To Nyaira’s surprise, the door was not so much as locked.
“Well, I’ll be,” Nyaira said in her currently favorite southern accent, false cheerfulness in her voice. “Alex! Two times in one day.” She sashayed over to his chair and draped an arm lethargically over its back. Her voice changed as she continued, dropping the accent and her tone growing darker, almost sarcastic. “Who would’ve guessed? And where would you be without your dear nuisance minion, Illyad?” She looked to the warlock just before he addressed her.
She could smell the scent of the human girl she was after. It saturated the place, clinging to fabrics and the air as relentlessly as the incense the smell mingled with.
“Wooden stakes are far too chewy, darling.” Nyaira waved his question away, then pushed from the couch. She feigned an interest in Illyad’s decor. “Quaint little place you’ve found yourself.”
She walked toward the kitchen doorway, where the girl’s odor strongly wafted from. Her every movement gave her the appearance of something between a serpent and a runway model. She leaned inside, both hands on the door frame, looking for anywhere the girl could be hiding, and covering the action with her self-tour. Even though she doubted they would fall for such a ruse, it still made an amusing game.
“Have you thought about hiring a professional decorator?” She straightened and turned back toward the two men, flicking a strand of her feathery brown hair over her shoulder. “Your skills are rather dismal in that area.”
She cast her gaze about the room once more, then settled on the hallway leading to the remaining rooms of the apartment. The human must be down there somewhere.
“Though, I suppose that’s only to be expected.” Nyaira strutted casually toward the hall.

Illyad chuckled. "You know, you won't find her here. Even with my brother's ever so helpful little gadget. There's more than one person who wants to protect that girl." He smiled. "You came all this way for nothing."

Alex was attempting to stay cool and detached, but his anger and protective insticts were swirling inside him. He was itching to get up, to kick Nyaira out, and to release his tension. He knew he couldn't though. He knew he had to remain calm, feign disinterest, otherwise he would give away the game. He glanced at Nyaira and shrugged. "I would honestly advise against critiquing Illyad's choice of decor. He can be quite catty about it." He chuckled.

Nyaira turned toward Illyad long enough to give him an exaggerated pout, her shoulders moving with the expression. “Aww. Well,” she picked up her Southern drawl once more, her face scrunching up as she continued, “then you wouldn’t mind me seeing the rest of your lovely home, then, would you?” She leaned her weight back on one foot, her brows raising in a mix of amusement and suspicion at their display of composure. If the compass said the girl was here, then she trusted it told the truth.
She turned back toward the hall. “After all,” she moved a hand to her side in emphasis as she stepped forward down the hallway, her eyes scanning the couple doors ahead of her, but ears listening for any sound of movement from the two men, “it isn’t every day I get to see the infamous Illyad’s abode, now, is it?”

Illyad nodded "Please, go ahead. Feel free to explore, but I would appreciate it if you refrained from insulting my home as you have done so far."

Alex glared at Illyad, wondering what on earth he was up to, and Illyad returned it with a glance that simply said "relax" and Alex did, knowing that Illyad had a plan.

Nyaira lazily waved away Illyad’s request. “Whatever you wish.” Despite her nonchalant tone, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Something was not right. Even so, she had come too far to stop now. It could easily have been a ploy to get her to leave. All the same, as she slowly went through the remaining few rooms--the bathroom, Illyad’s room--she kept a wary eye out for any tricks or traps. The girl’s scent lingered in the bathroom, but the warlock’s bedroom was devoid of her smell.
Slowly, with a glance back down the hall, keeping an ever wary eye on the two men, she reached for the doorknob of the guest room in which Victoria hid, curled in the corner of a closet, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to still both it and her breathing.

What is going on? Are you mad? Alex directed his thoughts at Illyad.

Illyad simply smiled, tapped his nose and put his finger to his lips while he watched out of the corner of his eye. He had enchanted his house to be able to see every room even when he wasn't there. The idea was that he always knew if there were any intruders, though the idea was almost laughable.

