Legals: All characters so far, except Robert who belongs to Angel, belong to Anne Rice. We are only borrowing them temporarilay for this story... We have no money, and are not worth suing...

We had so much fun writing The Unchaining of Pandora's Heart, and we got so many nice requests for a sequel, that we are writing one... *smiles* In fact, this is it!

If you haven't read the first story, you may want to read it... We are picking up a week before the wedding of Lestat & Pandora... (If you didn't read the first story, Pandora made Robert an immortal son... Go read it, it was good...*smiles*)


Here we go... (Please respond it makes us smile...)
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The Journey

She stood alone on the bow of the large ship watching the moonlight reflect off of the soft moving waves below. The wind blew through her golden hair sending strands around her neck & across her pale cheek. She was still unsure of why she had embarked on this journey across the Atlantic toward the Americas. With the cruise ship as her temporary home, she would plan her next move when they docked in Florida.

Leaning over the railing, the woman watched the ship cut through the waves. The sight reminded her of her own spirit. She had been lonely for so long, this entire journey seemed to be tearing her in two. Half of her wanting so badly to meet others of her kind, and the other half wanting to run back to the anonymity that she had been safely hiding within for hundreds of years now. She took a deep breath of the sea air & returned to her room below. Once inside of her cabin, she opened the safe & removed an antique leather-bound book. She carried it to the desk by the window, and looked at her reflection in the mirrior. It had been unchanged for so many centuries now. Humming a soft melody, she began to brush out her long blond hair. She gently removed the pearls she had so carfully woven into her golden locks & placed them into her satchel.

Slowly she opened the leather notebook & took her pen from the inside cover.

January 16, 1999

Dearest Journal,
I have finally found the courage to make this journey across the sea. I only hope that I will be able to maintain my current strength to see my travels through. Tonight I awoke as we departed from Nassau. We should dock in America tomorrow, and then I will have to navigate myself from Florida to a destination called "New Orleans" in the state of "Louisiana". The wedding is to take place in 7 days.

And why have I chosen this occasion to make my existence known? Oh Journal, if only I knew that answer! I have been alone for so long. Recently I have also had feelings & images from others of my kind. Strange things. It has been nearly 200 years since I last saw a vampire that I recognized, and I became so terribly startled that I fled. I suppose I am also curious. Dear journal, will anyone recall my face? Do they know that I still live? I hope that I shall have answers to these questions very soon.

And then there are the images that come to me and torture my dreams. Dearest journal, I have seen the death of so many of my kind! Children of the night who turned their lives over to the sun, destroying themselves in the name of Christ. I simply must know if my cherub & my maker still live...

Until then,
Mistress Bianca
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He was cold. It wasn't the night air on black mountain outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. No, and it was not the badly burnt, dark bronze flesh that screamed for blood. No, as he pushed his hair back over his ear & silently watched the large mansion a quarter of a mile away, he knew why he was cold.

"A dead heart." He whispered in a raspy breath to himself.

He kneeled down on his left knee & continued his stake out. Las Vegas was the home of Jesse & Khayman, but they were not the only vampires in the city this night. Besides the burnt intruder, there was another. His eyes narrowed on the boy, long waving dark hair, and a body built on sorrow & pain, were the adornments of the man-like child form. Then he saw the hazel eyes! He snarled the boy's name,"Robert!"

He knew what the boy was doing, he'd gone all over the corners of this earth using his new immortal blood to make the journey. Robert was hand delivering wedding invitations, and his blood smelled of not only the ancients, but of Lestat & his beloved Pandora. A low growl came from his lips, his hate for this boy gave him reason to live. And because of Robert, Marius would go to the wedding. His plan was simple, he would kill the boy & destroy all that try to take Pandora away from him.

Marius had gone insane....




Cast:
Lisa - Bianca
Angel - Marius

Part 2

Purify by Fire...

She disembarked the cruise liner alone in the night. Walking outside to the terminal, she found a cab. The driver grabbed her bags & put them inside. "Where ya goin' lady?"

"To the state of Louisiana, sir... To a city called, New Orleans."

The driver laughed,"Lady, I can't drive you all the way to New Orleans! Are you nuts??? You could buy a car for less money than the fare from Florida to Louisiana!!!"

She was embarassed when she looked into his rearview mirrior meeting his eyes. "Excuse me, I am from Europe. I did not know that it was such a distance from here. Can you suggest how I can get there?"

The driver met her eyes & immediately felt bad for laughing at her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, and it was obvious even to the cabbie that he had hurt her feelings. "Look lady, I'm no travel agent, but I can take you to a motel & in the morning you should be able to get a hold of a travel agency to set it up for ya."

She nodded & he drove her to a Days Inn motel. He helped her with her bags, wished her luck & drove away. She stood for a moment, and listened. She could feel others of her kind nearby. SHe picked up her bags & started walking in that direction. It was time to come out of the permanent hiding she had been in since Marius was healed & left her to find Amadeo.

Within an hour, she stopped outside of a night club. The others were inside. She could feel her immortal heart racing in her chest as she placed her bags inside of the door.

She moved silently through the masses of dancing, drunk & loud mortals, until she felt his eyes on her. She held her breath & turned around to see the beautiful auburn hair. He was still a seventeen year old angel. Her lips couldn't form words as she stared into his eyes.

He stood & walked toward her slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. He touched her cheek tenderly,"Bianca. Is it really you?"
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Los Angeles. His cobalt blue eyes were rimmed with fiery rage. He watched the boy come to Gabrielle and produce the invitation. He snarled, watching as she read the note & tilted her head for the boy. He wanted to kill them as he saw Robert take a small drink from Gabrielle. He was marking his blood with that of all of the vampires!

"Not me!" He exclaimed,"Not ever..."

He began to plot their demise. He'd kill them all, even the Eden fount if they stood in his way. If he killed them then he would finally be granted peace. Freedom from the heartbreak & betrayal he was feeling now. His eyes began to glow in the darkness. He wanted to kill them all, even his little Amadeo, who also let the little maggot drink from him! "Oh Amadeo, even you have betrayed me."

Lestat was really the one he wanted. He'd make his death slow & painful. It would be even better if he could kill him right before Pandora's eyes. He sighed... And what of Pandora? What shall he do with her?

"Purify by fire." He said flatly with a grin.

Suddenly his mind was gripped by an old agonizing memory...Fire... He saw himself falling from the Villa into the water below. His body was in flames, and then he saw her face, Bianca. His eye widened. It had been so long since he thought of his secret child. "Ye Gods, how long has it been?" He thought to himself.

"Bianca... Are you alive? Have you betrayed me too?" Suddenly he lapsed into latin,"Menento Mori (You too shall die) if you have sweet mistress."

Part 3

Destiny...

Bianca's eyes brimmed with blood tears & her legs suddenly felt weak. Armand embraced her & softly stroked her golden hair. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he took in her intoxicating scent. To be holding his beloved Bianca in his arms after all of these centuries took his breath away. He recalled the night nearly 200 years ago when their paths crossed for only a brief moment in the woods outside of Paris. He had thought that he recognized her, but before he could be sure, she was gone.

She sobbed softly,"You live... My precious Anadeo, my cherub, you still walk the night as I."

"Shhh... Do not weep Bianca. We are reunited at last."

Taking a deep breath, she drew back from him. Her eyes met his, her cheeks stained with blood tears. "Fate has smiled on us Amadeo. I have found you again through no effort of my own."

Armand smiled softly, enjoying the sound of her voice & her proper use of the English language. Her speech was still that of a coutesan, without any of the current slang he was so used to hearing. His eyes shined as he answered her,"It was not an accident of fate, cherie. It was destiny."

"Destiny? Perhaps dear one, I did hear through the thoughts of others a tale of a grand immortal wedding. I felt that my eternity of living alone might end, if I could find the courage to cross the sea & attend."

Armand nodded,"The wedding of Lestat & Pandora is causing quite a stir in the coven, as well as with rouge vampires around the world. Leave it to Lestat to bring even more attention to himself. It should be well attended by those who support the union, as well as those who wish to see it's demise." Armand smiled softly, brushing his fingers across her cheek as he had so many years ago,"A perfect affair to intoduce a proper Lady of Darkness."

"Then you would escort me? I have had such a difficult time finding *New Orleans*."

Armand brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "It would be a great honor for me to accompany such a lovely lady. We can leave tomorrow if you like, but we have much to discuss before announcing you to the others."

Bianca nodded softly & followed Armand as he led her out of the nightclub & to his home. She pondered what he had suggested. Maybe this trip had a higher meaning... Perhaps it was her destiny...

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Brazil, the deep jungle. The lush green leaves of many different species of plants caressed his charred flesh as he ran. Robert had left only moments ago for Egypt. Marius would follow soon, but first he had a task to complete. He stopped in the clearing looking at the silhouetted figure of a tall vampire with dark hair. Marius lowered his mental shield, allowing his presence to be known to the young immortal who was studying the stars. His cold, cobalt blue eyes locked on David Talbot, who sensed Marius suddenly and turned quickly in his direction.

"Marius where have you..." He was stopped in midsentence. He could sense the madness in Marius' mind & began to back away. Marius rushed at him, knocking him into a large tree. He lifted David into the air, impaling him on a broken branch. The branch burst through David's abdomen. His painful screams pierced the night melodies of the jungle. Marius caressed his cheek, his raspy voice sending chills down the younger vampire's spine.

"My dear David... I do believe that you have something I need." He licked his needle-like fangs slowly. His hand gripped David's chin, turning his head to expose his neck. "This is not meant to be taken personally, David. You just happen to be his fledgling."

"M-M-Marius!" David stuttered. "S-S-Stop this! Please!!!"

But it was too late. His fangs were already deep into David's throat. His eyes closed as he drained him of his immortal blood slowly, not wanting the immortal heart to stop prematurely. Marius pulled back, his skin was a warm bronze color, and smooth, no longer showing the charring from his attempt to end his existence. He looked at David who was barely clinging to life and whispered,"I will no longer be walked upon by Lestat or any other vampire. I have kept my power in check for an eternity. Always opting for the nonconfrontational answer, but no more. My heart has been ripped from my chest, and so shall yours!"

His eyes glowed as he thrust his hand forward pulling David's still beating heart from his chest. Without tearing the arteries, he left it hanging outside of David's body. It was still beating faintly as Marius turned & took flight for Egypt. The sun would rise soon enough, and Lestat's precious David would be no more...

Part 4

Long Forgotten...

Once they arrived safely inside of Armand's home, he embraced Bianca tightly & covered her face in tender kisses. How he had missed her! His affections became more urgent until he noticed a single blood tear run down her cheek. Armand pulled back & looked into her eyes. He tenderly wiped the tear from her cheek, his eyes questioning her. ~~What is wrong my lady? Why do you cry on such a happy evening when we are finally reunited?~~

She responded to his mental questioning aloud. "I am sorry Amadeo I have been alone for so long, hiding in the shadows of time without another's company or touch. When I felt your kisses again, my heart cried with joy."

He nodded & gently led her to the sofa. Embracing her he mused,"I knew that lovely vampire I encountered in the wilderness outside of Paris was you. I never knew that Marius had made you one of us." Armand sighed,"Why would he keep you hidden from me?"

Bianca squeezed his hand,"He had to bring me into your fold, or die. Oh Amadeo, he was so torn in those days. He wanted to die, but his love & concern for your safety drove him to live. I pulled him from the fire & gave him sanctuary in my home. He was much too weak to hunt, and although you both thought I believed you to be mortals like myself, I knew better. I offered myself to him. He hesitated for a moment, and then his thirst took over. He drank from my veins with such ferocity, that he had to let me feed from his powerful blood, or let me die in his arms. So you see it was never his choice to make me, and I do not believe he ever forgave himself. He told me that for my own safety it would be best that I had no contact with other vampires. He did not have time to properly train me & be my mentor, for he had to find you."Bianca sighed softly,"He always promised to return for me once he found you, but sadly that day never came. Perhaps I have been long forgotten..."

Her thin fingers traced the edges of his hand. "You see Amadeo, I loved Marius very much. I would have died for him, but he could never return my love completely. He always loved you foremost. I could never replace you in his wounded heart. As soon as he was well enough to leave, he did."

His heart lept at her story. He had always hoped that Marius had looked for him, but once he became the Coven Master, he had hardened his heart. He let Amadeo die & only Armand survived. He brushed Bianca's cheek tenderly. How much he had always wanted her to be one of them, and Marius always refused! Then to grant her immortality & keep her existence a secret? Armand's brow furrowed giving him the look of an angered angel. "He just left you behind? Alone? I just don't understand why he never told me that you still lived."

She didn't answer. Armand looked down at her face & saw that Bianca was sleeping in his arms. A smile graced his face as he caressed her neck with his fingertips. "Sleep dear one. I will tell you of Marius tomorrow."

