The train came to a slow and steady stop. Selene stared into the terminal, watched all the people buzzing about with their phones to their ears, pastries in hand, and briefcases at their sides, sporting expensive suits just like she had once.

Now everything was different, and now she was wearing a denim jacket over a plain black tank top and jeans with her typical black boots. She didn’t even look like the Master Hunter she had once been, let alone the girl who had done clerical work for Reborns.

Selene had had many identities through the years; so many names that had made her forget who she was, making the realization of her being home, of her being herself, overwhelming. She was home, finally home.

Deep down, Selene had conflicted feelings about being home, about being around her brother who had made her think he killed the man she loved. But he no longer looked like the monster he had become and instead looked like the brother she had once loved and admired. It had been the way he had looked at her when he had yelled at her. His eyes had remained jade green, a beautiful jade green.

After her encounter with Negal, much of her hatred was redirected towards her to the point where she wished she had the strength to kill her like her brother had killed Senid. Because of her, she had lost so much over the years, time with her brother, time with the man she loved.

“Home sweet home,” said Jason, standing up to grab one of her suitcases from the overhead bin.

“This place doesn’t look like it has changed much in the past hundred years.”

“Besides all the upgraded tech, it’s still the same.”

“Good to know I haven’t missed much.” She smiled up at him, noticing how he stared down at her, scrutinizing her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s just, well, you’re not wearing any of your corsets. I thought once we got you back, that’s all you would wear.”

“I didn’t pack before I left the Coven, and that sort of clothing is only sold in the Darkling District. It would have attracted attention, even if I had paid in cash. That’s the kind of thing that my brother would look for and something that would certainly make me stand out.”

“Will you wear them again?”

“Of course. They remind me of a time when I was mortal. Why?”

“You just looked beautiful in that deadly fashion, and it’s how I remember you best, how we first met.”

Selene blushed as much as any Vampyre could. “Thank you.” He winked at her, leading the way down the cabin aisle as she grabbed her other suitcase with ease.

The moment her feet touched the Telos Platform, her heart raced with excitement and anxiety, pumping through her blood reserves. She hadn’t expected to be this nervous.

“Nervous?”

“A bit,” Selene answered, forcing her feet to move.

“Don’t be, you’re Selene Sintas, The Master Hunter.”

“Not anymore.”

“You’re not going to resume your post?”

“I don’t know. I think—”

“Lilith has your post, Selene. She has those loyal to her watching Jeanette and the others. One is probably watching us right now.”

“Someone is.” Selene stopped at one of the larger televators and placed her hand on it, logging in her genetic information that would ensure she stayed in one piece as it transported her to the ground floor.

“Welcome to Diamond Tower Tri-Rail,” greeted the automated female voice.  “Level?”

“Ground.”

“Name?”

“Selene Sintas, Vampyre of the Telos Coven.”

“Welcome home, Selene. Your luggage will be waiting for you on the ground level. Have a nice day.” The chirpy robotic voice vanished along with her luggage. Selene followed in another televator and repeated the process, wishing she had an ID with her. As the light flared beneath her, she winked at him.

“I’ll figure something out,” she said before she was whisked away.

***

Twigs and leaves crunched beneath Selene’s boots as she made her way through the forest alongside Jason. She was very much aware of the fact that she was being watched and followed, and not just by one person, but several. Selene didn’t say a word, and she didn’t attack. All she wanted was to go to her old room and sleep next to the love of her life.

Looking around for the shadows of those watching, noting where each one stood, she breathed in the freshness of the forest. It hadn’t changed; the trees had just gotten older, taller. As the wind blew through the branches, making the shadows on the ground dance around her in the moonlight, she remembered how at peace she felt.

That was until she saw Lilith standing at the cave entrance, an obnoxious smirk on her face. Everything about her screamed evil, from the yellow in her green eyes to her talon-like red nails.

“My, my, the darling Selene has indeed returned.”

“You know your Watchers aren’t that good. You might as well call them off.”   

“I could, but I don’t feel like it. Good to know you haven’t lost your touch.”

“Yes, well, I’m sad you never came after me. Killing you just seems so enticing. I often imagined ripping your heart out.”

Lilith let out a shrill, sinister laugh. “Unfortunately, for you, I wasn’t suicidal. But trust me, I have a little score to settle with you myself.”