Suspicion glinted in Nyaira’s dark eyes as she cautiously opened the door into the guest room. The girl’s scent hung in the air, the smell strong and the most recent. She was here. Yet, she did not feel triumphant. Illyad and Alex were far too calm, and had scarcely moved from their seats. She looked around the room, searching for any sign of trickery, but alas, as familiar as she was with magic, sensing it was not one of her talents.
As discretely as she could, she pulled the pocket watch-turned-compass from her pocket to pop it open, but she stopped when she noticed a faint maroon aura radiating around it. She held it out, staring at it for a moment. When nothing else happened, she slowly opened it, hoping the aura was a good sign, and not an ill omen.
No matter which way she turned, the needle pointed firmly toward the closet.
She glanced to the window, debating on the best way to get the human out of there. She supposed she would have to go back out the way she came, past the two men somehow with the human in toe.
With a snort, she closed the watch, replaced it, and went to the closet.


Victoria held her breath when she heard the bedroom door open. She breathed deeply, trying to steady her nerves as she gripped the metal pole of the long duster she had found in the corner of the otherwise empty closet. Though she doubted it would do any good, it granted her a false sense of security; at least she had a weapon, as pathetic as it was.
She gasped and scurried to her feet, her back pressing against the closet wall as the knob turned, her eyes wide and heart pounding in her chest.
The knob seemed to stick, as if the door was locked. The knob shifted a few more times, becoming almost frantic, before a faint reddish glow surrounded the knob and it fully turned.
The moment the door opened, Victoria drew her makeshift weapon in front of her like a lance, and jabbed it forward as hard and fast as she could, not caring who stood in the doorway.
Nyaira scowled and easily sidestepped Victoria’s surprise attack.
Victoria shouted when Nyaira gripped the duster and pulled her stumbling forward, bending the pole in the process.
Moving quicker than Victoria could perceive, one moment, Nyaira was to the side of the door, then the next she was behind her, the vampire’s fingers wrapping tightly around Victoria’s throat as she pulled the girl into her.
Panic bloomed in Victoria’s chest as she realized who she had attacked, not only for herself, but for Alex and Illyad. If Nyaira had gotten this far, what did that mean for the other two?
“We meet again, peu mortel,” Nyaira growled sinisterly in Victoria’s ear.
Her breaths quick, fearful spurts, Victoria reached up to try prying Nyaira’s hand from her, but the vampire rewarded her vain attempt by tightening her grip, making Victoria gasp for air.
“What...” she gasped out, “what’ve you done with Alex?”
Nyaira only smirked, and ignored her question. “So much trouble, for such a pathetic human.” Nyaira dug her manicured nails into Victoria’s neck.
Victoria stumbled as the vampire marched her forward, holding Victoria in front of her like a shield as they headed into the hall.
“It seems you’ve got yourself a stowaway, Illyad,” Nyaira said darkly as they emerged into the living room. “Lookie what I found hiding in your closet!”
Victoria looked at the two men with both relief and confusion when she realized they were both apparently fine.
“Alex! Are you--” Victoria’s words cut off with a choke as Nyaira shifted her grip painfully.
“So, if you two don’t mind, we’ll just be going now.” Nyaira edged toward the door, careful to not show her back.
Victoria’s eyes pleaded with them to do something as she tried to keep the same pace as Nyaira to prevent the woman’s nails from digging further into her skin.

All the doors and windows in the apartment locked, and a flurry of wind blew through the air, causing a chill as Illyad stood.

"I don't think so, Nyaira." Illyad told her. "The girl stays here. She's under my protection, and will remain so." He waved a hand, and Victoria disappeared from Nyaira's grip, and appeared behind Illyad. "Did you really think I would leave her for you to find without any sort of back-up system?" He laughed. "How naive you are."

Alex flashed from his seat to Victoria's side. "Are you okay?" He asked, frantically looking over her for any signs of injury. He knew how rough Nyaira could be.

One moment, Victoria was looking at Illyad and Alex, and the next she was stumbling forward with a raspy inhale and Illyad’s back to her, Nyaira’s fangs bore in a snarl just beyond him. It took her a moment to realize what must have happened, a hand moving to rub the sore skin of her neck.
She startled slightly away when Alex all but appeared by her side. She nodded to his question. “Are you okay?” she returned, giving him a quick once-over, relief slowly settling in her chest at seeing him apparently unharmed.
Nyaira’s snarl slowly faded into an enraged glower as she regarded Illyad with a murderous glare. She had been so focused on accomplishing her mission, she had failed to consider who she would find the girl with.
Nyaira waved her hand breezily at Illyad’s insult, though her expression remained stiff. “Can’t blame a woman for trying,” she said, her voice as airy as her motion. Her expression changed to one of dangerous calm. “But if I don’t walk out of here with her,” she spared Victoria a glance, and took a slight step forward.
Victoria stepped closer to Alex and reached to grip his hand.
Nyaira looked back to Illyad “It won’t be just me you have to face. I found her once. No matter where you hide next, we will find her,” she enunciated each word darkly. “And I can’t guarantee there won’t be any… casualties.”

