"A Dangerous Affair Finale" by: raqUmali 8.13.01 ~* Serena sat in her room content to finally just relax and not worry. Though even in the midst of her mind, she's still a bit apprehensive to be left alone in her room. Ever since the incident, she always has and always will be a bit afraid. Serena turned her attention to other things, she has found that if she was busy enough she really had no time to think about being afraid or even worrying. Only one more week until their wedding, in fact only five more days. Serena was a bit in heaven, the thought of finally being able to be with Darien throughout her days and nights was a dream finally coming true. Finally closing her book, she couldn't read anymore. The butterflies in her stomach became too intense and too giddy for her reading. She stood and sighed as she thought warmly about Darien and her, her and Darien.. it sounded wonderful... 'Mrs. Darien Langtry' Mrs. Charles began to clean up in the dinning area. Polishing the silver and making the crystals spotless. After the horrible incidents that have left her mistress battered, Mrs. Charles has been unable to sleep. Staying up awake she jumps to noise, and investigates odd sounds. She will never tire from the constant protection she holds when it came to Serena. She has been their when Serena was only a mere babe born to the Annesley family, there when she was grieved through both her parents deaths, their when she overcame her sullen state and rose to her place in society as one of London's fairest. There when many had tried to tame or even court her intelligent and independent mind. Now she will make sure she will be 'there' to see her off to the man she had fallen deeply in love with. The man Mrs. Charles had always thought was perfect for her mistress, someone who was to spoil her and keep the love lasting for more than a lifetime. The door bell rang disturbing Mrs. Charles thoughts, thinking it was either Lord Carrington or Lord Langtry she happily strode over to opening the door. Her thoughts stopped as a man in dressed in uniform greeted her. "hello ma dame.. I am here to check up on Lady Annesley" he tipped his hat. "Hello to you too Sir, Lady Annesley is fine and has retired to her room" she smiled brightly assuring the man. A bit pensive to the man, for something was different about him. "May I please check so I am at ease... I want to make sure she has not been abducted from her room or it will be my head on the platter". The man was assuring. Mrs. Charles opened the door and let him in. "Let me take you to her" she began as she started to walk up the stairs with the man in uniform following behind, suspiciously take his hanker chafe out of his pockets.. Slowly they both had made their way up the stairs, not as young as she used to be she sighed heavily at the stairs she had just gone up too. "These bones aren't as strong as they used to be" she mumbled as she tried to catch her breath. The man didn't say anything... She turned a bit to see what he was doing, when she was surprised by a strong odor smell that had made her world the dizzying blackness. Serena sat on her bed as she went through photos of Darien and her, happy moments at the race tracks, picnics and everything else. It was all a tale that was written and lived by her and her prince. She lifted the silk scarf that Darien had given her, red with the embroidery of his intricate crest. Under the scarf was the book. Upon setting eyes at the book she smiled happily. Serena had not picked up the book in months. Every since Darien and her made their truce and completed their evening love making, they never opened it again. It was more or less wanting to live it and not always react to what the story had written. Caressing the emblem that was the princes she felt passionate shivers run through her, she could not wait to see him. She had just hoped that they both can be good enough to not run Andrew out of his own home. Serena heard a quiet thud outside her door and at first it was settling, but when Mrs. Charles didn't enter or did anyone she was expecting she became a bit uneasy. Opening her mind, she called for Darien... 'love... is that you?' she asked... nothing she had nothing.. 'must be meeting with someone' she thought as she stood. A slow knock was heard and she had stayed the furthest from the entrance and answered. "Come in". Serena held her breath as the door opened. A bit surprised she was still happy that it was a guard. Never did they ever make her acquaintance or did they show up to her room. "How are you doing my lady?" he asked in a familiar voice. Serena, tried to read the man. But his mind was bard and tightly she was unable to enter. "I'm fine and you?" she asked as a sour gut feeling started to make its way to her heart. He came closer as she backed a bit. "The evening is bright, perfect for lovers" he whispered as he stared menacingly towards her. Serena made eye contact with the man, seeing those eyes, she has seen them before.... "Yes it is...... and I am waiting for mine....." she passionately stated. The mans eyes burned with fury at the mention of her lover. Not him, never him, he was so dementedly crushed. Serena first looked at him fully..... his uniform was a bit dishelved, the badge of an officer was always on the left never the right. She simply caught, then at the mouth she found that his mustache was hanging on a mere thread, holding on to his upper lip. Her eyes tan traveled to his eyes... those eyes, brown, anguish, jealousy....... For a brief moment his mind managed a gap..... 'CRAIG'! "TOO Bad he wont be here to find you" he said flatly. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" she asked as she tried to call for help 'DARIENNNNN.... PLEASE OPEN UP.... DARIEN.....' he made his way towards her and she dodged him a bit before he held a great amount of her hair and pulled her to him. 'Dam this hair' she thought... 