Eva fully dressed, headed downstairs to find her father. As she passed the dining room, she could hear Mrs Bates humming to herself as she put the finishing touches to the dinner table for their evening meal.

She stood silently watching her from the door. Lavender, comforting and warm flooded her nose. She loved Mrs Bates and often imagined she was her grandmother—or what one should look like. Although their relationship hadn't started that way. Mrs Bates had been employed by her father as her governess and had been very strict to begin with. Often threatening Evangeline with a 'tanning to her behind' if she didn't listen and do as she was told. Eva smiled at the memory and the many pranks she had played on poor Mrs Bates over the years. Happy Times.

On the milestone of her teenage years, her father had asked Mrs Bates to remain with them and run the household. To which she had happily accepted as she had no family of her own to return to. In fact, Eva couldn't recall a time where Mrs Bates spoke of a husband or children. "Hey Mrs B, dinner smells great!" She smiled warmly as she strode towards the table with a purpose in mind as she spied the fresh bread rolls.

Mrs Bates looked up over her small black spectacles. "Ah, there you are, my dear. I was just thinking about you. I've cooked your father's favorite whilst he's been away on business. He will have missed my home-cooked meals." She shuffled around the table and pulled Eva into a motherly hug.

Eva returned the hug as lavender hit the back of her throat. Mrs Bates was always so warm, cuddly almost. A formal white blouse, buttoned to the top and a dark grey skirt with thick black tights swamped her round frame. She had never seen Mrs Bates wear anything different - Ever!

Mrs Bates pulled back and rubbed her hands up and down Eva's arms before she stopped and inspected her face. "Oh, my good gracious. What have you done to your pretty face?" She pushed her glasses higher up her nose and leaned in closer to take a better look.

A gleam flashed through Eva's eyes as she lifted her chin and pushed her shoulders back an inch. "They're battle scars Mrs B."

Her nostrils flared, eyeing Eva with a fixed glare. "Young ones... especially young ladies shouldn't be in battle, getting themselves all bloody and messy. How do you ever expect to find a husband, if you keep going around getting yourself in trouble?"

"Husband? Ha! Really Mrs B? Father won't even allow me to have a boyfriend, so I don't think a husband is on the horizon in the next twenty years." Eva huffed, rolling her eyes. Husband... that's too funny.

"And don't worry so much Mrs B, in a few days they will be healed and Kara has already lectured me." She reached towards the table and picked up a bread roll.

"Ouch!" the slap to her hand caught her by surprise. "Mrs B... what-?"

"Don't you roll your eyes at me Evangeline. You're never too old to go over my knee... you remember that." She plucked the bread roll from Eva's hand. "And this," she held up the bread roll as if to inspect it. "Will ruin your appetite."

Eva's mouth dropped open as she rubbed her hand. "Awe... I'm starving Mrs B... just one... c'mon?" Jesus christ, she can be so mean!

A resigned sigh, filled the air as Mrs Bates shook her head. "Fine... Just one," she held out the bread roll for her to take. "And make sure you do put some cream on those scratches, this one." She dabbed her face, "looks red and sore." She paused for a few seconds more, lost deep in thought.

Nag, nag, nag. "Yeah, I know. Kara said she will leave some of her magic healing cream for me to apply before bed." Eva looked towards the table again as she popped a piece of bread roll into her mouth. "Where's my father?"

"Don't talk with your mouth full dear, and I don't know where he is, have you checked upstairs or in the lounge or his study, perhaps? I heard him come in, but I was busy in the kitchen."

"Thanks, Mrs B. I will track him down." She turned and left Mrs Bates to her duties.

>>

Her father had been away for over a week and she'd missed him terribly. She thought back over the last few months, he hardly spent more than a week at home. He was always rushing off and dealing with business, business he would never discuss with her. When she was much younger. He would often take her with him, travelling all over the world and she had loved every minute. But that had changed when she reached sixteen.

