The End · Part 1 (1/3)
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She sat on the edge of the bluff and looked down at the lake in the valley. It was teeming with people on this hot and sultry Tennessee day. She sighed and looked across the lush green valley.
The rest of her kind couldn't understand why someone like her had chosen to live in such an isolated place deep in the heart of the Smokey Mountains, among the hill people. She had chosen it for its isolation, she wanted her privacy. When she saw the lonely wind swept bluff she knew it was what she needed. The perfect place for her to shut herself away and think.
Three years ago she had commissioned the house. For the year it took to plan and build it had distracted her and kept her busy. But once it was done and she had moved in her grief and loneliness returned full force. Being alone in the big house made her miss Darious all the more.
For two years now she hadn't fed. She was trying to clear her mind, like a fasting. She wanted Darious back. That is the only thing that was going to make her happy once again. So she shut herself away in the big house all by herself to think. For two long years she avoided contact with other beings as much as she could.
It had been 75 long and lonely years since Darious had been out of her life. First there was the fight with him, looking back now she realized it was over a trivial matter, then she stormed out to give herself time to cool down so she would be reasonable, then his raging, finally, before she could find him and make amends, the Society of Templars attacked him and sent him back to hell before she knew what happened. A 24 hour period in her life she would never forget and would always regret. The Society of Templars were illegal now in these more tolerant times, like the Legion, beings that hunted down and killed she-devils and other such groups that hunted non-humans. Her rage knew no bounds.
She went before the She-Devil governing council and got permission to hunt down and kill the men who had taken him from her. She knew the only reason they gave her their permission was they felt it would give her relationship with Darious the closure she needed so she could move on and get over him. It didn't work.
She tracked them down one by one, slaughtering them each in the most gruesome manner imaginable then opened a gate to hell and kicked them through. Proving perhaps, that the Templars should fear a pissed off she-devil more than a demon. Her rage was satiated but her grief knew no bounds. She assumed after a few months she would be over it and resume her life. She was wrong. As time went on her loneliness and the need for him grew. She felt as though her heart and soul had been ripped out. She fed and hunted only when the need and pain got so great she couldn't stand it anymore. The thrill of the hunt was gone.
For 70 years she drifted all over the world. She came to the realization that despite not wanting to she had fallen in love with him. It wasn't just the sexual relationship she had thought it was. The most cold-hearted of her kind had fallen in love, with a demon no less, and then had lost him.
Five years ago she had returned to the house they had shared in Charlotte. She spent an hour walking through it. Everything was just how it was the night he had been taken from her. She had the contents removed and stored. The walk through had made her realize that she wanted, no, needed him back. And a horrible plan had started to form.
She flew to Europe and spent two years doing research. The Danyealla that came back was so changed and different that it frightened even those who had been closest to her over the centuries.
Since she had moved to TN at least once a week one of her kindred visited. They outwardly tried to convince her to return to society and resume her life. But she sensed their worry. They were worried she was going to go to "ground" or commit suicide. She chuckled inwardly, she hadn't even considered those options, what she was going to do was far worse. She shooed them away as fast as she could, letting it be known she wanted to be left alone.
Finally, the council held an emergency meeting on the subject of her. They all knew her well, hell; she had created most of them. They agreed something had to be done, no-one wanted to loose her. They agreed to send Arkady to talk to her. They had a special bond and friendship so the council felt he could get more out of her than they could. After his report they would decide their course of action. Arkady agreed to go speak with her.
The day he arrived at her isolated house he found her sitting on the edge of the bluff staring at the rising moon. He approached her quietly but her keen senses alerted her to his presence. "Sit down Arkady; I knew you would be showing up. The council sent you didn't they?""
He sat down next to her. It was his first close look at her in more than a year. She looked tired and there were lines on her face from not feeding for a long time but her eyes are what scared him. They were bright and alert but more than that there was an excitement in them that hadn't been there in years. He knew she had decided something, that frightened him. He proceeded as calmly as he could. "Yes M'Lady, they most certainly did. They are worried about you, afraid of what you are thinking about doing or are about to do. Frankly, I am as well."
She chuckled, "Afraid of what? No-one knows my thoughts and what I may or may not be thinking."
