O'Conner's School for the Light challenged

[Hikari_Mamo]

Emma yanked her hand away. She was losing her world again. Her heart thundered in her chest her vision swam. "Need to get to him." She said out loud. "Can't stay here. Can't let him go." Her legs bolted after him. "Oscar!!!" She screamed running after him. "Oscar wait!" She chased him down a flight of stairs but tripped falling the rest of the length to the floor and her death.

Conrad stood frozen pain stabbed through his heart as he scented his woman leave him. But then a new pain. He roared out Emma's name and bolted for the house. Faster and faster till he was a blur to even a vampire crashing through the door in time to see his only child thud hard to the marble. He could hear the bones shattering the last of her screams cut off and he let out another anguished roar. He didn't think just acted biting open his wrist and pouring blood down her throat praying it took hold. "Jess." He growled hoarsely.
"Yes master?" Jess said trying not to cry.
"They are not allowed to return. Ever."
"But master she is your queen-"
"Fine then her brother is never allowed to return." Conrad amended holding the body of his child until her heart stopped completely. He just sat on the marble howling in misery.  

[The Madame Red]

She couldn't take it anymore, she missed Conrad too much. It had been four days since Anya left with Oscar when she finally walked on the familiar dirt path back to Conrad's castle. She wore a near pair of black skinny jeans and a a long, gray shirt with matching gray heels on her way back to the castle. Thankfully, Oscar was forgiving about her leaving and understood her reasoning, but Anya was nervous. She had ran off from Conrad without even saying a goodbye, and now she was returning out of the blue. Part of her expected to be rejected by him. She hoped he would still accept her.

Anya approached the gate and rang the buzzer until she heard Jess' voice, "It's Anya."

After a few moments, Anya began to feel nervous that maybe Conrad wouldn't let her come back. However, the buzzer re-appeared and the gate was unlocked. She opened the gate and walked along the long road to the castle to reach the front door. It felt wrong to just walk in. Anya bit her bottom lip as she looked up at the windows above her, one of them belonged to Conrad's office. Would he want to see her after leaving like she did? Anya then knocked on the front door three times and waited for whatever was to come.



Liam had been heart broken ever since he heard the tiny bones break in Emma's body. He wouldn't leave her side when Conrad placed her in her room. The wolf wanted him to have a proper burial for his daughter, but Conrad refused the idea. Liam sat at the end of the bed with Emma's body still resting on the bed as if she would wake at any moment. He could still hear her heart beat, she wasn't dead, which gave Liam some peace at mind. Then, he heard the knocking and immediately caught the scent of Anya. His eyes widened, she returned? Conrad had sworn her brother to never return, but Anya? The wolf was curious to know what Conrad would do as he pressed his ear against Emma's door.  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad bit something out in Estonian and Jess nodded opening the door. "Welcome back my lady. . . Oscar is no longer welcome so if he's with you he should leave now." Jess said simply looking like she hadn't slept in days. The place was silent. Save for three heart beating strongly and one slowing down fast. Without a word Jess escorted Anya to Emma's room. "Maybe you will be able to wake her." Jess thought out loud opening the door and heading inside. "Master, Anya is here for you. Don't worry I'll call if anything changes." Conrad replied in Estonian and left the room standing in the hallway blocking her off from Emma's room. "You left me." He said simply. "After all that we had you left me and now you come to me in my time of mourning while my child is dying and for what? Forgiveness? Pleas' you won't leave me again? How can I trust you when your brother has done the unthinkable!? If it were any one else I'd have summoned him back and killed him for what he's done to Emmaline!" His hand met the intercom smashing that terminal to pieces. "Now I don't know if she'll accept the blood and turn. I'm half tempted to ask Liam to turn her!" He looked utterly miserable. Like his whole world was crashing around him. "She's dying Anya. And it's Oscar's fault."

Emma lay motionless in the bed save her breathing. Her body fighting not only to live but to reject the change but it was losing. She felt scars in her body disappear or lessen in severity. Her muscles bulked a little and her hair seemed to brighten regain colour. She was still breathing. "She's going to be different Liam." Jess said. "She might not want you. Be prepared for that."  

[The Madame Red]

Anya's eyes widened when Conrad mentioned Emma dying. She could feel something inside her want to break, but she kept her calm as best as she could. Leaving at such a bad time.. Anya swallowed the sorrow she felt for leaving Emma in such a state before she lowered her tearful gaze from Conrad, "You have every right to be upset with me and I want to apologize for hurting you. I want you to forgive me, but... I wouldn't forgive myself, I just want to see Emma," her eyes flooded with tears, "I need to see her, please... I know you don't want to see me again, but let me just see her!"



