WhitWhit & Mishy...The SEQUEL xD

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I watched her fight with concealed eyes, inwardly impressed at how bloodthirsty she seemed. My demon growled low though, when the man dealt her a harsh blow, and she flew back, a loud crack resounding through the room. He must've broken something. Pain flashed past her eyes, and I had the urge to intervene and pummel the man into pulp, make her beating seem insignificant next to mine. I'd show them how they should be terrified of me then. But he'd hit her, and he wasn't going to escape just like that. My demon still saw the girl as ours, and I protected what was mine, with retribution. As she was dragged off him and out the doors past me, her eyes locked onto my cool ones, and I could read the sudden anguish and humiliation in them as she ceased her struggles to break the hold of Pretty-boy on her. But I didn't offer any comfort to her, didn't say anything but let my eyes trail after her silently until the both of them finally disappeared. The second they left though, I whipped my head around, and found the other female Shadowhunter tending to her leader's massive wounds. He'd be nothing, when I was through with him. So I advanced, slowly and deliberately, my steps quietly echoing around us, and as I closed in on them, I let my tendrils sneak out and wrap around his aura, an orange glow tinged with an outline of red haze that indicated his anger and pain. I fed off of him, not even bothering to go slow, taking his energy in by the gallons. He suddenly slumped, his breathing becoming ragged and raspy, and the female started to panic. It took them another minute and a half to realize I was almost on top of them by now, and I could see the understanding dawn in their eyes, one bright with horror and fear, the other dull with terror. I was slowly killing him. Kudos to the girl for finally jumping into action and launching herself at me, but my hand shot out like lightning and I ducked behind her to twist her arm with me against her back, relishing in her sharp cry of pain as my other arm moved to restrain against her neck. The man tried to do something, clawing his way towards us, but I only sneered in his direction, still feeding off him with glee. I cracked my head hard against the girl's and I could feel her go limp against me before I let her body drop to the ground, knocked out. Then I turned to Jake.

[Whitney]

Ray

I watch Thorn's descending form as Lars carries me down the hallway like a sack of flour. No emotion whatsoever even so much as leaked out of Thorn's eyes when I looked at him, not even at the sight of me with a bloodied and broken nose. I felt hurt clench my heart, twisting its fingers around as if kneading it in. So, I guess Thorn finally moved on, away from me. Or maybe he's just giving me space since he's trial is in about...a couple hours. I just now noticed that I've been up all night too, which wouldn't be good since I just had an exhausting work out. I kept staring at Thorn's silver eyes, until Lars pushed open a door and went inside with me over his shoulder. We were in my room, as Lars gently sat me on the bed. I guess he thought Jake got in a few punches on me, instead of just that one. I wanted to laugh at that; Jake just got the hell beaten out of him by me...a girl. He will never let that go now. I looked up at Lars through my eyelashes, in my bloody glory. He sighed, and ran a trembling hand through his hair. "What's gotten into you, Ray?" What has gotten into me? Oh right, it's because I love a fucking demon, Lars, that's why. But I wasn't about to tell him that, because he would probably send a request to have me put in the cells. Now how would I fight for Thorn if I was in there? "Just put my freaking nose back into place." I said through gritted teeth; I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to talk, because the pain from my nose spread throughout my entire face. Lars obliged, as if he couldn't wait to cause more pain on me than he already has. He placed two fingers on each side of my nose, and instantly flicked his wrists, sending my nose cartilage back into place with a sickening crack. "Ow! Goddammit! Couldn't you at least given me the one-two-three count?" I huffed, as another wave of pain slammed into my face, making tears sting the back of my eyes. Lars just shook his head and went into my bathroom, and coming back out with a damp cloth. He knelt down in front of me, and gently pressed the rolled up cloth to my nostrils. It came back with a massive blood stain on the white rag, surprising me by how much blood I had lost. Damn. Jake's going to pay for that. "You need to rest for a few, Ray. We'll wake you when we're ready to go to Idris for Thorn's trial." As if his first words commanded it, my body instantly obeyed. I fell back against the bed, and laid there with my nose throbbing, falling asleep faster than I had fell for a demon.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

He was almost a corpse as I circled him for the fourth time, clawing greedily for something he couldn't just take, eyes desperate and pleading for mercy. I didn't waver, though, relishing in this feeling of dominance. This was how it should always be for me, weak mortals like this man begging for mercy at my feet, their lifeline hanging by the thread on my finger, ready to cut off their life source. It felt too good, all the energy I'd absorbed straight out of his system, filling me to the brim yet driving me to take more. As I walked around him, I kept an ear out for anyone else who might stumble upon us, and an eye out for the still-unconscious female laying several feet away. I scoffed at how weak they now seemed. These were the brave and almighty Shadowhunters the Nightlife feared so much? Ha! All I needed was ten minutes and I already had two of them at my feet knocking on Death's door. "You throw a mean punch, Jakey." I spoke up, sounding so casual I could have been talking about the fucking weather with the living zombie, "I'm impressed. But you hit her. And unfortunately for you, that's where I draw the line." A wheeze. "What's that? Can't quite seem to hear you right." My grin was sardonic. "Why her, I wonder? Is it because she's a threat to you? A better hunter than you'll ever be?" I tossed the insults over easily, but it wouldn't matter, of course. I slowed down how much I was draining him of, just to drag it on that much longer. "Or is it because you're a bully, Jake?" My temper flared at that and my eyes narrowed, "A bully who takes what he wants, when he wants, doesn't matter the consequences, nothing can stop you, right?" I lashed out a sharp pain at him and he gasped and whimpered pathetically. "Well, two can play at that game, Jakey." I cut all my hold on him then, letting just enough energy to flow back into his limp body so that he looked almost human once more, and no one who looked once would tell that he'd almost just died. "Lucky for you, I don't just go around murdering weaklings like you. Hell, it'd make my life a whole lot easier, but I won't do it. Not now." I crunched down, letting what was left of the little humanity my soul still possessed to drive clarity into my enraged logic. "But if you ever touch her like that again...there's a special place in hell waiting. Just. For. You." I wasn't lying if I said I enjoyed how renewed fear struck his eyes at the clear threat I'd just delivered him. Good. Let him fear. So I straightened and got up, and turned around to walk back out of there, my firm steps resounding around me, as if punctuating every word I'd said.

