[IC] [Beneath a moonless sky] 18+ [Arista x Earlymorninstar]

[earlymorninstar]

Two weeks had passed -- two very long weeks. The entire house seemed to be on edge, which had only been slightly comfortable to Clara considering she wasn’t the only one who’d noticed something was different. Although she was probably the least qualified to even make a comment about it - she knew enough to see the changes; she could feel the difference and it almost made her skin crawl. However, the fact that no one else had even made the move to question it or furthermore check him out -- it had bothered her. Clearly something had happened between him and Ryanair - the two that had been so close it nearly made her sick, had suddenly become very distant. Before, she’d noticed how Ryanair always had to touch Kieran; always had to have the closeness that Clara never could -- and now he was hardly seen in the same room with the man.

All of this left her terribly unsettled through each day, growing worse and worse as it’d gotten under her skin. All of her frustration was bubbling up within her, threatening to explode on each and every one of them -- she’d wanted to scream and shout - shake them, make them see what had been going on and make them ultimately fix it.

Yet, their silence also told her everything she needed to know - maybe none of them knew just what to do.

Christian had seen her agitation; he’d seen it slowly simmering towards a boil and had decided it was best to stay clear. Kieran’s actions were indeed odd, and the distance that was between them had only grown -- actions that had been far from what Kieran had once told him a few weeks back. He’d made mention of reconciliation, and yet, Christian had seen none of that. It had been quite the opposite, he’d noticed, that even Ryanair had been distant towards his own sire.

Still - he’d hardly known both of them well enough to pass judgement, regardless of the fact that it seemed to be rather obvious that Kieran did not usually act in such a way...

Throughout those two weeks, Clara had become just as distant. She did not mingle with the rest; she kept to herself and simply observed. The damn man put on a show well enough - he’d come down, interact, show face -- but it wasn’t the norm. He seemed detached - like he’d physically been there but mentally -- he just wasn’t. And each time he’d shown his presence and Clara happened to be around, she could not help but study him with that same glare - knowing full well something was different and yet she’d had no answers.

Many a restless night she’d been wandering the manor - mulling over what to do, trying not to crawl out of her own skin. She’d been tempted to just give it all up and run away - He’d never notice she was gone and perhaps it would have been the best for her as well. There was nothing for her here other than a sire who could care less about her existence -- she’d felt it more and more each day and it weighed heavy on her shoulders - more so than she’d like to admit.

And yet, each time she was ready to just turn everything in and leave, her feet stayed rooted. The fact that Ryanair was always off on it his own had set off alarms and she simply could not ignore it.

So - when she finally had noticed he’d been alone, she wasted no time in sneaking behind him to shut the door and lean against it to prevent him from leaving. Her bright eyes remained focused on him, determined to get some answers.

“What the hell is going on?” She’d bit out, but her words had only been a hiss. She did not need others to hear her or evesdrop either -- they didn’t want to help before, she sure as hell didn’t need their help now. “I know you know more than the others, so don’t lie to me. You used to fawn over him and now you hide - what did he do?” Her words had suddenly softened without realization. Maybe it was also the instinct to keep others from getting hurt like she had - but something within her had also wanted to protect Ryanair -- no matter how much she’d denied it. She’d been terribly jealous of the other male without even admitting it to herself, but to see the same man who’d scorned her in such a way now do something to cause Ryanair to shy away -- it hit a nerve that she no longer could ignore.

@Arista

[Arista]

At the sound of the door closing and soft footsteps Ryanair spun and braced himself. His shoulders relaxed and his knees nearly buckled when he found Clara before him and not the male who wasn't his sire. At her question however his hands lifted to touch the side of his neck, a deep shudder racing down his spine as the marks seemed to pulsate.

Should he tell her? The sibling he had with a male who seemed to have suddenly snapped? The change in her tone did it and Ryanair gestured them to the seats closest to them, he didn't have the energy to stand for more than a few minutes. “I just can't….be near him right now. He's different and our bond is...blank and I can't make heads or tails of it. And for some odd reason I wake up with blood on my neck and bites marks littering my skin.” To make his point across he lowers the collar of his shirt and winces when it temporarily rubs against his neck.

In the two weeks that had passed, Ryanair had moved back into his room and had taken it upon himself to lock the door. Yet somehow he awoke with more bites and severe lack of energy, his eyes moved to the closed door and a long tired sigh escaped his lips. “As for what's going on I don't know but Wolff has been speaking with the Healer Guard and has come up with an idea of monitoring...him for the time being. I think it's about to start…” His words trailed off as a massive yawn took over, his yawn cracked and when it passed Ryanair had no wish to open his eyes.

He just wanted to sleep and wake up with some energy. Coffee only did so much.

○~○~○~○~○

Ynez moved with purpose as she scents the air for her target. The others had moved outside and the only ones inside were Wolff, Isabella and Christian if he too hadn't gone outside that is. Catching the scent that now clung to Kieran, she slowed her pace and relaxed her features so she didn't look so tense.

