Nemesis of Nightmares

Prologue

Conalai ran down the stone path and burst through the door of a small cottage at the end with a feeling of dread gnawing in his stomach; the day he had been fearing for months was finally here and although, he could barely bring himself to be here but then he couldn't keep away either.

I will be strong, Conalai declared to himself as he prepared himself to feel a great despair swamp him, though he vowed not to show it outwardly.

After all, he had promised Mina, the only woman he truly loved with all his heart, that he would stand by her side no matter what years ago and that vow would include raising twin children that may very well have been conceived in a horribly unforgivable act.

Entering into the bedroom, Conalai's eyes focused on the tired but happy face of Mina whose attention was completely focused on the two bundles in her arms. Conalai then notice the Animalia midwife who had helped deliver the babies, smiled at Mina before she nodded silently at Conalai and left the cottage.

Mina didn't say anything to Conalai as she looked back at him with a sad smile on her face as if she expected him to run away now. After all, she had said time and time again, that she would never fault him for doing so but Conalai had been steadfast in his refusal to leave. Especially since he may not be able to be fully acknowledged as her true mate and husband in public just yet, but that didn't mean he would just give up on everything. No, Mina truly meant everything to him and she was often the only ray of light, in his bleak existence.

Walking towards the bed slowly, he schooled his features as he prepared himself to meet the twins for the first time. Mina tilted one baby away from her gently so Conalai could get a good look at the infant's face. Looking down at the baby, Conalai immediately felt a feeling overcome him, but it wasn't hatred or despair; it was wonder. He marvelled at the tiny infant before him as his wonder turned to instant love. Then another feeling entered into his being; hope, as he realized that these children could biologically be his just as much as they could his father's.

Instantly his long standing hate over the vile act that his father had inflicted upon Mina all those months ago raged within him, however he just as quickly pushed it aside, for he knew then and there, that he would never again associate these babies with his vile father nor the incident that had occurred. For they were his children now and forever and nothing else mattered.

Conalai looked over at the other bundle in Mina's arms and he finally got a peek at the other child, who he also felt the same instant love as he had with the first.

Feeling greatly relieved, Conalai continued to marvel at both infants before he slowly took the baby closest to him out of Mina's arm and moved to sit down on the bed next to her, cradling the infant carefully.

It's a boy and a girl, Mina declared quietly with deep maternal love in her voice.

Do you have names picked out, love?

Um, no, I'm so sorry but no I do not, Mina whispered again.

Would you mind if I named them? Conalai asked her.

Mina was stunned as she returned faintly, You wish to give them names? But why Conalai?

"For I plan on being in their life forever, Mina and I truly don't care anymore, if I'm biologically their father or if... my father is. Honest I mean that for these children are ours Mina and I plan on seeing them raised right and loving them truly as a father should. In fact I already do, love them that is and I am not lying to you Mina I so swear it," Conalai vowed.

Mina gave him a watery smile as tears trickled down her face.

I prayed to the Light each and every day that you would do that Conalai. Each and every single day, hearing you speak those words... it means the world to me. I would love for you to the chose their names Conalai; I would love it so much, Mina repeated herself, feeling completely overwhelmed.

Thank you for this great gift Mina and I wish our new baby boy to be called Lenox and our new baby girl to be called Lulu.

Would Lenox Markus Moregan and Lulu Marguerite Moregan be alright, do you think? For I wish that our babies to have those middle names.

Conalai was just about to say yes, when the cottage door burst open and in stormed his father and his cronies, followed closely by Conalai's siblings and Phoenix.

Well, well it looks like my newest offspring was just born...

Get out! These children are mine not yours! Conalai snarled.

Iberius gave Conalai a condescending smile, Oh I rather doubt that. After all, you were with Mina for years yet she didn't become pregnant until after she was with me.

Conalai flew across the room with his sword drawn in response, though Wulf stopped him seconds before he impaled Iberius with the blade.

Let me go! Conalai snapped mentally at him.

No Lai, I won't, for his death shouldn't be your curse to bear. I also hate to say this but he has already publicly claimed these children as his own and as much as it galls me to do so, I say let the claim remain intact for now since it will help keep the vast majority of all the wicked fools out there at bay.

