Ecstasy

Chapter 23
The rain fell light and feathery from the grey clouds above her as she made her way slowly down the ramp into the docking terminal of the ocean liner. It was bitterly cold and Alex snuggled down into her leather jacket before pausing at the bottom of the ramp for Dawson to catch up with her and instruct her where to go. Glancing aroshe she became aware of several other men standing around watching her every move all of them in the same attire that Dawson was dressed in. It made her feel a little uneasy but when Dawson placed a soft hand in the small of her back for comfort she relaxed a little.

“This way marm.” His voice was comforting as he walked her quickly over to an awaiting line of cars at the entrance to the terminal. She smiled as she recognised Anthony in amongst all the other men dressed in black trench coats as well that surrounded him. The small gathered crowd around him seemed to part as Dawson walked her straight towards where he was standing at the side of a large black limousine. Her breath got caught in her throat a little as she noticed the majiffeifference between Anthony and the rest of the gathered men. Anthony was the only one of them all to have red trimming and accessories on his attire. She supposed it immediately to be a sort of uniform kind of thing and established that the various ranks of men around him had different coloured trimming as well.

“Are you all right, you look a little pale.” The warmth of Anthony’s hand on Alex’s cheek made her relax before she nodded convincingly but silently suddenly aware of all the pairs of eyes on her. Anthony smiled at Dawson before gesturing for the door to the limo to be opened for them to get in. It was done instantly before Anthony got into the limo first closely followed by Alex who eased herself into the car cautiously. Dawson and two other gentlemen with blue and green trimming were the last to get in. Alex watched as Anthony made a gesture to Dawson who knocked on the dividing screen to the front cab of the limo indicating for the party to drive off.

“Where are we going?” Alex’s confidence rose a little as both strange men across from her smiled warmly before smiling at Anthony with just as much warmth. Anthony was pleasantly surprised at her sudden voice although it was timid but made an effort to answer her question as fully as possible.

“Scotland, to Urquhart Castle on the loch. Hopefully father will be there and we’ll get you initiated there tonight then get passage into more secure residence. It should take a few hours to get there.” Anthony smiled as Alex nodded understandingly of his last comment. Alex was more than aware of what secure residence meant and was secretly frightened of what she’d find down below. As a child she’d heard the stories of what was actually down below but never would she have dreamt of meeting it face to face. It was a thrill at the very thought but a concerned thrill at that. Lightly she sighed and snuggled into Anthony’s side as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders comfortingly. “Before we go further let me introduce you two of our ‘makers’.” Alex looked at the two men before up at Anthony slightly confused by the word makers.

“Makers?” Dawson and the other two men huffed a little laugh before Anthony silenced them and smiled down at Alex. It was going to take a while for Alex to cotton onto everything that happened in their world but Anthony was more than confident that she’d get it eventually.

“Men who have made it to hold positions close to our family by way of trust. They hold a fair amount of power over the other men but father and I have the final say.” Alex nodded understandingly before smiling back at the two men, checking out their physical features and sorting out their looks. The one ieen een was tall and thin like Dawson but paler with dark wild curly hair. The other man in blue was fairly short and seemed a little chubbier but not fat at any length, he had blonde hair with the most beautiful deep blue eyes. “Our secretary of estate James Clefton and our family physician Rolland Marsden.” Alex wasn’t sure what to do to introduce herself so just stretched out a weary hand to shake there’s politely. Hopefully they knew something about surface traditions and accepted it calmly. When both men didn’t respond and just looked guilty at her hand and back up to Anthony she became slightly flustered. Anthony picked it up immediately and took hold of her hand bringing it back to his chest. Alex was feeling slightly faint as Anthony stared down at her slightly concerned by the pale shade she’d turned again. “Don’t take it personally my love they just can’t touch or talk to you until you’ve been brought in front of court.”

“Sorry.” Alex whispered softly before burying her head into Anthony’s chest and taking his hand to sit on her stomach that was kind of hurting at the stress of all this regulation shit. Anthony was extremely worried as he felt Alex sigh heavily before cuddling into him further. Dawson and the other two men picked up his concern as well and Dawson was quickly sitting next to Alex and Anthony on the large seat. Anthony watched as Dawson shifted Alex to lie down with her head in his lap so that it would give Anthony a little breathing space. Alex closed her eyes tightly blocked everything out as she felt Dawson unbutton her leather jacket allowing her space to relax into him. Anthony caught the look on both James and Rolland’s face as the saw the little bump in the front of dress. Both men looked up at him slightly stunned watching as he huffed a little laugh and gently placed his hand over Dawson’s resting lightly on her stomach. James smiled and nodded rstarstandingly, this was to important not to have been planned and so both he and Rolland relaxed and mused at the thought of their leaders wife so obviously carrying his heir. Alex smiled inwardly to herself as she felt both hands on her stomach before she let her mind drift silent of thoughts and fell silently asleep.