'You should of let me cut it Darien'. He held her close from behind, holding her hands tightly. "I see you are still waiting for the vampire.... How can you see him as a man.. he is not like me... like us" he made his way towards the bed and as if he had many things concealed in his pockets their came the ropes. "Your right...... he is not like you" Serena struggled "he's BETTER" she said loudly. Turning her roughly around her slapped her across the face, causing her to wince at the taste of blood. As she turned to him, her nose and mouth masked with a cloth. The same fait as Mrs. Charles.. a dizzying blackness became her, she fell limp. ~* "Hey Michael.. I thought you two planned an evening together?" asked Zen as he made his way towards the couple. "WE do... but I forgot the opera tickets here.." "I see...." He smiled as his friend pocketed the tickets. "Where is Darien?" asked Mina wondering if he had already made his way to her home. Mina was a bit uneasy to the thought of leaving Serena again.. but tonight was her night with Michael. "He is in the cas....." thought Zen then rephrased his choice of words "black room" "Black room....?" asked Mina as she looked on to Michael. "It's where he meditates... A place where it is undisturbed... mentally he cannot be disturbed." "He's been in their awfully long too" said Zen as he walked away from the couple. "When he gets up tell him that Andrew is on his way home as well" yelled Michael to Zen's retreating form. ~* Serena woke with a throbbing lip as well as aching wrists. She looked to her left to find her wrist tied to the bed post. "Had a nice nap?" the voice came to her as irritating as the man it belonged too. She stared at him with narrowed eyes and she can see he thought of it as amusing. He sat in front of the bed straddling a chair, the back he rested his chin on, the once mustache that covered his identity was gone... Now it was as she remembered him.... She thought of what to say, remembering what he had said before, her defying attitude only entices him more, she was making sure she stayed the opposite, passive. "nice... it was" she smiled at him. His eyes now narrowing to hers. He approached and sat down beside her. "You really think I will let you two be together?" he asked as he took her already bruised chin harshly to look at him. "It doesn't matter... what ever you do... we will always be together." His eyed angered, no matter how much pain she was in, she never went her love for him stray. 'Why couldn't she love him?' "that's right Serena... 'WE' will always be together..." he made his move to kiss her when Serena turned. He gritted his teeth to her rejection and painfully grabbed her face. Harshly he kissed her, violating her mouth she cried in disgust, she clenched her teeth together not allowing him access. He prodded on and when he did break through her mouth he was not prepared for her attack. Pushing her away, he felt the pain and the blood that has oozed from his tongue "YOU LITTLE HARLET" he moved back to her and back handed her already bruised face. Her head jaggedly whipped from the force she was hit. He grabbed her by her hair to have him look into his infatuated mind. "YOU WILL LOVE ME IF IT'S THE LAST THING YOU WILL DO" he breathed as he threw her away as a rag doll. "I WILL NEVER LOVE YOU.... " "And I suppose it will always be DARIEN" he mocked, though he knew what her answer would be he really didn't want to hear it. "YES....it will always be Darien...." Craig seethed... "I don't think he will be of anything.... Once I am done with him" he began to walk away, making his retreat towards the door... "Lets just see how much you love him with a stake in him." he turned and heard her words that de-gutted him even more. "LOVE.... HAS NO BOUNDARIES CRAIG.... DEATH AND NOT EVEN YOU WILL SEPARATE DARIEN AND I.. .......WE WILL AWAYS FIND EACH OTHER IN THE END!" cursing him and finding it hitting the right spot as he stiffened. He turned around and walked back to her as he grasped something from behind him. A rather large revolver was clearly shown.... "See this..... this will destroy your boyfriend no doubt..." Serena just laughed... "Fool.... You cant kill him...." "Oh... but I have altered this magnificent contraption of mine to do so.... I tested it.." his eyes beaming with insanity. "You will never kill him.... " "Again, we will see" he said calmly as he turned to leave. ~* "Michael we will never make it on time" "Yes , we will" he smiled as he looked forward... The evening was a beauty, stars were laid out for their eyes to gawk and to see. The cool wind was relaxing and refreshing. They were coming to the city now, glowing midnight ambers came about from the many lanterns. His eyes darting to a particular house. "Hey what time did you say Andrew will be coming home?" "he should be home now". The two rounded the corner to have view of the Carrington house. A house that's stood for Mina and Andrew's family for histories time. As they came closer to the home but yet still a few blocks away. Michael with his own eyes can see movement about, then in a shot... an on coming horse, wildly running with its passenger. He swayed a little as he watched the passer came closer and closer..... He took note of the animal, a white mare... 'VIXEN' he mused as he thought why Serena would make her way all by herself here. As the passer came to a few yards away, he noticed it was not Serena. "CRAIG" he yelled.... Mina's eyes propped to wide O's as he mentioned the name. "Oh my... Serena.... Not again..." cried Mina...Michael also knew this was not a good sign. "Mina.... Meet me at your house quickly" he ordered as he harshly pushed the carriage door open and flew in the night air, Mina yelling behind asking him to hurry. Michael swiftly made his way at lightening speed. He cringed as he passed the man, he had no time to deal with him as he was to see what had happened to Serena. Michael flew to the doors and rushed in, he took note of Mrs. Charles fallen near the mid of the stairwell. Leaping to the other side, he ran to Serena's room. The doors opened with unspeakable force and Michael rushed in. "MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!" Serena cried, happy to see one of her protectors. Michael largely stepped his way towards her and untied the tight rope on her wrist. Serena gasp in irritation as her hand was freed. "Are you alright...." "Michaellll..........you need to get me to the castle now...I've been trying to contact Darien but his mind is closed..." "But your hurt...." He looked at her wrist and batter face, 'darien will not like this' "Michael.... Get me to Darien now... Craig is on his way their..." "Well he is fool....he wont survive..." He said as he began to transmit news to his friends 'ALL of you be weary of Craig Galli, he is on his way there.. Let Darien know that Craig has once again struck and has beaten Miss Annesley....' . 