Hmm... the first couple chapters to Fallen Angels. I do own Laurel, but Felix and Ari belong to Eliza. Thanks for letting me use them, mujer! Anyways, enjoy. v

Chapter 1

Small hands that were balled into fists pounded with force on the large wooden door. Booted feet stamped on the floor, the noise mingling with the pounding of her hands. Small sobs escaped slightly parted lips, and bronzed cheeks glistened with tears. This was nothing different from what they usually did to her. She finally gave up, knowing they never heard her. She slid down to curl up on the floor, pulling her knees to her chest and laying her head on them. Jet black hair that blended with the darkness of the room cascading about her, silvery gray eyes narrowed and glazed with tears, the thick raven lashes damp. Bruised and numb hands rubbed the stiffness away from each other.

The girl was only three. A mere three years old. And still she had to undergo such torture from nuns. She'd been in the damn convent for a year today, and to 'celebrate', the sisters had locked her up, and sat praying. She was, as they said, the dark one, the spawn of Satan. She was not a normal child. Darkness radiated from her. But who wouldn't seem so after being abandoned by parents who didn't want you, and then being sent from family to family, village to village? She was a challenge to the people. And God, she was only three.

She was punished for what they said she was. Why had they even bothered to take her in if they believed her to be the spawn of the Devil himself? She was a child who bore dark features: Bronzed skin which was different from that of the other girls' milky-white skin. Jet black hair that acted as a shadow for her. Stormy gray eyes that, as the nuns said, flashed with lightning of the Devil. Her face was always etched with a calm seriousness. Never a smile.

But now here she was, sitting in the darkened chamber in the basement of the convent, crying her eyes out to the brink of dryness. And it was then that she vowed never to trust anyone. She never could trust these people, why trust others? She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and collected herself. She scrubbed at the tears on her cheeks and let out a breath, blowing the strands from her face.

And being the age of three, this dark child was smart. She knew enough of the outside, knew what she was read in books. And at the age of three and with the knowledge no child her age should hold, Laurel Zerelis planned a life for herself, and promised that she would go by the rules she made. Never would she ever shed another tear, or feel pity towards her own race. The race who had so easily cased her aside. She was entrapped in their Hell now, but she prayed that they would be entrapped in a worse fate for the things they did to make her what she would certainly become: The Lone Wolf.

Bare feet hit the tiled-floor softly and quietly, making almost no sound at all. The grandfather clock on the first floor chimed midnight, each strike of the clock bringing her closer to her room. Laurel ran, the book tucked under her arm as her long legs carried her down the darkened halls. Her black hair flew behind her like a shadow, her gray eyes were narrowed and filled with determination.

She would get out of this place, even if she died trying. But that was unlikely. Caught or fail was more suitable.

She had grown considerably since she was a girl. She was now sixteen, long-legged, and taller then most girls. Hell, she was taller then most of the nuns. Nothing changed about her dark complextion. Or about her dark attitude. She still was considered what she had been all those years ago. But as she grew older, the more detatched from people she became. She hated going to school, for all the other teenagers made fun of her. She was too smart for her age, her teachers would say, and there was more proof to the nuns' theories. Laurel Zerelis was considered an outcast. She had no friends, no family. And the future looked bleak. But she would change it. She promised herself that.

Finally making it to her room, she placed the book on the narrow bed and grabbed her bag, stuffing the clothes she had took out into it. She quickly and messily pulled her long hair into a loose pony tail, tossed the book she had grabbed into her bag, zipped it shut, and thrust her arms into the sleeves of her coat. Slipping her feet into the white gym shoes, she ran out of her room and down the steps... Only to be met with the sisters' chatter which was growing louder. She did the first thing she could: ran down the steps to the basement.

God, that was a mistake, she knew. She hated this place, always had since she had been sent to this House of God which she considered Hell. Skidding and turning a corner into a dark and familiar room, a shudder passing through her. A chill ran down her spine and she climbed up on the tall dresser, and pushed her bag through the bars of the only window in there.

When the nuns had first started putting her in this room, she never thought of slipping out of the window. She was only a child. But why would she, even if she thought of it? Where would she go? How or what would she live by? Nothing. She had nothing then. But she had something now. She had her determination, her pride. And she would not fail.

Laurel had worked out over the years, her body curvey, but slim. She easily pushed her feet through the bars, her legs following. Then she slipped her torso out, shoulders pushing through. And finally she was out. She pulled the bag back over her shoulders and dashed toward the gate. And just to her luck once again, a few of the sisters were taking a night-stroll.

She cursed flawlessly and fluidly in Latin, and ran straight at the gate, hearing the nuns' screams of protest and their feet padding on the ground as they ran toward her. She grabbed the bars of the iron gate, and started to climb, easily pulling herself up, and over. By the time the nuns had reached the gate, Laurel was over it, and running into the surrounding forest, not looking back, and away from the Hell she had grown up in.

Laurel sat in the forest, staring at the lake infront of her. Her notebook sat open in her lap, words and small pictures scribbled on the blank pages. A pen was held loosely in slender fingers, drumming against the page. A small fire burned behind her, illuminating it around ten feet out all around. Her leg stinged from the cut she had got climbing over some rocks. She had been sitting like that for a while. She was thinking. She had money, had clothes, had a plan. But she had no one to help her. And she realized now that she really needed no one. When did she ever need anyone? They rejected her, so she would reject them.

A small sight escaped her lips and she looked back at the page, grey orbs moving swiftly over the ideas she had scribbled down. She would go into the city, get a job that was suitable, find a place for boarding, and live her life as best she could. It would be hard. She was only sixteen, of course. But she was determined to make something for herself.

Pulling out the blanket from her bag, she layed it on the dirt floor and sat on it, and leaned against the tree that was behind her. Her head fell back against the trunk, and she let her eyes close, thick lashes resting on bronzed cheeks. Taking her chin her one hand, her fingers tapped against her lips as if she was in thought. A million things were running through her head, and they were all scrambled together. Maybe with some sleep she would have a more clear idea.

Yeah... right. Like she would sleep. Even when she was boarded in the convent she never had slept much. She couldn't. Whenever she did she had disturbing dreams... and had no one to comfort her when she had them. And anyways, sleep was never a necissity with her.

She opened her eyes again, started up at the trees that were overhead. Her eyelids were heavy. So she took it she needed sleep after all. Laurel yawned, straining her eyes to catch a glimpse of moonlight from inbetween the crowded branches of the trees. With no avail, she turned on her side, used her bag as a pillow, and fell asleep. And finally, after sixteen years of restless sleep, she woke not once, for no dreams haunted her.

