My dress was a soft pink which I have to say I would never have picked it out for myself, but it was beautiful. It was made of light cotton that hung loosely, but still showed off my figure. Natasha had purposely found dresses that weren't too low cut and for that I was thankful. This one stopped just passed my knees and my shoes were actually sandals made out of silver ribbons that wrapped over my feet in neat crisscross designs before moving around my ankles.

Nala meowed appreciatively as Aphrodite moved another piece of my hair back pinning it in place. She had it half back using a curling iron to create little ringlets to frame my face. She had done my eyes in a soft green and my lips were a natural color with a little extra shine.

"You know I could probably have done some of this myself," I said looking at myself in the mirror.

She smirked trying to restrain the laugh that was threatening to come out of her mouth. She shook her head, "Zoey, even if you could have done this yourself, can't you just let yourself be pampered for one night? I can tell your already feeling tired and you've just been sitting here. Imagine how you would feel trying to pull of this perfection," she said motioning to my ensemble.

I rolled my eyes as she finished my hair and turned to face her. She was absolutely breath taking as well. She had on a dark crimson mini dress that fit her frame snuggly, her long blonde hair falling gently over her shoulders. Her shoes were an elegant black slip-on that matched her purse. I looked up as light knocking sounded on my door.

"That would be our men," Aphrodite said smiling at me and I felt my heart leap in anticipation. "I'll get it," she said moving from the bathroom to get the door.

I followed her and felt myself grinning like an idiot when she opened the door to reveal both Stark and Darius standing dressed in suits made by the finest Italian designers. The Council had gone all out it appeared.

"My lady," Stark said bowing and handing me a single pink rose that matched my dress. I rolled my eyes still smirking and took the rose in one hand and his arm in the other.

"Ready or dinner?" Darius asked.

"Definitely," Aphrodite said kissing him passionately as she took the red rose offered to her.

"Then let's go," Stark said grinning.

I couldn't help but to once again admire the fine stone and rich colored tapestries as we moved through the palace. I had no clue where I was considering I had only seen the great hall of the palace and the back entrance we had snuck in through. The whole palace was open and bright and filled with light and I sighed in contentment. It was amazing!

"You ready?" Stark asked as we came to a set of double doors.

"Yeah," I breathed nodding as he pushed the doors back.

My mouth fell open as we walked out onto the marble balcony. It was set up with many tables all covered with white clothes and the finest china. An orchestra was playing softly from the corner and flowers lined the half wall that surrounded us. What really made it look stunning, however, was the clear night that covered us. The stars were the brightest I had ever seen and the moon poured its light all across the balcony, making the marble seem to sparkle somehow.

"Absolutely gorgeous," I whispered.

"So are you," Stark replied smiling at my response.

Everyone was already here also dressed in their finest and I felt my eyes grow wider

when they all stood as we entered. I looked around and felt a tear forming in my eye as all my friends looked at me. Even the Council had stood and were watching me appreciatively. What surprised me even more was when I caught Erik's eye and found him grinning with no resentment in his eyes. He nodded first to me and then to Stark who nodded back. Ok there was another story I was going to have to get.

Stark led me through the dining area to our table gently pulling my chair back so I could sit. Everything just felt magical. Aphrodite and Darius joined us and I realized it was four to a table. I glanced around and smiled. Jack, Damien, Shuanee, and Erin were all sitting together. Erik and Stevie Rae were sitting at the table next to ours with Brendon and Marcus two of Angel's warriors who had escorted us. The Council all were also set four to a table and I noticed other members I hadn't seen before.

Neferet and Natasha were sitting with Mallika and Angel at the head table, but there were four other members sitting at a table close by. And a few other tables filled with the Sons of Erebus.

Mallika clapped twice and waiters poured through the door carrying trays of delicious smelling food and I realized exactly how hungry I was! I nearly laughed when the waiter served me spaghetti and brown pop, but also poured me a small glass of wine. I looked at him curiously wondering why he had given me both. I was really good with just the pop and everyone else only had one drink.

He bowed his head slightly before responding to my curious look, "A request from your priestess," he said nodding towards the head table. I turned to look and caught Neferet's eye. She smiled and winked at me, and then mouthed one word, "Drink."

