The lavender and blue flames of Azure Rose Keep danced in the fireplace as Alex sat on the rug before it staring, but not seeing. Since coming back from the inn, Alex had been sitting there, thinking. He had been talking about his family, and he began feel a longing. He missed them so very much. Most of his siblings had taken mates of their own. His parents kept reminding him that his destiny lay here, not with the others. He only wished they would tell him what that was, but when he would ask they would tell him that they didn't know exactally and it would reveal itself when the time was right. In his lap were his mothers dragon forged machetes. A tear ran down his cheek as he remembered the last time she used them. That was also when he lost Ivana... and his sight.

He, Ivana and Kett had planned their day, althought the plans they made were not the plans that their mother, Mary had.

"Come on. She's busy." He whispered to his sisters.

"But Alex," Kett asked unsure about this expidition. "Do you think we should?"

"Look Kett," Ivana spoke up. "Kat and Nik showed me and Alex how to get there and back. Marta never went though. Always had her nose in a book. Too cautious she is." Ivana had a habit of rambling. "Anyway, nothing will happen."

"But if nothing will happen, then why did Mama say we can't go there? And why does she fear it so?"

"Geesh Kett, don't ask so many questions. If you're too much of a fraidy cat to come with us..." Ivana dared her sister.

"Would you two quit bickering and let's get going while Mama's distracted!" Alex growled as he heads towards a door of sorts. A door that was usually guarded by Azure. It glowed omniously as they approached. Alex pulled forth a key from his shirt and inserted it into the mouth of the knob. The groaned as if it were alive. It took all three of them to open it. They spoke not a word as they entered and started down the stairs. Stairs that led into the Abyss... into Hell itself.

As they descend deeper, the vile creatures of the deep tease them, but don't bother them. They all have one question on their mind. How could their mother ever have lived here.

"Alex, Ivana?" Kett's voice quivered as she spoke. "Don't you think we should stop now? We shouldn't go too deep." Before either of them could answer there came forth around them a deep and eerie laugh. A laugh that sent chills through the cubs. Now huddled together, they look around frantically. Kett lets out a gasp as she makes contact with two red orbs in the shadows. Unable to speak, she nudges the others and points.

"Well, well." A low rough voice speaks. "What have we here. Three nosey cubs."

"You wait till our Mama finds out. You'll be sorry!" Kett hisses.

"Oh, I'm counting on her finding out little one. Too long has she been gone from her true home." Before they could retort, the girls vanish.

"Hey now, you give me my sisters back!" Alex stood fists ready. A massive arm reaches out and grabs the cub by the hair dangling him off the ground. Alex swings frantically at the thing holding him. Maniacle laughter echos in the cave as the thing steps out of the shadows and into view. The cub freezes with fear. He opens his mouth but nothing comes out.

In the keep, Mary on her way to the gardens freezes. Something was wrong. She didn't know what, but it was yanking at her very soul. She drops her basket and runs through the keep screaming for the three cubs. "Alexandir! Ivana! Kettlingur!" Not knowing why, she grabs up the newest cubs and hides them in her bed chambers. As she comes out, a sickening feeling overcomes her just before the room begins to violently shake. "What the hell..."

"You got that part right babe." A voice she knew well bursts forth. The floor opens up as the hideous form rises. In his hand dangles the limp body of Alex. Mary gasped. A new found hatred takes over.

"Cambione, you son of a..." Gritting her teeth. "Where are my daughters?"

"Now, now Mary. Is that any way to greet a lover?"

Mary nearly wretched at the sound of his voice and his words. Her eyes never leave her son. "Just want do you want?"

"What I've always wanted Mary. You."

"Never again Cam. You hear me. NEVER!"

"Here's the deal my beloved. I keep your two lovely female cubs, call it a replacement for Betsy, or I get you. I will not accept your answer now." He moves towards her and tossing Alex aside he grabs Mary and pulls her to him. Leaning closer, he licks her cheek with his forked tongue. "When I come back my beloved, I will expect your answer and it better be the right one."

Before she could protest, the demon being was gone. Mary ran to Alex and cradled him in her arms, rocking him gently. For one she didn't know what to do. Hot tears stream down her face as she rears back her head and lets out a primal roar. A roar that she knew would reach the ears of her mate. She screams his name. "GATO!"