Secrets of the Night

Author: stargirl

Rated: PG13

Rating :

[ A N ] Hey everyone! Lookies, the first chapter! I got a good many e-mails after posting just the preview and prologue that I realized I better get writing. So the same thing applies! Many e-mails = more story. ^_^

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope." ROMANS 15:13

Chapter 1

Margarette grinned, brushing back a brown curl behind her ear. She leaned back in her chair, staring with wide hazel eyes at the computer screen in the dark room. She laughed with a shake of her head.

>>Serenity Lyn Talen

It was her. There wasn't a doubt. Marcus, you genius, she thought. A shrill ring peeled through the room and she wheeled her chair over to pick up the phone, cradling it to her ear. "Hey Margarette. Did you get--"

She cut him off, "How the hell did you know?"

Marcus laughed on the other end. "I wasn't sure, just had that feeling. It's definite then?"

"About as sure as I can get. How does it feel having a famous niece who's going to be stronger then you?" Margarette teased.

"Eh, she was born for stardom." It was meant to be joking, but she caught the strain in his voice.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just that... I---I look at her. And... I just can't comprehend it. You know, I just, I wish... that it didn't have to be her. Just by existing, she's in danger."

"I know." Margarette sighed. "But, now that we know for sure, we can protect her, right? Marc... this is just, well, amazing. There hasn't been a Royal in the Lunarian witches line for... ah, its been over centuries! We've read the prophecies, but we just couldn't keep faith in them---until now."

"Yeah," Marc breathed. "I guess I'm just feeling a little protective over her at the moment. Gads, Marg, she's only six now. I just wish she didn't have to know about the Night World, let alone be in the center of it!"

"Things will turn out all right, you'll see. And there will be so many people watching over her, she'll be sick of us," Margarette laughed, glad to hear the chuckle at the other end.

"Oh geez, that reminds me," Marcus muttered. "What are we going to do about Irene? I mean, we've got to tell her, right?"

"Ugh." Margarette rubbed her temples. "I can't believe your brother married a human girl without even TELLING her... How do you think she'll take it?"

"Eh..."

Margarette sighed. "Alright, alright, let's just wait to tell her. You can keep an eye on your little princess in the meantime."

"How long will it take to get some guards out, do you think?"

Margarette laughed. "You kidding? The instant they hear what I have to tell them, they'll be moving in."

"That definitely sounds like them," Marcus chuckled. "I guess I'll hit the sack now. I'm heading over there tomorrow. You going to get some sleep?"

"I'll sleep later. I'm not going to take any chances with this. I'll be heading out to headquarters right now."

"Heh, good thinking. Night Marg."

"Night."

Margarette replaced the phone, staring at the peeling wall of her apartment. Marcus was right. She hadn't thought about what this would do to the kid. What kind of person would Serenity be when she grew up? Margarette shook her head. Tomorrow, she would meet the princess, a rambunctious six year old. Grinning, she grabbed a blank disk and rolled back over to the computer, saving the file. Humming slightly, something she didn't normally do, she scribbled on the disk, pocketed it, and grabbing her coat and keys, left her apartment.

Her blood was rushing as she walked down the concrete steps to her car. The air was thick, the fresh smell of oncoming rain, and she soaked it in as she scooted into her silver Buick. So many plans to make!

The need for guards was real. But how many would they need? Who?

They had to be the best. All precautions must be made. Maybe that vampire and shapeshifter team from New York...

Her thoughts hummed, just barely touching the subject of what safe house to bring the girl to as she swerved into a parking lot, jogging, mostly from excitement, to the glass doors, and pushing inside. Her heels clicked on the marble floor as she craned her neck around to see anyone. The sharp fluorescent lights shone on the empty room. Emily wasn't even at the front desk. A shuffle turned her gaze to the back, and she caught a glimpse of one of the teenagers that helped out there.

"Hey Mike, is Artemis around?" she called, hanging up her coat on the wall next to some plants.

She turned around as he sauntered in. "No," he said, not even giving her a glance. "He should be here in a bit though. What you want to see him for?"

Margarette grinned, giddy to finally be able to tell someone. "We've found her!"

Mike looked over to her with curious emerald eyes. "Found who?"

"Oh, just the little princess," she sang with a shrug and triumphant smile. She didn't notice Mike's sharp look and creased brow. His eyes darted around the room.

"Wow... Can't believe it," he finally said. He exhaled sharply, squelching a certain line of words.

"I know! Isn't it amazing?"

"Yeah," he muttered, "Unbelievable." Mike stopped, the corner of his lips twisting into a slight smile. "Hey Margarette," he said casually, "You mind helping me get some stuff from my car? Seems like you have to wait anyway."

"Hmm?" Margarette looked up. "Oh yeah sure," she smiled, going through the door he held open for her. Mike smirked at her back, his pupils dilating as two fangs elongated gracefully against his lips.