They are my children! Conalai declared.

They are brother, though listen to me for once, their are people who will hunt these children down for being related to us and right now, they don't fear you but they will in time, I know it. Though until that happens, raise these children as your own in secret and when the day comes that you can truly announced that you are their father to the world, they will never know the difference.

Conalai let out a long aggravated sigh since he knew Wulf was right. After all, he had been tested many times by wicked immortal fools who wanted to see if he was a strong as his siblings and ruthless father. Though as bad as that had been for him, it would be way worse for Lenox and Lulu since they would automatically be seen as easy prey given the fact that they were half Ritana.

No my children will not suffer, they will know happiness and be able to have the lives they want, Conalai vowed to himself, before he made one of the hardest decisions of his life know.

Fine... you can acknowledge them but I will not let you near them. I mean it, you will have absolutely nothing to do with them and if you try to do so, then so help me, I will make you suffer, Conalai said in a deadly calm voice.

His father Iberius started to laugh but surprisingly, his sister Raven came to his aid.

Heed his words, for if you don't I will make your life an utter misery, even more so than I do so now. I also declared as Queen of the Vampyr realm, that these children are off limits to you and your poisoned nonsense, since I hereby fully entrust Conalai with the protection of our newest 'siblings'.

Conalai could help the streak of satisfaction that coursed through his veins when he saw a look of thunderous rage appear on Iberius' face, the moment Raven announce herself as 'Queen of the Vampyr Realm'.

That goes double for me, Iberius, for I second my wife's pledge and as King of the Vampyr, Lord of Fire, I'm more than capable of carrying out any order that my wife utters against you in a heartbeat. Now leave this place, Phoenix commanded, needling Iberius even more by adding his official titles.

That seemed enough to cause Iberius to leave in a seething rage with his cronies and after a brief silence as Conalai looked to his siblings and Phoenix, wondering what they should do next, though as always Raven seemed to have an answer.

This place isn't safe for you or Mina anymore, for he will be back Conalai and I wouldn't put it past him not to have an army behind him when he returns in order to fix the 'grave' dishonour we have bestowed him today. Though we'll deal with him and I know you want to do your part Conalai but you shouldn't let Iberius ruin what should be a very happy moment, since the twins deserve more than that. Therefore, go to Celestial Inlet, which is the home Isle of the Ritana for it is the one place you can live in peace since Iberius is magically barred it. Once there, raise these children and teach them how to truly live life. Then in five hundred years when their of legal age to enter court... well Conalai... you can seek whatever retribution you want again Iberius short of killing him since that is seen as a great sin and I do not want you to have to bear that stigma for the rest of your life, Raven remarked as she opened a portal to Celestial Inlet.

Conalai nodded in agreement before he walked back to the bed and took one of the twins from Mina's arms. Afterwards, he gently helped Mina up onto her feet before they made their way to the portal.

Then seconds before the portal took them to Celestial Inlet Conalai heard his sister Raven say, Good Luck Conalai... you may need in future.

***

After Conalai had left with Mina, Raven closed the portal and looked over at her husband Phoenix.

Phoenix... I need to ask a favour from you, Raven stated, inwardly knowing that this was probably going to cost her something big in the near future but at that moment, she truly didn't care.

Well I must say that I'm intrigued since you've never truly asked me for a favour before. So what, pray tell, does this favour entail?

I want you to do whatever you must in order to keep Iberius away from Conalai, Mina and the twins. For I know full well that he will try to hurt them further and I find that to be wholly unacceptable.

You want me to keep your father away from Conalai, Mina and the twins? Phoenix echoed

Yes and take whatever measures you deem are necessary for I don't care anymore, Raven stated tersely.

Hmm... you know, in the nearly four thousand years that we've been married, you have never once asked me truly for a favour and now you want one for your youngest brother?

Raven didn't verbally respond as she slowly nodded her head.

Alright, 'tis done and I swear to keep Iberius away from them but I do expect something in return.

Name whatever you want and it’s yours, Raven said at once.

Phoenix did not respond sarcastically to her words as he usually would have done, as he instead briefly search Raven's face. Then when he realized that she was serious, he gave a small nod of agreement.

