at Elexis, “You said that you are a dancer?”

“Yup.” Elexis nodded, “Why?”

“Would you mind showing me some of your moves?”

Elexis looked at him with a questioning expression.

“Along with Mary, that is.” He hastily added, “She would love to learn.”

Elexis smiled at Johnny, “Yes, of course.”

Exanimere smiled at the two and went into the living room, lit a fire and curled up with a book on the couch.

Elexis inserted her favorite CD into the player. She stood still on the hard wood floor and as the music began to pump through the speakers, her body deftly caught its rhythm. Sensually, her body moved with the music, alternating between slow and mesmerizing to fast and energetic.

Mary skipped onto the makeshift and began to try to imitate Elexis’ movements. When she failed, Elexis picked her up and danced with her.

Johnny watched the entire thing through smiling eyes.

Trinity still could not sleep after Elexis came to bed hours later. Knowing that she would keep Lexie up fidgeting, she went downstairs to read. Hoping that Ex had retired to his room.

Her wishful thinking was in vain for Ex lay on the couch looking like a magnificent tiger, both beautiful and dangerous.

A sudden wave of fright washed over Trinity. Not of Ex but of herself. She did not know what she was and the lack of knowledge frightened her.

Agile and quietly Trinity cracked onto the couch beside Ex.

The slight movement woke him from his light dozing. His eyes focused on Trinity, “What is it?” He grumbled, annoyed that she had walked away from him earlier.

Trinity’s eyes glazed over with tear, she looked both lost and hopeless. “What am I?”

Ex’s annoyance melted away and evaporated, “You are the Link, a newly made vampire, a witch and a teenager.”

A single tear splashed onto Trinity’s hand, “I don’t know what I am anymore.”

“I have not forgotten what you are, Cariad.” Soothed Ex.

“You’re going to leave me, just like you left them aren’t you?” Trinity asked miserably.

“Why would you want me to stay? You did not want this and aftertime, you will resent me. No one’s ever asked me to stay.”

Trinity’s sad eyes locked with his, “Stay, Liam. Please.”

Ex pulled her to him and rested his head atop hers, “Alright, I’ll stay.” He sighed, “Have you any idea as to what you have gotten yourself into?”

“Show me.” Whispered Trinity.

With that, they kissed in the lights of the dancing fire.

The rose and Trinity was up to see it. In the night she had dreamed of Ex and had a sneaking suspicion that he had dreamt of her as well. When she had awoke, Ex had not been there. She had shrugged it off, figuring he was out on ‘business’ which he refused to give up no matter how much she pushed. Now that a total of four hours had passed, Trinity was worried… very worried.

She raced upstairs for the tenth time in the hour and went into Lexie’s room, “Lex.” She said, shaking her. “Wake up.”

“What? What time is it?” Asked the disoriented female.

Around four. Get up. Liam is missing.” Trinity said frantically, throwing on clothes.

Elexis sleepily got dressed, Trinity was pacing.

“Trin. You’re making me sea-sick.” Elexis snapped, irritated from lack of sleep.

Trinity sat heavily on the bed, panicking. “Gods, Lex. Where is he?”

“I have no clue,” Elexis stated, brow wrinkled. “I’ll wake Johnny, maybe he’ll know.”

“Ok, I’ll get Mary up.” Trinity agreed, already halfway out the door.

Elexis crept into her brother’s old room that Jonathan had been stationed in.

“Johnny?” She called.

She let out a startled squeak as Johnny came out of the bathroom adjoining the room, wrapped in a towel. She raised her hazel eyes to the ceiling, “Lords above, why does this keep happening?”

She turned her back to give Jonathan a little sense of modesty, “Ummm, please get dressed quickly and come downstairs. It’s urgent.” Without looking back, Elexis fled the room.

When Johnny came downstairs, Elexis, Trinity and Mary were already there.

“What’s the problem?” Johnny asked, worried.

“Ex is gone.” Elexis said, “We can’t locate him, not even from the Summerland’s.” Elexis was referring to the astral plain where many of the deities dwelled.

Jonathan’s red eyes narrowed, “Jake and Liza have him.”

“What? How do you know that?” Trinity asked, suspiciously.

“They hate him and want him dead. Plus, they’ve been planning to take him.”

“You knew that he was in danger and you did not say anything?” Trinity questioned her voice deceptively soft.

