Selene Morrigan's Story

Isabella tightened her grip around Dean's hand, feeling some kind of heat meet where their flesh made contact. As he spoke, betrayal heavy in his voice, she gazed unwaveringly into his eyes for the first time. Despite the fact it felt as though she had turned her back on them, she was confident in her decision to go straight into their lair. Should she gain their trust, she could strike them directly at their core; using her position as queen, or whatever it is they wanted to make her, she could possibly ignite a Trojan type war of sorts. She could manipulate them into imploding their empire from the inside out.

She wouldn't tell Dean any of this, despite her furious wanting to. She would have to share this with Aleksei, whom had become her confidante. He knew the inner workings of the empires like the back of his hand; after all, he was one of the ancients that ruled over them, anyway. She pulled Dean closer, until she could almost feel his breath on her face, looking up at him like a brave little soldier to her sergeant.

"Dean, this isn't about protecting me anymore," she began, biting her lip. "If they don't have me, they will tear the world apart until they do. I need you to trust me-"

She turned and observed each of their faces. They all looked at her like she had given them a Judas kiss- asking them to trust her now was something that seemed entirely impossible. For a moment, a sharp pain in her temple forced her eyes shut, and when they did so, she could see the same robed woman again. She stood before a council it seemed, where Aleksei was seated among a group of others. The woman stood quite still, and her head was held high, although the council members looked deeply perplexed.

"Have faith in me," she said. "I will not fail you."

The images faded and Isabella opened her eyes. She looked back up at Dean, remembering the baretta nestled at her hip. She took a deep breath before looking back over her shoulder at her dilapidated home, her father's corpse still among the ruins within. She would collect her belongings before nightfall, and after that she would move- probably with Aleksei, though she wasn't worried about it now- but at the moment, she had to face her future. She was tryin her hardest to remain composed during the situation that tried so hard to break her apart.

"I have a plan," she continued, her voice grave. "But I need you to teach me how to be a killer."

Julian could smell her fear as if she were wearing it like a bad perfume. He exchanged glances with Lukas and Damian, and with a simple look, the two disappeared into the kitchen. Lyra was apprehensive of the situation, and with good reason; she was in a strange house, alone, with boys she had never met before. And now she was beginning to come to terms with the fact that she was utterly helpless to defend herself against them, should they intend to harm her. But his demeanor was soft, showing her that he meant no such thing, and only wished to help her.

"Sure you were," he began before responding to her suspicious inquiring of his purpose at the school. He could smell her lie the instant in left her pretty lips. "Well, I was on my way to football practice with my brothers, but I found you knocked out on the ground..."

He smirked playfully at her. He could almost read her thoughts, wondering why he hadn't decided to take her to a hospital, as any normal human being would have. And perhaps he mistakenly followed his instincts in bringing her to his home instead of a medical center, which could possibly have harmed his human facade. But he couldn't help it- he was a creature of instinct, and he followed wherever his gut led him. He probably should have been more mindful of the consequences, especially concerning a human girl, but for some reason that went out the window when he looked at her. Maybe it was the fact that he could tell she was not an ordinary teenager.

"Abduction?" he chuckled, his nose wrinkling slightly as a wide, wolfish grin spread over his handsome features. "I suppose if you choose to look at it that way, but if you haven't noticed, you aren't shackled or isolated. You can leave if you want... and I didn't take you to the hospital because I figured you wouldn't appreciate a giant bill just to get checked out for fainting."

He observed her closely, noticing the instant that her countenance became sad, and assuming it was because of her home situation. But she was resilient, almost immediately returning their gaze, almost as if she were deflecting them. He liked that- she was spunky, perfectly capable of handling her own, and not just a useless damsel in distress. At that moment, Damian entered the room, but he didn't say a word; Julian turned to acknowledge him, as if he had sensed his approach.

"What is it, brother?" Julian asked.

"Grandfather Wolfgang is asking for you," he replied gravely, his eyes on the ground. "He's waiting in the living room."

"Alright. Give me a second," he then turned to Lyra, switching his gaze from the plate of toast she picked at, then back at her. "Excuse me, Lyra. It was a pleasure to meet you- Damian can show you the way out if you wish, but I do suggest you eat something to regain your strength."

Then he got up, strode past Damian, and disappeared into the hallway until he reached the living room. An old man with braided silver hair sat upon a rocking chair, a long tobacco pipe wedged comfortably between his thin lips. The light skin of his age ridden face was leathery and perplexed, and he did not acknowledge Julian when he entered the room. Instead, a plume of smoke spiraled out of his nostrils as he swayed back and forth on the wooden chair.

"You called for me, grandfather?" Julian asked, already knowing the topic was concerning Lyra.

"The girl," he started, his voice monotonous. "Why have you brought a human into our home, Julian?"

"She was hurt, and she needed my help. I wasn't just going to leave her for someone else to find."

"You above all others know the affairs of humans are not our concern."

"Perhaps, but Lyra is different, grandfather."

There was a moment of silence before the old man averted his cold green eyes to stare directly at the young man. More smoke poured from his nostrils and his now parted lips before he said another word, but Julian stood his ground.

"She stinks of evil spirits," the old man said. "We do not welcome such wickedness into our home."

"That's the thing, grandfather- I believe she was fighting them. She has been weakened immensely. If she had been conjuring them, then she would have been strengthened. She is utterly defenseless, and is no way a threat to us, even if that is what she intended."

"We risk exposure should she decide to tell others."

"She doesn't know what we are. Besides that, she was passed out when I brought her here. She couldn't tell anyone where we were, and I can see to it that she never does."

"Julian, if you are to be alpha, this behavior- interaction with human beings- is not acceptable. You know this, son, so why do you deliberately disobey me?"

Julian cast his gaze to the ground, swallowing a hard lump that had formed in his throne. How could he show his grandfather that Lyra was innocent? He had just met the girl, but every instinct in his body was telling him he could trust her. He sighed, looking over his shoulder down the corridor at the room she was in, then turned back to face the man.

"I will take her home, grandfather."



Selene watched the two star crossed lovers argue and bicker at each other as if they were a married couple. Her aquamarine eyes flashed at the mention of a plan- this made her apprehensive. Isabella was a human, albeit a very special one, but she had no knowledge of the world that was unfurling around her. How could she devise an effective strategy without first knowing her enemy? Selene could hardly trust her now after the stunt she had just pulled with the royals, but when Michael squeezed her hand reassuringly, she decided that it was the only choice she had. The girl would do whatever she pleased; there was nothing anyone could counteract that would stop her.

"She's going to get herself killed," Selene growled. "How can we trust her?"

Isabella eluded Dean's inquiring gaze. She knew he wanted her to tell him, but she also knew that her plan would upset him even further. If she told him everything, he might even try and stop her- in fact, she knew that he would, and then everything would be ruined. Thankfully, though, he allowed her some time to collect her things and the revelation of her plan would have to be postponed. Before she went inside, she gripped his hand, pulling him toward her so that she could reach his cheek on her tiptoes and plant an affectionate kiss there.

"Thank you," she said, before turning to inspect her destroyed home.

Her emotions began to spin wildly inside of her. She tried her best to ignore the agony that was crushing her heart in its grasp as she entered through the threshold and came across the corpse of her father. She didn't look at it- she strode directly into her room, which had also been torn apart, probably because the vampires were searching for her. She grabbed the large floral travel bag that her father had given her as a gift once, placing some clothes, her grandmother's journal and a few pieces of the antique jewelry she had left her in it. Then she took the photograph that her father had in his hand, tucked it away in her pocket, knelt down to kiss him goodbye, and lit a match.

"I'll see you again one day, papa," she whispered, before tossing the match into the house and turning away as her living room was set ablaze. She stopped beside Dean, though she did not face him. "We have six months."

Then she started toward the road, not waiting for Dean or anyone else to follow.

She reached for his arm, then went up on tip toes to press her lips against his cheek, sending heat waves to color them.

"Thank you," she had told him, as though relieved for a very different reason than the hunter could imagine.

Oh yeah, that was forgotten. You know about him wanting to know about her plan. That.

Surprised was an understatement. But Dean handled well, taking a breath to keep his cool before turning away to glare at Aleksei who was smiling to himself, and Mina had that expression on her readable face that said "aww how sweet." He dared any of them to say a word. They were smart enough to keep their pie trap shut. While Isabella picked away at the mess, Dean backed off and allowed her some quiet time. God knows she needed that much. He felt for his cell in his pocket and took it out, checking the various texts there, most of 'em from Billie, none from James. Hmm, made the hunter wonder where the heck he'd disappeared off to. Reading the latest text, being a "Where are you boy? Get back here quick before I hunt you down." Dean texted back "Be there soon." then sent it and put the cell away in his pocket. After a while, Isabella was done and walked back to them all, her expression filled with everything that she now knew and could never un-know, did that make sense? Well, it was true, she could never go back to the time when she hadn't noticed the truth about all this crap Alek's been cleverly hiding from her. Maybe it would save her if she hadn't known, but as a true hunter would remember, fate had her damn way, all the time. There was no running from her. Ever.

When she finally informed him of the length of time she'd have left of her freedom before she was whisked away to Italy to marry God knows who and do God know what, the hunter rose his brows, nodded taking it in. Six months, until her life as she knew it was over. Six months to show her the ropes while he did everything he could on his end. Yeah, make her a "killer" as if that could happen. This girl shouldn't be left with such a giant responsibility as wiping out a bunch of vamps in their nest. For that, he would get his hands dirty, but why bring that up again. This was their sort of agreement, he would teach her how to be a hunter, make her think she was gonna do this on her own. Yeah, only an idiot would let her do this by herself.