“Lilith let us in,” said Jason. Selene didn’t like how Lilith’s eyes sparkled. On their own accord, her hands flexed, ready to rip out the poisonous eyes, even at the risk of getting her acid-like blood on herself.

“Hello, dear Jason, it’s nice to see you again.”

He glared down at her. “Eris is waiting, Lilith.”

“Oh, all right, no need to get all cross with me.”

“You attacked my friends and family, you’re lucky getting cross with you is all I’m doing,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Oh, please, I would have thought that by now, that would be water under the bridge.”

Selene stepped up, protective of her love. “Let us pass before I snap your neck. I can kill you and your pathetic followers without a second thought. No one cares about a few dead Darkling Vampyres.”

“Empty threat.” Selene flew at her, slamming her into a wall, Nuri’s Shadow at her throat, a ring of fire surrounding them before any of her loyalists could attack. There had been fear in her eyes as Jason spoke, but now there was even more fear, as Selene pressed her blade against her throat.

“I could kill you, right now, without a second thought.”

“Eris wouldn’t like that.”

“Pretty sure he already said he’d let me,” she said, pressing the blade close to her jugular. “See, he’ll always care about me more than you…if he ever cared about you.”

“He doesn’t, Selene, but now isn’t the time to fight. She’s not worth the strength or the effort. She’s nothing.” Selene watched the green and yellow eyes shoot Jason a look of pure loathing. Satisfied with the look, Selene let Lilith go. Stepping through the blue flames, she blew them out as she stepped back to Jason’s side. Oh yes, she was quite satisfied.

“You’re right, Jason, she is nothing. Let’s go.”

Passing the fuming being of toxicity, they stepped into the cave.

Once she was in the dimly lit hallway, she was greeted with hugs from almost everyone. However, those who didn’t greet her didn’t matter. Looking around the crowd, she tried to find Eris, but he was nowhere to be found.

“Oh Selene, thank the gods,” exclaimed Eno, throwing her arms around her. Selene felt joy fill her up. Eno was a talented Emotionalist, although she did lose control every now and again, like now.

“Eno!” began Selene, laughing. “Get your emotions under control!”

“Oh! Sorry.” Eno’s face flushed, and she jumped back. Damien hugged her next.

“We’re glad you’re back. It’s been hell without you.”

“I’m sorry I left you in her hands. We’ll deal with that problem together.” Gazing over her shoulders, she stared at Lilith. “And soon, I promise.”

“Finally,” boomed a voice, silencing the joy, “the guest of honor has finally arrived.” The immense crowd parted silently, allowing the Coven Master to approach. Mixed feelings filled Selene as she watched her brother approach. She didn’t know whether to punch him or wrap him in a hug.

“Hello, Eris.”

“No hug?”

“You’re lucky I’m not punching you. Now, I have had a very exhausting train trip and a rather unwelcoming encounter with that blond bitch over there. I would really like to just go to bed.”

“Dinner first, your bedroom is getting prepared.”

“You didn’t give it to anyone?”

“I gave it to Jason, does that count?”

“Don’t be snide,” scolded Jeanette, stepping up to his side. Her blue eyes were cold, and her tone was even as she said: “Welcome home, Selene.”

***

Dinner had been a little more than awkward. Selene was seated in the seat usually occupied by Lilith between Jason and Eris. The chair on her brother’s left appeared to be empty, but Selene’s new appearances meant nothing. She saw the shadows move and knew that Shira was there, occupying Nivette’s old seat. At least she had the decency to stay in the shadows.

Eris gave a toast to Selene’s long-awaited return. It wasn’t a particularly good speech, but Eris had never been good at speeches, which made her feel more and more like he was the man she thought she had lost. As they ate, Selene had heard the whispers of darkness and sorrow that had fretted over her return. Why were they all concerned by her return, she asked herself. Everything was as it should be.

“Finally,” Selene said, falling down onto her old bed with their familiar purple sheets.

“You look happy.”

“I am happy.” Selene sat up, pulling her legs under her. “I thought I wasn’t going to be happy, but I am. Everything is perfect, absolutely perfect.” “I’m glad.” Sitting down next to her, Jason wrapped his arms around her small waist, pulling her in for another kiss. Her heart raced, the blood in her body pulsed, and she once again thought that everything felt perfect. So then why did she feel like death was breathing down her neck?