• The chuckle from behind echoed in Ryder's mind. No, no, no! Not now! She couldn't handle anymore of this...this.....torture. It was like being cut in the same place, over and over again. Just as the wound healed and you felt better, someone came along and sliced it right open, causing an unbearable pain once more. Her whole life felt like this. Well, at least the beginning, and this horrible present.

    She shook her head. It couldn't be him. No one knew that she existed, save Phalen, her now untrustworthy grandmother, and the Court, who were always keeping tabs on her whereabouts. He couldn't possibly know that it was her. Ryder knew him. He wasn't that smart. But, she had underestimated him in the past, and look where that had gotten her.

    Looking back up at her father, she gave him a death glare. Since she couldn't speak to him mentally, facial expressions would have to work. Damn that binding spell......

    "Who's this? A new student? President, you know how I hate it when you don't introduce me to the cuties......" The voice said, closer this time. Ryder only stared at Phalen, eyes wide. He tried to keep a blank expression, and tried not to look alarmed.

    "Hello, Mr. Vale....I was just finishing up with our newcomer." Phalen told the man, walking past her. Ryder still kept her back to both men, hoping that he wouldn't see her face. If he did, she would be in a lot of trouble. Dead, even. Though, it would help her out if she was ended right there, but she wasn't ready. Not yet. She still had a few centuries left in her.....

    "Why? And not properly introduce me to her? What, is she shy? Don't worry, hun, I won't bite....." She heard another one of his sinister chuckles, and his cockiness made her fume. But, she could control herself. Had for as long as she could remember. Yet, she wanted to show her identity, and laugh in his face.

    Sighing, she turned around, facing him. Facing Rune. Rune Vale.

    It all happened so fast. Rune's eyes flashed a deep red, and then Ryder found herself gasping for breath as she was slammed against the wall. His knuckles grew white as he gripped the front of her shirt, holding her to the wall. His look of hate turned to a cold smile.

    "Well, hello Wisteria. Remember me, you little wretch? I thought you were dead.....This must be my lucky day..." He breathed into her face, making her turn away, disgusted. Since she couldn't use her powers, she was defenseless. He could snap her in two if he wished to.

    "Let go of me, Rune. Don't make me curse you, again." She spat, glaring right back at him.

    "Oh, that's right? I had almost forgotten that.......Almost fogotten how you sealed my soul in a mirror after I helped you rise to the top. I've waited a long time for this, Wisteria." He chuckled darkly, and she tried to wriggle from his grasp, but it was useless. Looking over his shoulder, she could see Phalen rummaging around for something. She knew exactly what it was. A mirror. Just like hers. If only she could reach hers......

    Yes, Phalen could transport her out of there, but then Rune would be able to find her from the traces left. The mirror would conceal her destination, but at the moment, neither of them could get a hold of one.....Damn the binding spell. She sighed, just about to give up.

    Wait! Binding spell......

    If she remembered correctly, the last time she had seen Rune, the day she sealed his soul away, she had also put a spell on him. That, if for any reason he escaped, which he would eventually, since she hadn't been that strong long ago, he wouldn't be able to harm her. The mark should still be on his neck.

    Thinking quickly, she lashed out and ripped his shirt, revealing a tiny bit of the mark she was looking for. Smiling, she knew she had him.

    "You're going to die, Wisteria."

    Shutting her eyes, she mumbled the three important words, saw a bright flash behind her eyelids, and then everything went black.