Time was all he needed, to look into what the hell he was facing and possibly even deal with it himself before D-day came along. Like hell was he going to let her deal with this on her own, she was going to die if she only had this one plan to lean on. She really needed back up, and if he had to keep that a secret from her and even lie to her to keep her safe than he would. He wasn't the best for nothing, at least Vera made it seem that way. Now if only he could remember more important things about his own self. Like, where the heck did he get these weird powers from? It almost scared him to want to find out that truth. No matter, what ever it was, he would face it.

Isabella was walking down the road, like a little soldier, her head held high, her certainty unknown, and from now on this would not only be her fight, but his too. As a hunter, he had a job to do, and it started now.

Aleksei made sure that her entire home was left in ashes before he too followed the hunters and Isabella out, police were on the red alert and they would have their people with their investigators score the entire property for even the tiniest hint, the smallest clue that could piece the puzzle together. It was inevitable, a man that once lived here was now missing, questions would be asked, but no answers would be found.

"Where to next Dean?" Veratos asked, getting in step with him as he strolled a little behind Isabella.

"I'm going to Billie's. he just might know a witch or two that can break this spell, then find that witch and get some answers out of her." he explained, keeping his gaze ahead.

Vera's eyes watched him closely, "We're taking your ride? Does she still have to come?"

They both knew who "she" was.

Dean shrugged, "Don't have to, she's seen enough, done enough. I think she should stay home with Alek, sleep, eat, get it together. Because her training starts tomorrow at the crack of dawn and if she doesn't prepare for it when I come down at her full throttle it'll be her fault." Which meant that Isabella could not argue with him on the subject anymore.

Vera chuckled, liking that spark in his eyes, poor hunter still had the conviction of a true believer glowing in his face. Almost admirable.

He signaled for his team to follow as he picked up the speed, wanting to get this done already.

"Ya hear me Isabella, if you want to play cowboys and indians then you do what I say if you want to live. You only have six months until doom comes knockin' I'll tell you now it's gonna be hell. You're gonna hate me, even want to kill me yourself, consider it luck that I'm letting you take it easy, I wasn't so lucky when my dad decided I was old enough to start training. Go home with Avalon and no puppy eyes this time. I'm doing this myself, later!"

And he was out.

"Abduction?" Julian chuckled, his nose wrinkling slightly as a wide, wolfish grin spread over his handsome features. "I suppose if you choose to look at it that way, but if you haven't noticed, you aren't shackled or isolated. You can leave if you want... and I didn't take you to the hospital because I figured you wouldn't appreciate a giant bill just to get checked out for fainting."

Lyra looked up at him and a smile slipped into her features, guess he had a point. So there goes the rape theory, no reason to freak. Great, she relaxed a bit, then she forgot her worries when he looked at her almost as though his eyes could pierce into her brain. No boy had ever been able to grasp at her in that way, ever. This was the turn out of the century! To be honest, he was also the most dishy of males she'd seen all day, besides Michael and maybe Dean if he would smile a little he too could hit the "good-looks" mark. Julian sure got some more points for that, not just for helping her. And he had humor in him, another thing she found attractive.

Then their little staring contest was shot out the window when Damien peeked in, his voice pulling Julian's gaze from Lyra, who also looked away in slight shock. Almost glad in a way that he had interrupted them.

"What is it, brother?" Julian asked.

"Grandfather Wolfgang is asking for you," he replied gravely, his eyes on the ground. "He's waiting in the living room."

What was with that? Maybe Julian was like their leader or something? Could explain the great respect this other bloak had for him. She wondered if Julian would expect the same treatment from her. A maybe if he would demand it. A big maybe.

"Alright. Give me a second," he then turned to Lyra, switching his gaze from the plate of toast she picked at, then back at her. "Excuse me, Lyra. It was a pleasure to meet you- Damian can show you the way out if you wish, but I do suggest you eat something to regain your strength."

Lyra snapped her honey gold eyes to the bloak that saved her from some doom and she smiled at him, there was no denying she already fancied him, "Uh, yeah, thanks for that. I will, okay..." she was not too in a hurry to go, but with this other kid and the entire awkwardness she felt oozing from them and well, they were all freaking strangers for crying out loud -she would leave. Turning to the forgotten plate of bread and honey she took the offered toast, dipped it into the honey and ate a little more, it would be enough for her to get home without passing out. Getting up, she thanked the lad though he didn't really desrve it, Lyra was just naturally polite like that. "Oh and I can figure out how to leave, no need to show me the way."

She didn't wait for an answer, if he were to acknowledge her, she continued down the corridor, following Julian's path until she was lead to the living room entrance where she could pick up on Julian's husky, deep, and delightful voice she knew she could never forget. Accompanied by another, that sounded raspier, older, like a grandfather would sound addressing his grand kid about something serious. Bringing her here turned out to be the most terrible thing he could do. Looks like everyone hated her presense, even gramps, who had yet to meet the girl. There was no need to stay and listen, she would be gone and never again intrude into their very private lives. Yet, she remained.

"She stinks of evil spirits," the old codger said sounding very hush-hush about it and awefully spiteful. "We do not welcome such wickedness into our home." Oh wickedness, that was a new one, she hadn't recalled anyone ever speaking of her in that way. Add that one to the list.

She had only walked into that part, the last blow needed to jazz her into a vacuum of confusion and fear? Yes, it was true, she was oozing with bad vibes, and she would have to desperately perform a cleansing ritual on herself before entering her current residence -it was not her home. Not in the slightest, nor would she ever even think of it as such. She wanted to just leave, but something held her rooted to the spot, she pressed herself against the wall, as if she could blend into it like an iguana -if only, within both hearing shot and only a couple of steps from the nearest exit.

At least Julian was at her defence, thank goodness, "That's the thing, grandfather- I believe she was fighting them. She has been weakened immensely. If she had been conjuring them, then she would have been strengthened. She is utterly defenseless, and is no way a threat to us, even if that is what she intended."

"We risk exposure should she decide to tell others." Who the heck would she tell? Kat, her dead aunt? Or maybe even Isabella, who had a whole plate of crap to deal with? Oh-maybe her guardians, if for once they would stop what they were doing to even listen to her for five minutes. So that secret was something she would take with her to the grave. No worrying on that one old man. What a git, she already disliked him. And she had yet to be formally introduced to him, sad.

"She doesn't know what we are. Besides that, she was passed out when I brought her here. She couldn't tell anyone where we were, and I can see to it that she never does."

"Julian, if you are to be alpha, this behavior- interaction with human beings- is not acceptable. You know this, son, so why do you deliberately disobey me?"

Alpha? So Julian was a leader, of a gang? Maybe that was the American way of calling someone a leader. She would never know, next time she would make sure to carry an American-slang dictionary with her. Unless by alpha he meant something else...?

Then there was a period of unbearable silence, filling the young brit's head with the fierce pounding of her heart that felt like her ribs would crack in two any minute before Julian finally said, "I will take her home, grandfather."

He wouldn't have to, Lyra was out that door in a jiffy, he'd never see her face again. He could go back to his life, she would make sure to keep her distance. As she raced through the greenery, tripping every so often on twisted roots and unfamiliar rocks, she couldn't hold back the tears stinging her eyes, fogging her vision, somehow the crying only managed to make her head hurt as though that old man had merely gave her a flogging with his words alone. It was crazy, it was wild, and, she felt the upmost dread grow roots in her heart and take off. She would miss this Julian boy, he seemed like a good bloak, but if it meant trouble for him to be near her than she would stay away.

Save them both the trouble. She would become the nobby no-mates, with the probable exception of Isabella since they were already good friends. Why bother trying, to have others hate her? No thank you. She could already see how bad at that she was, not one person (alive) except for Isabella had liked her since her arrival from across the pond. Maybe Julian would have seemed to, had he not gotten himself an old lagger who maybe would have even boxed his ears had he been mad enough to just because Julian tried to help her out -and defend her while at it. Talk about a bad day, only getting worse.

Julian would just be a memory.

Her thinking of him almost made her smile again, but an instant later she was back to being quite terrified when she suddenly ran into a thick cloud of black miasma. That took one second to enter her. Take over. Using her already magnetized energy and heavy dose of bad joo-joo all over her was enough for the evil spirit to waltz right in.

Her eyes flickered empty, black, with a small sheen of feral danger, before flickering back to normal, a smile curved her lips like a knife, "Not my usal, a bit small, but it will do... Now to find the hunter..." she hissed, her usually lighter tone, toned down a notch, almost sounding like a completely different person. Running at full sprint, ignoring the amount of pressure and force subjecting its current vessel to, the demon quickly located Salvatore and his little hunter pals.

"Hello Salvatore," she called out to him, smiling ever more as the hunter's eyes widened in surprise at seeing her so suddenly. They were all expressing the same semi-shocked reactions and this she liked.

---

So I've tried a different approach in this post, hope it's not too much of a hassel to read through. I don't know, I think it flowed better instead of having to just write it all out, her reactions to what's going on around her, I simply put her actions and thoughts into what was going on, sort of like a reminder of St. Valentine's last post that was mentioning Lyra. Basically so that there would be no confusion. If this works I may post like this more often. Let me know your thoughts, thank you much!

-_- bleh

Lyra's smile deepened, loving that growing fear within him, "Lyra? Sorry, she's not in right now, would you like to leave a message?" she asked, blinking her eyes to show them her true nature, then again to revert them back to normal. At the hunter's approach, she rose her hands in the universal "Whoa, Nelly" gesture, even stepping back for good messure, she was enjoying herself as she said, "Careful now, wouldn't want to damage the merchandise."

