#the elementalists

Dinner in the restaurant Ambrosia, at the Cornucopia Hotel.

The art nouveau theme carried on in the restaurant's interior design. If the general theme of the Cornucopia was a stylized take on a forest - something that Aster would probably appreciate - then the design of the Ambrosia was probably as close as people could get to the sky without magick. There was still floral elements present, but the designed leaned more toward celestial elements. It was probably one of the brightest rooms she's encountered. The only room that could beat the Ambrosia's brightness is the Sun-Att room back in Penderghast. But only because it was made to have actual sunlight and take full use of it. While there were windows in this restaurant, the seats there made up only a small portion of the restaurant as a whole.

"This way if you please." The staff ushers Eli and Beckett into a function room that was reserved for tonight's dinner. Away from any windows it separated the public floor of the Ambrosia to an exclusive private experience. An experience that wasn't suitable to everyone in public. It wasn't so much a private function room, but more like a private function floor. It was then that Eli realized that this must be where a vast majority of the floor's center space went to. The windowed areas was for the humans and anyone who can be within the sun. And the center was for the vampires.

A dashing man, no doubt a vampire, was playing beautifully on the piano. He had shiny black hair that looked midnight blue sometimes and a very lean physique. On front of him was a blonde woman with wavy long hair tied to a ponytail wearing a dress she recalls was a Karl Lagerfeld design. It ended midway on her thigh but from what she could see from her back, it was a sleek design. As was the typical design of Karl Lagerfeld.

Not far from the pianist was what she assumes is the feeding station. Near the bar there was a large area concealed by a curtain. A man with disheveled blonde hair came out and was grinning at a brunette woman who seems to be his date. The side that she could see still had some blood that was on the corner of his lips and was about to spill and ruin his white attire. Fortunately his date simply rolled her eyes and used her finger to wipe it off before he takes the same finger and sucks it clean.

"Drogo - we're in public."

"You really think someone is paying attention to us?"

Ah so she must be the Blood-Att who saved the vampire she's dating. Eli mentally noted, knowing better than to say it out loud in a room full of people with extraordinary senses. Then three people emerged from the curtained area. Two were familiar to her and one was not. But based on their behavior, Eli could make a guess that this was Amy's second partner, Jax Matsuo.

She could tell right away that he's probably not used to any kind of formal event. His white attire was a white blazer jacket and what seemed to be either a white tank top or a white shirt underneath. But nevertheless he was an attractive sight to her. There was something raw and passionate about him. If Adrian's passion was focused and intense. The passion Jax seemed to give was raw and impulsive. Different yet complementary to Adrian's type of passion that he showed earlier in the airport.

Speaking of Adrian Raines, he was in a white suite that had a subtle pinstripe design. Present enough for you to know it's there, but not enough to be distracting. If Eli thought he looked good in a suit before, he was impressive now.

And then there was the girl of the hour. Amy Pierce was a vision in white. If someone else wore what she was wearing, they might be dismissed by fashion critics of not being able to deliver the balance of innocence and sexiness. But not with Amy. Her bodice was a lace appliqué design too. But unlike her dress, Ami's did not have a visible under layer of white silk. The lace appliqués were tastefully placed to conceal her nipples while highlight her breasts. And the overall lacy bodice was complemented by a knee-length flowy skirt. Eli made a mental note to ask Amy if there really was nothing underneath or if it was some sort of fashion design illusion that simply matched her skin tone really well.

Amy noticed her and Beckett right away and waved for them to come over. It was then that she noticed Kamilah was sitting in the bar in a stunning white dress with sheer sleeves and gatherings on both her chest and neck that emphasized her beauty. She was chatting with a middle-aged man who had dark brown hair and Italian features, and a woman with blonde hair and fair skin.

"Hey you made it! And Kamilah was so right. That dress suits you."

"I should be telling that to you. You look amazing. I mean it's your night so you're definitely the star of the show. But, wow."

"Hahaha thank you Eli. Kamilah is a wonderful stylist."

"It's nice to see that Nikhil's quick alterations to an old suit fits you well Beckett."  Adrian says impressed.

"Thank you Adrian, how did you know my measurements?"

"Oh that wasn't me. That was Nikhil over there." He points to a vampire of Indian descent entering the feeding area.

"Before he was turned he was a tailor. He was able to estimate your measurements based on sight. He's now my Chief-of-staff."

"Honestly, it's a well deserved promotion." Jax says for the first time since meeting them. If he was gorgeous from afar, he's a lot more attractive up close. Eli does her best to not let her thoughts show as introductions were made.

"Eli, Beckett, this is my partner, Jax Matsuo. He runs one of the most sought after dojos here in New York. Jax this is Eli Russell, the High Attuned, and her partner Beckett Harrington." Adrian says with a grin. Jax rolls his eyes but even Beckett could see that they were just teasing each other.

"Great to meet you both. Thanks for keeping our girl company when the sun was still up."

"You could say it's a blessing in disguise." Beckett smiles back.

"Wait, so the three of you are - I mean I thought it was just you two with Amy but-" At Eli's confusion the three of them burst out laughing.

"Get's them every time huh Adrian?"

"It never gets old, Jax."

"What they mean to say is that it originally started that way but well let's just say I was a very important bridge between them."

"Don't worry, all sides of our triangle are on solid ground." Jax says as he and Adrian shares a grin. They all settle down, and began to take their seats in the long table. Amy was seated on it's head. To her right is Adrian and to her left is Jax. Beside Adrian was Kamilah, and beside her was Andrea Carlisle. Beside him was his wife Isabella, the blonde lady whom Eli saw by his side. And beside her was the blonde woman who was watching the pianist so intently earlier. Eli learned that her name is Kalie Carlisle, the younger twin of Hope Carlisle. She had dazzling blue eyes which complemented her blonde hair. And by the looks of things, Kalie was very interested in the vampire pianist named Peter Roland. He sat beside her at the end of the table. On Jax's side, was Eli herself and beside her was her beloved Beckett. Next to him was Hope Carlisle and beside her was her date and the vampire she saved, Drogo Walter. And lastly was Nikhil who was seated beside Drogo and directly across Peter.

When Amy noticed she couldn't help but laugh at Adrian.

"So did someone make the seating arrangements or is your right hand and left hand just that invested in their work Adrian?"

"The only seats that were arranged are yours. I don't control how Nikhil and Peter do their work."

"Left hand?" Eli asks curiously.

"My former associate used to handle...off the record things when it comes to the vampire world. When she betrayed me to an enemy, Peter took over her duties. Drogo is his assistant."

"Nikhil was originally my assistant when there was still a clan system for the vampires here in New York. He would take over leadership whenever Lily and I would be away. When we stopped having the clan system and Adrian here decided to enter politics and he needed someone trustworthy who wouldn't mind appearing in public, I recommended Nikhil."

Eli originally wanted to ask who "Lily" was but she noticed that there was a sentimental look on the first four vampires she met. She must have been someone special that they've lost. What happened to her?

But before she could dwell on that thought, Andrea Carlisle began his own interview with her.

"It's quite the privilege to be dining with the High Attuned this evening. How are you after discovering that vampires are real?"

"Well let's just say this isn't the first world changing revelation I've had that changed my life." Eli explained her story, and in exchange the Carlisles explained theirs.

"You're probably curious why we're not living in the Attuned world anymore."

"Yes, if you don't mind explaining."

"Not at all Ms. Russell. After Blood Magick became illegal, Isabella and I didn't want to take any chances of being persecuted. It was bad enough that the law was made because of the threat of Raife Highmore who was having a higher and higher body count with every passing minute."

"But the sad reality is that fear and prejudice against us, the blood attuned, existed far longer than Raife has been alive. Raife was a justification to drive us out and to target our community." Isabella says grimly. Only pausing to take a drink before continuing.

"Have you or Mr. Harrington heard of the Crimson wave?" Both of them shook their head.

"I'm not surprised. The Crimson wave is a set of pogroms targeted against blood-atts. Before the practice of Blood Magick became illegal, it was negligible. Only a few looks of disapproval, but they can't do anything. But when the prohibition against blood magick became law, that's when things became more violent. My mother died in my arms because she saved me while I was pregnant with my daughters. I saw with my own eyes how an Air-Att choked her and how she took a fire ball that was meant for me. I lost my parents, and all of my siblings that day. I'm the only one left because I had to stay in hiding and wait until Andrea could safely come for me."

"Afterwards, we left the Attuned world. I would sometimes go back every now and then, get things that are just simply pragmatic to have. Sometimes perform services that require my skills as someone who is Moon Attuned. But I never dwelt longer than necessary."

"But why would they do that? Blood-atts are part of the Attuned world just as much as any other attuned person."

"People fear what they do not understand, Mr. Harrington. Mix that fear with the power to control life and death, then you become a monster in their eyes. A monster who is more powerful than they are who just so happens to have a human form. If you kill the monster, you eliminate the threat and become the hero. Even if that monster didn't do anything to hurt you. The mere potential of a threat is sometimes more than enough for people who don't know you to want you dead."

"It's upsetting that we can closely relate to that sentiment Mrs. Carlisle." Adrian says somberly as Amy takes his hand in hers for his comfort. Eli could easily imagine why. She may have only discovered their actual existence today, but she could empathize in being seen as the "other". That's how Beckett initially saw her before she persisted and got to the heart of his insecurities. Only for both of them to realize that it was never about her but the insecurities he has for himself as well as the expectations of his family.

"So the Blood Attuned community left the Attuned world?"

"Most of us, Ms. Russell. There are still some like your Dean, Evelyn Swan, who choose to live discreetly. But for plenty of us we're here. Not in New York specifically, but in the Tuneless world. In order to blend in plenty of us are in the medical field."

"Yes, Isabella here is a reproductive endocrinologist."

"In other words, mom is a fertility doctor." Kalie quickly adds before anyone gets confused.

"Hope is my nurse and Kalie is my pharmacist."

"Ah, so that explains your fast reflexes." Drogo smiles cheekily at Hope as she playfully slaps him.

"I like to make sure both of my daughters have medical knowledge to know how to save anyone."

"So it's a family business?" Peter asks curiously. This is the first time Eli noticed how melodic his voice is. It reminded her of his talents in the piano earlier.

"Except for dad, he's a Software engineer-"

"Kalie, don't reveal my software hobbies please."

"Dad if they are just hobbies, then it pays extremely well." Hope doesn't hesitate to rebut.

"I can have fun while getting paid."

"Please forgive him, neither of them inherited his interest for coding." All the Carlisles laugh except for Andrea who just smiles as he shakes his head.

"There is a saying among the Blood Attuned community. 'People die, minds forget, but the blood remembers.' Or that's the most faithful translation of it. The original is in a dead language that none of us could understand. We don't know what it entirely means but based on my experience, it may mean that you can't lie with your body." Isabella says with reverence.

"How so? Doesn't the mind control the body?"

"The mind is an imperfect tool, Mr. Harrington. It is true that it is the head and if you use it correctly it can do miracles. But the body never forgets what it's owner has gone through. Or has done."

"Take anyone here who is now a vampire." Andrea Carlisle adds. "They may not remember everything in their past. But it is because they are now vampires that they can't forget that they have died, and that they are no longer regular humans."

"It's fine to say that we aren't human."

"As long as you are sentient, have feelings, and still retain your human appearance, Mr. Matsuo, I still count you as human. To some of the Tuneless, there's no one here who is human."

"I agree to disagree on your definition of what still counts as human. But I'm happy you have this sentiment."

"I'm not surprised, Ms. Sayeed. You have the most experience out of all of us here."

"Andrea!" Isabella says scolding.

"What? It's true."

"Don't worry Mrs. Carlisle, I'm not offended by his comment. It stops being offensive after the first century."

"There's also another more straightforward saying among Blood-Atts." Kalie says. Stopping any further argument between her parents.

"What is it?" Amy asks. Helping Kalie in her deterrence while also learning more about the Attuned world. Eli and Beckett's faces also showed how invested they were in this new knowledge.

"Blood of the mother is the blood of the child."

"It means that whenever a female Blood-Att has children, all of them will be Blood-Atts." Hope clarifies, following her younger twin.

"Or at least 99.9% of the time. I don't know if there have been times when someone born from a Blood Attuned mother ended up not being Blood Attuned."

"If there was, it has been lost to time." Isabella says with sadness. It was clear to everyone that she was passionate about the welfare and history of the blood attuned community. To have lost history about your own community because of prejudice was horrible. Amy, Adrian, and Kamilah could empathize with her. Xenocrates destroying the headquarters of the Order of the Dawn also destroyed the vampire history that they kept. History that could have been preserved and learnt from.

"What happens if the Blood Attuned was the father?" Beckett asks, bringing the three back to the present.

"The opposite happens. Almost none of their children become Blood-Atts. I say 'almost' because we don't know if it has happened. But based on what we know, there's no Blood-Att father who has had a Blood-Att child."

"Just to help clarify what my older sister is saying. The children of a Blood-Att father still carries the possibility of being Blood Attuned in their genes. It's just dormant because there's not passing of blood. But in order for the blood attunement to be 'active' again, it requires a parent who is powerful enough in magick to make it active again."

"Oh, so that explains how Atlas and I became Blood-Atts." Eli says astonished.

"Hopefully with both of your efforts, the rest of the world can move on from the stain Raife Highmore left behind. Congratulations on both of you for killing him."