Alex was awoken by Dawson softly shaking her shoulders and whispering her name. She gingerly opened her eyes to smile up at him before taking it easy and helping herself to sit up. The limo was empty of the Anthony and the other two men and so she relaxed a little. What ever had come over her before was now totally gone leaving her with only a small fluttering about having to go through all this tonight.

“We are here.” Alex glanced out the side window of the limo and gawked at the sight that greeted her. She thanked her stars that the windows were tinted and so all the people that were standing outside on the steps to the entrance the magnificent stone castle. Anthony was just visible talking to several older gentlemen on the steps of the castle. They all seemed to be in long deep burgundy robes of some kind and it made Alex feel really focused on the thought that the time was nearing. Before she knew what was happening the door to the limousine was being opened and Dawson was stepping out. Her heart leapt into her throat as she realized that everyone had stopped talking and was now watching as Dawson helped her slowly out of the car. All she wanted to do was run quickly into the arms of Anthony and hide away from all the faces but she kept strong and held onto Dawson’s arm for dear life.

“Welcome to Urquhart Castle madam.” Alex’s attention was taken from the warm smiling eyes of Anthony to a young man in a robe simito tto the other people’s who had drawn up to her side. His voice was tinged with tradition Scottish accent and she smiled lightly at him unable to find the courage to speak. Dawson smiled down at her before gesturing for her to continue walking towards where Anthony was standing with several older men. The young man continued at her side not taking his off off her for more than a few seconds to bow lightly to the older gentlemen when they arrived at a stop in front of them.

“Thank-you Kale you’re excused to make sure the lady’s room is satisfactory.” One of the older gentlemen excused the younger man at Alex’s side and she smiled lightly as he bowed to her and then to the older gentlemen before running off inside the castle. Alex swallowed hard as the set of older gentlemen turned their attention to her and Dawson. Dawson backed away immediately at the glance from the older gentlemen that seemed to becharcharge. Alex shivered in the cold as she realized that she was quite alone all of a sudden with the departure of Dawson. “You always liked pretty women didn’t you Anthony?” The man smiled coyly across at Anthony who smiled and nodded before winking comfortingly at Alex who could now feel her knees threatening to crumble under her.

“I always find what I’m looking for father.” Anthony’s voice was proud as he addressed his father at his side. Alex now realized who the older man was and breathed out shallowly as he stepped down a step to face her at eye level and to stare deep into her eyes. As a precaution Alex let the talent flow into fin finger tips making them tingle she wasn’t prepared to take a chance that they might try to hurt her no matter how calmly Anthony was behaving around everyone. Their eyes seemed to connect in defiance of one another as they stared in silence at each other’s faces sussing one another out.

“You better get her inside then before the rain comes, she looks cold.” Alex let out a long sigh as Anthony’s father nodded his approval before breaking off the stare and quickly making his way inside. Anthony smiled widely and linked his arm with Alex’s looking at her strangely as he felt the talent just dying in her skin. Surely she couldn’t have been that afraid of his father? Quickly he ushered her inside after his father before everyone followed on. Alex relaxed a little and began to take in her surroundings inside the castle. It was beautiful everything ornately decorated with polished oak floors and stairs with perfectly polished gold rails. She was quickly ushered into a large room which looked like a sitting room of some kind. There were huge velvet chairs arranged around in a semi circle around the large roaring fireplace and small oak coffee table. Alex watched cautiously as several men of some obvious distinction talked quietly amongst themselves and pouring themselves what looked like glasses of brandy. There were a few staff members who rallied around collecting coats and jackets from them as well as fluffing pillows for them to sit down. One thing that was bothering Alex so far was the so obvious lack of women, where her own clan had been mostly females it seemed like Anthony’s people revolved around the exact opposite. Gingerly she glanced over at where Anthony’s father had sat down in a chair closest to the fire and was watching her intently from the rim of his brandy glass. She was startled a little as the servant offered to take her coat and she looked at Anthony for confirmation of her allowance to do so. Anthony smiled and nodded casually before walking over to join his father after dispersing of his own coat.
The room went silent as Alex discarded of the coat exposing her little bump in the front of her dress to the men in the room. She closed her eyes and looked to the ground now standing alone in the doorway to the room with everyone staring at her in silence. It was beginning to worry Alex that maybe Anthony hadn’t been explicit in telling his people of what her predicament was now and it was making things more awkward to fit in easily.