Johnny glared at her, “I may not like my brother, but I know what they can do and I would not wish them upon anyone.”

“You should have told us.” Poison laced the fledgling’s voice.

“My sincerest apologies. Now, can we please stop arguing and go save my brother?”

“How do we get there?” Elexis asked before Trinity could snap at him again.

“Follow me.” He said as he vanished from sight.

Trinity rolled her eyes as Mary giggled, “He’s sooo funny! Here, take my hand, I’ll show you.” The little girl chirped as she extended her hand to each girl.

Jonathan observed the cavern with distaste. The walls were caked with dirt and blood; they had never seen soap or any other cleansing substances. Trinity, Elexis and Mary appeared behind him.

“Why did you…”

Jonathan harshly cut Trinity off mid-sentence, “Shhh.”

Her eyes narrowed yet she said nothing, She suddenly realized they were in a dungeon, “Oh no! You cannot mean Liam is here.” Trinity gasped, horrified.

“Quiet.” Growled Jonathan.

Mary looked around and skipped along the corridor disturbingly unaffected by her surroundings as she was used to the blood and carnage around her. They hurried to keep up with her. A few minutes later they were very lost, all except for Mary.

“We’ve been here.” Trinity hissed, extremely worried about her ‘Liam’.

“No, we have not. William is two corridors away, I can feel him.” Mary declared.

True enough they turned a few more corridors and it opened into a vast chamber, complete with medieval torture devises. Ex had shackles on his wrists, securing him to the ceiling. His wrists were raw and bloody from his attempts to escape.

He had slashes and cuts that varied in size and severity. These lacerations peppered his entire body and face along with various bruises, burns, sections of missing skin and what looked to be holes. Trinity began to walk towards him when Johnny pulled her back as Liza and Jake made their entry through another corridor.

“Well, Brother. Have you paid you’re dues? Shall we put you out of your misery?” Liza drawled.

Exanimere spat blood upon the floor, “I have no regrets, at least, not for you. Johnny and Mary are the ones I would willingly repent for.”

Eliza screamed in furious oath, “I am going to enjoy killing you.”

She drug her nails which were filed into wicked points down his cheeks, drawing fine welts of blood. She licked her fingers clean of the warm, sticky substance. Ex did not flinch nor make a sound as she did this, everyone noticed.

“Ah, ah, ah.” Jake tsked, “No retreating into your mind.” He plunged into his younger brother’s mind, ripping his psyche apart viciously.

Ex sagged suddenly on the chains, a sickening ‘pop’ echoed through out the tavern as his shoulder was wrenched from its socket. Eliza smacked Jake’s chest and whined, “Now look what you did! He’s going to die before I can have my fun!”

Trinity saw red; her appearance changed into what Lex called ‘Vamp form’. Her mind entered Jonathan and even though she was not trained, the sheer force of her power tore his mind to shreds as though it was tissue paper.

Jake collapsed on the ground screaming, Liza rushed to him, “What is it?” She asked frantically. Trinity savagely repeated her earlier action on the female who collapsed as well.

Jonathan rushed forward towards Ex, “Hurry, we haven’t much time, if they awaken before we leave, Ex is dead.”

They all reached the unconscious vampire as one, grasping his good arm, they disappeared.

They rushed to the couch as soon as they were home and laid him there.

“I need hydrogen peroxide, bandages, clean clothes, and a bowl of hot water, butterfly bandages, gauze, tape and ointment.” Trinity announced urgently.

Elexis flew through the house gathering the requested items.

Mary crouched by the sofa, “Will he be alright?” Sadness colored her voice.

“I don’t know.” Trinity answered, miserably.

“I will mend his mind; you may tend to his wounds.” Johnny said, sensing the young vampire’s distress.

Tears shown in the multi colored depths of Trinity’s vampiric eyes. “Thank you.”

Many, many long hours later, Trinity forced everyone to go to bed. Reluctantly they agreed after she threatened bodily harm. Ex was covered from head to toe in bandages, making him resemble a mummy from a cheap movie.

“Liam, come on. You have to make it. You said you would not leave me.” Trinity curled beside him on the large couch. “Please, don’t leave me.”

Exhausted, sleep claimed Trinity, dragging her into the dream world.

Trinity recognized this place, the swirling silver mist and fog. A shadow moved in the very corner of her vision, she ran after it and fell.

