Shadowed Creatures

I don't remember much of my Childhood. Most of what I do know, was what I have been told. Which still doesn't account for much. I know that when I was 8 my Parents were murdered, but I do not know why. I know that when my fathers body was recovered it was torn to shreds, that not anything human could have done the terrible things to him, my mother's body was never found. I know that I was found 3 days later hidden behind a secret panel in the basement of my parents lakeside home, but I cannot remember being there. I know that my Dad was apart of an elite group of humans known as the Hunters.

I have been told my Dad was the best fighter in recent history, accounting for well over 100 kills during his time as a warrior, but I cannot remember him. If it were not for a single picture of the three of us that sat on my bedside table, then I wouldn't even know his or my Mums faces. I know that my Dads best friend and fellow warrior was the one to find me. He is also my Godfather. He took me in and raised me as one of his own. His son, Ben, was my best friend, as our parents were before us.

It was Darren Richards who filled in the blanks for me. He put my memory loss down to childhood trauma. That witnessing my parents brutal murder had been the trigger. My mind blocked out everything as a way to protect myself from the pain of loss.

The last thing I know, is that we are not alone in this world. That living amongst us are all manner of creatures that would do us, humans, harm. That the Hunters were created to protect humans from these creatures. I found this out when I turned 10. Darren brought me and Ben to his headquarters, he explained to us that it was creatures that killed my parents. That if we wanted to, we could train in the academy and become warriors ourselves.

Well of course we both agreed. Joining the Hunters Academy filled me with a sense of purpose. One that would drive me to excel and become the best, like my Father. One day I would find the monsters who murdered my parents and I would avenge them.

After almost 8 years of training, I was strong. My slender build was framed with muscle. Being 5 foot 2, I was shorted than the average warrior, but what I lacked in size I made up for in strength and agility. Even Ben struggled to best me in the training ring.

Today was the day we graduate. In a few short hours, I would officially take my place in the Hunters.

I woke before my alarm this morning, excited about the day ahead, after all, this is what I had been working towards for the last 8 years. I achieved my every goal that I had set and I would be leaving the academy as the best of the best. I couldn't wait to get my first assignment and finally leave the confinements of headquarters grounds.

You see the Academy was not actually on earth as such. Or at least it was but it was hidden on a different realm. Shielded from sight of those that knew nothing about us or that would do us harm by a magical force field called a ward. Only Hunters could cross the bridge that connected us from our realm to the mortal one. Seeing as we were not yet sworn in to the Hunters, we could only cross to the mortal realm with a fully fledged Hunter crossing with us, and well Darren wasn't likely to allow me to do that. He always reminded me that what had killed my parents was still out there. And until I knew how to handle myself, I had no business walking around where I could be found.

I never questioned him, I knew that keeping me at the academy was to keep me safe. I also had no interest in crossing over. Devoting my energy into training and honing my skills. So I stayed, not once ever leaving this place in 8 years. Not that I could remember anyway.

A strange feeling washed over me. I guess it only just clicked in my mind that after today this would no longer be my room. I had no idea where I was going to stay. I had never thought about the nitty gritty of graduating. Only that once I had I would be out there killing the monsters who killed my parents.

I took a look around my room. My few possessions had already been put into boxes. I didn't have much, I didn't need anything. The only things left to pack were a few toiletries, and the picture of my parents and a few stray pieces of clothing.

I went about getting ready. The graduation itself was nothing fancy. Its not like the human world where we all got dressed up and threw caps in the air. We were trained killers after all. It was straight forward and no frills attached. Our name is called, we take the oath and then we accept the Hunters mark which is what gives us our heightened gifts.

Everyone's gift is slightly different. Some may get heightened hearing or eyesight. Others may get more strength or stamina. Few get the ability that rest within the mind, for example telepathy or even reading minds. Generally the gift will be a continuation of your strengths as a warrior.

I pull on some comfortable fitted leggings and a sports bra. Basically the same sort of outfit I have been living in for the last 8 years. Pulling my hair up into a high ponytail. I take a quick look in the mirror. Many people have said that I look like my Mum. I wish I could see it, but I guess I can't really remember her to be able to agree or not. The one thing that I could say I definitely inherited from her is my hair. My raven black locks were the exact same shade as hers in the photo I had. I turn and face sideward, checking out my athletic figure in the mirror. If I were a girly girl I would be thinking that my arse looked amazing in these leggings, but I'm not so I simply shrugged an I will do and took off out the room.

I pass several girls in the hallway all giving me a quick greeting and 'good lucks' as I passed. I'm not really paying attention to them. I was never a girl that craved attention or companionship. I had Ben and he was all I needed. For the 2 years we spent together before entering the academy we grew to be inseparable friends. More than that, we were like brother and sister. He was all I needed, we entered the academy together, and now we will join the Hunters together. Don't get me wrong, I spoke to other people, I wasn't a complete loner, I just never felt the need to befriend anyone else. People sought me out because they looked up to my abilities, not to have small talk and braid my hair. Its the way I liked it.