Either this worked or someone was going to end up bearing the vampire to find out just what the hell was going on. Knocking on the door, Ynez stepped inside and moved to a vacant seat. Kieran hadn't looked up from the map he was studying but his fingers paused on a blue line that represented a lake or river. “How can I help you?” He asked and Ynez has to bite back the urge to snarl, his tone seemed the same except for the lack of emotion behind it.

“Oh nothing really, can I borrow your arm for a moment?”Ynez held her breath as Kieran glanced up at her and arched a brow, even that seemed the same except for the blankness in his eyes. He conceded with a shrug and offered his left arm for Ynez to take, either he wasn't fully paying attention or he just didn't care about why she was asking such an odd question. Either way she wasn't going to let this chance slip away, with practiced ease she tugged out a needle from the pocket of her jeans and jammed it into his arm.

The reaction was instructions. She found herself slammed into a wall with enough force to pull a grunt from her lips, she blinked at the male before her with an air of disinterest. “What did you-” His words failed him as his knees buckled and Ynez was released, she watched as Kieran convulsed and her heart leapt when she saw a flicker of emotions dance across his wide eyes. It didn't last for long and the next moment Ynez found herself alone was a passed out vampire at her feet, she crouched down and lifted him to his feet.

Stage one was complete. Now on to stage two.

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara wasn't terribly certain if Ryanair would actually open up to her – she'd really give him no reason to over the past few weeks – but she needed to know what was happening behind the scenes. She needed to know if he had any further insights of what was going on – she needed to know if there was anything she could do to fix it. The image of Kieran before her was the same that she'd painted throughout all of the centuries that had passed – the emotionless vampire who could care less about his actions; who could simply change someone and abandon them without even a second thought – the same man who hadn't even come looking for her or wondered if she was still alive.

Her thoughts had been interrupted by Ryanair's response and she hadn't realized her hands had balled into tight fists at her sides. As he'd moved to sit down, she released them and followed after to take a seat next to him, regardless of the need and want to stand and pace. Clara had sat herself down slowly, her attention never wavering from Ryanair as she expected to hear some answers.

What she didn't expect was to see those bites all across his neck as he'd dropped his collar. Clara had only looked briefly before she turned away with a heavy sigh. She'd only assumed Ryanair had kept distant just as she had because he understood something was wrong. She wasn't terribly suspicious that the man would be abusing him in such a way – hell, Kieran doted over him just as much as Ryanair wanted it – she couldn't imagine anything else.

The frown remained upon her lips before she looked back to Ryanair. "I'm sure we'll get all of this sorted out." Words of reassurance, she supposed. Weeks ago she could never imagine sitting down and even socializing with the man before her, but something about the situation had her feeling pity. Something within her wanted to prevent him from any sort of pain caused by Kieran, simply because she knew it all too well… Even if she had begun to waver in her thoughts of him; even if she'd begun to yearn for what they once shared in that fleeting moment yet again.

Now – she wasn't so sure. Everything she'd assumed about Kieran throughout the years seemed very true suddenly – but the days before they'd come to the manor seemed to be very different.

She was conflicted and she needed more answers. Regardless of wanting to believe it simply was true and he was as she thought – she knew better than that.

"You might as well get some sleep. " Clara murmured as she came to a stand, eyeing the male only for a second longer. She'd not offered any further words of reassurance, simply because she wasn't so sure of everything herself…

As she turned away from him, she left the room but kept the door closed behind her. She needed to talk to Wolff – And with that, she headed through the mansion in search of him. She loved how everyone seemed to have a damn plan, but she was the last to find out. Although, she still had doubts that half of them even knew Kieran had been her sire – so why would they include her in the first place?

@Arista

[Arista]

Wolff was equal parts confused as he was worried. His eyes scanned the monitor before him while his fingers traced the image of Kieran’s brain.

Nothing.

No abnormalities or swelling that would indicate something was happening with his brain. The Healer sighed in frustration and leaned back in the chair he'd been seated in for the last hour, his eye re-scanning the image. He would be an idiot if he said he hadn't noticed the change in either Ryanair or Kieran, it was like not noticing a rating fire when it was happening in front of you. He'd kept a close eye on both and even then it seemed almost unnoticeable, though to those who knew the two it was almost painful to see. Wolff remembered the night he'd first seem the blonde, he'd immediately begun to check him over.

To see him now actively avoiding the one who had saved him had a sense of forbidding filling his stomach, he didn't like it one bit. With a sigh he rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. The tranquilizer would fade and Kieran would awaken with questions and he needed time to relax a bit. Exiting the Infirmary he made his way down the hall and back down to the first floor, his hands in the pockets of his trousers. This was something new and damn it he didn't know how to handle it, he was as old as Kieran but this was pushing his expertise.

Hopefully the Guard Healer he'd spoken to would arrive soon, maybe then things would make sense.
~○~○~○~○~

Vermillion eyes watched the people below him with a look of disdain and disgust. His fingers trailed the black phoenix’s back almost lovingly, the twisted smile on his lips however spoke of insanity. He hadn't much moved from his spot since the night before, his mind whirling with glee and accomplishment. He wasn't sure he'd been successful when he'd infected one of the vampires charges, with what he saw the night before he could gloat for a few moments.