Unable to find him upstairs, she headed towards the study. Popping the last piece of bread roll into her mouth, she approached the door. About to knock, she stopped as she heard voices from inside his study.

That's weird. Father never said he would be bringing anybody home with him.

She lent in closer to hear her name mentioned in their conversation.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood to attention as she chewed the inside of her cheek. There was no justifiable reason she should be nervous. Turning her head, she pressed her ear up against the hardwood door.

Eva didn't recognise the stranger's voice, but his accent suggested he was from England. Her father's voice however was easily recognisable with his slight southern accent.

Daevan paced his office, running his hand through his hair. Time was racing ahead, out of his control. And now with this added complication, he felt cornered, caged.

"Are you sure he got a message out before you killed him?" the stranger asked.

Daevan stopped dead before he strode with intent over to his study table and poured a whisky for himself and his friend, Haron, whom he had known for longer than he could remember. They were more like brothers, closer than he and his actual brother had ever been. He was also the only other person who had known of his relationship with Sophia. "Yes, Haron. I knew I should never have trusted him." Gripping the glass tightly, he went on "I fucking hate Incubus's, lying bastards the lot of them. I'd fucking rid the world of the lot of them."

"You didn't tell him what it was for?" He watched Daevan's reaction carefully.

"No, but maybe he'd been talking to somebody or perhaps he used that stupid fucking pea size brain of his... which would have been a first. Incubus's usually only think with their dicks." Anger bubbled, as he held out the drink for his friend.

"Do you know who he was talking too?" asked Haron, accepting the drink.

Daevan shook his head, frustration etched in the deep lines of his brow, mouth in a straight grim line. He rubbed his hand across his forehead. "I don't know. If I did, then I would have killed them already. But they were talking about the next meeting... which I assume is the Conclave."

Haron inhaled the deep rich flavour of the whisky savouring its spicy peated scent before he took a sip. "You can't keep killing demons Daevan." And it's against the law! "It raises suspicion and as I'm sure you already know his brother is on the council. You need to think of some rational explanation and that means..."

Daevan interrupted. "Yes Haron. I fucking know what it means." He grit his teeth as the hairs on the nape of his neck stiffened at the path that now faced him. "I will have to present her at the next Conclave." Daevan slammed his glass down on the table "I will have no fucking choice." He growled under his breath.

Haron inwardly sighed as he took tentative steps towards his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You knew this day would come old friend." He couldn't hide the sadness he felt for his oldest friend.

Daevan closed his eyes for a moment before he turned his gaze to Haron. His heart ached at the thought of presenting his daughter to the council. "I don't know what the fuck I'm supposed to do Haron." His eyes fell to the floor, his tone low as he continued. "I've travelled the world over, and I still can't find the answers I need. I just want to get her to her next birthday; I've kept her safe this long. I've kept my promise."

Haron's eyes widened. "I know brother, I know." A thought crossed Haron's mind. "He gave you the item you required before you dispatched his soul?"

Daevan stood and marched around his desk to open the drawer to pull out a long slim box. He slowly lifted the lid as Haron came to stand at his side. "Only one more to find now."

Haron placed his glass on the table and lifted the blade from the box. Tilting it from left to right he examined the strange markings; its power vibrated through his hands. "Beautiful, aren't they?"

Daevan shrugged his shoulders, grumbling, but didn't answer as he reached for his empty glass and poured himself another shot of whisky. "I will give it to Martha, along with the others."

Eva remained still, outside her father's study door. She almost couldn't hear the conversation between her father and his friend over the sound of her own heartbeat, echoing loudly in her ears.

Why would he kill somebody? And who is he keeping me safe from?

She had always known she was born to be a vessel, for either demon or angel. And the very idea of being controlled by something or someone else used to give her nightmares. But her father had promised he would do all that he could to stop that from happening. She pressed her ear closer to the door as she continued to listen to their conversation.

