Sorry it's taken so long to update life has been manic Dx I wrote part of this when I was ill, so if it comes out weird just tell me, if something doesn't make sense or even just a spelling mistake tell me! ;)

FINALLY IT'S HERE!!!!!! xD

Chapter 16

Tina's POV

I have to fight to keep my face blank and not show the disgust I feel show on my face as I turn to Jayden feeling slightly sick. I feel only the slightest bit relieved that it turned out to be him and not Darren. I mentally shook that thought out of my head.

Why the hell did I think that?

Oh, come on, don't be so dense! I am you and even I know that you're in denial over your true feelings.

Oh? And what are these 'true feelings'?

If I could, I would so facepalm right now. You li-ike him!

What?! I do not! I hate him! In fact he is the wor-

See? There you go again! You're denying it! You're in denial, you're in denial, you're deni-

Shut up!

You're only saying that because you know it's true!

...Okay, maybe I do like him...

Ha!

You know I'm only saying that to shut you up right?

But-

Then I realized what I was actually doing, i.e.: having a fight with myself, and snap back to reality where there is a more pressing issue to sort out before I look towards my so-called 'true feelings' for Darren.

"I see you have chosen to join our side, Tina? The side for winners." Jayden smirks at me. This is not the Jayden I know, at least, not the side he has shown before.

I look down on him, scrutinizing him. 

"A wise choice." Phoenix almost purrs as I start to slowly walk towards Jayden.

"So you are not effected by the fact that they kidnapped your 'almost-girlfriend'?" Are the first words I say, trying to find a part of him that may still be on our side... my side.

"No. I never actually liked her, I just pretended to. So you it would seem like I'd never stray and be a 'traitor'." At this point he laughed, it didn't sound the same as usual, it sounded shrill, it grated on my ears, almost like nails on a chalkboard. "And you actually fell for it. I sort-of feel sorry for the human, I mean she was actually in-love with me... just kidding, I don't feel sorry for her at all. And if I did, it would be because she is going to die."

I forced my self to let out a chuckle at his words, surprising myself when it didn't come out awkward and strained.

"Why?"

His question almost made me jump, it had come so suddenly. Not that hadn't been ready for it.

"I was simply testing your loyalty, I care deeply for my brother and do not wish for there to be any back stabbers on his 'side'."

"Brother?" Jayden almost looked shocked, there was even a hint of fear on his face, I smirked dangerously, glad that I now had the element of surprise in my words.

"Oh, didn't you know? Phoenix here is my brother. I haven't seen him in almost six years."

Jayden looked panicked, he came forwards and bowed, awkwardly by my feet.

"Then I am sorry, my Queen. I did not mean to offend."

"Why are you bowing?" The question tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop it. However, Phoenix merely chuckled,

"It is how things are run around here. We have a democracy, I am their King. And now, since you have returned to us, you are their Queen... of sorts."

I smiled, covering up all shock and confusion over how they are running things around here.

"In that case, I recommend a ball, as a 'Welcoming' party, and a victory, for there is no doubt which side will win, now." I state, using my authority to my advantage. "It shall be held... at exactly this time in precisely a week!" I think fast, I need some time to prepare. The original plan will be set into action this time next week, there is not a moment to spare. 

I shake my head in surprise. This place even has me thinking weirdly - I feel as if I'm in the 1800s!

"Of course!"

"Now, I must go, there is a meeting tonight. As I am their leader they expect me to show up, obviously." Jayden's face looks confused. I could have kicked myself for forgetting he was there! I rack my brain for an excuse. 

"I must leave for this meeting, too. There will be questions as to why we are not there, especially as we are so close to the date set for the battle."

This stuns me, leaving me confused as to why he went along with it and didn't expose me. However, there is still enough sense in me not to question him. 

"Then you both may go, thank you both for your efforts." Phoenix nods to me as Jayden bows to us both, then Jayden escorts me from the room.

What does this mean?

Could he still be on our side?