The sound of the double doors opening alerted him to another presence, the phoenix’s soft trill drawing his attention to the new figure. “Lord V’yest they have an Ice Mage with them now. Should we attack once more?” The question poised had the raven-haired male tilting his head in thought, V’yest huffed and waved a hand.

“No, I've used too much magic and need time to recuperate. Leave them be for now.” He stated with a tone laced with boredom, he really couldn't care if they had a new allay or not. He glanced forward and watched as the male rose and bowed, before turning and heading back towards the still open doors.

The game was on hold for now. He had a new toy to play with.

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara had been brooding – walking down hallways in search for the male they'd been talking about. How no one had any real answers baffled her – although it was not as if she'd had her own. The only things she'd even been aware about was Kieran's sudden behavior, and the relationship between Ryanair and himself. To see the wounds on Ryanair's neck had sparked a new fury within her that she'd wanted to ignore. No; she hadn't cared for the other male, but then again, to see someone else suffer under the same hands that had put her through hell alone all of those years- she wanted justice. If she had the chance she'd been willing to beat the hell out of Kieran all over again if she could and part of her thought to seek him out all in the same. Yet – still there was an underlying instinct there that told her it wasn't exactly Kieran doing all of this – it couldn't be.

She took each stride with purpose, searching for Wolff at each corner she turned. Everyone else seemed to have scattered for the moment, and it looked like most were outside. She'd been thankful of Christian – happy that he'd decided to stay out of her path. She'd been so terribly sleep deprived and on edge and no matter what she did she couldn't settle herself – not until she'd gotten to the bottom of it all.

Although, Clara really had no idea how she would manage it considering no one else seemed to have the answers she was looking for.

Eventually she'd headed down the steps rather quickly before she'd turned the corner and seen him.

"Wolff –" Clara called out, although her voice remained a hiss as she approached him. "Please tell me you at least have an inkling of what's going on…" She began, slowing her steps to a stop in front of him. Although she was frustrated, her words were oddly softer than usual. "I just had a conversation with Ryanair – and I know it has to be obvious to everyone else that something is off, but someone at least has to have an idea…" Although, she wondered if Wolff might have found it odd that she suddenly was questioning what had been wrong with Kieran. Hell, she'd almost been desperate to know; needing to fix it. She wouldn't feel alright until he'd been back to normal… She'd continued to keep silent about the fact that Kieran had sired her as well and she doubted the man had ever made mention of her much before. Plus, she'd kept herself distant from all of them – to suddenly be itching to know what was wrong seemed abnormal for her.

@Arista

[Arista]

The appearance of Clara before him jared Wolff from his thoughts. He had apparently stopped and had internally begun going through the list of possible illnesses Kieran might have gotten. His eyes blinked before her words filled his mind, he turned and gestured for her to follow him.

“I did some scans on his brainwaves and found nothing irregular. No swelling or abnormalities were present and I checked his previous scans and they matched. So I'm guessing this has something to do with the Shadow Mage or the illness that's been spreading around. No one has found a concrete way of testing if someone has it so if I'm correct in my assumption he'll slowly slip further away.” The words spilled from his mouth and Wolff was surprised at how sure he sounded, he hadn't had a clue until the rumors and newspaper columns he'd read flashed in his mind.

It was the only possible explanation and it seemed to fit. He had always been slightly unstable with what happened in his childhood, and with this it just seemed to click. His eyes widened and he found his lips parting to ask a question that suddenly seemed more important then this new revelation. “Where's Ryanair we have to-” His words failed him when the sound of footsteps filled the silence, he half-turned and stilled. Kieran was watching them with a slight furrow of his brows, Wolff shifted when Kieran reached the final step.

“Sorry to bother, just passing through.” He offered with a chuckle, Wolff nodded and watched the other male walk away from them. When he was out of earshot the Healer spun towards Clara and lowered his voice even further.

“I need you and Ryanair to find me after dinner, I need to speak with you and it's important. Whatever question you have I'll answer it then.” And with those words he spun and moved up the stairs, he had something to prepare and a note to send.

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

As soon as Wolff had wanted her to tag along, Clara had felt a wave of relied wash over her. She’d still not known if he’d had an answer, but the mere acceptance of wanting to discuss it with her had her quickly prancing his way with more of a pep in her step than she’d had before. Perhaps she was hopeful that he knew exactly what was going on and that he knew how to fix it - yet she knew better than that. Kieran’s behavior was odd- almost as if it wasn’t even him in his own skin. Any semblance of the man who had been trying to explain his mistakes to her all in a fleeting moment was absolutely gone. Now all she could see was an empty person whom now she knew had been wreaking terror on Ryanair.

When Wolff had spoken, her brow furrowed and the frown remained on her lips. She’d crossed her arms upon her chest and her nails pressed firmly against her skin while she’d listened. At least he’d had an idea - that was a start- but as far as a solution, Clara wasn’t so sure. It had made sense -- “Wasn’t that when all of this began?” Clara asked. “When we came back from that attack - that was when he started acting off...” It was a thought -- she gave a little huff in return but had remained silent after that, her thoughts trailing.

If this continued, Kieran would only get worse...