Liam didn't want to admit it, but he had a feeling Jess was right. Until he heard it from Emma he wouldn't believe it. He looked down at Emma with a saddened expression, "I really care for her. Even if she doesn't feel the same for me, I can't leave her like this."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

"I am more angered at your brother. She was running for him when she fell." Conrad said coldly. "I love you Anya. And yet you still left." He sighed and hugged her close. "Go see her. We'll talk later." He let her go and pushed her into the room before following after her and just waited. He didn't know what he would do if he lost his little girl.

Emma felt strange. A calling or something. She felt that comforting presence and her eyes snapped open. Her body flung itself upright and she looked around. The room was so bright it hurt her eyes at first. She saw Liam and smiled small then looked at everyone's shocked faces. "Where's Oscar?" She asked then frowned. Who's voice was that? She stared at Anya and opened her mouth to ask again but she froze. Now she remembered. She remembered falling. Panic set in and her heart hammered. Why was that a strange thing for her? Why did hearing her heart pound and her lungs whine in protest with each panicked breath confuse her? She felt her teeth. Wee fangs poked out where her human canines used to be. But then she touched her back and winced. Those scars were still there. Still big and painful. But her skin was just a tiny shade darker. What the hell was going on? "Oscar is never allowed to see you again." Conrad said simply. "You and Liam will be married when you're up to it."
Emma's eyes widened and she nodded dumbly. "If that is your wish Sire." She said automatically. What the hell? As if she would marry the wolf! Wait. . . Her mind rolled over the idea and suddenly it rebelled. "You can't tell me who I can and can't marry!" Emma said. "No offence Liam but we're not quite there yet." She said turning her head to him. "Now where's Oscar?" She demanded her nostrils flared as she took in a deep breath and forced it out.

Conrad blinked a little then his eyes widened. What the hell was going on with his daughter? First she says she'll marry the wolf now she is telling him to back off and wants Oscar? He should be over joyed that she was alive yet. . . She was showing mixed signs of alliance to her Sire and rebellion. Emma now seemed in a panic. No wonder she was out for four days, the change only took one or two, even less if the person being turned was half vampire. "Anya. . ." Emma whined. "What am I?" It was then Conrad heard it. Emma was still breathing, and her heart was still beating. Conrad now started to panic. Did I make a boo boo? He thought. Did I screw up the change? Holy crap did I Just make a new breed of vampire?!!  

[The Madame Red]

"Come here," Anya walked passed Conrad, Jess, and Liam and went straight to Emma, "Let me take a look."

Anya held Emma softly as she titled Emma's neck back softly before grazing her lips against her neck, then allowed her fangs to seep into Emma's skin. The female vampire took a small amount of blood before pulling away from Emma. Anya closed her eyes as she took in the taste. Venom was still in Emma's blood, therefore she was still a vampire. However, she could taste a vile additive, but it was weakened. This was the werewolf part. Anya placed her hand against Emma's chest and felt the constant beating heart, with the lingering iron taste in Anya's mouth from the blood she could tell that Emma was also still human as well.

"Emma of the Three," Anya looked to Emma with a surprised expression, "Vampire, werewolf, and human."

The female vampire took a few steps to Emma and held her close to her, "Oscar can't come back here, this is a rule Conrad has stated and I must obey him."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Emma moaned a little her eyes rolling back as pleasure washed over her body again. All too soon it was over leaving Emma on the edge and very frustrated. But she sobered up quickly when Anya spoke. Emma of the Three. . . so the fortune teller had been right. . . Emma thought humming a little. But then the other hugged her tight and toldh er that Oscar was banned from the castle. She wanted to scream in fury but she could also see her father's point. Though they'd hurt each other since the day they had met Emma was the one who drew the short straw. She gave a sigh of pure defeat. "All right I yield." She said sullenly. "I'll do what you wish father." She said over Anya's shoulder. If Oscar was banned from the castle then her father would never approve of their match, ever. And she would be outcast until he died. She didn't want that. If being with Liam made her father happy then. . . she'd swallow her pride and do it.

Conrad blinked a little. So he didn't make a boo boo? He sighed with relief and made to walk to his child when she gave up and submitted to his will. He could see just how much pain it was causing her to submit but she was doing it for him. And right now, that was all that mattered. He looked up at the wolf and smiled small. However, he would let Emma decide who things would go. He and Anya on the other hand had things to work out. Did he still want to marry her? Yes. Did he believe she might betray him to Oscar? Hell yes! Did he trust her? . . . Possibly. That one he'd have to work out on his own.  