The young man felt in the pocket of his wine-colored cloak, a slight smirk pulling on his lips as he felt the bag of coins still in there. Stealing from those people was so easy, it wasn't even fun anymore. They were cheap, arrogant people who only relaized what they spent, not what they had. Side-stepping a large plant, he pushed strands of sienna hair from his face, then stopped in his tracks.

There, curled up infront of him, was a girl. Dark haired, dark skinned, and she looked considerably tall for a girl. My, my, he thought, interest perking up. A girl hiding out in the middle of a forest. He glanced about. She was laying on a blanket and her head was pillowed on a bag. A small fire was put out. Notebook and pen lay next to her. He, if he could get the bag away from her, could probably make some money out of what was in there. But something held him back. He didn't know what, exactly. Just something.

He sat down on a rock, amber eyes scanning over her body, moving up to rest on her face. She was a pretty little thing, he admitted. But it was none of his concern. So why in Heaven's name was he still sitting here? He sighed and had a hunch something was wrong. Glancing over her again, he looked to the dark stain on her gray pants. Blood.

And he felt like he needed to help. But she was sleeping. The poor human might scream her lungs out if she found him looking at her while she had been in slumber. And that was all the more reason he leaned over her, staring into her beautifully sculpted, dark featured face.

Laurel's eyes opened, and she wasn't at all much surprized to see a pair of fierce amber eyes staring down at her. Her eyes narrowed, and she slowly sat up, hands braced on the ground just in case he tried anything. She tossed that long, jet black mane from her face and studied him. Wonderful, she thought sarcastically. Company.

There was something weird about him, but she pushed that aside. He had been watching her while she slept, and that was not something she liked. He looked...well, different. She'd never seen those color eyes before. She shook herself mentally, and stared at him, grey orbs ever so slowly shifting to almost coal black.

And he thought this couldn't surprise him more. She didn't scream, but held her own ground. She intrigued him. Then his thoughts shifted back to her injured leg. He stood, slowly, rising to his full height of six feet, three. He watched as she jumped up quickly, wincing from the pain in her leg. He walked toward her, actually somewhat concerned. And again for the second time that morning, stopped in his tracks. God, the darkness that radiated from her was so deep, so strong. He blinked a few times, trying to process it all and get an answer. She wasn't human, that was for sure. But thats exactly what she looked like. A human.

But humans don't radiate dark energy, he told himself, and concentrated back on what he was going to do. "Well, hello there, Grey Eyes." His voice was soft, yet harsh at the same time.

Laurel was cursing under her breath in Latin, wincing still because of the pain shooting through her leg. She really needed to get that cut bandaged and cleaned. But she would wait until this man left. She stared right into his eyes, hands on her hips. "Yeah. Hello." Her voice held a hint of sarcasm.

He just gave a small smile and walked toward her. Gloved hands shot out with great speed, clasping each of her wrists, and holding them tightly. He grabbed her uninjured leg and swung her into his arms, smirking the whole time. Laurel gave a yelp of protest and brought an elbow to his ribs, and making contact. He gave a groan of pain, but held onto her. Walking to the lake shore, he layed her on the ground and held here there, taking his time as he reached into that wine colored cloak and pulled out a roll of white cloth.

Laurel froze. He was going to bandage her wound? God, he didn't even know her, but he was stopping whatever he had planned and was helping her. She took her time now to totally study him. He was tall. She, for a girl, was considered tall, but still had to bend her head back slightly when standing face to face. Dark brown hair, amber eyes. He was wearing a few layers of clothing under that cloak. He interested her, but she still was in no mood.

He tore a piece of the cloth off and dipped it in the cool water of the lake, then rung it out. Turning back to the girl, he pulled up her pant's leg. After examining the cut, which turned out to be rather deep, he started to dab at the wound, eyes narrowed in concentration. How had she not torn her pants, but managed to slice her leg so bad? He didn't even bother coming up with an answer. He just cleaned it, smiling everytime he heard her wince or draw in a sharp breath.

After the dried blood was cleaned off, he grabbed the roll of cloth, and started to wrap it around the part of her leg the wound occupied. He wrapped it rather tightly, and heard her muttering again in Latin. He seemed rather cheerful. That made it all the more interesting. Finally he finished bandaging her wound, and sat back on his heals to stare a her with tiger eyes from under sienna bangs.

Laurel frowned, one jet black eyebrow arching as she stared back at him. He held out a hand to her to help her up, and she reluctantly accepted. After she was on her feet, she turned away, limping to her bag and stuffing all her stuff back in it.

The amber-eyed young man watched her, smirking still. When she turned back to him, he held out a gloved hand, giving a polite smile. "And what is your name, Grey Eyes?"

Laurel may have not wanted to talk to him, or anyone, but she was not very rude to people who helped her because of how rare that happened. "Laurel Zerelis. And what about yours, Tiger Eyes?" She extended her hand, taking his in her and shaking.

He chuckled and clasped her hand tightly, a smile pulling the corners of his mouth up. She was playing his little game. But God, her eyes were so damn haunting. "Felix Seres. Its a pleasure." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back.

"Now, Seres, if you don't mind, I must be on my way." Laurel pulled her hand away from him, grabbed her jacket and bag. She shoved her arms into the sleeves of her coat, hooked the bag over her shoulders, and started away from him, lipming, towards the city.

Felix smiled and started the opposite direction from her, looking back to watch her disappear into the trees. He would meet this girl again, he promised himself. She was way to interesting not to see again. But when, he did not know. He certainly wouldn not forget her that easily. She was way too much like himself for him to forget her.

aurel made it into the city, and was disappointed to find that the place that was talked about was only a village. And finding a job was not as easy as she had hoped. For a sixteen year old girl with her stubborness and independence, not many would even consider hiring her. People of the town did not like her. She was a mysterious and dark tourist, or thats how they thought of her. Children hid behind their mother's skirts and stared. Women glared at her with narrowed eyes, and the men would stop and stare, mouths open. Anyone who was someone in the city knew of the mysterious girl, but no one knew anything about her.

It took her a while to find boarding, but she eventually did. In the attic of a small clothing store. The place was stuffy, small, and in dark colors of gray. And it was perfect for her. It was a small four room place and only consisted of a small bedroom with a narrow bed and dresser, a place where she could cook that had a small freezer, a stove, and a table, an empty room with a small sofa which she decided to use as a study, and a bathroom. She only had brought a bag full of items and posessions, so she didn't need much room.

It was at the end of her first week, when she sat at the small pond in the park, the notebook in her lap and pen in here hand, did anyone approach her. It was a young man, maybe slightly older then her. He was tall with brownish blonde hair and blue eyes that mixed with gold. He was what most teenage girls would call a dreamboat. Laurel only thought of a jock with no brains.

"So... you must be the girl everyone is talking about..." He spoke finally, towering over her as he stood at a height of six feet, and she sat.