"Thanks." Beckett reaches out for her hand to help ease her trauma in remembering what she went through in her freshman year. She gives him a nod in gratitude before reaching for her drink. It was then that Eli noticed Amy's jaw dropped.

"You...you killed Raife Highmore?"

"Yes, he was hunting down my sister and I during my freshman year. He wanted to kill us to take our powers and become more powerful." Amy then looks at Adrian.

"Is this why you guys organized this dinner?" Adrian nods as he and Jax reaches to hold her hands.

"We figured this would make things more efficient. And better to bring the ones who actually know more than we do." Adrian says in a soft assuring tone.

"What's going on?" Beckett asks as calmly as he could. Amy takes a breath, her face now serious.

"When I was training my psychic powers in Japan, I saw a memory involving Raife Highmore."

"What did you see?"

"And why is it such a big deal?" Eli asks, following up Beckett's question.

"It's a big deal because she's not just any vampire, she's also the Bloodkeeper."

"What Peter means is that Amy has psychic powers because she can access all memories that involve vampires. Sometimes she sees these memories randomly." Drogo informs them seriously. No longer as light heartedly as he had been for most of the night.

"So when she saw a memory involving Raife Highmore..." Beckett trailed of as he realized a new set of implications. He glances at Eli and was relieved that they were thinking of the same thing. What if this family mystery was tied to the origins of vampires?

"It's a big deal because this is the first memory I saw that didn't have any vampires in it. And no one we knew who Raife Highmore was, or why he has powers that involve blood or why he was searching for twins. The only thing I'm certain of is the symbol on several things that Todd and his father were hiding had the Tree of Eternal life."

"Did...did you just say 'Todd'? And-what tree?" Eli's heart skips a beat.

"Yes, he had a wife named Theia. When the memory took place in May of 1997 he mentioned that she was in her first trimester. Why?"

"...Those are my parents. My birthday is on January 18, 1998."

"Oh my god!" Amy covers her mouth in astonishment.

"It seems we're more connected than we realized."

"Wait - what's the Tree of Eternal life?" Beckett asks after a moment's rest to soak in what they have just learned.

"It's a gray tree that contains blood as it's sap. It is responsible for creating vampires. My ancestor Rheya drank from it and was the first vampire ever known. All vampires are descended from her."

"Ancestor?" Kalie asks puzzled.

"She had a daughter before she became a vampire. She's the first bloodkeeper because they share blood. That's how I'm descended from her."

"Oh." Kalie gets her drink to help think.

"You have psychic powers right?"

"Yes. What are you thinking Kalie?"

"Is there a way you can show us the memory that you saw? Maybe there are some things we could see that you might have missed."

"Kalie..." Isabella says with a warning in her voice.

"That's not a bad idea actually." Amy says saving Kalie from her mother's wrath.

"I hear a 'but' there."

"If I'm going to do this, Hope, I'll need some humans close by. Psychic activities drain me more than usual. And I know how feeding might make some of you uncomfortable."

"Hey - Amy if it's what you need get them. If that's what you need to be comfortable in showing us what you've seen, then we'll be fine with it."

"You haven't even seen a vampire feeding in the traditional way."

"Eh we'll live." Hope says confidently.

"Or we could wait for another time."

"No, Jax it's fine. I can do it, just...please restrain me in case I am so hungry afterwards-"

"Don't worry Amy, none of us will let you kill a human accidentally." Jax takes her hand and holds it firmly. Amy nods and Kamilah requests the staff to bring two human volunteers and have them seated nearby. When they were settled, Amy relaxes herself as she brings the entire room into her mental void.

"Everyone here?" After hearing everyone was present.

"Okay here's how I'll do this. I'll let the memory play out and then afterwards I'll play it again, but this time I'll freeze some parts so that you can investigate it yourselves." Then Amy summons the memory.

An elderly man quickly shuts a door to a secret passage. His blood pumping with worry and anxiety.

"Is everything in there father?" A young man rushes to his side before his father falls over from exhaustion.

"Dad." Eli says in surprise and desperation. The figure she's only seen in one family photograph - the same photograph that she had sacrificed in the contest for the position of the High Attuned - was now in front of her.

"Yes, everything related to this mystery. A mystery that has been burdened by our family for generations." The elderly man takes a breath as his son helps steadies him.

"If only we could have solved it."

"Maybe it's not our mystery to solve." The elderly man places a book that has a symbol of a gray withered tree as it's lock. He places it on a shelf as one of the various tomes that the men were going to leave behind. The two exit the room and locks the door.

"How is Theia?" A smile appears on the young man's face in spite of his exhaustion.

"She's fine, she's still in her first trimester but let's-"

"Todd, my boy." The elderly man pleads as his son faces him.

"I don't know how much time we have. And I would like to know how my grandchild is doing. While -" He violently coughs before continuing. "...While I still have breath in me."

"...Then you should know, it's actually grandchildren."

"Twins?" He is stunned while Todd nods with a smile.

"Yes, now imagine cuddling both of them when they are finally born." They both smile before an alarm beeps on Todd's watch. They both become tense and their hearts race out of fear.

"He's near."

"I'll seal this quickly."

"But father-"

"You've made the security here tight right?"

"Yes it just needs the wards and enchantments-"

"Then I trust you son. I'll distract him -"

"No-"

"Todd he's after your twins. Go!"

"No!"

"Todd!"

"Let's lock this together, then I'll go."

"Quickly now." Together, father and son cast a strong enchantment on the door. A flash of light temporarily blinds them but they quickly recover.

"That's an obscure and highly advanced warding technique." Beckett notices in astonishment and fascination. He's not surprised when the paperweight Todd throws causes a strong rebound effect.

"It's done. Now go!"

Todd quickly exits through the backdoor while his father exits through the front. The house was modest from the outside but was larger inside. It was located within a forest surrounded by trees. Once both father and son were out, the modest cottage styled house vanished. The elderly man began to hastily walk towards the nearest clearing.

As soon as the elderly man arrived, an older looking more menacing man with a long beard and white hair. His eyes are red and his aura made the elderly man facing him uneasy.

"Beckett...it's him." Eli wants to look away but she knows she can't and shouldn't. She feels Beckett hug her from behind and she melts into his arms for comfort.

"Eli, sweetheart I'm here."

"Raife Highmore."

"So you know who I am."

"It would be impossible for anyone not to."

"And you know why I'm here."

"You didn't make a secret out of it."

"Then just give it up old man! It's pointless to stop me. I'm coming for those twins!"

"Even if I can't stop you, I'll die trying."

A battle between them began. A battle that his son Todd observed from his hiding place. He knew that his father wouldn't last long. And as much as it broke his heart he made his escape while his invisibility spell lasted.

After a flash of light, they return to where they are in Amy's mental void.

"Everyone alright?"

"Not the worse experience I've had but pretty fine." Drogo says trying to lighten the mood.

"We're alright Amy." Kalie says affirmatively.

"Okay, now we're going to explore." Amy summons the memory again, this time she freezes it a few seconds after it plays out.

"You can't pick up anything but now you all can have a closer look." The group splits up. Since the door wasn't opened yet until later in the memory, they were restricted to within the premises of the magical cottage house.

Eli looks at the items that her father and grandfather was storing away. Most if not all had the same gray withered tree symbol that was on the jewelry box.

The Tree of Eternal life.

A tree whose sap is blood. And whomever drinks from it becomes a vampire. Perhaps that is why blood is required to unlock it's secrets.

"I can't figure out where this location is." Peter says in frustration.

"Then it's probably somewhere in the attuned world. We don't always live within the same dimension that you do." Beckett clarifies as he inspects the door of any hidden secrets. As much as he would have loved to explore the treasures within the sealed room with Eli, he could tell that it was a personal matter that she needed to digest on her own. And apart from confirming that this was indeed her family and that this was part of her inheritance with Atlas, there was nothing more he could glean that they didn't already know about. The items were locked and all the books were closed.

"Amy, can you please go to the part where they placed the wards?"

"Sure. Everyone gather here first." When everyone was in the same place, Amy let's the memory play then slows it down as Todd and his father places the wards. Now that it was slowed down, Beckett could clearly see what they were doing and confirmed his suspicions.

"They did the escalating ward technique."

"And what is that Professor?" Eli teases and Beckett rolls his eyes at her.

"Essentially they build up the ward using all of the elements. Your father and grandfather was just doing it so fast because they were in a hurry. But here -" Beckett gestures at the elements Todd had in his hands.

"So your father got the essence of each of the lower elements then combined them in his hands. Once he had the essence of metal in one hand and the essence of wood in the other, he grows the ward from them. Meanwhile your grandfather-" He then gestures to the elderly man whose palms were faced towards the door.

"Is maintaining each layer of elemental tier. They first casted the first layer using the lowest tier of elements, then as your father adds wood and metal to the wards, your grandfather melts the two layers together. This strengthens the wards and makes them immune from attacks using those elements."

"Because those elements are already in the wards."

"Exactly." They then watch as father and son add the last layer of the wards. Now that it was slowed down, everyone could see that Todd had quickly combine the essences of all the elements to create the essence of sun and moon. He then threw these essences to the wards and makes its last layer. His father weaves, melts and combines all layers which culminated in a brief flash of light.

"If it's so strong then why isn't it used more?"

"Because sweetheart it also blocks those who are attuned in those elements. None of our friends would be able to pass through because all the elements we are attuned to has been used in the ward."

"Which means..."

"Yes...only someone who is Blood Attuned can pass through. It will repel everything and everyone else."

"Not everyone else Mr. Harrington." Isabella says as she studies the ward closer.

"Ms. Pierce can you please play the memory a little faster, I need to hear the incantation that was used." When Amy does so and Isabella and Beckett listen closely to the incantation, Isabella grins.

"Just as I suspected."

"What?"

"Your grandfather weaved in a family spell. Only family may enter."

"So in other words the only ones who can get through are those who are both Blood Atts and who are a part of the family."

"That's right Mr. Harrington. This was their defense against Raife. Even if he is a Blood Attuned, he won't be able to get through because he's not part of their family."

Then suddenly on front of everyone is a piece of fragment that falls from above.

"Oh no - really? Now?"

"What is it?" Peter asks as Amy gives out a tired sigh.

"Whenever a fragment appears to me, I see a memory of a vampire." Amy uses her powers to have the fragment hang on air. She quickly hovers her hand over it.

"Hmm, that's strange. I already saw this memory." She turns to the group.

"From what I can glean the moment that I touch the fragment, it will bring us to the memory of when Rheya first saw the tree. Since we're all in my mind you'll be with me this time when I see it. Do you want to see?"

"Um is it going to be gory?" Hope asks reluctantly.

"I don't know. If it will play out the same way as before then it shouldn't be. But there's no telling with these memories sometimes."

"Amy let's do it. I want to see the tree." Amy nods and gives a final warning.

"You may want to brace yourselves. It will feel really abrupt." Amy counts to three before touching the fragment.

And they were transported to the City-State of Mydiea in the 8th Century BC.

They see Rheya prostrated before the king. How because she refused his affections to be faithful to her vows to the Goddess Phamphira, the patroness of blood and life. She reasons that she already has a betrothed and a daughter. But the king nevertheless sends her to exile.

A familiar figure in the form of a soldier who escorted Rheya to the caves sends uncomfortable chills to all the vampires present. But especially towards Amy, Adrian, Kamilah, and Jax. Whomever this person was must have caused a lot of trauma for them. Eli could remember how even after the first year was over, she couldn't help but react the same whenever she would hear Raife's name.

The soldier cuts the bindings on Rheya's hands and even gives her the knife. His expression remorseful as he watches her go deep in the caves. Eventually she, and everyone else watching the memory unfold, sees a gray withered tree. It was the same tree that was used as a symbol in the family items that were sealed. Even from the memory alone, everyone could feel that the tree contained immense power. And that power was alluring. They can feel her thirst and desperation as she crawls up to it.

Then she uses the knife to stab into it. Blood flows fourth from the tree. And Rheya drinks it to sate her thirst.

Then she cannot stop drinking.

She wants more.

And when she's had her fill, her eyes were already red and her teeth now had fangs in them.

"The king wants a kiss? Fine, then I'll give him his kiss."

As the memory ends, everyone was returned to their bodies and was expelled out of Amy's mind.

"Woah." Eli mutters as she adjusts being back in her own body. While everyone begins to settle back from what they've experienced, Amy begins feeding on the human volunteers. She feeds on both making sure that she errs on the side of caution so she doesn't accidentally kills either of them. Eli finally sees what Amy meant by a "high", the man and the woman she fed from was happily dazed from the effects of Amy's feeding. A part of her couldn't help but be curious on what it would feel like to get that high.

"Do you need one more volunteer?"

"No Kamilah. Two is enough, I just wanted to spread it out. Thank you so much."

She returns to her seat at the head of the table.

"I think we can call it a night here. We all need to sit with what we've learned today." Adrian says noticing how exhausted everyone feels even though it was Amy mainly doing the most by using her psychic powers. Everyone agrees and retires for the night. But not before exchanging numbers so that they can keep in contact. It's only then that Eli noticed that everyone except for Kamilah, Drogo, and Peter would be staying in the Cornucopia hotel. She and Beckett were just the first ones to leave because of the exhaustion from travelling that finally caught up with them. That night in Beckett's arms she had a deep dreamless sleep.

When they awoke they noticed the time and quickly got ready in order to be among the first of the hotel guests to enjoy their free breakfast.

"I'm surprised that we're able to awaken early enough to catch this. And I'm saying that as a Sun-Att." Eli ponders out loud as she and Beckett are lead to their table. Their hands held together with their fingers intertwined.