With that Phoenix, Wulf and Will dispersed into the night, leaving Raven to stand alone in the empty cottage. Lost in thought for a brief moment, Raven knew then that everything that had happened so far would forever mark Conalai. Not to mention he was also doomed to be jaded soul like the rest of them, which greatly angered Raven because she wanted him to have the chance to live without all the nonsense.

Taking a deep calming breath in Raven vowed to make sure that Iberius rued the day he decided to strike out at Conalai for no one hurt the Moregan siblings and got away with it, absolutely no one.

Chapter One

Conalai walked down a stone path that winded itself through the most beautiful garden in existence, well in his opinion at least, since this garden was a labour of love for his Mina. Stopping to take a draw a deep breathe in, Conalai let the soothing floral scents wash over him as his sombre expression broke into a wide grin.

Finally, the day that he waited so long for was upon him. The day where he could tell Mina that the dark shadow that had hung over their lives for so long was gone. Though it was also the day he planned on changing all his life priorities.

After all, Conalai was ready to completely bury the fake playboy Vampyr prince persona that he used to get close to all the assassins who sought to kill Mina, Lenox and Lulu and openly live life as a happily married man. Though more importantly, Conalai wanted to make sure that Mina knew just how much he truly loved her because he was tired of downplaying that too in order to protect her from all the wicked fools who sought to harm her.

Conalai continued to think of all the things he wanted to do with Mina now, until he reached the front door of his home. Smiling to himself as he hid a surprise gift behind his back with one arm, he knocked on the door and waited for Mina to answered it.

Oh Conalai my love, I'm ever so glad to see you! Though why did you just knock, this is your home too, Mina declared softly.

I know my love but then it would ruin my surprise if I didn't knock and on that note, this is for you, Conalai said as he showed Mina the penguin he bought for her.

Oh wow, so nice, so lovely, Mina said as fell into her Ritana speech as she became slightly overwhelmed by the gift.

Conalai wasn't upset or frustrated by her speech like some people got when any Ritana spoke this way. No, he actually liked the way she spoke because it told him exactly what she felt inside. After all, despite being a very empathetic species, the Ritana actually had a hard time of outwardly expressing what they felt and that caused them to develop coping mechanisms like speaking in riddles.

I'm glad you like it, Conalai responded as he handed the penguin over to Mina.

Mina smiled at him as she walked over to place the penguin with the rest of the teddy bears that he had bought her over the years, before she walked back to hug Conalai.

Conalai returned the embrace, feeling a warmth enter into his being that only Mina could provide, especially after dealing with all the wickedness that he had, as of late.

After all, during the fight against Iberius, most of his lackeys had died with him. However a few had been able to escape and when Conalai had learned that, he had downright insisted upon being the one who saw justice down since he wanted to have a hand in demolishing that last of his father's court and influence. Surprisingly his Raven seemed to understand his motivation and with saying much to him about it, she handed over all the hunt orders to him, instead of dividing them amoungst the family.

Conalai had thrown himself into his task and after almost a year, he was done and he was more than ready to tell Mina everything that had happened.

Pulling slightly back, Conalai looked down at Mina for a moment before he bent his head and kissed her soundly like he had wanted to do for a while now. Though like always Mina seemed a bit taken aback by the kiss before she enthusiastically kissed him back.

Then moments later, Conalai released Mina and led Mina over to her couch, where they both sat down facing each other.

What is wrong? What is right? Mina asked him in confusion.

Oh everything is alright, Mina mine, I assure you, Conalai said in Irish Gaelic with a small grin.

Mina cocked her head at him, questioningly.

It's all over Mina, my father died last year, in fact he was killed by Llyr after he kidnapped Llyr's daughter Luna, who coincidentally is also my nephew Falcon's wife. Though that doesn't matter, for ultimately he will never, ever, hurt any of us again.

Mina looked stunned by the news as she swallowed hard, seemingly unable to respond before she started shaking and Conalai gathered her to him once more.

It's okay, it’s okay, Conalai murmured mentally, rubbing her back soothingly.

But, but, but, he was your f-f-father... Mina stuttered out.