Haron placed the sacred blade back in its box and closed the lid. "Well, it seems fate has dealt us a shitty hand my friend. You must talk to her and then you must come up with a plan... fast."

Daven emptied his glass of whisky, unable to take any comfort from the taste as he pinched the bridge of his nose, a heavy weight crushed his lungs. "I know, I know. I will talk to her... soon."

"Well, make sure it's soon, you can't put it off any longer. You haven't prepared her for any of this life. And what Martha did has served you well. But I honestly don't know how we will explain it. And what about the mark Daevan? Hers is different, you know this to be true."

Frustration bubbled as the vein in his temple throbbed. "You don't have to remind me, I was hoping..." He threw his empty glass at the wall.

Shit! Eva jumped from the door as she heard the smashing of glass. A cold sensation prickled her skin. Her father never lost his temper. He was always so calm, in control.

And who is Martha? And what mark was he referring too? I don't have a mark. She lifted her head and inspected her hands then her arms, expecting to see something she perhaps hadn't noticed before.

Back inside the study Haron could feel his friend's desperation wash through him. "Well, we can never give up hope, Brother. I will keep looking, we have over six months left and I'm in London after the next Conclave meeting. There is an old friend of mine who has studied this for centuries. He may have something new for me." He watched Daevan, desperation burned through his weary eyes. "Well, I must take my leave."

Eva jumped back from the door as she heard footsteps coming towards her. Her father and the stranger were heading towards the door; she couldn't let him catch her eavesdropping. Quickly jumping to the side, she hid behind a tall cabinet.

The door opened. "Thank you old friend. You can tell the Conclave to expect us."

"Till next week," he bowed his head towards Daevan.

Eva peaked around the cabinet, but remained in the shadows, she wanted to see the face of the stranger. He was tall, head and shoulders above her father, who was also tall. His long red hair tied back with a black ribbon, something else she had never seen - well not in this century.

Who wore Ribbons? she thought.

As she continued to study him, he vanished, right in front of her. Gone! There one second and gone the next, disappearing into thin air.

What the? Did he just teleport? Eva had heard that demons could do this, teleport or whatever they called it. But she had never seen it. Even her father had never done this in front of her.

She remained in the shadows pushing her back flat against the wall as she held her breath. Seconds passed as she waited for her father to return to his study. Finally, the door closed, as she released her breath.

Breathe be calm. Breathe, act normal. Her fingers curled into a fist.

Relax! She knocked on the door.

"Enter." Daevan watched his daughter enter his study. Every time he saw her, she reminded him so much of Sophia, automatically his chest tightened. Not a day passed that he didn't think of her and what they had shared or a night that he didn't dream of her.

He pushed down his aching loss and smiled. "Evangeline, my beautiful daughter. Come and hug your old father."

Eva cocked a brow as she strolled towards him. "Really Father, you're not old, you don't look a day over twenty-five."

She was right, He had occupied this vessel for almost twenty years and it still looked in its early twenties. His life-force would keep it young and strong for many years, unless he used his demonic abilities.

"And you can believe this Father, if I had any friends to speak of, they would consider you a DILF!" she giggled and blushed simultaneously.

Daevan furrowed his brow "A what?"

"Nothing Father, it's just something I'm reading, a book, and you reminded me of the main character."

He nodded his head, still with no understanding "Ah... okay. Well, have you missed me sweetheart?"

Eva stepped closer and hugged him, as his large comforting arms wrapped around her. She pushed the conversation he had moments ago with the stranger to the back of her thoughts, pondering if she should talk to Kara about it. "Always, Father. I hope you're staying more than a few days this time."

She wouldn't see the look of worry that crossed his face or the pain in his eyes. "I won't be going anywhere for two weeks." He held her tightly against him for a few moments more. "Now let's head to dinner and you can fill me in on your week." He traced his finger across her cheek. "I've missed you."

As they sat down to eat dinner. Eva told him about her week. Daevan listened intently, momentarily pushing his worries to one side. "Huh, so that's how you got all those scratches on that beautiful face of yours?"

