'Beyond the grave, where the moon grins at death, is a body born from ash and dust.'

***
I don't recall a time when I didn't carry out a task myself. They say, 'If you want something done, you have to do it yourself.' At this point, I feel full responsibility for carrying out the force to end this all. I have no remorse for her and maybe I should, but I trust my instincts and feelings more. She's nothing but a mere target for me and it makes me feel inhuman.

"How do we kill her?" My voice, a hollow and cold sound, echoes through the library, piercing all ears.

"You're the only one that can kill her. You have her blood running through your veins. She doesn't know of the vampiric cells co-habiting with them," Valentine says. Clearly, he has been planning this for a while. It has been his prime goal to end the evil Queen. "She's not invincible. She can die either through decapitation or ripping her heart out."

"Yeah, who wouldn't die from that," Vladimir snickers with amusement. He grins and waits for our reaction but Valentine and I give him serious expressions. He just chuckles and shrugs.

"I suppose killing her couldn't be that difficult," I confess. "It's getting into her sanctuary that we will need to plan carefully."

"We'll need to speak with Sebastian about taking a group of soldiers in to test the environment," Valentine offers. "She's capable to doing anything."

Datura was a Crimson Seer, the highest ranking office you could appoint a witch. Crimson Seers are sent from Elriel, the Kingdom of Witches, to become seers and advisors for the royal family. The Moorehaven's, Datura's coven, consisted of seven witches, including her. The others were incarcerated for assisting Datura in creating an army of dark Fae's and the like. With their powers, they were able to do unimaginable acts under the moon, including giving Datura her immortality. Unfortunately, those witches are dead, making this task a little more arduous for my taste. They would have been the perfect source of information.

I look up, trying to contemplate on the plans and maneuvers I need to make for this operation to become a success. Datura is a dark, immortal witch with the host of darkness under her grasp.

On top of what is happening, Chelsea is sitting in Valentine's basement under the control of, who I assume to be, Augustine. Who else would be able to persuade her like that and get their hands on an enforcement collar? He's the only one that knows of our close relationship.

The thing is, I prefer not to have anyone be there. As much as possible, we need not have history repeat itself. It's already happening without consent but we can definitely alter the ending. I cannot have people die because of a conflict between two people that can be resolved with an easy surrender. I would like to leave this planet in good order.

Pride, is the cradle of war. Someone needs to kneel in humility for this to stop. If not Datura, then it must be us.

I don't notice the blood dripping from my palms until Valentine appears before me, taking my hand in his. "Saphira, love," he whispers. Realizing I pricked myself with my own sharp nails, I lift my hands in front of me, to examine them. I watch the blood drip down my wrists like roots, interweaving with each other and meeting at it's apex.

Things are meant to happen. Not everything in this life is explained but we cannot just simply complain about it. Our answers stare me right into my eyes. I smile, not minding the confused looks both Vladimir and Valentine give me.

With my supernatural speed, I rush over to the glass case I discovered earlier. Without a single thought, I punch the glass in, not minding the sting from the deadly shards. The shattering glass screams with a pleading voice to release its trapped and ruptured memories.

"Are you insane?" Vladimir accuses. He may be young, but he does care about history.

A wide grin forms on my face. "Yes."
Valentine remains still and looks at me as if he's seen a ghost. This is the first time I've seen him so calm, especially with me breaking into Scarlett's belongings.

"Ever seen history repeat itself, Vlad?" I tease, while pulling out different objects and belongings.

"That is not what needs to be asked here. Saphira, what are you planning with those?" He turns to me in shock, trying to figure out what I'm going to do with these precious things.

I shrug. Honestly, it will dawn when I see it. It may take some time, but it is better than waiting for nothing. "Do me a favor, will you?" I nod towards the heap of glass.

Vladimir sighs with slight aggravation. For a moment, he looks to be abandoning my exploits and giving a command to return the items, but he shakes his head and proceeds. "You owe me," he retorts with a mischievous grin. I smirk and glance over at Valentine who looks go be struck and unmoving.

The guilt and reluctance for Scarlett's past eats my thoughts like acid. A burning feeling crawls through my skin, ready to burst, and I don't know if it's jealousy or pity. He still loves her, I presume. Still cannot let her go. Should I even impose? If there is anyone best to tell me about Datura and her tactics, it would be Scarlett.

As I arrange the table for our research, I feel a warm hand on my arm. "Are you sure about this? There's no turning back."

I turn my head upwards and our gazes collide. Valentine's deep blue irises are saying something - a secret that longs to be said. What is he so apprehensive about? "Are you?"

His steel gaze does not falter and he gives me a small but sincere nod of approval. He has just given me permission to enter the darkest part of his life. Could I have let him do that with me?