Laurel smirked, pushing black hair from her face, closed her note book and tucked it under her arm. She stood now, just a few inches shorter then he, and jet black eyebrows arched. "And what if I am?"

"They have been saying things about you...how you are an evil girl or something..." The young man shrugged, held out a hand. "The name's Matthew Anderson."

Laurel didn't bother to take his hand. She turned, and walked away to another part of the pond. She didn't feel like conversing with this boy. And he seemed so damn familiar. And it was killing her that she couldn't put her finger on why.

He followed. "Please. I'd like to be friends."

That made Laurel give a snort of humorless laughter, and she turned back to him, a dangerous look in gray orbs turned almost black, lips pulled back in something more dangerous then a smile. "Friends. I don't have any. They are just people who cannot find it in themselves to kill you." This was said on an edge, her tone sharp.

"That's not true at all, Laurel..." He replied, staring her in the eye.

"Oh, so you do know my name." Emphasis on the 'do'. "Really, this is wonderful and all, and the conversation is wonderful, but get this straight. I do not make friends. I do not depend on anyone but myself. That is my rule, and shall be my rule."

"As you wish, Gray Eyes..." The young man turned and walked away, and weaved into the crowd. Laurel lost sight of him instantly.

"Hn..." She turned and sat back down. She pushed the meeting to the back of her mind, and concentrated on her writing. But it was knawing at her thoughts. How he was so familiar. He had called her Grey Eyes. A face flashed in her minds, and she cursed and pushed it away. Finally the thoughts of it drifted away, and she continued with her writing whole-heartedly.

Chapter 2 -- 4 Years Later --

She had no clue where she was.

A brightness was alight in the distance, so she frowned and made her way there. She'd been walking in the forest for some time now, and until now, there had been no shelter in sight. The sky overhead was swollen with the clouds that were ready to burst with rain. Lightning was cracking, making the sky an icy blue. Thunder pounded in the distance.

And just as she was only yards away from the door of what seemed to be a tavern of some sort, the rain started, pouring in icy sheets, pelting on her head and shoulders with force. She jogged in long strides the rest of the way to the door, kicked it open with her boot, and made her way in, stopping just as she entered to look around.

The place seemed cozy. The hearth on the far wall burned brightly with the flames of a fire, the bar was loaded with men, and some women, who sat and drank. Pictures and paintings adorned the dark wooden walls, large chairs were moved by the heat of the fire. Tables were filled with people of different species and kinds, who sat laughing and chatting with one and other.

The place was, by definition, way too social for her taste. But she needed shelter, and she had no where else to go. She frowned and looked about, grey hues moving to an empty table in a dark corner. She made her way there, boots clicking against the wooden floor. She quickly slid into the seat, dropping her bag under the table and taking her time to ring out her hair.

She looked around again, studied the occupants more closely. They, of course, weren't the type of people she would have met in the last village she had been to. The people who occupied this tavern were not all human. Skin went from almost white to blues and greens and browns. Hair varied in colors of the rainbow, height going from eight feet to only a few inches. Some had wings, others covered in fur. It was rather interesting.

So she made herself comfortable, and when a young woman who was ivory skinned and blue eyed came over to ask if she liked anything, she ordered a cup of coffee, and red wine. When her drinks came, she sat back, and started to let herself relax as the coffee warmed her cold body.

--

Amber hues moved slowly and lazily over the room as he sipped red wine from a long stemmed glass. It was a relaxing evening, the rain pattering rhythmically on the window panes, the buzz of chatter in the place. It all relaxed him. But there was this feeling he had, one that told him something was going to happen. Bringing the glass to his lips, he took a swallow, savoring the taste. Ah, if felt good to relax so, with nothing to worry about at the moment.

Felix Seres was a young man, who looked about the age of 19 or 20. He was tall, at the height of six foot, three, and lean in body structure. Sienna hair fell over tiger-like amber eyes. He was dressed simpily. Black pants and a crisp white shirt, a dark red jacket, black leather boots and gloves, and dagger was sheathed in the belt at his side. And to top it off, all of this was worn under a wine colored cloak.

And now, as he sat at the table in the shadows, sipping his wine, he received glances here and there from patrons of the tavern. Women out of interest, men out of doubtfullness. And knowing this, he gave a small smile, which actually was more of a smirk. He refilled his glass, and continued his little search over the tavern.

His breath caught when ambers fell on a familiar face. A familiar face he dreamed of every now and then. She sat there, in the darkness of the shadows much like he himself did. Black hair fell in thickness and layers to a little past her waist, casting shadows over thickly lashed grey eyes. She wore a fitted dark gray shirt, black pants, black leather boots and gloves. And all her curves were hidden under that black cloak. He stared, completely wide eyed. She was here. He vowed to meet her again, and here she was.

And electricity surged through his veins when those stormy greys locked with tiger-amber orbs. They stared at eachother, both still seeming in a rather shocked state. She blinked a few times, then her eyes narrowed, her features darkening. And he still sat, etched with shock and surprise.

He might have been a fool, but he was not anywhere near the definition of an idiot. When an oppertunity showed its face, he readily took it. Putting his glass on the wooden table, he slowly stood, wine cloth falling and dancing about his lower legs. He walked toward her in calm, short strides, deliberately slowing his pace, leather boots clicking in a slow rhythm against the wooden-pane floor. But even with his calm attitude, his pulse had quickened just the slightest fraction. And now he stood infront of her, staring down onto the dark featured face. He leaned his elbows on the table, gave a small smirk, and finally spoke.

"Well, Grey Eyes, we meet again."

Laurel was completely still as he leaned down to her eyes level, and still she did not move when he sat across from her. He took her still full glass of red wine, smiled, and raised it up as if in a toast. Then he took a drink, lowered the glass, and then set it back on the table. Only her eyes followed him as he moved.

"Grey Eyes, I know you remember me..." He spoke in a low voice, feeling the fire of her gaze. But even in the fire, he felt the ice.

"Yes, Seres, I do remember you." She finally spoke after a few moments, bringing the mug of hot coffee to her lips, taking a sip, and letting the burning liquid slide down her throat.

He smirked, picked up the glass of wine again, swirled the blood-red liquid and watched it catch light. She remembered him. Maybe his face had haunted her over the years as hers did him. He leaned back in the chair, let his gaze roam down to the table, then up again to find her staring at him. "Grey Eyes, Grey Eyes... God, how you've grown."

Laurel blinked at his statement, remember those years ago when they had met in the forest, and how he had doctored and bandaged her wound. And with that memory was a surge of something like anger. She never liked the idea that he had done something for her. "And I see you haven't changed at all..."

"Well, for what I am, it's not unusual." His smirked, setting the glass down on the table once again.