Biologically Mina but he has never acted like a real one to me or my siblings. I mean he was constantly trying to kill us outright or break our spirits and I know that you probably think the worst of me for being happy about this...

No! I don't think badly of you Conalai, never, ever.

"Well thank you for that honey but I do know that as Ritana, you see a parent dying even a bad one as a terrible loss but honestly, I just can't muster up any feelings of sadness. Truly I only feel relief that you, Lenox and Lulu are safe right now. Not to mention Luna, Falcon's wife and their adopted two year old twin girls too.

Light those poor twins! Iberius went so far as to hunt them down constantly and if not for Falcon he would have succeeded in his nefarious scheme. How can someone do that to two little innocent girls? Not to mention the countless other people he murdered for power. I can't forgive that Mina mine but I'm willing to let it go for now because I want to learn to live a proper life and feel something beyond this pointless rage I feel whenever I'm not near you or my family. Maybe I can even learn to move on properly but I really wouldn't hold my breath on to be quite honest.

Mina nodded, understanding full well what Conalai meant. After all, she couldn't forgive Iberius or Ateria for what they had done to Conalai. Both of them had hurt him deeply in an attempt to turn him into the perfect monster who would do their bidding and hurt his siblings. However that plan had back fired on them since Conalai became a strong man who grew close to his siblings and they in turn, taught him the meaning of being a true family in their own way.

Unfortunately Mina also believed in someways that his parents had succeed in their plans too, given the fact that Conalai was an unforgiving man. Which was wholly evident by the way he took every attack against his family personally and constantly sought out ways to finish the fight when others would have walked away.

That often worried Mina, despite the fact that she had never said anything about it aloud. A fact that most people would find stranger, however Mina worried even more that if she spoke up, it would drive Conalai to hide it even more than he did now. Granted Mina had her ways of finding out what was going on with her husband and her children, ways that had all began almost six hundred years ago when her children had entered the Vampyr court.

Back then Mina had gone to Conalai's sister and had asked for two special favours as part of a trade in using her gift to see unfolding of events that would protect both the the Moregan family and the Vampyr nation, which Raven had agreed to.

The first favour was a vow to make sure that Lenox and Lulu would be completely protected from the influences of court and Iberius; The second was a vow to always tell Mina when a terrible event was occurring one that would deeply affect Conalai.

That second vow, relieved a lot of Mina's worries since she always had fair warning when Conalai was about to go off the deep end. Not to mention, when that did happen, Mina always had time to reached out to Conalai and asked him to come home, so she could help him deal with the problem.

Mina knew it wasn't right to lie to Conalai when he asked her why she wanted him to come home during those times, however Mina also knew that Conalai knew the truth behind her request and by choosing to come home, was his way of acknowledging that he needed help without saying anything.

Like now, Conalai may seem 'relieved' that it was all over but that was far from what he truly felt. No, Mina could tell that in a lot of ways Conalai felt really lost and his eyes were a dead giveaway. After all, they were kind of dazed and tad unfocused as if his mind was racing and he didn't know where to focus first, though Conalai would never admit it.

Mina also knew that Conalai was only starting to deal with all the traumatic things that he had pushed aside for centuries, now that his father was gone. Though Mina was very doubtful when it came to Conalai ever really facing that pain and coming to terms for it because he seemed to prefer to bury deep inside, which would eventually have disastrous consequences. In fact Mina believed that it was only Conalai's deep well of inner strength that kept that pain at bay.

However that was one thing Mina planned on changing because she was quite sick of watching the man she loved fall further down the spiral of despair and anger. No she would save him just like how he had saved her all those years ago and she had already taken her first step in doing so by venturing outside of her safe haven After all their had to be something out in the real world that would better aid Mina in quest.

So over the past few months, once Mina had learned from Conalai's sister Raven that Iberius was dead, she had asked her children to help her venture out into the world under the pretext that she finally wanted to finally explore it. Her children had been very enthusiastic yet extremely cautious over the idea since they were worried about her safety. So they had all decided to start with small trips to Terriana, the home of the Animalia first, which had helped Mina a lot because she was familiar with a lot of Animalia elders since they visited Celestial all the time.