Lyra's eyes lit up at the joke, "Hah, no, of course not. Next time we meet I'll be in a suit, and for why I've decided to give this world a visit -let's just say I don't exactly agree with what's going on." she said, taking no care or perhaps no notice to the red little trickle of blood dripping from a nostril. At Dean's bemused face she shrugged her shoulders, "I go by as many names, but you can call me Zevier. Don't care what you think hunter, I am not going to let these stupid fang faces take this human girl, what was her name, Isabella their damned Holy Grail? Take her blood like wine and get a power boost. Oh, don't tell me you didn't know. Why else do you think they want her alive? It's her blood you dimwit-" she paused, a hand touching her brow, it was getting more and more difficult to stand upright. Shouldn't have forced himself so much into this tiny body, had he known it was in such poor state he would have opted for something better, but alas this was the closest he could get in order to locate Dean. Already the brit's choice of words were rubbing off on him, better make this quick. "If you hand over that girl to the vampires you may as well be signing your free passes to hell. It'll be on you when they take over and ruin the world. Though, I think that's already happening, the way you useless humans are driving it. Wars don't solve problems, they only make more." He was aware of their suspicions and might even misinterpret his intrusion by fault of "caring" No, he didn't give a hoot about human kind, they could all kill each other if they felt like it. However, having these filthy, little, leeches try to claim the world his own race had been gnawing at the rails for centuries to, only to loose to them, felt so terribly annoying. Not happening.

Lyra pinned her hands to her sides, her face more pallid, resembling her aunt's ghost, she stared directly at Dean, "I wish to make a sort of proposal. You're going to rebel against the vampires, you're going to need help. I grant you my assistance. I am not doing you this favor out of the kindness of my heart, or because you wish to save that pesky human twit. I do it for my own reasons. Believe me or not is of secondary concern, you want to get to the last page of the book and know that in the end, you will lose. You either take it, or take it."

She did not wait for him to respond, she didn't have the chance to, Lyra's spirit was so riled up and rage filled that it nearly shoved the evil demon out of her own body -almost killing herself in the process. Her head snapped back, like she'd been punched and her lips tore open allowing a blood-curdling scream to rip from her vocals, along with the jet-stream of black smog and the spiritual manifestation of the demon to shoot out of her mouth. The demons' essense escaped through the trees, gone away until they were to meet next time in a more suitable vessel. Lyra's knees gave in and she collapsed into the earth. Remaining so still that one look at her would make an individual assume she was a lifeless corpse.

Michael had kept his stand in front of Selene, providing a shield for her, had the demon possesed girl attacked. When her message was left for the hunters to take in, and the demon escaped the girl's orifice, he let go a held breath. Gripping at Selene's hand, he took a moment to gather his own, never had he actually witnessed a possession until now and boy was it quite the shocker compared to what he had heard about it. An experience he would never soon forget, gritting his teeth, he finally redirected his gaze to his love who was equally, most definetely shocked.

"Lyra... She's still... Alive..." he quietly informed them all, though he knew Selene would be able to determine this herself if she were to concentrate on listening to the human girl's dangerously low heart beat. Like a hammer on cloth, bearely perceptible even with vampire sensitive hearing. It was not a good sign none the less, she would need bed rest. Pronto.

"This is shameful behavior, grandfather," Julian snapped, unwilling to admit his defeat. "Is our kind not reared to practice compassion and extend our hand to those in need?"

He shook his head, but then an eerie silence befell the entire household. Wolfgang, Julian and his brothers all halted in what they were doing; at this moment in time, as a putrid, sulfuric odor entered their radiuses, their pupils dilated to animalistic proportions. Their nostrils flared, detecting the scent, and immediately their heads swiveled in the direction from which it had come. The front door was wide open, indicating Lyra's retreat into the woods. That foolish girl was going to get herself killed in the forest she knew nothing about.

"Get a whiff of that," Damian growled, his eyes the largest of all.

"Lyra," Julian said, his tone suddenly becoming severe.

"You're not seriously considering going after that bad juju magnet are you, Julian?" Lukas challenged incredulously.

He received no acknowledgment as he lurched past them and bolted into the foliage. His form became a massive black blur until he was no longer within their range of sight. Wolfgang breathed in another plume of smoke, which slithered from his nostrils like thin serpents, and he seemed to be pondering something. His grassy eyes shifted to the brothers, who watched him expectantly, as if waiting for a command, though they received none. Were they such terrible packmates that they questioned their appointed alpha so?

"It is as the oracle foretold, my sons," Wolfgang purred, his voice monotonous but still heavy laden with sorrow. "We are on the brink of the great war."



Selene gazed in horror as the demonic apparition contorted poor little Lyra's frame and left her. It seemed to be torturing the girl just for the hell of it, and before she could react, the corrupt miasma wafted into the air like pollution and disappeared. The huntress shifted her gaze from Michael, so vigilant in protecting her, and Dean, who seemed to be combating himself in deciding whether or not attacking Lyra was necessary. As the trees stopped their fluttering with the dark wind, Selene listened tentatively to the haphazard pace of Lyra's heartbeat. It was so faint, she feared that the child might actually be dying. That's when she thought of Isabella, and how the girl might handle another death of someone she so deeply cherished.

"She can't die..." she murmured to no one in particular, stepping forward. "Isabella needs her..."

She hesitated when a blinding flash of light momentarily disabled her vision. The huntress recoiled in pain, bringing her arm up to her eyes and withdrawing into the shadows behind Michael. When she peered over his shoulder, a brilliant illuminated being hovered above Lyra's motionless frame. She could only see the outline of this person; a female, with long, straight hair the color of sunlight. But the most curious feature of this woman were the two enormous white wings curled against her back, which unfurled as she knelt down beside the girl and stretched a pale hand to stroke her cheek. For reasons unknown, Selene felt threatened- perhaps it was the fact that this ethereal creature emanated such powerful virtue that she couldn't help but feel ashamed in comparison.

"Lyra," the woman spoke into the girl's ear, softly but with purpose and authority. "Wake up, sweet child, and be strengthened. You are the vital comrade of God's favorite- you are one of the chosen -so do not give up just yet. Your time to reunite with Katherine is not yet so, beloved..."

She placed a tender hand on the girl's forehead, eliciting a warm pinkish glow before she withdrew it and stood, her light amethyst eyes gazing at the hunters before her. They fixated on Dean, and for a moment, her expression was readless. Then her full mouth blossomed into a smile, and a look of deep, motherly pride befell her beautiful features. Her wings fluttered momentarily before folding neatly back into place as she rested a hand at the intricate, double-edged sword holstered at her hip. The sheath itself appeared to be made of pure gold and embellished with multiple precious gemstones. There was a rustle in the brush, and before the angel could say anything else, she disappeared in another blinding ray of sunlight. Before she completely vanished, however, a sweet smelling breeze passed over Dean, gingerly skimming his cheeks as if the wind were giving him a loving kiss.

Where the seraph had once stood, Julian now erupted from the foliage, his chest heaving as his grey eyes searched around and found Lyra on the ground. An involuntary gasp escaped Selene's mouth when she saw the boy, though she immediately composed herself as she watched him kneel on the ground beside the girl and scoop her into his arms as he had before. Then he snapped his attention toward the others, as though he had just realized they were there. He and Selene locked gazes for several moments, and a knowing acknowledgment was exchanged, though they each watched each other with feral eyes. Then she turned to Dean and Michael.

"Isabella needs to be here with her," Selene remarked gravely. "She needs to know what's happening to Lyra. Shall we take her to Avalon's? Dean, if you go get Isabella, Michael and I can search for the witch with Vera. Unless..."

She observed Lyra's limp form bundled tightly in Julian's strong arms.

"...unless we've already found her."

-deleted on purpose-

...

"I...I don't make deals with demons..." Dean said, then watched with even more tension tightening in his gut as the demon was brutally torn away from his vessel, like Lyra had found control and forced him out with sheer will edging her on. Go girl. And then she careened to the earth, her strings cut. Michael informed him that she was still alive, and just about to confirm himself he stopped dead in his tracks when something overwhelmed him, nearly robbing him of air, or maybe it was because his breath caught in his throat and wouldn't travel the rest of its way to his lungs. Either he was dreaming, or hallucinating from very little sleep.

Mom was there, a vision of white, as pure and beautiful as he'd ever recalled seeing her.

Yup, that was mommy dearest -more dear than any mother he could ever know. But how? When? Why? Was beyond him, he couldn't even ask given the chance anyways, he was left astounded. She had first aided the fallen Lyra, the angel's single touch like bleach, killing all the bad left over vibes from the girl. Leaving her cleansed once again. Taking away all her ailment and returning her health and vitality to her. All happening so quickly, she was standing now, looking statuesque before them all, her violet eyes locked on him, and then she smiled. He'd never thought he'd see that again, it nearly made him crack. He'd seen that very smile on her, the last emotion on her face just before-

She vanished instantly.

But her kiss that felt more like a sweet breeze left him with goose bumps all over.

His heart sky rocketed, bringing with it an adrenaline rush at sensing something coming at them, but was already there before he could make a move. A guy, one that he couldn't recognize was there, Lyra in his arms, as if he were her safety net, reminding him of how fiercely Aleksei had seized Isabella back at the gym. It took the hunter a second to find his ground, Pull it together Dean, he took a slow, deep, breath. Relieving his aching lungs, blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the quick change of light and he lowered his gaze to stare right at the new face. Nope, he couldn't place a name on the guy, means he'd never met him. But he could pick up something from him, not as normal as he appeared. Like everything in Dean's life. Nothing was ever what it seemed, and even so, it all felt like he was just barely scratching the surface of things.