“My dear we had no idea of your condition come and sit down. Anthony for god sake make her comfortable.” The voice that shattered the silence was the chastising instructions of Anthony’s father who automatically stood up and gestured for the other men to do the same. Anthony smiled softly as he walked Alex over to the set of chairs around the fire and sat her gently down next to him on a large velvet bench. Once she was seated the other men sat back down in silence now smiling at her witrm arm acceptance. Alex was now wising up to what was going on, it seemed as if they’d been cold at first because they thought she was going to be trouble getting into the family but once they’d seen her predicament they seemed to warm to her in the knowledge that she’d already committed herself to them. It was still evident however that they were not allowed to talk to her directly as all Anthony’s father’s questions and comments were directed at Anthony not herself. However she accepted that and considered herself looking forward to taking to a few people later in hope of finding out about things. They sat idly chatting to one another, for a half an hour before the young man that had greeted her so warmly outside entered the room.

“Sir everything is sorted, we can begin at anytime after you are already.” Alex watched wide-eyed as Anthony’s father glanced at her and Anthony before nodding at the young man.

“Good take care of the lady make sure she receives the up most care, while helping her get ready. We shall meet you in the hall when you are ready.” Anthony smiled comfortingly as the young man bowed before turning his attention to Alex and smiling at her warmly.

“If you’ll follow me please marm, I’ll show you to your room.” Alex looked cautiously up at Anthony who smiled and nodded urging her to do as the young man requested.

“You’ll be fine.” Anthony’s voice was like angel’s dust as he kissed her lightly on the cheek much to his father’s delighted grin before gesturing for her to get up. Hesity Aly Alex stood up and smiled at the young man as best as she could despite how scared she was feeling. However the young man’s warm smile made her relax a little before he gestured for her to follow him out of the room. Glancing back Alex caught the various pairs of eyes watching her intently as she left the room, of those including Anthony and his father’s smiles. No doubt they’d discuss all the details of everything now she was gone but Alex looked at it positively that she’d get a quickly tour of the castle on her way to her room.

“So how was your trip up hyouryour ladyship?” Alex was slightly stunned as the young man addressed her personally with his question rather than not talking to her at all like all the other men had done. Gingerly she smiled at him as he looked back at her over his shoulder for a reply.

“Fine thank you, I’m tired though.” Her voice was shy and weak as she replied but the young man heard it and nodded understandingly as he lead her up some stairs and down a short veranda to come to a large set of oak doors.

“Well tell me if you want to rest a while I’m sure the master will understand.” Alex nodded softly before watching in ore as he pushed open the doors to reveal a huge room, decorated in pinks and purples with flowers everywhere. There was a large four poster bed in the center of the room surrounded by various items of furniture and such like. Over on the far wall there was another door that was closed as well as a large bay window on the opposite wall letting in all the light in that was possible from the over clouded and rainy day out side. “Now would you like to take a bath before getting dressed or would you like to have a rest either option is available?” Alex just shrugged her shoulders blankly as she continued to take in the beautiful room. There was silens ths the young man realized that Alex was still coming to terms with everything and so walked softly over to her and placed a hand on her arm. “My names Kale and I’m your personal attendant. Anything you want or need I can get it for you just ask.” Alex nodded softly at least he seemed to be friendly but it was of a concern why he could touch and speak to her when no one else could.

“You’re not breaking any rules by talking to me then?” Kale laughed and shook his head before gesturing for her to sit down on the end of the bed.

“No it’s my job to talk to you and infyou you of all the things you don’t understand. As well as making you as comfortable as possible.” Alex relaxed a little and smiled before falling back on the bed with her hands above her head smiling at the silvers and deep blues that lined and encased her bed around her. Kale smiled and got up from the bed walking swiftly over to a set of doors in the corner of the room and pulling them open simultaneously. “Do you prefer blue or purple marm?” Alex sat up and was slightly stunned as she realized that the doors had lead to a massive walk in wardrobe. It seemed to be packed with clothes and shoes of all the colours in the rainbow. Gingerly she stood up and walked across to the open doors to peep inside where Kale was sorting through the racks of dresses and coats for something.