I made my way into the training gym. Trainees had already started to gather. I took a quick look around, catching a glimpse of Ben talking to his Dad. His fiery red hair hard to miss even in a crowd. He also stood a couple of feet taller than me, with broad shoulders rippled with muscles. He had deep set green eyes, most girls fanned over him. His Dad was pretty well known by most Hunters, so his good breeding and good looks pretty much made him a god in the academy. Me, I could never see it, but that would have just been weird, he was like a brother to me. I made my way over with smile on my face.

"Hay Darren," I called out as I got closer "Its so great to see you." I reach around and give him a quick hug.

"You too kiddo." He beams back at me, "Your Dad would be so proud of the warrior you've become Avalon." Ben did not get his hair from his Dad, but he did get his build. Darren was a powerhouse. His size dwarfed me. Even his wife Marlene looked like an insect next to her husband and son. His face was battle weary, sporting a large scar that ran from his forehead down his cheek and finished just at the opening of his shirt collar. His dark brown hair peppered with silver. He was the definition of Hunter. Badass and not afraid to show it.

"Thanks Darren," I reply. Most girls my age would shed a tear when talking about the pride of a dead parent. But for me I hadn't cried since, well, since before I could remember. Maybe its another side effect of my so called "childhood trauma." Some may call me heartless, maybe I am. Its not like I didn't get sad or whatever, its just that I didn't have it in me to cry. Even a laugh was a rare occurrence from me.

"Hay!" Ben interrupts with a pout "don't I get a hug?"

"Oh God Ben, don't be such a girl." I reply with a smile before pulling him into a big hug.

"I am not a girl." He shoots back with mock offence. Holding a hand over his heart. I roll my eyes, the speakers in the gym crackling into life. Ben on the other hand was an epitome of emotions. He laughed and cried enough for the both of us he often commented on how I was like a black hole of emotion and that he had to compensate for my lack there of.

"Attention please," the speaker echo around the room. "All graduates are to report to the front stage immediately and take their seats." A brief pause. "All parents please take your places in the viewing seats. Please be aware that joining the proceedings today we have the top recruitment Hunters and team leaders to overlook. At the end of the ceremony any official requests for transfer into team can be made. The ceremony will being in 5 minutes." The speakers crackle once again before going silent once more.

"Well I guess that's us up." Ben slaps his hands together, a flash or nervousness crosses his face as his Dad gives him a slap on the shoulder and wishes up both luck. He disappears in one direction to find his seat whilst we head to the main stage.

I follow Ben to the benches lined up one in front of the other. I felt a small burst of excitement but it soon disappeared.

We take our assigned seats, seating was in alphabetical order. With me being a Taylor and Ben being a Richards we always managed to sit with one another. Luckily we never had the issue of a student with an S surname in our year. Being a small class of only 12 certainly had its benefits.

Bens leg starts to bounce up and down as we wait for the proceedings to start.

"Will you stop that?" I whispered yelled at him. "Your nerves are making me rattle about over here." I playfully elbow him in the ribs.

"Oh sorry, I guess I am a bit nervous." The tips of his ears start to turns a puce as his eyes study room. There were hundreds of people in front of us. Not just parents, but Hunters from all over the world. They have come to see what the new recruits are made of. They have been here all week watching and studying us in the hopes of recruiting us into their teams.

Once we have graduated, each recruit will be handed offers from all the teams who wish to take us on. The more skilled you are, the more likely of getting a better combat position. For those of us who didn't fare so well in hand to hand, could go to intelligence. With such a small pool of graduates to choose from, the likelihood of getting more than one offer was pretty high.

Me? I couldn't think of anything worse than a desk job. I'm hoping to get an offer from Dario Montario. He is believed to be one of the best Hunters out there. At the age of 23 he had almost surpassed my Dads kill count. Which will make him the best. He is also incredibly hot. His bright blue eyes sat beneath a mop of light brown hair. I sat and drank in his appearance. He stood arms crossed over his chiselled chest. His black t-shirt pulled taught across his muscles. His jeans fitted snuggly against his body, leaving little to the imagination. He was sexy as fuck and just might type. However despite his obvious good looks, and the fangirl entourage that was gathering behind him. I couldn't find it in me to feel anything. My body was completely indifferent to the sex god in front of me.

As if he could feel my gaze his eyes snapped up to mine. He gave me a lazy smile, a glint in his eye told me he knew I was checking him out. I pulled my eyes away making sure not to let them stray back over to him. I would not allow myself to get distracted. I had one goal, to get recruited by a kick ass team.

Our head coach Mr Streeter walks out onto the stage, followed my Mrs Roland the head mistress, and a guy I have never seen before. I watch with interest as he sits on a stall next to a table and starts to set up a tattoo pen. He must be here to drawer our marks.