He let out a deep sigh. How could he tell Bianca that no one had seen Marius for months? He knew through others that Marius had gone into the sun, but Armand had survived the sun's rays, so he was quite certain that Marius still walked the earth. Somewhere... He only hoped that Marius would stay away from the wedding. He wanted to formally present Bianca to the others, and it would break his heart to see Marius depressed on such a day. And what of the rumors of his madness? He wished he could find him & hold him in his arms, but he & Marius were beyond all of that.

And how would Bianca react to seeing Marius now after all of these years? Had Marius really forgotten her? He whispered softly under his breath as sleep overcame him,"Mistress Bianca, so much has changed since the three of us were together... So much..."
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Egypt, valley of the Kings. Over the centuries, Marius had been here several times. Marius watched Robert & the twins leave last night with his heart full of hatred. His hand was like a piston as it broke through the stone wall of the secret chamber that once belonged to Akasha, their first Queen. He entered the long forgotten chamber & kneeled, picking up an old, dust covered golden spear. His eyes moved over the Egyptian hieroglyphics, reading them easily. This spear had been used to toture blood drinkers of the past who broke the immortal laws of Enkil & Akasha. Now it was his.

He did not follow Robert this night. The wedding date was soon, but he had more stop before the ceremony. An evil grin crossed his face. He had one more vampire to visit before traveling to New Orleans. The last sighting of the young blood drinker was in Paris. He had traveled there to gather a wedding present from Pandora for Lestat. This vampire had not allowed Robert to drink from him. He didn't have the stomach for such things. Marius laughed in the darkness, his voice echoed off the walls.

"Oh Louis, you are next young one. Now Lestat shall learn the pain of losing someone that you love more than your own existence." Suddenly an image flashed in his mind. Louis, crucified with the golden spear in his right lung, still alive as the sun rose.

"Louis shall be the sacrificial lamb for Lestat's sins." His wicked laughter echoed. "Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife!" Marius flew from the old tomb unable to control his insane laughter. Louis was next, and the sun was close...

Part 5

The Gift

They awoke together as the sun set on the horizon. Bianca softly stroked Armand's cheek with her pale finger. She was almost surprised to see him next to her. Having dreamed of this moment for centuries, it seemed almost surreal to be with her cherub once more.

"How long has it been since I awakened to such an angel of beauty?" Armand softly whispered. "I thought I might have been dreaming all of it."

Bianca nodded,"I too had that feeling, Amadeo. It has been beyond my fondest dreams to awaken in your arms."

She kissed his cheek tenderly,"Amadeo, I told you of Marius searching for you, but I never saw him again. Did he ever find you?"

Armand sighed. The moment was here, she needed to know."Ah sweet Bianca, so much has happened since you last saw him."

Her eyes filled with worry,"Amadeo, I have had visions, terrible visions of fires & vampires walking into the sun's deadly rays." She swallowed before she could ask her question,"You must tell me... Does Marius still live?"

"I believe he does. He has been walking the earth for a mellennia. I don't believe even the sun could kill him now. But, he has also been through lifetimes of pain & heartbreak. He has not been truly at peace for quite some time." He met her eyes,"Truthfully Bianca, no one has seen him in months. He blocks himself mentally from everyone. I searched for him after Pandora left his home, but I never reached him." Armand sighed,"Most of us believe that he has gone mad, no longer the Marius we all loved, but an empty shell with a heart bent on revenge & a mind that no longer thinks clearly."

Bianca's heart ached to think of her beautiful Marius alone as she was. She could hear Armand telling her his story about the Paris coven, and updating her on the other vampire's tales. She did try to listen, but her mind kept running back to Marius. Why didn't Marius ever return for me?
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Paris, his eyes were afire as he scooped up the raven hair he had ripped from Louis' scalp & placed it into the box. His grin was sly & evil as he placed Pandora's wedding gift inside with the dark hair & sealed the box. It was done...It had been more fun than he had imagined. His mind replayed it slowly, the skinning of Louis, tieing him to the stone wall of Lestat's castle, facing the sunrise with the golden spear deep in his right lung...spilling his blood onto the ground. Louis was the perfect lamb for sacrifice. He laughed recalling the fear he saw in Louis' eyes before the young one lost consciousness. The screams...oh his screams were music!

He placed the New Orleans address upon the box. He sent the package for a next day delivery, meaning that Louis would be nothing but 2 day old ashes when they finally found him. He laughed again...Ah, poor Louis! Tis a shame that you had to die, but Lestat must pay for his crimes against me. You will pay his debt for him handsomely!

Marius looked to the sky. In America it was daylight again, but not for long. The sun was rising here & that meant it was beginning to set there.

Marius lept into the air, flying west away from the sunrise. In Florida, Bianca was beginning to wake up. When Marius landed in New York to search for Santino, Armand was finishing his tale. At the moment that Marius had Santino pinned with his knee against the floor, Bianca was deeply enthralled in Armand's kisses.

Marius struggled with Santino until he had full control of his mind. He began to program Santino to be his assassin. Marius sent Santino to Florida to kill Armand. Even in his altered state of madness & anger, Marius knew that if he saw his Amadeo's angelic face he would not be able to follow through with his punishment. And Amadeo must be punished, after all, he was happy for Lestat & Pandora! If he could not be loyal, then he could not live. Marius then began to work his way north toward Alaska. There he knew was a vampire he's not seen in over 2000 years...Flavious. It was now Pandora's turn to learn what true loss feels like. It was time to destroy another family member...

Part 6

Punishment...

As Armand finished his tale, he leaned nearer to her, their lips so close without touching. He whispered softly,"Cherie, may I kiss you?"

His breath on her rose lips made her tremble with desire. Her mouth answered him by kissing him deeply. They clung tightly to one another as their kisses became more intense. His hand tenderly ran down her neck to the curve of her breast when he pulled away from her, wincing with pain.

Bianca's face contorted with worry. "Amadeo? What is wrong? Are you well?"

His eyes glowed a deep crimson. His body quakes with rage & sorrow as a blood tear ran down his cheek. "I am not ill. I have just heard my dear Louis cry out! I fear it was his last. I saw his torture, and through his eyes, I saw... Marius."

"Marius would never kill another unprovoked... It is not his way. Perhaps this, Louis, threatened him in some way?"

Armand was seething with anger. "Non! He must be insane!!! He only did this to punish Lestat!!! Louis could never threaten anyone, especially not an elder like Marius. He has to be stopped! We must find Lestat & warn him. Who knows if others have already died..."

Armand looked at Bianca's shocked expression. He embraced her tightly. "My Lady, he is no longer the nurturing master we once knew. That part of him died with the love he held in his heart. He has let jealous madness take him over, and I must do whatever it takes to stop him."

Armand took her small hand in his & led her out into the night to feed. "I need you to be strong, cherie. We will feed & then go to Lestat. He was Louis' maker..."

Armand's voice trailed off. How could he tell Lestat that Louis is dead? Marius had to stopped...
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Flavious awoke with a jolt. His eyes quickly took in his new surroundings. How was he removed from his ice tomb in Alaska? He'd been there for three days resting for the trip to the wedding. He was looking forward to finally reuniting with Pandora after all of these years.

He tried to move, only to realize that he was strapped down on a large steel table with strange shackles that he could not break. He turned his head & caught sight of his captor. His heart sank and fear filled his body, Marius! His mind was whirling leaving him unable to think clearly. He screamed out as Marius raised an axe above him, severing his one remaining leg.

Tears streamed down his face as the pain burned through his body. "Marius! You bastard!!!" He hissed in Latin.

Those were his last words as Marius' fist came down, breaking his jaw. Flavious tried to summon a mental fire, but the pain was draining his body's strength. Defenseless, he wept as waves of unbearable pain swept through him, feeling Marius begin to skin him alive. His cries for mercy were silenced. Marius tore his tongue from his body & threw it across the room. Flavious was losing so much blood, yet he saw none on the floor... Instead he saw a large pan under him. The pan sat over a flame that was keeping his spilled blood hot. He slowly sank into the calming blackness of unconsciousness.

Three hours later his eyes opened. His neck & face still retained his pale, hard skin, but the rest of his body had been stripped of all flesh, leaving long unused organs exposed. He could see his body already attempting to slowly heal. His eyes saw the seam in the ceiling above him, and he knew where he was. He was being held in his own observatory in Washington state. He purchased it 30 years ago when...

He suddenly realized that he had a lack of feeling below his... He lifted his head & looked down his body. His lower torso had been severed at the waist.

Blood tears stained his cheeks, knowing his immortality was coming to an end. He was surprised he was still alive after all of the blood he had lost. It seemed impossible. He watched as a shadow moved over him. He looked up to see Marius. His cobalt eyes were chilling. They looked so deadly now, so different from the man he had discussed philosophy with over 2000 years ago.

The pan boiled his blood until there was only a fine dust in it's place. Marius carefully poured the dust into a small zip-lock bag. Flavious could feel the coming of the sun. He screamed, the sound was sickening without his tongue. Marius hit the button to open the ceiling & began walking away. Normally one as old as Flavious could survive the sun's rays, but in his new bloodless condition... ~~Oh Gods! I'm going to die!~~

Those were the last words that Flavious called out mentally to any minds who might hear him. Feeling the sun that he had not seen in a millenium, he screamed as his body exploded into flames.

Marius smiled as he lay hidden from the sun. The chemical he added to Flavious' body worked perfectly. He gripped the bag filled with ashes. Pandora will suffer the pain of losing a family member. She has hurt me for the last time...

Part 7

Pain & Anger

Lestat fell to his knees as his finger sifted through the ashes that were once his beautiful fledgling & trusted friend, David Talbot. Pandora had cried out when she saw the vision of David burning, but Lestat still held a small flame of hop that she was mistaken.

The flame was extinguished as his fingertips brushed against cold metal. He slowly lifted it to see the simple silver cross on the chain. The pain was too much to bear. His blood tears fell into the fine powder as raw anger set in. Marius did this! And to take David from him... David had nothing to do with he & Pandora!!! Marius would pay for his crimes!!! Slowly he scooped the ashes into a black leather drawstring bag & tied it closed. David deserved a proper memorial.

His scream echoed through the jungle with inhuman fury,"Marius, your time is at hand!!! I will see to that!!! Your days on this earth are OVER!!!"

He stood up & took flight back toward New Orleans, back home to his beloved Pandora. He needed to gather the coven. In his right hand he clutched the silver cross. It had been his gift to David for Christmas that year. It had been such a happy time for them. He had to find Louis & warn him. Then Marius would die.
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Armand & Bianca sat in silence as their plane landed in New Orleans. He took her hand in his & they ran into the night. They arrived at Lestat's home to find Pandora in tears & Lestat nowhere to be found.

Armand sat beside Pandora, trying to learn what had happened,"Pandora, what's wrong? Where is Lestat?"

"Oh Armand, I had a terrible vision of David! I think he's dead!" Her voice fell into sobs,"And I think that Marius killed him... Lestat flew out in a rage to find David & see if he still lives. This is all my fault..."

"No, don't say that." Armand's voice was soothing, but inside he was shocked to hear of David's death. After telling David his life story, they had become close friends. He couldn't tell her about Louis now."We must find Marius before there is more death. After a millennia on this earth, I fear that the madness that took Akasha now has Marius in it's clutches." He paused before he could continue,"We may have to kill him in order to stop him now."

Bianca could stand this talk no longer."Stop this! Please, you are not certain that anyone is dead & yet you are already planning the destruction on the man who made us. Who loved us all."

Pandora looked up noticing Bianca for the first time. "Pardon me, I don't know who you are or where you came from, but you know nothing of Marius."

"And likewise I do not know you, Madam! But I do know Marius! I am Bianca, his child. I nurtured him back to health after the Children of Darkness attempted to burn him alive. I still love him to this day, and I will not judge him until he has a chance to speak for his actions." Bianca's eyes glowed a soft amythist color.

Pandora sighed,"I am sorry... Bianca is it? I had no idea you even existed. I have known & loved Marius for an eternity, but this is no longer the man I knew."

Armand interrupted, "I am afraid none of us would recognize the Marius I have seen through Louis' eyes."