Mere inches from the ground, Trinity was caught. Slowly she turned, a smile on her face. A smile that turned into a frown when she realized that it was not Ex as she expected, “Jake!”

“Oh, you must be the infamous Trinity that William is always thinking about. Isn’t it cute? A seven-hundred and forty year old vampire in love with a mortal teenage girl?”

“Mortal? I’m not…” Trinity almost burst out laughing, this psycho had absolutely no idea as to who she was, “A goddess or anything, of course I’m mortal.” She finished.

“I have come to propose a trade.”

“And that is?”

“Your life for his.”

“You don’t have him anymore, we brought him back.” Trinity scoffed.

Smiling, Jake snapped his fingers, Ex appeared. He looked around in surprise then his gaze fell on Trinity. He reached out to her only to be slammed backward by Jake’s energy field.

Exanimere growled, “Let her go. Your quarrel is with me, Brother.”

Jake ignored him, “Consider carefully, My pet. Look what I can do to your ‘Liam’.”

Ex stumbled backwards and fell, his head in his hands. His mouth fell open with a silent scream of agony.

“No! No! Stop, please, please stop!” Trinity pleaded.

“What is your answer?” Snarled Jake.

Trinity’s eyes locked with Ex’s. He realized what was happening and screamed ‘No’. Trinity looked away from him and to Jake. “Alright.”

“No, Trinity do not do this.”

“Take care of them.” Trinity said. As the room faded, she whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you as well, Cariad.” Was his whispered reply, echoing throughout the empty void.

In his physical being, Ex awoke. “No,” Ex chanted, shaking his head, “This is not happening.” He looked around. No Trinity…it was happening.

“Elexis, Jonathan!” Thundered Ex.

Jonathan and Elexis appeared in the living room after sprinting down the stairs.

Elexis wore sleeping clothes, flannel pajamas with cows on them and Johnny wore black boxers.

“Ex!” She squealed, “You’re alive.” She announced happily.

“William.” Nodded Johnny, relieved as well.

“He took Trinity.” He said, skipping formalities.

“What!?” Elexis asked frightened for Trinity’s safety.

“He wants a ‘pet’.” Ex said, disgusted.

“So? He has Liza.” Johnny growled, annoyed.

Ex glared at him, “This is serious.”

“I know that.” Johnny growled.

“What will he do to her?” Elexis questioned.

Ex and Johnny quit glaring at each other and looked to the floor.

“Oh.” Elexis gasped, the implication dawning on her.

Mary skipped downstairs, “Jake and Liza are fighting.”

“What?” Elexis asked, “How do you know?”

“She’s a tad psychic.” Jonathan supplied.

“What are they fighting about?” Ex asked the child.

“About what they after going to do to Trinity before they kill her.” Mary chirped, helpfully.

The three elders frowned, “How long do we have?” Johnny asked.

“Mmmmmm, ‘bout fifteen minutes.”

“What!?” Exanimere roared, “I am going to disembowel them.” He spat, eyes glowing deep red, “With a spoon.”

Trinity glared at the two vampires in front of her. “If you two are going to kill me, I suggest you do it before I die of boredom.”

“Shut-up.” Hissed Liza.

“Or you’ll what? Kill me? Now I am terrified!” Trinity taunted sarcastically.

With an enraged scream, Liza lunged at Trinity, her hands forming claws.

Trinity smirked and with a slight release of power, Trinity sent the vampires flying backwards.

Jake quickly gained his footing and helped his sister up by pulling her hair. “So… you have power? I guess I won’t kill you after all.”

“Just let me go. I do not wish to kill either one of you. It is pointless and a waste of energy.”

“Jake! Let’s just kill her! Please!”

“Liza, she is powerful. Think of what we could do if we turned her.”

“Too late.” Smirked the teen.

“What?”

“Liam already did.”

“She’s lying Jake! Let’s kill her.”

Jake growled in annoyance, “Fine. If I let you kill her will you shut-up?”

Liza smiled evilly, “Yes, I will be quiet.”

Jake smiled and pat her on the head, “Have your fun then.”

Liza’s eyes glinted demonically as she grasped the handle of a wicked looking knife with a curvy blade. “Frightened, Witch? I am going to cut you into little bitty pieces.”