"And what are you, Seres?" She asked it in a quiet voice, leaning forward so that her face was only several inches from his.

"I am not the sort of person someone should tamper with." He gave a bland smile, which was totally humorless. His amber orbs were flickering with something that resembled fire to a high degree. "And what are you, Zerelis? What is your story?" He had leaned forward, his face just inches away from hers.

Laurel's eyes narrowed, and she turned her head away. "I wish I knew." Turning to look back at him, her eyes were different, swirling colors of greys, and some charcoal black. "You want my story, Tiger Eyes? You wish to relive the pain with me? Because if I must relive it, you will too. I tell you my story, and you tell me yours."

"Then it's a deal, Grey Eyes." He smirked again, leaning forward even more, so that he was just a breath away. Leather encased fingers danced over her cheek as he spoke. "Those eyes have haunted me, Grey Eyes. You're face, the darkness you feel and radiate. They've all haunted me for four years."

Laurel went still as stone, staring back into fierce ambers that were shining like jewels. His words had sunk in quickly, and she didn't know what to make of then. He was too close ot her. She finally leaned back a little, her dark features etched blank. She decided not to comment on his statement, and took a deep breath. "When I was born, my parents did not want me, and I was given to a family of the town. No one wanted to put up with me. I was stubborn and all, and they didn't like it, even from a baby. I was, of course, the one who was abandoned by her own parents.

"So when I was two, I was sent to a convent, where I stood until the hearty age of sixteen." She met his fiery gaze with one of ice. "The day I first met you was the day after I ran away from there. The sisters always locked me up, took a switch to me when I didn't listen. The basic punishments for, as you said, the darkness that I felt and radiated. So I ran.

"I lived in that village for some time, finding work here and there for as long as I could. No one in that place really liked me much, but that wasn't nothing new. So after a while, I decided to find something else. I traveled around, going deom city to city. I worked odds and ends for money, saved it. And finally, I had all the money I thought I would really need. So thats pretty much my story, Tiger Eyes. There is nothing more." She stopped, looking out the window at the raging storm.

"But what you failed to say is that it still pains you." He spoke quietly, following her gaze to the window. "We've both felt betrayed, then. By family. I grew up with a rich family. One night I was careless, and I suffered from it. My family rejected me when they found out. Plain and simple."

"That isn't the whole story, Seres." Laurel said it with a sharp tone, looked at him.

"I shall tell you the whole story when I feel fit. I never said when I wanted to relive my pain." He didn't meet her gaze. He knew that wasn't fair, but he didn't want to ruin his mood with the rememberance of that damn silver-eyed demon of a girl. Life wasn't fair, he reminded himself.

"It pains you much more then you let on, I can see it in your eyes."

He didn't expect that from her. Not at all. How could she read him so easily? But on the other hand, he could read her just as well. The pain swirling in her eyes told another story then how she had spoken so cooly and calmy when she spoke of her past. Maybe because they were so much alike? Maybe something else. Who knows. Who cares. "And if it does?"

"If it does, I won't offer sympathy." She said that calmy, looking again out the window.

"I appreciate that. No, that is not sarcasm." He picked up the glass of wine again, took a generous sip. The bitter and strong liquid made him snap back into his self, and he looked at her. She seemed to be in her own little realm, and he recognized that her eyes were a clouded grey. She was thinking of the past. Something he himself could not do so often because even if it was a few hundred years ago, the pain was still raw. "Grey Eyes, you are not alone."

Laurek gave a small humorless laugh, her lips pulling into a small sneer. "I am alone, I always have been. I don't make friends, or share with them."

"And yet you just shared your pain and memory with me..." He said it very quietly, raising his gaze to look at her. The sneer was gone, and her face were just plain emotionless; grey eyes were just clouded depths of never ending-ness.

"Yes. I did. And I wonder now why I even bothered." She said that tightly, got up from her seat, and made her way to the door. She didn't even look back, but just walked out into the pouring rain.

And after a long sigh, Felix followed her. He pushed the door open again, walked out, and in seeing her dark silhouette in the pouring rain, made his way toward her. And she started walking away. Running. He quickened his step, and was then in a dash, running after the girl. He finally came close enough to grad her cloak, pulled her back against him, and made a stop, slipping on the muddy ground. And they both crashed to the floor. Laurel growled and scrambled up, but Felix was quicker. He was up in an instant, and had grabbed her upper arms, pinning her to the tree. They were both already soaked and splattered in mud.

"Do not pull that again, Grey Eyes." His breath was hitching, but he managed to sound calm. He was everything other then calm, actually. His heart was pounding loudly in his ears, his pulse was quickening by the second.

"Do not pull that again?!" She spat the words, and bared her teeth in a sneer. "You pursued me, Tiger Eyes. I did nothing."

"You know you have my interest, Laurel. I can be persistant. You intrigue me, as well as all my senses. I won't let this and you just slip away as I did four years ago. I told you, you've haunted me for four years. That face, those eyes. Everything about you has haunted me. Now, I think I am begining to know why." And just to prove his point, he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. Fierce and demanding. That was what this kiss was. There was nothing soft or gentle. Just forcefulness and hunger.

His gloved hands had an iron grip on her arms, and she couldn't budge for his body covered hers. So she did all she could. She let the kiss rage on. Her leather encased hands had moved to grip onto his wrists tightly. He slanted his mouth over hers, pressed her into the tree trunk so that the bark bit into her skin through her clothing. And finally, after what seemed like forever, and way to long, he tore his mouth from hers. Breathing was ragged as they stared at eachother, hands still gripping.

"Do not doubt me, Grey Eyes. I will break through you. I promise you that." He kept his voice calm, but he didn't loosen his grip. He stared back into her face, waiting for a reply.

"Would you like to bet on that, Seres?" She smirked, leaning forward so her lips were just over his. "Do you really think you can actually break me, Tiger Eyes?"

"I can try..." He shoved himself away from her, turning away and staring out at the forest, the rain pelting onto him. He didn't even feel cold. How could he? What was it about this girl? Why did she affect him so?

"You can try, but you won't win..." She pushed soaked strands of jet black hair from her face, staring at his back. The coldness was, however, getting to her. So was he. She was still leaning back against the tree, staring at him, when he turned and glared at her.

"Come on." And without warning, Felix grabbed her arm tightly, and dragged her back to the tavern door. Kicking it open with his foot, he shoved her in, and followed. They did receive more then a few glances. The patrons must have gotten a few ideas also, considered they were soaked, flushed and covered in mud.

He pushed her to the table that was concealed in the darkness of the shadows, and when she sat, he followed suit and sat across from her, glaring, fierce ambers glowing. He leaned toward her again, arms braced on the table. "I will break you down to a person with feeling, Laurel. Count on it."

