This time, I didn't hesitate. Before he could land his bulk on the ground, I charged, catching him mid fall. He felt like a boulder as I slammed my shoulder into his gut, forcing him back. We slammed into the bars of one of the cells, but they were so rusted through that they immediately broke under the force with a snap, showering us with red flakes. He grabbed a handful of my hair and forced my head back. I snarled, but I didn't relent my grip on him. I heard the click of Anthony's crossbow and a stake flew by our heads. It missed and the wood shattered against the wall.

We grappled upright for seconds, neither of us able to get the upper hand. I still couldn't figure out how he was so strong. I tried flipping him over my  hip, but he only grabbed my shoulders and tried to use my momentum against me, but that didn't work either. We slammed into the side of the cell, still snarling at each other. That's when I felt his hands on my shoulders beginning to grow colder. I could feel his ice seeping through my skin and into my veins. It wasn't long before I could feel myself freezing from the inside out. My lungs stopped working mid breath, my blood froze in place. I could only stare at him, wide eyed, as my body stopped working against my will. He only grinned at me, working his magic.

It wouldn't be long before his ice reached my heart and froze that too. I wasn't sure if that would kill me, but I wasn't taking a gamble to find out.

I couldn't even move my lips to call for help. The only thing working was my mind.

In a last desperate attempt, I flung my mind out. The first one I touched was the rogue's, directly in front of me, still filled with darkness. Then I touched Anthony's next. His thoughts were too frantic, too scattered.

But his resolve was true.

With another click, a stake shot out and hit home. The rogue's attention was too focused on me and freezing my insides. The stake landed in his gut, striking with enough force to push him away from me. As soon as his hands left my body, the warmth started to return. Heat blossomed in my chest, causing me to take a wheezing breath out of reflex. I yanked myself away and out of the cell. The rogue was gripping the stake in his gut, pulling it out slowly and painfully.

Anthony was loading another stake and didn't see what was coming next, but I did. The motion was returned to my body almost as quickly as it had gone. The rogue yanked the stake out with a final tug and a spurt of blood. With his other hand, he raised a fist and thrust it out, like he was trying to punch us, but we were out of his grasp. His eyes were fixed on Anthony.

Ice shot from his hand.

"No," I screamed.

In that moment, I thanked whatever gods who were listening for my enhanced speed. I grabbed Anthony by the jacket and spun myself in front of him. We were facing each other for the smallest of seconds. His eyes lifted to mine, wondering what I was doing.

And then the ice exploded through my shoulder, stoping an inch before hitting Anthony.

I screamed. I couldn't help it. The pain was terrible. An icicle, two inches thick was pierced straight through my shoulder. I could feel shards of it scraping against my heart, but not enough to pierce it for the killing blow. I sagged under the pain. Anthony dropped his crossbow and grabbed my waist, trying to keep me upright.

"Belle?" He whispered. "Oh my god, Belle." Why the fuck would you do that?"

"I'll live," I said, surprised about how weak my voice was. "This won't kill me. He missed my heart." I lifted my eyes to his. "He would have killed you though. I couldn't just let you die."

"You're an idiot," he groaned.

I chuckled and then hissed when it sent more pain through my shoulder and chest. "I know."

"Belle!"

My name echoed through the hall. I looked over Anthony's shoulder and saw Simone and Noah. Simone's eyes were wide, staring at the ice I was shish kebab-ed with. Noah's face was twisted in fury. He hurled forward, meeting the next attack from the rogue head on, intercepting him before he could reach us again.

"No," I whispered. If the rogue could match my strength, he would crush Noah. I made to move towards them but Simone's hands caught me and forced me away from the entrance of the cell where they fought. "I have to help him."

"You will," Simone said. "But first, we have to get this thing out of your shoulder."