"Good morning all." Mrs Roland calls out from the front of stage. "Before I hand over to Mr Streeter to take lead on todays graduation ceremony, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say a few words. Firstly, thank you to all of the Hunters who have taken the time out from missions and assignments to be here today. I'm sure the trainees are thrilled to have so many brave warriors here to bid for there places on your teams." Mrs Roland pauses as a cheer emanates from the crowd in front of her. As silence once again ensues she continues "I, like all of you have been sat in the same places as these young trainees and I know how nerve racking it can be waiting for an offer of service. So please ensure you are quick in making your interest know at the end of the ceremony.

"Lastly I would like to address the trainees. Your commitment and hard work here at the academy has not gone unnoticed. We the faculty and your parents are extremely proud. As you move on to your chosen teams remember all that you have learnt here. Act wisely, and remember you cannot work alone, your team is what makes you strong." Her eyes briefly land onto me, it was brief but didn't go unnoticed by myself.. "Thank you, that is all. I will now hand over to Mr Streeter to starts the proceedings." Mrs Roland walks off stage and stands back with the rest of the crowd.

Mr Streeter walks up to the front of the stage and calls for the first trainee.

"Trainee Will Adams, please come forward." A guy sat in front of us stands up and walks over to Mr Streeter.

Mr Streeter takes Wills right hand, placing a blade to his palm and recites, "Do you William Adams, accept your transition from trainee to hunter, promise to protect the innocent at all cost, and pledge to do what you must to rid this world of the creature who inhabit it."

"I do" came Wills reply. With this Mr Streeter pulls the blade across Wills palm which swells up with his blood. He raises it over a golden bowl and allows several drops to fall into the bowl with a hiss.

"You may sit and receive your mark." Mr streeter steps to the side to allow Will to make his way over to the tattoo man. He sits bending forward to allow the man access to the back of his neck. The tattoo man picks up the needle and starts his work. All Hunters receive the same mark, two crossed swords encircled by a snake. The ink used is laced with magic which is what gives us our heightened gifts. I watch in interest as the tattoo is completed, will the gift present itself straight away? It differs from hunter to hunter. Some may feel the power awakening in there bodies whilst others take longer to manifest. On this occasion, once the tattoo is complete Wills head snaps back, his body tenses, veins protruding along his arms, his face scrunched up against the sensation but he does not cry out. It lasts but a few short moments before he opens his eyes revealing two black orbs, he has been given the gift of sight.

Will stands and makes his way off the stage, now a fully fledged Hunter. He makes his way over to stand with the crowd, a number of people patting him on the back and shaking his hand.

The ceremony continues. After watching the first three trainees tale their oaths I switch off, once you have seen one pledge you have seen them all. It felt like forever until Bens name was called. Giving his leg a reassuring squeeze he makes he way over to Mr Streeter. He swears the oath before giving his blood. He walks towards the tattoo man and doubles over, he is so tall he has to stoop lower for the man to see. I watch with interest to see how his gift will manifest. Before the tattoo is even completed, I notice his muscles start to twitch, if even possible his shoulders broaden even more than what they were before. He has been given strength. Its no surprise, Ben was strongest warrior of us all. He stands, flexing his hands as he feels the strength enter his body. Once complete he walks down to his father who embraces him a bear hug. Marlene is there too with Ben's younger sister Alice, her slender body and ginger hair falling in waves down her back. She kisses Ben on the cheek, and he envelopes her small frame. I wonder idly what it would be like to have my parents here, to feel the kind of love that Ben's family shower him with. My musing are short lived as Mr Streeter calls my name.

The gym falls deathly silent as the crowd watched with interest as I stand up from the bench. Of course everyone would know who I was, the daughter of the revered Hunter Steven Taylor. If they were disappointed with me if did not show. Not one person made a sound. I didn't have it in me to feel embarrassed. It was something I had lived with ever since coming to the academy. People's eyes followed me around as soon as they heard my name. When ever Hunter Steve Taylor was mentioned conversation would still, no one would speak of it in front of me. If they were trying to protect me from the pain, there was no need. However part of me had always suspected that there was a greater reason for deathly silence that followed me or my fathers memory around.

Mr Streeter steps forward and takes my hand in his "Do you Avalon Taylor, accept your transition from trainee to hunter, promise to protect the innocent at all cost, and pledge to do what you must to rid this world of the creatures who inhabit it."

"I do." My voice rings out, echoing off the walls. I felt a sharp string across my hand. Looking down I watch as the blood wells up from the open wound across my hand.

"Place your hand over the bowl Avalon." Mr Streeter encourages. I move my hand to the bowl and watch the blood fall into the now half full bowl of blood. I watch with interest as the red gushing from my hand swirls with flecks of gold. I stand transfixed. Its not the first time I have bled, not by any stretch. But its the first time I have noticed the strange gold that swims within my life force.