"I do feel. You do not know me, Seres. You know nothing of me except of my past." She was growing angery, grey orbs darkening to charcoal.

"Well, Grey Eyes, I will win my challenge. That ice that surrounds your heart, it will melt." He leaned forward so that his lips barely touched hers.

"Try me, Tiger Eyes... If it is at all possible that you break me, you'll be broken first." At that, she got up, grabbing the small bag she had, and with a flip of her soaked jet black hair, walked out of the tavern.

"And you don't even know you've already started to break me down." He smirked, pulled out a flask of red wine from his cloak along with a glass, and poured himself half a glass. This was going to be a long few weeks, he knew.

She had been lucky to find shelter not too far from the tavern, considering that the rain had gotten worse that night, but did cease the following morning. She sat on the window sill of the small cottage, rubbing sleep from her eyes just as the sun started to rise. Warmth danced over her chilled body and felt like something that you would be banned from feeling. Pulling her thick mane of black hair into a pony tail, she stretched, and then stood. She was in only a grey undershirt and a pair of shorts.

So now, bare foot and barely clothed, she walked out the door of the cottage and to the small pond that adorned the landscape. With her cloak and pants draped over her arm, she knelt at the edge of the water, and was set to start washing the mud from her clothing. And that she did, dipping first her cloak, and scrubbing away the dried mud. After she had cleaned it best as possible, she rung it out, and layed it over a low tree branch to dry. She did the same with her pants, then made her way back into the cottage.

Laurel winced as she plopped back down on the small feather filled bed, and frowned. She would have loved to give herself the pleasure to sleep longer, but she wouldn't do that to herself. Do what to herself? Him. That damned amber-eyed boy. He had haunted her in her sleep. And she could have killed him for it.

She didn't like the idea of thinking about him as much as she did, and she couldn't put it to the back of her mind. He, just as so many other, had thought of her as a challenge. And it actually angered her to think of it all again. But wasn't it true? She really was just a challange to society. She was not needed. Hell, she could die and no one would miss her.

Getting up again, she crossed the room to the small fire she had made, and tossed more wood to feed the flames. They licked up and crackled, dancing in reds, yellows and oranges. Hooking the kettle over the fire, she moved to the small counter and started to cut up vegetables and the chicken she had gotten the day before. When she arrived at the cottage last night, she had immediately put all her food in the small storage hole that she had found.

And now, after slicing up all the meat and vegetables, she put them into the water to cook, adding a few pinches of spice and herbs. She stood by the window, looking out at the grass and the trees which were still damp with rain from the night before. The sun was rising quickly, and the rays were warming up the chilly cottage. Rolling her neck on her shoulders, she gave a yawn and sat on the stood, waiting for her soup to be done.

It was still getting to her, the events from last night. Especially the way she had gotten the mud all over her now drying clothes. She was letting him get to her. That was the answer. She was remembering the events that had taken place. But she couldn't stop thinking about them.

"He can go to Hell, and bring everyone else with him."

Laurel ate, grabbed her dried clothes, and had gotten dressed, stuffing all she didn't use into her bag. Then she thought better of it. She could leave her stuff here. The place already seemed like no one had lived there for a year or two, so she would make this place her own for now. She still had business to deal with, anyway. No harm would come in staying in this area a few days longers.

She wanted to write, but couldn't at this place. It was too quiet. So she sighed, let down her hair, quickly dragging abrush through it, took everything out of her beg except for her few books and pens, and then made her way out of the cottage.

It wasn't a long walk to the tavern. When she got to the place, she pushed open the door slowly, and made her way in. She took a seat in the same place she had the night before, and glanced about. He wasn't here, thank God. And it surprised her that the blue-eyed girl from last night had placed a mug of coffee infront of her, which Laurel thought actually kind, and played the girl, giving her a nice tip. The girl nodded, and walked away.

Laurel removed her gloves, put them into the pocket of her cloak, and then pulled her book and a pen from her bad. Flipping open the book, the white pages were filled with writing in smooth black ink. Each letter was straight, curved and graceful. And more then half the book was filled. And today, she would fill up several more pages, considering she liked to make poems out of the things that were playing in her mind.

So she started writing, her hand moving fluidly and gracefully as she wrote, her eyes cast down on what she was writing, grey orbs moving swiftly over what she wrote every now and then. She seemed actually peaceful, and no one would be able to tell that this girl was so troubled and dark. Not even he would. She re-read what she wrote, and blinked for a moment.

"Eyes cold as ice, yet burning with fire. A heart filled with hate, yet filled with desire. And when that ice breaks, you're hate shall explode, and forever you'll be, in this terrible mode. Then the fire is let loose, and the desires grow, making things hard, yet making them flow."

She had actually written that on her paper, and she was more shocked then anything. Why? Why did she write that? And who the hell was it about? Herself, maybe? Or him? Jesus, I am loosing it. That was her first thought as she rubbed a hand over her eyes, and frowned.

"A beautiful poem, Grey Eyes. May I ask whom it is about?"

Laurel snapped around, coming face to face with none other then Felix Seres. She wanted to ease her fingers around his neck slim and squeeze; that was how much she hated him at that moment. He was practically leaned over her shoulder, and she hadn't noticed he was there. She was too damn busy thinking about everything. That had to be it. Or maybe it was just that he was roaming her thoughts all too much. "I haven't a clue." She smirked and turned back, picking up her mug of coffee. She was pressed to turn and throw the burning hot liquid into his face, but she ceased from it.

"Not happy to see me, Zerelis?" He grinned and rested his chin on her shoulder, reached his arms around her, and flipped the book closed "Do you mind if I read?" After a silent chuckle and a nuzzle of her neck, he slipped away, the book in hand. He sat across from her then, and leaned back in the chair. Opening the cover, he looked up at her, then looked down at the book, and started to skim the pages.

Laurel watched him, hands clenched so tightly that her nails bit into skin. He seemed rather interested in what he was reading, for he payed no attention for the small curses she tossed at him. He flipped the pages, reading every poem that she had written. It did take him a while, but he finished every word she had written. Finally, he looked up, amber orbs crinkled in silent laughter. "Zerelis, you have talent."

Laurel said nothing, just stared back at him with hard grey eyes. It surprised her that she hadn't made any move to snatch her book back. Maybe it was the challenge? He said he could break her, and that would show a weakness in it.

Felix smirked, stood, and walked over to her. He knelt down on one knee and rested his arms on his knee, staring up at her. "I am getting to you already, aren't I, Laurel?" When she said nothing, he lifted her hand and brought it to his lips, just brushing his lips the slightest bit on her palm, then her knuckles and finally the back of her hand. "I sure as Hell know you are getting to me."