"Perhaps it's a good thing that the travel fatigue caught up with us. Our early start gave us this time together." He says softly, delighted that it gave him a smile from her this early in the day.

"Ever the charmer aren't you."

"For you, always."

When they gathered their breakfast and had settled down, Beckett noticed that there was something in Eli's mind.

"You're thinking about last night."

"Yes. Many things about last night. Things I'm still digesting. I mean to think that the family mystery might be related to the origins of vampires."

"Or that vampires even exist in real life at all."

"I know, I'm still in shock. It's like a different kind of shock from discovering our world. This kind of shock is like a surprise from the world I thought I knew but was hidden in plain sight all along."

"...But there's something else that's weighing in on your mind. Isn't there?"

"...Damn you for knowing me so well." Eli says lightheartedly before she reaches out to hold his hands with hers. He didn't need to be a genius to know that it was something serious.

"It's what the Carlisles said last night. The whole Blood-Att genetics thing..." Beckett gently rubs his thumbs against the skin of her hands.

"Ah, I see."

"Blood of the mother is the blood of the child. A blood-att mother will have children who will all be blood-atts."

"A near perfect certainty according to them."

"It was making me think of...our future children." Eli sighs as a frown creeps into her face. Her worries laid bare for him.

"I don't blame Andrea and Isabella for raising their children outside of our world. Even Dean Swan still faces prejudice sometimes because she's a blood-att. We are far from everyone tolerating Atlas and I being the current High Attuned because our blood attunement. It doesn't help that I got most of hers so that we could share the refractionary energy. I'm scared Beckett, I'm scared that our children will be demonized and feared simply because they are blood-atts. I..." Eli takes a moment to wipe a tear from her eye.

"I want them to be a part of our world but what if it's just a world that will just fear and hate them for something they can't control? If we raise them in the Attuned world, they'll be feared because they are blood attuned. If we raise them here in the Tuneless world, unless it's here in New York or in someplace where they can openly use their powers the same thing will happen. And I never want them to hide who they are from us or the world."

"I hear you Eli." She looks into his eyes and she could see that she wasn't the only one who feared what may happen. His eyes shared her worries. Beckett may not always talk or show his emotions so openly. But to her he never hesitates. He tried at first, but she could always manage to see right through him. Eventually he stopped bothering to hide his vulnerability from her.

"It doesn't help that Blood magick of any kind is still illegal. Even the kind that heals."

"No...no it doesn't. Raife Highmore in his selfishness didn't think of the impact his actions have caused to other blood-atts. To Dean Swan, to Atlas...to us." They sit in silence for a few moments. Letting it all sink in.

"We can't know what the future holds for our family. But I will do anything for you and our family. To keep all of you safe." He brings one of her hands to his lips and kisses it for reassurance.

"Thank you Sweetheart."

"You're welcome my love."

"How do you think your family is going to react to the news? I'm confident that Katrina wouldn't mind but I'm scared of what you're parents will think."

"I know it's not obvious, but they really like you. They're very impressed with how much you've done already for our world. They probably wouldn't mind that their grandchildren are all going to be Blood Attuned."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. Not even any of Katrina's exes were able to achieve what you've done with them."

"I thought Katrina wasn't serious with any of her exes because she loves her work so much?"

"Hmm, now that you've mentioned it." The mood lightens and they both laugh. But between them there was also gratitude in opening up about their fears from the implications of what they learned the night before.

After breakfast, Eli and Beckett returned to their room. Upon entering Beckett noticed that his crystal ball was vibrating.

"It's either going to be Katrina, Atlas, or the council."

"Or all of the above."

"No. Katrina would rather have just the three of us if she's calling." He quickly sets up the crystal ball and accept the call.

It was the Pend Pals.

"Where the hell were you two?! And why didn't you two call or send a message as soon as you got into your room?!"

"Hello to you too sis."

"See Atlas, I told you they were fine. Maybe the signal is just bad where they are. It happens all the time whenever my abuela, my sister, and I take a trip to the Tuneless side." Zeph says as he tries to calm her down. Beside him is Aster and it appears that they are in Zeph's office in Penderghast.

"Their signal looks fine to me."

"Hey Atlas, maybe let them tell you why they didn't call yesterday. I know you're worried but let them speak!" Shreya says firmly, her tone filled with warning and Atlas backs down. Atlas knows better than to mess with Shreya. While the rest of the Pend Pals may be avoidant when it comes to confrontation, Shreya was not one of them. Shreya was the one who held a mirror to what Atlas was doing during the entire competition to determine who would be the High Attuned. She pointed out that because Atlas was distancing herself from Eli and the rest of the Pend Pals despite Eli making effort to reach out to her in spite of the contest. That woke Atlas up to what has been happening and she became remorseful. Now everyone knows if Atlas wouldn't listen to Eli or Beckett, she'll definitely listen to Shreya.

"Thank you Shreya. Um is it okay with you guys if we include my mom, Dean Swan, and Katrina in this call?"

"Sure, but why?"

"Trust me sis, a lot of things happened and I'm not sure how many times Beckett and I could repeat what just happened. But don't worry we're fine."

"We just learned a lot of things since arriving in New York."

So after they manage to get Theia Solaris, Evelyn Swan, and Katrina Harrington in the call, Eli and Beckett finally begin to tell them what happened.

"Guys, vampires are real and New York is one of their safe havens."

"...Stop playing around Elina."

"She isn't Atlas." Beckett said a bit peeved. That's how everyone knew how serious this was. It was one thing for Eli to sometimes joke around. But when it's Beckett. The Beckett Harrington who still takes things seriously even though he has loosened up over the years. If Beckett says something's going on, everyone knows he's not messing around.

Now that they got everyone's attention, they began to tell what happened since they arrived in JFK airport.

"And you're still in his hotel?!" Atlas' voice rises in concern.

"Yeah. To be fair it's a really nice hotel so far."

"And you booked this?" Atlas asked with an incredulous look.

"Hey! The council said not to worry about budget. Anywhere else would have been too isolated or too faraway. Besides I've always heard about this hotel growing up so of course I booked our stay here."

"And the hotel is in the heart of Manhattan so it's fairly accessible to transportation." In his periphery he sees his sister Katrina searching for something.

"Katrina, what are you doing?"

"Seeing if there's still available rooms."

"Katrina!"

"Bean this is uncharted territory for both of you. I know you can handle yourself but I'd feel a lot better if I was with both of you."

"I agree with your sister here Beckett. You're family now and I'd hate to lose either one of you."

"But Katrina, don't you have work?"

"I can execute a protection order for anyone who wants to go with you two that'll excuse them from their work."

"Atlas!"

"Eli I'm not losing you again!" Atlas says. Desperation and sadness was in her eyes, but this time Atlas didn't hide her worry.

"Elina honey, I think it would make all of us feel better if some of us went with you."

"...Okay mom."

"So who should we be expecting?"

"Definitely me."

"Katrina are you sure?" Eli asked surprised.

"Don't worry Eli, I'm in our house in Massachussets right now, I could go there within the day after I finish my work here. Or if not today then tomorrow."

"I could go too!" Zeph says enthusiastically.

"Zeph."

"Oh come on Dean Swan it's summer break currently. My work comes when classes start in September."

"...Fine. But you will need to find a substitute for your duties here."

"I could volunteer my time Dean Swan." Aster says readily with enthusiasm.

"Are you sure Aster?"

"Yes, Professor Kontos needs my help with the exchange program. I could take over some of Zeph's duties here while I'm here."

"...Very well."

"YES! New York the Zephster is coming!"

"As much as I wish I could join you guys, we've got a critical site that we need to keep an eye on here in the ring of fire." Griffin said with a frown. It's clear that he misses the Pend Pals but he can't leave his work.

"It's fine Griffin, we all get how important your work is." After he sees Eli and Beckett give looks of understanding, Griffin becomes lighter and less guilty of choosing his work over this adventure.

"Then that leaves me to make sure that Zeph doesn't go out of line." Shreya says with an exaggerated flair but everyone could sense that she's excited.

"I thought that was my job?" Beckett asks raising an eyebrow at them.

"Oh please Beckett, you focus on Eli, I'll focus on making sure Zeph doesn't ruin the Tuneless world."

"You haven't even seen me in the Tuneless world."

"Oh trust me I don't need to."

"Shreya, how fast can you book a plane to New York from Paris?" Atlas asks stopping anymore banter between them.

"A plane? Can't we just use portals?"

"You're going into Attuneless territory."

"That just so happens to be very open to vampires." Eli quickly adds.

"Oh very well. But it's not as fast as a simple well hidden portal."

"Trust me Shreya, they'll instantly know if you arrived through magical means. Amy was able to tell that Beckett and I were magical when she saw us."

"Okay when the three of you get to the hotel, send a message to me immediately."

"Hold on - Atlas are we going to be staying in the vampire hotel?"

"Where else did you think you were staying?!" Atlas asks exasperated.

"I don't exactly know how to book a room. Abuela usually-"

"It's okay I'll handle it." Katrina says cheerfully.

"Thank you Katrina, I'll leave to issue the protection orders immediately. And Harrington if something happens to my sister-"

"Trust me Atlas I remember. I won't let anything happen to her." Beckett says with calm ferocity. While he and Atlas were on better terms, neither of them forgot each other's past mistakes. Both of which lead to endangering Eli. In their first year Beckett had tampered with the wards in order to practice magick. While the main culprit was Raife Highmore and the former Dean, he never forgot his own mistake contributing to the mess. And during their third year in their competition on who will be the next High Attuned, Atlas became so focused and intent on winning the competition and would rather isolate herself and insists that she and Eli shouldn't be communicating because they were competitors. When they both discovered the last trial was to kill each other, Atlas only held back in the last minute because she couldn't kill Eli.

With Atlas and Beckett it's only because they both love her that they were even still talking and did their best to get along.

After being satisfied that he got her message, Atlas takes her leave. Followed soon by Katrina, Theia, Dean Evelyn Swan, and Griffin.  

"So vampires really aren't bald and gray decaying ugly corpses?"

"Those are Ferals Shreya. We haven't seen one in person but what we knew about vampires matches Amy's descriptions of Ferals." Beckett said matter of factly.

"Aren't they the same thing?" Shreya rebutted.

"No, imagine vampires who have lost their minds and became zombies. They thirst for blood alone."

"So what are actual vampires?" At this Eli and Beckett couldn't help but blush a little. Now having settled for a bit they could admit at least to each other that perhaps there must be something during their transformation that made vampires more attractive. Every vampire that they've seen so far was the epitome of beauty in several forms.

"They were some of the most attractive people we've ever seen. When Amy and Adrian were kissing on front of us it was like watching a love scene in a romantic movie and they were the two leads."

"That hot huh?" Shreya says with a knowing smile.

"Could you send pictures for me?" Aster asks curious.

"Aster, not even their pictures could do them justice." Beckett says with a smile. A rare event for their friends who have since gotten used to the couple being crazy for each other in their own way. Aster and Shreya's jaws dropped and Zeph couldn't stop himself from speaking.

"Woah - even you Beckett? I thought you only had eyes for Eli." Eli laughs as she and Beckett share a look.

"Don't worry Zeph I'm not bothered. We're just appreciating beauty nothing more."

"It also helps that none of them are interested in us."

"True."

"Okay now I HAVE to see them in person."

"Aren't you Aro-ace?"

"Hey I can appreciate that you're hot without wanting you that way Shreya."

"We'll see you both here soon!" Eli ended the call and let out an exhausted sigh as she rests her head in Beckett's shoulder.

"How is it that I still feel tired?"

"Well it was an exhausting conversation sweetheart. You know how it is with them." Eli looks up at him with a thankful look.

"Would you be disappointed if I said I wanted to just stay here than explore New York?" He kisses her forehead.

"No, I'd rather savor the time we have right here while we're still alone. As much as I love our family and friends I doubt they'll leave us alone for long." Eli sits up from her place in his shoulder.

"Then what do you say we make the most of it?" He laughs as he leans in to kiss her.

"Elina." He says softly in between their kisses.

"Besides, we haven't truly tested how strong the bed is."

"Mmm and that would be a tragedy if we didn't know." Beckett lifts her up while she wraps her legs around him.

"Oh yeah, it would definitely be irresponsible of us."

"And that is the last thing either of us want."

SSSSSSSSSSSS

As soon as her back hits the bed she sat up and began to use her abilities as a Metal-Att to take off open his shirt. She did the same with his belt and he immediately took whatever clothes that still lingered off and placed them nearby. He used the same metal spell to unzip her dress. Slowly he lifted the dress and carefully used an air spell to put it on the dresser.

"Always so careful."

He rebuts by kissing her as he tore off her panties.

"Beckett!" She says laughing as she wraps her arms around his bare body.

"I'll buy you new ones." They deepen their kiss as Eli leans back in the bed and pulls him on top of her.

"Mmmm or you can repay me by taking the lead." It was his turn to laugh as he begins kissing down her throat.

"You sure about that Elina?" She feels him smile against her skin before looking back at her now with a mischievous smile.

"Beckett Gabriel Harrington if you don't do something with your hands and that mouth-" She moans as she feels him touch one of her sensitive spots. Teasing it to draw out her pleasure.

"Yes Elina? What were saying?"

"Beckett please." He laughs before he kisses her in her lips. Sensual, electric, but he didn't allow it to be deepened as his mouth traveled down her body.

