"This is a matter for Salem," One of the other witches said, not pleased to see so many people at the meeting concerning a witch and her status.

"You know this matter concerns us all," Cornelius replied, "So I suggest you get used to the players here and negotiate in good faith."

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"We will, my lord," Florence said, stepping in on behalf of her friend.

"As her sister, this is my decision." Alyssa added, "Not yours."

"We know dear," Mrs. Goldman a.s.sured her, "Our sisters are just worried about Diane's safety as people and other species are antsy when a new heavenly aura comes into the world."

"How rare is that kind of aura?" Alyssa asked.

"There hasn't been one in a few decades," Cornelius answered.

"In other words," Gabriel added, "It's been a while."

"I wouldn't worry about security that much," Cornelius continued, "Have you seen the guardians here? She's pretty much the safest human on the planet."

"We understand," Florence said, "But we worry about other creatures."

"Such as you blood suckers!" the other witch spat out.

"That's enough!" Florence chided back to her colleague. "The Dark Prince is not to be spoken to that way. Show respect or you will be dismissed from the gathering!"

"We may be blood suckers," Gabriel said, "But we are not dumb enough to want to go near a witch. We're actually old enough to remember what happens when a vampire feeds off a witch, especially one with a heavenly aura. I can a.s.sure you that neither of us want to see that happen again."

"That is accurate," Cornelius said, "We do not."

"The undead isn't an issue either," Mrs. Goldman added, "The cauldron will keep them at bay. Anything else would be no issue for the guardians."

"So what are you suggesting, sister?" Florence asked Mrs. Goldman.

"I purpose she stay here," The old woman answered, "I will be here to protect and train her. Her mother and I were very close, and I know she would have wanted it this way. If something were to change, we can always come to Salem at a later time. But this is the only home Diane has ever known, and as long as it's still safe, there's no reason she can't remain here under the care of her sister, and myself of course."

"And what say you?" Florence asked Cornelius.

"I'm fairly comfortable with the idea," The Dark Prince replied, "And the council would be wise to accept my recommendation. With my brother here to back up the guardians, I am confident no harm shall come to the young witch. That will please the council too knowing one of us is around to keep an eye out and a.s.sist."

"Your brother also has a gentle reputation," Florence added, "We are alright with him staying behind to watch but no one else."

"I won't take that personally," Cornelius said, with a snicker. "I am actually here to do business for the council. If you can help me with the answers I seek through private consultation, then I shall head back to Europe when you leave."

"I shall do what I can to help you, my Lord." Florence said, "I will have to consult the witches in Salem about this, but I have a feeling they will accept my recommendation which is to let the child stay here and continue training."

"No!" the other witch cried, "We should take her back to Salem!"

"Good luck," Gabriel said, "The guardians here are all loyal to her. You won't get out of the town alive. Even if you mange to, both my brother and I will be next. This is the decision. Respect it and leave this town in peace."

Mrs. Goldman and Alyssa watched in stunned silence as the witched took their leave and stormed out of the cauldron room. This wasn't the result she had expected, but was happy to see it happen none the less. Alyssa turned to face the man who had surprised her the most, which was the Dark Prince.

"Why?" Alyssa asked, "Why are you helping us?"

"Because I want to," Cornelius said, with a small grin. "This helps me as well, I can a.s.sure you. The intel I will gather from Florence and the old woman here about the undead will be more than enough to satisfy the council."

"I will help as much as I can, my lord." Mrs. Goldman confirmed.

"Much appreciated, dear." Cornelius said. "We will talk later before I depart, and with that I shall take my leave."

Cornelius started to walk away, and Gabriel followed him out and ran to catch up as he wanted to speak with his brother.

"Is it really that simple?" he asked.

"It can be, if you want it to be." Cornelius answered. "You must realize when you've been around as long as I have, the big picture is easier to see."

"So you're playing a long game?" Gabriel guessed.

"I am," Cornelius confirmed, "But I need you to trust me. I will not allow harm to come to any of your friends as long as you not interfere and do as I say. The same goes for you, dear brother. Unlike our other siblings, I like having you around."

"Really?" Gabriel said, rather surprised.

"Yes, really." Cornelius said, as he gave his brother a playful push. "Take care of yourself and these people. I will be around if I am needed, but I need to continue doing the council's business because our father isn't going to sleep forever."

"Aren't you worrying a bit much here?" Gabriel asked.

"He's already overdue," Cornelius explained. "Father is sleeping in, which means the council is living on burrowed time. I don't like the council, but it would be a waste to see them all impaled with large spikes."

"It might be amusing actually," Gabriel said, thinking about it.

"Perhaps," Cornelius conceded, "but I prefer to avoid it. That's why I am here looking for answers. The world cannot afford to have father up and cranky. It's the last thing this continent needs should he wake from his long slumber."

"What are you not telling me?" Gabriel asked.

"There's a lot I'm not telling you, brother." The Dark Lord answered, "But that doesn't mean I'm hiding from you. I need to keep details to myself or we risk things not going our way. My silence is a small price to be successful."

"I don't get it," Gabriel said, "How can you be so confident?"

"I will tell you when the time is right," his brother replied, "But for now you're going to have to trust me to do the right thing."

Gabriel watched as his brother left the building and with his coat was able to walk right out into the sunlight and not be harmed. Gabriel had to stay inside and wait and he kept thinking about what his brother had told him. He would have to trust him, but it was easier said than done.