[The Madame Red]

"I will protect you with my life," Liam got down on one knee for Emma and took her hand, "I will give you anything to make you happy, Emmaline."

Anya took a step back. She was...well, she wasn't happy at the match. In truth, she wanted Emma to be happy with Oscar. Her eyes were downcasted as she looked away from the scene. Eventually she would try to talk to Conrad about bringing Oscar back, but that would take time. Anya glanced over at Conrad and knew he still loved her, but she had betrayed his trust and it would take a lot of time to rebuild that trust all over again. She gave Emma one last hug and whispered, "Rest, I will come visit you again later."

She nodded to the others, but took a long glance at Conrad before leaving the room. Anya knew she would have to discuss her relationship with Conrad sooner or later. The female vampire left Emma's room and went to Conrad's office. She remembered the last moments she was in here with Conrad and how he stated that he wanted her to be his. Anya sat on his desk as she glanced around. Apart of her was thrilled knowing he let her back, but she anticipated some type of barrier to be formed between them.



Liam stood up in front of Emma before scratching the back of his head, "I was really scared about losing you. When you blacked out like that, I didn't leave your side."

It wasn't hard to tell he literally meant that. His clothes were the same as a few days ago and he smelled slightly from not leaving to bathe. The only time he left the room was to relieve himself while Jess brought him something to eat.  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Emma smiled warmly at him. She knew Anya wanted her to be with Oscar and so did Emma but she no longer had a choice in this matter. And she felt she could be happy with Liam. Maybe even love him one day. . . maybe. "Go shower." Emma said kindly leaning forward to touch him with a slightly colder hand. "I'm not going to hug you again smelling like you do now." She teased lightly her hand cupping his cheek and her thumb tracing a cheekbone. At least the vampires and Werewolves would have a truce.

Conrad sighed and after he too left Emma's room, went to his office and sat down. His child wasn't happy. But it wasn't about her being happy any more. It was about her being safe. Comfortable and out of the hands of his enemies. And since Oscar was the reason Emma had 'died' in the first place Conrad would not be in a forgiving mood for a while. But on to the matter of Anya. He had known she was in his office waiting for him. He also knew she was expecting him to be angry and vengeful and be like all the other vampire males who snapped at others clutching their females close growling 'mine' at any male creature that looked at her. "Sit," He began, What should the punishment be. . . He thought about it for a moment then he grinned his eyes alight with something that wasn't a punishment at all. But also a way of testing her loyalty to him. It was a terrible terrible thing to do but he would do it. It was better than killing her. "Anya." He added in a soft tone. "You've been a bad, bad girl." He said straightening some papers on his desk. "Very bad indeed." Yes, he still loved her no matter what. "If you were in my position and the one you wanted to be mated with for the rest of eternity just up and leaves you with no word of farewell, then comes back and bites the other's child in front of that person, what would you suggest would be a fitting punishment?" He was going to drag this out. Make it a little painful. have a little fun too. But he really wanted to know.  

[The Madame Red]

"Eheheh," Liam chuckled as he began to leave the bedroom, "Yeah, that's a good idea. This is probably a lot for you to handle right now, maybe get some exercise in to blow off some steam. I'll see you soon."

Liam left the bedroom and headed for the nearby bathroom. He was relieved to know Emma was safe, but he had a feeling he'd see Oscar again. Soon, perhaps. Liam tossed the thought from his mind as he stripped off his clothes and entered a hot shower.



Anya narrowed her gaze on Conrad. If he was honest in his statement that he did intend on keeping her as an eternal partner, then it was time to get comfortable around him. She crossed her legs as she leaned back into the seat, placing her hands on her lap, "I would have to say my punishment would be confinement, but in your mind, that may be letting me off since you want to see me. The only reason I say that is because if you did not want to see me, you wouldn't and you wouldn't have allowed me back into your home and life."

She then stood up and placed her hands on his desk before leaning over, getting a better look into his eyes, "If you really want to punish me, then tell me that coming back here was for naught, that you never want to see me again and that any love you held for me disappeared the moment I left."

Anya then sat back down as she looked away from Conrad, "It'd break my heart, but that's what I would do to make someone hurt if they did that to me."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad sat back and surveyed her as she spoke. "Then here is my punishment. Since you come from a time where having children out of wedlock is a very bad offence we will do just that." He grinned and leaned forward. "We won't get married until after you've had my baby." No it wasn't much of a punishment but it would at least erk her. . . her hoped.