Alex nodded, and turned back to watch the exchange between Illyad and Nyaira.

"You forget, my dear, that even that brother of mine has his limits. You only found me this time because our magic is connected. If I were to sever that connection, even he wouldn't be able to find me." Illyad mused for a moment. "Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but if my oh-so-powerful brother were to lose track of myself and my lovely companions here, I believe that may put a bit of a spanner in the works of your plan." He chuckled. "I advise you stay away from this place, Nyaira. You do not want to test my patience, or my power."

A cold, knowing smile spread over Nyaira’s face and glittered in her scornful eyes as Illyad paused. “If that’s what helps you sleep better at night, pitoyable sorcier.”
She smirked as Illyad finished, before her expression turned into a pout. “But this is such a lovely home. It’ll be such a disappointment to not come back here.” Her expression changed as quickly as ever, returning to a mocking calmness, and her tone once more taking on a bored air. “Consider your advisement taken into account.”
Nyaira strode nonchalantly toward the front door, Victoria’s gaze following her. The woman opened the door, then paused and looked toward Alex.
“Until we meet again, Alex, dear.” Her attention shifted to Victoria, who inhaled, but refused to look away as her instincts demanded. “Victoria.”
The way the woman said her name sent a shudder down Victoria’s spine. But then, Nyaira was gone, hurrying out the door and down the hall beyond.
Victoria went to the nearest chair and sank into it with a groan, placing her head in her hands. “I-I’d ask if this day could get any worse,” she muttered into her palms, “but then karma would probably find a way to make it a ‘yes.’”

"I swear if that girl's not careful I'll mount her head on my wall." Alex growled. "If she didn't have a warlock and Luc protecting her..." He didn't finish the sentence, but his meaning was clear.

"Calm, Alexander." Illyad said, instantly soothing the raging vampire. "We have matters to attend to."

"Can you really sever the connection between you and your brother?" Alex asked him.

"I'm not sure, but there is more than one way to skin a cat." Illyad chuckled. "I talked about severing the connection, it may be possible, but until I find out, we will have to call on some external resources." He smirked.

Alex turned to Victoria. "I'm sorry for this, all of this. I'd hoped to keep you safe, or safer than this anyway."

Victoria glanced up at the anger in Alex’s voice, but quickly returned her head to her hands and leaned back in the chair. She took a couple deep breaths, trying to calm her still ferreting heart, and listened to the vampire and warlock talk, hearing their voices more than their words. Ever so slowly, the frantic beating in her chest slowed, the fear and adrenaline that had flooded her waning sluggishly.
Noticing Alex’s movement, she looked to him as he spoke to her. She looked away with a shake of her head and entwined her fingers in her long, dark hair.
“Like... like you said,” she began softly. “I would’ve been hunted, anyway.” Such a difficult concept to fully grasp, her being hunted. The whole things was insanity, and all because she could see the supernatural. “It’s not your fault.” She took a deep breath. “So. What do we do now?” She glanced to the front door as if expecting Nyaira to come barging back in with an army behind her.


Outside, Nyaira paused on the opposite side of the street and glared up at the building as if her gaze alone could send it crumbling into dust. Luc would not be happy. But at least she knew the blood-compass worked. If it could find the girl once, she was confident it would find her again. And next time, she would not come alone.
She patted her back pocket to make sure the compass-watch was still there, then moseyed down the street a few blocks before pulling out her phone to give Luc an update.

Illyad smiled a little. "Well, from what we've learned, my brother is working with our enemies. Just like him to do that. Anyway, because our magic is connected, we need a way to stop him from finding you. So I have developed a plan. I have other warlock contacts, I don't fully trust any of them, but we can work an arrangement. The compass they have is focused on finding you, but it can only penetrate my magic, if another warlock were to cloak you, you would be undetectable."

"But most warlocks are a bit... dodgy." Alex protested.

"While that's true, I'm sure we can get one of them to cooperate." Illyad said, sitting down. "There are a number of my contacts that we could count on, but we'd have to keep them out of danger. For immortal beings, warlocks are ridiculously afraid of dying."