"Very true M'Lady. We are just guessing. This is so unlike you that we are afraid for you."
She looked at him and grinned, "Tell me Arkady, what am I thinking about doing?"
He shook his head and looked down at the darkening valley. "I cannot say M'Lady. I'm afraid perhaps you're considering suicide or something worse. The council and myself are afraid because we are your friends and wish no hard to come to you."
She smiled then patted his hand. "Put your mind at ease, I'm in now way, shape or form considering suicide. Unlike most of my kind I knew what I was getting into when Wynter created me and won't take the easy way out. Besides, I like being alive."
He nodded, some of the worry lines on his forehead smoothing out. But he knew there was still something she was thinking about and his intuition told him it was equally dangerous. "Then what is it you are thinking about Lady Danyealla, if I may be so bold to inquire?"
She didn't answer him right away, just stared up at the moon. She then looked down and sighed softly.
His brow furrowed, starting to worry, "M'Lady?"
"I still miss Darious. Even after 75 years my longing for him has never abated. If anything, as each year passes I miss him more. When I went to our house five years ago a plan started to form. What I have decided is to bring him back. I can't live without him anymore and don't want to. Each day my longing for him grows greater. Every day without him a small part of me dies."
He stared at her, a look of total disbelief evident; he didn't even try to hide it. He then frowned, "That disreputable, arrogant, self pleasing, mongrel of a demon????? That loathsome creature????"
She laughed, "That's him! I see you remember him."
"Of course I remember him! How could I not? How could you want that, that, THING back? Look at yourself Lady Danyealla; you could have any male of any race you wanted. I know of no-one anywhere that could resist you. As a matter of fact I know of one who would do anything for you to have him."
"I know Arkady, but I don't want just anyone, I want Darious. You see, I came to the realization a few years ago that I love him."
He growled deeply then said in a cold, hard voice not bothering to soften the hatred and anger in it, "Why would you, how could you fall in love with that fiend? He tried to subjugate you and would have your entire race if given the opportunity. Before him you were such a free spirit but that is all gone now."
"I don't know how or why I fell in love with him, all I know is I did. As for the subjugation, whatever he did he did because I let him."
He shook his head, "In all the years I've known you M'Lady this is the most foolish concept I've ever heard come out of your mouth." He stopped and took a deep breath, trying to get up the courage to say what he had wanted to say to her for so long. "Accept me instead M'Lady. I would care for you in a way he never could. I love you already beyond your wildest imagination."
She arched an eyebrow and looked at him, "You Arkady? I know no easy way to say this so I will just spit it out. As wonderful as I think you are and as good of a friend as you are to me, you're just not my type. I'm sorry." She reached over and stroked his hair softly.
He lowered his head, a dejected look on his face. Deep in his heart he knew what she told him was true, it just hurt to hear her say it. He put his emotions in check then looked at her. He reached over and softly ran a finger over some of the lines on her face. "M'Lady, you really need to feed. These lines tell me it's been a long time since you have. How long has it been, if I may ask? And why so long?"
"It's been over a year, probably closer to two. I quit to clear my head and to allow myself to think more clearly."
"Of all the foolishness I've heard in my time that takes the cake!"
She chuckled, "Arkady, you know I can go for six years or more without any ill effects. But thank you for your concern Daddy. You should know by now that we old women don't need as much to eat as the young whippersnappers do."
Despite trying to maintain a firm façade he burst out laughing, "Ok, OK, point taken. But seriously, are your other, err, needs being taken care of?"
"Humans are a quite inventive species. They have an appliance for just about every need. But by far their greatest one is the vibrator. It is more that adequate for that particular need."
He nodded, "I've heard that said before." He looked at her again, "Do you really wish and want him back?"
"Yes, more than anything."
He sighed and shook his head, "In your heart of hearts do you truly love him?" She locked eyes with him. "I truly do. I never have fallen in love and you know that, so it's the real thing."
He shook his head, "He was detrimental to you M'Lady. Everyone and I do mean everyone, despised him and was thankful when he was gone. The council frowned upon the relationship from the start. But I fear if you bring him back it will be much worse."