[Whitney]

Ray

I woke up an hour later, jerking my upper body up into a sitting position with a hard jerk that sent my body into spasms of pain. "Dammit..." I whispered through clenched teeth. My nose throbbed with ungodly pressure and pain, but where the pain circled around the most, was my entire back. I got up the strength to stand up from my bed, which, I noticed was left with an imprint of my body in one place. I didn't move the entire time I slept. I sighed through the discomfort, and hobbled over to the full-length mirror hanging on the back of my closet door. I took my shirt off, and turned my back, then gasped in horror. My whole back had big splotches of bruises covering almost every inch of my skin. And my nose was slightly crooked now, a bit bruised too. That was because of Jake punching me, and sending me into the pile of weights. I felt my anger boil immediately, feeling my blood pressure rise and rise. That fucker was going to pay for all of this. But I couldn't dwell on that now; Thorn's trial was in a couple of hours, and we needed to be on time for the Counsel. So, I powered through my shower reluctantly, because the instant hot water hit my broken body, I felt a million times better. I wanted to drown in it. Though, it ended all to quickly, when the knock on my bathroom door sounded through the bathroom. Then it creaked open an inch. "You almost ready, Ray?" Lars asked quietly. I sighed, "Almost." And he left with that. I got out of the shower, noting that I could move a bit better now, and dressed in black jeans, and a black v-neck Tee. As I was lacing my worn leather boots, I noticed how quiet everything was. And that made me nervous. When I was done, I got up easily, and walked out of my door, tucking my Stele in the tiny holster at my hip. I made my way down the hallway silently, turning the corner to go into the kitchen for an apple, and froze at what I saw there. Lars and Ashton were restraining Thorn's hands behind his back with weird looking black rope. Thorn didn't make a move though, as he stared out the porch door. I sighed, and watch them as they secured his bounds. "There," Huffed Ashton, backing away as soon as the rope was tied tight enough. My brows furrowed together, as I stared at Thorn. The more I looked at him, the more I wanted to get him alone and ask if he just wanted to run away, to forget all this and never come back. But that thought died as soon as it came, because Lars had drawn out his Stele, and made a circular motion in the air, while saying a few Shadowhunter words. Then, a burst of white light filled the room, but soon dimmed when a rippling picture of Idris appeared in the portal. "Your chariot awaits." Lars said with no hint of sarcasm in his voice, but he meant it that way.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

They found their leader like that, I suppose, while I had returned to the kitchen to lounge about. As they passed through, with Pretty-boy and another friend supporting him on either side, he froze when he saw me leaning casually against the counter, a small smile playing at the corners of my mouth. After he finally gathered up enough strength to raise a weak hand and point a shaking finger at me, his eyes filled with accusation didn't even block out the stench of fear he released with it. Understanding dawned on the other two morons, and the girl's ex left poor Jakey with the other hunter to bring away. He faced me, a thunderous look on his face, "It was you, wasn't it? You nearly killed him." I just shrugged as a response, "Would you miss him if I did?" I purred, but he merely scowled and stormed over, until he was right up in my face. "Turn. Around." I contemplated causing more trouble for him, but didn't think he was worth the effort, so I complied, and a second later, let out a hiss of pain as fire bit through the flesh around my wrist. I yanked away hard enough so that he stumbled back and whirled around, ready to lunge for his throat, but his growl stopped me. "We need to restrain you for the trial! Stop making things so difficult. If you cooperate, at least we won't have more evidence to put against you if your intention is to get off guilt-free!" I glared at him just as the other hunter returned, taking in the scene with hooded eyes, and without another word, took what looked like black rope from his colleague and faced me. I eyed the spelled restraints with wariness, determined not to let out another sound to betray my weakness, and turned back around so they could tie me up again. This time, I immersed myself into a bleak nothingness, numbing my every emotion so I wouldn't feel a thing. The clamps were made to bring down a demon, which explained the burning sensation it caused, not to mention how it smelt of brimstone. I heard someone else enter the kitchen, but didn't look over, staring intently out the window and getting myself through this small bit of torture first. A minute later, a portal was opened, and I jerked back in reflex, my demon going wild inside me. I wasn't meant to go in there. It reeked of trouble for a guy like me. I bared my teeth, my eyes no doubt shining brightly in barely concealed fright, I could feel the light eating away at my tainted soul...and I didn't like one bit of it. In the midst of losing my hold over myself, I could once more feel the searing pain that ate into my wrists, but that was minor compared to what I felt from the portal. The home of the Shadowhunters.

[Whitney]