"As you wish Elina." He makes his way down leaving kisses and gentle little bites in ways that would make her moan. He could feel her legs wrap around him as played with her, with his touch, his kisses, his bites, and his breath. With each moan of his name he feels himself harden even more.

"Beck - Beckett please."

"Please what?"

"Down there, do something -"

He lets her feel his breath before he begins touching her. He could already feel how wet she is when he was making his way down.

"You're always so beautiful when you're like this." He says before he began licking and joined his fingers in pleasuring her.

"Hmm yes, Beckett yes!"

"Mmm Elina." He makes sure to say her name with his tongue stimulating her. He couldn't help but smirk as she clutches his head to bring him closer.

"Mmm like that...Beckett, sweetheart yes!" It was the sweetest form of torture that her Beckett was a master in. His moans against her only adding to her pleasure. It was torture because he was teasing her by not eating her faster.

"Beckett...please I want you too."

"You already have me." She feels him say more than actually hearing him. He never once stopped his work.

"Beckett!"

"What do you want Elina?" His voice deepens when he says her full name. She remembered their first time together after the Thief Championship game in their first year when he quickly discovered that she liked hearing him say her name instead of just "Eli" when they were in bed. And since then he has used it almost exclusively during sex.

"Come here, I want all of you." She tugs at his hair and he travels back up her body. Slower than what she liked, but it's because he knew it would draw out her pleasure even more.

When he entered her, they took a moment to savor being united again through their bodies. Eli pulls him to her and this time he allows their kiss to deepen. Then he began to move and her legs tighten around him. Pressing him to go deeper as she embraces him and clings to his back. With each movement they push closer to each other. Even the slightest bit of space between them was unacceptable.

"Sweetheart, I'm close."

"Me too, my love. I've got you."

She hears the sound of metal clinging and her body begins glowing with sun energy. He begins to move faster as they approach their peak together. Her embrace around him tightens and their moans become louder.

"Beckett!"

"Elina!"

He feels her finish which triggered his own release. And she moaned in delight as she felt his warmth within her. She pulls him down for a deep kiss. He was still moving but now going slower. She hasn't stopped clenching yet, but he knows that she likes it when he continues to move gradually slower before stopping. Words didn't need to be said as they savor each other's embrace.

JFK Airport luxury lounge in the afternoon.

"I...I have so many questions." Beckett says shock still on his face.

"Please don't eat us Amy." Eli says pleadingly and Amy gives a sympathetic smile.

"Don't worry I won't. If I was going to kill you for your blood then having Anna over there give me hers would be pointless." The lady in question approaches them having heard their name.

"Should I extract more Ms. Pierce?"

"No, Anna it's fine. I'm full from the glassful you gave. I fed a lot before leaving Tokyo and I was given a lot of synthetic blood from the Five. So I really am full now." Anna Torre then takes a glance at the couple who are still in shock.

"First time learning about vamps?"

"First time in New York. I'm breaking the news to them so they don't accidentally get killed."

"Hmph you two are lucky you have her looking out for you. Who knows what would happen if you crossed the wrong vampire."

"How do we know it's safe for us here?" Eli asks trying to keep calm.

"Because if she wanted to kill you, she would have done so the moment you stepped in. I know it seems difficult to understand but if she wanted to she would have drained you of your blood before you could blink."

"Also there's now a law requiring consent between humans and vampires for feeding. Adrian worked hard to get that law passed, I'm not about to break that now."

"...He's also a vampire isn't he?" Eli asks despite knowing the answer.

"Yes." A blush blooms on Amy's face as she smiles.

"He's the one who turned me."

"I see."

"You're taking this a lot better than I thought."

"Well you could say - um..."

"That you're also not exactly ordinary humans?"

"Did you read my mind?" Beckett asks peeved but Amy shook her head.

"I didn't. I already knew when I returned Eli that bracelet. I could sense it in a way. But it might just be me since not all vampires have my powers. I brought you two here to see whether or not you were going to harm our community."

"Oh, well since the cat's out of the bag now."

"Huh? We didn't bring any cats." Amy looks in amusement between Eli's exasperated expression and Beckett's confusion.

"Let me guess, first time in the non-magical part of the world and he takes metaphors seriously?"

"Pretty much. I grew up ordinary and it turned out I was extraordinary."

"Oh? Is that why you dropped out of Hartfeld?"

"Yeah."

"Okay look, I'm really not here to harm you. And I want you to have a good time in New York. But in order for you to do so safely, you should be aware that New York is also a safe haven for vampires who could co-exist with humans. Not all vampires or humans take kindly to ignorance no matter how innocent."

"So you're giving us a vampire orientation while waiting for the sun to come down."

"Correct Beckett. It's also for your safety. Vampires come out at night and you might get in an accident if you're not careful." Amy asks for a glass of water which she drinks slower than the blood.

"That doesn't mean you should avoid exploring the nightlife. You should just be aware of the dangers."

"Very well, what should we know?" Beckett asks as he calms himself down.

"First, no vampire can feed on your blood without your consent. And it should be a clear 'yes' or it doesn't count."

"Understood."

"And by feeding you mean..." Eli points at her neck and Amy nods.

"Honestly many vampires prefer the 'traditional' way of drinking straight from the source. But some have their preferences."

"How can there be preferences in drinking blood?" Eli asks surprised. Amy points to Anna Torre with her thumb.

"Anna is a good example. She doesn't like being bitten but doesn't mind giving blood. That's why she uses a syringe to draw out blood. That's why whenever a vampire visits this lounge and they need blood, she serves her blood in a glass."

"Oh that...actually makes sense."

"Is Sebastian..." Beckett glances worriedly before hearing Amy laugh.

"No he's human. He's currently on reception duty, but unlike Anna he prefers the...traditional way. He'll only do it when he's off duty."

"Why?"

"Hmm how do I describe it...there's a high humans get from feeding vampires. It's electric, sensual, and intimate at the same time. And this high increases when you are close with the vampire feeding from you."

"And you know this because?"

"Let's just say I was human for majority of the first year that Adrian and I were together." Amy couldn't help but chuckle at the blush that crept in Beckett's face when he realized what she was implying. Soon Eli couldn't help but join in.

"Sweetheart? Are you okay there?"

"Yes...um...just..." he takes several large gulps of water to distract himself.

"Would it help if I told you that Adrian is not my only partner?"

"What?!" They both look at her. Beckett just in plain shock while Eli was surprised but curious.

"Is this other partner a vampire too?"

"Yes. For a long time I was the only human in our friend group. You can just imagine me getting high and intimate with two men."

"No way!" Eli leans toward Amy this time with amusement.

"Yes way."

"And they're fine with it?" Beckett asks after recovering from his shock.

"Yes, we discovered that monogamy wasn't for the three of us. You learn to re-evaluate life once you or someone you love dies." At that moment Anna Torre serves Amy another full wine glass of blood. This allowed the couple to sit with their thoughts while Amy talked with Anna.

"This is on the house. Mr. Raines and Mr. Matsuo will have my head if I leave you hungry. And Ms. Sayeed will just straight up kill me."

"They don't mean it."

"I've known Mr. Raines and Ms. Sayeed long before you have. That's why I'm not taking any chances."

"They can get protective when it comes to me. Your shift is ending?"

"Yeah, I'm just waiting for my replacement. She's stuck in traffic right now but she's close. She and her girlfriend will takeover the night shift. And more staff are also coming soon."

"Of course, thank you so much Anna!" Amy gives her a hefty tip of a couple hundred bills along with paying for their meal in cash before either Eli or Beckett could protest. Anna gives Amy a heartfelt smile before leaving.

"Wait...Sayeed? Kamilah Sayeed?"

"Yes, you've heard of her Eli?"

"She may have been one of my inspirations when I was a teenager. I considered taking a program on finance back in Hartfeld because of her." Amy gives Eli a mischievous smile.

"Aw I'm sure Kamilah wouldn't mind meeting a fan of hers."

"And she's a vampire." Amy nods vigorously as she puts the glass of blood on front of her and away from the table's edge.

"Yup."

"So exactly how many famous people are vampires?"

"Well Eli, it depends on your definition of famous. But since we've gone out of the shadows a fair number of us."

"Speaking of numbers, how many vampires are in New York?" Beckett asks cautiously.

"Hmm, I don't know the exact number but about 500 more or less. There was an increase in the community when the Coronavirus vaccine was still in development and wasn't accessible. Some families couldn't let their loved ones go so some went to Adrian, Kamilah, and Jax to request them to turn their loved ones. Some made it, some didn't."

"Man, the pandemic sucks."

"It did."

"Wait Amy, what did you mean by 'didn't make it'." Beckett asks. This time his caution was mixed with curiosity.

"This leads me to the next thing you need to know. Ferals."

"What are they?"

"They are mindless creatures who only crave feeding on anything that moves and is alive. Think of them as the vampire version of zombies only instead of brains they crave blood."

"How are they created?"

"It's what happens when a human is not strong enough to successfully transition into a vampire." A sadness appears on Amy's face before she continues.

"Ferals are a threat to both humans and vampires. A bite from one will turn the victim into a feral. The victim loses their consciousness and are not themselves anymore when the transformation is complete.We vampires at least retain our human appearance. Ferals have gray skin, bald heads, and have even sharper teeth."

"So what should we do if we see one?"

"First, run. Get away from them and contact your nearest vampire. If you are in a dead end, then you have mine and every vampire's permission to kill them."

"And how do we do that?"

"Oh the typical ways a vampire is killed - sunlight or more realistically UV lights, wooden stake through the heart, beheading, and fire."

"Well it's nice to know I've got some of those down."

"I like your confidence Eli, but I'd rather you err on the side of caution. Ferals are much faster and stronger than a human. But as long as you aren't bitten by one, you should be fine. Oh and please don't ingest a Feral's black blood. It functions the same as their saliva when they bite."

"Thank you for the warning, but trust me when I say you shouldn't underestimate Eli."

"Aww I love a supportive partner. I can see why you fell for him."

"Thanks, that's what happens when you fall for your academic rival."

"Um is there anything else we should know about Amy?" He asks hoping he isn't too flustered.

"If a vampire is being an asshole - not in the annoying way, I mean in the killing you without a good reason way, same rules apply. Run away first and defend yourself if you must. Even if it means killing them and turning them into ash. But try to avoid killing."

"Because it's the right thing to do?" Amy's face darkens a bit at Eli's question.

"Not really, there's a darkness that comes with killing someone. It doesn't matter if that's a vampire or a human. At the end of the day, taking a life is still ending it. The reason why I'm telling you both to tell a vampire first before fighting is so you can avoid the darkness that comes with killing. Even when it's necessary."

"Oh...right." Eli couldn't help but briefly remember the final test of the Contingency. It was so certain that there can only be one winner and one High Attuned. It didn't care that Eli was doing all she could to avoid breaking her relationship with her twin. It didn't care that it was pitting two sisters against each other. All it wanted was results, an undisputed resolution on who the High Attuned will be. Fortunately she had found a way to ensure that the refractionary energy can be achieved with both of them. By removing her attunement to water, and moon from herself and giving them to Atlas. And from Atlas you took her metal attunement, sun, and most of her blood magick. Not enough that she couldn't use it, but enough to make her not as attuned to it as before.

It was that act of sharing that ensured that both of you lived and the position of the High Attuned could only be filled if both of you were allowed to share it. Atlas may have wanted the position, but basing the results of the competition, it would've gone to you by merit. Beckett even mentioned it in private when you two were discussing it.

"Had it been me, I would've taken all of it for myself so there's no question on who the High Attuned should be. The fact that you figured out a way for both of you to survive shows that you've earned it. All this to say my love, you're a far better person than me."

Eli was brought back to the present when Amy's phone rang. Judging by the smile on her face, it must be either Kamilah or one of her partners.

"Excuse me, it's Adrian." She stands up and walks far enough for privacy.

"So..."

"I...I'm still trying to realize what just happened." Beckett says, a hint of curious excitement now in his voice.

"You can't tell me that our world didn't know of vampires! It's even in the attunement test!"

"The existence of vampires was never taken seriously. It's just meant to scare children into behaving. Whenever anyone would bring it up it was always just a thought of experiment. Vampire biology is extremely hard to fathom and even by everything we know, it should've been impossible."

"But now there is a vampire on front of us. And we are about to step into one of the biggest places where vampires are very present and alive."

"And this is public knowledge! Even the Tuneless staff knows about them. Imagine if we hadn't bumped into Amy before going into New York. Something horrible could happen."

"I know we just met her, but I at least trust her enough to not kill us."

"Agreed." At that moment Amy returns to them with a bright smile to her face. Her phone pressed against her chest.

"Well good news for me is that the sun is now setting and is safe for my partners and other vampires to travel around. Do you still want to ride an Uber or do you want to ride with us and we could bring you to the Cornucopia Hotel?"

"Amy we couldn't possibly -"

"Eli, the Cornucopia Hotel is near my place. It is literally only a 20 minute walk from the hotel to my building."

"And you promise not to eat us?"

"Yes, don't worry Beckett none of us will eat you. Come on, I could sense how curious you are about vampires. There are some things that Adrian, Jax, and Kamilah could tell you that I couldn't. It's only been a few years since I've been turned. I'm practically a baby in vampire years."

"Wait! You'll be meeting with Kamilah? Tonight?" Amy chuckles as she nods.

"Knowing them, they probably have something prepared. I've been in Japan for a month and some weeks. If you ride with me there's a high chance you'll meet her."