Something about that didn’t sit well with her no matter how much she’d wanted to deny it. Weeks ago she’d been determined to kill the man - not only kill him, but destroy him entirely. The fact that she now was concerned over the well being of Kieran was so far from what she’d expected. Something within her hadn’t wanted any of this; something within her wanted to make sure that everything was going to be alright.

She’d bit her lip at the thought, but was interrupted as soon as she’d heard Wolff’s change of tone - footsteps following shortly after. She’d turned on her heel to see Kieran there, and it seemed to make the hair on her neck stand on end - almost as if her parent had caught her doing something she shouldn’t have been. Even so, she narrowed her gaze at him and didn’t say another word as he passed. As long as she was off his radar, she’d be fine.

When Wolff spoke again, she’d only raised a brow. She hadn’t even the opportunity to answer him before he was off again, and she was left alone while she dropped her arms at her sides. With a long sigh she’d turned on her heel again in search of Ryanair -- hoping he’d still been passed out by the pool. It would be easy enough to snatch him up then to bring him to Wolff after dinner. “God damnit...” She hissed under her breath. What the hell was she getting herself into?

@Arista

[Arista]

Ryanair had passed out as soon as Clara had left him, he found himself now in the state of half-consciousness. His eyes jerked open when a cool finger gently traced the side of his neck, he found Isabela before him with a frown on her face. He relaxed when he saw her, his eyes blinking slowly to focus on the older vampire. Neither spoke for awhile, content to stare at one another.

Ryanair broke first. He tired for a smile who knew wouldn't reach his eyes, Isabela’s eyes narrowed before straightening. He noticed for maybe the first time since he awoke that morning that her hair was loose and flowing down her back, the second thing was that she wore a grey blouse with black pants.

“Who's done that to you?” Her voice is soft but Ryanair can hear the underlying tension, he swallows and remains seated. The memories are hazy but he knows who's done it, just like he knows he can't blame his sire for it. Kieran might not be in his right mind but Ryanair still couldn't blame him, he knew this wasn't how his sire acted. His lips opened to speak, only for his entire body to go rigid when he catches a familiar figure behind Isabella.

“Ah, there you two are. I've been looking for you, I'm sorry I've been a bit distant I'm not sure what happened to me.” A lie. Ryanair can tell by the way Kieran’s eyes don't narrow or how his stance remains relaxed where he stands against the doorframe. Isabella turns to him and Ryanair is thankful when she places herself between them, his relief only lasts for a moment before Isabella speaks once more.

“Ah, Kieran so good to see you. Might ask something? Do you know who those bite marks belong to?” Her question is valid but Ryanair can tell she's said the wrong thing, Kieran straightens and offers a bland smile.

“I'm sorry, I don't. Maybe you should start dinner soon? The wolves should be back and starving right now.” It as a dismissal and Ryanair watched as Isabella tensed and flexed her fingers at her side, the blonde rose and moved to stand behind her. She began to move and Ryanair fell into step behind her, he almost breathed a sigh of relief when they neared the door. It left him in a rush when a familiar hand latched itself onto his wrist, he stilled at the contact.

“I'd like his help-” Isabella started but Kieran merely shook his head and adopted a serious frown on his features.

“I need to talk to him for a bit. Go on and we'll be there soon.” Isabella remained rooted to the spot a moment longer before reluctantly bowing and turning to exit the room. Ryanair caught a look of desperation and anguish on her features before she began walking away from the doorway, the grip on his wrist tightened warningly.

He couldn't move and he wasn't sure if it was due to fear or the power a sire held over a fledgling. He didn't much care, he wanted to be away from the man pretending to be his sire. And he wanted answers

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Her steps had moved just as quick as her thoughts. Clara bit her lip as she continued towards the pool, her attention only on the floor ahead of her as she tried to mull things over and piece them together. Yes, all of this had started when they’d decided to go out after whatever had caused the attack on the town. She knew it was a damn foolish thing to do, first off, and now look what happened. If Wolff was right, and honestly, she was really beginning to think he was, nothing good could come from this. It would only get worse and worse until Kieran eventually had lost his mind and she really wasn’t sure if there was any coming back from it at that point either.

Ryanair had to have been going through at least a little bit of what she had - and for that, she almost sympathized with him. She’d known that need to distance herself from the man who had only caused her pain, regardless of the fact that she hadn’t left just yet. God damnit, why hadn’t she just turned away from it all and left with Christian? Fuck - why didn’t he just drag her away like he usually did at the end of the night when she was off getting herself into whatever trouble she looked for?

Because it was the right thing to do?

Shit - Sure it might have been the right thing to do to help Ryanair, but to reconcile with her sire was a whole different story. And if he was slowly becoming lost to the world...

Part of her wanted to just accept that and be done with it but the other couldn’t forget that one fleeting moment where he had apologized; where she felt his touch again and felt his lips against her neck.

Her thoughts were immediately interrupted when she’d heard the voices in front of her and she’d come to a stop outside the door. She’d seen Kieran’s back - seen Ryanair’s look of almost desperation to get away and for a moment, she hesitated. Fuck - she needed to help; she was better than just walking away and she knew it...