Pandora turned to Armand, her eyes burning with disbelief. "Oh please no, not Louis!!! Armand, what in the Hell are you talking about?"
~~~~~~~~~~

Louis awoke into a hellish nightmare of pain. He was unsure if he was living, or paying a penance to Lucifer himself for his crimes against humanity. He couldn't see in the darkness & could barely move his fingertips. Where was he? He tried to see past the pain to recall what had happened. Oh how his skin & bones ached!!! He had to concentrate.

Slowly the previous evening's events came into his consciousness. Marius! Marius had been here! It had all happened so suddenly. Louis had been wrapping the antique music box that Pandora had sent him to pick up from a tiny shop in Paris. It was to be a wedding gift for Lestat. He was tying the bow onto the package when he felt a presence. He had turned & been surprised to see Marius.

At first sight, Louis had been filled with joy to see Marius. He had been missing for quite some time now & Louis was glad to see that he was well. That all changed rapidly when he looked into Marius' eyes. His stare struck fear into the very core of Louis' soul. Marius was insane, and Louis knew there was no chance for escape.

He lost consciousness after Marius strung him up & began to remove the skin from his arms. the pain had been so intense that he welcomed the overwhelming darkess of unconsciousness. As Marius took flight from him, he hung, semi-conscious & barely clinging to life. His body screamed in agony as he felt the sun beginning to rise. He was tempted to surrender to the sleep that called to him & let the sun take his life, but he could not. He had a reason to live. He enjoyed being an uncle to Robert & confidant to Pandora. He & Lestat had never communicated as well & shared such good times in each other's company. He finally was part of a family that he had alwas hoped for. He had to fight...

He cried out in bitter pain as he broke the rope that bound his skinless arm. He was so weak from the loss of blood that he couldn't break the other binding. He was growing so tired...

"NO!!!" He screamed aloud through the castle,"STAY AWAKE LOUIS!!!"

He quickly untied the remaining ropes & pulled the spear from his side. His breathing was labored & every step sent a new bolt of searing pain through his entire body. He continued moving even as he felt the sun beginning to burn his exposed muscle tissue. He weeped & prayed at the same moment that he would find the strength to open the large door to the enclosed bedchamber. Louis grabbed the handle, now catching the scent of his own slowly smoldering body. His stomach wretched. He summoned forth the last remaining strength from his beaten body to pull the door. Thankfully, the door opened & he drug himself inside, closing the door behind him. He fell into the darkness, weak, disfigured & alone, but still alive...

Part 8

Music of the Night

Marius sighed as he awoke. He was again consumed by pain & utter lonliness. It was in these moments that the reality that he would spend eternity alone overwhelmed him. He had attempted to end it all in the sun, and that was the moment that he felt the madness creep into his mind. He could not die. The truth was he would be doomed to walk the earth forever, alone.

He let his mind run for the comfort and detachment that insanity could bring. When he allowed the bitterness to reach a fever pitch, madness would take over & reality could no longer touch him. His vengance required the tortured screams of his victims. Their screams brought him a twisted sense of comfort, for with every scream of pain, came the knowledge that he was not alone in his torment.

His eyes closed and a single blood tear graced his ivory cheek. In these moments of first awakening, when his mind was clear, he could recall his actions. Guilt & remorse compounded his pain until he begged for insanity to engulf his mind, to save him from this neverending life of isolation.

Madness is stealing my existence. Why should I continue to exist in a world that no longer holds love for me? My heart is dead, but my body lives on. Insanity is now my refuge, my only friend... I pray that I never awaken from it's clutches.

Slowly, his plan came back into focus. His mind reached out to Santino & saw that he had followed Armand to New Orleans. Wait... Bianca was with him! His eyes glowed softly as he saw her through Santino's eyes, the face of a long lost love. He hadn't seen her in centuries. BiancaHis mind whispered. So, she was no longer his hidden secret... He began sending Santino a new mental message...

~~You will kill Armand, but hold Bianca for me. If you harm her, you will die a painful death by my hand. You are to take her to Maharet's compound in Sonoma. Keep her safe & comfortable until I arrive. Go!~~

Marius took flight. He knew the wedding night was nearing, & as he let his mind slip into the delirium of unattached madness. He grinned, thinking of all of the missing wedding guests... corpses left in the wake of his betrayal. Now he knew what he would do to ease the pain. He would kill them all, leaving only himself & his tiny Bianca. His mind spoke as he flew through the cool night," I never forgot you. I hope your love for me hasn't died...

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Robert arrived back home with a smile on his face, and Maharet & Mekare on each arm. He told them of his journeys around the world with his new gift of flight that Lestat had taught him. He also explained the strange sensation of being watched that had followed him on his journey.

Pandora took a deep breath & told him of David & Louis' fate. Robert sank into her arms as they cried together for their lost loved ones.

Suddenly, Lestat burst through the front door. He held the silver cross tightly in one hand, and the bag of ashes in the other as he told them that details surrounding David's death. His eyes glowed with pure rage and deep pain. Pandora stood & took Lestat into her arms. She held him close, her voice breaking with sobs as she told him of Armand's vision. It appeared that dear Louis was another victim of Marius' vengance against them. Lestat felt weak as he succombed to waves of tears. They clung to each other, weeping in front of the fire. Robert's uncles were now gone, Lestat's children, and Pandora's greatest friends since Flavious.

At that moment, everyone in the room excluding Pandora & Bianca screamed in pain. They felt the death of sweet Flavious. His last moments of torture shot through them in a shockwave. Lestat's eyes told Pandora all she needed to know. Her precious child, Flavious was dead. Her knees went weak & she sank to the floor in tears.

Maharet stepped forward. "Enough!" she hissed,"We all know what has to be done."

As she spoke, the others slowly looked at one another. No one noticed the shadow in the back yard. The form of an Italian vampire crafted by Marius. No eyes caught the glimmer of the silver sword that Marius gave him to kill Armand. And no one saw his wicked smile as he waited for the perfect moment.
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Louis lingered in the dark bedchamber, too weak to live, but unable to die. He wanted to call to the others mentally, but he thought it would be a bad idea, considering Marius may also hear it & return to finish him off. Instead, he thought of Pandora's gift for Lestat. The music box! He knew that Marius had taken it, but if he could just remember the song, perhaps it would be a clue to Pandora without Marius or the others know that he still lives.

He thought of the ornately carved mahogony box. She had called the shop & had them refit the box with a new song. A song that she & Lestat enjoyed together. Think Louis! What was the tune? Then it came to him, Music of the Night!!! He began to sing, mentally singing what few lyrics he could remember...

Close your eyes & surrender to your darkest dreams, turn all thoughts from the world you knew before. Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar.... And you'll live as you've never lived before.

He closed his eyes, already exhausted from simple concentration. As he drifted into a semi-conscious sleep, he hoped Pandora would hear his voice & help him. The pain was too much to bear alone.
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Pandora's heart was shattered. Louis, David & her beloved Flavious were gone, and her maker, Marius, who was always so level-headed & aristocratic was now insane & dangerous. It was all her fault, everything. "I should have never left..."

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft mental song. It was just a few lines of a familiar melody. Music of the Night... but who? She thought for a moment, when it came to her, Louis! It had to be! Who else other than Lestat knew of her love for that song? It was the song she had placed into the music box.

"Robert, stay here with Armand & Bianca. Please don't leave this house. Marius is still out there somewhere, and if any harm came to you..." She couldn't finish her thought. Instead she looked to Armand. "Keep him safe for me..."

She took Lestat's hand & led him from the house. Seeing his confused expression as they walked off the porch, she whispered,"Louis is alive. I am sure of it, but if Marius finds out, he may return to finish him."

Lestat's heart pounded at her words. He took her hand & they flew towards France. Toward Louis....

Part 9

Abduction

Lestat held Pandora's waist tightly as they cut through the night air like hot knives through butter. He nuzzled her dark hair as they flew towards Paris.

"I love you Pandora." He whispered into her ear.

He could feel her smile against his neck as she whispered,"I love you too Lestat. Louis will be fine, we'll see to that."

Meanwhile in New Orleans, Robert was rushing upstairs with a wild idea cooking in his head. Armand was on his heels to stop him.

"Back off Armand! I swear, if you don't stay away I'll fucking torch you! I don't need a babysitter!" He ran into his room & threw open the large french doors. Stepping out onto the balcony he turned back,"It will work Armand. It has to work."

Armand smiled inside at this fledgling's arrogance. Torch him indeed. If he hadn't have given his word to Pandora to watch him & keep him safe, he might have given Robert a little taste of fire himself. He decided to take the high road,"Robert, think my friend, your idea is too risky. Even the elders wouldn't try such a thing."

He placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, seeing the fresh tears in his eyes. He had seen Robert's plan as he scanned his thoughts. It was simple. Lestat had been storing assorted weapons under the monastery, claiming it was for protection against "another Akasha". Armand smiled, seeing that Robert loved war history & old weapons of the past, obviously Lestat was only keeping them for Robert's benefit. Robert was planning to gather all of the silver stakes & hoped that if Marius came into view he could end this madness once & for all.

Outside the house, Santino watched as the twins took leave before the sunrise. He took this chance & entered the house silently, sensing that only Armand, Robert & Bianca remained. Without warning he was in her mind planting the suggestion so fast that she never realized he was there. ~~Sleep~~ Within 5 minutes Bianca was sleeping on the sofa. He moved upstairs silently, knowing Armand had his hands full with Robert. Santino's eyes glowed in the dark hallway as he drew the sword & stalked toward Armand.

As Santino raised the weapon, he heard the boy scream & point toward him. Armand whipped around to meet Santino's eyes. Armand's jaw tightened & he lunged forward to attack Santino. He screamed into Santino's mind ~~What has gotten into you Santino? Why did you come here to harm us?~~

His mind was closed to Armand, and his motives were still a mystery. Armand struggled with him on the ground freeing the sword from his hand, but before he could pin him to the floor, Santino was gone. Santino ran down the stairs, cursing himself for failing to kill Armand, but he would not fail in his mission completely... His lips curled into a wicked smile as he looked upon the sleeping form of Bianca. He scooped her into his arms & moved out of the house with inhuman speed. As he ran out into the darkness, he heard a crash. Her hand had accidentally knocked a glass off of it's table. It wouldn't matter now, Santino & Bianca were gone.

Armand's head snapped to the side, hearing the glass shatter. Bianca! He was downstairs in a flash, but she was gone & the door hung wide open. "FUCK!" Armand yelled into the night.

He had lost them both. Robert took off toward the caverns under the monastery for his weapons, and now Santino had abducted Bianca. His eyes welled with tears. He suddenly felt so helpless. He found a safe place to sleep as the sun rose. He would find her kidnapper at sunset. He only hoped he wasn't too late.
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Louis was too weak to stand as he awoke once again into his nightmare of pain. Without fresh blood, his body was healing at a painfully slow pace. His only hope was that someone would find him before Marius sensed that he still lived.

Then he heard her voice. Pandora was here, calling his name! He tried to respond, but he could only whisper,"I'm here! Please help me... The bedchamber..."

She began to run. Her preternatural hearing picked up Louis' faint whispers. She called mentally to Lestat who had been searching in the stable area. Finally she found the door, feeling Louis' presence behind it. "Louis, I'm here. I'm going to open the door. Are you clear of it?"

"Praise Gods in Heaven..." Louis mumbled softly.

She opened the door slowly, and gasped as she looked upon her loving friend & confidant. Her eyes brimmed with blood tears as she knelt beside his battered body. "Oh Louis! How could he do this?"She shook her head with disbelief,"Oh Louis, I am so sorry..."

He placed his skinless hand in hers. His whisper was barely audible. "He is mad Pandora. Please don't blame yourself."

A tear ran down her cheek as she bit her wrist & placed the wound against Louis' lips."Shhh. Drink precious one. Drink deeply Louis, it will ease your pain."

She closed her eyes hoping that her blood could truly heal his terrible wounds. She couldn't imagine the tremendous pain he must be feeling. Her heart raced, feeling him drink voraciously from her veins. Hearing Lestat's footsteps approaching, she opened her eyes & watched as he gazed on his beloved Louis' broken condition. Lestat let out an inhuman scream that echoed throughout the castle. Pandora flinched as the sound pierced her ears. She saw the glow of hatred & rage in his eyes, her heart sank. His expression so much resembled Marius' when he left them. ~~Please my love, we can't let ourselves be drawn into this insanity. Please.~~

Part 10

Empty Victory...

Armand arrived in Sonoma after following Santino across the country. He watched in the shadows as he read the elder vampires thoughts. He was still puzzeled about the abduction. He had no plans to harm her. Why would Santino kidnap Bianca? He doesn't even know who she is... It's almost as if he is just holding her...

Marius! Marius had somehow gotten Santino's loyalty. Armand seethed with rage, watching Bianca's terrified eyes as she sat bound in the corner of the room. He had to act fast, unsure how soon Marius would arrive for his prize. He sent a mental call to Gabrielle, knowing she had been living in Los Angeles. ~~Gabrielle, please, I need your help. I am outside of Maharet's place in Sonoma. I have a friend that is in terrible danger.~~

Gabrielle stopped tracking the man in the dance club when she heard Armand's thoughts. Sonoma? She ran into the night & quickly jumped into her car. She should be there in three hours. She only hoped she wouldn't be too late.