"Avalon, you must receive your mark now." Mr Streeter pulls me from my inner thoughts. His face scrunched up with concern. "are you feeling alright?" he asks in a hushed tone. I give him a nod and a small smile before making my way over to the tattoo man.

I sit on the hard stall and lean forwards my elbow crossed on my lap. The needle starts up and presses against my skin. The sensation felt like small pinpricks across my neck, it was uncomfortable but not unbearable. As he finishes I held my breath waiting for the rush of power to fill me, but I felt nothing. I look up into the eyes of expectant faces, obviously they were waiting for the same thing as me. But nothing came.

Standing from the stall I make my way off stage. Still feeling the weight of expectant eyes

"Do you feel OK hun." Marlene motherly voice rings out. She pulls me into her arms.

"I don't know," I reply feeling slightly confused. "I don't feel any different to be honest. I expected to feel something." I looked down at my hands in confusion as if they might all of a sudden turn blue.

"Not everyone's gift show them selves straight away." Darren put an encouraging hand on my shoulder. "I know it took me a while to figure out mine."

"But didn't you have the gift of strength like Ben?" I ask him. He's never said explicitly what his gift was, but I had always assumed it was strength because of his build.

"No." Darren chuckled, "my gifts reside in my mind. Although I have not had to use it for some time." Before I could ask him to elaborate we were interrupted by none other than Dario Montario.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt." His voice is heavily laced with an Italian accent. Which I suppose I should have guessed his heritage based off of his golden tanned skin tone. He sticks his hand out for Darren.

"Not at all Hunter Dario." He takes the outstretched arm at the elbow and pulls him into his body giving him a solid thump on his shoulder blade. A Hunters greeting. "It's good to see you again. What's new from the front."

"Nothing of any excitement I'm afraid Hunter Darren. Everything has gone quite. I'm expecting something to flare up soon thought, the beast don't stay down for long" He glances over at Ben and then to myself.

"Hunter Ben," Dario offers his arm to him in greeting as he did his father. "I have been watching you for a few days now. I bet you are eager to get out and fight?"

"I am Hunter Dario." He replied, his ears turning red at the attention. "Although I'm yet to receive any offers."

"Well I'm here to change that for you," Dario beamed. "I would like to offer you a position on my team."

The rest of the graduation ceremony went by quickly. I'm not going to lie, Ben getting recruited by Dario gutted me. The weird thing was for the rest of the day recruiters seemed to avoid me.

I wracked my brains for a reason, but I came up with none. I was the best in my year. I know that there was plenty of interest in me during the final weeks. Recruitment Hunters flocked to see my fights. The buzz of excitement evident in the air, a lot was ridding on my shoulders being the daughter of Steven Taylor. So why now had I not received one offer.

My answer soon came in the form of a petit middle aged woman with slick backed hair and a bun at the nape of her neck. She wore slim glasses which sat on the end of her nose and constant expression of everything around her being beneath her.

"Hunter Avalon." She spoke with a thick French accent. All the while glaring down at me through her glasses. "My name is Victoria Beauchamp, I am head of logistics here at headquarters. I thought I would take the opportunity to meet you in person, we are so very happy that you accepted our invitation to join the security decal here on the compound. We were worried the position might be beneath your level of expertise, but it would seem we had nothing to worry about." Her mouth perked up at corner, a failed attempt at a smile.

"I'm sorry?" My eyes open with surprise, I don't think anyone who was within hearing distance could mistake the shock in my voice, "I'm sorry Ms Beauchamp, but I have no idea what you are talking about. I have not received an invitation from your office?"

"That is not possible Hunter Avalon, I have a reply here, in black and white." She pulls out a single white piece of paper from her bag and hands in to me. I unfold the letter and skim over it. My eyes falling on the signature on the end of the acceptance note.

Darren Richards

Why would Darren accept a placement on my behalf knowing full well that I wanted to be out in the field. I could feel my blood being to boil under my skin. I'm sure that Victoria Beauchamp could see smoke coming from my ears if she were to look hard enough.

"Please excuse me Ms Beauchamp, there is a matter that I must attend to." I hand the letter back to her trying to keep my voice even before I hit to roof.

Stalking past her towards the other end of the Gym. Her expression looked shocked, the first real emotion that had past her features during our brief interlude.

"I will see you tomorrow morning Hunter Avalon. 8 am sharp." She calls after me. But I am hardly listening. I found it laughable that she honestly believed I would even still be on headquarter ground by 8 am tomorrow. No, I had every intention of leaving, tonight. With or without a posting. I may have pledged myself to the Hunters, but nowhere during that pledge did it say I had to be recruited to join the fight.