>>>>

God , where was she, Marcus thought, tapping his foot as he listened to the endless rings over his cell. She always had her phone with her. Sighing, he pocketed his phone, donning a smile when the door opened just as he was about to knock for the second time.

"Uncle Marcus!" something yelped, wrapping itself around his waist. He laughed, ruffling the little blond head as he walked inside.

"Hello princess."

He watched as Serena tugged at his arm, blue eyes bright as she bounced like a jumping bean while enthusing about what they'd do that day.

"Oh Marcus, you're here," Irene breathed as she walked out of the hallway. She kissed his cheek and sighed before turning to the grinning blonde. "Serenity, go get your shoes on."

The girl bounced into the living room, stuffing dirty sneakers over her bare feet.

Marcus pulled away from the cute sight, eyeing Irene with her strained eyes and black hair trapped in a chaotic bun. "You look horrible."

She laughed. "Ever so blunt. Just the story I'm working on, deadlines and all," she said, waving her hand with a strained smile.

Marcus nodded sadly. His brother's death was still hard on her.

"Can we go now? Pleeeaaasseee?"

"But I just got here," he laughed before jerking his head in the direction of the door. "Go ahead into the car. I'll be there in a sec."

Without a moment's waste, the ball of sunshine scrambled out the door.

He turned back to Irene. "I'll probably be back with her sometime tonight. That okay?"

"Oh that's fine," Irene said. "Oh Marcus, PLEASE make sure she doesn't talk to strangers. You know how she is.... One minute she's in front of you and the next.... Ugh, God knows who she's chatting to..."

Her mouth opened again, but Marcus silenced it with a kiss to her cheek. "Don't worry, she'll be fine. Just rest today, Irene, you need it."

Without waiting for a reply, he slipped out the door.

>>>>

Marcus sighed contentedly, breathing in the warm air.

"Higher, Uncle Marcus, higher!" squealed Serena.

He chuckled, waiting for her to swing back before catching a hold of her waist and bringing her back further, higher, and then letting go. The squirt almost paralleled the swing set's bar; to hell if she says that's not high enough.

Taking hold and slowing her down, he ignored her Awes. "Hey, it's almost twelve. Want me to get us some hot dogs?"

Serena nodded furiously, idly scuffing the floor of small sand dunes and twisting the chains of the swing.

"Kay, stay here. I'll be right back."

He glanced around and spotted the cart before jogging over the grass. Good, no one was in line. He rested his hands on the customers side and smiled at the mustached man behind it. "Two hot dogs please. Everything on one, no relish or mustard on the other."He waited patiently until he was handed the two hotdogs in their cardboard holders. Nodding a thanks and handing over two dollars and change, he turned to head back to Serena. He stopped, his mouth dropping open.

The swing set was empty.

>>>>

Serena peeked around the tall bush at the man, fuzzy neon green leaves brushing her cheek. He sat lazily on one of the benches, sun glasses shielding his eyes and his head leaned back. She glanced around at the people scattered around. All of them were with other people. She sighed, scrunching her brow. "Guess it's up to me, then," she said to the scruffy brown teddy in her hand. She grinned. Teddy had mismatched buttons for eyes, and some stuffing peeked out from the seam where his arm hung, but she'd never let him go into the trash like her mom wanted.

In her mind, she imagined the bear nodding his agreement. "Hmmm," she bit her lip. After a seconds thought, she gazed up to her left at the sheet of jagged leaves and frolicking flowers. They were so pretty! Reaching, she picked one, stuffing it in her nose. Oooh, they even smelled pretty. Her blue eyes twinkled as she glanced at the rose... then at the stranger... then back at the rose.

Perfect. Clutching the flower, she pranced over the grass, and to the shaded area.

Once standing in front of the man, she stared at him a moment. Hands behind her back, she tipped on the heels of her feet, craning her neck. Was he sleeping? In any case, he didn't see her. Shrugging, she tugged on the black leather jacket. Ever so slow, the man lifted his head. His mouth laid in a thin line, his arms still slung across the bench.

"Get away from me kid," he said. Not angered, but soft and dismissive.

"Why?" Serena asked, undaunted as she tilted her head.

The man frowned at her, as if trying to figure something out. He shook his head, he looked away from her. "Didn't your mom tell you not to talk to strangers?"

Serena's nose crinkled. "Mom's a worrywart like Auntie Beth always says."

The man stayed silent. Stubborn people. Sighing, Serena plopped onto the bench. "Why you at the park alone?"

"Why are you?" he returned, his head still tilted up.

Serena scrunched her face. "Do you always answer a question with a question?

"Do you always have a million questions?"

"Yep," Serena giggled. She began swinging her legs idly, humming a made up tune.

A minute of hums later, the man shifted and turned towards her. "What do you want, kid?"