'Serena.." came the gasp as Mina came running in they shared a warm hug before Serena turned to Michael once again. "Michael... you need to take me to him.... We cannot underestimate Craig.." "Serena.. he is going to the castle... he will be playing on our turf" "NOOO... Dam it......ALL of you underestimate him cause he's a mere mortal... but why is it that all of 'YOU' can never find him?" she asked to his bewildered face, it was true, he has outsmarted them before "take me too him... please....." Michael nodded and looked at Mina.... "Mina wait for Andrew and meet us at the castle..." he instructed as he and Serena made there way down the stairs. Mina staring off to the nights air as Michael carried Serena. ~* Darien had come out of his trance and in a very well state. He was relaxed and very much rested. Dressed in his impeccably tasting suite, he made his way down the large stairwell to see a few of his friends walking swiftly towards him. "Ah... Zen, I will be leaving.. If anyone needs me I will be with Sere..." he started to say when he was interrupted. "SIR...." Began Nathan as he eyed his companions, he knew this wasn't going to be taken lightly..."Craig has struck again Sir..." Darien's eyes darkened and bloody red as they were, he can never get that name to settle. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN STRUCK AGAIN?" he howled to the men before him. "Michael....Sir, passed the message that he has beaten Miss Annesley again........" Darien had looked as if he could burn those who dare look into his eyes. He was furious... three times...........!!!!! Darien looked up at the windows and growled to his furious extent. Windows panned and shattered at the immense snarl. "BUT....." had caught Darien's attention and darted his eyes towards one of the other men. "BUT?" "Its seems Sir, that Galli wants a confrontation with you and is on his way here...." Zen saw the pixilated gleam and the amusement this would be to Darien... Darien's mood changed. "Well then.... What are we waiting for, lets give him a welcoming he'll never forget" he instructed as Darien made his way down to the bottom of the stairs. Craig had arrived and dismounted vixen a ways before the castle. He had seen the look in Michael's eyes as he had passed him, immediately he knew that Darien and his minions were waiting for him. Crazy, he knew but he had the drive to bid Darien's death for with him out of the way, him and Serena would be happy... He must do this now or he will never have Serena.... His mind played over and over. He patted the remnants of his pockets as he cleared his way through the castle. "I see him" telepathically worded Zen who was watching from the night sky. "Shall I take him?" asked Nathan who had clear view from one of the windows above the castle. "Let me.." responded Kyle. "NO......." Darien's voice was firm and clear. "Let him come to me... I want him for myself!!" Craig entered the castle, he had sensed many pairs of eyes watching him as he had come closer and closer to the castle but to his surprise he was not touch nor confronted. Looking around, he was weary to everything, goblins and gargoyles about, their own eyes watching him as well. The shadows of the lamps were playing awful tricks in the eyes. For he was seeing many things, real or not they were becoming. Darien sat in his throne like chair in the dinning room wittingly. He sat back and reclining to the softness of the padded backing. His strong hands playfully whisking the glass of red wine around, then placing it within his lips. Craig had all watch the man stay so calm. Behind the tapestry he watched, and gritted over the sigh of him. Not mortal not man, he was a dead man going against evolution and living through many years. Still behind the tapestry with the watchful eye, he had noticed a glare that Darien had given the area and knew he was discovered. "I know your there, so ill give you the chance to come out strong..." Darien had interjected to the area where he knew Craig was watching. Slowly but surely he had sidestepped from behind the heavy drapery. He slowly walked over keeping a watchful eye on the calm prince. Darien just sat there as he waited for the man to close in on him. 'do not worry Galli... your pain will be torturous' Darien smiled to the thought. Craig seethed in anger, 'how could someone remain so clam, especially with all the things I've done to Serena....' He came to the conclusion 'that leach... he does not love her!' he thought. "How could she love someone as the likes of you?" asked Craig from a few yards away. Darien still calm as ever stood and watched Craig back up as he did so. Not making another move he just turned now to lean on the large dinning room table. With his arms crossed, Darien eyed the man. "HOW... could you think she could EVER love YOU!" he retorted wittingly. Craig said nothing, but he boiled with flushed anger. He heated this man, for all the things he worked hard for in this life, it came easy to this unmoral being. "She does, she's just been blinded by your spell" "Spell......" laughed Darien "Serena.. under a spell.... Likely NOT! She LOVES ME, by her own free will.... I never forced her to do anything she never wanted...." Darien's eyes now glowed in a firiery red "Now you... on the other hand... COULD NOT take NO for an answer" The glint of red in his eye were a clear indication that he has hit the soft part in Darien. But he didn't know whether to pursue the weak spot or go on. "She would have been with me....if you never showed that one evening... We spoke and agreed on many things... then you just had to come and asked her to dance..." Craig painfully remembered the jealously prodding over his body as Serena accepted Darien's invitation to dance and not his. He swelled in anger as they held each other as if no one else mattered and felt ready to kill humanity when he had spied on them kissing. Darien listened to Craig, never did he even take pity on the man. Even as his confession now, it still not mattered. Serena was with him and he was talking to a dead man. "If she had wanted to, Serena would of gave you permission to court her if she had desired it to be... but she never..." "Don't you see... DAM IT she would of gotten to know me... and fell inlove With Me... instead of you.." As strong as he might have seen emotionally, Craig was in the midst of breaking down. "NO... you don't see.... Serena never wanted to be with you... if she had... SHE would of stayed with you that evening... wouldn't she" Darien watched the man as he emotionally played with his heart, cruel... yes... but this wasn't even cruel to what he had planned. "She would of gladly declined my offer to dance if she so wanted to be with you....." On and on Darien rambled about how Serena never wanted him and how Serena never saw him as anything but an acquaintance. Another pass down through his memory, he remembered as he watched Serena through her balcony windows, aching to hold her. He watched as she hummed a tune... and danced freely. Then as she dressed for the evening... he lusted over