The Cost of Betrayal

Chapter Twentyfive

The students stepped off the plane and took in their surroundings. They were surprised by the differences the air was different than home, they could hear the ocean in the distance. It was still warm but seemed more stifling. Stefan suppressed his amusement at the murmurs of "wow," and "Holy Hecate."

"Class!" The headmistress called, instantly silencing the students, "We will be making our way to the hotel now. Remember that you are representing not only your families," she eyed the most influential students, her stern gaze landing solidly on Chastity. Her family had a great amount of influence, not to mention money, on the entire coven. "But your school as well." Her gaze traveled to Maura and softened. She knew that Maura would be exemplary when it came to this trip.

Birsha noticed how the headmistress looked at both Chastity and Maura, and he could see that something was going on. He could sense it. The headmistress's actions made the wheels turn in his mind.

The headmistress's stern gaze landed on Birsha, "And Mr. Birsha, I assume you will also be on your best behavior?" She knew that he had something to do with Micheal's disappearance and the changes that have happened with Chastity. If she were honest with herself, she had a feeling he was also connected to Joey's death, but that would be near impossible to prove right now.

Birsha's eyes widened in feigned innocence, "Of course," he assured her.

She nodded, seemingly satisfied with the responses she got, "Very well, class let's move on to the hotel." She pointed toward the bus. Once boarded, she addressed the class again, "As a reminder, this is a tourist area, and there are going to be non-supernatural amongst us. So no magic." Her finger wagged in a stern warning.

A chorus of, "Yes, Headmistress," filled the air.

The bus rumbled down the street and the teens looked out their windows curiously. Their own school and coven being tucked so deep into the dry area near Jade Oasis they were enthralled with the differences. As they passed the boardwalk and could see glimpses of the ocean, one of the students asked, "Are there really mermaids out there?"

At the mention of the mermaids, Birsha, who had buried his nose in a book, peeked up briefly and listened carefully.

Stefan nodded, "Yes, there will be mermaids in the ocean. Let this be your only warning, they can and will, protect their territory. Do not attempt to take anything, from the sea. They are keen to trades, but be wary."

The gasps of surprise from the students filled the bus. The bus driver chuckled, "They aren't that bad," he corrected. "Just be polite and ask nicely. The shells that are on the beach are gifts they throw out to the visitors."

Stefan c****d his head to the side and looked at the bus driver curiously, he could swear he knew that voice. "If you say so, but kids, remember, we are guests here and our customs are most certainly different."

The bus driver spoke again, this time to Stefan, "Be sure to check out the little cafe on the boardwalk. The owner would love to see all these kids. I know it."

Stefan nodded, "Of course. Will it fit all of them?"

The bus driver laughed, "You know it will."

Stefan smiled at the thought of the whole class in a cafe. He imagined it would be like watching the clowns flow out of the car at the circus.

Birsha was seated closely behind Stefan and the bus driver, he listened intently, trying to glean any ideas about this trip he could. Chastity was eyeing Maura caustically, she wanted nothing more than to get rid of her competition. Maura was doing her best to tuck into her seat and not let her mind continually take her back to that night. She wished she knew what had come over both Joey and Micheal. At the thought of him, she looked around nervously, she didn't want him near her. It was then that it dawned on her that the subject of her consternation was not on the bus.

***********

"I have to find it," the voice grumbled, their gnarly hands scraping the dead leaves and dry dirt. "It has to be here." Their actions were becoming frantic. "It's been too long. I must find it!" Their voice was hoarse, but the desperation was there. "I need to find it." Suddenly the wind blew and a slight shimmer of gold appeared before their eyes. "Hahahaha, YES!" They cried triumphantly. They lifted the necklace from the dirt and grasped it tightly. "He'll be so happy with me! I have done it!" He thrust the thin, gold chain and charm into his pocket.

A female was walking along the path when she heard the rustling, "Who's there?" she called out.

A thought filled the creature, "I will make her mine," he thought. He stepped out, "Please," he did his best to look innocent and injured. He limped towards her, easing her into a false sense of security.

The young lady narrowed her eyes, "Who are you?" She could swear that this person looked vaguely familiar.

He refused to answer her, he just pleaded to her with his eyes, "Please." He outstretched his worn hand, attempting to look weaker than he knew he was.

She stepped forward, she couldn't let whoever this was, suffer. He looked as if he were injured, she eyed his outstretched hand and felt terrible for him as it trembled slightly.

"What's your name?" He asked, he was thrilled his plan was working.

"Aggie," she said.

The worn creature smiled, how fitting they thought, simple, pure, friendly, innocent. He tried to place her in his mind. She really was pretty, and he really wanted her. The only thing that caused him to pause, was what would Master think? Would Master be angry? He shook that thought from his head. He could hide her, he has managed to hide from everyone looking for him, including Master. He would finish his task and he would leave. His friend was dead and that slut Chastity was hanging all over Master as if he would ever love her.

"Come with me," she beckoned.

He shook his head, "I can't. I have to finish my task."

Aggie looked at him worriedly, "But you're injured."

She could swear she knew this poor creature, but he looked so different. He shook his head, at her, " I have to finish, he insists."

"Who?"

Micheal couldn't say, the blood contract wouldn't let his name fall from his lips. "I can't stay, but please," he pleaded.

Aggie bit her lip, "I'll help you," she promised.

"AGGIE!" the teacher called out. "What are you doing over there?"

Aggie turned to speak to the creature again, but it was gone. "I'll be back after class," she promised to the air.

Micheal smiled from his hiding place, thrilled that he had a new friend, and possibly a mate. He snapped his fingers and disappeared completely. He had to get this to Master.

**************

Birsha stepped into the hotel room he was sharing with two other boys and smiled. This was nice, he had never experienced this before. He was about to lay his claim on one of the beds when there was a sharp knock on the door. He opened it to find the history teacher, "Be ready to leave in thirty minutes. We will be going to the cafe for lunch and then the museum." His orders were not requests and the boys knew it.

Stefan walked to the next door and sniffed the air slightly, he could swear he could smell the distinct scent of sulfur. He shook his head, he hoped they weren't too late.