Where Secrets Lie

Alyssa and Logan returned to the manor and she ran in with a grin from ear to ear. She couldn't wait to see Kara after so long. Every door banged against the wall as Alyssa burst through searching for her sister. "Kara?" she blurted out as she entered the last bedroom but it was empty. She turned to Logan, her smile no longer there, "Where is she?" She threw her hands up in frustration, "Where is everyone?"

"I don't know," said Logan, while heading towards the window after hearing faint voices. He glanced through the glass, his eyes squinting to filter out the sun spilling into the room. "What the hell?" Logan seized Alyssa's hand as he exited the bedroom.

They arrived in the backyard and the scene wasn't what they expected. The hollow wooden clunk of bowstaffs filled the air as people sparred with one another. A man ran past them dripping in sweat, using his shirt to wipe the perspiration from his brows. Alyssa stared at him, watching the salty sweat drip between the ridges of his abs.

"AHEM," Logan cleared his throat loudly to get Alyssa's attention.

Her eyes snapped to his and she couldn't help but let out a little chuckle, "Who's the jealous one now?" she asked, playfully pushing him.

"Alyssa!" Kara's voice called from the distance.

Alyssa looked toward the horizon and spotted a figure running towards her. She raised her hand to block the sun, "Kara!" she shouted and ran to embrace her. "I'm so sorry I bit you." She squeezed Kara tightly.

"Don't worry about it." Kara swiped the hair out of her sister's face to get a good look at her, "Welcome home."

Logan stepped up, his arms wide open to hug Kara. She cocked her arm back and let her fist fly directly into his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Logan hunched over desperately trying to catch his breath, "What was that for?" he asked, straightening up.

"A week?! An entire week of keeping me away from her, without any kind of updates!" Kara yelled.

"I told you she was going to be angry," Alyssa said.

Logan let out a cough as he rubbed his chest, "Sorry. There isn't a How to Teach Your Once Dead Girlfriend, Who's No Longer Dead, but Now A Vampire Turned By Your Evil Uncle, Feed Guide'."

They all let out a chuckle as Logan wasn't one to make jokes. This was a unique situation for sure. Kara wrapped her arms around Logan's shoulders. "I had a week to get over it. Welcome back," she said beaming. "Next time, I expect updates," she said wagging her finger.

"Noted," Logan smiled, "A week isn't enough to fully teach her but she got the basics down, for now."

"Good. Thank you for helping her."

"My pleasure," he responded.

Kara took her sister by the hand, "Come, let's talk."

"Glad you're back," Michael pulled in his best friend for a tight hug. "While you and Alyssa were gone, the vampires from the Caswell clan found out what was going on and wanted to help. Eighteen people have joined, including servants. They all said that Elijah is planning something huge. So huge that he's recruiting a dozen witches."

"A dozen witches!" Logan exclaimed. "For what?!"

"Not a clue," Michael said. "But whatever it is, we'll ready for them."

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Kara and Alyssa slipped off their shoes as soon as they hit the seashore. Kara spent much of her time on the private beach to destress. They sat along the shore, sinking their feet into the sand. "God, I've missed you," said Kara, her eyes not once leaving Alyssa.

"You're still staring," Alyssa said, gathering the hair behind her ear.

"I'm sorry. It's just hard to believe that you're here."

"You keep saying that," Alyssa said with a grin.

"It's the truth. I don't even know where to start. So much has happened." Kara's smile started to fade.

"I hate Elijah for what he's doing but he's the reason I found my way back to you. He saved my life and gave us another chance."

Kara looked out to the blue water, "I'm still not sure if it's a blessing or a curse."

Alyssa unfolded her legs to lean back. She looked up at the clouds slowly passing by, "I know what you mean. Being a vampire is so different." She looked to Kara, "I guess we have that in common."

"Can you believe it? Me...half-vampire."

Alyssa bumped her shoulder against Kara, "I can't believe we didn't figure it out." They shared a laugh then her grin expanded. "Oh my gosh! I completely forgot. Let me see it."

"See what?" asked Kara

"Your engagement ring!" Alyssa shook her hands impatiently.

Kara blushed and showed her the enormous white diamond ring that she wore on her finger. Her blush deepened while Alyssa gushed over it.

"It's beautiful, Kara. I'm so happy for you."

"Kara! Alyssa!" The sound of waves crashed behind them as they turned around. Hannah ran toward them, waving her arms for them to come. "We have news. Come on."

Alyssa bent down to retrieve her shoes, "Yeah, when did that happen?" she asked, pointing at Hannah.

"It's a long story," Kara said as they sauntered back to the house.

When they entered the living room, they spotted everyone surrounding a woman sitting on the couch.

"What's going on?" asked Kara.

"Go ahead, tell them what you told me," encouraged Hannah.

The young girl looked down at her hands, avoiding everyone's eyes. "I heard that Elijah is opening up something called Yomi."

"What is Yomi? Kara looked around at the faces surrounding her for the answer.

Alex stepped forward, an ominous tone to his voice, "Something that we should all fear."