Ray

I could see that the restraints on Thorn's wrists were causing him pain, and it made me a bit queasy if I do say so myself. The stench could bring even me down if I got too close. But I ignored it, as I walked right up behind him, placing my fingers in one of his open palms. Ashton and Lars were packing their weapons and other supplies, so that gave me a bit of time to do what I wanted next. My free hand reached for his bounds, and loosened them until they were barely on there. I didn't care if the others noticed, Thorn didn't need these. Where else would he go in Idris? Considering that he didn't want to do there in the damn first place. As the two Shadowhunters were turned around, I placed a chaste kiss on Thorn's shoulder, hoping to give him courage, and not give me regret for doing it later. I squeezed his hand, and let go. "Right behind you," I whispered in his ear, as Ashton and Lars readied their selves to enter the portal. Jake and the others didn't have to go, and I really didn't want them there. The Counsel only wanted to talk to the one that was responsible for the capturing of the demon, and that privilege was given to me. And I don't regret it. Lars looked back at me, and nodded, then stepped through the portal, followed by Ashton. Their bodies were enveloped with a shimmer around them, as the mirror-like image bounced back into place when they were through. "Let's get this over with." I sighed, as I lead Thorn through the portal. Nothing really happened as we stepped through, it just landed us right in front of the gates of Idris. I took a deep breath, taking in the fresh air that surrounded us. I always loved coming here.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I almost didn't register the feeling of her skin against mine, still frozen in a silent battle where my demon needed me to turn and run in the opposite direction and away from the portal, while the logical part of my brain reasoned that it would only make things harder for me. I didn't count traveling into the portal to their homeland as part of what I had to suffer, I'd foolishly thought that would be a piece of cake. But what I was feeling then did more of a mental damage as opposed to a physical one. I was part demon, and my blood was boiling, being this close to something that would mean my downfall. It was like a mental torture. I heard soft musical words being whispered like a breath into my ear, but couldn't place what was being said, and who had said it, then, a gentle push and tug, and I almost resisted, but forced my feet on nonetheless. I didn't think my face could have been any more ashen then it was then. The second I stepped through the bright portal, I sucked in a sharp breath, feeling a sudden shake through my very core. My demon went insane. It raged in its cage, demanding to be set free, to be let out, to escape. Not escape to wreak havoc though, but to escape escape. Right then, I couldn't have agreed with it more. I felt violated, in a nasty way, and when I finally caught my balance on solid ground, I looked up to see large, imposing iron gates just ten feet away. The heat that it gave off was enough to make me recoil with a hiss. Whatever metal that was made of, it was definitely to keep demons like me out. Misery ate at me, and my feet felt like lead, not to mention I was hot to the body temperature, but not a drop of sweat escaped me, which made me antsier and more nerve-wrecked, my vow to keep my composure forgotten.

[Whitney]

Ray

I noticed how fidgety and antsy Thorn became as soon as we went through the portal. Even more so as he stood in front of Idris's gates. I could understand why though; it has a demon ward on it, so whenever a demon does touch it, it burns them with angelic forces. Or so I was told. I couldn't feel the heat that Thorn apparently felt, but I did feel a hum of radiance coming from it. Like electricity. Lars and Ashton were talking among themselves, that let me take the time to talk to Thorn, to try to calm him down. I moved so I stood in front of him, placing both of my hands on either side of his face, making him look at me in the eyes. "Thorn, listen to me closely." I said softly but firmly. "The Counsel will seem harsh and unmerciful, so be prepared for whatever comes your way. But believe me when I say this: I will get you out." I felt my eyes turn soft as I held him, my hands going tender now. "Trust me, just this once, when I say this." I heard Lars's heavy footsteps come up behind me, and then he was beside me, watching me hold Thorn. He didn't show any emotion though, and I didn't want him to. He just held out a weapon in his hand; my seraph blade. I took his and secured it along my holster at my waist. I looked to Thorn once again. "Be prepared." I whispered, before I moved behind him and Lars in front of him. Once he started walking forward, I followed, leading Thorn with my hand on the small of his back. Ashton was drawing an special unlocking rune on the black metal of the gates, as it glowed brightly. The gates unlocked and came slowly open with a groan. "Welcome to Idris," said Ashton.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

My demon snapped its teeth when she touched my face, and I jerked, but forced myself not to wrench away from her close proximity. Everything felt too hot now, it was too loud, and everything was too bright. Even the breathy whisper that came out of her lips made me cringe, the words echoing loudly around my skull and making me dizzy. "Don't." I rasped, needing to get away. Even her touch burned. I took a ragged breath to reel in as much as I could, just as the gates opened and one of them flung the welcome at me, which I fought not to wince at. I pushed for my feet to take a step forward, then another, keeping my eyes on the back of--was that Pretty Boy? Two minutes later, I registered her words as we navigated through the streets of the Shadowhunters' city, and almost stumbled to a stop in the process. Was it in her blood to interfere in things that she should leave be? I frowned and wanted to turn around to pin her with a glare, but the stares from other hunters walking by made me wipe off any look that was on my face. Damn people didn't know to mind their own businesses, and didn't they know it was rude to stare? My demon snarled at the prospect of spilling their blood, but I hushed it. Not now. Not here. It retreated just barely, sulking. I focused instead, on my frustration with the particular female behind me. Stubborn, mule-headed woman. I didn't want her here, where she could get hurt, didn't want her offering reassurances to me, didn't want her reminders to stay focused and hang in there while she 'got me out'. I'd already counted on leaving her far behind the second I broke out of this hellhole, but once more, she's insisting to get involved again. Which can't happen. Maybe I could lock her up in a closet or something.

[Whitney]

Ray

I shot death glares at the people who stared at Thorn, like he was a total foreign thing. They've seen demons before, dammit. And they've seen demons in Idris being taken to the Counsel too, so I don't get why they're staring like they are. As soon as they saw me and my glare, they snapped their gazes back forward or to the ground. I even hear some people whisper, "That's Rayne Lockwood. She's not suppose to come here for another year." I let a smile play at the edges of my lips. Ah, yes. When my little...incident happened, the Counsel had banned me for nearly ten years, and I had another to go. But I couldn't help that the Counsel wanted to talk to the Shadowhunter who caught the demon that's been framed of killing innocents. Lars and Ashton also heard some of the whispers about me too, and they sent looks toward them that could shrivel plants. They shrunk back into the alleyways of the looming buildings. I hoped Thorn hadn't heard any of that; it would take a lot of explaining I didn't want to go through. Before I knew it, we were in front of a the tallest building in Idris, glass panels making up the outside interior. I had always thought it looked intimidating, the glass looked like it would cut you not matter where you touched it. We made our way up the steep steps that lead to the front door; it made of black iron with intricate runes designing the metal. I sighed. The Counsel was beyond that door. I thought I was going to throw up. But we didn't waste any time, as Ashton had already placed his hand on the door, as white glowing light outlined his fingers. The door came open with a creak, and it lead to a narrow corridor. Two guards were standing there, as if waiting for us. "This way," One said in a bellowing voice.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

