A Stranger in the Night

It was quiet in the House. Everything was tense, as we all waited on edge eagerly for Alex, Silvano and Marco's return. They had been gone 2 days now. Draven had explained that it's a day's drive to arrive at the Ravnos Kingdom and that they should be returning soon. He and Jess had been keeping an eye on me. Doing lots of things to keep me distracted but it usually wasn't enough. There were lots of things to do around the House but my mind always was worrying over Alex, and I doubted that would change until he returned. During the last two days, I had also spent some time with the Queen. She sought me out and asked me to join her on a few occasions. Mostly just chatting over tea and walks through the gardens. She shared insight into Alex, his past and his relationship with his Father. She was kind and caring but I could also see she had a fiery side not to be messed with. Draven copped a mouthful or two for rudely interrupting us one day and without her even moving a muscle, he was suspended high in the air. Bit extreme I thought but a good way to get your point across.

I also spent alot of time here, in Alex's room. It was my way of feeling as if he was near even though he wasn't. I mostly pottered around, rearranging my wardrobe, sitting at the desk and observing Alex's things as well as napping and eating, but by far, the one thing I have enjoyed the most is laying on the bed and reading one of many books I found in the library. I tried my hardest to find more books on vampires, trying to gain some insight and information to this world I was becoming to know. I did find some but most I could not read as they weren't in English.

I was deep in thought, when Nerine entered the room. As always, she bought me tea in the afternoons. Her and Claude had been keeping an eye on me as well, and I knew Alex would be pleased with the level of care and attention they had given me in his absence. "How are you this afternoon dear?", Nerine asked. I smiled at her, "I'm ok. Just reading my book.". Nerine obviously aware of my distress, approached me and sat on the end of the bed, placing her hand on my leg. "They will be back soon dear. There is no need to worry.". She smiled as she got up off the bed and began pottering around the room, tidying and taking the laundry basket with her. "Do you need any help?". I asked. The look on her face said I caught her off guard. "My dear girl, this is my role and duty...not yours.". I laughed at her response. "Well you are not my maid. I am able to do my own washing Nerine.". She smiled and nodded at me. "Luna, I know that you are more than capable in alot of ways, but I think I've got this.". She smiled before gently closing the door as she left the room. I had grown to appreciate and respect Nerine so much in my short time here. She was always so kind to me and had always helped me with bits and pieces as well as beginning to give me some training and understanding into how to conduct myself within the castle. She said it was, how did she put it, for future reference. Still not entirely sure what she meant by that but knowing Nerine, there was reason and purpose behind it.

I was drawn back to reality from the book I was reading at a sudden, loud pounding on the door. I sat up rigidly on the bed. It wouldn't be Nerine, she just left and doesn't knock like that. It wouldn't be Claude, he is softer than that and always announces it's him before entering. "Luna! Open up! We need to talk!". It was Draven. I ran to the door, panic slowly starting to set in as I felt the urgency in his voice. I swung the door open and was almost bouldered over by Draven as he pushed past. I was saved mere inches from the ground by a hand that pulled me up back to standing position. I found myself very close to this person and before I even looked at them I knew who it was. I could smell the forest and his musky scent could not be disguised. It was Lucas. I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly. His presence was a welcomed reprieve from the lonely days I had been spending. I moved sidewards to look through the open door and down the hallway. Where was Alex? It wasn't for a few moments that he pushed me back, "Luna, you might want to sit down.". Lucas escorted me over to the bed, the sense urgency I felt from Draven was disappearing and being replaced by an overwhelming sense of dread. Something was wrong....

As I sat on the bed, Draven and Lucas were talking over by the fireplace. I couldn't make out what they were saying till Lucas grabbed Draven by the collar of his shirt and lifted him off the ground. Draven didn't struggle against him but dropped his head low and Lucas shouted in his face, "You need to tell her! She needs to know!". He let go of Draven, who stood promptly, nodding at Lucas and adjusting his shirt to fix his collar. "OK! OK! Calm down!". He slowly walked over to me and knelt down infront of me. "What is going on and where is Alex?" I demanded to know. Draven again hung his head. "He....he.....he has been captured by Halflings and taken to Ravnos House.". My heart stopped suddenly. It seemed like everything in the room was beginning to spin. Draven grabbed a hold of the side of my arms and held onto me. Lucas came rushing to the bed and sat beside me. I turned and pulled myself into his chest as he wrapped his arm around me and pushed the hair off my face.

"What happened? I need to know. Is he ok?". I couldn't stop the tears rolling down my face and pulled myself harder into Lucas's chest. "Luna....we found Marco's car abandoned on the side of the road. Silvano and Alex hopped out to investigate and see if there were any signs of Marco or Meredith. As they got closer to the car, the Halflings emerged from the forest and surrounded us. They told Alex that Marco was being held at Ravnos castle and that he had to go with them if they ever wanted to see him again.". I looked at Lucas, with questioning doubt in my mind. "How could you leave him!" I shouted, pounding on his chest. I knew Alex was powerful and strong, but the pack was supposed to be there to help and protect them. Yet Lucas was here. "The Halflings told him to send us away or they would have tried to kill us all.". Lucas took in a deep breath and sighed. "Alex told me to come back here and get help from the other brothers and some more of the Clan as well as get more of my pack and get back to Ravnos House to get them.". I pushed myself up straight at what he said and began wiping the tears from my face and straightening my clothes. "Well! What are we waiting for! Let's go!". I went to hop off the bed before Draven pushed me back, causing me to sit back down. "Umm no little Miss. You will be staying right here. Alex would kill me if I let you come and be put in danger.". Lucas nodded in agreement. "It's best you stay here Luna. We need you safe. Draven is right. I would never forgive myself if you came and something happened to you.". I felt the anger in me rising. I stood up and sent a shock wave of ice through the room that left everything and including these two boys covered in frost. "You can not change my mind. I am going. If it wasn't for me, we wouldn't be in this position. Alex wouldn't be in the position. I am going and you can not stop me.". Draven cackled loudly. "OK! OK! Elsa! You can keep your snow storm to yourself. Just please don't do anything crazy. I don't know how we are going to explain your presence to Alex but hey! He can deal with you hahaha. Now....time to get the others I guess.".