"Okay sure why not."

"Cool! Sebastian, they'll be riding with me. Adrian will be on his way."

"Very good Ms. Pierce. Don't forget to finish your blood."

"Oh right! Thanks for reminding me." Amy takes a large gulp of blood before returning to talk to Adrian. Some of the blood still stained her lips.

"Hey Adrian, yeah they'll be riding with us - well when you meet them you could tell them yourself...Will it just be you? - What's that sound I hear in the background? Should I be worried?...Okay see you soon darling...Don't worry I'm just in the lounge. And from the look Sebastian is giving me it seems there's some media still waiting for me to emerge...Yes...I know this seems pointless but drive safely." Amy ends the call and turns to look at them.

"So Adrian is the only one who'll be meeting up with us in the airport. Apparently Jax and Kamilah are arguing over something in the background. Nothing serious, it's just them being petty with each other."

"How can you tell?"

"Oh that's simple Eli, I don't hear their weapons clashing." After a pause Eli couldn't help but laugh.

"Why do I feel like they are going to get along with my sister?"

"Because no offense to you love, Atlas is a sadistic maniac when it comes to combat."

"I don't know if it would be for better or worse if she met them."

"Well you'll find out soon enough. For now we wait for Sebastian's signal. He's keeping an eye on the media that are waiting for me. And probably Adrian once he shows up."

Soon Sebastian contacts the airport security and they emerge from a hidden door within the lounge.

"Okay Ms. Pierce here's the plan, we'll take you and your companions through this hidden passage. It will take you to where Senator Raines is waiting. If the media follows you, just smile and wave but walk rapidly. We'll do our best to give you privacy."

"Thank you, Officer...?"

"Officer Ezekiel Jones, ma'am."

"Thank you Officer Jones." She then turns to Sebastian and gives him a couple hundred dollar bills for his tip.

"Ms. Pierce this is too much!"

"You still deserve it Sebastian. I know you were just staying to make sure I leave safely. Seriously thank you for all you've done."

"It's my pleasure Ms. Pierce, Mr. Raines and Mr. Matsuo are lucky men."

"Oh I know." They both laugh before the three of them were escorted away from the media. And soon before Eli and Beckett was one of the most attractive men they have ever seen. Tall, dark brown curly hair, pale skin that didn't look sickly but shined in the airport lights. And upon seeing them - or seeing Amy - he gives a smile that is angelic and enticing.

"Adrian!" Amy runs to him as he embraces her tightly before giving her a passionate kiss while dipping her slightly. Enough for their bodies to press together tightly, but not so low that there is a risk of her falling to the floor. Watching them was like watching beautiful actors on screen kiss. You could understand why they would fall for each other. And their chemistry...their kiss could make their audience blush while also allow them a voyeuristic excitement from watching. From that point on Eli couldn't imagine anyone else except for Amy and Adrian being casted as the two leads of a romance novel.

"I missed you."

"Welcome home, Amy." It was only then did he turn to Eli and Beckett holding out his hand in greeting.

"You must be Eli Russell and Beckett Harrington. I'm Adrian Raines, welcome to New York."

"Hi - um - hi." Beckett says awkwardly as he shakes Adrian's hands. Adrian just chuckles and pats him on the back.

"Sorry for the PDA, I couldn't help myself around Amy." Eli giggles as she shakes Adrian's hand.

"Don't worry, he's just not used to seeing passion on front of him since he's the one participating in it with me."

"MR. RAINES! MS. PIERCE! WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK A FEW QUESTIONS!"

"SENATOR RAINES IS IT TRUE THAT-"

"And that's our cue to leave. Come, the car is just outside." He nods at the airport staff carrying their luggage while the security does their best to hold back the media from following them.

And Eli couldn't help but squeal in excitement.

"Your car is a Porsche Panamera!"

"Yeah, I just bought it this year."

"The latest model too!"

"Oh my, do we have another car junkie here?" Amy teases as she gets in the shotgun seat. Once Eli and Beckett were in, Adrian immediately began driving.

"I can't believe we're riding a Porsche Panamera. Beckett, this is my foster dad's dream car. He will not believe me when I tell him I rode in one."

"So the floppy disk inheritance is your biological dad?"

"Yup. My foster parents are alive and well."

"Of course I had to bring an impressive car. How else am I going to welcome the High Attuned to New York? Especially since it's your first time here."

Eli's heart skipped a beat.

"Wait - how did you know?"

"Do you know of someone named Andrea Carlisle?"

"I've read his petitions, but I haven't met him in person yet."

"His wife and daughters are blood attuned. One of those daughters managed to save the life of one of my men from a Feral bite using blood magick."

"What? Which one?"

"Drogo Walter."

"Huh? How did he know an Attuned?" Eli asks in astonishment.

"Much more a Blood-Att?" Beckett follows up.

"He asked her out. It was their first date." Amy bursts out laughing as Adrian joins her.

"So Drogo got lucky on the first date hm? After several decades."

"Lucky in a not so traditional sense. But then again, since when has Drogo been traditional?"

"Hmm true, so what's her name?"

"Hope Carlisle, I was with their family when I got your text on your new friends. That's how I learned that Ms. Russell is the High Attuned."

"What's the High Attuned?"

"It means I'm the head of governing the entire Attuned world. Oh Attuned just means someone with magick."

"So when I heard Beckett say 'Tuneless' earlier, he was referring to ordinary humans?"

"How did you- oh wait, you've got extraordinary hearing too?"

"Yes. But you were also a lot louder than you think."

"Um, so Adrian, um what have they said about me? Just want you to know that I didn't choose to be the High Attuned."

"Mostly good things. Mr. Carlisle prefers approaching you over your sister."

"Honestly, fair."

"Sweetheart, you're being biased."

"Name one time Atlas hasn't tried to punch someone recently? Let's say this past month."

"...To be fair to her, that guy was being a dick. It's like no matter how much I debated with him he refuses to see mine and Atlas' side."

"Is that the time you got into an argument within your council on lifting the ban on Blood Magick."

"Yes! Because technically speaking my sister and I are also Blood-Atts so by their logic, even we aren't allowed to use it. But Blood Magick has saved our butts multiple times."

"I sympathize with you Ms. Russell. While there's a good number who are open-minded there's still fear and prejudice for us vampires in the senate. Sometimes it takes time for people to catch up and change their minds. I don't want to think what would've happened if Ms. Carlisle wasn't there to help Drogo."

"Good thing she wasn't deterred by what happened. Drogo must be happy about that."

"Now I hope they don't break-up."

"Adrian!" Amy laughs light-heartedly as she playfully slaps his arm. Only for him to catch her hand without looking at her. He then brings her hand to his lips.

They continue the drive in comfortable conversation. Adrian answering questions that Amy couldn't answer. And before they knew it, they were in the Cornucopia Hotel in Manhattan. The hotel's entrance was an artwork that combined art nouveau elegance with contemporary fashion.

"Woah."

"Exquisite."

"Thank you. My team and I worked hard on it." Beckett and Eli looked at him in shock.

"You own the Cornucopia Hotel?!" Adrian and Amy laughs.

"This has been his project since the 1910's."

"1913, to be more exact. This is the original before we branched out." Adrian goes to the driveway where a number of hotel staff were waiting for their arrival.

"I'll meet you inside. Go say hi to Jax and Kamilah." Amy gives Adrian a knowing smile.

"So you three were planning something!"

"I didn't say anything." Adrian kisses Amy, this time short and sweet. The hotel staff were accommodating and assisted Beckett and Eli with their luggage and checking in. If the entrance was beautiful, the interior was awe inspiring. And after going into their room, a deluxe suite normally marketed to couples on their honeymoon, the attuned couple takes a breath to freshen up.

"This is marvelous work - no magick of any kind involved and yet Adrian and his team were able to create something that feels magical."

"I know. It's beautiful isn't it?" Beckett turns to Eli and holds her waist in his embrace.

"And this was your life before me?"

"Well except for the vampires, yes it was."

"I'm starting to realize how overwhelming it must be for you when you entered the Attuned world."

"Hey, I've handled myself well enough."

"Well enough to earn the position of the High Attuned."

"Don't let Atlas hear you say that."

"Then it's a good thing she's not here then." He leans in and kisses her. Their kiss lingers before they hear a knock on their door.

"Let me take a peek." Through the peephole - which he mentally noted could be closed from the inside - he sees Amy's familiar face along with another gorgeous woman. This time of Egyptian features, dark brown eyes and straight brunette hair with a nice brown sheen for skin.

"It's Amy."

"Oh good-"

"And I'm assuming, Kamilah Sayeed."

"WHAT?! Beckett do I look-"

"You're marvelous Eli."

"Thanks." Eli takes a deep breath before nodding to Beckett to let them in.

"Hey guys, guess who I brought. Eli, Beckett, this is Kamilah Sayeed. Kamilah this is the High Attuned Eli Russell and her partner Beckett Harrington."

"I see." Kamilah's voice was enchanting. She wasn't exactly warm. But she wasn't unfriendly either.

What broke the ice was Eli being brave enough to finally talk to her after a brief moment of nervousness.

"So how were you able to forecast stock market trends?" "I know investments will always require some level of risk - I've seen that through my friend's business - but how..."

And it wasn't long after Kamilah sensed Eli's genuine interest that she began opening up more. Not about herself but on her passion in finance. And it wasn't long before Beckett asked his own questions. They were having a great time before Amy noticed the time.

"Oh I almost forgot why I originally came here."

"Yes, you two are now formally invited to join us for Amy's welcome home dinner."

"It would be our pleasure." "Sure."

"Great!" Amy then brings out two covered hangers.

"I don't know who decided that the theme tonight would be a semi-formal white party. But I remember fantasizing about going to one when I was a teenager."

"This is also a show of good faith in our part. We may drink blood but we don't like ruining good clothes."

"Beckett here's a white suit for you, and Eli a white cocktail dress for you. Kamilah thought it would look great on you."

"In theory at least. We won't know until you actually wear it."

"What time does the dinner start?" Beckett asks looking at the clock on the wall.

"Oh! Kamilah and I need to get ready. I'll see you two downstairs."

"Go to the floor with the restaurant named Ambrosia. It'll be labeled in the elevators. The entire floor is the restaurant so you won't be able to miss it."

"Thanks, see you guys downstairs!" Amy and Kamilah leave their room and they change into the outfits given to them by their hosts. Beckett gets his suit and heads for the bathroom to change while Eli puts on her makeup and perfume.

"Mind explaining what a 'White Party' is?"

"It's what the name says. Everyone wears white. Not cream, not ivory, just the purest whitest thing you can get."

"I don't understand what the fuss is about."

"White is not exactly the easiest color to keep clean. So I think part of the allure of a White party is that you are refined enough to attend the entire party without ruining yours or anyone else's clothing."

"I see. And the vampires intentionally choosing to have a white party is a show of pacifism."

"Or at least diplomacy. You heard what Kamilah said. They may drink blood but they don't ruin good clo-" Eli stops mid thought as she looks at Beckett in his suit. He was wearing a knitted turtleneck underneath a very nice classic suit in white.

"Whoa."

"This suit fits me better than my regular one. How is that possible? Eli?" Instead of a verbal answer he was met with an eager kiss.

"Mmm...maybe I should ask whomever gave you that suit to dress you more often."

"If this is the reaction I get then I should bring you with me whenever I go to my fittings more often." Eli takes her covered dress and head to the bathroom to change.

"You're not heating up in that turtle neck are you?"

"Surprisingly not, it's made of Merino wool so it isn't as heavy as you may think."

"And here I thought you didn't know anything about Tuneless things." Beckett laughs as Eli heads out. Now it was his turn to be speechless.

Eli was wearing a white dress that was layered beautifully with floral lace appliqué. The dress itself is a classic sleeveless A-line silhouette with a V-neck neckline. Low enough to give a hint of a cleavage but not enough to show it. Just to tease. The lace appliqué pattern on top of it gave the dress sleeves. It made what would have been just a plain silk white dress into a more interesting and marvelous work of art.

Eli gives him a spin so he could appreciate all sides of her dress.

"Well?" She asks knowingly before he gives her a passionate kiss. If her kiss to him earlier was eager but chaste. His came with the suggestion of not leaving the room at all.

"Mm...Beckett...we need to go." Beckett sighs as he leans his forehead against hers.

"It's a good thing Shreya isn't here. She'll be jealous of Kamilah's taste in fashion." Beckett takes the time to appreciate her attire up close.

Washington D.C., In the Capitol Hill residence of Senator Adrian Raines

"You sure we won't be heard here?" Drogo asks as he and Peter enter Adrian's residence. The first thing they notice is the large amount of pictures of Amy, and a few pictures here and there on the former clan leaders Jax Matsuo and Kamilah Sayeed.

"I personally made sure there were no bugs. I even got one of Lily's protégé to triple check." Adrian says as he turns on the lights.

"Man, I miss Lily. She's one of the good ones." A moment of silence was given for Lily's memory. Lily may have ended up being in Clan Matsuo, but she's one of the few who didn't mind helping out any vampire especially when it comes to computers and hacking. After bypassing Adrian's security programs she helped him set up better security programs that would work far better than what he had. What most vampires don't know is that her work in cybersecurity and hacking made her a great liaison for the vampires of Clan Sayeed and Clan Raines. She was also a fun person to be around and whenever Drogo and Peter met up with her, they always had a good time. Drogo would even jokingly try to get her to come back to Adrian's clan so that he won't be the only clan member who was actually fun.

