A Stranger in the Night

I can't believe he is gone...what the hell was he thinking. I needed to speak to Father and I knew this wouldn't end well. Marco had left, with Meredith and without our escort. Not what we had planned. What the hell was he thinking.

As I paced the courtyard, the sound of heavy footsteps came up swiftly behind me. "What the hell is going on Alessandro! Where is your brother! I've been told he has left already.". I shook my head as I ran my fingers through my hair. "I don't know Father. Claude has just told us that he has left with Meredith and some of his servants. I do not know why he left or what he is planning on doing....but all I do know is that this can't be good.". He flipped the table beside me before it floated in the air and set itself back by the doorway. Mother had arrived. "Marco is doing what he thinks is right and what he thinks will protect us....". She gracefully entered the room. A slight look of concern on her face. "We need to find him Father. I think he has gone to Ravnos House to bring Meredith. That won't end well for him with what I know. From the Intel we have, King Xavier planned the whole thing with Meredith and wanted to take us down. Turning up at their House with a frozen daughter won't be a welcomed gesture. They will either imprison him or kill him.". Father began to pace, "We need a plan. You, Silvano and the pack fetch Marco. Get to him before he gets to Ravnos house.". I nodded in agreement. "Yes, Father. We will go now.". He walked away to the edge of the courtyard and was over looking the lake, concern plaguing his face. As I turned to leave, Mother grabbed onto my arm. She didn't speak but communicated to me telepathically. "Son, take care. This won't be easy and some will be gravely injured. When you find yourself in a position where you need to choose between yourself and another, choose you....choose Luna.". She kissed me on the cheek then swiftly turned and headed towards Father. I hated when she gave me cryptic messages like this.

When I returned, everyone was in deep conversation and panic. Luna was talking with Lucas but as soon as she saw me she ran straight to me, almost leaping into my arms. I grabbed her and pulled her close. Taking in a deep breath of her scent, before letting her go, holding her hand and walking towards the group. "We need to go get Marco back. I don't care what happens to Meredith but we need to get him before he gets to Ravnos House. Silvano, we will be going immediately. Lucas, I do request the assistance of you and your pack...". Lucas looked to me before nodding. "We understand the consequences of Marco returning Meredith Alex. This could mean trouble for us all. We do not wish to see him or anyone else harmed.". I thanked them for their help and support. Surprised that he was actually happy to help but appreciative of the strong leader he was and the choice he was making. This wasn't going to be easy. Draven and Eligio rushed to me, "What about us! Surely you aren't benching me! I'm your MVP!". Draven seemed a little pissed I wasn't bringing him on this mission. "No Draven! I need you here. Someone needs to protect our house. And as my MVP, who else would I leave to protect it.". He still seemed disappointed but accepted the role. Eligio didn't mind. He was never one for battle and alot softer and caring than the rest of us. His talents would be no used to us in battle. "So it is settled. We leave at once!".

I found Luna, seated on the edge of the staircase, looking towards the long driveway the exited the House. "I...I...it's too dangerous for you to go Alex! What if something happens to you! Or the others!". I grabbed her hand and pulled it to my chest. "It's ok my love. I will return as soon as I can. There is no where else I would rather be but if Marco returns Meredith, it will be dangerous for us all.". She nodded and turned away, trying to hide the tears she was fighting back. I wiped one away that was glistening on her cheek, before pulling her in for a long and deep kiss. As we pulled away from one another, I couldn't help but pull her in to me and hold her close again. I didn't want to leave or let her go, but I needed to.

BEEP! BEEP! Lucas waved his arm out of the van, trying to hurry me up. "I will be back soon Luna.". I kissed her on the cheek and began to make my way down to the car. Silvano was in the driver's seat waiting for me. As I hopped in, I took in one last look of our House, before looking to Draven, Jess, Eligio and Luna. Draven and Eligio nodded before they returned inside with Jess. Luna stood waiting and watched as we drove off. I watched her in the side mirror the entire time we drove until the House was completely out of view. My heart was already aching for her....I needed to return soon.

I could have sworn Silvano thought he was a superstar race car driver with the way he was driving. But I understood why he was in a rush. It was a several hour drive to get to Ravnos House and Marco already had gotten a head start on us. We needed to catch him before he got there. We had been driving for sometime, and my concern was growing ever more so by how Silvano was deathly quiet as he drove. I knew he was concentrating but there was more too it then that. "You ok Brother?". Silvano nodded. "I am. Just worried about Marco. I can't believe how stupid he can be at times. He has put us all in danger because of this. If we make it through, I'm going to kick his ass.". I chuckled. I had never heard Silvano speak like that so he must be pissed off. "I don't think you will be the only one brother. I'm sure you will have to join the line.".