“Either, I don’t really have a preference both colours a wonderful.” Kale smiled softly at her from amongst the clothes before pulling out a large coat hanger full of blue things. Alex’s eyes widened as she noticed a deep royal blue robe hanging over all the rest of the things on the hanger.

“Well then I think blue is a good colour tonight don’t you think. It’s been a while since we’ve had a woman presented at court in blue, most of them choose purple.” Kale’s cheerful voice echoed in the room as he walked swiftly over to the bed laying everything out perfectly. Once he was finished he turned to Alex and smiled warmly before taking hold of her hands and holding them close to his chin. Alex couldn’t help but blush a little under Kale’s gaze but maintained eye contact with him anyway as she was now more excited about what was to come next. “Now, I think we’ll get you washed and pampered then dress you so you can have a little time to relax before the ceremony.” They both giggled and nodded mischievously. Alex was kind of looking forward to being pampered her life now was a far cry from the life she’d lead at the university amongst the mortals. Kale walked silently over to a large rope at the side of the bed and pulled on it hard several times before walking back over tex. ex. “They’ll be in soon to run the bath, so we’ll get you undressed.”

“What? Now?” Kale nodded at Alex’s abrupt question confused at why she was a little apprehensive. Alex was kind of worried that she’d have to be naked in front of these other men and wished that Anthony or Dawson were there to guide her. However she didn’t have much time to contemplate before Kale had moved her in front of the mirror and was standing behind her unbuttoning her dress at the back. It was kind of funny have a male assistant but Alex supposed it to be tradition and it comforted her to know that there had probably been many more women before her in this situation although they had been from this side of the tracks so to speak. Alex shivered a little in a draft as she was stripped of her last items of clothing and began to get a little self conscious as several men entered the room with pitches of water to fill the small iron bath with from out of the cupboard. However Kale was quick to notice her discomfort and wrapped a large fluffy bathrobe around her shoulders while the bath was being prepared.

It wasn’t long before Alex was submerged in the warm bath water only her belly sticking up slightly from the rose petal water. She found herself relaxing even further into the bath as the aromas of various perfumes and oils filtered into her senses. For the first time since she’d become an escort several long years ago this was the first bath she’d actually had time to enjoy for what it was. In the silence of the room Alex could here the happenings of the castle below her room but was unable to make out the muffled noises to anything like so just tried to ignore them while she enjoyed the warm water surrounding her body.

“My lady would you like to get out?” Kale re-entered the room after some time away. He’d sensed she’d need some timone one to think things through and so let the opportunity of having a bath be the time she had to herself. Now however things were going to have to move along as the time was drawing closer and most of the guests had arrived. Alex sighed heavily really she didn’t want to get out of the bath but secretly she knew that Kale’s question was more of a request than anything else so nodded her head lightly. Carefully Alex stood up, Kale lending his hand in support before she stepped out into a robe he had open waiting for her. It seemed to have gone cold all of a sudden now she was out of the bath and so she snuggled down into the robe.

“What’s going on down stairs?” Alex questioned curiously as she heard some more voices down stairs laughing and chatting.

“The other invited guests from below have arrived, some of them being various head’s of departments and close relathipships to the master. Others are just nosey ones who were lucky enough to be granted a pass above ground to see the initiation of their new lady.” Kale smiled as he helped Alex dry herself before helpinr tor to pull on various undergarments. Alex sighed as Kale helped her pull on the deep blue velvet dress, with deep crimson trimming. It was fairly low cut only just covering her assets but tight enough for it not to fall off. From there it laced down the back before flowing out at the hips into a long train behind her. Kale smiled as he caught a glimpse of her in the mirror as he placed the long matching robe around her neck after brushing out her long silky black hair. She was beautiful and he could tell why Anthony had chosen her, already he could feel the talent pulsing through her veins its strength far superior to his own ability. Not that he ever had cause to use talent apart from when he was lighting his cigarette and had forgotten the lighter but still he had it to defend himself if he ever needed it just as all the other men did.