her body.. beauty couldn't even compare. He cringed in jealousy as he watched her sleep and call out to Darien as if they were making love and yet it was all her in her dream... Night and Day it was always him.... Never was he given a chance where he could show her his true love. "I LOVE HER DAM IT" said Craig unknowing to what he was actually doing, his plans on his vengeance gone out the door, now confused he was without a plan. "and you never gave me a chance... cause you... you were always there...." "LOVE HER??????????" said Darien as he stared at him in confusions and bewilderment. He stood as he slowly made his way towards Craig. Craig not backing down and remained rooted to the ground. Their eyes never flinching at each others harsh gaze. Darien was now a foot away from him, Craig was so close that their breaths were trickling with heat but Darien refuse to kill him instantly.... He wanted the pleasure in toying with his kill and trust him to come through with his words when he says, 'painful....torture...suffering.....slow....'. "HOW COULD YOU EVEN SAY YOU LOVE HER AND ABUSE HER THE WAY YOU DO?" lowly asking in his firm voice. Darien hovered over Craig by an inch or two. His eyes not fully staring down at the man but it was sure knowledge to who was the fittest... and it was surely what it is, the battle of the fittest. "HOW COULD YOU BEAT HER SENSELESS AND SAY YOU LOVE HER?" he asked again. Not knowing what to say, his mouth became to dry. Craig did love her, with an infatuation that went beyond insane. But he thrilled at inflicting pain, he was roused that she was a woman with an independent mind. Never would he allow though for her to live independently if he had it his way. She would be just as old society had it, at woman that meant property to a man... doing as he wished. Darien stared at the coward that was beyond speechless. As if he finally realized what he has done to Serena was mortally wrong, it was still too late in Darien's eyes. He had messed with the wrong Lady.. his! "What are you going to do kill me?" asked Craig. "Kill you....... I'm sorry to disappoint you but I have more plans than just to kill you instantly" backed Darien as he began to walk away leaving Craig confused. Darien had gone to another area, clearly the receiving room where the grand staircase can be seen. He walked knowing that Craig was behind staring hatefully at his retreating figure. Heavy footsteps clapped itself against the stone floors. Darien was in an entertaining mood, his spirit was quite high, he was jolly at the thought of Craig in his home. 'This is too good'...he thought... NOW.. he would see the end of him. Heinous, yes... but he's wanted his blood from the start. Darien was ready to walk up the stair way when he was stopped by Craig's voice. "How could you just walk away from the man that has battered the one you pretend to love?" Darien turned to his question... 'what audacity this man has' he thought "PRETEND.... Pretend to love.. YOU do not even know the extent my love for Serena.. and you can never compare to the love I have for her...." Darien was arrogant in the matter, he knew that Craig was a fool and he loved the fact that he can toy with his emotions where it painfully hurt the most... Serena loving only one man, him. Staring at him from the bottom of the stairs, both were a few yards away, raising up waiting for another comment from the other man. Galli was hurt, he was painfully and emotionally battered. Darien knew what words to use and the tactics he was using was working. 'She does not love you................. She will never love you...............She would of stayed with you if wanted too.......... Gladly decline my offer to dance..... if she wanted to be with you.......' His mind was swirling with painful voices and harsh visions. Darien watched the man as he stared off to what ever was interesting behind him. His eyes shown that he was in an emotional wreck and a burning turmoil boiled within. Smiling... his emotional attack was working.... Just as he wanted it. He knew Craig was somewhat of a brilliant man, brilliant for outsmarting his own guards in search for him. Brilliant for everytime he was able to slip within his sight and get to Serena... he knew that a brilliant mind loved games.. and Darien was doing just that before he was to kill. Visions... Visions... of Serena and Darien dancing that one evening, being intimate even at first glance................. Serena inside her room, primping herself beyond her beauty. Then Darien coming in and kissing her passionately. Both, laying in the living room holding each other fondly, reading to each other....... THEY... walking arm in arm in the park on a sunny day, laughing and content...... THEY..... lovingly kissing in front of everyone when it should not be permitted.... THEY.... THEY... THEY..... Craig was on the brink... without another thought....he took the bulky revolver that stay hidden in his waistline. AS well as other things, crucifix, holy water.. Darien saw his movements and watched him pull out a rather large size revolver. The revolver looked a bit tweaked, the barrel being a bit larger.....and different but Darien grinned anyways....as he looked at Craig a bit curiously. "Don't you know........... " "Know what?" "Bullets......... don't kill vampires?" Darien took a step forward. "I wouldn't do that if I were you" said Craig... "I'm not stupid..." "I'm sure your not.... But however.... A revolver will not kill me anytime soon" Darien grinned largely. Zen, Nathan, Kyle waiting behind the heavy coverings of the wall. "You think your smart don't you Mr. Darien... Langtry.... You think just because you're rich it makes you more like us......." Darien said nothing. "but let me tell you something Mr. Langtry....... You are nothing but the savage blood sucking leaches you are..." the words never phased him a bit "I've been called worse" Darien smiled with his eyes starting to turn and his canines begin to grow. Craig had never witness this before, sure he had seen the men suck ones life, but never the features, never the grim and despondent features they held. ~* "Michael hurry" Serena pleaded as Michael flew towards the castle. The lanterns of the dim castle began to glow closely and her heart soared in fright at what she might find. "Michel tell me what is happening?" Michael was told by the rest what has transpired and that Darien was mocking and playing with Craig, with this information he gave it to Serena. Worrying her all the more. "Damm it that arrogant prince of yours... " Serena harshly noted and closed her eyes.... 