He noticed the little silent looks both Selene and this new face shared, they had some history, but he would ask questions about it later.

Messaging the back of his neck, this being his first movement since his mother dropped in, he listened intently to Selene, her implying Lyra being a probable witch was a good guess. Though an incorrect one. If there were a few things he could remember about witches were there very vengeful ways, and their tendencies to be downright gross. Lyra was nothing like that, first of all, a witch wouldn't be caught dead getting pinned by a little demon. Not ever, unless he/she wanted his/her ego bruised. And second, if Lyra were a witch, wouldn't she had worked her witchy powers on all these demons back at the school? Witch craft was a serious trade, one that they practiced like a damn mantra, over and over 'till everything was perfect.

He disagreed with the huntress, "We're not pulling Isabella back into this mess, this is our job to handle, and we will do it without involving others into it. So that's a no. End of story." Dean told her tersely, he had kept his steady gaze on the other, wondering if he was a threat or not.

Aleksei was there, amid the forestry, he couldn't help but stay back and watch this, it was all so very intriguing. The rock had just started picking up speed and now seemed to slow, but it was still rolling. Pacing toward them, he acknowledged the would be alpha, the boy's scent matched those of his elders and the pureblood already knew who he belonged to.

"Send Wolfgang my regards, I plan on paying him a visit when I get the chance to, it's been a while," Aleksei said easily, he came to a pause a little away from the group, preferring to stay were the shadows were strongest. Mina was awaiting him with her parasol, her eyes alit like fire at the scent of the werewolf, oh yeah she was fascinated but she tried to keep herself composed, channeling Aleksei's control. It would be so cool to see this one turn into a wolf, she could only dream of what it would be like to see one of them in action. She was weird like that.

Directing his attention to the hunter, he smiled slightly, "Isabella is visiting her mother, at the moment it wouldn't be wise to disturb her with this. It's not necessary. However leaving her without back-up I think is unwise. I do agree that Salvatore should remain close to her, just in case."

"Alright, nobody screw up. I'll go find her, whatever." Then Dean gave Lyra a weary gaze and the boy who held her, a fierce one saying "Don't hurt Isabella's friend or I'll make you wish you weren't born." just before glancing at Selene, "Go to Billie's he knows where to find the residential witch, if there even is one still kicking around here, maybe he could find something about that witch and that legend. Maybe the Zev- whoever could be right. We'll regroup there."

Then he left them.

Selene glared at Dean with a disapproving look of steel. She tossed her dark hair and then shifted her gaze to Michael, who stroked her cheek, inquiring about her history with Julian. She moved her head away from him, then stepped toward the wolf boy, who was watching Lyra as she retreated from him. Her expression never wavered, even when she looked back at Michael. She straightened her leather jacket over her figure.

"Does that fool still not understand Isabella is the focal point of all this madness?" she growled, deeply peeved. "No matter what we do, Isabella is linked to all of it. I believe she should be notified that her dearest friend was hurt. But whatever. That stupid boy will learn soon enough. Unless he really is that dense."

She rolled her eyes, but before she could say anything else, she noticed Michael's inquisitive expression. He truly was curious about her relationship with Julian, but she was unsure if she wanted to inform him yet. She fixed the bow strapped to her back, itching to use them, then remembered Billie. He was an advocate of weapons, so perhaps she could buy a more suitable one off of him? She would bring it up when they got to where they were going. Now all she had to do was find Vera. She needed the woman, whom she felt a growing bond with, to help her in tracking the witch and possibly fighting her off if push came to shove.

"He is," she finally answered Michael, stealing one last glance at the boy whom Aleksei was addressing. Then she started through the woods, ignoring the sting of the sunlight as she made her way toward her motorcycle. "Meet me at Billie's. Finding the witch is our main priority."

It was truly outstanding, though a usual occurence, how Selene could shut her emotions off so easily. She was quick to guard herself and not waver from her defense, even if it meant she was opposing those that cared for her. Nonetheless, it was her method of protection, more like an instinct she adapted from her father, who digressed that emotions and the expression of them were traits of the weak. She eyed the crescent moon ring on her hand, fingered it, and looked toward the horizon. She then took the helmet that was strapped to her front handlebars and put it on, kickstarted her bike, and finally sped away into the hills toward the automotive shop.



"You're the White One, aren't you?" Julian said, observing Aleksei as though he were an apparition. "My grandfather always spoke highly of you. I'm sure he will be pleased with your visit."

Then he shifted his grey gaze to Mina, whom watched him like one might stare at a puppy. He fidgeted uneasily before finally returning his attention to Lyra, who pulled away from him and retreated into the woods. She lied to him again. He could smell it and understand it almost as if he could read her mind- but why? What about her family was she so bent on hiding from him? What was she so ashamed of? He lifted his eyes heavenward, squinting at the sun beating down on the group. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of earth and pine. He loved the outdoors. He was born of the earth, and it was his duty as her son to be a proper steward and ensure her wellbeing.

"Lyra, wait-" he called, running after her and seizing her by the hand. "Why do you keep running away from me? I mean you no harm. At least let me walk you home."

He let her hand go, afraid she might recoil and become fearful of him. He just wanted to make sure she knew she had a comrade in him regardless of what his grandfather and packmates thought. Afterall, he is the appointed alpha, and what he says is ultimately what goes- trusting in this particular human was not a foolish move. If what his grandfather had taught him his entire life proved to be true, then the humans, particularly God's favorite, would come to need all the help they could get- and that included a comraderie with his pack. He would have to get his brothers to trust in his decisions sooner or later, or perhaps if he brought Lyra around them more often, they might see what Julian saw.

"And don't mind that old dog," Julian said of Wolfgang, nudging her reassuringly. "They don't learn new tricks, you know. He hasn't quite accepted the evolution of the present century. I'm sorry if you heard what he was babbling about."



Selene hesitated before she went up to the door. She remained straddling her motorcycle, which growled lazily beneath her until she shut it off. Then she took her helmet and strapped it again to her handlebars, her aquamarine eyes scanning the quiet business. This man was close friends with the hunter- could it be possible that Billie was familiar with her father as well? Perhaps they had been teammates at some point, or something. Her eyes fell to the trinket on her finger, and she sighed, swinging her leg over the bike and approaching the building.

"Billie?" she called upon reaching the door, looking over her shoulder in search of Michael and Vera. Where had she gone off to?

"I'm through being babysat!" Isabella said, shifting in the passenger seat of his car. "I want to go with you. If I'm gonna learn how to be a killer, wouldn't the smart thing be to first learn my enemy?"

She cast her gaze down at her grandmother's journal, folded shut and restling primly on her lap. Over the course of the past couple hours, she had learned half a decade's worth of information about the woman's life. She too had been plagued by supernatural things, at the same age Isabella was now, and handled them much more graciously. If her grandmother could do it, then so could Isabella, that was for sure. She was ready to push her physical limits- riding her bicycle everywhere kept her trim and in great shape, but now it was time to get her hands dirty. She hooked a lock of her dark hair behind her ear, catching a glimpse of her pearl bracelet, reminding her of Aleksei's loyalty and the promise he had made to protect her life. He had been by her family's side for generations now, and perhaps his relief was due.

Isabella allowed her head to sink back into the headrest as she watched the foliage begin to move around her. The headstones soon became a blur, and she sighed, always hating to leave the tranquility of the only place that was never disturbed. Then she turned and watched Dean, her eyes wide and curious about the boy she couldn't explain her deep attraction to. He wasn't an open book for Isabella to read; no, he was like a sheltered labyrinth, a mystery novel whose content was so puzzling that it wracked the girl's mind. Perhaps that explained why she was so drawn and determined to get to know him.

"You know, this isn't just any other book," she began, holding the diary in her hand and examining it. "It's my grandmother's journal. A memoir of her life, which apparently she lived among the supernatural. I've only read five years worth, but already she's described her relationship with Aleksei, and mentioned a man whom her mother was involved with named Adacio. It's strange, because her mother's name is Maria, and for some reason I feel like I know her... or something."

She shrugged, then went back to watching the scenery as Dean drove toward their destination. Life had a way of throwing its many curveballs, but things were just getting more weird.

[center]

Selene shifted impatiently on the porch when she received no answer from inside. She turned and acknowledged Michael, who retained his collected and deeply kind demeanor regardless of how cold the girl was. She could also see that although she had failed to inform him about Julian, he was still curious, but not willing to press her any further than she was willing to go. That alone made the hint of a smile play at her pretty lips, though it was erased before he had the chance to witness it. She knocked again on the door, waiting for the old hunter to at least address them, and suddenly wondered if he was even home- or alive.

"When I was a child, I liked to play in the forest near the lake," she started, her aquamarine eyes shifting toward the woods as she reminisced. "I was always instructed to remain near the outskirts, and never to wander too deep after sunset when the mist rises. Nightfall crept up on me one day, and I ended up losing my way. I stumbled into the lake, which had been hidden by the fog, and nearly drowned. Julian is the one who saved me."

She looked down at the crescent shaped ring on her hand, fingering it thoughtfully as she frowned at the memory. After almost drowning, the girl then was faced with the risk of dying from hypothermia or catching pneumonia. It was Julian, who was forced to shift in front of the child's eyes, who also kept her warm through the night. She became indebted to him, and he to her, because now a human had witnessed his transformation. To that very day, no other human being had ever seen such a thing and lived to tell the tale.