“What do you think I look like now?” Alex smiled at him coyly as she stared at herself in the mirror and tried to convince herself that the creature now looking back at her was actually her own reflection. It was so weird to be dressed like this it was a far cry from jeans and a t-shirt that were common ground on the campus. This was tradition dress more like her own robs and gowns that she’d worn growing up as an escort.

“Beautifully stunning, they will you you.” Kale smiled and kissed Alex softly on the cheek. He knew it was totally against all the rules that went with the job but somehow he didn’t want to miss the opportunity of kissing the soon to be lady of the underworld. Alex sighed but stopped as there was a soft knocking on the door to the room before a young man dressed in similar clothing to every other man she’s seen so far pohis his head into the room. Kale saw the young mans attention grabbed to Alex but in his fight to relay the information he was sent up here to give he stood firm smiling at Kale.

“Sir they are ready for you.” Kale nodded and excused the young man, who took one more long look at Alex before quickly exiting the room. He turned his attention to Alex and smiled before walking over to the doors out of the room and opening them wide before smiling at her.

“The time has come my lady.” Alex took a deep breath and ran her hand softly over her little bulge before smiling happily. It had to be now or never and so she lifted her head and followed Kale out onto the balcony that they had come across before. She could see below her the large crowd of men all standing around in various robes of different colours. As she came to top of the oak stairs she paused and breathed out shallowly. There was not a single face in the room below her that she recognized at it made her sad that her own people had been slaughtered for this occasion to arise. Kale softly touched her arm in comfort as she sighed again and closed her eyes for a few moments before regaining her strength. This had to happen for things to be as they should have been thousands of years ago and she was the only one left to compete the task.
Gingerly she stepped down the first step following Kale who led the way. Every step after that came as fluid and easy as if she’d done it a thousand times before. The room fell deadly silent as she reached the bottom step and everyone realized her presence. Every pair of eyes in the room were on her and yet she regained her courage and held her head high. The crowd parted immediately as Kale began to head towards a large set of doors at the end of the room. Each man bowed in respect as Alex passed him in turn. Her heart was racing as she came to stand next to Kale in front of the large closed doors. There was silence as Kale picked up Alex’s hands and held them in his own like he had done before. FromFrom here you go alone, all you have to do is get to the end of the carpet and the master will be there to greet you.” Alex took a deep raged breath in as Kale kissed her hands softly before letting them go and proceeding to open the doors in front of her. Her breath got caught in her throat as she realized that in the darkened room were hundreds of people all seated and facing the long scarlet carpet that led to an altar at the far end. It was like a church in it’s lay out apart from the chairs were facing inward to the carpet and the various candles, paintings and ornaments decorating the large stone cathedral structure were of underworld decent. At the far end behind the altar where five large chairs all occupied by people in just elaborate robes as her own. Anthony and his father were occupying the middle two chairs and Dawson was standing just to the left of Anthony’s chair, his head held high and wearing a deep green robe. The other three seats were occupied by older men who had been with Anthony’s father when she’d first met him.

‘Now or never’ Alex whispered softly to herself as she took a deep breath and began to walk slowly forward at a pace that suited her state of mind. All around her she could feel men staring at her watching her every move but she kept strong and continued at the steady pace down the long carpet. As she did so she passed various things that she made note of like swords and armor lying somewhat discarded on the partitions between her audience and the carpet she was walking. No doubt they had some symbolism that she’d find out about eventually however now she had bigger things on her mind.
The hush in the room was almost excruciating as she finally came to a stop at the front of the altar just a meter back from the steps that lead up to the altar in front of the sitting party. Just slightly she tilted her head and caught a small smile from Anthony that made her feel so much better about what she’d just done. It was only a few moments before Anthony’s father stood up and walked up to the altar facing her.

“You must be Alexandria, and you have a purpose in addressing the court do you not?” The strong harsh voice of Anthony’s father echoed in the silent hall before pausing and waiting almost for Alex’s reply. Alex swallowed hard and decided to go wite sie simple answer incase she fucked up.

“I do.” Alex’s voice was soft and wavecompcompared to Anthony’s father but she was confident that he heard it and that was all that mattered.