Darren and the rest of his family came into view. The sight making my blood boil even further over the edge. I stalk towards him. He is talking animatedly with Ben, no doubt about how proud he is about his posting. I laugh inwardly, a positing which should have been mine if it weren't for his meddling.

"Avalon, come..." before he could finish his sentence my arm shot out grabbing him by the shoulder, my arm across his neck pinning him to the wall behind him. I make sure to throw my weight behind me. My other had came up and slammed into the wall a couple of inches from his ear. Marlene let out a gasp behind me, but I wasn't paying any attention to her, I was too angry.

"What are you playing at Darren." His eyes widened for the briefest moment before taking on a more calm demeanour. I knew full well that if he wanted too, Darren's weight and strength alone meant that he could easily break free from my embrace.

"Why don't you tell me Avalon." He replied with indifference, a small smile playing at the corner of him mouth.

"Don't act dumb Darren, you know what I am talking about. Why did you do it? Why did you try to ruin my chances at getting out into the field? I have received not one offer of recruitment today. Not one." By now I'm shouting. My eyes haven't left Darren but I already know that we have attracted a crowd, I can feel there eyes boring into the back of my head.

"I repeat, I have no idea what you are talking about Avalon." His eyes looking over my shoulder, no doubt at the onlookers who were gathering around us.

"You accepted a posting as a security guard on my behalf." By now I was full on shouting in his face. "I want to know why."

"Avalon you need to calm down, we can go and talk about this somewhere more private." He empathised the word private. What did I care if everyone one knew how manipulative he was being. He may have taken me in as his own, but it gave him no right to make life choices for me. Within a week I would be turning 18, and legally I could do as I dam well pleased.

"If you think this is going to stop me Darren, your mistaken. Your not my Father." I spat out. Releasing him from my hold and I turn to leave.

"I'm afraid I can't do that Avalon." His voice held no note of anger only indifference. "I made a promise long ago Avalon. A promise I don't intend to break." I slowly turn back to him.

"A promise to who?" I spat back at him, "My parents? What did you promise that I would never fight, or get into trouble? A promise to keep me away from the fight. What? Should I remind you that it was you who introduced me to this world? Who encouraged me to become a hunter. So please explain, what exactly was it you promised dear old Mum and Dad." I couldn't keep the vehemence from my voice. I know I was acting like a brat, and I know my parents memory didn't deserve my distain. I just couldn't help it. I was angry. Angry at Darren, angry at them, at the world, angry at my one chance to prove myself had been taken away. My skin was starting to prickle, I could feel the heat radiate in me.

"No Avalon." Darren sighed rubbing a hand over his face, he suddenly looked tired and older than he did just moments ago. "I promised to hide you from them."

"From who?" confusion clouded my anger.

"The creatures that dwell just on the other side of those wards." He pointed in the general direction of the entrance to our realm.

"Why would I need to be hidden from them?" my anger began to dissipate for just a moment.

"Because what killed your parents is still out there Avalon." Darren's face took on a look of pleading. Pleading for me to understand or to stop my line of questioning I do not know. I can feel his unease with disclosing this information. If he expected me to stop he was sorely mistaken. I deserved answer, after all it is my life. "They will come for you, the moment you set foot on the other side of this realm they will come."

"That is insane Darren, who will come, what could they possibly want with me. Other than my being a hunter I hold no special value."

"They want you because of what is inside of you!" Darren shouted out. He stilled, realising all too late what he had said.

"What is inside of me?" my voice was all but a whisper. Darren stood dumbfounded, battling a war in his own body, he held his hands over his head, a tell that he felt stressed. He did not answer me. I repeated my question with more ferocity, I could feel the fire blazing through my body again. He stood stony faced and lips tight shut. That pleading look still in his eyes, the one that said please don't do this Avalon.

Realising I was not getting anything more out of him, I turned on my heels and left, bumping into several onlookers as I left. Before I left through the door, my gaze fell onto one set of eyes who watched me with an open curiosity. Dario Montario. His gaze felt hot against my skin, a smirk laying open on him face.

Ripping my gaze away I pushed the door open and stepped out into the air. The day was drawing to a close, the sun dancing just above the horizon. An eyrie red glow surrounding it like a halo. I took several deep lung falls of fresh air. Trying to push down the burning feeling inside my body.

What the hell just happened in there? I started the day like ever other trainee, only for it end like this. I could feel my emotions stirring in my belly. I could feel that there was something that Darren wasn't telling me, something big. And if he wasn't going to tell me, then I was sure as hell going to find out for myself. Sticking around here wasn't going to get me anywhere, the answers I needed were out there, past the wards, far away for the confines of the academy and headquarters.

I had made my decision, it was time to leave the security of this realm and head out on my own. Feeling calmer, a new sense of purpose coursing through me, I take off in a jog, heading back for the dormitories. I quickly enter my room glaring about at my few possessions in boxes. I open the nearest box to me and pull a duffel bag out and quickly stuff some spare clothes and other essentials I might need into it. Next I needed weapons. I sling the duffel over my shoulder and head for the armoury. Rounding the corner I come face to face with someone I did not want to see at that moment in time.