There has to be something here, I say to myself. Small trinkets lay haphazardly on the surface, some don't seem valuable but can give us a good start. I trace my fingers around a small jewelry box and a thick journal with a lock. Evidently, Scarlett did not and does not want her secrets revealed. Datura's belongings, on the other hand, reveal more than she probably intended, like the half empty vial filled with ominous dark liquid, fitted on a gold necklace.

I lift and twist it between my fingers and eye carefully, thinking I would suddenly learn the story behind it. Without thinking, I twist the cap to open it but it does not budge. Valentine notices my actions and leans over the table, taking the necklace in his hands. I frown. What shall we do if it can't be opened? I could hear a frustrated but understanding growl coming from the base of his chest.

"Do you know what this is?" I press. We both know that we need to solve everything, there is not enough time and patience in the world to prolong anything and run around large bushes.

"Not exactly," he frowns and pulls out his mobile phone. "But I do know someone who might."

I wait, patiently, which is something I have been lacking since this all started. He fiddles with the device for a few seconds and then he looks up at me. "Help is on it's way."

"Who is it?"

He smirks. "I've asked Ari to accompany us, she'll come as soon as she can. Most likely at dusk."

I grumble lowly, but not low enough for Valentine to excuse it. He knows, quite clearly, that I am not very fond of waiting for mysteries to be unfolded.

"Patience is a virtue, sweetheart," he casually says and stands to invite me to do the same. The sun has most likely dawned us with a new day. I shake my head to protest, not wanting to leave this spot until I have received my answers. "Come, let's turn in for the day. You'll need your strength for tomorrow."

"You treat me as if I'm not a vampire," I mutter under my breath while getting up.

"You are a vampire. Sleep is just one of the many splendors of living in this world. We are the undead, but we also need sleep, otherwise our bodies with decay."

I grimace when he said those last words. The last thing I need is for my body to rot. I take one last look at the table before following Valentine up. Sneaking out is easier than going in, even with the thick drapes I can sense the strong rays of light. Somehow, knowing that and witnessing it, makes me feel tired.

"Why not have enchantments, so everyone can walk in daylight?" I ask with curiosity. They have all the magic in the world and are not using it.

He gives the windows a fleeting glance. "It was proposed to the council once but it was overruled. The need to feel vulnerable won, versus the need to see and feel sunlight. Vampires still prefer darkness over light."

"Makes sense, but I reckon they miss it."

"How right you are. Growing up, I watched as others envied my ability to step in the sun."

We arrive at my temporary chambers and suddenly, the hairs on my arm rise and heat runs through my body. I inhale a sharp and short breath of air as I feel Valentine's body against my back. His breath rolls over the skin on my neck as he trails his nose against it. The heat building between us feels like a kiss of sunlight. My eyes drift to a close and I moan, quite audibly as he leaves a soft but sweltering kiss under my ear.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," he whispers before leaving me in a flustered mess.

I heave a silent but deep sigh as I walk into the room. Valentine, once again, has left me with no choice but to imagine what could have happened. In all my years I have never felt so aroused with just one small kiss.

I avoid a spot of sunlight streaming through the curtains by tiptoeing in the shadows. I reach the walk-in closet and start removing my clothes, almost forgetting the dagger that I skillfully hid in my boot. Among the items under Datura's name was a beautiful gold dagger set with hundreds of diamonds and rubies on it's hilt. The piece interested me, not because of my affinity for the weapon but because it called out to me the most.

After changing into appropriate attire I set the dagger on the nightstand. It doesn't take long until I fall into a deep and surreal slumber.

***

The darkness settles over my eyes like an opaque fog. A soft breeze caresses my lips, bouncing off of my skin and flowing down my hair. The wind carries a deep hum that hugs my eardrums. The smell of iron and nectar bombards my nostrils and I wrinkle my nose.

"Hello?" My voice comes out as a muffled noise.

I step forward. It's oblivion. Still, I see not a single thing. After a moment the darkness dissipates and I find myself standing in the middle of a dark Forrest. Where am I? I question. Obviously, a place where dreams are shattered and reality is distorted.

I look down. The only clothing covering my body is a black panty with my thick hair draping over my breasts. A chill crawls up the entire length of my body and I gasp at the blood-red fog that invades the area around me settling on the ground, just below my knees. My eyebrows meet together in confusion and reach down to touch it, curiously.

Suddenly, the fog disappears and is replaced by thousands of white, graceful flowers. It's a beautiful contrast of darkness and spotless white. My entrancement is interrupted by a blur of voices behind me.

Moving like wisps and having ghostly appearances, they walk towards me. The closer they got, the more tangible their bodies became. I step to the side, hoping to avoid them. There are many of them, all dressed in black, shadow-like clothing with hair like twigs and eyes bright like flowers. Fae's are known to be made from the earth itself, they are enchanting creatures - bizarre.