The whispers caught up to my ears, but they weren't about me, surprisingly. Well, some of them were, but most of them contained the words Rayne and Lockwood, and concerned the female behind me. Curiosity washed over me like a wave, but I pushed it aside, low growls coming from my demon as his fierce protectiveness over our female reared up again. We'd finally reached our destination, and though the intensity of everything around me had lessened, I still cringed at how...wrong the building we stood in front of was for me. I eyed the two tall men standing guard, and scowled, fighting back a flinch when one of them all but thundered in our ears. I looked around, but none of the other hunters seemed to be as affected, and I blew out a breath, but followed after them when they started moving up the steps and into the huge building. I paid special attention to the twists and turns as we headed through the mansion, committing the path to memory. It was going to come in handy later. I tried to ignore the hum of energy she seemed to give out as she walked close behind me, and I wondered if that was her stare I felt burning in to my back. If she kept that up, I was going to have a harder time trying to push away the addictive hunger I felt for her. Oh, I felt the same for everyone, including the two guards and her fellow hunters leading the way, but I was especially compelled to how hers sang out to me. Sort of like a soft, haunting melody that begged for a feed, begged for me to find out whether it was as good as I remembered--I sucked in a breath when I realized the direction my thoughts were heading in, and without hesitating, threw myself hard against the wall to my left, feeling my head crack loudly in the quiet surroundings, but it worked, and the hit to my brain dispelled and disoriented my whole being. I quickly took control again and brought my greed under wraps once more, giving myself a small shake as I met the shocked eyes in front of me steadily. "Apologies. Don't know what got into me." I grunted roughly and jerked my head for them to keep moving, the guards slowly lowering their own shining daggers as they eyed me with suspicion. I just blinked and shrugged.

[Whitney]

Ray

My hands started to reach out and pat down Thorn after he slammed himself against the wall, as panic and worry overrode my expression and my emotions. But I soon recovered when he straightened up and shrugged it off like it was nothing. My eyebrows furrowed just a fraction. What the hell got into him? I sighed, as the guards made a big show of putting their daggers back into the sheaths on their belts. Always eager for trouble. Then, I caught the gaze of a guard that was eyeing me in an odd manner. Suspicion. That's what it was. I held his gaze, determined to not let anything show. A moment later, his lips turned up into a slow, eerie grin that sent my skin prickling like crazy. His smile read I know what's going on here. I know what you are up too. But I shoved down the urge to kill him right there--just to rid myself of that horrible smile--and smiled back tightly. He turned around and motioned forward. We followed in silence, until the creepy guard stopped abruptly in front of huge double doors that reached the ceiling. "The Counsel room." His voice sounded even creepier, as his looks screamed at me to turn and run. He had the British drawl that sounded like he belongs back in the Victorian era. I shivered, as he knocked three short times on the door, as if morse code. It then opened, revealing a huge room that could easily fit one and a half football fields in them. There were thick pillars lining the edges of the room, giving it an old Greek feel, as they were made of marble. Beautiful. My praise soon ended, when my eyes moved to the front of the room, and locking with a pair of familiar eyes. "Head of the Counsel. Xander Stormwall." The other guard boomed, his voice echoing off the marble walls. I then stepped forward, walking with stiff muscles toward Stormwall. He was a nice fellow--with his salt and pepper hair, lanky yet lean frame, and his lightning blue eyes--but when it came down to business, it was brutal. I used to love his mercilessness, until I met Thorn. "Ah, Rayne," His smooth voice flowed through the air to greet me softly. "So good to see you again." I smiled in returned, and bowed my head. "Consul Stormwall. Always a pleasure." I made my voice sound smooth and carefree despite my fucked up nerves. Xander stood up from the round table he was sitting at, and spread out his arms, fingers spread wide. "Let's waste no time then. Begin." He commanded through a hard tone. I nodded once and retreated back to Thorn's side. I showed no emotion at I looked at him, but I hope he read in my eyes that I was telling him it was okay. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I pushed him forward, leading him to a spot off the right side of the round table. There were two chairs there, and I shoved Thorn into one of them, trying to go for no mercy in front of the Counsel members. "So, Rayne. You have caught the demon that's been feeding and then killing innocent humans?" Stormwall asked. When I nodded, he went on in the next breath he took. "Alright then. Thorn Reyes." He said in a harsh tone, as he narrowed his sharp eyes on Thorn. "The evidence shows that you've been seducing young women into kissing you or sexual intercourse, and draining them with your...powers. And the average amount of time it takes to kill them, is roughly a week. They slowly start to fall ill, as if the flu or a stomach virus has corroded their bodies." He took a breath, and tilted his head, as if daring him to say the wrong thing. "And then they just drop dead." I closed my eyes, gritting my teeth. Xander is playing with Thorn, prodding his boundaries. "Do you plead guilty or not guilty, Mr. Reyes?" My heart leaped in my throat. Stormwall didn't mention where he had gotten the evidence.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

One of the dickheads was eyeing our girl with none too much grace, so when he led us into a large, fancy room that looked like a huge court, I made eye contact with him and put as much of my demon as I could inside my stare. When I brushed past him, I made sure I let slip a low, warning growl, and was rewarded with the sharp scent of his fear as it hit me. Breathing it in, I seemed to grow a little taller and I let a sinister smile form on my face before turning away from the guard. He just signed his own death warrant. The second I stepped into the room, my eyes scanned around me, searching out any possible exits and locating how many people were in the room. When an older man came into sight and spoke her name, I tensed, my demon growling inside me again. No one but us should be allowed to speak her name, feel the sound of it caress on my tongue, claim her as ours. She pushed me forward and into a seat once a few words were exchanged, and I gruffly appreciated her rough side, then stared up at the slightly wrinkled face and condescending eyes that were looking down on me with not much pity. I could taste his need to get this over with as quickly as possible, to put the demon he thinks is guilty behind bars and keep up the steady facade of justice for his people, regardless whether I was guilty or not. I could feel the thrum of his need to have me locked up somewhere, and get all the credit for once more being the man to save innocents' lives, a hero in his people's eyes. This man was no substance, he was merely an empty, greedy shell of a web of falseness. So I smirked, far from afraid, "Not. Guilty." I pronounced the two words crisply, three syllables that I drew out lazily.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