Eva touched her face. "Yeah, but you would have been proud of me. I did this cool move Seb taught me and bam! I caught Christian off guard and now he's sporting a fat lip and perhaps a dented ego." Her smile almost stretched from ear to ear. What she failed to declare was the fact that he'd shifted on top of her, knowing he would have an aneurism and probably tear Christian in half. Her cheeks flushed at the memory.

Daevan felt a swell of pride, as he reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. Sophia would have been so proud of her. "Sounds like I won't have to worry about any boys ever taking advantage of you." He looked at her watching him, eyes wide and bright. He continued. "But... I'm afraid you can't train for the next week with either of the boys, not until after..." his tone was dry as he paused.

Shit! "Why Father?" The conversation with the stranger came to the forefront of her mind as she watched him stiffen and straighten his back.

Daevan withdrew his hand, moving his plate forward he placed his hands flat on the table and cleared his throat. "Next week, it requires you to attend your first Conclave meeting, a presentation ceremony of sorts."

The conversation bounced through her thoughts. You have to prepare her, the mark, hers is different. Eva knew her eyes were open to wide and her mouth felt dry as something cold passed over her. "Do I have to Father; do I really have to go?" Please Father, you promised me.

Daevan lowered his eyes, a suffocating tightness clawed his throat. He hadn't felt this tightness since the day she was born... an invisible noose... Forcing his eyes up, he took hold of her hand again.

A pain shot through him like an arrow through his chest. Fear stared back at him.

Lie, just lie... be a fucking coward. "It doesn't mean that you will automatically become a vessel Evangeline, it's just a formality, one that we cannot avoid any longer." He swallowed as the bitterness burned.

A cold sweat broke over her back as she felt the tension in his grip of her hand. She had never witnessed her father unsure, on edge. She wanted to ask more, but the words died on her lips. The silence stretched out before Eva broke it. "I still don't understand why I can't train Father?"

His lips tight, he forced a smile. "Because of this," running his fingers in circles around her face. "You can't go looking like you got into a fight, this is a big moment in your life. You need to look your best." His stomach churned.

She groaned. "Oh, please don't tell me I have to wear a dress?" The idea of meeting new people, being presented and wearing a dress was a nightmare come true.

"Yes, and it will need to be white, I shall instruct Mrs Bates to organize."

Eva curled her lip. Oh joy, a dress and people staring at my eyes, bloody great!

"And you can have your hair and makeup done professionally, everybody will see how beautiful my daughter is."

Eva blushed "Father, stop it. You're embarrassing me and please don't announce me as your beautiful daughter next week. You have to be chill Father, so everybody will like me." Will they like me...what if they don't?

Daevan furrowed his brow tightening his lips. "You are exquisite Evangeline; you remind me every day of your mother and she was the most beautiful being I had ever had the privilege to set eyes upon."

The temperature in the room dropped as she watched her father's face change, downcast as his eyes drifted off, seemingly lost in thought - reminiscing, she wondered? It was always the same when he mentioned her mother. She knew he missed her.

"I wish I could have known her." It saddened Eva that she didn't even have a picture of her own mother. She was so often curious to learn more about her, but her father had refused to tell her. Only ever stating she was a normal everyday human with the purest heart and soul he had ever known. And that she had died shortly after giving birth to her, but not before naming her.

Daevan snapped back to the present and ran his finger down her cheek. "Yes, me too sweetheart, more than you know, me too."

"Father," Eva bit down on her lip pushing down the swell of nerves in her tummy.

"Yes, sweetheart."

"Will there be other vessels like me there, being presented for the first time?"

"Possibly, yes." He could at least answer that question honestly.

"Will there be angels and demons there also?" she asked, genuinely interested and fascinated by the thought of meeting more... especially an angel.

"Not without their vessels, it is rare to see them in their non-corporeal form."