Ben stood red faced watching me with a hooded expression. The only sign that he had been running was a protruding vein in his neck jumping about under the skin with his accelerated heart rate, he hadn't even broken a sweat. His eyes dart over to my bag flung over one shoulder before landing back on my face.

"Please tell me you'r not planning on doing what I think your doing." He asked.

"I have to Ben," I push past him still heading towards the armoury. He reaches out and grabbed my upper arm effectively halting me in place.

"Avalon please don't do this. You don't have to do this." His voice was pleading. "I get your upset, but just take the position, give it a couple of months and my Dad will change his mind, he will see that you are capable."

"You don't get it do you Ben?" pain evident in my voice as I look back at him. "He's hiding something. Something big Ben, something that effects me. How am I supposed to just sit back and do nothing. I need answers. Everyone in the god dam place avoids talking about my family like the plague. I deserve to know the truth!"

"Let's just take the night to cool off, we can talk to him tomorrow. I will go with you. He will be honest I know he will." I could see Ben was struggling with his feelings. He couldn't accept his dad had lied all this time. Willing to believe his every word. Why wouldn't he, he is his Dad at the end of the day, If you couldn't put your trust into your own flesh and blood then who? I looked at him with sympathy.

"If he was going to tell me the truth he would have done it by now." I replied bluntly. He sighed rubbing his face. "OK, then I will come with you."

"No."

"Look, it won't take me a moment to pack some things and I will meet you at the ward entrance. Just give me a min.."

"No Ben," I said firmly. "This is something I have to do myself."

"Just please think about this.."

"I'm sorry Ben, but I have to do this." Cutting him off again, I pulled my arm from his grasp and stalked away. Feeling his defeated look watching as I left his standing there. I knew I had broken his heart as I walked away. Ben had been my best friend, my brother. But I also knew that whatever was waiting for me on the other side of that bridge was going to be dangerous. And I wasn't about to let Ben get killed for me.

As I approached the armoury another man stood in wait for me. I take in his figure, he stood leaning back against the wall feet crossed in front of him and his arms hugging his torso. He stared blankly at the wall opposite a dark brooding look plastered on this face. His mop of hair falling down over his eyes. I looked him with open curiosity. My mind was calling to run my hands through the shiny locks, but my body did not react at all. In fact it couldn't be any less interested.

"You're following me." I sigh audibly. Dario looked up his eyes sparkling with mirth like some sort of joke had passed between us.

"Don't flatter yourself sweetheart." He smiles at me, pushing himself from the walk and stalking towards me. "I think you broke the boys heart." He comes to stand in front of me, much too closely. I can feel the heat of his skin through my clothes. Goosebumps prick up on the back of my neck.

"Has anyone ever told you its rude to eavesdrop." I deadpan refusing to let him see how much his closeness is affecting me. "Plus, Ben is like a Brother to me, he's just upset that I'm leaving without him."

"Does he know that?" Again that strange smile plastered on his face, like he knew something I didn't. I mean the guy is hot, but I didn't have time for this, I have half a mind to just knock him out and have done.

"What do you want Hunter Dario." I sigh, rolling my eyes.

"Are you sure you know what you are doing?" His face turning serious for once. "Its whole different world out there?"

"No, I haven't got a clue, but that's not going to stop me. You saw what happened in there, I need answers and the only way I will get them is crossing over that bridge." I answered honestly, at this point what was the point in lying?

"Very well, but be careful. Remember what you have learnt here Avalon. Use you brain before you act." He paused looking deep into my eyes. "I can see that you are going to go a long way Avalon. I'm not sure what your future will hold but I can feel the determination in you. There is a fire in your soul, hold on to that." He lifts his had and rubs his thumb along my cheekbone, if I didn't know any better I would say it was more like a caress. His touch seared my skin, making my breath hitch in the back of my throat.

"One last thing," Dario hand me a large brown envelope. "You'll need this on the other side. Be safe." With that he turns and walks away.

I stand routed to the spot, confusion preventing me from moving. Snap out of it Avalon, stop crushing on the handsome stranger. I tell myself off inwardly. Breaking out of my trance I carry on down the hall stuffing the envelope into my bag.

It didn't take me long to get to the armoury and gear up. Before I knew it I was stood at the end of the bridge that would lead me to a new realm.

One that I had no recollection of.

Taking a deep breath, I take a look behind me, the sun all but set by now casting the academy into the shadows. I have no idea where this path will lead me, but I need answers. I look to my front and step over the threshold into the unknown.

I step over the bridge that connects us to the human world, It feels like in wading through water. The current pushing me back. The air becomes thick making it difficult to breath. I keep pushing forward, the more I push the harder it becomes.

