~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ Chapter Two ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ It was night. Carrie sat by the fire, gripping the crumpled note that Malus had her left the week before. Tears welled in her dark eyes, blurring her view of the flames and Malus' violin case, which lay empty by the hearth. She had remained that way for the past few days, unable to sleep, and eating little. She hadn't thought much of him while he was there; but now that he was gone, he filled her every waking thought. Everytime she closed her eyes, she saw his face on the backs of her eyelids. In utter silence, his voice invaded her ears. She missed Malus. She wondered where he was, and if he was safe. And mostly, she wondered what it was he didn't want her to know about him. He had said it was terrible... but what could possibly be so terrible about him? She sighed and swept the tears from her eyes. It was late, and her body cried out for sleep; but she dreaded it, for her dreams were haunted by visions of Malus. Though she wanted to see him very much, it was worse to be able to see him and be unable to touch him than not see him at all. She tried hard not to close her eyes, but it was a futile battle. Despite all her attempts to stay awake, her eyelids drooped and she drifted off into a restless slumber. ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ Malus crept out of the shadows. It had taken some time, but Carrie had finally gone to sleep. His chance had arrived. He hadn't seen her since the night he had left. He had seriously pondered whether or not his actions had been for the best, but he knew he couldn't risk hurting Carrie. He stopped next to the small figure huddled on the floor. Her face was turned up, the firelight dancing on the side of her face. Malus knelt down soundlessly and watched her. She had a slight frown on her face. Her small, pink lips were parted slightly, and a tendril of hair had gotten stuck in the corner of them. Malus gently tugged it free and tucked it behind her ear. His white, slender fingers touched her face, sliding over her pale cheekbone, smoothing her dark hair back from her face. Her skin was warm, but it didn't repluse him, the way most living things did. There was nowhere else he'd rather be than here with her. He leaned down and pressed his cheek against hers. His lips brushed her ear, elliciting a shiver from her. It hurt him when she did that. "Carrie,"he whispered. There was silence for a moment. Then she stirred. "Malus...?"she said tiredly."What are you doing here...?" "Shhh,"Malus said, pulling back from her."Don't be alarmed. You're dreaming." "This is only a dream?"she said, the disappointment evident in her voice."I wish it wasn't. I miss you, Malus." Her hand went up and embraced his cheek. She didn't recoil from the chill of his skin this time. Malus closed his eyes and pressed his face into her hand. It had been so long since anyone had touched him like that. "Why do you come to me in my dreams?"she queried, her voice soft."Can't you come home? This is where you should be." "No,"Malus murmured, shaking his head slightly."It's too dangerous. I might do something I'll regret." "Like what?" Malus looked down into Carrie's eyes. They were dark and questioning. Malus was enraptured by their depths. "I can't say,"he said finally, looking away."If you knew... I hate to think of how you'd react. You would hate me... you might even kill me." "What did you do?"Carrie asked in alarm. "I must go,"Malus said abruptly."I truly am sorry for leaving you like this, Carrie. Goodbye." He tried to stand, but Carrie put her arms around him and drew him back down. "Where can I find you?"she whispered. Malus didn't reply. He looked into the fire; the flames reflected on his eyes, making them appear to burn like coals. "Malus? Please, answer me." "Go to sleep, Carrie,"he said, turning back to her."You need to rest. You will never see me again, I am afraid. Only in your dreams." "How can you say something so cruel?!"she cried."Do you mean to say that I have waited to see you only to be told that I will never meet you again? Don't do this to me!" "I don't want to,"Malus answered."I want nothing more than to stay here with you. But I must go." "No, Malus!"she cried, her grip on his shirt iron-like."You can't leave me like this! Do you have any idea how lonely I am?" "You can always re-marry,"Malus said quietly. He pried her hands off of him and held them gently."You'll probably be happier with someone else." "No, I won't,"Carrie answered."I want to be with you! Don't you understand?" There were tears in her eyes again. If Malus had a heart, it would have broken. He sighed and reached out to brush them away. "Carrie, you mustn't cry over me,"he said."You will wake up soon, and then you must forget all about me." He pushed her back so she was leaning comfortably against the back of her chair and cupped her chin in his hand. Her eyes were already half closed. "Goodbye, Carrie,"he whispered, kissing her brow. He hesitated for a moment. She was already half asleep, and although he had said they couldn't see each other again, he really did want her to find him, dangerous as it might be. He stood and backed up so that he was standing by the door. "If you want to find me... I'll be at the castle." And then he turned and ran off into the night. ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ The morning light was dull. Carrie stood by the fireplace; she was dressed in her cloak, and she had her rings attached to the side of her skirt. Her hood was over her head, and she was busy putting her gloves on. Perhaps it had been her imagination, but she thought she had heard Malus say where he would be before he had left. Perhaps she had heard incorrectly, but it was worth chancing the danger. She pulled her glove tightly over her hand, almost as if in resolution. She was going. She pulled the door open and stepped outside. Her breath came in puffs when she exhaled. It was chilly, and the castle was a long way off. It would be a long trek. Carrie looked ahead toward the castle. It loomed in the distance, silent as it had been for the past few months, and she wondered what Malus would be doing in such a place. Surely he wouldn't go of his own will? Surely he knew the place could be infested with vampires who were waiting for their master to awaken again? She had no time to ponder such things. She started off down the path toward the forest, where she was sure terrible things awaited her. She only hoped that Malus was safe; as far as she knew, he was unarmed. If anything happened to him, she didn't know what she'd do. ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ She reached the forest an hour later. Tall trees loomed overhead, veiling it in blackness. A young woman was standing next to a sign nailed into a tree. Carrie frowned. Her appearance was peculiar; she looked anemic, but her lips were very red. Her pale eyes trailed Carrie as she approached. A small smile danced on her lips. "Excuse me,"Carrie said politely."Have you seen a young man around here, by any chance?" "Maybe,"the girl said evasively, still smiling."What if I have? What business do you have in these woods?" "I'm looking for somebody,"Carrie replied."I hoped that maybe you have seen him around here. He is short, with dark hair and eyes..." "Ahhh,"the girl murmured."You have business with Him. That is why you are going to the castle." "I'm afraid I don't understand what you're talking about,"Carrie said irritably."I asked you a question and wish to be answered. If you are not going to be helpful, could you please get out of my way?" "I suppose I have no choice,"the girl shrugged, tossing her long blonde hair."He wants you alive. Very well. You are lucky this time." She moved aside and gestured for Carrie to enter the forest. Carrie stepped forward silently, keeping her eyes on the odd girl, however, she did nothing remotely strange. She smiled again as Carrie disappeared into the darkness. "The Master will be so glad to see you, my dear,"she hissed."Very glad indeed..." ~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~ AN: Okay, I know it sucked, but I was writing really fast to get this chapter out! I promise I'll have another chapter really soon.