'Darien...... Darien... don't play with him... he's smarter than you think.... Please..... don't push him.......' ~* Darien remained still as a transmission of Serena's plea became clear..... he sighed as he nodded his head.... 'I know love... I wont... I'm just having a bit of fun with him... before I make him pay...' he returned "Serena will be mine Darien..... with you out of our ways.... It will just be me and her..." "Dreams never come true to those who deal with me" he gestured as he started to walk forward. ~* Michael landed and placed Serena on solid ground. She ran at breaking speed to find them, and as she entered she found them face to face with Craig holding the revolver that she knew didn't encase bullets. ~* "You really think you will have her?" asked Darien as he began to walk in a circle. "Do you really think even if I died she would go to you...." "Shut UP!" Craig pointed the revolver... "She will never come you Craig... for she will always be with me... heart....mind... body... and soul" Darien had whispered the end to taunt him more... "You will be nothing......" Craig cocked the revolver and pointed, Darien did nothing as he waited for the bullet to be released. 'let him have his fun... before I kill him' ~* Unnoticed by the two, Serena and the others stood watching from one ends, her mind thinking to what she was to do... she could not survive without her love, she would be much of a soul without him. And even if she lived..... it wouldn't be much of living at all. Her mind.... Reeled in to what she was to do, she was lost.......... The revolver cocked and Serena's eyes glowed in fear....without thinking she ran forward as quickly leaving Michael and the others to yell.... "SERENA..." "DARIEN..." ~* Darien smiled at the man as he cocked the revolver waiting and waiting... "She will be Mine..." said Craig.... As he pointed the gun one last time. The sound was loud to Darien's heighten ears but not louder then the yell of his lovers name. "SERENA" he heard as his head turned to find Serena running to him.... 'NO' he thought grimly......as he looked at Craig then her, with in seconds she was in front of him holding on tightly. "DARIEN.........." "SERENA....." he said as he was trying to turn to take the wrath of the bullet Craig had shot... but with everything a blur and things going at lightning speed, all he heard was a deathly grunt and Serena's death grip was loosened.....her eyes large then slowly tearing... "SERENA..........." Darien yelled... looking at her beautiful eyes. Pain.... Fear... love... he saw.. faint..... he looked at Craig and his eyes large as he dropped the revolver..... Zen, Nathan and Kyle made their way towards him and hit him with a force. Slumping he fell against the hard stone that was more than 15 yards away. He was unconscious.... Michael ran to Serena and Darien kneeling as the prince held her.... "da..rien..." she whispered... Darien felt his inside rot..... as he held her fallen figure.... Unknown to still what had happened, his hands had felt the feeling of wetness and warmth. He held her by one arm and pulled out his left hand.... 'BLOOD' he said. He slowly turned her around and paled......he found... something more than what he had thought it to be... a 'STAKE'. Embedded in her mid back was a stake, the revolver was rigged to release a 'stake' not bullets.... His mind soaked in. He slumped down slowly on his shins and held her... "Darien" Serena whispered faintly. Holding on to Serena for his life and to not allow the stake to go in any further he cradled her light form. "You'll be alright love... just hold on" he pleaded..... as he looked at Michael to remove the stake... Michael looked at him and nodded negatively.... 'it will leave the wound open and will cause her to bleed excessively' he noted. Darien turned back to Serena, who was beginning to feel lifeless. "Dar....ien.... I..." She whispered... Serena knew her time was coming... she can already see soft warming lights. 'Shhhhhhhh... Serena... Nathan, call for the witches.... NOW" he yelled as Nathan closed his eyes. Darien was becoming frantic....... "Serena... please... ..." he began as he thought of what he could do..... then it occurred to him as he noticed blood pooling all around.... He looked at Michael and he was motionless... Darien took his hand away from Serena's support and looked at his wrist...... At the though his wrist opened with a little slit and blood came to his request... vampiric blood. The men, Zen, Nathan, Kyle and Michael watched as Darien offered his blood... never had this in their entire immortal life had ever happened. "Serena.... Drink... love... please...." He moved his wrist for her taking... but not only was it awkward for him but she refused.. "no..." she whispered. "Serena.. Please.. you have too... or you will die...." He pleaded... "Now drink baby... please..." "Darien... I cant..." she whispered "I am....wiccan..... Dar..ien.. I will forever..... disown my self...my heritage... and....Selena" her eyes began to water... "But..." he pleaded.... "And.... You... know... I have..... to be.... Well...... to take your blood...." Her voice was becoming lighter and lighter... "But Serena.... You cant leave me......" he began as the feeling of warmth engulf his body... a warm liquid trailed itself within his eyes.... Slowly it fell freely... Serena caught this and smiled to him lightly but lovingly. "You... cry.... When... you thought... you couldn't...." she brought her hand up to touch his face but was stopped by Darien.. "Save your strength sweetheart... the witches are on their way" he took her hand, kissed it lovingly and held it. "My time........is up.. Darienn...." "NO.... ITS NOT... YOU WILL LIVE..... OUR WEDDING.....NOW STAY WITH ME...." he yelled at her demanding her to fight. He say the dimming in her eyes and asked.... "Why Serena???? Why?" Serena saw how torn Darien was, her heart ached that she has to put this much pain within him. "Because..... vampires.... Can.. not .. be ... reincarnated.... but.... We..can" his eyes... petrified to what she had done... She had sacrificed her own life... for his.... For his survival she gave her life... "DON'T you see... it doesn't matter... now.....I cant live without you....I wont... live without you" he told her. "You.... Can... and you have..." Serena gave a sharp intake of breath... then pausing . The pain was becoming crucial and the light was becoming brighter "you have too......." "Why.... If your... not here... I am nothing..... Serena... I am nothing... please...." "You.. have to live.... Darien... for Dalien and Selene.......