“Being as it is we already know you purpose as my son has already made it clear. Before we make our decision however we must be shown some indication of what or who you are? It is a rule that those of whom share a past with our enemies have to pass several tests of loyalty but we find that something more is needed than petty tests.” Anthony watched as Alex swallowed hard under his father’s gaze and he could only hope she didn’t crumble. He couldn’t live without her now and she failed she’d surely be put to death. Confidence was the only thing he had going for him to hope on, she’d proved to him that she could fight if she wanted to and now he prayed she’d be able to prove it to the court that she was as powerful as he’d said she was. “The court there fore has requested that you per onl only one task and that is to demonstrate just what it is that my son finds necessary to have in our species with the pairing of you and him.” Alex smiled lightly she could show them heaps of stuff that were worth having about her but she had to think of something to knock their little minds out of warp and stun them into shock. “You may do what you like here and now to prove just what you are but be aware we are watching.” Alex sighed heavily she wha what that comment meant but put it to the back of her mind and waited until Anthony’s father had sat back down in his chair. All thoughts entered Alex’s mind as she closed her eyes and rolled her head back letting the talent flow into her veins once again making her skin tingle with an icy tone. If there was one thing she was good at was showing off her talent.

Anthony rested his head on his arm nervously placing a finger on his lips as he glanced over to his father and the other masters who were intently watching Alex. There was silence all eyes glued on Alex as she rolled her head back and breathed out heavily. Anthony felt the air go icy cold he knew straight away that whatever Alex was doing was big. He’d only seen a small amount of her talent during his time with her and what ever was happening now was going to shock him as well as his father. They’d never had opposite talent in the hall and it would probably come as a shock to all of those who were watching but Anthony had faith she’d pull it off. The room’s tempure ure was plunging dramatically and everyone was beginning to notice a frost on the benches around them as well as the flickering off the thousands of candles as if they had been caught in some kind of invisible wind. Alex still had her head back but they watched in ore as he hands came alight with blue balls of talent. There was a chattering that swept around the hall at the sight in her hands as she came back to face the party sitting on their chairs. Anthony saw the icy blue engulf her eyes as she smiled wickedly at him before letting the fireballs go towards the roof. Everyone’s attention shot straight up with the fireballs but they only lasted for a few moments but what followed made the room fall deadly silent. As quickly as the blue flames died so did all the candles in the room leaving it pitch black. Anthony’s felt his father get up from his chair immediately obviously disturbed by the fact they were now in darkness.

“Father sit down.” Anthony quickly grabbed his father’s robe and pulled him back down into his seat as he realized that this was probably just part of it all. Anthony’s father reluctantly sat down but brought his hand up to his face in concern, if this was something bad they had all been left vulnerable in the dark. It was only a few moments of nothing but blackness and a chattering began in the darkened room. Everyone was beginning to get a little confused by the display.

“This better not be a joke Any.”ny.” The tone of Anthony’s father’s voice made Anthony shiver to the bone. He prayed Alex hadn’t deceived him with this but he had to believe in her. Silently he closed his eyes and swallowed hard but relaxed a little as he felt Dawson’s hand softly on his shoulder in comfort. At least Dawson wasn’t giving up. All of a sudden their was a loud crack of what seemed like thunder and everyone watched in horror and amazement as two large walls of blue flame ran quickly down the sides of the carpet from the entry way all the way to the altar illuminating the whole hall like it was day time. Everyone was breathing heavily as the spectacular sight dimmed a little to just be as high as the dividing oak sides where the people were sitting. The cold being radiated off the flames was burning as it licked at the various people in the front row, just scalding them a little but not hurting them. It was then when Anthony realized after the shock of the flames that Alex was no longer standing in front of the altar but was levitating half way down the carpet, on her back the dress train and robe only just touching the floor.

“Shit.” Anthony breathed lightly as Anthony’s father stood up and stared in absolute shock at what the scene had produced. He’d seen talent being used in thousands of way’s but never had he seen so much strength and control in his life eveom aom an escort and he’d had some run in’s with them before in his time. It was utterly a stunning sight and all he could do was stare at it. Anthony smiled as he witnessed his father’s reaction to what Alex had achieved. However the display was not over just yet. Before anyone had even had time to even contemplate what Alex had achieved her body began to lower to the ground before rotating into a standing position and stopping a few inches off the ground. It was then that the whole-conatedated party nearly fell of their chairs in ore as Alex seemed to step out of herself and stood next to an exact replica of herself. Anthony couldn’t believe his eyes, it was as if she’d split herself up into two people. The only difference was that one had the little bulge at the front of the dress and the other. Which was kind of understandable, after all talent was only used on the person who it was designed for not anyone else which also included the unborn. So the unborn wasn’t replicated only the user of the talent which wlex.lex. After a few moments Alex stepped back into herself and opened her eyes to watch as the blue flames either side of her die and the candles flicker back into light as well as putting her feet back down on solid ground.