Exanimere appeared between Trinity and Liza, “Touch her, Elizabeth, and you will be the one in pieces.”

With a scream of fear, Liza scrambled backward, “You shouldn’t be here.”

Ex half smiled, “Neither should you.” With a swift movement, he staked her through the heart. Though this was not the only way to kill a vampire, Ex had preferred this technique when he did not wish to get his hands dirty, and he could not stand the thought of touching Liza. His sister’s lifeless corpse slumped to the ground. Jake watched in shock. Johnny, Elexis and Mary appeared and all hell broke loose.

Jake charged at Mary, lifting her slight body, he threw her across the room. A sickening crack was heard and the attention was drawn to the child’s crumpled form on the ground.

Elexis and Jonathan ran at Jake. Thinking quickly, Jake picked up the knife Liza had been holding and as Elexis neared, he swung, slicing her stomach open, her innards tumbling out as she back away.

“No!” Johnny and Trinity screamed.

Ex broke the chains binding Trinity and checked her over to see if she was alright. Johnny lunged at Jake, fangs bared. Jake calmly grasped his brother’s head and twisted sharply, breaking his brother’s neck.

Jake glared at Trinity, “This is all your doing.” He threw the knife at her with unnerving accuracy. Her eyes widened, a split second before it reached her, Ex stepped into the way. It buried itself deep into his neck. He fell. Dead.

In shock, Trinity surveyed the bodies of her friends. The anguish made her transform. Her violent eyes fixed on Jake.

Jake, who sensed her power, turned to run.

“Ah, ah, ah. No running.” Trinity tsked.

With her power, she bound him. With a blank look in her confused eyes, Trinity ripped him apart. Limb from limb. Deaf to his screams until all was silent.

Trinity sat on the couch, she sat there for hours. Lost and numb. Finally a thought crossed her mind and stayed there

Trinity wandered through the house in a haze. Finally she reached for the bottle of mandrake infusion that lay inside her wooden trunk, she downed the large bottle.

She then laid on the bed and fell asleep.

Trinity opened her eyes, green rolling hills, trees and flowers greeted her cheerily

She started as she felt something shift behind her. Slowly, she turned afraid of what she might find.

“Liam?” Trinity asked, disbelieving. A tear fell down her cheek. “I’m dreaming.”

“You’re a figment of my imagination.” He said at the same time.

They’re eyes locked. Trinity looked away first, shaking her head. “I should be dead.”

“Oh.” Ex said surprised. “You’re dead.”

“What?” Trinity questioned.

“Johnny, Elexis, Mary!” Ex thundered.

The three appeared as one.

“What?” Whined Elexis, “I was dancing with Johnny.”

“I was too!” Added Mary.

“Look.” Ex said, gesturing at Trinity who stood beside him.

Mary screamed in delight, “Trinity!”

Elexis stared at her in shock, “Trin?”

With a sob, Trinity flung herself at her sister, “Lexie!”

A few moments later, they composed themselves. Stepped away, Trinity dried her tears.

“Johnny.” Trinity greeted.

He smiled at her.

“If I hug you, will you bite me?” He asked in reply.

Trinity opened her arms to him. With a grin, he hugged her tightly.

Finally, Trinity turned to Ex. Elexis and Johnny and exchanged a look. Grasping Mary’s hand, they left without a word, giving Trinity and Ex their privacy.

“You’re really here.” Ex stated.

“I am, aren’t I?” Trinity asked, hopefully.

Ex nodded, then he frowned. “Did Jake…?”

“No.” Trinity told him.

“Then how…” Ex glared at her, “You killed yourself?”

“Would you rather me have lived when everyone I loved had died?” Trinity asked.

Ex recognized his words. He smiled, “You’re impossible.”

“Yet you still love me.”

“I enjoy the challenge.”

Trinity’s eyes filled with tears, “What am I?”

“You’re mine.”

This shook Trinity out of her melancholy state, she laughed, “Yours, William? I am not an object with a price tag.”

“True.” He agreed, “You are probably too expensive for my taste.”

Laughing Trinity kissed him.

“I love you, Cariad.”

“I love you as well, Liam.” They kissed again, minutes ticked by, Trinity pulled away, “Come on, Liam. Let’s go explore.”

Ex pulled her back to him, “We have eternity, Cariad. We have eternity.”

The End

Property of Cataira