Emma nodded and watched him leave before dashing out to the gym and to the Ballet mirrors. Her father had left her in her underwear. . . great. At least there were sweats in the locker room. But she needed to see how many scars remained. Just the ones on her back and a few deep bite marks. She wondered if Liam would bite her too. . . Though she supposed it would be a claiming thing and not a 'I'm going to kill you' thing. She turned on her heal and went into the girls locker room tugging on some pants but left her bra as it was. The sports tops always irritated her scars anyway. As she worked out she found she was stronger. . . faster. . . Her reflexes seemed better too. Was she really Emma of the Three now? She kept doubting even though the evidence was blasting her in the face. But she wouldn't know for sure until. . . that happened.  

[The Madame Red]

"I will not be branded as a harlot!" Anya glared as she stood up, angrily balling her fists, "If you want me to be your Queen, then I will not have a child until after marriage and that is as far as I will bend!"

She glared even further at him to see him almost satisfied with her reaction. This only fueled her anger as Anya crossed her arms as she sat back down, "Then it'll be punishment for you, because I will not have any child out of wedlock. If you want to find yourself a common female, then there are plenty of other vampires who wouldn't mind sleeping with you just to have your child, but I place myself above that."



Liam finished with his shower before going outside for some fresh air. He had been sitting in her room that his limbs felt tight from not using them like he usually did. The wolf stretched before going into his wolf form to run around for a bit. He enjoyed the good run in his animal form, it allowed him to fully stretch his body.  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad sat back with a smile. "Okay, I'm good." He said and pushed a blue velvet box to her across his desk. That was the reaction he was hoping for. And he didn't want to make her pout for too long. "And for the record. I don't want any one but you." He tapped the desk and the box popped open revealing a black pearl surrounded by tiny red rubies. on a white gold band. "I had this made for you the moment I saw you." He said simply. "That night in the forest. . . I was going to ask you properly, one knee and all." He added looking a tiny bit sad. "You can't imagine how much knowing you'd left me hurt, and then almost losing Emma on top of that? If Emma had died that day I'd have taken a walk in the sun. I still would if it meant you'd never leave me." He looked like he truly would go out into the sun for her.

Emma continued to punch kick and scratch at any object she'd put in front of herself. She just needed to get this weird feeling out of her. This terrible stagnant feeling that was making her slightly ill. She decided then to go for a jog around the gym. She marked out the course then began running faster and faster until a new object whizzed past her vision and she slowed down. It wasn't Liam. Her eyes scanned around the room and around outside each window. What was it that had caught her attention? After a shrug she went back to just simply jogging around the course.  

[The Madame Red]

Anya stared down at the ring in disbelief. She then glanced back up at him before daring to reach out and held the box in her hands. This was it. This was a wedding ring. Anya slowly took the ring out of the box and slid the ring into her left ring finger. Her gaze slowly went to Conrad's to notice he, too, was already wearing a similar ring as well. She then asked, "What type of wedding are we going to have? If you don't mind, I think it's best if we leave the castle and go somewhere else for awhile until this whole mess blows over."



Liam finally crashed as he turned back into his human form and found a shady area to rest in. The sky was already starting to lighten up. He was happy to finally see the sun while he was outside. Maybe Emma and the others were getting ready for bed, but he decided he'd stay up for a few more hours and bask in the sunlight. Besides, now that he was officially going to marry Emma and have a truce, he needed to contact his pack and let them know what was going to happen.  

[Hikari_Mamo]

I have to know. Emma thought as her vampire part sensed the sun rising. I have to know if I can still be in the sun. She turned and headed outside not noticing Liam as she walked out into the middle of the front garden watching and feeling the sun rise. She had no instinct to run from it. And as she felt the rays of sun hit her skin it didn't burn. It was warm like normal. Warm and loving. She could still be in the sun! She just stood there soaking it up smiling with untold happiness as a morning breeze picked up and lifted her hair from her body. Oh it felt good to be alive!

Conrad smiled a tiny bit. He had known she was going to say this. "I was thinking of a ceremony in Ireland, or in the Highlands or maybe even Estonia itself however I should talk to Liam first since he'll be our son-in-law soon. He might not like being so far from his pack." He tapped his chin in thought coaxing Anya to just sit on his lap. "Where would you like to get married?" He asked with a small smile then froze. Damn! He was so wrapped up with his child and his female that he'd forgotten about the sun! "Come, share my bed in only sleep that way when he wake we can hold each other and talk without interruption." He flicked some hair from her face tempted again to tell her how beautiful she was.