((sorry that's really short! D:))

[Whitney]

((It's okay! I'm just glad you replied. x3))

Ray

I wanted to smile at Thorn's strong voice, to pat him on the back or squeeze his shoulder. He was so strong, but I expected nothing less of him. I watched Stormwall's face contort into a grimace, as if he had expected Thorn's words to be as drawn out as they were. I could see him white-knuckling the sides of the podium he was standing behind, which made me want to smile more. He had to have been intimidated by Thorn, I could see it in his stormy eyes. Hell, I'd be too, if I were him. I could tell Thorn had gotten bigger since we came in here, and hotter. In the literal sense; I could feel the heat radiating off his body, and slamming into mine as if taunting me. But Stormwall's booming voice broke any sensual thoughts that wanted to invade my mind. "Do you have any evidence that would go with that statement, Mr. Reyes?" His tone was snarky and mean, making me want to box him in the nose like I've wanted to for years. His narrowed eyes had zeroed in on Thorn, and were daring him to do anything rash. In this case, give evidence that would set him free. And that's what I had in mind, because before Thorn could open his mouth, I beat him to it. "I do," I said loudly and proudly. A few of the counsil members' heads swiveled in my direction. "And what would your evidence be, Ms. Lockwood?" Stormwall's gaze had landed on me and was now sizing me up. I gathered up all the courage and strength I had to make my statement. I'll definitely need it. "A couple of days after I had brought Thorn in, we had some...relations," I could feel heat creeping up the back of my neck, and trying to avoid the disapproving and disgusted looks I got from all over the room. "And things went a bit too far, which led to Thorn...using his demonic powers on me to feed." And that's when a chorus of gasps sounded through the room. I think I even heard Lars gulp from across me. I tried to stay as professional as possible, but I couldn't help the waver in my voice when I said demonic. Thorn was no demon to me. "So here I stand. I don't feel as if I'm going to fall ill, or die for that matter." My voice had turned stern and hard, narrowing my eyes on Stormwall, just as he was doing to me. I saw his Adam's apple bob a couple times, as his fingers wringing the edges of the podium. For the first time in a long time, I think Stormwall was conflicted.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I narrowed my eyes a little when the man's stony glare pinned me, practically breathing down my neck. I could snap that pretty little neck off in less than a second, it wouldn't be a problem, even with my hands cuffed behind my back and ten feet separating us. I knew more than one way to kill a mortal. My mouth opened to snort out a degrading retort about how he seemed a tad too old for the job, but believe it or not, a fiery little spirit beat me to it. What I heard come out from that luscious mouth made me want to do anything but jump her right then, though, and I actually groaned out aloud at her defense. Why, oh, why, Ray Lockwood? I simply slumped back in my chair and looked bored as she retold our little encounters, almost smirking as I heard the disapproval vibrate around the room. "Oh please," I finally drawled out right after she finished, in response to the audience's shock, "I was hungry, I needed to feed. Which you nitwits had so conveniently forgotten to take into consideration." I gestured vaguely to the other two who had accompanied me and the girl along. "She just so happened to be at the wrong place, the wrong time. Simple as that." But it was true, what she had pointed out. That she was still standing. Why, though? Because I'd held myself back? Cut off before I could have taken too much? I didn't turn around to face her though, and kept my gaze wandering around to the rest of the old men seated up there. Holding my stand. "She's still breathing as you can see, but I made an exception for her. The rest of my...victims weren't sure lucky." I wanted to get the ball rolling. The quicker they found me guilty, the quicker they would lock me up and the faster I could escape and find the sorry SOB who'd made my life a living hell, with the only bright light being the dark-haired vixen standing behind me, of course. "Make up your mind, counsel. Either you find me guilty or not, and if I am, do hurry up already." I could see their confusion clear in their eyes. Once second I was saying I wasn't guilty, and the next, I was practically owning up to the crime. My demon growled in appreciation. Oh, how I do so love toying with my prey.

[Whitney]

Ray

I wanted to roll my eyes at Thorn's lazy combacks, but held back because at least he was going along with it. Though, it did make things a bit more difficult when he said something about the rest of his victims. I could see Stormwall's eyebrows raise at that, a soft smirk on his face. I could already tell that Thorn was already in the cell by the look on his face. So, I tried to come to Thorn's defense before anything else happened. "That could be it--him holding back on me--or it couldn't. I was out for two days." I looked around at the counsel's face, meeting everyone of their stony gazes before landing back on Stormwall. He had his eyes narrowed and ready to lay a strike. "Wiped out completely, if I do say so myself." The memory brought back a soft shudder. I had to make this as convincing as possible. "I have a proposal to make." I watched Stormwall's face light up in interest. "I could lead a search team, including Reyes, to find the person that's actually feeding on people," I said firmly and narrowed my eyes to match Stormwall's. "Because, let's be honest," I glanced back at Thorn, giving him a visible up-and-down sweep with my eyes, smirking as if his presence was amusing. "Mr. Reyes was way too easy to catch." At that, Stormwall let out a burst of laughter that sent chills through my body. I wanted to look back and Thorn and plead with him through my eyes that I didn't mean what I say, but I couldn't. So, I crossed my arms and spread my legs to brace myself, as I stood tall and emotionless. "So what do you say, Stormwall?" My voice was as if confronting an old buddy. "Either imprison a possible innocent man. Or track down the monster that's really doing these crimes." I tilted my head, taunting him in my mind to make the wrong decision. Because, God knows, I will make sure Thorn gets out of this alive and safe. There was a pause throughout the entire room. It was so quite, I was pretty sure you could ear a fly pissing in the wind. Stormwall was watching me with interest, hand cupping his chin in thought. "Alright," His booming voice broke the awful quite, and threw his hands up as if this were a game. "I'll give you this chance to one up on your past, Rayne." I flinched, as he continued. "If this search party fails, then I won't be merciful with you." His threat made me want to attack him right then and there, but he had already dismissed us with a wave of his hand, and a turning of his back. Murmurs were running through the counsel, a few members looking back to watch us leave. I didn't care, though. Because I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