I nodded, unable to take my eyes of Noah and the rogue fighting in the cell. I was worried for nothing. Noah was fine. The rogue's ice was no match for Noah's spark. White light danced around the cell, sparks emanating from Noah's hands. Every time one touched him, the rogue winced. He couldn't stop it, and he wasn't quick enough to send shards of ice to spear Noah like he had me. My son dodged every one.

Simone was saying something to Anthony, but I wasn't listening. Anthony's warm hands gripped my shoulders while Simone yanked the ice shard out. I hissed, letting out a string of curses, but the pain began to recede immediately as the wound healed, no trace left behind.

As I watched, Noah was able to get a grip on the rogue. Noah's hand wrapped around the back of his neck, the exposed skin. His face was oddly blank as he let the sparks run through his hand and into the skin of the rogue, who started spasming. I knew Noah and his power. He was shocking the rogue with enough electricity to tranquilize an elephant. The rogue was definitely putting up a fight. His eyelids fluttered, trying to stay open as he fell to his knees, still twitching. Noah redoubled his efforts, the electricity now in tangible sparks cackling through the air. Finally, he slumped, eyes closed.

"Now Simone," I said.

She nodded and rushed forward. It wouldn't take him long to return to consciousness, but with Simone's ability to manipulate dreams, she could submerge him in a dream that he wouldn't be able to wake up from until Simone released him.

I stood, my eyes locked onto the unconscious rogue. "Let's move," I said. "The faster, the better. I want this over with."

With a grunt, Noah hefted the rogue over his shoulder. With me in the lead, we filed out of the prison. The sky to the east was lightening now with the teasing promise of dawn. The journey back to the mainland seemed to take far less time than the journey to the island.

"Steer clear of the docks," I told Anthony, who was driving the boat.

"Why?"

"We look like we're carrying a dead body," I scoffed, gesturing to the still unconscious rogue. "We don't want to be seen."

Anthony nodded and angled the boat to the right, where the shore was empty and away from prying eyes. We could return the boat later.

As the shore approached, I pulled out my phone and texted Devon to be ready with Luke and the car. A hand gripped my shoulder as Noah stepped beside me.

"You're tense. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I assured him.

"You saved the human's life."

It wasn't a question, but I answered anyway. "Yes. I couldn't let him die."

Noah looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't. There wasn't much place to put a boat on this sandy shore, but with my strength, I hauled the boat right on up to the beach. A black SUV was waiting for us, Devon in the driver's side and Luke in the passenger's. They were holding hands between the seats as we squished into the back.

"Everyone alright?" Devon asked. His brown eyes lingered on me and the dry blood crusting my shoulder.

"We're all fine," I snapped, anxious to get this over with. "Let's just go."

Devon cut me a glare, but he threw the SUV into gear and peeled off. "Just go over the bridge," Luke directed him. "Then take the first left."

It was a silent drive, broken only by Luke calling out directions. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but the house we pulled up to was small and overflowing with green plants. They looked strangely out of place in this big city, but still gave off a comforting effect. It was a small, one story building that was dwarfed by the high rising apartments on either side. The curtains were closed against the daylight, but the house itself looked rather homey. We all got out of the car, even Luke and Devon.

"This is it," I muttered to myself and strode forward.

Perhaps I should have knocked, but I was a queen, and I answered to no one. So instead, I gripped the doorknob like I owned the house and instantly regretted it. Pain seared through my hand, the skin sizzling like cooked bacon. I yelled and jerked my hand back, looking at my palm. Angry red burns and blisters covered the skin. It started to heal as I watched, but not nearly as fast as it should have. "Copper," I spit the word like a curse.

"What?" Anthony said, peering at my hand over my shoulder.

"The doorknob is made of copper," I said, glaring at the offending reddish object. "Copper can be-..."

"Belle! Don't you think you've told him enough?" Simone hissed at me, speaking in French.

"Quiet, Simone," I snapped in the same language, the words easily sliding off my tongue. "I'm not arguing this with you."

Anthony was looking between us. "What did she say?"

