Hedgesville, West Virginia
Caspian Residence
Sunday, August 25, 1996
11:55 AM

Everything inside her mind was burning and crying while she stood in silence, staring into the bathroom mirror. Her eyes were glued to the black markings around her neck that matched Rowen's.
Opening and closing her mouth as if trying to say something, she breathed heavily then turned to face the group of men who were hovering just outside the door. They all seemed concerned and disappointed.
"It won't come off?" she asked with her face twisted in puzzlement.
"It's not suppose to," Nick said as he stood in front of the group. "It's a demon mark."
"I know what it is!" Jennie screamed as she whipped back to stare at the reflection. "Isn't there some way I can take it off?! Don‘t you demons have divorces?! Didn‘t Morey and Lucia break it off?" Grabbing for a wash cloth and soap, she scrubbed at the tattoo.
“They didn’t mark each other,” Nick whispered.
Hands reached around her, grabbing the soap and wash cloth from her. She peered over her shoulder to find Rem. He stood with a grim expression. Looking away, she stared at the sink then slid down to her knees.
"What am I suppose to do?" she asked. "He said he would kill anyone who touched me."
Her face contorted with the pain she was feeling in her chest. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she pressed her lips together. Coughing sobs began to choke her while she balled her hands into fists.
Arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a secure, warm chest. Turning her face into the chest, she wrapped her own arms around the person.
"We'll find a way," Rem said as he held onto Jennie tightly. "I won't let him have you. But for now..." He pulled back and held up the black leather choker Rowen had been wearing. "...put this on."
"Why?" she asked, staring disgustedly at the object.
"To hide it," Rem whispered, "so you don't have to see it."
Wrapping it around her neck, he fastened the collar into place then stood up. His eyes looked down at her then he walked off, leaving her on the floor of the bathroom.
"Let's leave her alone for now," Rem muttered as he began pushing everyone away from the door. "She needs to be alone."