"Holy shit!", Silvano screamed as he slammed on the brakes and the car came screeching to a halt. Ahead on the side of the road was Marco's car, the doors were all open and no one was insight. We both hopped out if the car and headed towards the car. "What the hell happened here?", Silvano asked as he scanned the area. "I don't know....where is Marco and Meredith?" I asked as I began scanning for their energies. I turned back to Lucas and the pack, still in the 2 vans behind us. "What's the hold up Alex?", he called out. I shrugged back at him and continued to scan the area. Suddenly, a slow cackle rolled out from the tree line and the stench that filled the air only meant one thing....Halflings.

"Well, well, well....it is not every day that we have 3 Royals grace us with their presence in such a short period of time. Must be our lucky day. Master Xavier will be quite pleased I do declare and has requested our presence to escort you to Ravnos House without delay. Your brother and Meredith await you there!", it snarled at us. I eyed the Halfling as he spoke. I have never met this one before. He doesn't look freshly turned either. "Why would you need to escort us? We are simply looking for my brother, after we heard that he had car trouble. We have no business with his Highness today.". The Halfling cackled loudly this time, "Oh but you do. I must insist, it is in everyone's best interests to attend. But your filthy pack there, can go.". It waved it's hand towards the van as Lucas jumped out and started to approach, with the rest of the pack following suit. As Lucas and the pack approached us, at least 15 more Halflings exited the tree line, encircling us. " No time for silly games. Either let us escort you to the Master or face the consequences!". Lucas growled at the Halfling, "Stupid creature! Who do you think you are talking to!" His eyes staring down the Halfling who brushed him off as nothing.

"No Lycan! It is you who needs to watch who you are speaking to! This is your last chance. Come now or die!". The creature snarled at us again. I raised my hand to Lucas and the pack, telling them to back off. Silvano placed his hand on my shoulder, unsure of what I was planning and questioning my actions. I turned and walked the short distance to Lucas. And began to whisper to him, "It's ok. Take your pack and hang back. Follow from a distance, far enough back the the Halflings won't smell you and send a few back to Ventrue House to get reinforcements. Silvano and I can handle ourselves. Now....this is going to hurt a bit.". Lucas looked at me with a confused look on his face before he shot backwards as my fist connected with his jaw. "Stupid beast. I said go!". Lucas rubbed his jaw for a moment before realising I was giving him a chance to leave without suspicion. I couldn't help but slightly enjoy it and did my best to keep the smile off my face. He scooted backwards a bit more, death staring me.

. "Sorry Master Alessandro. Please forgive me. Pack, it's time to leave.".

The Halfling snickered as the pack jumped in the vans and sped off. "Serves themselves right. Pathetic creatures they are. Now....shall we....". Silvano and I both nodded, heading back to our car and began driving towards Ravnos House. I couldn't help but turn back at stare at Marco's car, worried at what had now possibly befallen my brother. He was not as strong or courageous as the rest of us. At times, he was still just a child, trying to live up to the expectations of others. A child that occasionally makes stupid choices, like disappearing with Meredith.

As we continued on, the Halflings kept up with the movement of the car. I didn't realise how swift they could be. Good thing that Silvano and I had some hidden gifts I'm sure they didn't know about....but King Xavier and Meredith did. I'm quite positive that they would have no quarms in revealing these to the Halflings. I could feel the tension rising in me as I watched the tiny flames dance on my hands. "Hey...ummm....Alex...would you mind kindly not set the car on fire whilst we are in it?". Silvano jested, trying to make light of the situation. I doused the flames and smiled. "Sorry Brother. I am just worried.". Silvano nodded back to me. "Me too. I just hope Marco is ok. But I can see he's not the only one you are worried about.". He was right. No matter how hard I tried to hide things, Silvano could always read me like a book. "You will see her again Brother.". I nodded back, not able to bring the words to my mouth. I couldn't help but worry and think about her. If this went wrong....then all would be lost, and I won't lose her again. I have no doubt that Meredith will seek revenge on Luna. So, no matter what happens, I will not let her be harmed.

Silvano smiled and reached over to the glove box, pulling out a small parcel and handed it to me. "Here, this might help.". I eyed the parcel, my curiosity getting the better of me. "What is it?". He flipped the parcel over, showing the love heart and Luna's name written on the back. I quickly ripped open the parcel and slid out the contents. It was a new phone, with the screen set as a picture of her snuggling into me as I slept. A small began to fill my eye. I wiped it away before Silvano saw. She truly was remarkable. As I opened the phone, there was already a message there.

I love you.

- Luna xx

I replied back straight away that I loved her too.

I needed to message Lucas. I typed as quickly as I could.

When you send some of your pack back to Ventrue House, I need them to do something. They need to get Luna out of Ventrue House and somewhere safe. If this goes bad, the Ravnos Clan will come for her. Keep her safe Lucas.

- Alex

I could feel my heartbreaking at the thought that I could lose her again. But all thoughts of that as the omnious Ravnos House came into view.