So many questions were whizzing around my head, confusing me no end!

As soon as we are far enough from the gates to not be overheard, we both turn to each other, trying to work out whose side we are on.

"You're not on his side, right?"

Jayden is the first to speak. 

I purse my lips, trying to decide whether or not to tell the truth. I let out a sigh, then shake my head.

"Are you?" I return the question.

"Seriously? It killed me to say all that in there. I'm in love with Kaycee. She's the only reason I pretended to be on their side anyway. When she was kidnapped, I was going to set her free, but - apparently - she already escaped herself."

"You idiot! Why didn't you just wait for us to have come up with a plan?"

"Believe me, you didn't exactly look like you were coming up with an excellent plan at that point."

"I'm sorry, but I had my reasons."

Jayden just looked at me expectantly.

I pursed my lips and rolled  my eyes.

"I'd just found out about Phoenix being my brother." I elaborated wincing.

Jayden looked stunned.

"So you weren't lying?"

"About what?"

"About him being your brother."

"No. Well... yes and no."

This answer just brought me a questioning look from Jayden.

"Well, seeing as Darren and Kaycee both know, you might as well know, too." And so, for the third time I told someone else the story I hadn't ever told someone before I moved here, it felt good, though, to get things off of my shoulders. Especially when I trusted the person to keep it a secret. "I didn't know Phoenix was the one who had taken over my brother until a few nights ago."

"Woah, woah, woah... wait. 'Taken over'?"

"Ah, you see... Phoenix isn't really... well, real. He's an entity, a spirit. I did some research the night I found out. I found that he, Phoenix, grew more powerful over time. That the longer he was in possession of the body, the more attached he becomes. Phoenix is a bad spirit, an evil entity, some websites I found even said he was the devils 'right-hand-man'. I don't know if that's true though, but he is evil enough for that. At least to me he is. I've gotten in to deep here, I need help to finish this. I can't do it alone, I especially can't do it with traitors on my side. So, please, Jayden. If you are lying about not being a traitor, tell me. I'd prefer to know the truth than be lied to."

"I'm not, trust me, Tina. I'm not a traitor. I'm so sorry about your brother, and everything else. But, as my parents say, 'Everything happens for a reason'. If it hadn't happened, you wouldn't have come here, to us, you'd still be hating life with 'Karen and Elijah' and you wouldn't be able to defeat Phoenix and get rid of him once and for all. You see?"

I nod, seeing sense in his words, I would never wish that I was still in England being forced to do something I didn't like to do, or was bored with. True, I'm still doing it here, but at least I find it fun over here, and at least I have three amazing friends. Almost four, depending on which route Selena and I take, we could either go back to hating each other, or she could be one of my best friends, who knows?

Three?

Okay, maybe Darren and I are friends, despite our differences.

Just friends?

Yes, that's all I have time for, for now anyway.

Okay, whatever you say...

"I'm calling a meeting, come one lets go fins the others, we have a lot to plan before next week!"

"What?"

"The ball! I didn't say that just because I wanted waste Phoenix's money, stupid! I actually had a back-up plan. In the form of the old plan."

"About that, you didn't exactly look surprised when I entered and it was 'revealed' that I was the 'traitor'."

"Ah, you see, I'd already worked it out that it was either you or Darren, so I told you both different plans. Or I told you a different plan, then waited to see which plan got back to Phoenix." I grinned.

"Holy... How did you work that out?"

I shrugged, "It just came to me. It was actually quite simple, But, after all, I am... Fabulous!" I flipped my hair over my shoulder, pretending to be one of the stereotypical 'Barbies' you see on television.

Jayden simply laughed and mentioned that we should 'get going'.

With the tension of suspicion gone from the air, Jayden and I talked easily as we made our way through the woods to our first destination: Darren's house.

.     .     .     

Eight days later

.     .     .

