Daevan returned to his study. Flipping the light-switch, he inhaled the smell of old books lined neatly along his antique bookshelf. Not wishing to be disturbed, the key rattled in the old locking mechanism. He bent down lifting the Persian rug from the corner and ran his finger down the crack of a loose piece of flooring, slipping his nail under to flip it up to reveal a hidden safe. Each digit pressed emitted a high pitch sound before he lifted the lid and retrieved what he required.

Careful not to drop anything. He carried the items to his desk and set down a blade, a small bowl, a set of three sealed bottles and lastly a suede purple pouch. Opening his desk drawer, he removed a piece of worn linen dotted with old blood stains and laid it out over his study table, unfurling the curled edges.

All items in place, ready, he set about performing a location ritual. Daevan removed his jacket, placing it on the back of his chair and unbuttoned one cuff off his shirt and rolled it above his elbow. Reaching for the blade he sliced cleanly through his arm, holding it down at an angle to allow the rich red essence to flow into the small bowl.

That should be enough.

He brought his arm to his mouth, licking the open wound. Iron caressed his taste-buds as his tongue slid across his skin; knitting together seamlessly, ceasing the flow.

He picked up the first small bottle, prizing the lid he sprinkled in the a small amount of the contents.

"From Earth below."

He retrieved the second bottle and again lightly sprinkled.

"From Sky above."

Picking up the last bottle he shook it carefully. Golden flecks of dust sprang to life, dancing inside the small container. Opening the lid he sprinkled a small amount int the bowl.

"An offering to the Gods."

Picking up the suede pouch, he carefully unwrapped the cord to retrieve a few strands of hair and some moss from a cursed Elm tree found in the Dark Realm. He placed them into the bowl with the other ingredients. Seconds passed before the liquid began to shift in the bowl. Bubbles erupted as a chemical reaction turned the mixture from red to black emitting a puff of smoke, followed by the smell of burnt earth. There was something unsettling about the smell, a reminder of a past time, when he had once found himself buried beneath mounds of rotting leaves. He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

Lifting the bowl, he tipped it from side to side before he dipped in a finger, swirling it around in the mixture. Satisfied he placed the bowl down and held his bloodied finger over the linen fabric. The blood dripped, landing on the cloth. He stood waiting and just when he was about to retrieve more of the blackened blood. The drips from his finger spread out seeping into the material to reveal a location. The Hell Realm was what it revealed.

"Fuck!" Daevan despised the Hell Realm. Century old creatures dwelled there feeding from the tortured souls of the damned.

But if she was there, he would have to go.

A visit to the Hell Realm would require him to feed first. Souls of the damned could sense weakness. Rolling down his sleeve he fastened his cuff and retrieved his suit jacket. Adjusting the collar, he knew exactly where he wanted to go.

In the blink of an eye, Daevan teleported to Australia.

The incessant cries of city life assaulted his sensitive eardrums as he opened his eyes to find himself standing in an alleyway across the road from a night-club. He didn't care much for city life. Pollution wrapped itself around his body like a second skin as the particles invaded his lungs, every particle a product of mans greed.

His eyes scanned the long line of people queuing to enter the club. He had no intention of waiting.

His strides were long and wide as he walked across the busy main road, ignoring the beeping of horns and the screeching of brakes from cars forced to stop.

Daevan listened to the whispers of shocked onlookers as he approached two burley bouncers. His eyes remained fixed on his reflection from the door. The bigger of the two doormen with tattoos covering the whole of his head nodded once, before he stood to one side and opened the large mirrored door without question.

Focused on his intended task, he ignored the excited female greeter as he walked through the large open foyer towards a set of stairs. He actually liked this nightclub. The high ceiling garnished with hundreds of tiny flickering lights, created an almost magical starry night effect and emphasised the rich redness of the mottled walls.

The atmosphere pulsed with the excited vibes of humans looking to drink; relax and have a good time. It flowed like a virus, but a good one. He felt himself smile.

The music washed over him as the dirty sexy beat relaxed his mood. He inhaled; sampling the air, searching for one particular aroma. He was able to detect sugar levels in blood. He licked his lips as his eyes scanned the club. Each persons blood emitted a distinctive flavour, like a finger-print. A diabetic, especially one who didn't control their condition, was like a walking candy-floss. Having a particular sweet tooth, Daevan craved the sweetness.

He tasted her blood before he saw her, he knew she was here. His fangs sharpened.