"That's how we met."

"Not just know your enemy, but know how to kill it. And to do that, you gotta get the basics of using weapons, how to hold yourself in a fist fight and my ultimate favorite, the laws or rules of battles. You'll learn it all, I know you will, but in baby steps. Alright?" he told her seriously, keeping his gaze on the road. No, he couldn't sugar coat it for her, not anymore, he wasn't joking when he said he was gonna train her hard -well maybe not too hard. But they were dealing with an entire nest of vampires, and not just any, purebloods. They were harder, meaner, and stronger. Not a piece of cake, and she would have to put brutal force into her moves, and strike with the utmost intention to kill, destroy them all. It was her life, or theirs.

At hearing her bring a light to her read, a journal not a book, he rose a brow. What she read was finally making sense, not some crappy writer's view on vampires -pssh they don't glitter in sunlight, at all. He smiled a small grin, but then it vanished when she mentioned that name again. Adacio, that name alone has been haunting him since that demon had first mentioned it, calling him the son of Adacio. What did it mean? Was it literal? But who the hell was Adacio? The hunter stole a glance at the italian girl, but she was watching the beautiful view outside.

He drove faster.




"They're here." Maggie said with a touch of a smile forming at her lips. They were all here. She sat on the edge of a lumpy couch, in the space that was part living room, part office -the hunter had a desk, piles of books and an open laptop there, it was not a happy sight and the designer within Maggie was begging to spring out, have her do something to define this space that she couldn't tell what it was.

Billie stood from behind his desk and went to the door to see the huntress/vampiress and the vampire. He was indeed shocked, so Dean wasn't kidding huh? He stepped aside and gestured for them to come on in, he'd caught the glimpse of Dean's Impala as it pulled into the lot, coming to a park, and the two doors from both sides swinging open. Isabella and Dean stepping out.

"So the meeting is here?" Dean asked, as he lead Isabella to the shop.

"Guess so, found your witch." Billie grumbled, he turned as the hunter entered through the door, along with the girl.

Maggie watched Selene and Michael curiously, what would they want with her? She'd never met them, but she'd met their kind. Selene she could see had a strong connection to the pureblood Michael, no one else would see it, but she saw the invisible bonds that tied them together. It looked like silvery ribbons, unwoven around them in the air, like wisps of evanescent smoke. Beautiful.

The same could be said for Dean and Isabella, but that bond was stronger, brighter. The witch's eyes widened, for a split second she could have sworn she was staring at Adacio, he was there again, and they were back in her home, him coming to her for a simple talk, one that would go on for hours. She knew virtually everything she had to know about the demon lord, he was more open to her than anyone it seemed. Maybe because the two were apart of the same world. She took a breath, telling herself that the man had died ages ago, this here was his son, who was also part human. Something flickered in her eyes but that was all, she then spotted the dark haired beauty that was Isabella, all grown up and she too possessed the same likeness as Maria. That was expected. She offered her a kind smile, almost "welcoming" her back. Though she knew the girl wouldn't be able to recognize the expression.

A few moments later, Aleksei arrived, as though waiting for them all to be here. But someone was missing, the witch noted but said nothing of it. She silently watched the group as they exchanged glances, the little pureblood girl that had accompanied Aleksei kept herself close to him, eyeing the witch suspiciously, as if not liking her presence.


Dean lead Isabella to seat herself on the chair that was situated in the center of the circle, he sat next to her, Aleksei settled beside Maggie, he smiled at her, his expression saying "Long time no see, you look good," and he held on to Mina's hand, feeling her stiffen uncomfortably at his left.

Maggie returned the smile, hers replying "Thanks, you haven't changed at all."

Dean rolled his eyes, those two were like high school friends, meeting again as if they hadn't seen each other in a short time. Wow, he figured she was the witch, and without waiting to be prompted he addressed her, "You're a witch right?"

The witch tore her gaze from Alek to gaze sharply at Adacio's kid, he had the same stubborn chin as his father and that piercing stare that would make anyone tremble, but she did not. It didn't effect her the same way, "Yes, I am. My name is Maggie Solt. Pleasure."

Dean nodded, she didn't really look the part, more like a friendly neighbor, the kind that would welcome you into town with a maga-watt smile and a fruit cake in hand. Though he knew well that looks were deceiving, always were.

Billie didn't like the glower shadowing his kid's eyes, and he put his hands up in a "relax" gesture at the hunter, "Dean, I know her, she's not like other witches. We can all trust her."

"She's a witch."

"We all know that."

"Dean I've been around for a very long time, even before you were born. I've met your father, quite the handsome devil if you ask me."

Dean stared at her shocked, and something told him she was talking about Adacio -his real father.

Then the door swung open, "It's confirmed, Isabella is a prophesy, it ain't just an urban legend-" Veratos announced as she walked in, then smiled broadly at the collection of folks here, "Oh, are we having a party?"

"It's about time you got here, sit." Billie said, pointing to a chair that was next to Selene.

Closing the door, she strode on over to that very chair and sunk into it, she shouldered Selene, "So this is the witch huh? Looks young, and normal..." she whispered, her eyes spotted Dean and she winked at him, then she looked at everyone else. Yup, everyone was here. Let it all begin.

"Nice of you to finally join us," Selene remarked as Veratos plopped into the seat beside her. "I don't know about normal, but she definitely doesn't look ancient."

The huntress observed the witch, who watched all of them with a sense of familiarity in her dark eyes. She looked smug and comfortable, as if she had dealt with the likes of them before, or something. She wouldn't be surprised if the witch was familiar with her father, although she was a tad shocked when Wolfgang and Julian walked into the room, exchanging knowing glances.

"Marguerite, Avalon, it's been so long. What a pleasure it is to see you both again," said Wolfgang as he took a seat beside Julian.

When Isabella entered the room, his countenance changed drastically. She lingered in the threshold for a few seconds, examining the attendees with large curious eyes. When her gaze shifted to the witch, who watched her almost knowingly, she furrowed her brows. The woman did not fit the description of the witches of olde; she looked like a successful businesswoman, perhaps even a well kept mother of a young child, but definitely not a sorceress. An instantaneous headache momentarily obscured her eyesight, and when she closed her lids shut, she could see more images dancing around in her mind.

The same woman she had been seeing lately was there, but the most curious part was this vision also included Marguerite. The two were conversing about something while standing over two baby cribs; they lifted the children from their cradle, holding them close to their hearts while apparently singing an enchanting lullaby of some sort. A man whose face was blurred but his outline resembled that of Dean entered the room shortly thereafter, taking one of the babies- a blond boy- and kissing his forehead tenderly.

When Vera mentioned something about a prophecy, Isabella returned to the present time. She shook her head clear of the strange vision, then sat down beside Dean and waited for the meeting to begin. She had to admit, she felt entirely out of place; among the group of supernatural beings, Isabella felt like an oddball for being the only human with no special abilities. Feeling the tension rise when Dean addressed the witch, Isabella took his hand and squeezed it comfortingly. The situation was weird for all of them, and the only way they could get through it was if they worked cooperatively.

"If the legend is indeed a prophecy, then that means..." Selene began, though her voice trailed off as she shifted her attention to stare sorrowfully at Isabella.

Veratos smirked, "Normal as in, she looks like a regular if you know what I mean." she explained, then chuckling lightly, she added, "Yeah I wonder where she gets her miracle cream."

Maggie brightened at Wolfgang, with obvious recognition, the same look Billie gave his old hunter buddies whenever they stopped by. Then followed another young one, she greeted him with a smile. The witch's gaze lingered on the elder man long enough to see that he was settling in, just as effortlessly back into the "hunt" as any of them did, before swinging back to the Isabella, concern for the young Italian evident in her features when she closed her eyes and pressed fingers onto the side of her brow.

They all tensed around her, watching Isabella with equal bouts of increasing worry. It was all for her after all that they had gathered here for. Only when she opened her eyes again and looked about, smiling an embarrassed little grin.

Selene voiced her reaction to the hybrid Veratos' confirmation of Lombardi's future, even giving the girl that look that clearly said, "you're screwed."

Maggie rose like a woman in power, to address them all, especially Dean. She'd never imagine the things he wanted to do to her, witches. Damn why it had to be one of 'em?

"Well now, that's showing some spirit. Missy, I think you should learn some people skills, that is no way to think," she shot this to the ever so downer Selene who was quick to assume that all was lost. It wasn't --not yet it was. They had options, there was always options. At least Dean firmly believed there were.

Maggie then glided her light forest eyes back, meeting Dean's starer.

"Don't need to trust me Salvatore, but that wasn't why you requested my presence was it? We're here to discuss this young lady's situation," She gestured toward Isabella at his side. He clenched his teeth. How calm and almost amused did she have to be? He could just punch her. He almost did.

Maggie smirked a coy grin, that knowing look in her eyes, "Word around is she's already been spotted by the vamps." She divided her gaze from Dean to Alek, who gave her a simple nod of affirmation to that fact, before redirecting her gaze to Dean again.

Another secret smile tilted her lips, if only Dean could read her mind. Bitch.

"Now, you're all planning something am I right?" Stupid question, her smile grew as her eyes settled expectantly to Billie.

He nodded, "Yeah, as soon as I know what's what." Billie crossed his arms, staring from the witch to everyone else. Apparently it all came down to her. She was the center of their case, how freaking weird. She was just a normal girl, why did the vamps want her blood for, a power boost?