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Santino was sitting on a chair waiting for his master. He watched the sweet Bianca with a burning hunger in his eyes. He had not fed in four days and was starving. He licked his lips, pondering raping her for her blood when the large door crashed down. Santino stood with a start expecting Marius, but got something very different.
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Armand burst through the door, eyes glowing with anger. He lept into the air and flew at Santino, knocking him to the ground. As they struggled, Bianca stood & moved for Santino's sword. Armand's vampiric nails dug deep into the flesh of Santino's forearms causing him to scream out in pain. Suddenly, Armand felt a strange flash, followed by a throbbing in his head. Santino had hit his jaw with such force that Armand was quite sure the bone had snapped. He also found himself on the ground underneath a raging Santino. He hadn't seen Santino's eyes glow with such frenzied delight since he led the attack against Marius so many centuries ago. He saw Santino's fangs coming toward his throat & he held his arm up in defense. Armand winced feeling Santino bite a chunk of flesh from his arm. "You are no match for me little boy! You never were!" , screamed Santino as he pummeled Armand with his fists.

Bianca had Santino's sword & cut her bindings enough to allow her to break free. Her eyes glowed as she ran to the fireplace & picked up a log from the hearth. Holding it firmly in her grasp she walked behind Santino & struck the back of his head with such force that the back of his skull fractured. He fell off of Armand & landed on the floor unconscious. Armand stood up & embraced her tightly. "Are you alright cherie?"

She nodded & a small smile crossed her lips,"I have not had such excitement since the nights we shared with Marius on the dark streets of Venice. I feel more alive then I have in years Amadeo."
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Gabrielle had made better time than Armand had expected. The night traffic was very light. She raced up to the lighted room, seeing the door had been ripped from the hinges. Her eyes widened at the sight of Santino unconscious in a pool of blood.
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Armand pushed Bianca into Gabrielle's arms."Get her out of here now! Quickly!"

Gabrielle could only guess what had happened. She grabbed Bianca & ushered her from the room. As Santino lay unconscious on the floor Armand carefully penned a letter to his maker.

Dearest Marius,

The games are over. There will be a wedding tomorrow, and nothing will stop that. I am sorry for your pain, but I despise the cowardice you have shown in your recent actions against our kind. I do hope that you will end this madness. I recall reading somewhere that revenge is an empty victory. I suppose no soul could feel more emptiness now than your own.

Bianca is safe within my care. She still believes in the Padrone I used to know. If you care for her at all, please stay away from us. Let her love the memory of the man you once were...

Amadeo

He left the note in Santino's lap & ran outside to Gabrielle's car. She gunned the engine & they drove away, back towards Los Angeles. Bianca was watching the streetlights as they sped by. She heard Armand's voice in her mind.~~Now do you believe he must be stopped? Who knows what he had brainwashed Santino to do with you, cherie!~~

Without looking in his direction, she answered his mental voice.~~I am not as easily turned against my love & maker as "some" might be. I will not decide his future without hearing from Marius himself.~~

Armand looked forward once more. If Marius did attend the wedding tomorrow, Bianca may have that chance...
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Marius screamed with rage into the darkness of night. He had just missed Armand and the two women. Kneeling before the unconscious body of Santino, he took the letter & sat by the fire.

A blood tear ran down his cheek & stained the page as he finished Armand's letter. His soul did feel empty & devoid of feeling or purpose. He had planned on taking Bianca away with him. He thought that by having another at his side, the madness & anger would cease.

Marius sighed & threw the letter into the fire. Perhaps it was better this way. How could anyone love the beast that he had become. He looked over at Santino. Armand had left him bound and gagged, but Marius could not let a compromised slave live. He knelt beside him & drank from his veins until no blood remained. He left Santino's empty body out for the sun.

As he stood to leave, his eyes flared sensing something wrong. Marius fell to the floor grimacing in pain. His body was burning from the inside out! The twins were trying to burn him! They were too strong, he could not hold off their attack. His eyes flared deep crimson as he sent a mental blast to the one vampire they both cared for the most. In Las Vegas, Jesse screamed in pure pain and fell to the ground. Khayman knelt beside her and placed all his mental shields around her mind, but it was too late. Blood flowed from her ears, as he took her in his arms and flew her to New Orleans, to the twins.

Marius smiled, feeling the attack on him cease. He also ended his mental torture on Jesse and called out to the sisters mentally.~~No more trouble bitches! I have no quarrel with you!~~

He knelt and picked up the long silver saber he had intended for Santino to use to take Armand's life. It all seemed meaningless now. Where would this vengance lead him? It certainly would not bring Pandora back to his arms. He turned the blade over in his hands, watching the light glint off of the sharp edge. Perhaps Amadeo was right. Maybe he should stay away from the wedding, but he felt something within him telling him he had to go. He smiled softly as he left for shelter from the morning sun.

"The time has come. Tomorrow I will attend the wedding!"

Part 11

The Wedding...

Louis drank from Pandora until she grew dizzy & weak. His body was beginning to resemble his former self, before he had been attacked by Marius. His lungs & ribs were healed, and the skin on his body was beginning to grow over his muscle tissue. She took her wrist from his lips & glanced to Lestat. ~~He needs more than I can give...~~

Lestat nodded & quickly opened his own wrist, offering it to Louis. Having no other choice, Louis drank deeply. He could feel the power in Lestat's blood rushing through his body. The sensation of his skin stretching & growing so rapidly was painful & soothing at the same moment. Louis drank until his wounds were healed. As the sun began to rise, Pandora curled inside Lestat's arms tightly, while Louis' head lay on Lestat's hip like a child hiding behind his parents. Lestat stroked Pandora's hair and whispered softly,"Tomorrow we take a vow to love for eternity..."
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In New Orleans, Robert was gathering the last of his weapons and throwing them into the trunk of his bullet proof black Jag, yet another gift from Lestat. He gunned the engine down the highway east toward the old cathedral. He hoped to meet Armand there, he would need his help to set the trap for Marius.
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The wedding hall was not as full as originally planned. Sadly, since Marius had started his insane war against their kind, many had perished before the day of the ceremony. Pandora felt a knot of nerves in her stomach as she stood at the end of the long aisle, preparing to walk down and take her vows. This was the moment, their moment. Lestat stood at the opposite end. He could not take his eyes from her immortal beauty. She wore a long, sleeveless ivory gown. Her long dark hair flowed down her back, with the front pulled back from her forehead and beaded with ivory pearls that Bianca had woven into her hair for her. Her lips were a deep rose color against her pale skin. As the twins stood on the alter waiting, the surviving members of the coven as well as a few stragglers were in seated in the pews. All eyes were turned toward her.

Lestat's immortal heart pounded in his chest when he met Pandora's eyes. Her beauty entranced his desire, and her spirit touched his soul. He had never met another woman like the vision that was standing before him. He stood tall in his tailored black tuxedo. A gentle smile touched his lips giving his eyes a seductive glimmer. His blond hair hung about his shoulders as Pandora had always adored. He could recall her words in his mind,"My Love, don't tie back your golden hair. To tame such wildness is to tame the wind." Then her fingers would slide through his hair... His smile widened. Marius had tried so hard to pull them apart, but his efforts only made their union stronger. Never before had Lestat truly trusted in another to always be there. When he held Pandora in his arms his soul was complete.

The music began and Khayman led Pandora on her descent down the aisle. She had wanted Flavious to give her away to Lestat, but that was impossible now. With Jesse healed and seated in the front row, Khayman was glad to take part in the ceremony. After he gave her hand to Lestat he stepped back and took his position as best man. Louis stood in the back corner next to Armand as they watched and waited for Marius. He gripped the silver stake in his left hand and the silver dagger in his right with a nervous glint in his eyes. "Thank you Robert" his mind whispered "Perhaps it is not so bad that you are crazy for mortal weapons."

The young Robert was hidden in the rafters of the Wedding Hall, his eyes glowed a soft violet color as his blood sweat dripped down his forehead. He was padded down with full body armor and ready to strike. As Lestat & Pandora began to recite their vows, a tall blonde figure entered in the shadows. Robert held his breath & didn't move a muscle. The wedding continued, but Marius had arrived.
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Bianca sat in the back row of the old cathedral on the bride's side. She wore a long, emerald green velvet dress. She watched Pandora walk slowly down the aisle toward Lestat. The way that they looked at each other caused Bianca's eyes to brim with blood tears. She had dreamed of her own wedding since her girlhood days as a mortal, but she had given up those childish fantasies years ago.

She thought of her maker, Marius. She had loved him with all of her being, and although her eyes always looked at him with pure love & desire, his eyes had never reflected the same emotion. He did love her, she knew this, but it was the love of a close friend, not that of a lover. It wounded her deeply when he left to find Amadeo. She had been concerned for the cherub's safety too, and yet Marius insisted she stay behind. The three of them had been inseparable before the attack by the Children of Darkness. Why did he leave without her?

She sighed & gently wiped the tear from her cheek. She watched as Lestat took Pandora's hands in his, their eyes never moving from each other's gaze. As they began to recite their vows, Bianca felt a cool brush of air across her ankles & turned to see Marius standing in the doorway! His eyes were cast directly at hers. Her heart raced in her chest at the sight of him.

He looked so beautiful! He stood tall in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. His long blond hair was tied neatly, and his face. She had forgotten how perfect his lips were! She watched as they slowly curled to form a soft, loving smile. Her gaze moved up his face & when her eyes met his, she felt her body tremble. His piercing blue eyes held her under their power. She had missed him terribly. Oh, how she wished she could hear his thoughts!

His smile faded as he looked away from Bianca, toward Lestat & Pandora. His glance then reached up & noticed Robert high in the rafters and let out a sigh. She saw his hands clench into fists, and then he looked back toward her face & relaxed. He motioned for her to follow him outside. She nodded & as Lestat leaned forward to kiss his bride, Bianca ran out of the cathedral to meet Marius. She hesitated for a moment when she stepped outside, but as he offered her his hand, and she saw his eyes melting her soul, she placed her hand in his, and she trusted him completely.

Marius smiled,"What fool left you alone at a wedding, cherie..."

Part 13

Buried Feelings


Marius opened his eyes weakly and slowly. He felt the weight of the other vampire on his body and nearly killed her instinctively. He caught her scent and smiled, kissing her lips softly. Knowing she'd not awaken for another hour, he groaned and got out of the bed. He walked down the hallway and opened the mirriored cabinet. He could see beautiful form in the reflection. The dim light of the sunset cast a warm glow over her body. He felt a warmness in his groin that he hadn't felt since his last encounter with her & his beloved Amadeo. He yearned for her in a mortal way that only Bianca had ever enticed from his body.

He went back and sat down beside her, holding her head in his lap singing in a low raspy voice.
"Sleep my child....sleep my child....In the forest the creatures be wild."

Bianca could hear his song entering her dreams as she slept. She began to awaken, but laid still enjoying his affection. As he stroked her hair tenderly, she could pretend to sleep no longer. She sat up and kissed him deeply, her tongue sliding smoothly between his soft lips.

His song was cut off by a sudden passionate kiss. He slid his arms around her waist tightly as they kissed with a hunger that had been surpressed for an eternity. Instinctively, they undressed each other, kissing & fondling their bodies with a virgin's intensity. As the fire within their bodies raged, he moaned loudly as she threw him on the floor pinning beneath her.

Her desire exploded as he undressed her. She could feel her heart racing, feeling his hands touching every inch of her flesh. She hadn't touched another in this way since her mortal days as a courtesan in Venice. After centuries of burying her feelings for him, the dam was broken, and her passion was overwhelming. She pinned him to the ground and began covering him in kisses. Wanting to pleasure him & show him her love, she kissed down his chest, gently suckling each nipple. She let her fangs gently pierce the hardened tip of his nipple. She hadn't tasted another vampire since Marius had made her, and as she licked the blood from his chest the sensation was beyond description. Slowly her soft lips moved down his stomach until her tongue traced his hair line. She looked up at his face and smiled softly before tenderly sliding her lips over his organ.

His eyes widened when he felt her hot mouth take him in. He looked down at her, his hands tangling in her golden hair as her head bobbed lightly. When he felt her fangs brush over the head of his hard organ he let out a soft moan of pleasure. His fangs bit into his lower lip sending a small drop of blood sliding dwn hs chin. Within moments, his hot come shot deep into her mouth. He could feel her take in every drop milking him completely.

She had forgotten how sensual a man's moans could be, and to hear them coming from Marius excited her even more. Hearing his screams of pleasure helped confirm that this was no dream. His passion & desire for her were real.

Before she had time to react he moved over her. His lips were all over her flesh until they found the moist heat below. His tongue moved across her hot folds and slowly entered her. His finger massaged her mound as his tongue moved deep inside her. His eyes closed taking in the scent and taste of her body feeling her fingers slide through his blonde hair. He felt her body tense as she came hard in his loving mouth.