“I think its best if you let Ryanair tend to dinner.” Clara suddenly spoke as she headed towards the two of them. Once more her words were quiet and less harsh than usual. “I’m sure the others need some help...” She was careful, unsure of the man in front of her yet she knew it would be best to separate the two. “Come now - let him be for now. You have the rest of the night to have whatever little discussion that you’d like...” She needed Ryanair to herself as well, if only to get to Wolff to figure out why he urgently needed to talk to both of them.

@Arista

[Arista]

At the familiar sounding footsteps nearing them, Ryanair felt himself relax slightly in the ever tightening hold around his wrist. At Clara's appearance in the doorframe, Ryanair allowed his desperation to be seem. At her words the fingers around his wrist flexed for a moment before letting go, he didn't move from his spot though he wanted to bolt.

“You do have a point…” That was all he needed to hear. He stepped forward until he stood beside Clara, and if he was slightly behind her no one would be the wiser. He stayed for a moment with hesitation warring with his urgency to get away from Kieran, her words did have a point and so with a discreet press of his fingers to her arm he swiftly left the room. The kitchen was a welcome sight and with it, he noticed Ynez helping Isabella with something. They paused when they noticed him lingering in the hall, both smiled and gestured him inside.

~○~○~○~○~

Kieran blinked and flexed his fingers before crossing both his arms. His head tilted as he watched the girl -Clara- before him, his expression never changing. He felt a flare of irritation and curiosity as her words filled his ears, his lips pulled into a twisted grin before he shrugs and begins to move around her.

She wasn't easily broken. At least that's what the voices were whispering in his ears, he stilled for a moment before a tune began to fall from his lips. He wanted to go lay down for a bit, someplace quiet and dark. His steps were quick but quiet as he moved forward and towards the foyer, his hands in his pockets as he climbed the stairs.

As he reached the top step, his knees buckled when a sharp twinge raced down the back of his skull. His eyes blinked rapidly before he rose to his feet and reached for his bedroom door. He suddenly felt dizzy and sick to his stomach, his head pounding like someone had hit him with a hammer several times. He laid down and curled into a ball, his head cradled in both of his arms.

Why the fuck did his head hurt? And why could be not remember anything since the night they'd gone to track down the Mage?

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara did not waver as she stood in the doorway, knowing she wouldn’t leave until she saw to it that Ryanair was let go. She’d stood very still as she eyed the two of them, taking notice of the sheer desperation on Ryanair’s features. Still, she looked oddly calm, her focus mainly on Kieran even as he’d released Ryanair. She’d felt relieved in that moment, and yet she still felt just as on edge as she felt the moment she’d seen Kieran once more. Something about him lately had made her hair stand on end and made her nerves come alive. Whatever was causing it she wanted to squash and get rid of -- the man was hardly tolerable. It just felt so wrong to be even in the same room as him - it made her skin crawl.

Ryanair had headed her way towards the door and she was suprised by his touch on her arm. Still, her attention remained focused solely on Kieran even as he smiled at her. It was enough to make her want to cringe and distance herself immediately from him, but she stood just as still as she’d been when she arrived. She’d not looked towards Ryanair as he passed her - she simply allowed him to leave while she remained in the doorway.

As Kieran headed towards her and for the door, she’d only stiffened slightly, watching him carefully. “Dinner will be ready shortly.” She reminded him as he passed her and she fought the urge to immediately pull away from him. And once he’d disappeared; once she felt and knew he was far from her, she had let out a quick breath that she didn’t know she was even holding in.

Holy hell - she never let anyone intimidate her, but something felt so terribly dark... She felt on edge.

With another puff, Clara pushed a few stray curls from her face before she turned on her heel to head towards the kitchen. She hoped that’s exactly where Ryanair had gone off to - after all, others were around him so that way Kieran wouldn’t have any opportunity to steal him away once more. She’d quickly headed there, far, far away from where Kieran had left her.

She’d headed into the kitchen rather quickly and had been relieved to see Ryanair with the others. She hadn’t said much, just moved around to find something to drink along with a glass to follow- however, she purposely brushed past Ryanair. “We need to see Wolff after dinner.” She murmured under her breath as she stood close to him, reaching for a glass. “He has to ask us a few things...” And with that, she moved away from him again to pop open another bottle of wine. After she’d poured her glass she took a long sip and leaned against the counter with a deep sigh. She had a feeling it might be a long night - and dinner was going to take far longer than she liked. She wanted to know exactly what Wolff had wanted -- furthermore, she wanted to know if he knew how to fix it...

@Arista

[Arista]

At the brush of cotton against his side Ryanair paused in his potato-mashing, his eyes blinked when he noticed Clara. At her words he frowned in confusion but offered the other a nod, if Wolff needed them then it had to be for something important. As she turned away, Ryanair returned to his task and soon the others filled into the room. He hadn't been paying attention to the menu but by the smells filling the air he knew it would be a good one.

Ten minutes later found everyone minus Kieran seated and eating. No one seemed to question why Ryanair grabbed a second and then third plate, though the blonde knew a set of eyes were on him. Wolff had joined them and he hadn't said much -not surprising- excerpt that the food tasted great, Ryanair knew something was off. He rose to his feet and moved to the sink, his free hand reaching for the sponge. He stretched his arms above his head and moved towards living room, he found the rest of Ynez’s Pack asleep. The hand that fell on his shoulder squeezed before releasing him, Ryanair turned and found Wolff standing beside him.