The next time Mina had taken a bit of a plunge by visiting somewhere she had never been before which was her daughter's new home on Ormeglo, the home isle of Lulu's wife's people, the Omega Clan. Mina had loved that visit despite being amoungst mostly strangers, for she was truly happy to see her daughter smiling and interacting with people who wholly accepted her relationship with Freya.

After that, Mina had been working her up her courage to visit some of the more boisterous islands like the busy Fae Island, when a ground breaking business enterprise was opened by Conalai's nephew Falcon, who Mina met when she attended his wedding.

Falcon had apparently become very determined to make sure that his wife and daughters who were all Ritana, be able to enjoy everything that everyone else was able to enjoy, like: vacations, seeing movies, visiting cafes, shopping, eating in restaurants and even staying in hotels, without being overwhelmed by someone else's emotions.

So he developed businesses were designed specifically for Ritana, Zanthe and the White Snake Clan who also suffered from the same problems and Mina loved them since she could learned how to interact with everyone without becoming overwhelmed.

Mina mine, you look so far away, what's wrong? Conalai asked drawing her thoughts back to the present.

Nothing, just happy that you are here, Mina said as she internally coached herself to be bold for the first time in a really long time, however Conalai beat her to the punch.

Mina, the Vampyr Realm is safe for the time being and well... uh... Conalai stopped and cleared his throat before continuing, It has been a long time since we have truly acted as husband and wife in public, which I am truly sorry about because I really didn't mean to let the problems of the Vampyr realm stand between us. I also know it's a lot to ask but... I'd like a second chance to prove to you that I really do truly love you from the bottom of my heart and that I'll never let anything else stand in the way of us again. Please Mina, please give me this chance...

Mina reacted instantly by cupping his face with her hands, causing Conalai's slightly unfocused eyes to sharpen as he gave her his full undivided attention.

You don't need to prove anything to me Conalai, for I know you love me and I've never doubted that from day one...

... But how can you truly say that, Mina? I mean I've done things that would cause any other woman to seek out vengeance and divorce against me! Conalai returned with a look of self-revulsion.

Mina was quiet for a long moment before she spoke up, I know of what you speak of, despite the fact that you have tried to keep me away from learning about these incidents. I also know that you aren't ready to speak of them yet so I will say only this, you stood by me when I was taken against my will so why would I turn my back on you?

Conalai took in a deep breath and whispered, Mina, it is not the same, I cheated on you with others and that is an unforgivable sin.

Mina shook her head vehemently, No Conalai my love and one day the pain will lessen to the point where you can understand what I mean, however until then, let us not speak of it. I would also absolutely love for you to stay here and live openly as a married couple, which has been my dearest wish for a very long time. Now come, relax a moment while I get supper started, Mina said as she leaned her head against Conalai's.

Conalai closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, savouring the scent of Mina's skin and the peace of mind that only she could bring him. Unable to stop himself anymore, Conalai leaned in and kissed her again until they were both nearly senseless with need.

Pulling back slightly before he lost all control, Conalai hoarsely whispered, I'm sorry Mina mine but forget dinner, I need you more than I need anything else in life right now.

Mina gave with a knowing smile as she nodded her head in agreement.

Saying nothing more, Conalai swept Mina up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

***

A stranger walked down the path to Mina's door as the day started to fade into early evening, after spending the entire day working up his courage to confess his love. Well more than a day he acknowledged, since he had spent centuries of loving Mina from a far and dreaming of making a life together.

The man hesitantly knocked on the door and found that there was no answer. Realizing that Mina was probably out back in her vast gardens, he wandered around behind the house to see if she was there.

When he noticed that she wasn't, the man was at a loss as to where she could be, until he heard a faint noise coming from the cottage. Turning around, he noticed a slightly ajar window and the man felt shock tear right through him when he caught a glance of his beloved Mina with another man, making love. Unable to take the sight of that anymore, the man instantly teleported away.

Returning to his castle in the land of dreams, the man's shock was soon replaced by rejection and horror, two feelings that he hadn't felt in a very long time.

Morpheus, what is wrong? A sleepy female voice asked mentally in concern from a nearby bed as she prepared to sleep for the next fifty years, completing their trade off.