As a courtesan, she had been a giver of pleasure, and rarely allowed a man to bring her the same ecstasy. She felt vulnerable when she lost herself in a man's touch. But as Marius laid over her letting his lips caress her flesh, she gave herself to him. He had her trust & held all the power over her. As her body trembled with passion at her peak, she screamed out pleasure. She pulled him up by his hair, their eyes burning with love & yearning. She kissed him passionately, never wanting their night to end.

They wrestled as impassioned lovers for hours. Giving their bodies & souls to one another. As she laid in his arms, body glistening with blood sweat, she noticed that her journal pages she had written were no longer on the desk. Had Marius read her thoughts? Did he know how she felt? Before she could ask, sleep overtook her.

At dawn he held her tightly in his arms. He drifted away into death's sleep with her name on his lips.

Part 14

A Hearts Secrets


He awoke smiling. It felt so calming to awaken in love instead of hate. He felt his anger & resentment melt away as he watched her sleeping in his arms. Not wanting to move, he mentally opened the drawer on the desk and let the papers float to him. He silently read Bianca's words, feeling guilty for reading her personal writings, but unable to take his eyes from the page. After rereading her thoughts repeatedly, he suddenly realized she was watching. He swallowed, and slowly met her eyes.

"I was only...." He tried to think of a response when she sighed and looked away. His heart sank, "Bianca."

He gently tilted her chin, bringing her gaze to meet his. He felt the tears well within him when he saw the shame & embarassment in her eyes. How he wished to be able to read her mind! He sat up, dropping the papers, and held her tightly in his arms. He layered her face with tender kisses to show her that her words were nothing to be ashamed of.

Within moments, the embrace became laced with passion & they began suckling each other's necks, their hands caressing and exploring each other's bodies. Their hunger comsumed them as they fed from each other's throats, moaning softly in ecstacy. She laid him back, telling him he should rest and lay still. She suckled his powerful blood as her hand firmly rubbed his hard organ. His moans were driving her faster as his hips undulated against her hand. It didn't take long for her touch & their intimate feeding to bring him to explode all over her hand. He watched with wide eyes as she leaned down and seductively licked the white warm semen from her hand and his body.

He was filled with urgent lust for her. Kissing her mouth harshly, he could taste his fluid on her tongue. He rolled over her and held her close in his arms as he entered her body deeply. He was lost in the passion and love as they bucked and moved against one another. Their hot bodies were covered in a fine sheen of blood sweat when their flesh finally yielded. Their orgasmic cries were heard for miles around by all of the creatures of the Louisiana swamp.

They clung to one another, their passion spent and now only wanting each others arms. Marius finished telling her about his first meeting with Lestat and other old stories. An uncomfortable silence surrounded them. He took a deep breath & whispered to her,"Beloved Bianca, I am ashamed to admit that I have read your journal, but I must know..." He paused. "What feelings do you harbor for Pandora and the rest of the coven?"

He really wasn't concerned with the coven, but he did want to talk about Pandora. During his years with Amadeo & Bianca he had never mentioned Pandora's name, unsure at that time whether or not she still lived. He had never meant to hurt Bianca, but he was certain that he had done just that. He waited silently for her reply.
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Bianca laid, exhausted in Marius' arms. She thought for a few moments before answering his question. "I have enjoyed meeting the coven. They have been very kind and accepting of me."

She turned & looked into his eyes, tenderly brushing back a lock of his golden hair from his forehead. "And Pandora seems to be quite a woman. I can see how she has captured your heart for centuries."

Her chest ached as she spoke of Pandora, for although she was very fond of her, she was also feeling a knot of jealousy in her heart. "In the years we spent in Venice with Amadeo, you never told us of Pandora. I must tell you, Marius, that when I met her & Amadeo told me of your history together, I was shocked & hurt. Why did you keep her a secret from us?" She swallowed hard before continuing in a soft whisper,"Is she the reason you never came back for me?"

She sat quietly, almost fearing his answer. She & Pandora were so different. Pandora came from an aristocratic family, with a proper education & those dark, striking roman features made her a timeless beauty. Bianca had educated herself, and much of the lessons she learned were from the streets of Venice. She had worked hard for the home and business she had in Venice. As a courtesan, that put her station in life far below his. How could he ever love her? She almost hoped he wouldn't answer her question.
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Armand was worried. He searched throughout the city & found no trace of them. Would Marius kill Bianca as he had the others? She knew what Marius had done, how could she trust him? He returned, empty handed, the cathedral. Louis was sitting out on the steps & stood to meet him. He looked into Louis' deep emerald eyes.~~Has everyone left?~~

Louis nodded slowly, speaking into Armand's mind,~~I'm sure she is safe. Marius wouldn't have gone to the trouble of having Santino kidnap her just to kill her.~~

Armand nodded, but in his heart he he couldn't quiet his concerns. And then there was Santino. Was he still out there somewhere bent on killing him? He sighed and sat down, closing his eyes. Summoning all of his mental powers, he sent out a call.~~Mistress Bianca, where are you?~~

Part 15

Pured By Love...


Marius closed his eyes and thought a moment. Why had he stopped searching for Bianca? Now he had her in his arms and she wanted the truth. How does one tell such a woman he does not know the truth himself? He opened his eyes once more to meet hers. Oh how beautiful she was at that moment watching him with hope and love warming her face.

Slowly he turned his head to the window, the light of the moon casting an erie glow upon his ivory skin. Gathering his thoughts, he turned to her again. Softly he caressed her cheek. "Bianca, my love, Pandora was not the reason I never came back for you. I did return to Venice once." He stopped seeing her shock then continued. "I couldn't find you in the modern city. Because you lived in secrecy from our kind, there weren't any other vampires who had seen you. Years later I heard a rumor of a woman blood drinker with woven perals in her hair being sighted in France. I searched for more information, but I ended up with a dead end."

Bianca's eyes welled with blood tears, hearing Marius' reply. She never knew that he had searched for her. For years she had wondered if he still lived, or if he found Amadeo & simply forgot about her. Now she had her answer, and she was surprised to realize that the pain did not disappear. Instead it was replaced by regret. Why had she allowed herself to live in obscurity for hundreds of years? Her cowardice had only lengthened their separation.

And what of the torturous murders? She still didn't want to believe he had committed the deeds they accused him of. What if she had come out of hiding & found her way to him sooner? If he had been faced with a choice would he have chosen her or Pandora? Would it have stopped the bloodshed? She pondered this thought for a moment. Had she denied herself love & happiness for hundreds of years?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Armand's voice in her mind.~~Mistress Bianca, where are you?~~

She quickly blocked her mind. She knew that Marius could not hear his call, but all other vampires would certainly hear, and if she answered Amadeo's call, she would be placing Marius in danger. She kissed his hand, waiting for him to continue, and praying that she could continue to shield her thoughts from the others.

He paused once more, tears welling in his eyes. "Bianca, my dearest Bianca, with our minds eternally blocked from each other, I never knew if you were alive, and I was fearful to find out. If I had found that you had perished, I would never have forgiven myself, so I buried myself in other matters. Eventually, I reunited with Pandora & tried to keep thoughts of you from my mind, so that I would not have to face the fact I abandoned you. Bianca...Please...forgive me..."

Suddenly he felt it. A mental vibration entered the small cabin like a shock wave. He met her eyes and sighed. Someone was trying to find her, but he didn't know whom. The call had a lot of power & intensity in it so that it could be heard world wide. Then it came to him. He could not read the message, or sense the sender. That meant only one thing, this vampire was of his blood. His fledgling. His head fell back on the pillow. He spoke gently. "Tell Armand or Pandora where we are. I will give myself over willingly."

She clung tightly to him as blood tears rolled down her cheeks."I am frightened, my love. I have finally found you again, only to have you torn from my arms! I love you, and I can't lose you now. I'm going with you. I won't let you face this alone."

He tenderly wiped her tears. "Please, my love. You have brought me back from the brink of madness. Your love has saved my soul, and I must now attone for my unforgivable actions against the coven."

She sighed & opened her mind to Armand,~~I am safe Amadeo, as is Marius. He is ready to give himself up... Come to us...~~

Now she could only pray that he would not have to pay for his crimes with his life...
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Armand sat on the steps of the cathedral after sending out his mental call for Bianca. Waiting for some reply, he looked up & noticed a man walking in his direction. There was something familiar about his stride & the way his hair hung in his eyes. A soft smile crossed his lips when he heard the familiar voice.

"So, where is everybody? I thought there was supposed to be a wedding or something?"

Daniel, and late as usual...

Part 16

The Surrender...


Armand's heart pounded vigorously in his chest upon hearing the familiar sound of Daniel's voice. He smiled & embraced his fledgling. "The wedding was over 3 hours ago. I see your watch still runs slow, Daniel."

Daniel laughed softly & returned Armand's embrace. "I suppose you're right. So where is everybody? Why do you & Louis look so down tonight? Did Pandora come to her senses & leave Lestat at the alter?"

Armand smiled softly, seeing that, as usual, Daniel was oblivious to the recent happenings within the coven. As he began to tell him about Marius, Armand broke down in tears. Daniel held him tightly in his arms, gently laying kisses on his auburn hair. Armand felt the warmth of Daniel's affections spread over his body. He took a deep breath & continued,"So I fear that Bianca may be in danger, and that my kind, loving Marius is lost from this earth, only to live out eternity insane with anger..."

He was unable to finish his sentence. Daniel looked concerned,"Armand? What's wrong?"

Armand met his eyes slowly. "It's Bianca. She & Marius are safe. She is showing me where they are staying. Daniel, Marius is yielding..."
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Marius held Bianca tightly in his arms. They were standing in the door way of the small cabin when the twins appeared, followed by Lestat & Pandora. He gently kissed Bianca's golden hair & walked to the twins. He could hear her sobs as the twins placed the shackles over his wrists and ankles. The chains that once held Lestat, now restrained the tall Roman. He followed behind them, his spirit seemingly broken, as the twins led him away toward the monastery.

Pandora wept as she watched her first love surrender himself to the twins' bindings. He met her eyes briefly & she saw none of the hate that had been there, only shame & deep regret. She wanted to run and throw her arms around him, telling him how sorry she was for causing him pain, but her pride, anger & love for Lestat held her back. She could only watch in quiet agony as the twins led him away with his head hung low, resigning himself to their control.

Hearing a soft weeping, Pandora turned back to see Bianca in tears. She ran to her and embraced her tightly, thinking the tears were wept in relief for being spared Marius' wicked wrath. It wasn't until she heard Bianca's soft whisper that she understood..."Oh please, I can't go on if he is to die..."

A tear ran down Pandora's ivory cheek. Bianca was in love with Marius...
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Pandora and Lestat helped to calm Bianca as they flew her through the night air to Lestat's home. She explained what had taken place vaguely leaving out the intimate details. As the sunrise neared, Lestat received a mental call from Maharet. Marius' trial would commence in three days. He would need an advocate to present his defense. The twins had concluded that this person could not be of his own blood, so they would need a volunteer. Maharet's words echoed through their minds ~~We must have an advocate for Marius by tomorrow's sunrise.~~

Bianca sat in silence. She spoke to Pandora mentally,~~Take me to him... Please...~~

Part 17

The Advocate...


Armand turned to look for Louis only to find him running right at him, his eyes glowing softly. ~~We have to get to the Sonoma compound! The twins have Marius.~~

Daniel squeezed Armand's hand, letting him know that he was coming along too. The three immortals caught the first flight out of New Orleans, and landed in Los Angeles. There they rented a car & were in Sonoma within 2 hours.

Louis got out & walked toward the garden.~~Will you two excuse me? I need to be alone to think before seeing Marius again.~~

Daniel winked at Armand & melted his heart with that beautiful crooked smile that gave him the look of a young boy who was trying to keep a secret. Armand pulled him close & kissed him deeply. "You are playing with fire, Daniel..."

Daniel whispered seductively,"I was counting on that..."

They both smiled & quickly headed for the old abandoned chapel...

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Once they set foot on Maharet's Sonoma compound, Pandora helped the tear stained Bianca inside. She sat next to her, and softly ran her hand across Bianca's back, quieting her sobs. Pandora watched Lestat walk down the hall, brooding alone. The decree had come from the twins that Marius would be judged in 3 days, and if he were to be defended, it could not be by one of his fledglings. Without an advocate, the twins would proceed with punishment immediately. Death...

She turned back to Bianca, her mouth unable to find the words to tell her. Pandora wondered if she herself had really faced the situation. Marius was to be "judged" in 3 days! If the twins concluded that Marius did kill others of our kind without provocation, the penalty would be a slow death. Her eyes welled with tears at the thought of seeing her beautiful maker tied to a stake & burned. She could almost see his eyes meeting hers as the flames swallowed him.

She couldn't stand idly by. Without a word she stood & went to the study. Lestat's back was toward her, as he stood at the window bathed in the moon's soft golden light. She walked to him and slid her arms around his waist tenderly. He turned around, embracing her. ~~Ah, Pandora, what are we to do? I want to kill him myself for the pain he caused Louis & David! I am filled with anger & a need for vengance.~~

He swallowed, biting back tears. He spoke aloud to her as his emotions began to get the better of him. "He knew that I loved them. He wanted to hurt me by hurting the ones I love!" His eyes glowed. " He deserves to die for that..."