"Sorry for the delay in getting here. Something unusual happened with Drogo." Peter began as he and Drogo told Adrian what happened.

"Really now?"

"Yeah! I am so glad that I asked her out."

"And we triple checked with one of your scientists to verify - Drogo is feral free."

"Impressive, how come we haven't heard of them?"

"Same reason why no one knew of us before Amy revealed it to the whole world."

"Fair, though I am suspicious of how they knew what to do to cure a feral's bite." Adrian says with a fair amount of suspicion.

"The way they explained it to us, Kalie, Hope's twin sister, was bitten by a feral when she was a teenager and their mom treated it like a virus. That's how they discovered how to cure feral blood and saliva."

"By essentially extracting it out before it infected the internal organs."

"Listen I understand your skepticism Adrian, but having felt what Hope did to save my life, and having felt how thorough Isabella was when she was checking me - it was like having an internal massage through your blood."

"Okay I'll trust your word enough for now Drogo."

"Thanks Adrian."

"It's really saying something when you're being this passionate Drogo." Peter couldn't help but laugh at Adrian teasing Drogo. Drogo himself rolled his eyes but his smile belied his real feelings.

"I can be serious when I want to. Not my fault most things don't deserve it."

"Well good thing Hope made a really good impression on you."

"Hey! It's because she's a good driver that I was able to make it to you on time!"

"Anyway enough about that, what do you need our help on Adrian?" The mood became more serious as Adrian takes a brief glance at a nearby picture of Amy. It didn't take a genius to know that he misses her ever since she left to go to Japan for further training.

"Amy saw something during her recent training session with Kano. It's an unusual vision because it was more abrupt. She saw a family who owned several things that has the symbol of the tree of eternal life. And then that family was attacked by someone named Raife Highmore."

"Wait WHAT?!" "Holy Shit!"

"You two know of him?"

"This might be more connected than we thought." Peter said as he and Drogo fill Adrian in on what they've learned from Hope.

"Hmm, I think it's about time we return to New York to investigate this further."

"Don't you have work here in Capitol Hill. You can just leave it to us."

"If it concerns our history - history that we still don't know about, I want to be a part of the investigation. I'm not sure how all the pieces fit but there must be a reason Amy saw a vision - or a memory- about Raife Highmore and this family. And the last time I had doubts about Amy's feelings..." A look of regret briefly appeared on his face as he taps the Life Blessing that hung around his neck. He started wearing it after the last Dark Solstice celebration, no doubt a gift from Amy when she was still human. It was her first Dark Solstice and yet she had played a significant role in defeating the revnant that was hunting them down. It's because she was human that she was able to make the first blow against the Red Saint. And then soon everyone followed working together to defeat him with their weapons touched by mistletoe. For being the only human there, she wasn't intimidated by the vampires surrounding her. Cautious but not intimidated. She even went out of her way to socialize with them and members of Kamilah's clan when she could have just lingered with familiar faces.

But even after she became a vampire, she was the only one who did not fall under Rheya's charismatic spell. She was the warning sign that many of their kind ignored. It was her and Nikhil shaking them awake from the Bacchanalia that saved his and Drogo's life. Amy's instincts and feelings shouldn't be dismissed. Peter nods empathically to the man who saved his life in Romania after he had committed suicide which ended his human life.

"Understood Adrian."

Tokyo, Japan - Kano's training room

"Your mind is still on the recent vision that you saw."

"I can't help but think about it Kano. Any luck on finding out who Raife Highmore is?"

"Unfortunately none on my end. His relation to the vampire world is a mystery. But speaking of mysteries, there is something I would like to try with you today. It's going to be risky because this is unknown territory."

"Well what's life without some risk?"

"Hahaha true my pupil. What I would like to explore is if we can see if we can summon the energy of the vision that we encountered last time. If we can evaluate the energy it has, it may shed light on what it is trying to lead you to."

"How do I summon a vision back?"

"Just do what you're already doing. Thinking about what you saw. But this time do it within the void of your mind. In theory if you can summon memories from the void, then we should be able to summon that vision as well. I'll be with you in your mind so that you won't be alone."

"Okay let's do it Kano." Amy makes herself comfortable and closes her eyes and relaxes. She waits for Kano to join her in her mind before they go to her mental void, a place where she can summon memories of any vampire. And if Kano's theory is correct, she'll be able to summon back the strange vision that she saw last time.

"Okay, now think about the vision again. What do you remember?"

"The symbol of the tree of eternal life...and Raife Highmore attacking that elderly man." Instinctively she reaches out to the void and puts her energy to summon the vision back. Slowly a portal opens with the vision she saw.

"Well done Amy." Kano congratulates her as they move closer to the portal but not yet entering it.

"Now remember, this is still your mind. No matter what happens, you can still control it."

"Thank you, but you'll still be able to help if I get overwhelmed right?"

"Yes, that's why we're exploring this together." He says calmly before they enter the portal.

The vision starts the same way, with the father and his son Todd securing the items which have the symbol of the tree of eternal life on it.

"Freeze the vision, let's see if we can explore our surroundings."

"I just need to think about it right?" Kano nods and with enough focus, Amy was able to freeze the vision in it's place before Todd and his father locked the door. Amy and Kano then explore the surroundings to see if anything could enlighten what the vision is possibly telling them. Then Amy sees a newspaper. It had some wear to it but otherwise it seems relatively new.

"Kano, come here. There's a newspaper with the date May 25, 1997."

"Hmm." Kano checks on the newspaper and holds it in his hand.

"Do you think this is the date when this happened?"

"I'm not sure if it's the exact date, but perhaps not too far off. But at least we now a rough timeline of when this took place."

"So if this took place in 1997, that means this is a memory."

"But a memory of whom? Since it seems there are no vampires present. Unless Raife Highmore is one."

"Hmm I don't think Raife Highmore is a vampire. It may just be because we are in a memory, but even here there is no sense that he is one."

"Let's go to the battle to double check."

"Later Amy, let's take time to explore this room more while the memory is frozen." Amy and Kano continue to take in what they can. But nothing they could see indicated what kind of power that Todd and his father were doing. And most of the family's items were already closed. The only thing consistent was the symbol of the tree of eternal life on nearly all of them. Kano and Amy then allowed the memory to play out. Then when Raife Highmore appeared, Amy froze it again and they both went closer to Raife. Observing his features and reached out to sense if he was a vampire.

"He's human."

"A human who has the ability to use blood in his powers."

"How is it that we don't know about people like him?"

"I sadly don't know the answer to that Amy. But now that we know that this is a memory, means that this might be a growth in your powers as a Bloodkeeper. Now that you know how to sense these types of memories and separate them from the memories of vampires."

"Oh."

"Let's return for now."

When they've finished with their training session and after they have fed from human volunteers who were stationed nearby, Amy's phone received a message.

"It's Adrian, he's going back to New York. He has a lead on Raife Highmore."

"Ah." Kano has a wistful tone as Amy turns to him.

"...Let me guess, you could already sense what I'm going to do."

"Yes."

"Because of your psychic powers?"

"No. It's because I know you my pupil. You can't bear it if you weren't a part of this investigation. You have been gone for a month and some weeks from your beloveds, so you miss both of them."

"Kano, I'm sorry."

"Don't be my pupil." Kano gives Amy a reassuring smile.

"You've made a lot of progress since you've last trained with me before defeating Rheya. Perhaps part of your journey is to use what you've now learnt."

"Oh." Kano then writes his notes on his observations before giving it to her.

"I may not be with you in this latest adventure, but I hope that these notes will help you in your journey." With tears in her eyes Amy hugs Kano.

"Thank you, Kano."

"You're welcome. Comeback to me when you're ready to resume your training. And give my regards to Adrian, Jax, and Kamilah."

Later that night Amy sent a message in their group chat.

"Kano and I made some discoveries. What I saw was not a vision but a memory. I'll explain more in person. He's released me from training for now. I'M COMING HOME GUYS!"

A few days later in a plane travelling to New York, First class cabin.

"You seem nervous." Ellie says as she rests her head on Beckett's shoulder. Their flight has been smooth so far so it can't be any turbulence. And Beckett didn't have any fear of heights. Or if he did he hid it well when he was helping her in the Earth test given by the contingency.

"In a way I am, this will be my first time in New York. And to spend it on the Tuneless part is intimidating."

"Beckett..." Eli reaches for his hand beside her and with her other hand she places it under his chin as she gently turns his face away from the window and towards her.

"It's fine to be nervous. This will be your first time venturing in unknown territory. And without your family too. I'm not surprised you're feeling nervous about this trip." He sighs as he gently rubs the top of her hands with his.

"I've spent my whole life within the Attuned world that I'm scared of slipping up and accidentally revealing something to the Tuneless that will lead to disaster."

"You'll be fine." She reassures him with a gentle smile. "As long as you don't do magic on front of them, they'll just think that you're working on a fantasy series or you're a really devoted Dnd player."

"You still haven't explained the rules of Dnd to me or to any of our friends." Eli chuckles briefly before continuing.

"My point is that they'll probably not think too deeply on it and will just think it's not real. Besides you're going to be with me, and I've got 18 years of experience in the Tuneless world."

"Isn't it also your first time in New York?"

"Yeah but I know enough how to navigate the oh so scary Tuneless world." That brought out a chuckle in him before he leans in to kiss her. Gentle enough to not arouse. This was a kiss of gratitude. He'll be more passionate later in the privacy of their hotel room.

"Thank you Eli."

"You're welcome Beckett. I'm here. Besides you and the rest of the Pend Pals helped me a lot when I was still so new to the Attuned world. Think of this as returning the favor."

"Ladies and gentlemen we are about to prepare for landing. Please fasten your seat belts and open your windows as we are about to arrive in JFK airport. Thank you."

"Oh before I forget, you may want to take off your blazer or change into something lighter. There's a heatwave in New York right now and I don't want you to roast yourself to death from the temperature."

"Is that why you're wearing something more casual?"

Eli was wearing her Hartfeld University shirt with mint green raglan sleeves and a gray body with the words "Hartfeld University" with the year of it's founding and the letters "H.U" in the center. She paired it with a denim skirt with a small slit on the back which was typical of pencil skirts, which reached to her knees.

"Yes, this shirt is made with pure cotton and even though it's got long sleeves it's breathable enough that I never overheat in it."

"Ah so that's why you refuse to get rid of it." They both laugh recalling the amount of times Shreya and Atlas tried to convince her to throw it away. Shreya's argument was that it didn't live up to Attuned fashion standards. And for Atlas it was so that Eli wouldn't have to remember her brief time in Hartfeld University.

"Among other things. Don't get me wrong I loved my time in Penderghast but I still had good memories in Hartfeld that I don't want to forget. Did you know I won this shirt in the Freshman Orientation in Hartfeld?"

"No, how did you win it?"

"It's because I knew one of their notable alumni, Emily Day. She's one of my favorite fiction writers and I was obsessed with her work. She and her girlfriend Becca Davenport, she's a lawyer, met at Hartfeld." Beckett looks at her in astonishment.

"Emily Day? The one who turned her college experiences into a book series? That Emily Day?"

"Yes! She also wrote one of your favorite short stories, 'A wave of butterflies.' I was going to Hartfeld through a scholarship program mainly because she studied there."

"And you have the audacity to call me a nerd." They both laugh before the Flight Stewardess came to their seats to make sure that their seat belts were fastened. And soon they find themselves in JFK airport.

"Hey!" Eli and Beckett turn and notice a gorgeous woman with dirty blonde hair, a slightly tanned skin, and Chinese facial features.

"I think you dropped this." In her hand she reveals a Pend Pals friendship bracelet. They both then immediately check and it turns out to be Eli's.

"Thank you so much. I don't know what I would've done if I lost this forever." The gorgeous stranger laughs and waves it off.

"No problem. I used to have the same thing back in my college days." She then notices Eli's shirt and was astonished.

"No way! You went to Hartfeld too?! Which batch are you?"

"Oh um I kind of transferred to another school in my first year."

"Hey no judgment here, I used to have days when I wished I could transfer too. Oh I'm -"

"Ms. Amy Pierce, any wedding bells in the future?" A look of shocked then disappointment plays out in her face on front of Beckett and Eli.

"Damn, the reporters have found me." She quickly composes herself before turning to the reporters.

"Hello, I'm back."

"Ms. Pierce how was Japan? Are you and Senator Adrian Raines going to get back together?"

"Oh Adrian and I never broke up. My trip to Tokyo was for professional training. But we're still together."

"Ms. Pierce, this is Linda Carmichael from the Manhattan Chronicle. How do you think the Coronavirus pandemic affected your community and are they recovering?"

"Thank you, I can't speak for everyone but I know that because of the recent pandemic we also suffered from isolation and blood was difficult to come by. Having said that we've always prioritized the health and safety of everyone. Now if you'll kindly excuse me."

She leads Beckett and Eli to the luggage carousels and away from the reporters who were being lead away by security.

"I'm sorry about that you two. I didn't expect them to be waiting for me here. I hope I didn't ruin your first time in New York."

"How-how could you tell that it's our first time here?" Beckett asked and Amy chuckles. Her laugh sounded enticing to both of them.

"Because you two have this wanderlust in your eyes as you were looking around in this airport. Also you may want to make sure your phones are more secured than just holding it. You don't want to do that unless you are actually using it. It makes it harder for it to be stolen." Eli immediately puts her phone in her bag and Beckett puts his in his front pocket.