What are you doing, Angel? The more I listened to her 'ingenious' plan, the more I wanted to throttle her. My demon was pouting at the interference, and I wasn't too happy with our lady either. My entire face turned stony and my eyes were burning holes into the back of her head. No way. I wanted to growl. I wasn't going to risk bringing her along for the hunt. If this guy was out for my blood, there wasn't a doubt he'd use whatever he could against me, including the people closest to me. If he (or she) ever found out what the girl meant to me, we'd all be in deep shit. This was why I always preferred to work alone if I had to. There was no one to slow me down. No one to sit in as a weakness for me. Is that what you really think of her? An annoying little voice popped up in my head. That what you feel for her is a weakness? A vulnerability? I knew right away that the answer was yes. It was the why part of the question that would be a tad more...complex. When the 'Stormwall' guy dismissed us, my demon deflated a little, and I figured I wouldn't be able to pull off the whole massacre thing. Or could I? I could just litter the place with a few dead bodies, leave the rest standing, or rather knocked out. Finally show my dark-haired vixen what I am. What she shouldn't ever forget the blood and flesh I was carved out from. That would end this whole thing. I'd never see her again, because let's face it, who would want a soul-sucking, blood-craving demon for a boyfriend? Somewhere deep in my mind, my blood ran cold at how careless that thought had slipped out. Like killing people wasn't that big a deal for me. That I'd do exactly that just to get out of here. Leave the Shadowhunter mice behind. But wasn't that what I was? A demon? Satan's own spawn. I hardly realized, so deep in thought that I'd been, when we finally escaped the cold, stifling courtroom and were descending down the stairs of the building outside already. But still I said nothing, torn between discomfort at the fact that I wouldn't have a problem falling one of Ray's own, and a strange sort of sick satisfaction that I was so willing to do it. Sometimes I wished I'd never been part mortal. Then I wouldn't have all these complicated mundane feelings raging through me and making my life a living hell.

[Whitney]

Ray

I walked back over to Thorn, not even realizing that I had walked about a yard toward Stormwall. I guess they thought I was going to attack him, because the guards on either side of him was readying their seraph blades, and eyeing me with narrowed eyes. I shot them both a tight-lipped smile and whirled around, walking back to where Thorn sat. He was looking at me intently, those icy eyes of his burning holes into my chest. I gave him a weak smile, and knelt down in front of him. I took hold of his hands with my soft shaking ones. I need to hold onto him, or I'd lose what little bit left of my mind there was. He was my anchor to reality, if I'd lose him now, I'd lose myself along with him. Ashton came over to us with a big ancient looking iron key in his hand. He walked behind Thorn and quickly unlocked his handcuffs. They rattled around in Ashton's hands, giving me moment a creepy deja vu. Never again, my mind chided. "Let's go," I said sternly to my group. I could already feel Stormwall's gaze in the back of my head, prodding me and seeing if I'd back out, mostly likely. As if. I began walking down the length of the room, not caring that my fellow Shadowhunters that I used to train with, were staring at me with disgusted scowls on their faces. What I do for love. I sighed, and put my hand on Thorn's shoulder, slowing my pace so I could walk beside him. "We can make a portal just outside of the building. I need to get out of this hellhole." Ashton said in a harsh voice. I didn't blame him. The guards that lead us in where waiting outside of the door. My apparent new British friend gave me a wicked toothy smile. It sent shivers up my spine, and I inched closer to Thorn, almost pressing my body up against his. Keep hold of yourself for just a bit longer. I tired, I really did. I wanted to lash out, to let Stormwall see the "little girl" in me now that he always thought I was. I could see it in his eyes back in the court room; he thought I couldn't do it. But he was dead-ass wrong. I'd probably never live up to expectations though, and I didn't really want to. Soon enough, we were outside of the court room building, and Ashton was already pulling out his stele to draw a rune for the portal. He set himself off to the side, and began drawing the rune on the glass of the building. I smirked. Stormwall would love that. Not. I squeezed Thorn's shoulder, my heart thudding in my chest as the portal opened, the light shining brightly and brilliantly in our eyes. I took the first step into it, keeping a hold on Thorn so he could follow me. In an instant, we were back in the kitchen of our little safe house. "Home sweet home," I muttered numbly, dropping my hand from Thorn's arm. I looked at him then, realizing I hadn't really looked at him since we had gotten into the court room. He didn't look much different. But I was stupid to think he would. The effect that Idris gave off on demons wasn't pretty, but Thorn didn't even look phased by the trip. If anything, he looked like he just got back from a quick run from McDonald's. The thought made me smile stupidly, my cheeks straining as I felt my mouth spread wide. I even let out a little chortle. I must be on the brink of losing it.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I blinked when we passed through the portal, an involuntary shudder rocking my body, but I quickly shook it off and straightened. My demon seemed less restless, now that we'd left that too-holy place behind, and when I focused, our little vixen was staring at me...with the strangest look on her face. Cocking my head, I peered at her, wondering if I should be worried, "Something you need to say, Angel?" Before she could reply however, a figure's presence filled up the empty space behind me and I took a step forward, unknowingly closing the distance between the girl and I. The person bumped into me from behind--a shove in the shoulder--and I whipped my head around growling a warning for them not to touch me if they valued their limbs.

