I was smiling as I crossed the grounds heading towards the temple. Stark had left to grab some movies from his own dorm and would meet me at my apartment in ten minutes. That gave me just enough time to find my grandma. Aphrodite said that she would come to tell me goodbye before she left. I hoped that meant that she would be waiting for me in the temple. I couldn't wait to tell her everything that had happened at the luncheon and I still couldn't believe that I would be the High Priestess of a new House of Night in just a few short years.

I pulled back the thick oak door to Nyx's temple sighing as a fresh lavender scent reached my nose. I smiled as my grandma lit the last of the candles that were sending the wonderful scent through the room.

"A gift for you, my u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya," my grandma said smiling at me. And I shook my head wondering how she knew that the lavender candles Neferet had put in my room had hardly and burn time left in them. Then again my grandma did know me better than anyone else.

"Thanks grandma," I said moving across the room and hugging her tightly. "I'm gonna miss you,' I whispered resting my head on her shoulders.

"You always have a place with me, Zoeybird," My grandma said rubbing my back gently.

"I know," I said smiling a little as I pulled back out of the hug. "I think a piece of my heart will always be with you at our lavender farm."

"I have no doubt," my grandma said handing me another box of candles and I laughed. "So, tell me about your lunch. How was the Council?"

"Great," I said and then began to tell her about their offer and what that meant for me.

"That's a great honor, Zoey," my grandma said in astonishment.

"I know, I still can't believe it," I said shaking my head. "The craziest part is we get to help with the development and the design of the campus. Of course that means we'll have to take into account the climate and culture of Northern California, but…"

"California?" My grandma asked in surprise raising an eyebrow. I could tell she didn't like the idea of being so far from me any more than I did.

I looked at her in silence for a moment. "I know it seems far, but really Norhtern California isn't that far away," I said reaching for anything to make this easier. "And besides we still have three whole years before the school will even be ready."

"Perhaps we can work something out," my grandma said thoughtfully, "I know it'll all work out." She smiled then reaching behind her to the table where a few of the lavender candles were lit. I watched as she pulled a long slender package wrapped in sparkling blue wrapping paper out from behind her. She handed it to me and I gazed at her questioningly. "Just a little something to remind you how proud I am of you and how amazingly special you are Zoey Redbird."

I looked down at the sparkling blue paper that reminded me of stars in the night sky. I slid my fingers along the taped edge tearing it back and exposing the backside of what appeared to be a picture frame. I ripped the rest of the paper off and turned it over examining the canvas. My eyes widened as they took in the scene that had been painted. I looked at the lone figure standing in the midst of lavender beneath the stars. Her long black hair flew in the wind that surrounded her, and fire and water swirled beneath her feet. Flowers seemed to dance around her flying on the shimmering ribbons that I recognized as spirit. The girl in the portrait was me surrounded by the five elements underneath the night sky. As I studied the painting further I found that the stars themselves painted an image. Though the stars swirled creating the appearance of the Milky Way, n them I could clearly see a beautiful women with her hands lifted. It was the image of Nyx. I gaped at the picture stunned to silence.

"You are Nyx's true daughter," my grandma said watching my expression, "and the one true daughter of the night."

"Thank you," I whispered feeling the tears traveling over my flushed cheeks. "It's beautiful."

My grandma smiled and then leaned forward gently kissing my cheeks. She gave me one last hug and then sighed. "I'm always here if you need me, Zoeybird," My grandma said picking up the suitcase that had been sitting by her face.

"Call me when you get home," I said smiling back at her. "I love you grandma," I said softly.

"I love you, too," my grandma said brushing my arm and then turning for the door.

I watched her leaving exhaling slowly as she disappeared from view. I gathered the painting and candles and headed up the stairs to my apartment. Nala greeted me with a soft Me-uf-ow and I set my gifts down picking her up as I refilled her food and water dishes.

"Do you think maybe we'll have some peace and quiet for a little bit now?" I asked her scratching her lightly behind the ears as she ate her dinner.

"Maybe, but I wouldn't count on it," Stark's voice answered me and I turned to see him standing in the doorframe holding a pile of movies and what looked to be a whole lot of snack food and brown pop. He gave me his cocky smile and I chuckled softly. He was right. We might get a few days off, but there was bound to be some other crisis in the future. I just hoped it didn't have anything to do with releasing an ancient evil. (I mean really? How many times can you re-trap what never should have been released?) Hopefully people would learn from these last two mistakes.

I stepped toward him circling my arms around his neck and sighing contentedly when his arms wrapped around my waist.

"So, High Priestess," he said giving me a mischievous smirk. "Which movie would you like to watch with my first?" He asked raising an eyebrow. I looked over the movies her brought and laughed at the collection. "The Notebook? Finding Nemo? These are my favorites Stark," I said knowing he couldn't possibly really want to watch these and knowing for a fact that he hadn't gotten them from his own dorm room.

"OF course there your favorites," he said giving me a playfully confused expression. "Who did you think we were celebrating?" He asked incredulously.

I playfully backhanded his stomach and then picked up Finding Nemo. "This one," I said biting my lower lip to conceal my excitement.

"I agree," he said taking the movie from its holder. "Laughs are in need here more than tears." He put the movie in the DVD player and I realized that this was the first time I had even used my new flat screen TV.

I laughed as Dori's voice greeted us and found a cozy spot on the floor that quickly became more relaxing when Stark through a pile of blankets and pillows towards me. Stark sat by my side and I felt a shiver as I realized that I fit perfectly next to him. I could feel the connection between us that had been there since the moment we had met. I pondered for a second the connection I seemed to have had with both Erik and Stark. The draws had been different and I found my curiosity pique. Nyx had made it clear that they were both meant to be a part of my life and I definitely loved each of them in their own way.

Starks arms circled me once more and his lips found mine in a light kiss that made my heart flutter. I was definitely meant to be with him and I knew that I still had lots of time to figure out what Nyx's plans for me were including my relationships. I looked over at the portrait that was resting on the mantle leaning against the wall. I gazed at the image of me surrounded by the five elements and Nyx and I smiled. She would lead the way and right now I knew my connection to Stark was strong and true.

I leaned forward kissing him again and then turned to watch the movie knowing that my future would be good. The portrait held truth, Nyx surrounded me and the words "blessed be" took on a more personal meaning to me. I was incredibly blessed to have such amazing people in my life. I settled back holding Stark's hand, entwining my fingers around his. Tomorrow classes would begin again and I had a lot to learn. I was determined to be the High Priestess Nyx had destined me to be, and I knew that with my friends and mentors there was no way I could fail.

The end

Thanks to all my readers who have been incredibly supportive! Your encouragement and reviews have meant the world to me. I may write another story, but if I do it will take place once Zoey has her own school and I probably won't begin writing it for a while. I actually am going to be trying to write some of my own stories. As always thanks to everyone who has read my stories, and hopefully I will be able to start the next story soon! ;-)