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“It’ll be our little secret. Now why don’t you come with me, hmm?” Willow managed to nod, Wilson taking her out of the room, through halls and up a flight of stairs. Leading her further, until they arrived at some kind of study room. A fireplace caught her attention, the soothing crackle of the flames bringing her at least a little comfort. That didn’t last long however as she was brought to stop at a balcony, the other head vampires already waiting.

“I almost started without you Higgsbury.”

“I only took a moment Maxwell. You’ll get your fill, don’t be impatient.” The woman from the beginning of the night was there. They glanced across the balcony, smiling at Willow.

“Did you enjoy the food and such? Sorry I had to leave our little conversation before. The first runner is a bit of an event at the gala~” A lump was forming in Willow’s throat as the images flashed through her mind again, the screaming… She looked out to the lawn beneath the balcony, hoping to distract herself.

“I see she didn’t run then Higgsbury.”

“No no, she’s a brave little thing.” Claws appeared in her face causing her to flinch, knuckles going white from gripping the railing of the balcony so tightly.

Wilson brushed stray hairs from her face, lightly grazing her forehead with his nails. Brave little thing… perhaps not as much as he though, although she did try to assault him. If that wasn’t brave he wasn’t sure what would be. He’d see how far he could push her. “Aren’t you Willow?” Silence. Maxwell scoffed.

“I better get this hunt started.” Large black, leathery wings emerged from underneath the man’s cloak, causing Willow to jump and stare. Where the hell was he hiding those?! “When you’re ready Charlie.” The younger woman sneered, a grin still on her face.

“Of course Maxy.” Wings of her own emerged as she turned to face a gathering of people (although they weren’t really people, they were monsters, weren’t they?). “Let the hunt begin!” The fire starter had to shield her eyes as both parties beat their wings. As if a switch had been flipped, multiple bodies took to the sky, all manor of screeching and snarling echoing across the courtyard. First blood was drawn, a shrill scream piercing the night. It was like watching a nightmare from afar, shapes writing and sounds assaulting her ears. Willow pushed against the railing, against the body behind her, moving into the study. Her breaths were shallow, tears in her eyes. There was still screaming. She wanted it to stop.

The fireplace called to her, drawing her to kneel in front of it. She focused on the popping of the wood, the roaring of the flames. That’s all that mattered. Maybe she could let the fire take her… escape this place… Willow outstretched her hand, wincing at the heat of the flames. She couldn’t back away now. A hand grabbed her wrist, pulling it out of the fire’s reach. Her eyes met yellow ones, stern and cold.

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 Once the grave was dug Wes arrived at the graveyard. Wilson really didn’t understand why the two of them wanted to accompany him, he was just going to bury it and leave. He didn’t know the kid, what was he supposed to say? All he could do was give them the respect they deserved. Placing the skull into the grave he sighed. “Sorry kid. I hope you didn’t suffer.” Wilson looked back to his two friends, both giving a warm smile back.

“At least they don’t have to deal with this crap eh Wil?”

“I suppose.” Wilson looked down to the grave and begun to return the soil to its original location. Willow took a few steps forward and helped Wilson shovel the dirt. Once the task was done Wes placed a handful of flowers on top of the grave. Willow placed her hand on his shoulder in a gesture of comfort.

“Don’t beat yourself up about it Wilson. What could you have done? No one knew about them, it can’t be helped.” Nodding, Wilson put his hand on top of hers. He just couldn’t get over how young the boy must have been, almost as old as… He shook his head. “You gonna be alright egghead?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine. It’s… just a shame you know?” Wilson could hear Willow sigh and pull away from him, on the inside he wish she hadn’t moved, old memories were trying to resurface and he could use any distraction right now.

“Yeah… Let’s get back to camp, it looks like it’s gonna rain.”

“Right behind you.” As Willow begun to walk away Wilson found himself unable to stop staring at the grave until Wes waved a hand right in front of his face, flinching he gave the mime a scowl.

‘Not okay. What is wrong?’

“Nothing is wrong!”

‘Lie’

“I’m not lying! Let lightning strike me if I am!” The sky tore open and a blinding bolt of lightning stuck the ground, a roar of thunder grabbing the attention of all in earshot. Silence hung in the air like a thick fog, clearing only when Wes turned to Wilson, an eyebrow raised and arms crossed. “For the record, I said it had to strike me.” To be fair it had stuck the headstone of the fresh grave, not Wilson. The mine took out a stick and threatened to hit the scientist with it, Wilson held his hands up in defence. “You and Willow are both bullies! I’m a grown man! I refuse to allow myself to be pushed around like a child!” A sound stopped the taller man’s assault, a scratching sound, like a moleworm but bigger. The two men looked at each other and then back to the grave.

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