Dean wrapped his fingers around Isabella's hand, glanced at her for a split second, then turned his gaze to the witch, he cleared his throat, capturing her attention. In his most grave tone, laid it out, "Well, first things first, I got Billie to hail your witchy ass down 'cuz I'm somehow linked to her. To put it short, if something bad happens to me, if I die. So does she. I want you to undo it... If it's even a spell to begin with."

Maggie's eyes widened like saucers, she shot him a mean look, "Undo the Life-force binding spell? The one I created to not only bring her to life when she dies, but also make it work so that you don't die after she's revived? Hmm, hunter, are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, we're all here to protect her right? I just skipped to the part where you all fail, and she gets killed because face it, Fate is never wrong, and no matter how many times we may all try to thwart what's been written, it can't be completely avoided, " she shrugged, "thank me later, but that's a no."

"What?! So it was you?" Dean shot to his feet, staring eye-to-eye with the witch who looked as if she'd done the most wonderful thing in the world. "When the hell-how the hell...?"

"You were a baby when I linked you. Your father gave me permission. That simple. Don't you think we've already addressed this matter, thinking up so many ways in which we could all prevent this from happening? Prevent an innocent death?" she countered, her tone even, her gaze locked on him.

"Yeah, well bang up job ya did, in case you have forgotten, I'm a damn hunter. I can get ganked by anyone of those bastards out there ya ever considered what'd happen then?"

He could feel the vampire staring, like an itch he couldn't scratch. "Salvatore, watch your tone, she's a witch and a powerful one." Aleksei warned him quietly, his auras spiking beneath his calm facade.

"Shut your pie hole, this is between me and her."

"I am verily aware of your daily ventures hunter, but given the circumstances, because of what you are, that is highly unlikely. That's how I knew this would work. Now, is that all you wanted me here for?" Maggie planted both hands on her hips, staring back expectantly, "Are we going to get to the part where we ambush the Italian vamps or discuss whether I can undo the spell? Because no matter what you say I won't undo it."

"Maybe this will change your mind," Dean held the Colt to the witch's forehead, the barrel pressed directly in between her brows. His finger on the trigger ready to pull and blow her brains out.

"How dare you, ingrate. Threatening my life after I did you the favor of helping to save this girl before you'd even known of what's coming for her? Get that thing out of my sight!" A thick force of brutal, electrical energies crackled in the room, a powerful gust of air whipped at the pistol in Dean's grip, smacking the weapon out of his hand, sending it flying over everyone's heads smashing through the glass window outside.

"Balls, this is exhausting," Billie muttered as he rubbed his brows and sighed. "Tell me when you get your head outta your ass so that we can get to what's important here ya idjit."

Dean shot him a look, "What? Are you even hearing what she's saying?"

"Dean don't be so grouchy, she was helping, don't you see, she's already known all this would happen even before you took on this case." Veratos explained like she knew who they were dealing with. She approached and wrapped her hands around his bicep using the distraction as an excuse just to get all close and touchy. Carmine lips curved into a sexy smile and her eyes glittered with pure want as she looked from him to Maggie.

Maggie rose her brows, noticing Veratos, "Precisely, you're a sharp one. He should learn from you... Now let's get back to the real-"

"Wait a sec, you said my father had a say in this? Are you talking about Adacio?" Dean interrupted, calming a little, and ignoring Veratos' painfully obvious hitting on him. He had to focus.

Maggie exchanged a knowing look with Billie who's face paled several shades of white. Now what?

"You didn't tell him?"

"Tell me what?" Dean glancing back.

"No, I haven't." Billie answered drily.

Maggie shook her head, "Well boy there's not much for me to tell you. That's a discussion for you and Billie to have."

"Billie." Dean turned, how did he know that this Adacio demon lord was his father -biological father and had never even told him? What a way to pull a fast one on him. He yanked his arm from Veratos and crossed the room, leaving with Billie.

Finding his gun near an old junked car he slid it back into its holster, then he followed.

"Ya just gonna walk out?"

"You know I hate witches right? I mean she could be lying her ass off in there. I'm not buying her crap." Dean just wanted him to know that as it was prickling in his head like a wild hornets nest waiting to burst. "'Cuz if my father is some jacked up demonic lord, you'd told me that a long time ago, right?" Dean trudged down a row of old cars with the older man, glad as all give out that he was outta that damn crowded and stuffy room. Yeah, call him claustrophobic, he didn't enjoy a space occupied by more than four people at a time. He glanced back to look at Billie, reading his face. He didn't like the guilt tripping he was seeing. Damn.

"Well yeah, Adacio is your blood relative if we're being technical. He's a... I don't know how to tell you this, he ain't all human if you know what I mean." Billie slowly admitted, watching Dean closely. "I've called your old man but it keeps going to voice mail, he won't pick up probably 'till he's done with his case."

Dean hesitated next to an old Chevy, black paint peeling off its banged up body. "Your saying all this time you knew James wasn't my father, that I'm a freaking son of the devil and ya never bothered mentioning it to me?"

Billie sighed, "Come on boy, like I could without James threatening to take you away if you knew the truth. I didn't have a choice."

"He took on another case?"

"Yup, one in Eden, North Carolina, something's wicked popped up, been leaving vics dead all over, hearts torn out. I think you know what that means."

"Right. So now he decides is a good time to turn off his cell during a hunt, wait until I see him." Dean released a shuddering breath, his fist pounding into the hood of the car, leaving a deeper dent. Another question poised in his mind, but it refused to crystallize.

"What are you thinking, gonna go after him?"

"No, whenever he gets here, I'll face him. Are you gonna tell me who Adacio is?"

"Boy I don't think you even want to know."

Dean nodded, the words that sounded like a warning tumbling around in his head. All the secrets, the lies, not only was Billie forced to keep his trap shut about something so serious, but his own dad never told him. And he had plenty of chances to.

"I'm tired of this, can't you just tell me, tell me if he's a monster." He felt his throat tighten and a burning in the back of his eyes. What was worse? Being a freak or the son of a monster? Maybe both.

Billie sighed deeply, "It's something James wanted to tell you himself, something I shouldn't even be talking to you about. I promised him I wouldn't tell you anything about it."

Dean looked at him pointedly, "Well I know he isn't exactly normal, and the fact that he made deals with a witch. What's with all the mystery here?"

Billie put a hand on his shoulder, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there, for now let's go back inside and focus on your case."

"No! I want freaking answers. This can't wait, I need to know what the hell I'm dealing with, it's… it's changing me. I see things, hear things I've never even…" He realized a bit too late he was yelling, his fists clenched so tightly blood seeped through his fingers where his nails bit into his palms. "What else are you not telling me? Huh? This Adacio guy is the reason I'm not normal isn't he? Is that why a witch tacked Isabella's soul with mine, betting on the juiced up horse not to kick it when things get hairy?"

Billie stared with wide eyes. As if he'd turned into some crazed beast. What did he think he couldn't put two plus two and connect the dots?

"That's what it looks like, she even said it herself and called it a favor. A favor for who? I never signed up for it. Heck I never even got a word in, and everyone is in on it except me."

Billie tore his gaze, surveying the lot, pain written all over his face. "I'm sorry kid, I didn't want things to get outta hand. I just wanted to keep you safe."

Dean unclenched his hands ignoring the sting in his palms, intrigued he brought his hand up watching as half moon incisions closed up fight before his eyes in a matter of seconds.

"I nearly died today, heck I think I actually was a doornail for a moment. Then outta nowhere my heart kicked back up into gear, that's how I knew. Something wasn't right."

Billie stared, he could feel his eyes on him, unlike with Aleksei it didn't feel cold and prickly. It was familiar and yet, he couldn't define the feeling, the new feeling that he sensed, some type of caution. As if he'd drop his marbles and what, lose whatever was left of his humanity? Did he even feel human anymore? He had demon blood coursing through his pipes, how much of himself was even normal anymore?

"We have to have a serious talk about this son, but there's a case. And you and I are the only ones here to work it right."

"But the bonds still hold? Sabrina the bitch won't lift it?"

Billie shook his head, "It wasn't my decision--"

"Hell it wasn't mine either, all I'm sayin' is that it's a bad call… My soul… My soul isn't even human is it?"

Billie grasped his shoulder giving it a firm squeeze, "You maybe a hybrid, but you're still got heart. You're my son I've told you that a bunch of times."

Dean lowered his hands and nodded. He wasn't going to continue arguing if a girl who depended on him was waiting. He decided he'd kust have to fight, keep going. Until he couldn't anymore and another hunter put him out for it. But until that day, for now she needed his help and that came first.

Inside the shop, Aleksei was discussing with everyone else some sort of strategy on how he would handle the bulk of the vampires while Isabella could hold her end and try to defend herself since there was no talking her out of going along with them. He seemed highly confident that Dean would train her well enough by the time prom night came around. Coming to end his statement soon after for Veratos to pick up and say, "I've acquired a satellite map of Italy, namely Rome encircled as the focal point. Avalon if we can figure out where exactly their nest is, we could strike 'em, take 'em down in numbers. The more out of the way, the easier it would be to get to the Alpha vampire, he won't have so many soldiers to back him up. Makes the fight even on our side," she opened a large map on the coffee table so that everyone could see it.

Dean leaned in over her shoulder to inspect the colorfully and richly detailed map. Names of each important land mark and all the regions respectively, some of them even marked in as points of interest.