I took a deep breath and shook myself out, preparing myself for what I was about to do. I quickly pulled on the long, Elizabethan skirt that we had found - and modified - in the costume department at school. All the while, I was mentally preparing myself to look stoic and disregarding... I.E: The complete opposite of me. I stepped out of my room and briskly walked down the stairs and straight to the front door, relieved that my way was not prohibited by distractions, in the form of Tim and Jill. 

I quietly opened the front door and rushed out, closing it behind me. Equally silent. I hurried down the path, to find Darren's car already waiting for me just a few meters down the road. I cautiously walk towards it, keeping my eyes on the windows of the house just behind me. Praying that neither of my parents would hear me, or choose to look out of the window at this moment of time.

I made it to the car - thankfully - and jumped in to the passenger side, greeting Darren with a small smile.

"You okay?" He murmurs, his eyes filled with concern, his brow furrowed in a slight frown.

I let out a long breath, "I will be, when it's all over." I finally reply after a few moments of pondering over how to answer him.

He nods silently, agreeing with my reply. He says nothing more as he pulls out from his parking space and speeds up the road to our destination.

He slows to a stop outside of the vaguely familiar, sinister-looking mansion and, for what seems like the hundredth time today, I take another deep breath. I close my eyes and pray that this all will work and go exactly to plan, and that nobody will get hurt in the process.

I put my hand on the car door handle to exit the car,  but I'm stopped by Darren.

"Wait." He mutters. Reaching up a hand to cup my cheek.

I frown in confusion when I see that his eyes are only full of concern and no other emotion, such as deceit.

"What'e you.." I start, but I'm cut off by him slamming his lips to mine. My eyes widen and my thoughts jarr. Leaving my body to take over and control my actions by responding to his urgent kiss, allowing our lips to meld perfectly together as one. His tongue expectantly rolled over my bottom lip and I parted my lips immediately, enjoying the persistent fluttering of butterflies in my stomach. My brain is still not working when we finally break away for air - leaving me gawking at him extremely unattractively - both panting with adrenaline from the toe-curling kiss. As I stare into his deep-blue eyes, my brain gradually starts to work again and I close my mouth.

"I have to go." I rush out, breathlessly leaving the car.

I briefly look back as I head toward the house, just in time to see him smile broadly to himself, barely restraining himself from punching the air when he spots me looking back at him. I giggle at him grinning like an idiot and turn away again.

HA! You giggled! See?! You do like him.

Yeah, yeah... whatever. 

A grin like the Cheshire cat falls upon my face as I recall how he blushed when he saw me looking back at him as he was just about to punch the air, and I have to force the memory of the kiss to the back of my head to stop my cheeks from flushing.

I take a deep breath to control my facial expressions and let my expression cloud over as I become 'The Ice-Queen' as Kaycee likes to call my act.

I walk to the front door of the mansion and heave the knocker up, the release it, allowing it to crash into the door of it's own accord.

.     .     .

Darren's POV

I shouldn't let her go in there. I should run after her and make her turn back, even though I know she won't...

No. This is when it ends, tonight.

.     .     .

Tina's POV

We're halfway through the 'Celebratory Ball' as Phoenix keeps calling it. I still feel like I'm living in the eighteen hundreds. Especially as we were all handed masks on the way in. That's right, he turned it into a masquerade ball. I don't know if this is better or worse for us, but - considering I can't tell which masked face is Jayden - I'm figuring that it's worse for now.

I'm trying to surrepticiously sarch for him while smiling and laughing politely - when appropriate - at the guests' terrible jokes... Mostly about how well things were going for them and how they were going to 'defeat the opposition before the year's out'.

I'm getting more and more nervous as the night goes on, midnight is the big reveal... literally. At midnight everyone has been told to take their masks off - which is also the time that our plan begins.

I manage take another sneaky glance around the ballroom, but it's no use as everyone just looks the same, or every man does. I can't even use my sense of smell to sniff him out as such, as there are way too many werewolves here to even know where to begin singling out each scent. 