Serena stared gaily around the park, ignoring the question. "You know you haven't smiled since I've seen you," she said. "My mom says it makes you feel good when you smile. It's easy to get grumpy." She peeked a glance at the man. There was a quirk on his lips and he was shaking his head.

Encouraged, Serena pressed on. "You have any family?"

"Why do you want to know?"

Ugh, there goes the questions "again," Serena thought with disgust. "Cause you're at the park alone. Don't you have anyone to play with?"

The man smirked. "Yeah," he said smoothly, "it's just not the kind of play that you have in mind, kid."

What other kind of play is there? Serena shook the question off. "You never answered about your family."

The man was silent for a bit, staring off into the distance. "A father and a brother; my sister and mother are dead."

Serena's eyes dropped before looking up. "My daddy's dead," she said. The man turned to her. Those sunglasses were really annoying. She squelched the temptation to take them off of him. He couldn't be completely emotionless, for goodness sakes.

"Sorry to hear that, kid."

Serena smiled at him. "So, have a girlfriend or wife or anything?" she said.

"Think I'm old enough to be married?" the man chuckled.

Serena shrugged. "I dunno. How old are you? My uncle just married my aunt and he's twenty five."

The man leaned towards her. "You wanna know a secret?" he breathed. Serena grinned and nodded furiously.

"I'm over three hundred years old."

Laughing, Serena shook your head. "You can't be! You'd have a white beard a mile long!"

"That's just 'cause I shave," the man said, sitting back.

Giggling, Serena said, "You're funny."

"Well, that's the first time anybody said that. Trust me, I'm not a nice person, kid."

"You're not very convincing," she informed. Serena stopped and looked around. Did someone call her name? Oh shoot! Her eyes widened at the distant form of her uncle.

"My Uncle's looking for me," Serena groaned. "I better go. You want this flower? It smells real pretty and everything!" She held out the light pink rose in her hand. The man just stared at it.

"Don't you know anything? When someone gives you a gift... you take it."

Silly man, Serena giggled, pushing the flower into his hand and scrambling away.

The man slipped off his sunglasses, staring at the girl's back with clear blue eyes. He looked at the rose in his hand, fingering the creamy petals. Shaking his head, he glanced up, but the girl was gone.

>>>>

Mike whistled as he opened the metal door. The click resounded heavily, and he pushed his way inside the dark warehouse. Tossing his jacket, he walked around to the open room where a lone blue light dangled from the ceiling and clutter of iron beams.

"Hello stranger," murmured a sultry voice as a pair of arms wrapped around his waist.

He grinned, turning around and cupping the girl's face. Her skin was tinted a silvery blue from the light. His arms slithered around her form as he captured her lips.

When he pulled away, the girl drooped her thick eyelashes, and pouted her gleaming red lips. "You hardly come here anymore."

"I know," he breathed, "But I think I finally got something."

Her silver eyes gleamed at him as she slipped out of his embrace and walked over to a counter, bringing a glass of wine to her lips as she cast him a sly look. "Oh?" She rose an eyebrow.

"They're dumb asses," Mike laughed.

"Oh come on, tell me something I don't know."

He loved seeing her pout. Grinning, he slid his arms around her waist.

"I'll tell you something that even the Elders don't know."

He watched her eyes widen in interest.

"You know the legends? About the Lunarian Royals?"

Slowly, Kia nodded. "Yes. One hasn't been seen in..." she stopped, and just gazed at him with her mouth open, as if dreading to speak her thought. "That... that prophecy?"

Mike nodded and smiled.

"No, this can't be happening. It can't be true," Kia said, her voice stretching higher. "It's a foolish prophecy they made up! They wanted to frighten us, to think there was some hope. It's not true."

"I thought so too," Mike chuckled, bringing one of Kia's hands to his lips.

Kia breathed deeply as she closed her eyes and cursed rapidly in an ancient language. She stopped. Looking at him suspiciously, she questioned, "Why are you so happy?"

Grinning, Mike leaned down and breathed in her ear. "I know who the princess is." He leaned back enough to see Kia's stunned face, gloatingly slipping the floppy disk out of his pocket and waving it before her face.

Letting out her breath, Kia leaned against the counter as if needing the support. Once again, she muttered in an ancient language. "Arithmea K'i ilaa"

"It's all here, Kia. On this disk. That fool, Margarette, happily told me the good news," he laughed. "It was easy to get the disk. And with her out of the way... Circle Daybreak won't get to know about their princess," he shook his head with a false pout and saddened voice.

Kia threw her head back and laughed, a cold sweeping sound that always thrilled him. Sighing, she looked back to him. "Have I told you that I loved you lately?"

"Yes," Mike said, his smile widening.

Kia twirled her fingers against his cheek. "So, what do we do from here?" She nodded to the disk. "Go to the Elders?"

"No, we get the girl."