“Let's wait for Clara before I lead you upstairs.” He murmured softly, his eyes scanning the wolves for many lingering injury. Ryanair only nodded and crossed his arms, hopefully this wouldn't take long. He really wanted to sleep.

~○~○~○~○~

Golden eyes scanned the images with keen determination. Nothing seemed amiss and that concluded Wolff’s idea, that something was happening on a psychological scale. With a huff and a flex of dark-skinned fingers, the vampire Healer began to systematically go through the images one point at a time.

If this was the illness then even she wouldn't be able to stop it. So far nothing she's tried has worked, and in the case of a sire the first to feel the change were the fledgling’s. Eyes narrowing, she focused once more and refused to look at the clock that continuously ticked over her head.

This was a matter of life and death.

And if she had her way, no one was dying on her watch. Margaret Labelle was good at her job, Wolff had asked for her help and she was happy to aid him.

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara was rather quiet throughout dinner despite the fact that her mind had been racing. Although Kieran was nowhere to be found, she still tried to shake off that unnerving feeling that just by being around him had caused. She hadn't experienced that before – sure, she'd felt mainly anger and definitely hatred for him at one point; she'd once felt exhilaration and excitement – among many other things throughout all of the years she'd been alone – but she'd never encountered this. Simply being around him had made her feel wrong, and she'd been lucky. Ryanair had received the worse of his abuses – maybe it might have been a good thing that Kieran had kept away from her all of this time.

While everyone ate, she did not drink as much as she normally would in an effort to get herself to sleep at night. This time she simply ate quietly and sipped on a glass, knowing she'd have to speak to Wolff immediately after. She'd noticed Ryanair's suddenly healthy appetite and frowned in response over it, but other than that, she'd kept to herself. Clara could hardly pay attention to the mindless chatter at the table, her thoughts consumed over the troubling events that had been happening under the same roof -- and the mere worry that there was nothing they could do about it.

Hell, why was she even worrying, anyway? It was only weeks ago that she'd wanted the man dead, and it seemed he was on a straight path towards that fate. Who was she to stop it?

Then again, even if in the slightest way, things had changed, hadn't they?

She nearly groaned at the thought, but soon Clara had finished her plate as she noticed both Wolff and Ryanair absent from the table. With a sigh, she grabbed her glass and plate and headed into the kitchen. She'd spotted the two and cleared her plate in the sink before she filled her glass again. Having grabbed her glass from the top before she rested it at her side to carry, she finally turned to Wolff and Ryanair. "…Shall we, then?"

@Arista

[Arista]

It shouldn't have felt like he was sentencing someone to death. Ryanair followed as Wolff turned and headed back upstairs, his gaze on the carpeted floor as he lead them forward. Upon entering the room he pointed towards the nearest bed, Ryanair paused and his eyes widened like a deer caught in headlights.

“Take a seat and remove your shirt if you will.” It wasn't as much a suggestion as a soft command. Ryanair remained rooted to the spot as his mind whirled with a number of excuses he could give. The marks throbbed as his heart picked up and he swallowed his suddenly dry throat, Wolff remained standing in the center of the large room, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed..

“I'm fine why-” Wolff cut him off with a raised hand. Ryanair jumped when he spotted another figure sitting with a clipboard in hand, her gold eyes watched him for a moment before her lips lifted into a smile. The blonde didn't move until the second figure rose and hip-checked Wolff to the side, her smile growing when Ryanair merely blinked.

“Don't worry, dear. Isabella told us about the marks and we just want to check to make sure they don't get infected. Then we'll get started on our discussion, sound fair?” Her tone was soft if slightly accented, Ryanair swallowed and knew he'd been caught. With a clenched jaw, he moved to the closest bed and tugged his shirt off after he'd seated himself. He remained still as the female moved forward and began assessing the marks, his gaze on the floor as she worked.

Fifteen minutes later and Ryanair was pressing a cool cloth to the marks, the smell of disinfectant and other medical smells filling the air. They weren't infected but were inflamed and the women -Margaret- didn't want to take any chances, even though he wouldn't die from a normal infection. Wolff cleared his throat and shifted his weight to his left leg, Margaret removed the gloves she'd worn and leaned back in her seat.

“Now shall we begin?” He asked with an arched brow, Ryanair agreeing with a nod. The sooner they began the more probable it would be to return Kieran to how he used to be.

“I've scanned the tests and found nothing. It's psychological and I think Wolff has a point.” Margaret put in as she spun in her chair once, her arms crossed loosely over her stomach.

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara was terribly quiet as she followed along, her pointer finger absentmindedly tracing the side of the glass in her hand. She was curious and furthermore concerned - wondering why Wolff had needed the two of them. Ryanair had been the one dealing with Kieran exclusively -- she’d only been one he’d just so happened to sire and cast aside. Really, she hardly was a part of the play before her. Even so, she continued along as they approached the room, and once they stepped in, she scrunched her nose in response. The room was like an infirmary, and it reminded her too much of a sterile hospital. She’d never been one for hospitals or doctors in general, so the room itself made her uncomfortable.