Just when I think I cannot cross over, a bright light shines out through a crack in the void. Continuing forward finally reaching the source of the light and squeeze myself through. I fall forward and land on my hands and knees with loud thud. It was as if something was holding me up and now has released me from its grasp.

I gulp for air, trying to gather myself. I do not remember crossing into the headquarters before, although I must have done when Darren first brought me there so many years ago. But I am almost positive that it should not be as hard to cross over. It was like I was fighting an invisible force the whole way through.

My breathing evened out and I stand on wobbly legs as I take stock of where I am. I'm not sure what I was expecting to find on the other side, but I somehow I thought I would be in a remote spot. Instead I find myself in a small copse of trees, just beyond the tree line I can see a busy street, cars lined up nose to tail. Noise surrounds me, people chattering and children screaming and laughing, a car horn honked not too far away.

Why would there be a portal so close civilisation. Look behind me at the bridge I have just crossed, surprised to find that the entrance is nowhere in site. I stick my hand out trying to feel for it, perhaps it is disguised. But my hand hit nothing, it waved about in the air. The portal had disappeared.

"Well there is no going back now." I tell myself. Pulling my duffel off of my back I pull out the envelop Dario had given me not 15 minutes ago. I found it strange that I had just left the headquarters in darkness, yet I arrive on the mortal realm in full sunshine. Was it because time runs differently in the different realms or was I travelling for longer than I realised. Another unanswered question I will have to add to the list.

I open the brown envelope, surprised to find stacks of money inside. I pull out a wad of the cash. I haven't even though about money in my rush to leave. If I ever see Dario again I will have to thank him. Just as I was about to place the envelope of money back in my duffel I notice a bright pink post-it note stuck to the side of the envelop.

Written in a lop sided scrawl was an address and a single name.

Lilith

Pear Tree Cottage

The Glen

Lower Crofton

Bowness

I had no idea where I was now, nor did I have any clue on how I was supposed to find this address. But Dario would not have given me this address if he didn't think it would help.

With no other option and no idea where else to start, I head out towards the busy street.

Stepping out from the tree line I feel a light breeze cross ruffle my hair, electricity dancing over me making me shudder. I look over my shoulder only to find that the copse of tree were no longer there, instead a dark alley took its place seemingly heading to a dead end. I make a mental note, just in case I ever need to find this place again.

I turn back and look up and down the street, looking for some sign of where I might be. It looks touristy. People milling about drifting in and out of all sorts of knick knack shops.

A notice one sign 'Bowness on Windermere wonder emporium'. At least I know where I am.

I take a left heading down hill, I notice a sign on the side of the road saying taxi rank. Luckily for me there is a single taxi waiting. Pulling up next to him I gently tap on the window.

"How can I help you miss?" he asks rolling the window down.

"I was wondering if you know this address please?" I pass him over the post-it his eyes glance over it before handing it back to me.

"Sure do, hop in and ill take you there." He rolls the window back up. I pull open the rear door and climb in, placing my duffel on the seat beside me.

"Shouldn't take long miss, maybe 20 minutes if the roads are clear. Traffic at this time of year can be killer. I don't get many requests to come up to Pear Tree Cottage, not for many years." He chatted away happily in the front seat. He wasn't a small man by any means, his round belly protruding out in front if him. He was friendly enough and I knew he passed no threat to me.

"So where are you from if you don't mind me asking, I reckon your not from around these parts?" his tone was casual and friendly.

"No I'm not." I replied as vaguely as I could. The man continued his chatter, I tuned him out watching as the world flew by outside the car window. Although vehicles were not particularly common in the headquarter grounds, they weren't unheard off. But I have never seen quite so many all in one place at one time.

Half an hour later the taxi pulls into a small country lane, we are right out in the middle of nowhere, no homes in sight, over looking a large lake beneath us. The view would be breath-taking, on any other occasion I would stop to admire it, but for now I was eager to see where this address would take me. The lane is slightly over grown, long floppy branches from thorn bushes jutting out and occasionally tapping the side of the car.

Eventually it opens out to reveal a gorgeous thatched cottage. Roses clamouring up the side of the walls in full bloom. The garden was neatly cut back in stripes and pretty flowers grew in boarders. A sign attached to the side of the building announced Pear Tree Cottage B&B. The sign was old and had seen better days, the writing barely visible anymore If nothing else at least I had somewhere to stay whilst I figured out my next move. I hope.

I thank the driver and pay him for his service before climbing out. The taxi slowly rolled away leaving me stood at the end of the garden path alone.