Alex couldn’t make out the facial expressions on the people around her and of Anthony’s father. The only expression she could make out was Anthony’s who beamed at her widely from next to his father’s blank expression.

“Come forward child.” Anthony’s father’s voice was now as timid as Alex’s had been at the start and it kind of worried her but also made her proud of achieving the shock factor she’d aimed at even though it had almost drained her to the point of exhaustion. Gingerly she walked forward and stopped at the bottom of the steps to the altar and waiting. Anthony’s father shook his head and gestured for her to come up the steps and stand opposite him in front of the altar. She did as she was told and couldn’t help but smile as he reached across the altar and took hold of her hands bringing them up to his lips and kissing them softly. “My god never in my life have I seen such talent and I’ve sat in this position a million times. You have without a doubt shown just what you are and I would have no reason to deprive you of this living. In fact I’d be worried for my safety if I did refuse you.” There was a small titter of laughter as Alex blushed and smiled at Anthony’s father’s obvious joke. Since seeing him for the first time Anthony’s father had suddenly warmed to her almost as if d fid finally gained his trust. Once the laughing had died down he gestured for Anthony to join Alex on the far side of the altar. Anthony did so obediently, the smile leaving his face at what talent he’d found against all odds. Alex was truly one in a million. “You have done this society great justice by bringing Alexandria into our people Anthony and when you left us to go in search of her I promised you that if you found her and she stood up for her own that I’d hand you my reign. Well I think you have deserved nd Ind I hand it over to you fully. You will make one of the best pair to ever grace royalty in the underworld and for the generations to come I pray that what you achieve will be to your own personal standards.” Ant smi smiled lightly at Alex as he father bowed to them both before gesturing for them to turn around and face the congregation. “Gentlemen may I present the lord and lady of spirit world.” Alex smiled lightly as Anthony took hold of her hand and held it tightly as there was an arousing cheer and applause that echoed in the room before everyone was at their feet.

“Too easy.” Anthony breathed to Dawson as he joined both Alex and Anthony at the top of the stairs. Dawson laughed and smiled widely at them both well aware that Alex would have coped no er wer what they’d have thrown at her. It was the start of a new generation of talent and everyone knew that. They began up the carpet together and everyone bowed respectively as they past before they came out into the main hall where everyone was waiting to greet, meet and chat. Alex was over whelmed by everything and cuddled deeply into Anthony’s side as he introduced her to everyone who was now gathering. e wee were so many people to look at and remember names of that Alex was becoming decidedly confused. Anthony could tell she was tiring quickly as he watched Alex walk quietly over to a chair in the corner out of the way and sit down. Excusing himself from the conversation he walked slowly over to where Alex was sitting with her eyes closed. “Are you alright baby?” Alex’s eyes sprung open at the sound of Anthony’s voice.

“Yeah just tired.” Anthony nodded understandingly. Obviously she’d drained herself with the performance for the court and he wasn’t surprised that she needed rest. Gingerly he placed his arm under hers and helped her stand up.

“We’ll go to bed then, we’ve got major travelling tomorrow to the world below and so you’ll need to be rested.” Alex nodsoftsoftly and smiled lightly as Anthony supported her as they made their way through the crowds towards the stairs that let to the bedrooms. As they began up the stairs Alex glanced back at the party below and smiled softly as she caught the smile on Anthony’s father’s face. It was like her own mother was watching through the eyes of Anthony’s father and it made a warm sensation run through her body. In the face of the destruction of her people she’d overcome difficulties to start a whole new way of life for both Passengers and Escorts. The Time of unity had finally come and the world knew it. Anthony and Alexandria’s reign would be one of health and happiness for their subjects both demonic and mortal. The world as they knew it would be changed forever by their partnership…………


THE END

(A/N) Please feedback can be left here for sent directly to my email account. I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did when I first read it. It stretches your imagination and leaves you tingling. Anyone wanting to read a prequal to this story which my friend was forced to write when the questions started rolling in at the origins of \"TALENT and ESCORTS\" then please tell me and I\'ll endeavour to persuade my friend to allow me to post it. Thanks for reading.

RIFF RAFF