[Whitney]

Ray

The sudden heat that was coming off Thorn threatened my eyes to roll back into their sockets. But I took a deep breath and eyed him, and the inch of space between us. One tiny step closer... I snapped out of it, giving myself a mental shake, and practically feeling those dirty thoughts jumble out of my head. Ashton and Lars came in through the portal behind Thorn, and Lars was the one that bumped into him. Figures. I barely skimmed my fingers down Thorn's jawline to get his attention. "I think we should get started." The faster this got done and over with, the faster I could clear Thorn's name. I sniffed, and turned around to walk to the round table that doubled as a dining and conference room, feeling thankful that Lars left his laptop on the top of it. "We need to start tracking the places where the demon has been sighted, feeding, etcetera." I sat down, and flipped open the laptop, waiting for it to boot up.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

My whole body jerked to her touch, but by the time I'd turned back to face her again, she was already moving away and I scowled, having missed my moment with her. "I'll have my phone back." I had stepped aside and into the path of the dark-blonde kid who'd shoved into me earlier. My demon snarled for his blood, but I hushed it, a devilish smirk curling up around my mouth as I faced the lad. They'd taken all my belongings when I'd been dragged in, and since then, I had no form of contact with the outside world, when I really needed to.

[Whitney]

Ray

I sighed, running a cold hand down the length of my face. Men and their testosterone levels astound me. I leaned forward with my elbows on the table, watching Thorn and Lars face one another. Then, slowly, Lars reaching into his back pocket with his arm muscles straining. He pulled Thorn's phone out, and dropped it on the ground with a soft thud. It didn't break, thankfully. Though, I could see a smirk on his feet. Shit. "Lars." I barked, as if calling off a guard dog. I saw him wince, his body going rigid. He bypassed Thorn down the hallway in a sudden movement that even I didn't register. This is going to be a long night.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

With a vicious snarl I was after the boy, my demon egging me on. How dare he. I came up behind him and grabbed the back of his shirt, shoving him around harshly, but he was ready and had his hand clutched in a fist as he swung it at me. I jerked my head back, but I wasn't quick enough and he got me good with a jab as I staggered back. Then I lunged for his legs, tackling him down without even stopping for a breath. Boy, did I need this.

[Whitney]

Ray

"Oh, son of a bitch." I mumbled, getting up and sprinting towards the two that was now on the ground, growling, grunting, and swinging. It seems that I will need a taser. By the time I was right at them, Lars was on top of Thorn. "God," I whispered, grabbing the collar of Lars' shirt, and jerking him back, as he made a strangled sound in the process. "Can you two just stay the fuck away from each other for ten goddamn minutes?!" I yelled in his face, anger rising up my neck in a red-hot pace. "Unless you want to help us Lars, get the fuck out." I seethed, snatching my hand away from him as if being burned. He looked at me for one stunned minute, then he snorted. "Gladly." He retorted, whirling around and walking out of the back door. "I hope he gets his ass eaten by fucking packs of wolves." I said lowly, watching him leave.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I growled again as he got yanked off me and scowled after him as he left. Getting back onto my feet, I shot my vixen a warning look, "I'll gladly be the wolf in this situation." I didn't like that she had interrupted what seemed to be a very good fight. I had needed the adrenaline rush and that boy had proved a good way of venting out my anger on. We weren't done, not by far, and I would kick his ass. Just not now, apparently.

[Whitney]

Ray

"Look, if you need to blow off some very pent up steam, then you can use the gym." Memories of the gym came crashing back down on me. Jake and I fighting, striking, pummeling. It was all just a very bad bloody dream now. Jake and I fighting wasn't what made me sick to my very core, it was that Thorn had watched. I knew he had been in much worse situations than that. But I didn't want him to me like that, as corny as that sounds. Hell, I still had my dignity. I shot him a glance, then turned back and walked towards the round table again, plopping down in a chair, as my skin crawled at the way I remembered Jake's nose had cocked to the side after I hit him.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

My scowl remained in place as I watched her head back to her seat in front of the computer. Stiffly, I retrieved my phone and left the room without another word, leaving the house with a slam of the front door. Jogging down the porch steps, I checked my iPhone and made sure it wasn't permanently damaged. Once I made sure it was working fine, I switched it on and checked my seven voice messages, only interested in one person's. I listened intently, my eyebrows furrowed as I concentrated on his voice, first bored and frustrated, then by the fourth one he seemed to pick up anxiety. By the seventh, Bo was urgent and demanding to know where I was.

"Hey man, I just checked up on Melina. She just got back from work. Waitressing. She looks good in the uniform too. She's fine, by the way. Nothing out of sorts."

"Hey, me again. What's up with missing my calls? Never mind. Melina's good, perfectly healthy. I feel like a stalker now. See ya."

"Thorn, are you purposely avoiding me or something? Forget that. Listen, Melina stayed home today. Called in sick. Could be something, could be nothing. She's claiming its the flu. I'll update you again soon."

"Dude, I'm getting sick of listening to your stupid voice message. Melina's gone to the doc's. He said it was stomach flu, but she's not looking too good, man--Are you even alive?"

"Alright, I've been watching her, and no one, I repeat, no one, has been to see her as of last week. She stayed home, hardly ever left her flat, and there wasn't even any unusual contact at her work. But she's almost out cold. Same symptoms as your previous ah...victims. Can you please call me back?!"

[Whitney]

Ray

I ignored Thorn's retreating footsteps, and the slam of the porch door. "So much for helping," I mumbled, as the laptop came on fully. I then clicked on the program that tracked and mapped. I had a list of the address of the victims Thorn had been accused of leaving behind. I typed in the first location of the victim had been attacked. When the program loaded, it zoomed in and pinpointed on a little area northwest of The Devil's Mercy. I wrote down the latitude and longitude below the first address on the list. I typed in the second one, and it come up just exactly north of TDM. I wrote down the info for that one, too. When I typed in the third one, it came up northeast. My eyebrow furrowed, and an idea popped into my head. After I typed in all of the address that were on the list, the tracker showed up that the feedings were taken place in a clockwise circle around The Devil's Mercy. The demon framing Thorn must be there, or in the area. "Bingo," I whispered.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

"Shit." I cursed violently and quickly dialed my friend back after hearing his frantic messages, my heart racing. The second he picked up, I snapped, "It's a long story, don't ask. Where is she?" Bo gave me a frustrated sigh and what sounded like him running his hand down his face, "She's still in bed. Hasn't moved the whole day, keeps coughing, looks pale as a vamp. I swear to you, Thorn, no one so much as touched her since you've been gone." I was pacing now, my mind whirring. This bastard was a smart one. There was only one way he could have gotten to those girls without leaving any physical sign around then.