Pandora shook her head softly. "He had no right to hurt Louis or David or poor Flavious." A tear ran slowly down her cheek. "But my love, Marius was not himself, and we are to blame for that. I should have never walked out on him like that," She saw a frown cross his face & continued," but I have no regrets in meeting & loving you."

He tenderly kissed away her tear. He met her eyes, shaking his head softly,"So you are suggesting I should just forgive him for killing David? I'm sorry Pandora, I can't do that." He turned away & resumed looking out into the night.

She stood behind him, tears streamed down her cheeks. Anger, pain, guilt & remorse all filled her body at one moment. She could only muster the strength for an intense whisper,"I'm not asking you to forgive him. I'm asking you to defend him. We owe him at least that much. I would do it myself if the twins would allow it. I need you to do this Lestat. I can't just let them kill him without knowing that we tried. I can't live knowing that we just stood & watched him die... Please Lestat....for me..."

Lestat knew she was right. If he were ever to lose Pandora to another he would certainly lose his sanity, and Marius would no doubt step forward to defend Lestat if he were in the same position. He swallowed, unable to move the lump he felt in his throat. What she asked of him would be so difficult, but as he turned to look into her dark eyes, he heard his voice say,"I will do what you ask, my love. I will defend Marius for you, not him." He sent the message mentally to the twins & all others who might listen. Lestat was now the advocate for Marius.
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Louis sat in the garden of the Maharet's compound, fuming over what was happening. He knew that Marius was chained in the attic, and Bianca was with him probably performing gods only knew what kind of sexual activities. He closed his eyes & took a deep breath. He was not an angry person...well...there was this one incident with fire...but they deserved that!

"There is no justice. Marius should be dead by now for what he did!" He heard footsteps approaching and turned. His eyes of fire quickly extinguished. "Umm...Hello, Lestat."

The brat prince crossed his arms over his chest and smiled slyly. He knew Louis would not like him being Marius' defender, and how could he expect him to understand? He knew now that if he had lost Pandora he too would go insane. Marius was lucky to have someone like Bianca to care about him & bring him back. Who would have been there for Lestat? Not Louis, no one would have been there. He grew tired of the endless games. If only he could read Louis' thoughts. He sighed, "Out with it Dear Louis, speak the thoughts I can't hear."

Part 18

Pre-trial Preparations...

Louis was seething with anger as he looked at Lestat. "Where do I begin, dearest? Let's start with you defending Marius!!! How, exactly, am I supposed to feel to find that my own, Lestat, will be fighting to save his life after he tortured me & left me to burn in the sun? Damn you to Hell for defending his life! Damn you Lestat! I hate you!"

Louis' eyes glowed red as his arm pulled back to strike him. Lestat dodged the blow & grabbed Louis' arm pinning it behind his back. Lestat whispered into his ear,"I am truly sorry Louis. I do love you, and I can't expect you to understand. Please know that this is an impossibly difficult task for me to take on, but I must do it. Marius would do the same for me if our roles were reversed."

"Is that what this is about? You think you owe Marius? Trust me mon amie, when he skinned me alive, your debt was repaid! Let the twins have him, Lestat. He sealed his own fate."

Lestat released Louis & sighed."If only it were that simple. I also made a promise to Pandora. She too is angry & hurt by his actions, but she cannot rest without knowing that someone defended him. She has asked that the someone be me, Louis. I do not intend to disappoint her. If you cannot forgive me, then so be it. I WILL do this Louis. And regardless of what you think, I do love you... I will always love you."

Lestat gently touched his cheek. "I would have killed him myself after I saw you back at the castle. How could he ever harm something as beautiful as this face?"

Louis brushed his hand away from his cheek & walked away. "Just words Lestat. Only words, as usual! They mean nothing to me anymore! Nothing. I don't know why I expected anything more from you."

Lestat walked back into the compound without a word leaving Louis alone in the garden. He had lied; Lestat's words & his loving touch did mean something. Although his heart ached, he resisted following Lestat. He was still angry at him, and he wasn't ready to forgive him just yet. He sat in the garden alone with his thoughts, until he saw Robert walking toward him.
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"Please Lestat....for me..."

Those were the words that had placed Lestat in his current situation. Pandora had breathed those words, and he could not refuse her. In two days Marius' trial would be underway.

Lestat threw another crumpled paper into the trash and with a thought it burst into flames. He paced the length of the room with a furrowed brow. He never realized how truly difficult it would be to build a case to defend Marius. And to add to his frustrations, he couldn't get his fight with Louis out of his head. If only he could make him understand.

He growled and kicked over a stuffed wing chair hard enough to send it on its back. As he stood near the window, looking out on the dark courtyard, he let his head fall in defeat.

"It's pointless." He whispered to himself with regret. "Why did I agree to take this on? Marius will die if I don't do this properly, and I am not certain that I even want him to live."

Then he caught her scent. He turned toward the door and saw his beloved wife wearing the silky, sheer red silk robe given to her by Armand as a wedding present. He smiled slyly as her beauty filled his heart. His eyes slowly moved down her body loving every detail, the color of her nipples, the curve of her hips, and that soft, dark patch of pubis below. He felt his loins catch fire as she approached him with seductive grace.

"You're not going to give up on your defense strategy now are you, Love?" She whispered in his ear placing her hands over his chest. "I hope not, because quitters are not welcome to lie with me on the floor by the fire."

She smiled seductively over her shoulder as she walked to the thick blanket laid out near the fire. Slowly, she settled on the blanket, her legs opened just enough to tease. Lestat walked toward her, his fingers quickly ripping his shirt off his body when her voice stopped him in mid stride.

"You keep those pants on, Slave." Her eyes shined impishily,"Now, kneel before me like a good boy."

He grinned as he slowly dropped to one knee before her, awaiting her command. With a thought, his mind locked the door to their room. Marius could wait, for now.
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Marius closed his eyes as Bianca covered his forehead with kisses. She refused to leave his side. She couldn't let some vengeful family member come, trying to kill him while he was helpless. Her lips caressed his, her tongue gently parting his lips and moving with his. She had full control, and though he was not used to this, Marius could not say he didn't like it.

"Bianca, my love," he whispered as she opened his shirt, laying him back as far as the shackles would allow. "You are making my last days heaven."

He saw her eyes brim with tears. "I won't let them take you from me Marius. I won't."

She smiled softly meeting his eyes as she kissed down his chest. Her fangs gently pierced his hard nipple. He moaned loudly as she suckled his rich, powerful blood. He stroked her golden hair as she fed from his chest. He sighed. For the first time in many decades, he didn't want to die....

Part 19

Love in the air...

"You keep those pants on, Slave." Her eyes shined impishily,"Now, kneel before me like a good boy."

Lestat welcomed the interruption. Marius' defense could wait. He could feel his pulse quicken as he knelt at Pandora's feet. His eyes glowed a soft red as he looked up into her eyes. He could hardly control his yearning for her touch. He had never been with another immortal that could control him with a whisper like Pandora. He gave himself to her completely.

Pandora smiled softly, seeing Lestat comply with her playful command. As he knelt at her feet, surrendering his will to her, she circled around him, her eyes feasting on every ripple of his body. "Close your eyes, my love."

Seeing his eyes close, she removed her silk nightgown, and sofly draped it over his face. Pulling it slowly, she let the soft fabric slide over his chest, face & down his back. She could see his hands aching to touch her & whispered,"Ah, no touching unless it is my command, my love slave."

He nodded, biting back a moan as her scent lingered in his nostrils. She tossed the nightgown aside & knelt behind him. Her nails traced up his spine & around his neck lightly. She could stand the game no longer. She pressed her breasts to his back and kissed his neck passionately. "Lay down."

She moved around him as he obeyed her wishes. She unfastened his pants & slid them off of his body, kissing him from his ankles up to his waist. "Open your eyes, my love."

Intense moans of passion escaped his lips as he looked up at his beloved wife, Pandora. She straddled his organ as her body moved hard over his. His own hips were moving & thrusting beneath her. Their lips locked in a deep immortal kiss, their tongues rolling over one another. Their moans of pleasure grew as they bit their tongues, allowing their blood to increase the ecstacy. He heard Pandora's shocked, but pleased, cry as he rolled her underneath him and took control. His body thrusting deeply against hers. The world was theirs as their bodies entwined before the fire, oblivious to the sounds of the other lovers in the house
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marius' body shuddered in passion as Biancas skilled hand worked the flesh of his hardened organ. He met her eyes as his hand slid down her body, moving slowly toward her sex. He was shocked to feel her other hand stop his progress.

"No, my love. Tonight is for your pleasure alone." Bianca licked the last drop of his blood from her lips, captivating all of Marius' attention as her hand slid faster on his organ. Hearing his soft moan as her lips moved closer to his hardened member she whispered,"That's it my love, give yourself to me..."

The shackles prohibited the actual acts of love making, but Bianca would not be swayed from showing her love. His moans rose higher and higher, as her tender lips moved faster on him. Feeling his flesh pulsing beneath her lips, she kissed up his chest as her hand firmly stroked his shaft. She kissed his lips with such intense passion she took his immortal breath away. His body shook violently as his hot thick semen exploded over his chest. They held each other close, whispering promises in the dark to always love one another come what may.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Armand's eyes glowed in the darkness of the abandoned chapel as he bit the buttons off of Daniel's shirt. Daniel smiled softly as he ran his fingers through Armand's hair. He had missed his touch while he was away. He looked around the chapel & whispered,"Armand, isn't it a major sacralige to make love in the house of God?"

Armand opened his shirt & began kissing his chest. "As if our very existence was not a sacralige. Really Daniel, I'm not in the mood for religious discussion unless it involves our bodies entwining & you whimpering *Oh God*!"

Daniel couldn't help but laugh as he pinned Armand to the floor beneath him. He looked into his eyes & whispered,"Who says you won't be the one to whimper, little imp?"

Daniel kissed him deeply as they shredded the clothing that separated them. They moved with heated passion. Their moans filling the chapel as they pleasured one another until their bodies shined with bloodsweat in the moonlight, never wanting this night to end...
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Louis stood outside in the garden with Robert. They could sense what was happening within. Robert laughed softy, his mother and father in the den, Marius and Bianca in the attic, and Armand and Daniel in the chapel. The entire compound echoed with moans!

"Well, uncle." He said softly. "What do we do? Sit and wait?"

Louis was too hungry to stay. He invited Robert to join him in the hunt, but he refused. Louis nodded & walked into the night. Robert was alone in the garden thinking when he caught her scent. Slowly he looked up to catch the eyes of the most wonderful vampire he'd ever seen. He was embarassed looking upon such beauty & quickly hid his eyes and veiled his thoughts. He knew her, he fell in love with her at first sight in Los Angeles. Robert swallowed hard, how does one admit that he is in love with his aunt? Is she his aunt? Or grandmother? He knew one thing, Gabrielle was beautiful, and she had stolen his heart.

Part 20

The First Time...

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Robert sat under one of the many thick trees in the courtyard watching her approach. It seemed she was at his side in a blink. He tried to keep his eyes averted knowing if he met hers that she would easily read his feelings. Stuttering, he stumbled to find the words.

"H...Hello...Gabrielle. H..how...are you?" He felt a slight tremor move through his body as he heard her voice. It sounded different, gentle and caring not cold and indifferent as it had when they met the first time.

"I am well, Robert...You look even younger & more beautiful than I remember."

Robert's eyes closed as he felt her cool fingers brush over his cheek & slide down to his hand. She gently entwined her fingers in his. "Why do you cast your eyes away, young one? Do you fear me?"

Her voice was so low & seductive. He met her eyes now and opened his mind to her. He saw a glow in her eyes as she read his feelings. He could see from her eyes that she felt the same. He drew her close, gently caressing her cheek before kissing her sweet lips slowly and tenderly. Needless to say, he was shocked when she kissed back.

Robert held the tall blonde woman in his arms as they kissed with extreme passion. He wanted her body & soul. He had never felt this way before. His thoughts betrayed his inexperience, being that he was probably the only immortal virgin.

"Not for long, Robert..." Gabrielle whispered...

She could feel him blushing. Gabrielle stepped back & looked deeply into his eyes,"Don't be embarrassed by your innocence."

His eyes never left hers as her hand traveled down over his chest & began to gently coax the hardened organ beneath his jeans. Her seductive whisper caressed his ear,"Let yourself go, Robert. Don't think...Only feel..."

She kissed him deeply, unfastening his jeans and sliding them down his body. Nibbling at his neck, her hands found his & guided them to the buttons of her blouse. She smiled, feeling his fingers come alive, nervously opening each button. Her hands gripped the neck of his t-shirt & slowly tore it from his body. She let her fingers move over his bare chest. So young & perfect, his flesh still soft, not the hard ivory that hers had become.

She stepped back as he hesitantly slid her shirt from her body. Watching as his eyes admired her inviting breasts, Gabrielle smiled softly as her fingers gently teased & aroused his nipples. His organ rubbed against her thigh as their hands slowly explored one another. She slipped out of her skirt & tossed it aside. His hands tentatively touched her her neck, tracing down the curve of her breasts. She could see his eyes searching for a response, for her permission. The back of her hand brushed down his cheek as she met his eyes. ~~Touch me, taste me.... love me...~~