I take a quick glance at the time to find it is ten minutes to midnight, panic immediately bubbles up inside me.

What if it goes wrong?

Or worse...

What if someone gets killed because of me?

I mentally shook my head, I can't think about that, we will win. We have to.

.     .     .

Jayden's POV

I still can't find her, I'm looking for one girl in a mask in a ballroom full of masked people.

How hard can it be?

I accidentally groan out loud, causing a few people to give me weird looks. I roll my eyes beneath my mask. Damn these masks! Why did they have to make it a 'masquerade ball'?

Not paying any attention to where I was going, I accidentally crash into someone. I turn around to find a small girl, she must have been only seven or eight years old, she has flaming red hair, kind of like Tina's. I can see her wide, innocent eyes beneath her mask and can't help but to wonder what the hell a girl this young is doing mixed up in this war.

"I'm so sorry!" she flinches, scared, her timid voice making my heart instantly clenches at the thought of what was going to happen in about five minutes. I want to tell her to get out, but I know that will look suspicious. "I-I didn't mean to!" 

She cowers, as if expecting me to strike her. I'm instantly sickened.

"It's fine, no worries." I assure her. 

She looks surprised that I didn't hurt her and quickly scurries away, as if I could change my mind any second. I shake my head in disgust at the fact that she was scared that I would hurt her, a little girl, because I had bumped into her by accident. I can't help but to think Phoenix would have done to Kaycee if he could hurt an innocent, little girl. 

I throw another glance around the ballroom. I don't know what  was expecting to find, maybe a girl waving her arms around and shouting 'I'm Tina!'. Right, cause that wouldn't be suspicious at all.

"Who are you looking for?" 

I freeze as the slimy voice of Phoenix finds my ears from behind me and it takes all my self restraint not to punch him in the face there and then.

I quickly come up with a lie in my head, "A little girl, I crashed into her and she fell over. she ran before I could ask if she was okay." I reply, smoothly, while turning around to see a man - obviously Phoenix - standing behind me.

"A young girl you say? How old?" Phoenix enquires.

"I don't know. But, she looked around seven or eight and she had bright, red hair - like your sister. It's fine, I just wanted to make sure she was okay, I'm not exactly a lightweight."

"Of course."

"Speaking of your sister, where is she?" I threw him the question casually, hoping he wouldn't spot that I desperately need to find her in the next two minutes.

"Oh, she's around. Probably laughing at my guests' horrible jokes."

"Who's laughing at your guests' horrible jokes?" 

I sigh in relief as Tina herself - with her identifiable, bright red hair that I've been searching for all evening - saunters up to Phoenix. Her eyes flicking to me casually. 

Man, she's a good actress.

I try to make sure my relief didn't show as I glance at the clock to find that it's exactly one minute to midnight.

"Speak of the Devil. Look at the time! We should get to the stage, it's time for the 'big reveal'."

My eyes widen in panic for a split second before I manage to hide it, hoping that Phoenix didn't spot it. I need to be near her for when it begins. I guess at the side of the stage will have to do.

"Okay, show me the way." Tina replies, flippantly, allowing Phoenix to guide her through the crowd. As soon as his back is turned she trows me a meaningful glance and I surreptitiously nod back.

They're onstage in no time and straight away command people to take their masks off. I glance at the clock and realize that there are only a few seconds left until it was exactly twelve o' clock. And I take a deep breath, preparing myself to turn as soon as it begins. I glance around nervously, it takes all the self control I have to stop myself from shifting from side to side and twitching as the butterflies that have been in my stomach all evening suddenly grow into huge bats.

Then I hear it; a deep, murderous, threatening growl and suddenly the lights go out.

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Okay, so I decided to make this the penultimate chapter, but don't worry!! I'm still going to finish this book tonight, as it has been at least a year since I started it and I want to start on my next book - Jet (Book One) Revenge and Power, you can check it out if you'd like and it would mean a lot to me too! xD

Hope you enjoyed this!!

.x.Sophie.x.