As he walked down the stairs, reaching the bottom, he headed towards the familiar scent. Every female and a male or two looked his way. Smiling with hopeful looks in their eyes. Their blood sang out to him and if he hadn't been there with a purpose, he would have sampled each of their distinct enticing aromatic flavours. But sadly time would not allow him that... tonight.

A petite woman, wearing a figure hugging red backless dress, stood at the bar. In her hand she held a drink as she chatted to a tall, well built man.

On approaching, the man looked at Daevan, hesitating for a second before he dropped his head slightly and took a step back. The woman turned instinctively as her eyes wandered up to his face.

Daevan watched her eyes widen and sparkle at the sight of him.

Biting her bottom lip she flicked her long blond hair over her shoulder and tilted her head to the right. Daevan leaned in and smelled the length of her neck allowing his tongue to flick over a small mole before he scraped his sharpened fang along the length of her smooth skin.

Fuck me.

His whole body vibrated, waiting, wanting to taste her. Her skin tasted divine as her pulse quickened; throbbing against his tongue. A rush of his own blood pumped through his vessel; his dark essence screamed for release. He pulled back as she placed her drink on the bar and took his hand, leading them through the sea of dancing people.

Once inside a small darkened room, a small office. The lock clicked into place. She looked at him under hooded eyes as she pressed herself into the door behind her. Her mouth parted as she dragged her teeth across her bottom lip, before she bit through the skin. Tilting her head, she parted her legs suggestively.

The small cut to her lip forced a growl to vibrate through his chest. He pushed his jacket over his shoulders, letting it drop to the floor. His gaze fell upon full lips as her tongue glided over her self-inflicted wound. He anchored one hand on his belt, hesitating for a second before he pulled the buckle to release it.

A heat spread through her body as she took his action as an invitation, something he had never done before. She walked towards him, stopping she tilted her head up to watch for any dissatisfaction. She saw only lust in his darkened eyes. Her hand glided over his, before she pushed his away and moved to pull his buckle loose and flip his button, sliding down the zip. Her hand slipped inside his open trousers. She gasped as she felt his hardness greet her.

This was the first time he had allowed her to touch him. Slowly, she dropped to her knees. He made no sound as she pulled down his trousers and boxers. His erection, long and thick twitched in front of her. Her eyes widened as she wet her lips instinctively. Wrapping her fingers around the base, she gently squeezed. She heard him inhale sharply as she squeezed harder. Swallowing, she took the tip of his erection into her mouth, swirling her tongue over the top, savouring the moistness that erupted.

Fucking hell. He wanted to be in her mouth, fuck her mouth. Hie slipped deeper as her lips gripped him greedily. He looked down, reaching for her hair. He twisted it around his hands as he moved his hips slowly. His thighs vibrated as his stomach clenched and as he hit the back of her throat a moan escaped. "So good."

Encouraged by his words, she drew him deeper as she dug her fingers into his thighs. She heard him make a desperate noise as his hips jerked. She tried not to choke. His movements became rhythmic as she sucked harder, hungrily.

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"So... so good, don't stop." He was close as he ran his fingers through her hair, pulling her closer as he felt her suck harder, faster. "Fuuuck," his hips bucked one last time as he flooded her mouth with his release, freeing a shiver that liberated his body and mind.

She drank in the taste of him as it swamped her mouth. There was so much... too much as it ran from the corner of her mouth over her chin.

Daevan's breathing slowed as a sense of calmness exuded throughout his vessel.

The woman looked up at him, her green eyes hopeful. He bent down and pulled up his boxers and trousers, buckling himself back up as she stood in front of him. Hunger of a different sort clawed at his throat.

He didn't hesitate as he pulled her towards him, his mouth on hers. He tasted himself as he walked her backwards until they hit the wall. His tongue possessive as he stroked, sucked and licked her tongue. The taste of her sweet mouth mixed with his own taste and the faint spice of alcohol sent his senses into overdrive. Her heartbeat thumped loudly in his ears as he pressed himself harder into her small frame. He felt her tense as she dug her nails into the material of his shirt. His hands moved down over her waist resting on the outside of her thigh and he moved his hand under the hem of her dress. Her skin was hot beneath his cool fingers. He released a low growl from his throat he deepened the kiss as he used his knees to encourage her legs to open.