*pause* for....us...." "SERENA THERE IS NO US IF YOU ARE NOT HERE... DAM IT! CANT YOU SEE THAT.. and I DON'T CARE ABOUT DALIEN AND SELENE.... ITS US...." "No..... you will live.... To find me....." her answer was a surprise as she swallowed the blood. "Serena... you cant.. please...." "I must...." She whispered and with as little strength that she had lifted her hand. Tracing over his features.... Slowly and tiredly.... "I will wait..... for you Darien....find me......" she said as she wiped his tears with a swipe of her thumb. "I have....been born once....... to finish our story... and still... it is unfinished...." Serena gasped for air as it was becoming difficult and difficult to breathe... "may I be born many times... I will be waiting..." Darien's throat was dry and he couldn't comprehend what was happening. "Promise me...you'll come..." Serena's eyes of blue started to change to a lighter shade of gray... Darien saw the flicker of life dimishing ...his heart falling to pieces as he held her. Serena again lifted her hand...to touch his handsome face one last time "I...love... you...Darien." Darien.... Crying quietly..... he bit his bottom lip to suppress the emotions that had completely taken over his body....Taking wisps of fallen hair away from her face, leaving smears of blood along the way..... Leaning down he whispered "and I will always love you" his lips drifted to hers and they shared a innocent kiss of love and a seal to their promise. Serena's hand dropped weakly and her body slumped within Darien's arms. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" he cried as he held her body with a tightening grip, rocking her back and forth. Servants of all sorts came running to the commotion.... Their eyes tearing and shock written all over. The four men, looked down...and away..... their hearts also shattered for the broken prince and his princess... A rustling by the door caught them. "Michael..." Mina began as her eyes darted from his to the form that was being rocked by Darien...... A feminine gasp was heard then a cry. "SERENA.......no...." said the voice as she ran. Along her way, Michael had stopped her and held her tightly... holding her... "Mina... don't..." he said...as he pulled her into his arms... comforting her. Andrew walked staggerdly towards them and he saw the mass amount of blood pooling everywhere.. "SERE...NA?" he asked as he looked at the men. Their eyes with the exception of Darien who still was grieving and rocking his love, spoke in condolences. Andrew swayed as Kyle held him steady. His eyes widening as he saw his cousin covered in blood, her hair matted and clinging to her features... smears of blood were on her face and tears of dread became of him. "GOD nooo..." Andrew cried..... ~* Quite ironic....rain began to fall freely from the sky as the crowd gathered saying goodbye to their fair maiden. A large gathering of many in blacks were only seen, umbrellas held above their head as they relived themselves from the tears that fell from the sky. Darien sat in one of the seats, next to Andrew he said nothing. "I can believe the weather" said a woman, Darien overheard the woman and thought 'the angels weep for her as well' he looked up to see the gray sky, he closed his eyes and allowed the rain to soak him. It didn't matter... nothing did... The rest of the service was all a blur to particularly the family that had lost her dearly. Mina and Andrew cried, Mina being comforted by her lover and Andrew holding himself together, trying to be strong... the family spine.... Mrs. Charles crying silently as she held onto Mr. Quinely. Darien just remained motionless as he stared at the coffin before him. Usually he used the likes of that one as his black room, where he concentrates and rest. 'She doesn't belong in there' he thought. 'The darkness, the blackest of nights... she doesn't belong there' his body began to feel the racks of tears that began to surface. He leaned down to his knees as he covered his face. 'Serena... how do I live?' he asked.... The rest, Serena's wiccan sisters and the men comforted one another as they too weeped for their close friend. Even Molly, Vlad, Melvin and Troy came to give their condolences. The reception held afterwards was in Serena's own home. The home was dreary and bleak to the usual light it held. Everything always radiated in light when it came to Serena.... Now the somber and darkened home... was nothing more... 'it too weeps' Darien thought as he began to walk up the stairs all on his own. Mina seeing this, took a step forward then stopped by Andrew. "let him go..." "but.. he needs to talk to someone..." she sniffed as she can feel the emotions coming back to her. "I know.. but he needs time to be alone as well" he pulled her to his embrace... Darien found himself opening Serena's room. Fully open the room was quiet, silent gloom hovered. As if it known that the mistress that lived and resided in the room, will not be returning. Darien stared from the door frame, taking a deep breath he took a step forward and entered. Even Darien's own breathing couldn't not be heard, only the loud ticking rhythm from the clock along her bed. His eyes focusing on many things, from her bed, that was decorated and accented in the lightest of colors to her vases of florals all around. It was 'her', everything speaks of Serena. Darien sat on the foot of her bed and leaned on his knees for support. His mind remembering Serena freely in her room. Then in the midst of his own memories flooding an apparition of Serena began to play the roll. Darien watched from where he sat as the memory played. As if he wasn't in the room, he watched as Serena freely danced in her room..... watching her sway from one area to another, his eyes never miss. Getting ready for a ball talking to Mina..... chatting about him in particular... Darien smiled to the scene as he remembered before he had picked her up he had casually looked in on her from her balcony windows. A scene of Darien and Serena next to the blazing fireplace snuggling to their content, reading a book while she lay within his arms listening. Tears began to fall freely from Darien's dim eyes. Laughing freely as she received a vast amount of flowers from him. Smelling and caressing each and every single petal from the crimson roses. Darien's throat began to dry and he bit his lip to suppress a groan of remorse. His eyes never missing her movements as he watched the ghostly figure walking around doing her deed as Serena. It was torture... The figure disappeared in the changing room, seconds later coming out in her as usual feminine gowns. Somewhat grinning a bit, as he can clearly see her enticing figure... she sat in front of her vanity brushing her hair free from tangles... and as usual humming her favorite tune from Mozart. 