"Nothing," I said, reverting back to English. "Copper can be fatal to vampires. It burns us."

"Why?"

I shrugged. "Why are werewolves weakened by silver? Why are fairies weakened by iron? We don't know. I guess it's nature's way of punishing us. I'm just glad there aren't many things in the world made with copper anymore. This witch seems to know what she's dealing with."

"Yes, I do."

Her voice preceded her. The door swung open though she clearly wasn't close enough to open it. She stood in the shadow of her home, waiting beyond the threshold, but I could see the glow of her eyes. After studying us, she took a step towards us, into the light. She was wearing a robe, all black and made of a material that looked strangely like feathers, with a high collar. Her hair was long, perfectly straight and blood red, obviously artificial coloring, but it made her look intimidating. Iron rings lined her fingers, which ended in black painted nails that looked as sharp as any knife. It was impossible to guess her age. Witches could live for centuries, but she looked to be no older than a woman in her forties. She stood in the doorway, effectively blocking our path inside. I reached my mind out, only to find hers well guarded. I couldn't say I was very shocked by that.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Her voice was smooth. She sounded like she was only pretending to be mildly curious. Her eyes finally rested on me and remained there. She didn't seem very surprised to find a coven of vampires at her doorstep.

"Are you Seline?"

"Depends on who's asking." Behind me, Luke chuckled but hastily covered it up with a cough that didn't fool anyone. Her voice instantly changed when addressing him, taking on a more compassionate tone. "Luke, it's good to see you again. I'm guessing you're the reason I have vampires trying to barge into my home?"

At least he had the good grace to blush and look ashamed. "It's not his fault," I said, stepping in from of the witch so that her line of sight was cut off from Luke. I didn't think she would actually hurt him, but I didn't trust her yet. "This is the reason we are here."

I gestured Noah forward and he brought with him the body of the rogue, still held under by Simone.

Seline's eyes flashed. "I don't cater to vampires."

"Hear me out. He's been after me for months. I broke into his mind, only to find nothing there. It was like a dark cloud was surrounding his entire mind. I couldn't break through. However, he managed to get one word out: your name. Whatever is wrong with him, I think you're the only one who can fix it."

Seline's frown only deepened. "Why would I do that?"

This witch was trying my patience. I hadn't come this far only to have her refuse to help. I sighed though my nose and brought on my Queen face. Standing a little straighter, I said, "Because of you do, you'll have a queen guarding your back." Seline's eyes flash in interest, but she remained perfectly still. "Once I take my throne, you'll have my favor."

She pondered for a moment. "I want a place in your court," she finally said.

I couldn't say I was surprised by this. I had been expecting her to make such an offer. It wasn't uncommon for reigning kings and queens to take members outside their species into their court, mainly for diplomatic effect. "Fine, as long as you recognize me as your sovereign."

Seline dipped her head in acknowledgment and stepped aside. Noah went in first, carrying the rogue, followed by myself and Anthony, Devon and Luke, with Simone bringing up the rear. The door slammed shut behind her, causing her to jerk and stare at it. Seline chuckled from the bowels of the house.

Maybe it was magic, but the small apartment seemed bigger on the inside. It was well lit. If I hadn't seen all the windows closed with my own eyes, I would have guessed the place was filled with natural sunlight. Like the outside, inside was overflowing with plant life. They hung from the ceiling, sat on every surface, and lined the floors. One corner held a small kitchen that looked like it was barely used. There was a bookshelf on one wall, and a cushioned chair next to it. I realized there were no electronics save for the kitchen appliances. There were no lights, only unlit candles, no TV or computer. Another small corner held a dark fireplace that still held glowing embers. Several doors lead off to other rooms, but they were all closed.

"Set him on the table," Seline said. In the center of the room was a large wooden table covered in all sorts of junk. More plants, glass bottles, both empty and filled with liquids of strange colors, tools, and a large black cauldron, how typically cliche. Just as Noah was about to ask exactly how he was supposed to put him on the table amidst all the junk, Seline raised her hand and the various objects lifted from the table and soared through the room to land in their proper respective places, leaving the table free. Anthony seemed speechless at the display.