"Oh."

"Sorry it's a new phone and I was marvelling at it." Beckett says sheepishly.

"It's fine, you sound a lot like my partner Adrian whenever he gets the latest edition of the smartphone. He'll spend at least a week analyzing and critiquing the new features. He just doesn't want to admit that he's such a fanboy sometimes."

"So...you're famous here in New York?" Eli asks and Amy couldn't help but roll her eyes a little.

"I wouldn't put it that way. I'm just a well-known face from my community and my partner is a public figure and sometimes the press like to make things entertaining. Here let's try again without the interruptions, I'm Amy Pierce. Welcome to New York."

"I'm Eli Russell and this is my boyfriend, Beckett Harrington."

"Pleased to meet you both. So do you both have a ride already?" Eli continues talking with Amy while Beckett retrieves their luggage after it appears in the carousel.

"Well - I'm trying to get an Uber to the Cornucopia but it seems busy." Amy's eyes widen.

"Is this their Hamptons branch or their Manhattan branch?"

"Manhattan." Beckett says returning to them.

"Oh good luck with that. The traffic is horrible right now since it's the lunch hour. Peak time for people getting an uber after exiting from the office for a lunch break. You two are better off eating lunch first before going to the Cornucopia hotel."

"No offense but our options don't look appetizing." Beckett says looking at the questionable restaurants available.

"You could get an Uber to eat out."

"It seems like a waste if we're going through traffic though." Eli says concerned.

"You could also get lunch in the lounge."

"Don't you need a membership to get in."

"Yeah I'm a member." The look of shock in Beckett and Eli's faces made Amy laugh even harder.

"Oh we couldn't -" Eli began but Amy persisted.

"It's fine, my ride won't be here for awhile. And I can't exactly go out right now if I want to avoid the media."

"Are you sure you wouldn't mind."

"Nope, besides I think I'm being responsible by getting you two prepared on how to survive New York. There's been some significant changes these past years and we'll need somewhere private before I could say the details." Beckett and Eli look at each other before Eli's stomach grumbles loudly.

"Um well if you're sure."

"Cool, just follow me." Together they follow Amy to a luxury lounge. Inside was a stark contrast to the rest of the airport.

"They're with me Sebastian. Just put their luggage next to mine."

"Of course Ms. Pierce, what shall I do about the reporters?" They glance at the reporters who have followed them in but were barred from entering.

"Please tell them that I need my privacy right now."

"Very well Ms. Pierce, if there's anything you need Ms. Torre will be with you."

"Thank you Sebastian."

After they have settled down and made their orders Amy picks up where they left off.

"So what brought you here in New York?"

"This is going to be embarrassing but we were hoping to find a computer that could read a floppy disk?" Amy's eyes was astonished.

"I'm not sure there's any computer that has a floppy disk reader now. The last time I've seen a computer use a floppy disk it was when I was growing up in the early 2000's."

"I was betting on the New York public library to have one."

"Okay, fair. But why a floppy disk?"

"This is part of the inheritance my dad left me before he died."

"Oh I'm sorry." Amy says remorsefully.

"It's okay you didn't know. Since none of us have floppy disk readers..."

"Okay, that's understandable now."

"Speaking of knowledge, what do we have to know about New York?" Beckett asks as he becomes more comfortable with himself.

"Well you two are lucky that the Cornucopia has an amazing breakfast buffet that comes with your stay there so it's free. It's going to be expensive but I'd also say that their dinner buffet is also worth it. But if you want to save money you may want to go to these stops in Manhattan..." Amy then gives them pointers and helps Eli mark her go to places that are affordable and nearby or commutable from the Cornucopia. And as the afternoon went on Beckett couldn't help himself but take out his notebook and write down everything he could from Amy's advice.

Then Amy became serious when she noticed that they were the only ones there and the reporters have seemingly abandoned their quest to harass her.

"Okay I have a serious question - I know you don't know who I am, but do you know about the community I'm a part of?" When they both answered no and their blank expressions, Amy sighed and composed herself.

"First, I understand if you will be scared. But please know that I brought you here because I don't want harm to be brought on you."

"What are you talking about?" Eli asks leaning in and feeling nervous now. Was there something she and Beckett were missing from earlier?

"No you weren't. I made things vague because I wanted whatever reactions you two would have to be private." Eli's eyes widened as Amy gave her a small smile.

"You can read minds?" Beckett asks surprised. His heartbeat began to palpitate rapidly.

"Yes but that's not all." And at that moment, Ms. Torre arrives and pours in Amy's wine glass a distinctive crimson liquid. She only stops when it was close to the brim.

"If you need more Ms. Pierce, just give me a call."

"Of course, thank you Anna." It was at this moment that Eli and Beckett realized that Amy's eyes now glowed red and two sharp fangs popped out from her teeth.

"You-you're..."

"But-but that's impossible. You shouldn't exist-" Beckett starts to mumble about how of all the mythical creatures he has studied, there was only one that everyone thought was absolutely fictional.

And once again, life had proven him wrong.

"I know." Amy then takes a large drink from her wineglass. The distinctive smell of blood still lingered in the air even after she finishes the entire glass.

Sometime during Raife Highmore's reign of terror...

An elderly man quickly shuts a door to a secret passage. His blood pumping with worry and anxiety.

"Is everything in there father?" A young man rushes to his side before his father falls over from exhaustion.

"Yes, everything related to this mystery. A mystery that has been burdened by our family for generations." The elderly man takes a breath as his son helps steadies him.

"If only we could have solved it."

"Maybe it's not our mystery to solve." The elderly man places a book that has a symbol of a gray withered tree as it's lock. He places it on a shelf as one of the various tomes that the men were going to leave behind. The two exit the room and locks the door.

"How is Theia?" A smile appears on the young man's face in spite of his exhaustion.

"She's fine, she's still in her first trimester but let's-"

"Todd, my boy." The elderly man pleads as his son faces him.

"I don't know how much time we have. And I would like to know how my grandchild is doing. While -" He violently coughs before continuing. "...While I still have breath in me."

"...Then you should know, it's actually grandchildren."

"Twins?" He is stunned while Todd nods with a smile.

"Yes, now imagine cuddling both of them when they are finally born." They both smile before an alarm beeps on Todd's watch. They both become tense and their hearts race out of fear.

"He's near."

"I'll seal this quickly."

"But father-"

"You've made the security here tight right?"

"Yes it just needs the wards and enchantments-"

"Then I trust you son. I'll distract him -"

"No-"

"Todd he's after your twins. Go!"

"No!"

"Todd!"

"Let's lock this together, then I'll go."

"Quickly now." Together, father and son cast a strong enchantment on the door. A flash of light temporarily blinds them but they quickly recover. Todd throws a paper weight to the door and the specialized ward causes it to rebound and the paperweight flies across the room.

"It's done. Now go!"

Todd quickly exits through the backdoor while his father exits through the front. The house was modest from the outside but was larger inside. It was located within a forest surrounded by trees. Once both father and son were out, the modest cottage styled house vanished. The elderly man began to hastily walk towards the nearest clearing.

As soon as the elderly man arrived, an older looking more menacing man with a long beard and white hair. His eyes are red and his aura made the elderly man facing him uneasy.

"Raife Highmore."

"So you know who I am."

"It would be impossible for anyone not to."

"And you know why I'm here."

"You didn't make a secret out of it."

"Then just give it up old man! It's pointless to stop me. I'm coming for those twins!"

"Even if I can't stop you, I'll die trying."

A battle between them began. A battle that his son Todd observed from his hiding place. He knew that his father wouldn't last long. And as much as it broke his heart he made his escape while his invisibility spell lasted.

"Amy?"

What?

"Amy."

Tokyo, Japan - Present day

Amy blinks and massages the temples in her head. On front of her is her dear mentor Kano, a powerful vampire psychic who eternally has the appearance of a child. But anyone who knows him knows better.

"Are you alright?"

"Um just give me a minute."

As she brings herself back to the present she recalls where she was and why. It's 2023. The month is July, and she has been in Tokyo for a month now. Five years after she defeated Rheya, revealed the existence of vampires to the general public, and lost her best friend Lily in doing so ... and three years after the global Coronavirus pandemic of that had shaken the entire world. While vampire and human co-existence still has a long way to go, there was progress being made. Slowly but surely. When things calmed down, she decided to go back to Japan to continue her training with Kano, much to his delight.

"Kano? Did you see that vision I just saw?"

"Yes I did. I sensed that this vision was different from the visions you've previously experienced. I pulled you out of there when I sensed the earliest and safest opportunity to do so."

"Why didn't you do so earlier?"

"Something was preventing me. I don't know what it was. But it seems that there's some mysterious power that wanted you to see the vision."

"The puzzling thing is that this time there was no fragment before I saw the vision. It's as if I... was just ... dragged into it." Amy soon feels the fatigue of her body take over. Kano quickly tells his assistant to pour blood on a bowl to be given to her.

"You also seem more exhausted than usual. Here drink the entire bowl."

"Kano! I couldn't-"

"Amy, you need it more than I do." His assistant supports Amy to sit down while he helps her drink the entire bowl of blood. The delightful taste of blood was enough to sooth her fatigue but not enough for her to return to full energy.

"Thank you."

"It's no problem Amy." Daichi says before returning to his place beside Kano.

"I think we can stop our session for today. I'll meet you the day after tomorrow. You need to rest."

"Are you sure?"

"Even you need rest days Amy. Make sure to visit the feeding station before going to your residence. You'll need to be full to help ward off the fatigue that you're currently experiencing."

"Thank you Kano. Do you know Raife Highmore? And what does he have to do with vampire history?"

"I don't. But I'll ask my researchers to see what they can find based on what we both saw in your vision. This might be another sign that your powers are just growing."

"But it's only been five years."

"Oh Amy." Kano laughs.

"You are the first Bloodkeeper who successfully became a vampire. Of course your growth is going to be unusual. Don't underestimate yourself. You should be proud of what you've achieved so far."

"Thanks for the reassurance."

"You're welcome. You may want to ask Kamilah about Raife Highmore too. She's now the oldest vampire we know of. If there's someone bound to know a lot about vampire history, it's her. And remember, rest."

Later that evening she has a video call with Kamilah, Adrian, and Jax. As much as she wished they could all come with her in Japan, the members of the Five were still strict when it comes to foreign vampires visiting their territory. Especially after the world was recovering from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. While vampires were immune from the effects of the virus, the global shutdown for the safety of the humans meant that blood was hard to come by. And even now after the pandemic was officially declared finished last May 2023, the Five were still unconvinced that they should allow foreign vampires to visit. Amy was one of the exceptions allowed in because of Kano's insistence. But in exchange, the Five ordered that she come alone.

"Don't worry, we know better than to kill the Bloodkeeper." Aiko Nakamura says peeved when Kamilah began protesting the arrangement. Things were still strained between Aiko and Kamilah but at least they didn't have problems talking when it comes to things outside of their relationship.

"Hey so how was your session with Kano today?" Jax asks from her place. Being the good partner that he is, he was house-sitting for her while she's in Japan. Since his own place as well as the new renovations in the Shadow Den were still on-going.

"Something unusual happened today. Kano and I were doing our regular psychic exercises when a vision came to me. And not in the usual way."

"No fragment this time?" Senator Adrian Raines, her second partner in their polycule, became concerned. From what she could see from his room, he was calling from his office in Capitol Hill. She could see his Chief-of-staff, their friend Nikhil Banderjee walking around in the background.

"No. It was like this time my entire mind was dragged into seeing it. And because Kano was in my mind guiding me through the exercises, he was also dragged into it."

"What did you see?" Adrian asks calmly. He knows how sometimes she is frazzled after some sessions with Kano. And one of the things he can do from back home is to be her anchor and be as calm as possible whenever she would talk about her training.

"There was a father and son. The son's name was Todd. They were sealing some family things behind a room. It's part of what they call a family mystery that neither of them could solve. One of the books that they locked away had the symbol of a withered tree. The creepy thing is that it looks a lot like the tree of eternal life."

"What makes you say that?" Kamilah asks, speaking for the first time in their call.

"The color was gray. The same kind of gray of the tree that we saw. I have a feeling that it is, but I have no way to be sure."

"Trust your feelings Amy. That's how you saved all of us." Kamilah says reassuringly from her garden. She loved her garden so much that she made sure that she could have good wifi while staying there.

"Was that all?"

"No Jax. They used magic - not the kind that we're used to. Their magic was like using the elements to secure the locked away room. The reason why they were doing it was because someone named Raife Highmore was after Todd's twins. When this happened his wife, Theia is pregnant in her first semester. When Todd and his father went out of the house and into the forest that it was in, the house vanished. Raife Highmore appeared in the clearing near it. Todd escaped, his father stayed behind to fight Raife...then Kano brought me out of it."

"Whoa." Jax says in astonishment.

"I know, Kano suggested asking you Kamilah if maybe you know Raife Highmore. Since he hasn't heard of him."

"Hmmm no, I haven't. But maybe it's an alias. What else can you tell me about Raife?"

"That's the strange thing, it's as if the magic he was using was similar to what Rheya and I had. He was using blood as part of his magical attacks. Sometimes he would be controlling it, and sometimes he would use it offensively."

"Damn. Just when things were calming down." Jax says annoyed before quietly cursing.

"We'll see what we can find here. Just relax, it's clear you're still tired."

"Thank you Adrian. Kano said I have tomorrow off since this was something unusual. Maybe he might extend my stay here because of this."