The man, Morpheus, looked across the room at the woman who looked like a near spitting image of Mina and he had a hard time looking at her as his emotions rolled.

Your daughter, Mina, she was... she was with another, Morpheus mumbled, feeling bile rise up within him.

Mina's mother let out a mental sigh though she didn't respond right away and Morpheus soon realized that Mina's mother knew all about the other man that Mina had been with all too well.

Finally she did respond, how did you find out?

Morpheus couldn't believe the words that she had said and he snapped, "How did I find out? Why did you not tell me that she was with another?"

Mina's mother sighed again before she said, I did tell you Morpheus every time I told you that Mina was off limits.

I thought by that you meant she was too good for me, not the other way around! Morpheus retorted though he instantly regretted his angry words.

Do not speak of my daughter like that! Mina's mother shouted back at him before she continued on, and she still is too good for you and that good for nothing Vampyr Prince Conalai Moregan whom she's married to. Good Light above! I never approved that match but I will say that he did the right thing after the attack by marrying Mina and raising my grandchildren right from the moment of their birth. Though as well he should because they are his kids!

Morpheus felt winded by her shocking words.

What do mean, they are his children? Morpheus asked Medb haltingly.

Well there's a very good a chance that my grandchildren Lulu and Lenox are as much the vile wretch Iberius' children as they are Conalai's. Since he had been with her for years before the attack. Against my knowledge and I truly wished that Mina had chosen you instead of that stupid Vampyr Prince whom she protects. However after Iberius' vile attack on my beloved daughter Mina, Conalai swore to stand by her and raise the children as his own no matter what and I will give him his due for proving himself at being a great father to him. However I'm still pissed off that he let that idiot pig Iberius, forever curse his dark soul, announced that the children were his, for I never wanted them associated with him ever again... Mina's mother stopped suddenly, though Morpheus knew it was because she couldn't maintain consciousness anymore and she finally felt into rest.

Morpheus stood in the middle of the room, holding his head as his mind reeled at all the information that Mina's mother had imparted to him. Eventually when he was of sound enough mind, one key fact hit. Mina's... lover was Conalai Moregan, the same Conalai Moregan whom many villains in the world wanted to see dead more than any of his siblings. In fact no one was more desperate than one soul who was sealed tightly in the dream realm and for a brief moment in time, Morpheus contemplated letting that soul go before he vehemently shook his head to rid himself of the terrible thought. However unfortunately that thought seemed to call out to the very demon himself, as the entire dream plain around Morpheus shifted.

No... Morpheus murmured as he stood up and turned to face an emerging threat.

A dark shadowy beast with glowing red eyes moved away from the corner of the dream chamber and hissed, Oh yes... this realm is ours now.

Chapter Two

It had been nearly four months since Conalai had shown up on her doorstep and Mina was completely happy that all that she had prayed for, was now occurring. She was also truly happy to see that Conalai was also finding a measure of peace that he truly hadn't had in centuries. Though unfortunately for them, there was a dark cloud darkening over their blissful lives and it stemmed from her most recent dreams.

Mina sighed she hated to let the nightmares that plagued her ruin everything but she knew she had to do something about them soon because she wasn't sleeping at all. Especially over the past few weeks as everything seemed to intensify and she knew full well, that sooner or later she would fall into a very lengthy sleep that would make her unable to wake up by her own means.

Rubbing her tired eyes, she thought about what she should do. After all, her mother was the one who normally protected her dreams since she was one of the two main guardians of the dream realm. However she was currently fast asleep for the next fifty years in order to conserve her strength and it was now Morpheus' turn to protect the realm. So Mina had at first send out secret pleas to him in order to help her but so far, he hadn't responded at all.

Mina had then turned to her two sisters Marguerite and Maeva, who had tried to help her as well but neither are true dream protectors since both sisters had inherited more of their father's immortal powers than their mother's like Mina had. In fact, the only one of Mina's three close siblings who could protect her was her brother Markos but alas he had disappeared years ago and Mina had tried searching him out many times on her own but she hadn't been able to find him.

Though there was also some very bad blood between her brother and Conalai, which could have some seriously bad unintended consequences, if Mina asked Conalai to find Markos.