She indicated a little space in between the Palazzo Cardinal Seci and Hotel Columbus. "They're hotels, not your average nighters either these are like Four Seasons big. I have a feeling they're gonna have Isabella spend some time there. Lorenzo's words."

Could the key in his pocket reveal something to this puzzle? Maybe it could clue them in on something he was missing. "I doubt these vamps would announce where they hide, much less make it an obvious place. Finding them will be tricky."

Dean glared at the witch who ignored him, he then turned to stare at the map Aleksei was studying like the thing would magically tell him where the nest was with a giant green arrow. He rolled his eyes, this was not going to work and would only be a waste of their time, precious seconds he couldn't exactly spare. The clock was ticking.

"I think we should all just go to Italy, scope out Rome, and find a vamp or two from that nest, I doubt it'll be that hard for them to stay hidden, especially when they sense their bait is hooked and thrown into the sea. We'll all be there to keep her safe obviously, but if we're gonna go with that option, I think she needs a little hunter-how-to's down to a synch before anything. Can't be too careless here." Dean suggested, tapping the tip of his boot restlessly against the wooden floor.

"I second that notion." Billie agreed, standing near his desk heaped with old text books and reference papers.

Veratos glanced at her hunter pal, smiling as she always did, "I like where you're going Salvatore, but how long are we speaking here? This should be done soon, before they strike. I don't believe Lorenzo's gentlemanly act of kindness, they'll try to get to us first. I can feel it. They don't know how to play fair, especially when we have what they so badly crave."

"That depends on Isabella herself, what's your take on all this crap?" Dean peered at her, "It's your life we're talking about Isabella."

Veratos, Aleksei, Mina, and Maggie gazed her probably wondering the same thing. Surely she'd have plenty to say.

Michael sighed as Dean was quick to loose his cool and immidiately go all hunter-mode on the witch right then and there. Frankly the situation couldn't get any more worse, right? He rubbed his temples, taking a moment to consciously block the uneasy vibes swirling around him. They were giving him a headache and making his own vampire instincts skittish and on edge. It was true, vampires had quite the pack mentality sometimes. They picked up on one another's feelings and responded to them, often automatically. Of course, the 'alpha' was the one who set the tone, and as Michael watched Aleksei, he could tell why everyone else was feeling agitated. Could the hunter who wasn't a vampire at all sense it too?

He shot Avalon a quick glance, the pureblood's eyes were watching the hunter steadily.

Aleksei's aura could be felt powerfully, especially since they were all in the same room. It wasn't exactly dark, not like it could get when the pureblood was angry. It was just... unsettled, or perhaps frustrated. The fact that Aleksei was broadcasting instead of keeping it tightly under control like he usually did, however, meant that the feelings must be pretty intense.

"Salvatore, watch your tone, she's a witch and a powerful one." Aleksei was saying in that quiet, dangerous tone he had which usually signaled when it was wise to run for the hills.

When the colt was suddenly flying across the room, Michael flickered his attention to the witch and the hunter, for a moment there he thought he would have to jump to his feet and pull them apart. Something about Dean's father Adacio had been brought up, Michael didn't know who that was, he'd even looked to Aleksei, who's eyes veered to Isabella, more focused on her for some reason than the arguement, he could feel the tention building up in him. The pureblood must have found staring at her more soothing than watching the hunter and witch yell at eachother. Michael agreed, his fingers found Selene's hand and held it firmly. Soon Dean was out the door with Billie, extending the convo about Adacio maybe?

As soon as he left, Michael watched Maggie seat herself on the couch again, an indifferent look in her gaze.

For a while after, they were surrounded by a deep silence. A pause it was, to find that "calm" again. After a while Michael could sense Aleksei's aura slowly fade, like the pureblood was getting a 'grip' on himself.

"So, getting back on the task at hand, Isabella. Care to fill us in on whatever plans you have?" Michael asked, switching his sights to the Italian girl, this was all about her. Only her.

The conversation would pick up from there, reaching Aleksei who's tone was soft, and yet also forceful. He would find a way to locate the alpha, a task only he could well accomplish, while Isabella would be training with the hunter. Was it possible for the two purebloods to discuss this matter, maybe reach some sort of agreement? With the way things were going, Michael wouldn't be holding his breath for that. The girl was already their target and she'd already been given an expectent date. One that if they even tried to dismiss would have dire consequences befall them all. Vampire sized trouble would be inevitable.

Micheal listened as the pureblood revealed his plans to help defend Isabella's life if the situation resulted in the use of weapons, they weren't all sure exactly what the vampires would want Isabella for, only guessing that the prophesy would rewrite her future, but nothing could ever really be ascertained. It was funny to think that maybe this time the same thing wouldn't happen again. Maybe this time she wouldn't have to be subjected to such a horrific end. The Italian vampires could paint it out as her doing them a service all they wanted, point to the treaty as being the sole thing they stood by --but he nore Aleksei weren't buying it. The very same situation had been done before, and what did that fix? Nothing. These vampires are still egging him on, even now they still were.

Michael had known something like this were happening to Aleksei long before any of the others had been pulled into this mess. Isabella was being targeted and the proof was in the little packeges sent to the pureblood months ago. It was the only shared inforamation Michael had gotten from Aleksei. He trusted him enough to let him know how much of a strain this was turning out to be on him. And Michael felt bad, not only because there wasn't much he could do to help, but because all this could end up with them failing as the witch ahd pointed out.

Fate was never wrong.

But they would all try anyways, especially Aleksei, he didn't take no for an answer. Isabella was his life and he would die to defend it, all the way.

And Michael would be there, every step.

He hadn't noticed when the hunter had returned until he suggested that they all go to Italy to force the Italian vampires out of hiding, then asked Isabella for her opinion. He stared at the girl, everyone did.

"You know, for an 800 year old hag..." Selene hissed, though a sharp, reprimanding glare from Julian cut off her sentence. Michael squeezed her hand firmly, but as she watched Veratos unravel the map of Italy, she broke away from him and stood.

"We're dealing with two different enemies here; the Italians and the French. Now when they touched down in Sable, their intentions were to take Isabella and marry her off to one of their royal princes, but we all know that they have ulterior motives. As we've seen so far, her blood has some special quality to it, or something, which leads us to believe that these royals are after it too."

Selene walked over to the map and observed the circled locations. There was no way the Italians would agree to meet Isabella at a crowded place- prestigious, perhaps, but nothing obvious. That simply wasn't their style. The huntress furrowed her brows and exchanged perceptive glances with Veratos, who had confirmed that the prophecy on Isabella's life was indeed true. So the extent of the information she had shared was a given, and what had been a mystery still continued to be such; only the problem was finding a way to break it.

"We have established alliances with tribes all over Europe," began Wolfgang. His forest colored eyes traveled over the group, whom shifted their attentions accordingly. "Including Italy and France. Should this ordeal result in a battle, we can rest assured that we have multiples on our side."

"Do you think we could recruit a scout from one of the packs in Italy to locate the Italian empire?" Selene asked.

"That's certainly a possibility... although they're also likely to reject that idea. They might not be willing to risk exposure for a cause they deem lost."

"Well, what about France?"

"Now that won't be necessary, child," Wolfgang responded. "Unlike the Italians, the French like to boast about the ingenuity of their domain. For centuries they've taunted other sects by deliberately making known the location of their empire, which lies deep in the heart of Paris within the underground catacombs. Because these famous crypts are impossible for nonresidents to navigate, the French always held the homecourt advantage against those foolish enough to try and strike them."

Isabella had remained quiet and observant during this entire period. Her large golden eyes had become quite small and weary now; Dean's distrust of the witch and his temperament made her uneasy and increasingly more apprehensive of the situation at hand. She was struggling to hold herself together as her perception of the life she thought she had came crashing down in chaos all around her. It was difficult for the girl to piece things together, and her mind was working overtime to try and calculate every little fragment and detail. Then she perked up, and became serious.

"What if I was the scout?" she suggested, already prepared for the onslaught of pointed glowers she was about to receive that opposed the idea. "Just hear me out, okay? I think I might have the compass that can lead us straight to the lion's den."

She held her grandmother's leatherbound journal to eye level, the hint of a smile playing at her lips, though the swell of her mouth failed to grant it. She swallowed a lump in her throat; they would likely think her stupid and overestimating her abilities. She was a simple human with no special characteristics aside from her magic blood and questionable link to these two fueding vampire legions.

"If it's me they want, then they won't put up a fight and their guard may be lowered," she continued, matter of factly. "If I go to them willingly, claiming to want to speak with my mother, they might also be more cooperative. Dean and I are linked, so can't you also conjure up your magic voodoo and track me down? Say they grant me access- if I lube up with some vervain oil, then they won't be able to touch me, right? And by being in their lair, I could possibly figure out if my mother is a plausible ally. If we have someone they trust on the inside working against them, it'll be that much easier to make their empire implode."

She averted her gaze from the witch, to Dean, to Aleksei. Of course, this would be after her six months of intensive training, and Aleksei would be the one to accompany her inside. She knew he was the only one the Italians could trust.

"We can't just flat out attack them," Isabella added. "Their armies are both too large to take on. If we can make them crumble from within, then we won't really have to do much battling ourselves. The ones we really have to worry about are the French. I strongly believe the Italians are leaning more in our favor, but I can't say it's by much."

"What if we make them attack each other?" Julian suddenly suggested. "As in, we somehow give them a superiority complex- for example, when two alpha males challenge each other over the same turf, they usually fight until one of them submits. However, knowing the nature of the two empires, that might mean to their death."