I smiled back at her and then brought the glass to my lips. It was laced with blood and I sighed as the delicious taste filled my mouth, "mmmm." I turned back to Neferet and mouthed, "Thank you." She nodded and then answered a question Mallika was asking her.

"So what do you think?" Stark asked.

"Amazing," I told him taking a bite of my spaghetti. It seemed as though the cooks had made all of our favorites. Aphrodite was eating a chicken salad lightly topped with vinegar and oil. Darius was eating a chicken breast with a delicious looking blend of vegetables and Stark had chicken alfredo with noodles. "I didn't know chicken alfredo was your favorite dish," I said watching him take a bite of noodles.

"Only my favorite Italian dish," he said appreciatively. "I figured since I was in Italy I might as well have the original."

I laughed and took a drink of brown pop, thoroughly enjoying myself. Everything was so carefree. Neferet was even laughing and smiling in a way I had never saw before. Everyone was light and happy. There was no fear or anxiety, just friendship and camaraderie. It was perfect!

Mallika stood clearing her throat as we all finished her meals, "Welcome, to our celebration dinner! We have much to be thankful for this evening and a lot of that is in part due to a very special group of fledglings and a few very special vampyres," she said looking a moment at each of us. "We are proud of each of you and so is the goddess. You should also all feel very proud of yourselves. Each of you has had to make tough decisions and each of you has at some point chosen to take the harder path. That takes tremendous strength and courage and I speak for all of the Council when I say we are in awe of you!" She finished and the Council all rose to their feet clapping for us.

I was completely stunned and I could tell from my friends faces that they were equally surprised. I saw red tears falling from Stevie Rae's eyes and heard the twins laughing with delight. Damien and Jack were wearing the biggest grins I had even seen!

"Your House of Night has been forever changed by recent events, but good has come out of your situation," Mallika continued as the rest of the Council sat once more. "Tomorrow you will all be heading home with two very special women who I know to both care very deeply for each of you."

I smiled nodding in encouragement at Neferet. I could tell she was struggling with this, but she maintained her composure.

"And I am happy to announce that there will now be three High Priestesses at the House of Night," Mallika said looking right at me.

I froze, my eyes growing wide once more, "What?" I asked.

"Zoey, you have proven time and again that you are more than just a fledgling and Nyx has clearly Marked you as her own. This Council recognizes that, and though you are still a student with much to learn, this Council also recognizes you as a High Priestess," she finished saluting me formally and I felt tears falling down my face as the rest of the room followed her lead standing before me and saluting as well. "I know you will serve your House of Night well under the watchful eye of your mentor," she said nodding at Neferet.

I sat there crying and nearly laughed as the familiar burning sensation began to spread over my abdomen. My Marks were growing again with the goddesses favor and once again I felt as if I had a place to belong.

The waiters waited for Mallika to finish before clearing our dinner plates and bringing in dessert. We were actually getting a fattening dessert and I could have squealed with delight. Normally we had to sneak out to get something rich! The waiter set a beautifully decorated plate of cannoli in front of me and poured me a glass of wine. I looked at him again and he smiled.

"All Italian desserts taste better with wine," he said giving me a wink.

I looked at the plate before me. There were two hard cookie shells rolled in front of me with a creamy filling, and chocolate and caramel drizzled on the top. I licked my lips and took a bite. It was amazing and I moaned slightly as the sweet taste filled my mouth.

"That good?" Stark asked leaning over and gently kissing my lips. "Mmmm," he said sitting back and licking his lips, "that was good and probably a little better because it came from your lips," he said winking and taking another bite of his ice cream. (Wait, I think it's called gelatos here.)

I rolled my eyes, but laughed anyway. I was almost going to be sad to go back to Tulsa and yet I couldn't wait to see my grandma. Still I wondered if they would let me take my bed back with me. That thing was incredible! It was like swimming in an ocean of soft pillows every night, so warm and soft…

I sighed as the dinner ended and Stark pulled my chair back helping me stand.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked as we walked through the halls.