Victoria’s brows raised slightly at Illyad’s last comment. She stored the bit of information that warlocks were, apparently, immortal away with the rest of the little she knew about supernaturals.
“Great,” she said dully, rubbing a hand over her forehead. “Add that to the ‘To Do’ list before tomorrow night. What do you need to contact them? How long...” She looked to the front door. “How long do you think until she comes back?”
She stared at the door through any answer she may gain, only half-listening. All this trouble because of her. Whenever it fell quiet or, at the very least, a pause ensued, she returned her head to her hands.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her voice thick with the apology. “For bringing this on you,” she elaborated. “You should be out there worrying about saving the city, not...” she let the statement trail off with a heavy sigh.

"I'm going to go and contact my associates. Alex, keep her safe, and keep her calm." Illyad commanded, turning to Victoria. "Everything will be okay. I promise you." He said, before leaving the room.

"Victoria, you are the main focus here. You always have been. We protect the city, but firstly we protect you. I wanted you out of harms way before the attack so you would at least get out of here unscathed." Alex explained. "You are my priority. And not just because you can see supernaturals. Victoria, we've known each other a long time, and you've seen parts of me that no one else has. Not in the centuries I've been alive. Nyaira thinks she knows me, but you know me better than she ever did. You're the only person I can truly consider a friend." He shrugged. "I mean, Illyad comes close but we don't have much fun." He chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood.

Victoria spared Illyad only a quick glance as he left. She looked up at Alex at the sound of her name, her pale-blue eyes slightly glossy. She took a deep, tremulous breath as he spoke. At his comment about Illyad, she gave a breathy, hysteric laugh.
“He... he does seem rather like the no-nonsense type,” she offered. She took another breath and sat up straight, her gaze on the ceiling as she rubbed the back of her neck.
She jumped when Alex’s phone went off from the kitchen, alerting all within earshot that he had received a text message. Her aunt, she guessed. Victoria had completely forgotten the woman was going to get back to her.
Slowly, as if testing whether or not her legs would work, she stood and went to retrieve the cellphone from the drawer chest she had left it on.
She leaned heavily against the chest as she checked the message. Her prediction proved correct. Aunt Cass had messaged with a service store’s address and all other necessary information for her to pick up a new phone. She texted back a quick “Thanks,” then gently replaced it on the chest.
She remained there, her weight mostly supported by the furniture item, just visible to the side of the doorway.
Alex's statement “Not in the centuries I’ve been alive,” had rekindled a question that was rather unimportant, but still, she asked.
“How old are you, anyway?”

Alex chuckled. "I lost count at 400." He was mildly amused that Victoria had chosen that question, of the many she could have asked. He sighed. "Can we just... Take a minute? Just for a little normalcy? I know that this is all hectic and battle time and everything, but even I'm getting overwhelmed here, and I'd like to breathe for a few seconds." He asked. He knew that, if he was feeling overwhelmed, then Victoria was probably close to collapsing under the pressure of it all. He wanted to alleviate the situation, even if only for a few moments. Allow them both a bit of time to relax and to prove to Victoria that nothing had to really change once this was over.

“Four--” Victoria gawked at him for a long moment. Now knowing what he was, it came of little surprise he was older than he looked, but by that number was startling. “Oh...” She moved into the open doorway and leaned her back against the frame. She ran a hand through her hair and took a deep breath as she leaned her head back, glad she had not asked a more pertinent question.
She released her breath then nodded at Alex’s request. “Yeah,” she said breathily. “A dose of normalcy would be great right about now.” Slowly, she went to a loveseat and sat, hard. Her gaze on the floor, she took a few deep breaths as she tried to think of something, anything to say that did not involve vampires, warlocks, or impending attacks, but no matter how hard she tried, it kept coming back to one of those. “We... we never did finish lunch,” she finally offered, trying to avoid thinking of the reason behind it. Though she was not sure if she could actually eat anything, it was, at least, something normal.

Alex chuckled. "Well, I can see what Illyad has in terms of food, but I'm not hugely hopeful. I don't exactly know much about the warlock diet but I don't thing it overlaps much with human food." He walked toward the door to the kitchen. "So how is your aunt doing?" He asked, assuming the text message was from her. He didn't really use his phone, so he couldn't think of anyone else it could be.