Their attention remained on Ryanair so in the meantime she’d shuffled away to find a chair to sit in. She’d placed her glass on one of the bedside tables as she crossed her legs and watched the scene in front of her unfold. Ryanair’s skin was riddled with bite marks that not only looked painful, but they looked angry. Clara frowned as she watched them dote over him, silently cursing Kieran once more. Seeing him inflict any sort of pain on another - whether he meant it or not - had absolutely gotten under her skin.

Once Wolff had begun to speak once more, Clara turned to watch the two - eyeing the new female for a long moment. There were so many new faces that went in and out of that household and she still didn’t know exactly whom to trust. Her wall remained up no matter who they were.

“So... If it’s psychological, how the hell would we alleviate that?” She asked suddenly, her brow lifted in a bit of confusion. She would have rather it been physical - something they could actually fight. Psychological had been an entirely different story. There had been nothing tangible to heal; nothing to grasp and take away from it.

“I mean - you can’t just climb into his head and take everything else out...” And what could they even want with her anyway? Clearly Ryanair wasn't in any shape to help much, and Clara - well, she didn't necessarily have much of a bond with Kieran to begin with...

@Arista

[Arista]

“Your bond.” Wolff states with a shrug and an arched brow. Really did they have to keep beating around the bush? He sighed and moved towards Ryanair, the blonde blinked up at his friend and tilted his head.

“Acting as if it isn't there won't help him, we know who you are to Kieran and I think it's what’ll help him. It's an idea that we have and we're willing to test it out of you'll help us. Both of you may be able to bring him back, I hope it'll be easier and we'll be left alone until it happens.” Margaret murmured as she moved back to her seat and glanced at each of them, her face remained impassive but her voice was clear. Ryanair rose from the bed and smiled gratefully when Wolff tapped the cool pad to his neck, he pulled his shirt on after and moved to stand beside Clara.

He wasn't hiding or anything it just calmed him when he was close to her, even if she wasn't fond of him or their sire. “But how? If it's psychological then giving him support and stuff won't help and I can't-” He trailed off there and his hand rose to touch the bandage, he was scared of the person in Kieran’s clothing and body.

Terrified, even.

Margaret and Wolff remained quiet for a while before both sigh and shrug. “We haven't figured that out yet, the newspapers haven't said anything other than the bare minimum so we're working with little information. I ask both of you to stay on your toes, he may come back but don't fall for it.” Margaret stated with a firm tone, Ryanair winced but showed he understood with a nod. He moved away from Clara as he remembered the new bombshell they'd just released.

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara had stared at both of them for a long while, slowly absorbing the information that had just been thrown her way. From what she’d understood - they expected her to suddenly assist them with bringing Kieran back somehow through their bond. That was all fine and dandy for Ryanair -- But Clara had some serious doubts on her end. How the hell was she supposed to suddenly help the man through their bond? Pretending like it didn’t exist wouldn’t help any -- Sure Wolff, whatever you say. He’d no idea that she’d seriously contemplated killing the man; seriously contemplated just leaving the entire thing behind her -- and now they wanted her to help.

She let out a slow sigh, mainly to calm herself, knowing that being a bitch like she usually was, wasn’t going to get her anywhere with these people. She’d enjoyed it around Kieran; she was able to get her way around Christian; but she doubted any of her attitude was going to help here. These people seemed determined and she didn’t exactly know how to break it to them.

Clara lifted a finger to pinch the bridge of her nose, her eyes shut in a bit of annoyance. “So - wait.” She began with a frown before she’d dropped her hand and eyed the two of them once more - almost hoping they would change their minds. “You honestly think I can help you people?” A pause. “Sorry to break it to you, but even if there is a bond there -- it hardly is anything that I’d be banking on.” She frowned and leaned back in her chair.

“He’d probably be more effective with whatever you need than I would be.” She reminded them as she lifted a finger to point to Ryanair. Honestly, did they expect her to suddenly dote upon Kieran? How the hell was she, of all people, supposed to bring him out of it if it were even possible...

Well, she could try to beat the shit out of him - maybe that might beat whatever darkness was within him -- that was a thought.

“But whatever.” Clara continued as she stood while Ryanair moved from her side. “If that’s what you think will help, so be it -- I just wouldn’t put so much faith on my end.”

@Arista

[Arista]

Wolff sighed and shifted on his feet, he didn't have patience and with the situation as it was he really didn't want to bother. Margaret rose to her feet and moved towards the door, her steps light considering the heels she wore.

“Hope is all we have now. If he sinks any deeper we can expect shit to hit the fan before even of us can stop it. No I suggest bed and Ryanair I ask you to keep the bandage as it is, you should feel better by morning.” Ryanair offered a tired nod and turned to follow the Healer out into the hall, he suddenly felt exhausted and dizzy. Wolff followed after them and waited for Clara to exit before he closed the door, his hands sliding into his pockets as he began to walk. Everyone quietly made their way towards their own rooms, Ryanair pausing before his own for a moment before stepping inside.

He didn't know it but comes morning the house would be in shambles.