"If he does that, the three of us are going there."

"But Kamilah the Five-"

"I'll argue with them on this if I have to."

"And Aiko?" Adrian asks in a teasing tone.

"I'll handle her Adrian."

"Anyway just focus on yourself Amy. No vampire business tomorrow. Leave the research to us."

"Thanks guys, I miss you all."

Outskirts of New York City

"On my way Adrian, I'm just doing the rounds to make sure the kids are safe. Then I'll go pack up and join you in DC." Peter Roland says in his phone as he begins to bid goodbye to the vampire children.

"Should I also bring Drogo?"

"If he could behave himself." Peter chuckles at Adrian's comment. To outsiders it would seem that Adrian didn't like Drogo that much. But Peter knew better.

"Hey it's because of Drogo that the Clanless weren't dead when they became Clan Matsuo."

"I would have preferred it if he wasn't as reckless with his methods, but now I have to admit otherwise. What you two have done was a success because Drogo wasn't taken seriously by vampires from other clans."

"...or by some of our own."

"Well there's no clan system anymore. I highly appreciate that you two still decided to work with me."

"It's no problem Adrian, we'll see you in DC soon." Peter ends his call and was about to bid farewell to the vampire children when he noticed a suspicious form in the distance.

"Drogo, come immediately to the kids' place. I spot a feral. There could be more than one of them." Peter sends both a text and a voice memo as he makes his way to the emerging group of ferals.

His suspicions were confirmed and he breaks off a tree branch as a makeshift stake. He can't leave now, he'll have to lure them away from the kids. Or just destroy them completely. So he begins decimating their number while at the same time luring them away from where the vampire kids are.

Unfortunately there were some ferals who weren't distracted and still made their way to the vampire orphanage. His hands were tied up in killing the ferals who he managed to lead away.

Fortunately, someone came just in time.

"Finally some entertainment!" Drogo was gleeful as he kills the ferals who were making their way to the vampire orphanage.

"That was fast." Peter says as he kills another feral near his side.

"My date is a willing driver." Peter couldn't help but roll his eyes, but a small smile still graced his lips. Drogo was a ladies man and ever since the revelation made by Amy, a few years ago, Drogo had begun dating more human women. When their society was still a shadow kingdom in New York, and while Drogo flirted with any woman, he mainly dated other vampires. Out of all his romantic relationships, only two ended amicably. Peter is still unsure if Drogo dating human women was for better or worse, but at least when it came to humans he was more of a gentleman than what others would like to admit. A reckless gentleman, but still a gentleman.

The two quickly finish off the ferals. But unfortunately one of the ferals managed to take a quick bite of Drogo before Peter takes the feral's head off with his bare hands.

"Peter..." Drogo says in a tone that lacked his usual levity.

"Drogo, stay with me brother." Peter says helplessly.

"Come on Peter, do what you need to do. I don't want to live life -"

"Drogo?!" Peter hears Drogo's date, a woman with long brown hair and now as she comes closer he notices that she has olive green eyes. Her face one of concern for his best friend.

"Hope, get out of here!."

"No! I won't leave you."

"I'm going to become feral, I'm doing my best to fight it. Peter stake me now!"

"WAIT! Let me try something." She rushes to Drogo's side and touches his skin near the area he was bitten. There was a faint glow in her hands as she concentrates hard. And soon the black blood which was so toxic to them was oozing out of the bite wound.

She was cleansing his blood.

When she was finished she made sure to cleanse the wound before it healed up quickly on it's own.

"There, now you don't have to worry about going feral. But let's go to my mother to double check my work."

"What...how?" "Lucky day for our first date huh?"

"Come on, we need to make sure I didn't miss any feral blood." She says an incantation and a portal opens up to a different forest. They eventually make it to her house and her mother rushes out.

"I got your message, come let's check him right away."

"I've got to say Hope, I wasn't expecting to meet your family on the first date." Hope chuckles despite the uncertainty of their situation.

"Then you better get on their good side." She says lightheartedly as they settle down in her living room.

Her mother sits beside him and touches his skin.

"I'll be checking your blood and your internal organs if there's any trace of the Feral virus. Just so everyone can see when I check your blood your skin will start glowing. Any black spots will show that there's traces of the Feral virus."

"Thanks, let's do it." Starting from the spot she was touching, his skin starts to have a bright but gentle glow. Slowly but thoroughly Hope's mother checks his blood and internal organs for any signs of feral blood or the feral virus from a feral's bite. About an hour later when Drogo's body was glowing all over, Hope's mother let the glow subside and a smile appeared on her face.

"Congratulations, there's no trace of any Feral blood or the Feral virus anywhere in you. Good job Hope."

"Oh thank god." Hope says in relief and even Peter lets out a breath that he didn't know he was holding.

"So now that we got that settled, would you mind explaining how -"

"Oh my daughters and I are Blood Attuned. We have an innate ability for Blood Magick. I guess you could call us witches, but we call ourselves 'Attuned' since not everyone is attuned to blood."

"And you're fine with a couple of vampires knowing this?" Peter asks as neutral as possible.

"Technically it's illegal for any of us to disclose this to anyone who isn't part of Attuned society. But I for one don't care if it means saving someone's life."

"We're not exactly liked by Attuned society." Hope adds, her tone frustrated.

"Before my sister and I were born, using Blood Magick became illegal. And because of that we Blood-Atts aren't always welcomed. People think we're just going to use our powers to kill or to harm. That's why our family doesn't interact much with the Attuned world."

"All because of that damned Raife Highmore. He gave the rest of us Blood-Atts a bad reputation." Hope's mother takes a sip of water to calm herself down.

"What did he do Mrs. - um"

"Oh you can just call me Isabella." At that instance Isabella's phone beeps.

"I'm sure Hope could tell you all you need to know. I have to help her twin and her father with the coordinates. Portal transportation can be tricky sometimes."

"They're both directionally challenged." Isabella bids goodbye to them as she vanishes to what looks to be a study room.

"Now about Raife?"

"What do you two want to know?"

At the same time in London, In the Attuned World at the Pub "Vesta"

"Are you sure I could be here? I don't want to intrude in this family affair." Beckett Harrington asks as he takes a seat beside his girlfriend, Eli Russell. Across her is her twin, Atlas.

And across him is Theia Solaris, the Sun source and their mother.

"Beckett you're practically family now. You're eventually going to learn about this anyway."

"Mom!" "Seriously mom?" Eli chuckles while her twin Atlas was grossed out and glares at Beckett. He responds by rolling his eyes at her while taking Eli's hand into his.

"So mom why did you call us?"

"Eli, Atlas, do you girls remember the ornate box you found when we were visiting what was left of our home?"

"Yeah mom, what did you find?" Atlas asks as Theia brings out the box in question. From the outside it looked like a jewelry box with an unusual lock. It was red with black ornate accents. And the lock had a symbol of a gray withered tree. When Theia touched the lock it briefly glowed and showed that there was a ward protecting it.

"It's definitely not from my side of the family. None of the other sources know what it is. At first I wondered if the lock was related to wood magic, since the symbol is clearly a tree. But no matter what Anh, the Wood Source did it wouldn't budge. Even Alma has no clue what it is."

"Hmm that's really saying something when even the Sources couldn't break it." Beckett says as he taps the lock again so he could study the ward.

"Which is also why I also invited you here. Since warding magic is one of your specialties Beckett."

"So this box is from dad's side of the family. Do you know anyone we could ask?"

"I'm afraid Atlas that you two are the only ones who are still living. And I've searched extensively for any sign of my in-laws."

Eli lifts the box and rotates it. However she was unaware of a particularly sharp edge in one of the sides of the box.

"Well that's - OUCH!"

"Eli!" Beckett takes the box from her while Theia helps inspect the wound on Eli's finger.

"You really should be more careful sis."

"I didn't know there was a sharp point in it."

"Fortunately it's just a small wound dear. You'll be fine"

"Wait - my love, do you trust me?"

"Of course Beckett."

"Look at the ward on the box." And it was then that they all looked back on the box. The ward was once again glowing but this time the glow did not fade. When Beckett brought it close to Eli's wounded finger the glow becomes brighter.

"It's as if the ward senses your blood. Perhaps your blood is the key. No wonder the ward is strong enough to resist the powers of Sources, the blood must be related to your father's line."

"Hmm, what if..." Eli presses her wounded finger against the tree shaped lock. She presses her finger in a way that puts pressure on it and to squeeze out more blood from her wound.

Then the ward disperses and they all watch as the small amount of blood makes the tree symbol glow orange as it unlocks and the box itself opens up. The first thing they see is a wax sealed envelope with the same withered tree symbol, addressed to Eli and Atlas.

"Oh Todd."

Eli opens the envelope and reads her father's message.

"Dear Eli and Atlas,

If you're reading this, then I can only hope that this means you no longer have to worry about Raife Highmore. I'm not entirely happy to bestow this family mystery to both of you. But your grandfather insisted that perhaps you two could finally solve this mystery that has been passed for several generations.

In the house of your grandfather there is a locked room containing various family artifacts that are related to this mystery. All we know is that our family is somehow related to this mysterious withered tree. And that this gray withered tree and it's impact on the Attuned world is going to lead to some revelations. I'm not sure if that will be true, but perhaps you two will have better luck in solving this family mystery.

What puzzles me is that it seems the rest of the Attuned world have some sense of amnesia when it comes to this mystery. What I mean is that the records and documentation that was supposed to give answers or at least give us some leads have instead lead us nowhere. The furthest we have gone is through the clues that our family artifacts have given. My father, your grandfather was able to decipher some of them in his notes, but there are still many more that remains a mystery. The same way you've unlocked this box is the same way the room will open.

These are some valuable family artifacts, so please make sure they stay within the family if you two can't solve it. For some reason they are quite attached to our bloodline. I have taken great measures to secure the locations of where all of our family artifacts are. I've done it in a way that will be difficult for someone who is within the attuned world to find them. It will also involve an obscure interest of mine that your mother only knows. Or if your mother is not with you, this is my clue to you both for the cipher: It involves beast and  cyclops being friends and working together among others.

I love you both,

Your father

Todd Stirling."

"Beast and Cyclops? Mom what does he mean?" Atlas asks after she puts down the letter.

"Oh those are your father's favorite characters. I forgot what the story is called, but he was quite the fan."

"Hmm I haven't heard of any stories with that description. I'll have to ask around or research this a bit. Any ideas Eli?"

"Well you all know more about Attuned culture than I am so I'm not sure where to start. I'm also lost on what the clue is."

"But at least we know that they are dad's favorite characters in a story right?"

"Right, what else is in the box?" Beneath the box was two necklaces, the pendant was a vial that was supposed to contain a liquid.

"Any idea what this is?" Eli asks and all eyes on her had blank looks.

"Hmm well it's a vial, maybe you and Atlas will need it for later." Beckett says as he opens the vial studying it's design and function.

"Will you put it on?"

"As you wish." Beckett says with a smile as he puts the necklace on her while Atlas and Theia studies the other contents found in the box. A notebook that seems blank but Theia verified that there is magic concealing it's contents. Atlas tries pricking her finger and putting some blood on the book, but it still remained blank.

"What the heck is this thing?" Atlas lifts up a square shaped object colored dark blue with a silver center and who has the label "Disk 1".

"Oh that's a floppy disk!" Eli said in amusement to the astonishment of everyone else.

"Doesn't look floppy to me."

"Atlas, the disk is inside. You're holding the protective case - DON'T OPEN IT YOU'LL DESTROY IT!"

"Then how do you use it?"

"Do you know how to use a computer?"

"What's a computer?"

"Oh boy, I'm going to have to teach you a lot of things." Eli mutters as she massages her temple.

"Hmm there's a few more in this box, this might be what your father was working on when he was working at night."

"There's also another problem mom. As someone who is from the Tuneless world, I can tell you right now we'll need to find an old computer to use these disks on. Let's just say the computers now has replaced the floppy disk with something called the USB flash drive."

"And what's the difference between a floppy disk and a USB flash love?"

"Oh many things, but the point is that because dad used these we'll need to find an old computer that can still read them."

"I'm starting to understand what dad meant when he said that it will be difficult for someone in the attuned world to find them."

"Hahaha well since your father had a limited magical capacity, he sometimes did things without magic. I used to tease him about it sometimes. But now..." Theia takes a breath as she studies the items in the box.

"Perhaps I should thank him even more now. This might have been what kept other attuned from your inheritance."

"Since Beckett and I will be in New York in a few days, I'll see if we can find a computer to read these disks."

"...You mean the Tuneless part of New York?"

"Obviously, where else will we find a computer who can read these floppy disks?" Beckett says in rebuttal.

"Can you even survive among the Tuneless Harrington?"

"I'll have you know Atlas-"

"He'll have me." Eli smiles at Beckett as she intertwines her fingers with his.

"If anything happens I'll handle it."

"Geez Harrington really letting my twin do all the hard work?"

"Oh don't worry Atlas, I'm more than happy to do whatever she needs me to do."

"Well if you need me, I'm just a call away Eli." Theia says knowingly. For as much as she only recently came into their lives, she wasn't naive on what Eli and Beckett do in their private time.

"And if you need me, I'll just be doing the High Attuned duties as usual."

"Hey I'm also doing High Attuned duties. I'm getting updated on the new status quo that came from New York. And because no one in the Attuned world knows what it is or is willing to go to the Tuneless part, I'm well suited for this trip."

"Yeah yeah whatever."