The heat from her small body burned through his own clothes as he moved his hand and clasped in between her legs. Her lace underwear was already wet as he pushed it to one side and inserted a finger. She gasped against his mouth as he inserted another finger inside her wet heat. He moved his lips across her mouth down over jaw biting and sucking. He reached the side of her throat and felt her vein throb erratically against his lips. His teeth sharpened as his fingers pumped faster inside her. She moaned and panted as her head rested against the wall, eyes squeezed shut.

"Please, I need you," she gasped.

A shiver passed through him as his eyes turned from brown to coal black as he cut through her skin, sinking into the blood vessels beneath as they spilled their sweet hot liquid into his mouth. His head pulsed as he greedily sucked, feeling her grip him firmer as his fingers rhythmically moved in time with his drinking. He could sense her climax as he brought a finger out and pressed to her clitoris. Circling roughly as she brought her leg higher, tightening her grip against his thigh.

A loud cry left her lips as she trembled against him. His senses flooded with her release as her hot blood set each nerve aflame. He slowed his drinking as he felt her relax against him. Removing his fingers, he lowered her leg and withdrew his fangs from her throat. He flicked his tongue over the open puncture wound, stopping the flow.

He kissed along her throat and down onto her shoulder resting for a second as her blood flowed strongly through his whole body, feeding his soul.

Human food was a necessity for his vessel, but blood was the life source of his soul.

Her breath slowed as he stepped back, licking his tongue across his lips. He brought his thumb to the side of his mouth to wipe away her blood before sucking on his thumb. Delicious!

Running his hand through his hair he looked over his disheveled appearance. Fixing his shirt back into his trousers. He glanced behind him. His jacket lay crumpled on the floor. He retrieved it, shaking out the creases before he slid each arm into the sleeves.

The woman still breathing heavily adjusted her dress and through half-lidded eyes she watched him prepare to leave. "Will I see you again soon?" Hopeful one day he might spend the whole night with her, drinking from her and perhaps fucking her one day.

Daevan tilted his head as he noticed her flushed cheeks and chest still rising and falling in quick succession. He didn't even remember her name but the hopeful lilt to her tone sent a guilt ripple down his spine. He didn't enjoy using humans.

Not a person or enlightened soul compared to Sophia, and he had not slept with a human female since that fateful day. To curb his cravings he would only satisfy himself with a male. All the human women he sought to feed on did, however, have a vague resemblance to his Sophia. But not one would ever measure up against her.

"Yes, soon," he answered before he turned to unlock the door.

The coolness of the corridor greeted him as he left her inside the room. He looked down the long passageway, the music still thumped loudly. He knew where he now needed to be. He closed his eyes and teleported again.

>>

The entrance to the Hell Realm stood before him. He despised hell. Fucking shit-hole.

Hell did not have actual gates, as written throughout history, but a portal flamed bright. Yet from the flames of the portal no light; but a darkness visible that enticed and almost welcomed the damned.

He stepped through as the darkness encircled him and a heaviness settled on his shoulders. Slowly, his eyes became accustomed to the darkness, a pavement lay in front, strewed with a golden dust. The powerful scent of saffron overpowered him, meant to confuse and beckon onwards those with no knowledge of this place. He felt a sudden coldness as the portal closed behind him. Saffron was replaced with the pungent smell of death and sulphur filled the air turning his stomach. The sickening stench multiplied a millionfold.

In the distance he could hear muffled voices, ripples of mocking laughter as waves of haunted tortured souls tasted his aura. He didn't want to be here any longer than he needed. His mind searched out who he was looking for and teleported, deeper into the bowls of hell.

Opening his eyes, he found himself in a room. One could assume they were no longer in hell, as it was decorated in a cottage style bedroom. A dim light highlighted the weathered finishes of the furnishings and textural elements such as baskets and a natural fiber rug lay on the floor. The walls decorated in colors taken straight from a lush flower garden. His eyes travelled towards the bed to see the face of the person he sought.

Fucking hell! Stepping back, his skin tightened with discomfort. "Martha, I didn't realise you would be busy... my apologies." He gestured with a nod towards the naked female lay on a large bed, leg spread wide with Marth between her thighs.

Martha leisurely sat up as she licked her lips. She dabbed the side of her mouth with her thumb before dragging a large throw, laying it over her naked lover before moving herself from the bed. "Daevan, perfect timing. I've just finished... eating." Her lip twitched; amusement rippled through each word before she returned her gaze to her companion. "My love, if you would grant us some privacy, we can pick this up later." Her lover nodded and vanished without a word.

"Please spare me the dramatics Daevan. I can scent a female on you from here." Martha raised from the bed and walked towards him. "And from the look of it, take comfort in a female more often. You look well from it."