She frowned, "What are they going to do? Kill me? Everyone knows there is no-one left above ground capable of doing it. So that particular threat doesn't bother me."
"They could excommunicate you M'Lady."
Her eyes and voice both hardened "Let them."
He looked at her, "Could you live with being considered a rogue?"
She shook her head, "They won't do it, and we both know that."
"They might M'Lady, if you push them far enough. Bringing that being back might be enough to do it."
"Jade has pushed them further than I ever dreamed of doing plus she's directly disobeyed council orders and flaunted their authority at every turn and they haven't put a hit on her yet. What I'm planning on doing is no worse than what she's done for centuries."
"Maybe, maybe not M'Lady, it would depend upon your point of view. Lady Danyealla, I beg of you, reconsider this foolishness and forget him. The dislike of him before will be nothing compared to what is to come."
"No one wants or tries to understand the why behind my actions." She sighed. "Darious made my happy, the only being in my long life that has. You're a dear sweet, wonderful friend Arkady but this part of my life doesn't concern you or the council so I ask you nicely to stay out of it."
His face hardened and he stood, "So be it Lady Danyealla, I will take my leave of you. Goodbye."
She didn't look at him, just stared out over the valley. When she spoke her voice hardened in a way he had never heard used towards him before. "If you leave now you may never come back. Also, you will never again be welcomed in my presence."
He stopped in his tracks and turned back to gauge her body language, determining she was not using dramatics and meant every word of it. He sat back down next to her. They sat in silence at least five minutes before he spoke, voice soft and apologetic, "M'Lady, I am truly sorry and regret my outburst. My emotions got the better of me."
"I understand Arkady."
"You do realize I am compelled to report this to the council and they are going to be less than pleased about it. Please M'Lady, I beg of you, use your common sense and don't do this."
"Let me explain how I feel in a way you can better understand. I'm tied and feel about him the same way you are to Jade. Darious is in my blood the same way Jade is in yours."
He shuddered violently, not because what she said frightened him but because she just explained it in a way he understood far too well. "Lady Danyealla, I now understand better than I whish too. I don't wish to offend you but I must tell you I feel the same way about you. Your blood flows in my veins as well."
She stroked his arm softly, "I know Arkady, I've always known. I have a tie to Darious that is just as strong as any blood tie. I want and need him in that way. You and I cannot ever be. You just aren't my type, I'm sorry."
He lowered his head and sighed, "I understand, somewhat. But you can't blame me for trying."
She smiled, "I don't."
He looked at her, "The council was hoping you and I would get together."
She chuckled, "I'm not surprised. I want you to understand that you can't do for me what Darious can. I know you, there's no way you could get that rough with me."
"You're right; I could never hurt you, ever. No matter how much you begged me too." He looked at her. "But you are my friend."
She smiled, "And always will be, nothing will ever change that."
He smiled back at her, "That is all I ask M'Lady."
"I know asking you to be friends with him is too much to ask but what I will ask is for you to understand. Darious never abused me, ever. The only time he hurt me is when I asked him to, begged him too."
He looked down, "I understand M'Lady, even though I don't want to, I do. Do me a favor, if you intend to go through with this, feed. You will need all your strength to succeed."
"I'm no fool, I plan to and a lot."
He turned to her and clapped both her hand in his, "Feed off me, please. You know a werewolf's blood is more satisfying."
Her eyes softened as she looked at him but shook her head, "No Arkady, if I did you would hurt more than you already do."
His eyes implored her, "I have to have you, even if it's only once."
"Arkady, the only way I would is if I don't touch you and I know that isn't what you want."
"Why not touch me? Please M'Lady, that's what I want!"
"Because if we do, it'll ruin our friendship."
He looked down and sighed, "If you say so."
She reached over and tilted his head up with one finger and looked in his eyes, "In your heart you know I'm right."
He looked at her, eyes full of emotion, "True, but right or wrong it still hurts, badly."
She stroked the side of his face softly, "I know it does but I would hurt worse if we did, especially knowing it would be the only time."
He let out a ragged breath, "Yes, M'Lady."
"You would end up resenting me Arkady."
He lowered his eyes again and sat quietly.