Mina sighed, wishing that the big misunderstanding that had caused the bad blood had never happened. Though she also wished that Conalai would one day willing listen to her about it and not storm off every time Markos' name was mentioned.

Mina love, how are you? Conalai called as he came around the side of the house.

Good thanks, Mina whispered as she smiled at him.

Are you sure, Mina mine, you're really pale, love, Conalai said as he knelt down beside her and cupped her face.

I'm... I'm okay, Mina mumbled feeling completely drained.

Conalai looked at her for a long moment before he shook his head slightly.

You're truly not Mina. You haven't slept at all in a few weeks, though before that, it was only ever for a few hours at a time. I also know that you've been painting a lot of pictures in order to work out some 'moods', however you've been triggering those visions by yourself in order to cover up your lack of sleep, haven't you? Conalai asked her softly.

Mina gasped before she looked down at her hands since she couldn't deny his words. After all it was true, she had been triggering 'moods' or visions as most called them in order to cover her lack of sleep. Something that most Ritana could do at will if they needed to, though Mina's daughter Lulu hadn't fully mastered that ability yet though she was fairly close to doing so.

Despite that, triggering a vision really wasn't hard since there were thousands of issues out in the world both minor to major that needed to be properly interpreted in order to resolve them. However Mina often tuned it all out as if it was 'white noise', looking out only for the most dire or the ones that would forever change the world.

Looking back up at Conalai briefly, she gave him a small nod of her head before she looked away again.

Why aren't you sleeping Mina, honey? Conalai asked softly.

Mina bit her lip before she stood up abruptly, deciding to flee rather than answer his question since she knew that her answer would open up her own personal Pandora's Box.

Mina, wait where are you going? Conalai demanded, from behind her.

Mina just shook her head slightly before she disappeared into the small thicket of trees and Conalai continued to sit on the ground for a few more moments, completely shocked at Mina's reaction. After all, never in all the years they had been together had she just up and run away like this. No, Mina had always eventually spoke up and said what was on her mind, even when the situation was dire. Which meant that, this was totally out of character for her and instead being annoyed by her reaction, Conalai actual felt real fear race through his veins since it reminded him of that terrible day that Mina had been attacked, all over again.

Immediately, Conalai panicked as he scrambled to his feet and ran after her.

Mina! Mina! He roared as burst into the small thicket.

He really didn’t have to go far since he found Mina on the ground in a crumpled heap no more than ten steps ahead of him. Conalai stopped moving, feeling his panic turn to absolute horror, causing an icy chill to race through his veins and make his heart to stutter painfully.

She looked as still as death, which caused him to first look wildly around for an attacker but then some semblance of rationality kicked in as Conalai realized that if there was an attacker, they weren't physically here since he didn't sense a single living soul close within a mile of their location.

Moving forward quickly, Conalai bent down to checked Mina for a pulse and he felt nothing but relief when he felt one. Unable to stop himself Conalai began to stroke her cheek in order to wake her up gently but that action caused Mina to react strangely. She began to thrash around in her sleep as if she was trying to fend off an attack and by the looks of it, she wasn't winning.

Mina, Mina my love wake up, Conalai said reverting to his native language, Irish Gaelic, as he tried to shake her awake instead.

Mina didn't respond directly to him, instead, started fighting harder. Conalai then, tried everything he could think of to wake her up only to eventually realized that Mina was trapped in a nightmare and there was nothing he could do about it.

Unwilling to accept that thought, Conalai did something he hadn't done in his entire life, he sent out a pulse of magic to summon his siblings. As soon as he did, Conalai's own mind called him a fool for doing so since he didn't believe for a second that they'd actually come to his aid. However he was soon proven wrong, when Raven, Wulf and Felix popped into view.

What's wrong Conalai? Raven asked, sounding concerned.

Conalai looked at her, still in a complete state of shock and horror as he mumbled his answer.

She won't wake up.

What do you mean by that, Lai? She's alive from what I can feel that from here, Raven said in a gentle tone that Conalai had never heard her use before.

I've... I've tried everything but she's stuck in a nightmare. Light! I can't... I can't do anything... again, Conalai rushed out in an almost incoherent jumble as he held Mina tightly to him.