Laurel stared down at him, feeling that was the only place she could look. She could feel the tavern's occupants staring at them. Then, as calmy as she could, she spoke. "Seres, you do not know me. There is nothing between us. We are as different as night and day, so I fail to see why you bother."

"Grey Eyes, we both share pain. That is enough. And not to mention the darkness. You are darkness, Zerelis. It radiates off of you like life. And just as well as I know that, I know I affect you, and you know it, too." His lips lingered on the back of her hand a moment longer, then he dropped her hand, and stood up straight, towering over her sitting form. "Just admit it to yourself, Zerelis. You feel something, even though you barely no me."

"I'll admit nothing." She said it calmy, cooly. Her eyes had iced to an icy grey, and she was now glaring at him from under thick raven lashes.

He grabbed her arms tightly and pulled her up, then manuvered her to the privacy of the dark corner. Pinning her against the wall, he stared at her, ambers flickering like fire in the darkness. "You won't admit it to me yet, but you will admit it to yourself. After we part, the probability is that I shant see you again. So admitting you had feelings for a stranger wouldn't matter, now would it, Zerelis? Unless caring in some way is a weakness..." His hand was trailing up her arm, her neck, her cheek.

"Emotions are weaknesses." She said it quietly. She wanted to flinch away from his touch, but she would never give him the pleasure of it.

"You are already breaking me, Grey Eyes, and you know that, too. What type of demon are you, to have such a power over me?" His voice had softened considerably as he cupped her chin in his hands. "Answer my questions, Zerelis. Tell me what it is about you."

"I do not know." She tried to push him away, but he pressed her harder against the wall. What happened last night would not happen again if she had anything to do with it.

"Me either..." He sighed now, let his arms drop to his sides, and stared at her hard, tiger-like orbs piercing into stormy grey. "I want to help you, Zerelis. Let me help you..."

"I don't need help." She still couldn't move away from him. He still had her pressed against the wall with his body.

"Yes you do. Let me help you, Laurel. Give me the pleasure of knowing I did something." He leaned forward, skimming his lips over her cheek.

"Seres...I do not need help..." She pushed him away now, her eyes narrowed into warning slits. "I will not let you minipulate me, Felix Seres. I won't. You can't."

"You're just scared." He smirked and shoved his hands into his pockets, keeping his distance away from her. What the Hell was getting into him?

"Not scared. I am cautious. And you are ignorant." She smirked right back at him, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

"Ignorance is bliss, my dear Grey Eyes." With that, he turned and started to walk toward the door. Before he stepped out the door, he gave a slight bow, and raised two fingers to his lips and then motioned his hand toward her as if in blowing a kiss. "Until we meet again." And then he was gone.

Laurel cursed again and walked back to her table, sitting in the chair and sighing. This was not good. He was getting to her. He was getting to her way too easily. Reaching over the table, she grabbed her book, and flipped to the page she had been on. She cursed again, reading the small statement that was scrolled in curvey lines.

"Blissful ignorance shall preveil all, my dear. And what will preveil is what you fear. You know you feel what you do inside. So tell me, Grey Eyes, why must you hide?"

"I hate you..." She muttered it, and shook her head, then started again to write her poem. It was dark by the time she realized that she had not meant those exact words as she said them.

The pale faced girl stood in the shadows, a smile playing on her lips. She'd seen the whole thing, and was very very interested by this dark featured girl. Felix seemed to like the girl, and that was one of the main reasons she had to do what was in her nature, and why she picked this one. But there were other reasons, of course. The girl radiated darkness like she herself did. That more intrigued her more then anything.

She made her way to the girl, a small smirk on her red lips. When she came up to her, she smiled and gave a polite bow. "Hello, madam."

Laurel looked at the pale girl, and one jet black eyebrow raised. She was practically white, with jet black straight hair, and silver eyes. She just gave a nod. "Hello."

"The name is Ari. Nice to meet you." The girl smiled again and took Laurel's hand, shaking it in her own cold, pale one.

"Laurel Zerelis..." Laurel frowned. She didn't like this girl much.

Ari smirked now, and tucked her arm in the Laurel's and lead her outside into the night.. Laurel frowned again, not liking this one bit. She knew what this girl was, and was not going to get played like she was a pawn. But Ari had different ideas, with great strength for someone her age, she pushed Laurel into the side of the tavern face first, and pulled her arms behind her back, holding her there. "Do not struggle, Dark One. It will hurt more if you do."

"Let me go..." Laurel tried to push away, but she was being held tight.

Ari gave a feral smile, and trailed her lips over the bare skin of Laurel's neck. "I cannot do that, Dark One. Now stay still.." And with that, the two sharp canines sank into the flesh, and Laurel bit back a scream of more anger then pain.

But now the pain was shooting through her neck, and her whole body felt like every degree of heat was draining from her. Her body was growing weak, and the draining of her blood was not going as well on her.

Ari, on the other hand, was in pure bliss. The blood was drugging her, something she didn't usually feel. When she drank too much, it wasn't good for her, and this girl's blood was not with the usual taste. She sunk her teeth deeper, then her eyes widened, and she pulled away. She licked the last remaining droplets of blood from the holes in her neck and let go, watching Laurel fall to the floor. She turned and walked away, her cheeks flushed and warm from the blood, her head spinning from the sweetness and bitterness combined. Felix would find her in the morning. No worries there. And he would know that it was, of course, her. And she disappeared into the darkness of the forest.

Chapter 3

Felix sighed, making his way to the tavern. He really hoped she wasn't there. He didn't think he could deal with her today. A night of no sleep never did much for him. It was a nice morning: the sun was warm, the breeze cool, making it just perfect. Today would be a day of rest and relaxation. No Laurel Zerelis to make his train of thoughts go off track. Hell, they were already going off track.

This was not him. Felix Seres was never so intrigued by anything, or anyone. But then she came around, and everything sort of just slowly moved out of place. She'd been here only two days. Two days, and yet she was chaning him so, even if she couldn't tell.

He was at the door of the tavern when he heard something that resembled a growl, or a groan. His dark brows furrowed together, and he peered over to the side of the building. His eyes widened when he seen what he did. There was a figure, curled up into a ball, dark cloak draped over her, jet black hair falling into the pale face.

"Oh my God...Laurel." He ran to the figure, croutched down, and took the person it his arms. It was, as he guessed, Laurel. Black tresses were plastered to her face with sweat, her face was pale, and she was moaning in pain. "Laurel, open your eyes! Grey Eyes, damnit, open your eyes!" He shook her softly, receiving yet another moan. He held her tightly to his chest, his arms wrapped around her. "Damnit, Laurel... open your eyes..."

"Felix...?" That was said softly, in more of a groan then anything else. She stirred slightly in his arms, and her eyes, which were heavy lidded, opened and she stared up at him with pale greys. "Mmm... Tiger Eyes..."