A strange feeling came over me, I felt like I had been here before. The roses feeling so familiar to me. And the door, I know I have seen that door before. I walk down the path, eyes transfixed on the little blue door with a knocker the shape of a snake. His body making a handle with its head staring out at the person daring to enter the premises. A chill went up my back. Quickly pushing the feeling aside I reach out and take the knocker in my hand. Banging once against the heavy wooden door before the door burst open revealing a tall woman with platinum hair falling about her face in waves down to her waist. Her eyes were the lightest shade of blue, almost verging on white. She wore jeans and a black floaty blouse, a stark contrast to her hair. Around her neck she wore a necklace, once again resembling a snake slithering around her neck. From first look you would guess she was mid-twenties, but on closer inspection her eyes looked so much older. They held years of wisdom and knowledge. I stood like a fish out of water, not sure what I should say to this goddess in front of me.

"Can I help you?" she asks, her voice was sweet, like a melody playing on wind. She gave me a once over. Her eyes probing my body.

'I'm," I started, stuttering, "Well I am, I was just wondering if you might have a room available." I managed to get out.

"Sure, your in luck." A smile lit up her face as she steps aside to allow me entrance. "So the room is £80 a night, and includes breakfast. Would you prefer a lake view or wood view?" she asks as she leads me to a small reception desk at the far end of the hall.

"I don't mind, you choose." I give her a tight smile looking around me as the woman busied herself behind the desk. Still not shaking the feeling of having been here before. The cottage had a real homely feel to it. To left sat a living area, a large inglenook fireplace sat in the centre of the wall, three large Chesterfield sofas sat in a u-shape around the fire. On the ceiling above the fire was a huge iron clothes horse, one that you pull down as and when you need it. I expect it was an original feature of the house. Rather than clothes, rows and rows of drying herbs and flowers were tied to the frame drying out. A heady scent of lavender and rosemary surrounded me. On one of the Chesterfield a black cat curled up fast asleep. The rest of the room was filled with trinkets that looked like they should be in a museum. My eyes landed on a picture over the fireplace of a wolf stood atop a hill the full moon behind him making him appear as a silhouette. It was beautiful.

To right sat a huge dining table, easily being able to fit 12 people. It was a beautiful mahogany wood that was shined to a mirror finish. A huge stags head mounted above another smaller fire place, looming over the table like the master of the house. Its glass eyes seeing everything.

"Name please?" the woman asked, I jumped forgetting that she was there for a moment.

"Oh, umm, yes," I was not prepared for giving a name. Should I lie? I had no idea of who this woman was or if I could trust her. The fact Dario had given me her address, surely meant he trusted her. I decided it would not hurt to give her my first name but I would change my last name just in case. "Avalon Miller."

"Oh what a beautiful name." She cooed "Not one you here much anymore. I am Lilith." Smiling she handed me a key to my room. "Follow me." She stepped out from behind the desk and headed up the narrow stair case behind her.

I followed closely behind, taking in the antique decor, trying hard not to accidentally brush against anything as I went.

"We are pretty isolated up here, so I doubt you will see anyone during your stay. We don't have any other guests currently. I don't tend to advertise as we are pretty exclusive with our guests. How did you come to hear about me?" she asks conversationally.

"A friend recommended you."

"Oh?" she looks around her eyebrow cocked. "Does this friend have a name." By now we had reached the landing and she walked to the furthest door along the corridor.

"Dario Montario." I replied, her hand stilled on the door. Looking at me with astonishment.

"Dario sent you?" she questions, a hint of disbelief in her tone.

"Yes that's right." Starting to feel uncomfortable under her gaze as she stood studying me.

"Right." She said breaking eye contact and pushing the door open. "Well I hope the room is too your liking, I will be downstairs if there is anything you need." I pass her as I walk into my room. Her eyes still lingering on my face as I passed. I could feel a tingling sensation over my skin like standing next to something cold for too long.

"Thank you," I mummer as I close the door softly behind me, shutting out her probing gaze. The rooms temperature went up be several degrees and the tingling sensation disappeared.

Well this is interesting, I thought to myself. Who is this woman, and why was she so uncertain about Dario having sent me here. I mulled over her reaction, she definitely seemed on edge.

I suddenly felt exhausted. I placed my duffel bag down on the chaise lounge at the end of the bed and take a look about myself. The room was small but comfortable. The bed looked comfortable and inviting. There was a floral bedspread with pretty pink rose buds covering it. A window looked out across the valley below and over the lakes, under the window sat a small desk with a vase full of roses, presumably from the garden, and a small clock. The numbers read that is was three fifteen in the afternoon. Pulling my shoes off and lay down onto the bed deciding it wouldn't hurt to have a nap for an hour.

My eyes drifted closed and I fall into a fitful sleep. Images and faces of people that I do not recognise swirling about in front of me. No noise, just faces upon faces. There was one face that stood out more that the rest. It was a young boy, the same blue eyes and platinum hair as my host. I watched mesmerised as his image changed from a young toddler and matured into an older child no more that 9 or 10. He seemed so familiar to me but I had no idea why. His eyes sparkling with mirth and his face split into a grin. He was beautiful. Who could this boy be?