He took her breath away with his sudden embrace, their flesh pressed tightly together as he kissed her lips wildly. Their tongues made love as their bodies yearned for the same intimacy. She felt his hands caressing her skin with a feverish passion. All of his intense desire & love made her immortal heart race in her chest, and she could feel her body pulsing for him. Before she could pin him on the ground & take him in, Robert had her on the bench. Gabrielle looked up at his young face, brushing the hair back from his eyes as they glowed a soft amber. She cooed as his lips suckled her breasts hard. Without warning, he plunged his organ inside of her and screamed out with pleasure. She embraced him tightly, licking his neck, the pulse of his blood there teasing her hunger. Her hands slid down his back to his tight buttocks, squeezing them tightly until her nails drew blood. She moaned feeling him move faster, her pleasure increasing.

Their bodies entwined in the moonlight. Gabrielle screamed out feeling Robert's fangs pierce her shoulder, and letting her kiss on his neck deepen & break the skin. Her back arched as his blood flavored her mouth & his body pleasured her's. She felt his body jerk as he peaked within her, and within moments she was trembling in his arms, screaming his name as she climaxed under the night sky.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lestat held his beloved Pandora in his arms securely, watching the fire as the sun rose and sleep claimed them. When they awoke he had made a decision. No more games, no more trying to prepare, that was simply not his style. He would defend Marius as he always did... He would "wing" it! He kissed her loving lips and whispered into her ear. "Thank you for awakening the vampire in me once again beloved."He saw her puzzlement and laughed.

How could he explain to her that she made him feel whole? More whole than he had felt since he was with Nicki. Nicki had made him feel more human, but Pandora brought the free vampire in his soul alive again. A dark prince who lives from moment to moment. How could he tell her that without her at his side, he'd not have the ability to continue? If he lost her he'd spend a thousand days in the sun until he was dust.

Lestat looked out the window, suddenly wondering where Robert was...even worse...where was Mother? She was supposed to arrive last night. He saw Robert walking toward the compound with his arm around Gabrielle's waist. His smile seemed to be filled with a new secret. He easily read Robert's thoughts. Lestat grinned, seemed he & Pandora were not the only ones who got lucky last night. ~~Excuse me Robert, but what exactly are your intentions with my mother?~~

Part 21

Circle of Judgement...


"It's all a dream." Marius moaned gently in his sleep as a mortal dream clutched him. Within his dream, the world was surreal and alive with tension. Tears fell from his face as he sat chained behind a bench watching Lestat walk through the courtroom trying to defend his actions. It was pointless he wanted to yell, the stone faces of his jury already told him his fate. The jury. His eyes moved through the jury only to see that they were all dead vampires!

He cried out, his eyes locking on his own sire as he had looked two thousand years ago. His maker, withered and burned, his eyes bulging and aflame as he screamed "Guilty!" Then Marius looked upon a rotting David, body torn and bloody. Next to him sat Flavious holding both legs, flesh and ivory, in his arms, face full of rage. He saw Akasha and Enkil, the once proud king drained and transparent as his murderess sat next to him holding her decapitated head. He couldn't take much more of this...his jury grew into thousands and millions of vampires that have died over the centuries since the first vampires walked the earth. Now they were all resurrected to curse him with the same sentence. "GUILTY!"

There was a bright flash and suddenly he was tied to a large stake. The bonfire set and ready to burn him where he stood. Then he heard her scream and plea. Blood tears filled his eyes as he watched his beloved Bianca volunteer her life for sparing his. They accepted! He screamed in agonizing sorrow, begging them not to harm her. He felt a searing pain fill his body as they set her aflame. He could not bear it, he tried to run to her, but like most mortal dreams, he couldn't make any progress. He watched her burn to ash, and woke up screaming.
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Bianca woke with a start hearing Marius' scream. He was drenched in blood sweat & shaking in her arms. His struggle in his sleep caused the shackles to slice into his wrists & ankles. She stroked his hair softly,"Shhhh.... It was only a dream, my love."

She smiled, seeing his eyes fluttuer & open. The dream had caused him such pain & mental anguish, yet he refused to share the details of it with her. She knew only that it had centered around his trial. Before she could question him further, she heard the door opening behind her.

Maharet stood silently in the doorway."Say your goodbyes. I must take him to the Circle."

The Circle. Those words echoed in Bianca's ears. She had known this day was coming, and yet it was still a shock. They would take Marius, shackled, to the center of the Circle of Judgement, where his fate would be decided by his vampiric peers. She nodded & watched Maharet retreat from the doorway, offering them a moment of privacy.

Bianca kissed Marius' lips tenderly as she gently wiped the bloodsweat from his brow. "I love you Marius. You will not be alone in that circle, my love will not abandon you. Your fate will also be mine."

He shook his head weakly as she embraced him tightly. Maharet entered the room & began freeing the shackles from the wall. She led Marius from the room, Bianca following behind, biting back her tears. They went out to the courtyard where the entire coven was assembled in a large circle. Mekare was standing at the north end, motionless & expressionless. Bianca's eyes slowly scanned the rest of the circle.

Armand was nearest to them as they moved toward the ring. His mind was blocked, but his face betrayed his pain. He never looked up as his maker was forced to sit on the altar in the center. Bianca wept silently. Marius looked so beaten & alone on the alter. Dirty & unkept; chained like an animal without a trace of the quiet dignity he had always maintained. She couldn't bear to look at him, averting her eyes back to the coven.

She saw Daniel next to Armand, briefly entering his mind & catching only that he wished he could ease Armand's pain. Robert & Gabrielle stood with their hands clasped together behind their bodies, apparently hiding their infatuation from the somber proceedings. Lestat was pacing near Marius, his thoughts were unreadable. Then her eyes met Pandora's.

The two immortal beauties stared at one another for a moment that seemed to be an eternity before she heard Pandora's voice in her mind. ~~Tell me... Does he hold me responsible for this? ~~

~~No... Marius would never blame another for his actions. He is ready to accept the responsibilty for his crimes.~~

~~If I had known it would lead to his destruction, I never would have left him. I didn't mean for this to happen...~~

~~Pandora, what will I do if the twins decide that he should die? What would this world hold for me, when my entire immortal life has been lived only to be reunited with him?~~

Pandora looked across at Bianca with pity in her eyes. ~~Bianca, you must know that even with Lestat's best argument, the chances of Marius' life being spared are almost nonexistent.~~

A tear rolled down Pandora's ivory cheek.~~I am so sorry, Bianca. I wish there was some way I could keep this from happening. Please know that our home will always be open to you... My sister.~~

Their silent conversation was broken by the sound of Maharet's voice."Let the trial of Marius De Romanus commence..."

Part 22

The Witnesses


Lestat bowed his head in deep thought. He looked up as the twins led a chained Marius to the center of the Circle and walked to his side. With sad eyes he removed a handkerchief and wiped the bloodsweat, dirt, and tears from Marius' face and his clothing. He caressed the elder vampire's cheek and forced a smile.~~Here goes old friend. Today we see how good I truly am eh?~~

Marius nodded his head with a weak smile, the sound of the chains echoed through the circle with his every movement. ~~Thank you Lestat~~

This night, Lestat de Lioncourt faced his greatest challenge yet as he turned to face the twins. He cleared his throat and straightened his red velvet coat, knowing that it personified him as The Brat Prince. Pandora had laid out a more conservative ensemble, but on an evening like this, how could he not dress in his favorite "vampire" coat?

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today to decide the fate of one of our most respected coven members. Allow me to first present the events that have brought us to this Circle of Judgment, to better weigh the testimony you are about to hear."

He slowly paced the interior of the circle, making eye contact with each coven member as he explained everything. He told them of the fight between Pandora and Marius which eventually led her meeting him on the pier. He shared the instant love he felt for her and the first confrontation with Marius. He kept to the facts, including the slap dealt across Pandora's cheek, and even the fight he and Marius while his beloved created Robert. He reached the point of Marius' disappearance & paused.

Lestat wiped his brow, and glanced at Pandora who was watching him with a fire in her eyes that caused him to tip her a wink. He turned back to the twins and continued. He went on in detail about the murders of David, Flavious, & Santino, whom he had only learned about the night before. He paused, looking to each face in the Circle. "Ladies and gentlemen, he killed them in an insane rage. He wanted Pandora & I to feel his pain by taking our children. He was not acting in a conscious manner. His broken heart was clouding his mind."

He closed his eyes as a tear fell. "Marius killed two vampires who were very dear to us because he was facing an eternity alone. I cannot say I would not have reacted in the same fashion had I been in his place!"

As the anger flooded his veins, thinking of the loved ones he had lost, he slammed his foot hard on the ground shaking it. This was not the time to think on his own loss. He addressed the coven,"Tonight, each of you, will hear testimony against Marius. As his advocate, I will defend him, but I will tell you this now; I have found forgiveness for his actions. I implore you not to end his life, for my actions were the cause of his insanity." With that he bowed, walked to his mentor and took a seat.

Maharet stood slowly, her eyes gave a cold stare as she gazed at Lestat. Her voice echoed with pure power. "We wish to hear from the first witness. Khayman, please step forward."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Khayman stepped forward, unmoved by Lestat's speech. He slowly explained Marius' attack against his love, Jesse, in great detail. His testimony was very damaging to Marius, especially given that the victim was Jesse. His description of the unprovoked attack made Bianca uncomfortable. She was well aware of the fact that Marius had only attacked Jesse out of self defense from the twins, but did the others know this fact? She could only hope...

The next witness to come forward was Louis. Bianca could hardly listen to his description of the cruelty he experienced at Marius' hands. How could Lestat possibly defend Marius? She knew now that Pandora was right... The chance of Marius escaping this trial with his life was virtually impossible now...

She began to weep silent tears as the final witness approached. Robert stood tall & defiant as he described the fight between Marius & Lestat during his creation. He also explained his feelings of being watched & followed as he traveled the world delivering wedding invitations. Bianca felt someone pushing a handkerchief into her hand. She took it & wiped her tears, before seeing Armand's face. ~~Thank you Amadeo...~~

~~Are you all right Bianca?~~

She met Armand's eyes, seeing his deep concern brewing there. She quickly blocked her thoughts. Had he seen her plan to save Marius? She didn't think so. She needed to hide it from everyone for it to succeed. It had to work.... Marius' life depended on it....

Part 23

The Calm Before the Storm...

Lestat watched as they took Marius away. The sun was coming and tomorrow would be the final defense before the twins passed judgment. Lestat felt alone in this maze of pressure, and without any testimony from Marius' own bloodline, how could he hope to mount a plausible defense? He stood alone in the Circle. All of the coven departed but one. He felt a hand on his shoulder and didn't hesitate when he turned, embracing his wife tightly.

They stood there for the longest time, just embracing one another silently. Lestat nuzzled her thick dark hair, taking in her lingering scent. Finally, they made their way to their room to sleep. Lestat was exhausted, and Pandora was emotionally drained. As they laid together holding each other tightly in deaths sleep Lestat had a dream.

He saw a trial with a jury of many dead vampires. He moaned in terror as Marius was put on the stake, then Bianca appeared & pleaded they take her own life to spare his. Marius was forced to watch as the dead vampires held him back. Lestat tried to make his way through the crowd. He could not allow her to die. Marius and Bianca had to be together...this he knew. But how did he know? Then he woke up, screaming.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He felt the hand on his shoulder and didn't hesitate when he turned embracing his wife tightly.

Pandora held him close. She wanted to say something to ease Lestat's mind, but the words escaped her. She had watched in silent horror as Mekare drug Marius from the Circle, stumbling over his shackles. Armand followed with a tearstained Bianca in his arms. The rest of the coven dispersed leaving Lestat standing alone.

She watched him silently, unable to read his thoughts. He looked so beautiful in the moonlight. So strong, and yet she could see his vulnerability as he lost himself in thought. She knew that it was asking too much to have him defend Marius after the horrible death of David & torture of dear Louis. Pandora had seen how Louis' testimony had hurt her mate. Oh how she wished she could make all of this go away.

Slowly they began to walk back toward the compound, arms around each other's waists. She looked up into his eyes & softly whispered,"I love you Lestat. I will never be able to tell you how much it means to me that you are helping Marius, and I want you to know that regardless of the outcome, I am proud of your efforts."

He stopped walking & she looked into his eyes. Pandora traced his lips with her index finger. "None of this is your fault, my love. You are doing all that you can, his fate lies with the twins." Her eyes welled with tears as her voice fell to a whisper,"He did kill members of our coven without provocation from them. Regardless how brilliant your defense is, Lestat, you cannot change that fact. And you cannot decide his verdict..."

He nodded softly as they moved again to the compound. As she laid down in his arms she whispered,"In my heart you have already won, my love..."

Part 24

The Verdict...

Marius opened his eyes slowly as he heard the first shuffle of feet. The circle was forming around him again. Bianca slept with him despite Armand's pleas. This could be their last time together, she made it clear to him that he had Daniel as well as Sybelle and Benji, who had arrived last night from their trip in Australia. She knew that Armand was surrounded by his loved ones, and her true love, Marius, was alone. A tear fell, as Marius was brought back to reality by the sound of the footsteps converging on the Circle.