His muscles stiffened as he swallowed the thick ache in his throat. "I have acquired the fourth blade."

Martha held out her hands as a lightness flooded her chest. "Let me see."

Daevan held out the box as Martha's small hands gripped it tightly.

"Only one more to find," he stated.

Martha opened the lid and ran a finger down the highly polished marked surface. The power from the blade rippled through her whole hand. "It's strange don't you think something so small contains so much influence?" She closed the lid, shutting her eyes she muttered a spell as the box disappeared.

Daevan assumed the question to be rhetorical. "Apart from the obvious, which I'm sure there are better places." He gestured towards the bed. "Why are you here... in hell?" he asked curiously.

She smiled wistfully; a flush brightening her pale face as her eyes sparkled. "Nothing like the souls of the damned to put me in an amorous mood."

Daevan stared incredulously, tipping his head to the side. He had never observed a 'happy' Martha. He looked away, straightening his suit jacket.

Martha resisted the urge to laugh at his obvious discomfort and grabbed a fistful of hair. Retrieving a clip from her pocket she prized it open with her mouth before she slid it into her hair fixing it in place. "But that aside, a tortured soul works wonderfully for some of my more complex spells and I shall be returning to the Dark Realm shortly."

Daevan accepted her explanation, quickly moving past the awkwardness that had settled in the strange room.

"But I think it's time we return to the Physical Realm." She tilted her head to one side, pausing to examine him, before continuing. "As walls have ears and I can sense your visit wasn't solely to drop off the item. You have things you need to discuss, have you not?"

Daevan didn't have time to respond before he stumbled backwards to find them both back in his study with Martha stood gazing out his window.

"I will present Evangeline at the next Conclave meeting... next week."

Martha looked to the East to see a light. She kept her eyes fixed on the light. "I see you have neighbours."

Daevan shrugged his shoulders, new neighbours were the least of his concerns.

She turned to see irritation written in the tense line of his brow. "If I was you, I would pay them a visit and soon. You can never be too careful. Heed my warning Daevan."

Neighbours, I don't give a flying fuck about new neighbours. He poked his tongue lightly into the side of his cheek as he breathed heavily through his nose. "We keep ourselves to ourselves, new neighbours are of no concern to me."

Martha sighed; his stubbornness rankled her nerves. He'll never change. "What is it you want of me Daevan. I told you we couldn't hide her forever. She would meet her fate no matter the outcome of what we did that night."

Don't you fucking dare tell me that. I won't believe she was born... destined to destroy the world, he thought to himself.

His thoughts, although silent to her, spoke loud from the depths of his eyes. "We do not know if that what is to be. Even I cannot see what will be Daevan. I only know I cannot stop it."

Fuck that! "Well, I damn well plan to keep it at bay for as long as I can."

"Do you think it wise Daevan?"

He bared his teeth, clenching his hands into fists. "What the fuck do you mean Martha?" His gaze was cold, hard. "Spell it out for me Martha."

Her posture stiffened. "You." She shook her head. "No. We have kept her in the dark. She is an old soul Daevan, older than you. Older than Sophia. She may be in a body of a human female, but she is part of a soul that yearns to be whole. She is a power within her own right, although she knows not of such things. My magic has kept this from her. And you have played your part. You have kept her pure. But as each day passes, she will see. We cannot hold back what is to be. You know this to be true. You can feel it."

His veins pulsed as he resisted the urge to punch someone or something. "For fuck's sake, don't you think I know this?" He drew a steady breath as he controlled his tone. "Until she turns twenty, I can keep her safe, with your help."

She turned to look out the window. "And I ask again, what is it you want from me Daevan?"

He walked to stand alongside her. "I need you there next week. I need you to keep her from them." Please don't make me beg for fuck's sake.

His anguish inundated her senses as her shoulders dropped. "You know my abilities Daevan. Magic already hides her true mark, and they will not see it or the mark she should bear for a vessel."

He rubbed his hand over his chin. "I have someone who can help with that."

"Ah, yes the deceiver. You have done well with that find. Very rare. I'm assuming her powers have grown with age?"

Let's fucking hope so. "Will you help me?" He hated that his tone was weak... desperate.

She moved to face him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Yes, I will help. I will do what I can."

A warmess spread through his chest. "Thank you Martha."

She removed her hand to turn and face the window again. "Don't thank me yet Daevan, to hide from sight is one thing. To fool the world into thinking she is not what she appears, is quite another."