. . Somewhere behind her a door opened and closed. Celeste didn't bother turning to see who had entered her bedroom; she never took her eyes and hand off her swollen stomach. The person standing behind I also knew from my time in the vortex. She too looked the same with her wise eyes and long white hair in a single braid. Hildegarde smiled sadly behind Celeste "She's due any day now" The old crone commented. My mother met her eyes through the mirror and nodded.   "I know" She mumbled "I wish I could keep her in here longer just to have her close to me" Celeste rubbed her belly once more   "There is still time. We could try other ways to stop him…" Hildegarde pleaded but my mother's hand up stopped her short. By this point I knew it was me that they were talking about. I was the ba

 . . "Tonight is the execution of the queen's lover, Marcos. He will die and she will be forced to watch…" ~~~ Simon Pov "Bye mom!" he shouted into the phone and pressed the end button before she could argue more. He wondered if he could have her committed for her major overreactions. Sure he hadn't been home in a while but he'd been sending texts to let her know he was safe. Too bad she didn't see it that way. She assumed he'd been kidnapped and the criminal had been sending her the messages. Sometimes his mother could be a real pain. Simon noticed for the first time everyone was gone and he was alone next to the ugly van. Where'd everyone go ? He wasn't wondering long because Lily came stomping up from the beach. The scowl on her face was an indicator that she was mad, however when she looked up

 . . Not wasting any more time, Kim pushed the door. The smell was the first thing she noticed. It was awful. If death had a smell this would be it; rotten, spoiled and bloody. The stairs spiraled down into what she assumed was the cells. Cautiously taking a step down, Kim hesitated still expecting a group of guards to rush in. however nothing happened but a torch lighting up along the walls. Deciding it was as safe as it could be, she darted down the spiral steps, torches lighting behind her.   "What are you doing down here?" A deep voice snapped right as she stepped off the last stair. The guard must have heard coming down, even though she didn't make any obvious noise. Quickly glancing over his shoulder, she noticed he seemed to be alone, just as Maximus said.   "I said wh--" he didn't get to finish that sentence

 . "She's using her ability! Stop her now!" Ferox ordered. Everyone turned their attention to Acacia who was still standing and starting at Marcos head. Only difference was she was shaking and her skin took on a blue tint. It was freaky. The thought didn't cross my mind that she had an ability, clearly she did and it was strong. The guards charged her. Acacia didn't move until they were almost on her and then she attacked.   Long, jagged icicles sprang from her wrists. She back flipped and stabbed one into the eye of the first guard to close in and another into the heart of the second. The room was so cold now that her chains crumbled to pieces as soon as she yanked them.   "I WILL AVENGE MY LOVE!" Acacia roared viscously. The queen was nothing but pure rage now. A few vampires looked terrified and cautiously made their way to the door.

  . Catalina Pov She heard Cassandras screams of revenge even after the ebony skinned vampire took her away. The pain and fury of her voice alone left Cata on edge. This piece of unfinished business needed to be handled immediately. More guards had finally entered the destroyed execution room and rushed to her side.   "Find me Raven. Now!" She ordered losing her balance and falling to one knee. Cassandra did a great job of shoving the platinum star deep into her core. The poison was working its way through her body, killing her slowly. Lucky for her that it was only one star or she'd already be dead.   A few guards flew off following her orders while another helped her to her feet. In less than a minute the Goth clothed witch came strolling into the room, assessing the scene "Hello