'even in ghostly form... she's still as beautiful as ever'.. It had seemed... that figure heard him and the apparition reflected a smiled as she stared towards him through the mirror. His heart beating in a drumming stance, as his mouth opened to say something.... The figured still kept her smile and seemingly boring into his soul.... 'It cant be' he thought... as he watched her... in a blank instant the figure from her seat turned directly to him, eyes that pained him to see so dim and lifeless... mirrored his of longing... 'you promise' the ghost whispered. Shock all the more, he stood as if to run to her when she disappeared. Darien looked around as he was again alone.... His eyes darted back to the vanity and saw an eloquent picture frame. Making his way, he stopped, picking up the photo. Staring into the moment of happiness in his life, the photo was of he and Serena, posing for an intimate portrait, their eyes showing with great happiness and love. 'Why Serena... Why????' he asked as he fell to the seat and cried, clinging to the photo. Warm beads of tears flowed freely from his eyes and dropped to the frame, he cried, sobbing in anguish as he called out her name "Serena...... why..... why... did you have to go.... How am I suppose to live???? How...dam it...." He leaned down to the vanity table and rested his head along his arms.. Pairs of eyes had been watching the incident of his breakdown. His questions that would forever be unanswered were called into air.... Rei held her breath as she held onto her husband for support. Ami and Lita stood next to them, feeling the sadness that has gripped Darien's heart. Ami had nudged Lita and gestured towards the balcony doors. Lita said nothing as she motioned to leave... "Lets let him be" everyone one by one walked away leaving Darien to weep. Unknown to him was the spirit of Serena watching.... Even in her spirit form... she will always come to him... she cried.. 'I love you...' she whispered 'remember.... Your promise....' The voice traveled to his ears as he darted around. His eyes searching for her, her ghostly figure... her light.... Nothing he saw nothing... A light cooling breeze flowed next to him, swirling and mingling with his... The essence he sensed it before... the love... was no other.. It was Serena... He closed his eyes as he focused.. 'remember....' Said the voice in a whisper... before the caressing of the wind faded to nothing. With nothing more... Darien placed the picture frame down and stood, making his way towards the still open door. Turning for one more look, his eyes scanned the area... for a sign... nothing. He sighed 'I love you Serena'. Slowly he turned and walked away.. leaving a ghostly figure to cry and ache for her lover. ~* 1 year later..... A lone figure stood in the midst of the rain... The paltering of the strong droplets thrumming on his coat and hat affected him none. No umbrella to shelter him nor did he care that the whether was horrid. He came as always... his weekly ritual... every Sunday of every week. He stared at the large headstone of pure marble. His eyes etching over the gold leafing calligraphy, 'Serena Mari Annesley' it reads... 'Our beloved Angel of light..' It was true, she was his angel... angel that had shown him to see the light. Kneeling down he laid the flowers that he held grippingly with his hand... beautiful crimson roses..... a sign of his undying and everlasting love. 'always...' he said as he stood to full upright position and walked away in his livid mood. Darien came strolling inside his castle, a place that was as horrid as its past... it did at one time or another saw peace and light... When love... lived with in its owner of the castle... the house filled with light.. now... the light had dimmed and it was now back to the dreadful past bringing it to its present. "Darien.... You have to stop being so careless" scolded a woman that mirrored his features. Around him sat his confidants and trusted friends as well the wiccan sisters. "Yes... Darien.. please... you have to be more careful.. many are getting suspicious" "Do you honestly think I care?" he bit. No one had said anything... Even after a year in her death he is still mourning over the lost of his love... They all knew that... and it would take more than eternity to mend his heart... or until he finds her again. "Leave me..." he stared at each and everyone as he stood to pour himself an acidic drink to calm his aching nerves. Since Serena's death, Darien had become more and more solemn to his hatred life. It was true, Serena was his life... his every light in his dim world. She was everything... and anything... now it was no more... Everything.. the will to live, the will to walk amongst other faded and ceased to exist. Careless.... Darien had been on a murder rampage... Ever since he had his hands on Craig after the death Serena.... He took ever single ounce of his hatred on the man...... torturing him endlessly as he pleaded for mercy... Not once did his eyes dim of any, he kept Craig alive... given him pain, inflicting torturous wounds... Healed him... then violently had him suffer again. It was his way of grieving... Others just stood off watching as he gave Craig his sufferance.... Indeed cruelties of his affliction was beyond what they ever thought he could do. At the end, after months of survival and pure torture, Rei had enough... and filled his food with poison... Craig died instantly.... Darien.. had held his sister..... accountable for what he says was Craig's untimely death... He had wanted to souly be his reaper.... His death wish... the ultimate demon. At the end... Rei had wished he had kept Craig alive... for Darien had become obsessed with his own torture.... He would venture out in the night not caring not giving a dam of who and where it was... He would just pick them like fruit in a bushel and kill them without warning... At times in front of a few people... Unrecognizable to their eyes as it was dark... and many were to frighten to look into a demons eyes. His rampage became a daily ritual... he left bodies from one area to another... disposing them for others to find... and sometimes not caring if they were still living or not... And that is where the discussion had led too. One of his victims had survived his wrath... and blew the words that he knew the vampire demon... and bit by bit the wildfire was spreading all over England.. "Darien.. you cant do this..." "I can do what ever dam well please..." he looked at the owner of