"Laurel, stay awake. Tell me what happ-" He stopped, seeing the two puncture holes on the side of her neck. "Oh my God..." His hands were stroking her face, her hair, her back. His lips pressed against her forehead. "Jesus, Grey Eyes. Who did this?"

"Silver Eyes... she had silver-eyes..." Laurel murmurred it, letting her head fall against his chest. She wanted to sleep. She felt so weak, so nauseated.

"That demon is going to pay." He knew exactly who it was... and rage boiled over the surface. He sat on the ground now, rocking her in his lap, resting his cheek against hers. She was burning up. "Laurel... my dear Grey Eyes..." His lips trailed along her cheek, brushed over her lips, then he pulled back to look at her. Frowning, he reached into the folds of his cloak and withdrew a small bottle that was filled with liquid. "You have to drink half of this now, do you hear? It will help with the affects of the bite." He popped open the cork, held it to her pale lips, and watched her as she drank half the bottle.

"Felix... I don't need you to help me..." She tried to push away from him, but she was still too weak. She sighed and gave up, going limp in his arms. He just drew her closer.

"No matter how much you say you hate me... we are partners in this now, Zerelis..." He drew his cloak around them both, holding her tightly and moving to lean back against the wall.

He had already made one decision: She was not human. Human's didn't react like this. And she was practically bloodless. If she was human, she would be a vampire already. But she was not. She was affected greatly by the loose of blood, and the darkness he had felt was radiating more harshly now as she struggled for conciousness.

He also made another decision: That damn silver-eyed demon was dead. He would kill her if it was the last thing he did.

"Why are we partners, Seres?" Laurel spoke softly, murmurring her question against his chest.

"I should tell you now, I believe. I was born in 1698, Laurel. When I was ten, I was taking a walk, and not paying attention, and I was attacked by a vampire. The thing managed to bite me, but I also managed to wound the creature with my dagger that I always carry. My blood was mixed with the creatures, and I was turned. I do not thrist for blood, I can stand the sunlight. But I am still considered a demon. The thing that attacked me was a silver-eyed beauty. Laurel, it is her. I know it is..." He quieted, waiting for her to speak. She would certainly hate him, knowing that the demon who had almost killed her was the reason he was here and alive.

"I'm going to kill her, Seres. I am going to rip her heart out of her chest." Laurel said this with feeling, but then she gave a small and weak, humorless laugh. "What am I saying? She has no heart..."

"Laurel, I think I am falling in love with you." He laughed, and immediately regretted what he said. She had stiffened in his arms, and he had heard the sharp intake of breath. And then he took it as an insult. "Don't worry, Zerelis. It's only an expression." And the venom in his voice was more then understandable. No one, not even she would miss it. And that made him all the more curious. He didn't care.

Laurel said nothing, but she had heard the venom in his voice quite clearly. He had taken her stiffening the wrong way. But she wasn't about to explain that to him. She had given him enough explainations.

"I think I can stand now..." She spoke calmy, and pushed away from him, then shakily pushed her way to her feet. She stood for a moment, and tried to get used to her shaking legs. She tried to take a step, and then stopped, steadying herself. She took a few more steps, then a few more away from him. And then her eyes rolled into the back of her head and lids fluttered closed, and she fell unconcious.

Felix didn't know how he reacted so quickly, but he had lunged from against the wall and hit the ground, catching her on the way. She fell limp onto of him, and he sighed. "Jesus, Laurel." He sat up, taking her into his arms again. This woman would be the end of him. He didn't know what to do with her. He sat with her in his lap, on the side of the tavern, in daylight. Was he to just stay here until she awoke? No, someone would see them, and there would be rumors flying. And he didn't feel like having her or himself suffer that at the moment.

So now he stood, holding her tight against his chest. Glancing around, he started to walk into the forest, ducking low branches, stepping and side-stepping fall logs. It was beautiful, standing in the sunlit forest, the rays streaming through openings in the trees, the warmth following. The grass and plants glistened with the dew from the morning.

And finally, he stopped, and glanced about with ambers of fire. He had haulted in a clearing, the trees surrounding it like a barricade. A small pond adorned the area, along with beautiful wild flowers and plants. It was serene, peaceful. And the perfect place to keep her until she could walk without fainting.

He unhooked his cloak, still holding her in his arms, and layed it out on the floor; it looked like fine wine spilt on a dirt floor. Then he set her down ontop of it, unclasping her own cloak and laying it over her like a blanket. She stirred slightly before slipping back into a still darkness.

He frowned, not at all liking how she was still being affected. Reaching down and into his cloak below her, he pulled out the roll of white cloth, then walked to the pond. Kneeling on the bank, he ripped a piece of the cloth, dipped it into the water, then did the same with another piece. Walking back to her, Felix rung out a piece of cloth, and layed the damp thing on her forehead, which he noted was burning up. The next that was rung out was placed on her neck over the puncture marks, then secured with a strip of dry cloth.

She had started to shake, and that made his anger boil even higher. That demon did it to spite him. He knew that was true. That silver eyed demon did way too much just to let him suffer. She would pay for it all, eventually. Now, he would worry about the dark figure next to him.

Brushing a few strand of jet black from her face, Felix stared down at her. Laurel Zerelis, he already knew, was not the type who liked to be taken care of. He'd learned that several years before. But that was just too damn bad for her. Smiling a bit, he leaned back against the trunk of the large oak tree behind him, and let his eyes drift close. Not meaning for it to happen, he slowly drifted into sleep.

Darkness. Pain. Detachment.

Everything seemed dark until she could find the strength to open her eyes, and when she did, pain seared through her head, her neck, and even down her spine. Even in being awake, she felt like she was pulled away from the world. There wasn't too much light left, and she noticed the sun was setting, the sky split in blues, purples, reds, pinks, and yellows.

But Laurel didn't care about that. She got used to the flashes of white hot pain that flew through her like lightning after a few moments, and then started to sit up. It took her more then a few minutes to sit up, for her head felt like it was still spinning. The wet cloth fell from her forehead, and she blinked, staring at it, then picked it up, and then pressed the coldness to her forehead, then her cheeks. She was starting to get the feeling in her numb neck back, and felt the damp cloth wrapped around there, too. She'd been doctored by someone. She could only guess who.

But she didn't even need to guess, because he was sitting there, his eyes closed, head bowed, sienna bangs falling into his face. His only movement was the rise and fall of his chest and he breathed. He seemed relaxed enough, with one ankle crossed over the other and his arms crossed loosely over his chest, but his facial expressions told differently. They showed worry, anger, concern, as if in bad dream.