[Whitney]

Ray

Do we finally have him? I asked myself, tapping my pen against my lower lip. Then, I got up quickly out of my seat, and headed towards Thorn to tell him what I came up with. I slammed open the porch door, and halted. He was on the phone, so I kept quiet until he got off. Maybe his friend Bo had something good. I sat down on the top step of the porch, shaking the pen around between two fingers vigorously. "Thorn." I said softly, just to let him know I was here, waiting.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I twisted around to see Ray waiting impatiently on the porch steps for me and held up a finger to her, indicating a minute, then focused back on my conversation with Bo. "Even before he struck he's found out a way that would only lead all evidence painting a giant red X on me." I murmured into the phone, and I could practically hear the gears whirling over the line, "But how is he doing it? The million dollar question. It hit him just as I said it, because he'd sucked in a sharp gasp, "Somehow he's getting into their heads nd messing with their systems through that." I confirmed his suspicions grimly.

[Whitney]

Ray

I quirked and eyebrow, analyzing what Thorn said in my head. Could the demon make people think they were getting sick or dying? It's very much possible, very much. Demons had all different kinds of powers for each kind of species. It only gets worse, the higher the demon is in species. "Well, that just scared the piss out of me." I murmured sarcastically--mostly to myself--looking out in the woods as if was the only thing to do in the world. I started chewing nervously on the tip of the pen, and twirling a piece of a loose strand hanging from my shirt. I huffed, letting Thorn know I was about to get impatient.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I rolled my eyes at the sound that escaped the fiery little angel, and quickly cut short my discussion with Bo, "Alright listen, I can't stay and chat, but I'm working to find out who our resident demon is. Meanwhile, I want you to keep watching over Melina, just...make sure she stays alive and breathing." I swallowed, hating how all those girls were on the brink of death just because they'd been associated with me, however briefly. It rode on my conscious, and my own demon didn't like that. After an affirmation from my friend, I hung up and stared miserably at the piece of technology in my hands.

[Whitney]

Ray

I could tell Thorn was taking it pretty rough that the girl wasn't doing any better. I didn't get up to comfort him or to touch him, known that he'd probably not like that as much as I would. So, I stayed seated, and stared at his back. "We'll get him, Thorn. I'm sure of it now." I let the smile on my face show as I spoke, letting him know that not all had gone bad...yet. "I have something."

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I shook off my mood, knowing now was not the time to feel self-pity, and whirled around to head back to the house, holding out a hand to help the little beauty up as I came to a stop in front of her. "Show me." I simply said, somehow strangely confident she wouldn't let me down if she said so.

[Whitney]

Ray

I took his hand, squeezing it gently as I got up. "There's a pattern to the demons feedings." I said, as I went into the cabin, heading for the round table. I didn't have to look back to tell if Thorn had followed me. But by the heat on my back, I'm sure he did. "I put these little red dots on the places he's been." Once I got to the table, I grabbed the laptop, and twisted it around to show him the screen. The dots formed a medium sized circle around a building. I point to it in the middle. "This is The Devil's Mercy." I looked up at him, wondering if he'd get it.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I followed her obediently back into the house and watched silently as she explained, silently impressed by her handiwork. "Good job." I praised her, voice gruff, but my eyebrows were furrowed at the slightly jagged circle surrounding the club, recognizing some of the places. "So those dots are where the victims are known to have fallen?"

[Whitney]

Ray

I felt a little pride in myself as he praised me, but did quickly to not let it show. "Yes. These where the feedings where taken place, and the victims were left there." My voice was soft, as I sat the laptop back down on the table. "Do you go to The Devil's Mercy a lot?" I asked, leaning over the table, and cocking out a hip. "Because if so, the demon knows it." I looked back at him, raising an eyebrow, and hoping to God this would get better. "But this seems too easy, doesn't it? He wouldn't just leave this much evidence behind." Confusion and frustrating unfurled in me, making me sigh and lean my forehead against the table's wooden surface.

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

I frowned at her speculations, following her logic, my eyes trailing along the lines that connected the dots as I said nothing at first. That club was a regular visitation of mine, yes. But it was also many other paranormals' favorite hangout. So why did that make me special? "Maybe that's what he wants.." I murmured, almost half to myself.

[Whitney]

Ray

"Maybe. Or Maybe he wants us for something." I suggested tightly, my hand coming up to massage my aching left temple. "I just want you free, Thorn." I sighed, running said hand down my face, choking down a sob that wanted to reach up my throat. "That's all I want," I whispered in my palm, feeling my guard drop to the ground with a heavy thud that rattled even me. The things Thorn do to me...

[Michelle, ~I'm not as think as you drunk I am~]

Thorn

My head snapped up to the side at the words she'd sighed out, but I let my look remain emotionless. "I could have gotten myself out fine, Angel." I murmured, "Then none of this would be happening and you wouldn't be so exhausted all the time." I made my way over and dropped to a knee by her seat, looking up at her as my hands reached out; one to lower the hand over her face and the other to grip her chin and face me, "You look after my affairs like I'm unable to on my own, when you should be worried only for yourself. Not a demon." My eyes softened at the tears that seemed to form in her eyes. This was what happened when you get involved with Shadowhunters. Nothing good ever came out of it.

[Whitney]

Ray

I let my eyes travel up his face. First his chin; darkening with stubble, then his lips, nose, then eyes. "You know why I look after your affairs," I whispered. "Don't make me say it again when you don't want to hear it." I managed out, my voice threatening to waver as tears started brimming around my eyes. I looked him straight in the eye, feeling like a child being handled like she was about to throw a temper tantrum. "Just...let me help you. And then after all this is over with, I'm out of your hair." I wanted to hit a nerve with him on the last part, because I didn't want to leave him. Not after all this. I just hoped he felt the same way.