Raven looked at Wulf for a brief second, as if she was mentally asking him a question which caused him to nod in response.

I might be able to pull her out the nightmare Conalai, Raven whispered hesitantly.

"Might?" Conalai echoed, fearing that word.

Raven sighed, Well I don't know for sure because it's a gift I haven't used in a long time. In fact I last used it before I became a Vampyr, so I don't know if it'll have the same effectiveness as it did back then. However I'm truly willing to try if you're willing to let me do so.

Please... please do, and I'll trade you anything you want for it, Conalai pleaded.

Raven shook her head, I need no favour Conalai as an incentive to help you. I'm your sister and I may not be the best one in the world but I'll never stand back and let you needlessly suffer.

Conalai nodded as he held Mina tightly to him.

Now, I know this is going to be hard but I need you to let go of her and lay her down on the ground. Please Conalai, it's very important.

Conalai squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before he reluctantly did what Raven had said and placed Mina gently down on the ground. Raven knelt beside her and picked up Mina's left hand. Holding it tightly, Raven started whispering a spell in an ancient language that Conalai had never heard before, which caused the trees surrounding them to both groan and sway, as an unnatural magical wind race through them to reach Raven.

Soon after, Conalai watched Raven in horrid fascination as she struggle to fight something off and Conalai honestly couldn't tell if she was winning or losing. In fact it wasn't until Phoenix, Raven's husband, suddenly appeared that Conalai realized how dire everything really was.

Just what the hell is going on here? Phoenix demanded at once.

Calm down Phoenix, this is necessary, Wulf retorted with a sigh.

Necessary? You've got to joking me, Wulf!

I mean what I say, Mina is trapped in a nightmare and Raven is working to free her from it.

You're seriously letting my Iona battle a full-fledged Night Mare on her own! Light why the hell doesn't one of you make a bloody attempt at help her! Phoenix demanded looking like he was about to do them all some damage.

You know why we can't help her! Wulf snapped back at him before continuing, Only Raven and Conalai possess this gift, though Raven was the only one who was ever taught how to use it!

What? Conalai demanded.

Now is not the time to into that, Phoenix declared before he sat down behind his wife and said to Wulf, I'm so pissed off at all of you right all, though doubly so at you Wulf! For you should have called me in before she attempted this! After all, it's not like I'm her bloody soul mate or nothing! Good Light above! I'll be damned if I let some two punk Night Mare hurt my Iona!

Phoenix swore again before he sat down and wrapped his arms tightly around Raven, infusing her with his own power and almost immediately she stopped violently struggling.

A few moments later a fiery form of a phoenix suddenly emerged from Mina first, that was soon followed by a dark smoky Raven. They both flew around Mina in an intricate pattern and Conalai realized that they were both drawing something out and trap it at the same time. It soon partially worked when that 'something' soon emerged too, as a dark horse made of swirling smoking and flaming red eyes, jumped out of Mina's chest like a mad beast as it frothed at the mouth.

Though Conalai's attention was drawn away from it momentarily when he saw Mina suddenly awake with a gasp.

See! I told you, nobody messes with my wife, Phoenix said once he opened his eyes and continued to hold onto Raven.

Raven also opened her eyes, looking exhausted, vulnerable and beat down, all of which caused Conalai to feel terrible, despite the fact that he never regretted his decision in calling her in to safe Mina.

A noise drew Conalai's attention back to the Night Mare who was taking the shape of a man. A term he really used loosely, since the monster in front of him was not a man at all in Conalai's opinion. No, he was vile wretched being whom Conalai had attempted to finish off many times before, though somehow the man had always managed to slip Death's icy grip by becoming a fine mist and disappearing like the coward he was.

Eogan, Conalai hissed as he stood up, itching to tear this man limb from limb for all that he had done to Mina only moments before.

"Damnú air! I'll kill you Conalai and your lovely little wife too. Well, after I have some fun with her of course."

Conalai felt his rage surge up within him at the threat of Mina being raped and he lunged at Eogan, letting lose all his fury.

Conalai continued to pummel the man until Wulf suddenly bodily dragged him off of Eogan.

"Let me go, let