They form a circle around me, keeping serious expressions and blank stares. I cringe at their lifeless assembly and wonder if they are fazed by my presence. As if the world is about to end, the temperature around us drops and I shiver. The fog forming from my breath is a perfect sign of the dramatic change in ambiance.

A woman dressed in a gradient white and black, floor-length dress enters the circle and gracefully walks to me. Her hair, dark as a raven's wings, flows in the air as if she is submerged in the water. A shining silver crown glimmers atop her head as a symbol of her power.

Datura is a stunning creature - a timeless beauty ensnared in the spirit of evil and madness. I give her a very identifiable scowl. She eyes my face slowly and meticulously.

"Is it ready?" Her menacing voice scratches my eardrums - it's a sultry voice with an aftertaste of deceit.

I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion. "Is what ready?" My words fall on deaf ears and it makes me grind my teeth in frustration.

One of the male fae's approach Datura and place a gold dagger in her awaiting hand. "It's ready, my Queen," he says and waits for another command.

"Perfect."

Datura, holding a large black vase in her hand, approaches foreign mixture and smiles devilishly before pouring its contents. One the last particle of ash has fallen, a fae nears her with a small object.

She takes the sharp dagger and drags the tip over her palm, splitting the flesh in two. Dark blood oozes out of the cut and drips down to the ground, some splattering over the flowers that she shares her name with.

Within a second, my position switches and I am behind her, watching the witchcraft unfold with unbelieving eyes. She let's the blood drip into a large vat of white liquid in the ground, painting it red as it dissolves.

"Beyond the grave,
where the moon grins at death,
is a body born from ash and dust.
Rise above your broken bones
to walk the earth
in a transcendent rebirth."

The eerie tune escapes from her mouth like songs in the dark. The moon casts a beam of light over the liquid-filled hole in the ground, while each fae chants an unintelligible spell with their sweet voices. But their sweet voices could only last so long.

Halfway through a spell, Datura demands, "Enough!"

Her command renders all speechless and they all turn their attention to the unchanging concoction. Nothing happens and I plaster a smug smile on my face. It doesn't last long as I see something emerge from the liquid.

I move forward. On Datura's face is a smile that gives me a sliver of terror. I watch in utter shock and lament as I watch a woman rise from the pure white substance. My body quivers as I witness hers being lifted with the substance dripping down her body like paint.

"My Queen!" The same fae from earlier, shouts in fear. "They have broken the enchantments around the border, we're under attack."

We both turn around and Datura screams in rage. "Traitors!" Her shrill voice wakes something within me. My heart drops in pain as my memories flash before my eyes like a film.

I remember.

The girl. It was me. I was born the day they burned Acacia. This part has always been clouded over with images of fire and feelings of unfamiliarity and fatigue. Upon my realization my position switches again but this time I could not see my newborn self.

Chaos breaks out as they rush to the their borders to fight a battle they soon would perish under. Datura, though, remains standing and calm. She knew this would happen.

"My child." She looks straight in my eyes. I remember, vividly, how red and predatory my eyes were during my first five years on earth. Datura's eyes are a deep violet that seemed to be made of petals. "There will come a time when you will carry out this task. It's a task that will require your skills and power. All I need you to do is remember a name, belonging to one that is selfish and unworthy.

In time you will find him and he will submit to you. When he least expects it, kill him. Destroy him and return to your rightful place in this Kingdom. Let this task remain with you until it has been accomplished. If you don't succeed, I will help you."

I nod as my body is no longer under my control.

"Take this dagger and plunge it into his heart." With her cold and lifeless hands, she places the dagger on my palm and smiles.

"What is his name?"

"Valentine."

*

I bolt upright, my heart tugging in agony with the accompaniment of a short scream from my lips. Tears roll down my cheeks as I try to forget what just happened. It was a dream but I'm afraid to say that more than memories were awakened. It's decent of me to even call it a dream when I should be saying that it was Datura invading my mind, unlocking things I have forgotten.

I hear footsteps beyond the walls and I recoil to a dark corner. I must not see him, who knows what I'll do. I may still be under her nasty control.

"Saphira, are you alright?"

Valentine spots me in the corner, not able to move, not able to say a single word. He slowly approaches me and I almost gasp.

"No don't come any closer," I say with a shaking breath and raise my hands to demonstrate. My eyes widen at the deadly instrument that I gripped tightly in my hand. The same gold dagger that I was assigned with so long ago is now back in my hands and the victim is only a short distance away.

***

Ah, I tried my best not to do it! Please, don't hate me.
Leave me your thoughts below. :)