I stopped and turned to him. We were the only ones in the hall and everything just felt perfect. "Everything was amazing," I told him pressing my body against his as be backed towards the wall. I looked into his eyes a moment longer and then kissed him with as much passion as possible. His arms wrapped around me in a second pulling me closer, his hands moving over my back and in my hair. And then I sighed as I pulled back. "Thank you," I smiled at him, "for everything."

"Shouldn't I be the one thanking you?" He asked. "I wouldn't even be here had it not been for you." He moved back then saluting me, "I owe you my life, my Priestess," he said taking my hand and bringing it up to his lips.

"Maybe we just owe each other," I suggested, he didn't realize how much I needed him too.

He smiled kissing my lips softly once again and then taking my hand in his. We walked through the halls in silence just enjoying each other's company. I looked left as we passed the main entrance to the palace and stopped.

"What is it?" he asked.

I remembered the marble benches out by the sea and suddenly I had a desire to go there. I knew that was where Aphrodite had seen the second vision of my death and maybe I just wanted to prove it wrong, but for some reason I had an overwhelming need to go there. It was like it was pulling me to it.

"Do you mind if I have a few seconds?" I asked him looking through the doors. "I would really just like to spend a few minutes with Nyx. I won't be long," I added releasing his hand and headed out the doors and down the stone path.

"I'll be right here," I heard him whisper behind me.

I nodded and continued walking. My heart rate sped as I reached the place of my death and stood still at the water's edge just looking down. The water was dark and definitely had a unique smell. I took in a slow shaky breath trying to calm my nerves and then began to focus on Nyx.

"Nyx," I whispered wanting to hear her voice, wanting to know for certain that it was all over. "Nyx, I need you," I said again.

I saw a shimmer from the side of my vision and turned smiling as I saw her standing a few feet away from me also on the water's edge. She was beautiful as usual and completely other worldly. "You know I am always with you, my daughter," she said softly giving me a small smile.

"Nyx," I said her name again smiling back.

"You have done well, and I am so very proud of you," She took a step towards me. "I knew I was making the right decision when I chose you to be my first true daughter of the night."

"Is Kalona gone for good?" I asked. "We trapped him for eternity this time, right?"

"Kalona is where he belongs and it would take much power to bring him back. I do not believe it would be possible, Zoey," she said looking at me adoringly. "Trust in the power of your blood, and in the power of your love. You made a great sacrifice and the power it would take to undo that would have to be astounding. He's not coming back," she said answering my questioning gaze.

I breathed a sigh of relief, "thank you."

"Zoey, there will always be darkness in the world for you to face, but you have a weapon that can never be defeated. Just look around you and you'll see what I mean," she said smiling once more and then with a shimmer she disappeared. I turned looking around her and what I saw made me smile. All of my friends were walking down the path towards me.

"Are you crazy?" Aphrodite asked grabbing my arm and pulling me away from the edge. "Why would you come down here alone?"

"I wasn't alone," I protested, "Stark was just outside the door."

She glared at me and I laughed at Stark's confused expression. "Really Aphrodite, the danger is over," I said smiling at her.

"Thank goodness," Stevie Rae said coming over and putting an arm around me, "I'm definitely ready for things to go back to normal."

"I completely concur," Damien said moving to put an arm around us both.

"I don't know what concur is, but I agree," Shaunee said joining us.

"Ditto twin," Erin said following Shaunee.

"You know I'm in," Jack said.

"It'll be good to get home," Erik said walking over.

"Nerd herd, tell me we are not group hugging!" Aphrodite said looking startled.

"Just get over here!" I yelled reaching for her and pulling her into the group followed by Stark and Darius.

Tomorrow we would be going home to face the world. But I realized in that moment that Nyx was right. I would always have one thing that could never be defeated and that was the power in the love and friendship I had with my friends.

The end!!!!

A/N- I hope you all enjoyed this story and thank you so much for all the reviews support you gave along the way!!! I will be writing a sequel. I've already begun writing the first chapter and I should have it up in a few days. It will be called Scared so look for it and make sure to read!!! Thanks again for all your support!

Sincerely,

Shae Wild