He watched Lestat pace, seething with anger. It is useless my friend, he wanted to say to the young brat prince, but he could not speak. Imagine, this could be his last night on this earth and he could not speak!

The circle was complete. Lestat had his head bowed in deep thought, tears being forced back. "I can't be defeated by them, not with his life on the line." he thought to himself. Lestat looked up, right into the eyes of the twins, cold dead eyes. His dream clouded his mind...Bianca, why was she in there? Then it hit him, he quickly searched the crowds, Bianca was not there! ~~Pandora! Quickly, find Bianca! I think she plans to die for Marius!~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hearing Lestat's voice in her mind, Pandora turned to find Bianca. Before she could move from the circle, she heard Maharet speaking silently to her.~~Stay... ~~

She spun around as Maharet addressed the Circle. "Based on the testimony we have heard, we have no choice but to find Marius guilty of crimes against our coven. The penalty is death."

A wave of cries & murmurs swelled through the Circle. Pandora felt as if she would be sick. Sobs overcame her as she slowly sank to the ground. Her eyes peered out through bloodtears at Marius. He sat on the altar, emotionless, accepting the judgment with his own quiet dignity. This made the twins' verdict even more maddening. Before she could stop to think, Pandora was racing toward Marius screaming,"You can't kill him!!! This is all a mistake!!! Please, spare him!!! I beg you, Maharet, don't take his life..."

Pandora fell at Marius' feet weeping. She felt his hand touch her hair softly & she looked up to meet his loving eyes. He only shook his head & whispered,"I accept my fate, Pandora. Let it be..."

Maharet interrupted sternly,"Pandora, please let me finish. This interruption is inexcusable!"

Pandora felt Lestat scoop her up into his arms & carry her back to the outer ring. He kissed her forehead tenderly. ~~I'm sorry, my love. We did all we could.~~

As Lestat moved back to the center with Marius, Maharet continued,"We have been approached by a member of Marius' family. She has offered her life in place of his."

Bianca stepped forward in a white cotton sheathing, her hair tied up & adorned with crimson rose petals for sacrifice. Marius instantly sprang forward to her aid, his eyes glowing red. "NO!!!"

"Subdue Him!!!" Maharet screamed.

In moments Marius was pinned by Lestat, Khayman & Armand. He fought against their restraint as the tears streamed down his face. "Please, don't take her!!! I am willing to take my penance!!! Don't let her suffer for my crimes!!! Bianca, please, I love you!!!"

Tears rolled down Bianca's ivory cheeks as she heard his pleas. She had made up her mind and would not turn back now. Since the trial began she had known that if he was to die, she would carry the burden of his punishment. What would this world hold for her without him? She had lived in obscurity for centuries. She knew nothing of this world. He meant so much to so many in the coven & she was, for lack of a better word, expendable. Marius' cries were tearing her heart out. She couldn't bear to witness it.

She turned & walked back to Mekare who led her inside the compound. Maharet addressed the coven."Marius is free to go. Punishment for the deaths of David, Flavious & Santino will take place at midnight tomorrow."

In an instant she was gone. Marius sank to the ground with his head in his hands as his body quaked with anger & regret. His inhuman scream carried for miles,"NO!!!"

Part 25

Lestat sat next to his old friend and took the ancients ivory hand, comforting him. As Marius wept, Lestat was developing a plan. He discussed it with Marius mentally. Lestat had no desire to see Bianca or Marius hurt any longer. The death had to stop.

~~If they harm her Lestat, I will not hesitate to kill them all, even if it means we all perish.~~

Lestat closed his eyes. He couldn't let Marius drift back into madness, not now that he seemed himself again. He mentally envisioned the plan with Marius. ~~We will have to wait and time it perfectly, my friend. Once they begin to light the fire, I will create a diversion, while you rescue Bianca...~~

Marius nodded then stood, embracing his advocate & seemingly last friend in this world. Lestat was becoming a true friend, even though he could be incredibly annoying at times. Marius spoke silently~~Use whatever means necessary. She cannot be harmed. We have to do this right, and no one must know. Thank you for everything, Lestat~~

Lestat nodded, tipped him a wink, and watched as Marius left to sort his thoughts. Lestat sighed as he turned to the compound. Could he & Marius rescue Bianca from the Twin's wrath? Perhaps he could recruit a few members of the coven to assist them. He knew no one wanted Bianca dead. They all loved her, it was Marius' head that so many longed to see burned. He had to find help. But first, he had to see Pandora and Bianca.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marius walked away back toward the compound, blocking his thoughts completely. His eyes glowed crimson at the memory of seeing his precious Bianca in the plain white sheath dress, her hair stripped of her beautiful pearls. How could Maharet agree to take Bianca in place of him?

Marius moved faster as his hunger began to overwhelm him. They had kept him locked up & starved for blood in order to control his strength. He flew with preternatural speed into Sonoma & quickly fed on a couple in a dark alley before returning to the compound.

He sighed as he stood in the courtyard below the tower where she was being kept. He looked up at the dark window above him. His heart ached, knowing Bianca was locked up in the dark prison cell alone. She had always been so strong & fearless as a mortal, and immortality had only increased those qualities.

He scanned the area quickly, being sure he was alone. He couldn't drag Lestat into the web of pain that he had woven for himself. Lestat had done enough to help him. He would save Bianca himself. Any wrath from the Twins would be his alone. With a silent leap he flew into the air & peered through Bionics' window. Seeing her alone, he slid the window open & entered her cell. "Bianca, my love, I can't let you go through with this. I couldn't live a day knowing that you were killed because of my actions."

Bianca met his eyes, her wrists shackled to the wall. "I love you Marius. I would already be dead had you not shared your blood with me. I am ready to make this sacrifice for you my love. Without you, this world holds nothing for me..."

Marius shook his head softly as a small trace of a smile crossed his lips. "If you refuse to save yourself, then I have no choice but to rescue you myself."

Before she could speak, Marius had ripped the chains from the stone wall & took her into his arms. She nuzzled into his chest & whispered,"If we leave now, we can never come back. We will forever be in hiding."

"If I am with you, I have no need to return my love."

He stepped up into the window sill & prepared to fly her out to safety. They would live in quiet exile somewhere far from the coven. He broke the iron shackles from her wrists & let them fall to the floor. Bianca embraced him, kissing his neck softly. He turned back, hearing the door opening, readying himself for a battle. He smiled when he saw Lestat drumming his fingers on the door. ~~I suppose I should have expected this Marius...~~

Part 26

The Rescue...

Marius smiled when he saw Lestat drumming his fingers on the door. ~~I suppose I should have expected this Marius...~~

Marius nodded. Suddenly his eyes flared, seeing some movement behind Lestat. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw Pandora approach & stand beside her husband. She looked upon them with hurt in her eyes as she finally realized what was happening. "So, you were just leaving without any goodbyes?" she whispered as she closed the door behind them.

Marius was about to speak, to defend his actions, when Pandora embraced him tightly. They embraced for a long moment before stepping back to their new lovers.

Pandora spoke to Bianca silently.~~Please take care of him. Even though we cannot be together, I will always love him. I just want him to happy.~~

Bianca nodded softly,~~I will. Thank you for everything Pandora. I hope that I can call you my friend.~~

Pandora instantly wrapped her arms around Bianca & whispered,"I would be honored to be your friend Bianca. If you ever need me, I'll be there."

"Likewise, Pandora..." Bianca's sentence was cut short when the two women felt Marius & Lestat staring at them.

Marius eyes shined as he beheld the two together. Each held an eternal beauty all her own. He smiled as a wave of artistic inspiration swept over him. He hadn't felt the urge to paint since his days in Venice with Amadeo. It felt good to let go of the hate. He made a vow at that moment to never lose sight of this immortal life's beauty. And to never scar it with hatred.

He held out his hand to Bianca,"We must go my love. Surely Maharet & Mekare know our plans by now. We must hurry."

He turned to Lestat,"I trust you will keep our secret?"

Lestat nodded & called to them. "Marius...one thing friend."

"Anything, name it."

Lestat grinned. "Visit soon friends. Fuck the others, and come visit us."

Pandora nodded, her voice trembling with emotion,"Yes, please visit, the both of you."

Marius nodded, and held Bianca tightly in his arms, and then they were gone.

Pandora watched them go in silence. She turned to Lestat with fresh tears in her eyes."I love you, Lestat. I will miss them terribly. What will we tell the others?"

Before Lestat could answer he felt the cold rock-hard hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Maharet with Mekare close behind her. Lestat could feel his pulse quicken."Good evening Maharet. What brings you here?"

Lestat moved sligthly, blocking the door. He was trying to allow Marius to get a strong lead over the others who wished him dead. He had to stall & give Marius time to get Bianca far from here.

Maharet looked to her sister, then back to Lestat."Have they gone?"

Lestat was shocked & mortified for a moment."You knew?"

Maharet smiled softly & nodded. "We had hoped Marius would save the girl... Would be a shame to kill an innocent with such a noble spirit. She was willing to die so that he may live. We honestly regretted accepting her offer. Our only hope was for Marius to abduct her & leave."

Lestat was stunned. So the twins hadn't wanted to kill Bianca & Marius afterall! He watched the two as they turned to leave... Maharet called over her shoulder,"We must announce this to the coven. You two should be in attendance..."

Lestat & Pandora followed the Twins back out toward the Circle as the coven began gathering again. Lestat's hand found hers as they walked. Pandora's fingers entwined with his as she looked into his eyes. ~~Forever is ours tonight...~~

Lestat smiled & kissed her forehead.~~I love you Pandora.~~


~~Fin?~~

Epilouge

The Epilogue...

March 6, 1999


Dearest Journal,

The past three months with Marius have been a whirlwind of happiness for me. I know that my writings have been sporadic, but I have been lost in the arms of my Angel & unable to write...

Since the night that we escaped the compound, we have yet to be apart. We have settled in Venice, and Marius has taken to painting again. I am always shocked at the beauty he brings to the canvas. I love to model for him & see his eyes taking in my every curve & shadow.

I am in constant contact with my "sister" Pandora, through letters. She is a miraculous woman! I truly love her with all my heart. And Lestat... ah dearest journal, he makes her so happy. She is, of course, centuries older than I, and Lestat somehow makes the world new for her each day. She tells me of his antics in her letters and I have to laugh. He is so loving & playful with her, and she seems to be a willing participant in his folly.

Marius has been educating me & making me stronger in my immortal gifts. My dear journal, with Marius' help, I have learned to fly! What a glorious feeling! He treats me as his equal, but also remains lovingly patient as I attempt to master my new skills. I feel invincible, no longer held back by the restraints of womankind.

We have been married for nearly three months now. Can you imagine? Mistress Bianca married... I can scarcely believe it myself! I never considered marriage, never wanting to be "kept" by a man, but with Marius, I have a partner, not a lord... I will love him until I utter my last breath on this earth...

As far as the rest of the coven, sadly we are still in exile. Pandora keeps me informed on the member's lives. I do miss Amadeo, but I fear it may be quite some time before I see him again. It seems he was very hurt that we left without even a good-bye. I do hope he will find a way to forgive us someday... I know that Marius also misses his company.

Well dearest journal, I must run. It seems that I am needed to pose for my beloved artist... Trust that I am happier than I have ever been, or ever shall be...

Forever walking in Love's Fire...

Mistress Bianca

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marius slowly placed the thin brush down on the pallet. His cobalt blue eyes looked upon his beautiful Bianca as she laid casually upon the classic parlor seat. He smiled lovingly his eyes taking in every last detail of her naked body, the curve of her breasts, the way her perfect legs formed a shadow over her pubis just dark enough to highlight the tuft of soft blonde hairs. He winked at her as he caught her smile. Since Lestat had winked at him in the compound, it seemed Marius caught himself passing on the gesture. Each time he noticed himself duplicating the simple wink, it made him smile to think of the brat prince rubbing off on him.

She blushed, and he added the soft rose in her cheeks to the portrait. He smiled as he stepped back & took in the painting, her body in the same casual pose, her cheek resting on her right hand as it was propped up on her elbow with human ease, the way her hair half fell behind her and over her left shoulder. The only difference was the background. In his painting his beloved Bianca was resting on a large rock with misty water falls of sapphire blue flowing, the mist forming at her feet, the sun high above her.

Venice was what they needed, it brought back the magic of the past they once had. Venice was...home. As Marius added the last details, he set the brush down then looked to her again. As usual her breathing had become more erratic, as he walked slowly to her and caressed her soft cheek. Their eyes met for an eternal moment. He kissed her lips long and deep with every ounce of love he had for her. He felt her left hand caress his cheek and felt the coldness of the gold ring upon her finger. He smiled softly and kissed her forehead.

Three months had passed since they left America, and never did they break contact with Lestat and Pandora. Within a week of their arrival in Venice, their friends abroad told them of how the twins set them up for the escape and Marius laughed. He wrote back to Lestat telling him about the upcoming wedding. He and Bianca were to be married in two weeks. The letter he received back from Lestat came in a great rush. Lestat and Pandora had flown over right away, wanting to attend the secret nuptials. They were the only witnesses to the eternal union.

Marius had finally finished the piece of art he promised her. He had paid careful attention to detail, taking as long as a mortal artist to complete it.

Here they were, together at last in peace, forever and ever, amen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End