Laurel pushed herself next to Felix's side, stared with dark greys into that face, then took the damp cloth that she held on her face and dabbed at against his ckeeks and forehead. His eyes closed tighter, and she layed the cloth against his forehead. And then his eyes shot open, and the next thing she knew was he had pinned her, painfully at that, to the soft earth.

As her back and head came in contact with the ground, she bit back a yelp of pain, but a groan escaped her lips. Her breath was coming rather heavily, and her eyes had closed tightly as the flashes of pain resumed. She didn't even bother to open her eyes to look at him. She could feel his heated gaze on her.

"My God, Zerelis!" He hissed her name like a curse, but she heard the concern that laced his voice. His hand moved to her cheek, and he willed her to open her eyes. And she did, orbs a glassy grey. "God damn you, Laurel!"

She only groaned in response, the pain growing worse by the moment. She was dying, she was sure of it.

A deep frown creased his lips and dark brows pulled together. Something was wrong. She was hurting too badly, and he'd given her the liquid. He slowly eased off of her, then just as slowly, pulled her up, and into his arms. Her body was racking with shivers as he held her, and he felt her trying to repress them. "Don't fight it, Laurel. It will make it hurt more." He pressed his lips to the top of her head, hoping that would calm her. And to his dismay, it made her shake more.

He didn't know how long he sat with her in his arms, trying his best to help stop the shaking, but by the time Laurel's shaking had decreased to the point of small shivers, it was already night. The sky was a dark dark blue, but the full moon and the stars cast bright light on the clearing. The leaves rustled as the wind blew steadily past them. The pond glistened with moonlight, and swayed with the breeze.

Felix was as awake as anyone could be, rocking gently back and forward with Laurel in his arms. One hand was soothingly slipping through her jet black hair, the other rested on her back and rubbing softly. Her head was tucked under his chin, her arms were folded against her and her palms were pressing against his chest. Her eyes were closed tightly, thick raven lashes resting on her unusually pale cheeks. Felix had reached over and pulled his and her cloak to them, tucking them both around her shivering frame.

And now, although she was still awake, she had calmed considerably. She was no longer shaking harshly; now and then there was a shiver, but nothing more. Her eyes were open, glassy and the color of the sky just as a storm started. Her cheek was pressed against his chest as she looked out at the pond, face emotionless.

"Grey Eyes... are you alright now?" Felix pulled back, looked at her. As she looked back at him, she nodded, and lowered her gaze to the ground.

He had seen her weak. He had seen her hurt. She didn't like the idea that he had seen her so needing and helpless. And that he had helped her. She wanted to get away from him. She didn't want to see his concerned face. She didn't want him comforting her. But she still didn't have the strength yet to go on her own. Her limbs felt dead, not to mention numb once again.

"After this is over, I won't bring up how you were weak, Laurel." He said it so quietly, she bearly heard him. But she did, and her eyes widened. But he had somehow sensed that she was not liking that he was seeing her so weak.

"...thank you." That was as much as she had spoken in hours. And she didn't have control over what she said; she didn't even want to say thank you. But she did. And she almost cursed when she felt his smile. "Go to hell, Seres."

"I've been there, Zerelis. I've been there." His voice had dropped, and his smile had faded. There was a tenseness there now.

Laurel didn't know what to say to that. She frowned when her eyes started to close, and all of a sudden she felt overly tired. Absentmindedly, she pressed her body closer to his, seeking heat for the coldness in her body, and gave up, letting her eyes fall closed. Her head fell against his chest again, and she was quickly alseep.

Felix blinked, then looked down to see her eyes closed, her lips partially open, and her body limp. She had fallen alseep. He chuckled silently. The liquid he gave her was finally working. He'd give her the rest of it tomorrow morning. Pulling her into his lap and holding her more protectively then anything, he looked around the dark clearing, and smirked. She was there, he knew, watching. This was part of that damn demon's little game, and she wouldn't get away with it.

Felix woke up, his arms empty, and the sun beating down warmly on his body. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he looked around, shielding his eyes from the light. She was no where in sight. His cloak was folded next to him, the empty bottle that has held the liquid next to it. And resting on his cloak was a flower. He gave a small smile, then stood, stretching.

He picked up his cloak, shook it out, then pulled it around his shoulders and clasped it. He slipped the small bottle into a pocket, and then picked up the flower. It was, oddly, a tiger lily. And, oddly, this was his favorite flower. He'd never told Laurel that this was his favorite flower.

Coincidence? Not likely.

"Arimalis... your little games must stop." Sighing, he walked to the pond and splashed the cool water on his face, letting out a deep breath. He would go to the tavern that night, see if she was possibly there. No dobut she would be avoiding him now. Laurel, Laurel. Couldn't get her out if his head. It was going to be the loss of his sanity, he knew, if she continued to haunt and affect him so.

It had been days since he had last seen her. She had not visited the tavern since that night, but he was told she had come to pick up her book of poetry which had been left there. But that was all he knew. None of the usual occupants had seen her. That was that.

Now tonight he stood alone in the forest, staring down at the large glass blue lake. He'd been in a thinking mode for the last few days, and tonight it seemed his brain was funcationing more then usual. Amber orbs were soft in color and clouded, showing a far away look. The harsh wind was blowing his dark brown hair into his face, made his wine colored cloak blowing and dancing around him. If you seen, it would be a sight.

"Ah, Felix dear. How beautiful you are." And out from the darkness of the forest she sauntered, dressed in a dark blue jacket and black pants. Silver hues glittering like diamonds; raven hair blew about a marble white face gracefully; rose shaded lips were pulled in a smile that showed anything but humor or joy.

"What do you want?" He spoke calmly, still staring at his reflection in the mirror-like water. For some odd reason, he didn't care that this pale girl, who he despised, was here. He was in his own little world, not thinking of much more that what was on his mind.

"Just to see you.." She was next to him now, trailing her hand down his arm. "You know you do not really care for her, Felix. It is only lust. You cannot love." Her voice had taken an icy edge, but she kept it low and seductive.

"What do you know? You are heartless." He smirked now, turning his head just slightly to look at the this pale, evil creature. Knowing that she had no heart, no feelings, he wondered why he was the opposite. Yes, he admitted he himself was cold and merciless at points, but he had his feelings. He knew what he felt. And he was made by this heartless creature.

Ari said nothing with that remark, only leaned and brushed her lips over the bare skin of his neck, her lips in a feral smile. "Believe what you like, Felix. But I know the truth." Then she was gone, disappearing back into the darkness of the forest.

Felix stood there for a long time, staring back into the face that was his, looking at the fiery ambers that were his. He was a demon, but only part. He had her blood mixed with his. Was this really lust? No, it was more. Had to be. But she had said it was only lust, and it was true he had never loved anyone before. He sighed again, then turned away from the water, and his reflection. Only time would tell.