Noah set the rogue down, none too gently, allowing his head to thunk heavily against the wood. Devon barked out a laugh. He was almost too big, his arms and legs spilled over the side of the table. He looked almost peaceful in his enchanted dream. I wonder what Simone was running through his head.

"Step back," Seline said as she swept over to the head of the table where the rogue's head rested. "I don't know what might happen."

We all took a step back and she placed her hands on either side of the rogue's head, not quite touching him. She began to chant softly and blue light bounded from her hands to his head and back again. I folded my arms and watched her work.

Anthony had sidled to the side next to Luke, probably taking advantage of his human appearance. Luke's Half fairy blood was his issue to explain, not mine. Devon hovered over them. Simone had gone to one of the windows, pulling back the curtain slightly to peek out. Noah edged his way over to my side.

"Belle," he said, watching Seline work as much as I. His voice was low enough that only I would be able to hear him. "Are you sure about this Anthony guy?" Something must be worrying him because this was the second time he had asked me that in a matter of hours.

Without looking at him, I arched my eyebrows. He continued. "It's just that you're revealing so much about us to him. You're telling him our weaknesses, our secrets, our powers, you're even training him on how to kill us. Aren't you worried that it might come back to bite you in the ass?"

Only then did I look at him. "I think about it all the time," I admitted. "I think of all the things that could possibly go wrong because I've become attached to a human. Not just all the ways that he could hurt us, but the fact that it would be my fault that he did, or the fact that something could happen to him because of me." I looked back at Seline, glad no one was paying attention to us. "I still can't stay away."

He stepped closer to me, his arm brushing mine in a gesture of comfort and understanding. "I want you to be happy Belle, no one deserves it more. You spend all your time worrying about us and making sure we're happy that you rarely do the same for yourself. I won't pretend to understand why you care for him, all I'm saying is to please be careful. I don't want to lose you."

"You won't," I said softly, genuinely touched by his concern.

Nothing more was said on the subject because just then, there was a bright flash of blue light and Seline cried out in triumph. "Aha! I've got it!"

As I watched, the rogue seemed to relax. It was as if his entire body has been tense and he was only now allowed to released the tension. He just... deflated. Simone relaxed too as she let go of whatever dream she had held him in.

"Well?" I said, stepping forward.

Seline looked a bit paler. Her excursions from the spell were taking their toll. "He was trapped by another witch. She enslaved his mind and forced him to do her bidding. That was the blackness you encountered. He couldn't even have a thought to himself while she was pulling his strings. I have broken through the barrier and ended the spell. His mind is recovering now, but it shouldn't take long. He will be conscious and himself once more."

"Do you know who cast the spell or why?" I blurted.

"I have no idea why she enslaved his mind, but I'm sure that's a question he can answer for you when he wakes," Seline said. "As for who, yes. It's a witch who goes by the name of Lois Lankford. She is known by many as a gifted witch. She was shunned from our council long ago because she practiced dark magic, but there are many who still revere her."

"So what's her connection to you?" Noah asked, stepping forward with a frown. I agreed. Seline seemed compliant enough but she could be feeding us false information or setting us up for a trap. Just as we hand no reason to trust her, she had none to trust us. "Why did the rogue call out your name?"

Seline puffed out, like a bird ruffling it's feathers, as she took offense to his words. "I'm not one of her fanatics, if that's what you mean. I despise her. I assume he called out my name because he knew I was the only one who could break Lois's spell."

"You can't have been the only one," Simone scoffed.

"I am," Seline snapped. "Before Lois took a darker path, we were very close. I know her style and I know her skill." She paused, looking around at all of us, as if judging whether or not to share the next bit of her sentence. She seemed to decide we could be trusted. "Lois Lankford is my sister."