He awoke and got ready for the morning, a good night's sleep had given him a recharge and he felt great. By the silence of the house he guessed he was the only one awake, shrugging and exiting his room he turned to head towards the stairs. Upon reaching the landing he freezes when the scene before him catches his eyes, his throat working as he tries to process just what the hell is before him.

Blood coats the walls and floors, the front doors are wide open and snow coats the only clear part of the floor. He moved forward and his stomach rolled at the bodies he found still with blood under them, his eyes lifting as a drop of blood falls on his hand. Words are written on the ceiling, Ryanair glances away but they stay in his mind.

“I'm watching you. Let's keep playing.”

@earlymorninstar

[earlymorninstar]

Clara knew they shouldn’t put their faith in her -- What good was she going to do at the end of the day? Even so they were still persistent in thinking that both her and Ryanair could help the situation - and if their hope kept them calm, then so be it. She was quiet after their responses, only sinking back in her chair with a frown. She’d reached for her glass again, taking another slow sip while they spoke to Ryanair. Lord, she wanted to just sleep it off and wake up fresh at this point. She really should have left a long time ago -- at least then she would have been mulling over his existence, but she’d moved along with her life. Now she seemed perpetually trapped in a loop of making sure that her sire was okay with little in return.

She was quiet as everyone made to exit, and she stood up slowly to follow after each of them. Clara had pulled away from the rest of the group to go straight to her room then, unwilling to run into any other person for the night. She was determined to try and get a bit of sleep -- if she had to interact more with Kieran, she at least needed to be on her toes -- Ryanair seemed to need the help more than she would.

Once in her room she’d downed the rest of her glass before she’d undressed and thrown on another large shirt with shorts again. She’d plopped into bed and stared at the ceiling for a long while, still troubled by the fact that now his fate seemed to lie only within her and Ryanair’s hands.

It was another weight on her shoulders that she didn’t want to carry...

---

The next morning Clara had awoken with a start - almost surprised at the new light in her room. She hadn’t expected to sleep through the night - it was quite the rare occurrence.

She’d stretched in bed with a yawn before she shoved the blankets away from her. The house seemed awfully quiet - more so than she was used to. Hell, she was usually the last to wake and stir. This time, however, it seemed like she was one of the first to wake -- there was no scent of breakfast on the air and no hustle and bustle of everyone waking.

Her brow furrowed as she slipped out of bed, not bothering to get a shower just yet before she headed into the hallway. She’d stepped quietly towards the staircase, but had raised a brow when she’d seen Ryanair stiff just ahead of her. Her steps had slowed then, unsure about heading towards him, and yet, when she did, she’d stopped in place.

“...What the fuck?”

Clara’s voice had broken the silence as she took in the view before her, her stomach seemingly dropping to her toes. She’d seen familiar faces and some new, seen the blood spattered nearly everywhere, mixed with snow all throughout the floor. Her lips were parted in shock as her gaze soon lifted to the ceiling to read the words that had already been dripping to the floor.

Her hands clenched into small fists then, her anger suddenly slipping through her shock. “Where the fuck is he...?”

@Arista

[Arista]

Ryanair tore his gaze away from the bodies, his stomach roiling as bile fills his throat. His mouth opens as if to answer her, his throat clenching when he notices two figures atop the stairs.

Ynez and Evian look close to breaking. They lurch forward and shift without seeming to notice, both approach their fallen packmates with hesitant steps. Ryanair can tell they aren't breathing, the amount of blood that's pooled around their bodies is proof enough. A werewolf can heal almost any injury, though if it's deep enough and done countless times then their natural healing factor can't kick in quick enough. Ryanair grits his teeth and turns away from the scene as soft whines begin to fill the air, he instead faced Clara and offered an answer.

“I don't know. In his room perhaps.” He felt cold and empty, sure he'd seen death before but not so many at one time. The sound of thundering footsteps drew his attention up the staircase, his hands balling into fists as he spots the last three people he wished to see. Wolff was still as stone, Esther had a hand to her lips and Isabella had a look of absolute shock on her face.

“Who-why-” Esther managed those those two words before both werewolves began to howl, Wolff leapt down the stairs and towards them at once. Ryanair blinked only once before turning on his heel and heading back up the stairs, he was frightened and this decision could very well end horribly but he needed to do something. Reaching his sire’s door, the blonde took only a moment of hesitation before his fist slammed against the wood. He did it two times, then three and waited for a response.

None came and the wolves howls continued to fill his ears. His leg lifted and slammed against the door hard enough to dent it, though this time the wood gave way and Ryanair stepped back when the door swung open. His stomach roiled and the blonde rose a hand to cover his mouth, the God awful smell filling his scenes as his eyes peered into the room. Blood splattered the walls and floor just as downstairs, the only difference was the added smell of burnt flesh. A whimper escaped his lips when he stepped inside and found Kieran on his back with rods made of silver piercing his skin.

What the hell had happened the night before? Why now and why the wolves?

Ryanair’s legs buckled and he met the back wall, he slid down it and curled into a tight ball. He wanted everything to go back to normal, he didn't want to fear his own sire anymore or be on the run. He wanted to be with Clara and Kieran without the fear of needing to hide.

@earlymorninstar