Curiosity burst through her chests, he had never been this open with her before, questions flew through her mind. "Father, how did you choose your vessel?"

Daevan thought for a moment, this had been his vessel for nearly twenty years. He had selected this vessel from the Vagor family as he had done many times before. They had prepared his vessel for this life and it submitted without question. "You just know, it just feels right. Again, it's different for others. Some choose because of looks, others prefer a certain family, but it's the law that we only take from those marked, unless something unavoidable happens."

Eva fell quiet. She didn't think she was anything special to look at, an earlier conversation with Sebastian played in her mind. "Father, you said I still might not be chosen?"

He nodded his head. "Yes, that's correct sweetheart. Some vessels go their whole lives without ever being occupied." If I have my way, it will never happen to you.

"Sebastian told me that if anybody was interested in me, to be their vessel I mean. Then I would have known it by now. They would have visited me in dreams."

Fucking shifters, spouting their mouths off. "Well I wouldn't believe everything you hear or take much stock from a shifter. And there is also the problem..." A glimmer of humour flashed through his eyes.

"What?" she asked.

"Well sweetheart, you sleep like the dead. So, I think it's safe to say you probably wouldn't have noticed something visit you."

Eva's mouth formed a perfect O. "That's so not true father. I'm a light sleeper."

"And you snore sweetheart." Daevan produced and exaggerated snore for effect.

Eva huffed loudly before her whole face brightened and a laugh escaped. "Hey! No I don't, take that back, right this minute."

Daevan laughed as his daughter cheekily slapped his arm. He loved these moments between them. And would happily give everything he had to listen to her laugh for the rest of his life as it ruined him in the best of ways. But sadly, he was acutely aware it couldn't last forever. "Sweetheart. It is true that angels do visit their prospective vessels. But I don't want you to worry about it. And if I have anything to say about it, then you will never be chosen to be anybody's vessel. And you can live a happy normal human life."

Oh god... yes please. Eva liked the sound of being normal and then maybe her father would let her date or even dare she think it... a boyfriend?

"Father?" Eva paused for a brief second, before she pushed some hair behind her ear and bit down on her lip, unsure if she should ask him the next question.

"Yes sweetheart?"

"Do y-. Do you ever feel guilty for taking a vessel?" Eva watched for any sign of upset in his eyes. She dreaded becoming a vessel to someone or something. Having no control over her life, a bystander almost was terrifying.

Fuck! Daevan held her gaze, if truth he told he had never given it a second thought, this was simply the way it was. "It's the way it is Evangeline, the way it's always been. They feel no pain."

Eva's knee bounced beneath the table. "D- do they feel anything Father?"

Daevan shifted uncomfortably in his seat as his face remained neutral of emotion. It wasn't the first time the realization hit him, his daughter would be terrified and rightly so. Being a vessel equaled loss of freedom.

She deserves to know the truth. "I guess the best way to describe it... would be like a long sleep." His stomach churned. "I will sometimes release their souls to move on, if I keep the vessel for many years. It's a kindness, I suppose."

The burning sensation of bile scratched her throat. "I don't want to be anyone's vessel Father, I want to have total control over my life, I want to live my life."

Daevan sighed, rubbing his hand across his face. "Tomorrow we will talk more about the Conclave and what will happen and what you will need to do... okay? But I don't want you to worry about it. I made you and your mother a promise the day you were born, and I will do everything within my power to make sure you don't become anyone's vessel." Or destroy the world.

Eva slowly nodded her head. "Yes Father."

Daevan rose from his chair, dropping his napkin on the table. "Now, I have something I need to attend too."

Her stomach dropped, disappointed at not being able to spend longer with him. "Sure, no problem. I have plans anyway. I have a prank to play on Christian."

He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Sounds fun, but nothing dangerous I hope?" he raised a questioning eyebrow.

She shook her head. "No Father, don't worry, nothing dangerous. Promise" Eva had her fingers crossed the whole time hoping he wouldn't sense her lie.