"It would make your longing for me worse because you would get a taste of what you want then never get it again."
He looked her in the eyes again, "I know, my brain tells me you're right but my heart tells me to take it anyway I can get you and damn the consequences."
They sat quietly for several minutes while Arkady tried to get a handle on his emotions. Finally, he spoke, "Promise me one thing Lady Danyealla that you know what you are doing and you'll be careful."
"I know what I'm doing. I spent two years researching the ritual and I'll be careful, I know if I'm not I could end up in hell myself and be another demons play toy for all eternity. I don't want that. If it will help, if Darious comes back this way, I have control of him, and can send him back if I wish."
His relief was evident, "I will inform the council of your plans, emphasizing that you hold the strings." He rose, getting ready to leave.
She stood up and hugged him, "I'm sorry I hurt you Arkady."
He held her close, not wanting to ever let go, "M'Lady, I would rather be told up front than be led on."
She smiled up at him then reached up and brushed a lock of hair out of his face, "Next time you long for me remember this, my lovers never last long. I get bored with them quickly then move on. But our friendship has spanned centuries and I have never gotten bored with you."
He gave her a brilliant smile, "Because you, M'Lady, are the ultimate hunter and predator, thrilled by the hunt rather than the catch. And there is no one better at it; you have perfected it to a fine art." She walked him to his car and kissed him on the cheek before he got in. Before he pulled out he rolled down the window, "When are you going to do it M'Lady?"
"The night of the full moon, five days from now. That is when my powers will be the greatest and my chances of succeeding are best."
He nodded, "Luck be with you M'Lady." He blew her a kiss then drove off.
She waved as he drove off then watched until she could no longer see his car. She then stared up at the moon, holding herself. She had omitted a few things in her talk with him. Even with all her power and the research she had done the chances of her failing and bringing up from hell more than she could handle were so great that she was scared shitless. But her need for him was so great that she was going to do it anyway, damn the consequences.
She stood starting at the mood for a long time before going inside.
The next five days were busy indeed; she got all his things out of storage and brought them to the house. She acquired everything she would need for the ritual and prepared a room in the basement. She fed more than she had in years, almost to the point of gluttony. But most of all she rested, trying to conserve every ounce of her strength, knowing it was going to take all she had."
The day of the ritual finally arrived and she busied herself with last minute preparations. She was in the basement arranging everything and doing a final inventory when a familiar scent hit her. She looked up to see Zsuzanna standing there. She stood up, ""Come to talk me out of it? Or just to threaten me? Maybe to try and stop me?"
Zsuzanna stepped into the room, "None of them, I've know you long enough to know it wouldn't do any good. What I cam for is to help in the only way I can. Myself, Arkady, Raven, Mortichi and Aneeka will be outside. You can draw power from us to aid you. Being as old as we are it should be a considerable amount. It should boost your chances of success." She stepped closer to Danyealla and out her hands on her shoulder, "You have to know none of us are happy about this, we all were relieved when he was gone. We thought you would get over him and move on but that didn't happen. You are miserable, we can all see that. When Arkady gave his report we were stunned to say the least, and angry.
But as we discussed it we realized some things. First, you were happy when you were with him, happier than we had seen you in centuries. Then he was gone and you were miserable. We thought you'd get over it but you didn't. Now this." Her arm swept the room. "We hate the idea of you bringing that creature back. The council discussion about this whole matter was heated to say the least. But we know you well enough to know you aren't doing this to endanger our species but to make yourself happy once again. So we decided to let you go on with it without repercussions or our interference."
Dani looked at her, "Even if you had said no it wouldn't have made any difference, you realize that don't you? This has nothing to do with our species but with my personal life. You all know I would never do anything to endanger us. Darious was the only being ever to satisfy me totally. And I fell in love with him. Never before have I fallen in love. Shit, I'm probably the only one of us to never create a werewolf for myself."
"I realize that, that's a lot of the reason we decided not to interfere. We realistically know that you were going to do this with or without permission and there really wouldn't be anything we could do to stop you. So we support you. We ask but two things, first, are you sure you know what you're doing? And second, you will be in control of
The End · Part 1 (1/3)
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