the voice "when I had asked everyone to leave... that had included you.." he spat. Rei's eyes were burning... burning of anger... and stubbornness. "DARIEN.. you selfish arrogant fool.... DO You know that you are sending all of us on a death wish..... Do you know with your carelessness... rumors or rather the truth about our being have been spreading like wildfire... Do you know that is why the witches are seeking shelter here because for the protection..." Darien said nothing... he slumped in his chair as he stared off to a portrait that hung on his wall. A portrait that his eyes constantly linger too, a portrait of his beloved, Serena. "It doesn't matter" he said almost harshly and yet whisperingly. "nothing.. matters.." "DO NOT Tell me it doesn't matter... OUR lives matter.... Nathan's... Michael's.... Jayson's... Kyle's..... Zen's... Mine's.. as well as the witches matter... and you are causing our existence to cease if you are to keep doing what you are doing...." She trailed as she stood her ground in front of his desk. "Lives... uhmp... lives are lives.. we live.. we die.. we're judged... and WE go to hell" "YOU GO TO HELL.... I do not plan on dying anytime soon... " She veered through her teeth.. Then as the caring sister... her side softened "Darien... please... we have to live... YOU have to live..." "For what??? Rei..for what....?" He yelled as he looked at her painfully in the eyes. "For my brother... the Prince..... our leader.... The one that keep us together.....For our parents.. and.. for Serena..." softly Rei explained. This had caught Darien's attention, during all this time he hadn't really looked at his sister... and at the mention of Serena's name... it was head turning. Rei realized she had his attention.... And went on.. "Darien... had it ever occurred to you that Serena wanted you to live? She had a reason for what she did.... ...." Darien kept his eyes on his sister.. watering as she went on. "She did it for you.....so 'YOU' can live.... " "Rei-lee...I.." Darien choked.. "I know you blame yourself for her death Darien.... I am linked to you as well..." coming over aside him she stayed affirm, though her brother is in pain she needed him to realize the truth in Serena's sacrifice... like it or not. "Your tormented... the fact that it could have been easily avoided if you had disposed of him rather than taunting him." Darien had looked away... "Darien.. what's done is done... you have to go on.... As Serena had wanted you too... Don't let her sacrifice of her own life be in vain.... Live... and fulfill that promise you had made her" she soothed in her softest voice. Caring and hoping that he would snap out of his death wish spell. Rei had put her hand on her brothers shoulder and sighed "Please Darien... don't let our lives end this way... we have to find her...." Darien had brought his features to the portrait again, looking into the depths of Serena's eyes... 'he had to live' "'YOU' have to find her..... it's the only way you'll truly be happy" she insisted... Looking at his sister... suddenly the feeling that he had been holding in for some time unleashed itself... .he brought his arms around Rei's waist and cried. "Rei.. I miss her..." he said between sobs "I miss her so much..." Rei had begun to caress his black hair trying to sooth him as he cried. "We'll find her....and..." she was beginning to say when the doors abruptly opened. Michael came in with a fear in his eyes as well as unshed tears. Darien saw this and asked.. "What's the matter?" "Darien.... The town had a hearing and.. they took Mina... and Andrew..... " said Michael. "WHAT?" said both Rei and Darien as he stood.... "NO!!!" grunted Darien. ~* A week later... "The towns people are on their way" Michael had grimly noted to Darien . Darien stared off through his balcony. Watching burning torches come closer and closer to his castle. "Is everyone ready to leave?" he asked not even turning one bit. "Yes.." "Have everyone meet at the tower and we will leave from there... five minutes" Darien turned as he saw his close friend and confidant bow. "Michael......" Michael stood straight and waited "I am sorry about Mina.." "Sir.. it wasn't anyone's fault..." returned Michael... "But.... I now feel what you have felt with the loss of Serena.. and as you do, I will go on in search for Mina as well" he said lastly as Darien nodded before he retreated. Darien turned back to the endless blackness, the lights were now about a mile away and it was time to leave. Stepping inside his room, he sighed as he looked around. His emaculate room designed with blacks, reds and blues. The riches velvets as well as silks... It will all be left behind... but he will forever have his memories... He walked over to the door and turned one last time, his eyes looking at the large canopy bed. A vision of Serena and he cuddled together deeply engrossed in making love... came to view... then as it was a memory it was gone. His eyes then traveled to the portrait on the night table. Quickly making his way, he removed the photo of his beloved and tucked inside his breast pocket, next to his heart. Without another turn, closed the door and quickly made his way towards the tower. "There are hundreds of them" Zen as he held onto his love Ami who had been under his watchful eyes since the death of Mina and Andrew. The town was on a witch hunt as well as on a vampire murder spree. "We ready?" asked Darien to the others as he greeted them with a nod. "lets not waist time then and lets go" he instructed as he told each and individual to go. Two by two, they fled until only Darien stood on what was known as his tower. He stood as he saw the barges of the bridge to be set on fire by the townsmen. He lifted from the ground as he stared.... "You okay?" asked a soft voice from behind. He turned to find Rei "yes..." "I know its hard... but we must" "we'll start off new" he smiled bravely "ill be there.. go ahead" Rei put her hand on his shoulder and then left him be. A light breeze started to whirl. 'You promise....' Whispered the cool breeze.... "I know love...I know...and I intend to keep it.." he answered to thin air. Darien lifted, sighed... and disappeared in the darkness. THE.................................... END?................................. I know the end... left you guys hanging...... *raq is waiting for hate mail* Its finally done.. thank you..... thank you... thank you...Thank to those that have supported me. You guys are greatly appreciated...... I invite you all to read my others stories, Femme Fatale is currently on FF.net but the rest could be found in ASMR. ~raq umalific@hotmail.com