Isabella shrugged. That was an interesting theory in itself. Selene watched them all curiously. Things were beginning to get messy, and ideas were being tossed around like a salad. She knew very well the hunter and Aleksei would oppose Isabella's suggestion despite her reasoning. Perhaps it would all bubble down to their trust in her ability to carry out skilled and intelligent assassinations when that day came. All she knew was that they all needed to put their heads together and impart each of their diverse skills and wisdom to Isabella. When it really came down to it, she was the one who would need it the most.

"For now, I believe we should focus on training the human," said Wolfgang, as if he had read the vampire's mind.

Dean took a moment to let it all settle in his head, right about now he was willing to go with anything. At first his reaction was to say 'no' at that idea, however Isabella had stated that she would indeed train first. Then why not? Give her a shot at it. Feeling the weight of the pureblood's stare on him, he slowly nodded, and looked to Isabella, "Alright, let's go with that one," he smirked, agreeing with it more and more as he processed it further in his head. Chick was right in a way, he would lean on this and not back track with the "what-if's" that would surely make him change his mind, "So I train you, you're ready in six months, you can take out a vamp by then, I'd say you're good to go. Get in with the Italian vampires, build some trust falls, while I hang back, then strike when they least expect it...."

Aleksei was like WTF? It was so obvious he was gunning for Dean to completely disagree and protest as he would.

"But on one condition, if, if you're not up to par with 'em, and one of them kicks your ass than you're not ready. And we do this my way." Dean gave them all that look, "Either that, or you're fucked."

Vera cracked up laughing, "I think he's right. I'm not a vampire but I know they're fighting style, I'll be keeping watch come that day, if I see you're loosing I'll kill it for you. But then you'd know what that means."

Aleksei sighed, putting Isabella in danger was something he wanted to avoid ultimately but when it came to something like this, he didn't think he had a say here. This situation was rolling into a mess of crap. Though in retrospect he couldn't say no to the training sessions. She could benefit greatly from them, it would prepare her for what was to come, possibly awaken her to the reality of it all. However, vervain oil? Where was she getting that from?

"We should focus on the now instead, train her well Salvatore and when the day comes, ultimately what comes out of it will determine our next move. I can communicate with the French, see what they want in all this. Had done it numerous times before but for different reasons." He said this to Salvatore, then he glanced at Isabella, she had to take a brief course in her vampire-killing know-how. "Vervain oil? Do you want to smell like a plant? That would never work against Purebloods, the only thing that would prevent them from touching you would be-"

Maggie seemed to have gained some interest at the topic of repelling vampires, she whipped out a small bottle from her bag and aimed it toward the Italian girl, "This is the perfect opportunity to test-drive my latest creation. Forbidden Fruit," She pressed her finger into the spray thing and a mist of its contents sprits outward in a tiny cloud.

Aleksei covered his nose and mouth with the sleeve of his shirt and turned his head away, but that wasn't enough, the stench permeated the air and he had to get some distance, Mina reacted in an identical manner. The vampires in the room all stood and almost too quickly went for the door.

"Smells like Hell!" Dean said, pretending to gag, he wasn't as sensitive to smells, but he'd smelled worse before. He too had skidded backwards, almost chuckling amused. That was funny! Vera was next to him, fanning herself, her expression priceless.

Billie pinched his nose shut, and nodded, "I call that a great vampire repellent. Like mosquitoes. Clever one Mag." He complimented, he too kept his distance.

"The secret ingredient? Pure vampire blood, aged hundreds of years, though I have yet to pass it on to the Hunter Association for approval. So let's keep it between us mm'kay?" She said with a smile, glad that it had worked well, she handed the tiny, rose shaped glass bottle to Isabella. Now it was hers to keep. "Only one sprits is enough to last hours, it's so strong it'll even withstand the rain. To get it off, a simple shower will do. Just don't get it on your clothes, the oils in it will stain." Maggie warned.

"Yeah, so I guess we got a new weapon on our hands, excellent. Mags, got anymore of that stuff, I can whip up some really useful bombs with that. I can't wait!" Vera said excitedly, she couldn't help her amusement, the other vampires were opening the door and stepping outside the shop --wow was that spray that strong? Damn.

"How's that Avalon?" Dean asked, glancing back at the pureblood, who wasn't too pleased that the girl he adored now stunk, worse than a skunk.

"That'll do, unless they keep a stash of gas-masks at hand, or stop breathing long enough to do the damage. It could work!" Aleksei replied, uncovering his nose and mouth to address the hunter clearly.

(Angel-Chii, I would really like for Lyra to be more associated with the group! How do we go about including her within the next few posts? Is she going to settle in the forest soon? It would be cool to get her acquainted with the rest of the wolf pack.)

Isabella winced as the spritz of pure vampire blood wafted in the air and landed on her delicate skin. The pain was near excruciating at first- a vicious sting as if acid had just been sprayed onto her flesh. Though that was something to be expected; even if she was a human, that didn't subtract from the fact that vampire blood still contained a highly potent venom. There was no pungent smell she could detect, however, and aside from recoiling from the sting for a few moments, she quite liked the subtle fragrance of rose and sandalwood. If she hadn't known any better, the witch may as well have given her a very pleasant perfume.

"Remarkable," she whispered, taking the rose shaped glass bottle in her fingers and observing the pinkish liquid within.

That's when she turned and noticed all of the vampires aggressively repulsed by the odor it truly emitted. Selene hissed violently, her teeth bared as she turned away and stifled her gag reflexes threatening to make her vomit. The newborn's eyes were stinging fiercely, and tears dotted the corners of her tightly squeezed lids. Even Wolfgang and Julian were reacting in disgust, though they responded in a manner that was more akin to being allergic. Because of their acutely adapt sense of smell, they were quite used to the vile scent of purebloods, and thus were a bit more desensitized to its potency. Still, the odor in itself could not be escaped.

"That's... quite an invention, Marguerite," said Wolfgang, sneezing. "Clever, indeed."

"I mean, as a weapon, sure," Selene added, still trying to recover from the blow. "Who's to say the royals will let her in smelling like that? They'll suspect something immediately. This should be used as a defense mechanism, and a very last resort at that."

"Still, I appreciate it, Madame Solt," Isabella interrupted, giving Selene a slightly pointed look. "Thank you."

She turned the attractive bottle over in her hands, a smile creeping over her rosebud lips. She then wondered what her grandmother might have said at the resourceful invention, and couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of it all. She could imagine a sort of incredulous reaction, then perhaps a nerdy, excited babbling about the intelligence behind the creation. She looked up at Aleksei, her grin still reaching from ear to ear, though her expression softened when she saw how he had withdrawn.

"So, we agree on something then, yes?" she remarked, a hint of playful sarcasm in her warm tone. "When should we start training?"

As she tucked the repellant carefully away into her satchel, she rose and turned to Dean, much too amused with the outcome of the situation. He truly hated the vampires, no matter if they were allies or not; that much was evident. He had the makings of a successful hunter, without a doubt, and she rested a little easier knowing that the intensity of his hatred also fueled his need to train. She would be receiving instruction from one of the greatest. They actually might be able to pull this off.

She turned to Julian and Wolfgang, who seemed quite ready to leave the place still stinking of rotten vampire blood.

"I don't think we've been properly introduced," she said, approaching them.

"You don't recall this, child, but you and I have been acquainted before," Wolfgang responded, offering her a knowing smile. "We were there when your mother gave birth to you, and the celebration that took place thereafter. Your grandmother and I were good friends. My name is Wolfgang Talbot. I have led the Northeastern tribe for longer than I care to admit..."

"And I'm Julian," he added. "The next in line to do so."

"Tribe?" asked Isabella. "As in..."

"Wolves," finished Selene, not looking up from her perch beside Michael. "Werewolves."

Isabella hesitated for a second. She had read stories about them; vengeful creatures that were incapable of retaining their humanity when they shifted. They were slaves to the moon, submitting to its whim and powerless to do anything about it. Like the vampires, they were damned, but they had no control of their actions.

"Don't worry, little one," Wolfgang purred, reassuring and calm. "The myths were created to keep the ignorant in fear. There is hardly any truth behind the lore."

"Yeah, you just don't wanna get caught with me on a full moon," Julian quipped with a wink.

"Well, where's your pack? Don't you travel in groups?"

"They're hanging back and guarding the den until we return."

Wolfgang smiled at the curious human. Her thirst for knowledge would be the salvation of the girl, a trait that she shared with her late grandmother Alessandra.

"We too can teach you many things, Isabella. We won't ask for your trust immediately, but we will gladly work to earn it. Wolves are good creatures to have on your side. Julian, do you have the charm?"

"Yes, grandfather," Julian replied, taking a little box from his pocket and handing it to Isabella.

"Although Alessandra was put to rest with her gift at her request," Wolfgang explained as the girl studied the little velvet container. "We made sure to construct something in its likeness. This is a symbol of our loyalty. Once it is received, we cannot break our promise to the recipient."

Isabella opened the jewelry box, her eyes beginning to glow when she gazed upon its contents. Resting within the box was a tiny wolf head intricately carved from a jade stone. Sitting in its jaws was a moon shaped charm of deep blue sapphire, and the entire thing, only about the size of a dime, dangled from a thin silver chain. This, she assumed, was their subtle way of expressing submission; if anything she had heard of werewolves so far were true, then silver was capable of harming them.

"Thank you, Mr. Talbot!" she exclaimed. "It's beautiful!"

Again, Wolfgang smiled. The girl's reaction was exactly reminiscent of Alessandra's, though her expression mirrored Maria.

"Now, shall we begin training?"