Claire felt sick as she heard the words.

"From this point onwards vampires have freedom to hunt at night hours. Those who hunt during daylight hours will pay a fine. The protection system is now void, so unless you humans fancy your bracelets as an asset to your attire, you may take them off. That is all."

…

Looking back on that day now, Claire couldn't believe how bad it had gotten. Myrnin had been right. They had tried nearly everything to stop it but Amelie didn't want to hear it. Myrnin had even gone to her office himself but to no avail. Vampires still couldn't hunt during daytime hours, but just because they got a fine didn't mean it stopped them. But one thing had changed, now even university students had to give blood. Claire hadn't liked it but it was better than the other option. Not only that, but things were going back to the days when humans were punished for carrying stakes. And Amelie showed no more mercy for those who harmed those of her kind. So far there had been thirty imprisoned and six had been executed. Claire felt sick as she thought of it.

Myrnin had threatened to destroy the machine if Amelie didn't stop what she was doing. But they had all known it would be a long shot. However none of them had predicted how Amelie would react to that. Claire remembered Amelie walking into the Glass house that day, wearing a long black gown and a black rose in her hair. An outfit that Eve would've been proud of, under normal circumstances. Amelie had been brief; she told Claire that Myrnin was to remain confined in the lab and must carry on with his normal activities. She ordered Claire to see him every day and assist him in whatever needs be. And lastly, she told Claire that if she ever tried to free him from the lab, that her friends would pay with their lives.

It had been two months since everything changed. Just one since Myrnin was forced to remain confined in his lab. Claire opened a portal; it was too dangerous to be outside, even during the day. She walked inside to find Myrnin exactly where he always was. He was sitting on a dark armchair, reading one of the many books he had stacked up beside him. Even though he was just reading, Claire could still see that he wasn't himself. Just by the way he looked at the page as he read, there was no more enthusiasm as he read, it had become just something to pass the time. Eve his clothes were different then they had been two months ago. He was dressed in a pair of normal black trousers and a red button up shirt. He had even left his bunny slippers in the corner. It broke Claire's heart to see him this way. The change had affected them all in some way or another. Myrnin more than most, because he was forced to watch as his friend destroyed everything she had every worked for, and he couldn't stop it.

He looked up and gave her a thin smile. He got out of his seat to hug her as she walked in. Claire sighed as she smelt his familiar smell. Claire felt his breath on her neck as he spoke.

"I don't suppose you have any doughnuts."

"Afraid not." She replied sadly.

"It really is the end of everything." He pulled away, smiling a little more. It was almost like his old smile again. Claire placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled his lips to hers, which didn't take much. His hands pulled her closer as they ventured down her back. Claire could almost smile as his touch sent shivers down her spine. Almost. They pulled away, never letting go of each other. "I wish I could do something. Anything." Myrnin whispered, almost to himself.

"It's alright Myrnin. It's not your fault that you're-"

"Trapped." He interrupted her. He was staring of to the distance, phasing out into a world of his own. Claire gasped as his grip hardened where his hands rested on the tops of her arms.

"Myrnin. Let go." He turned his head sharply to focus on her. In a split second he realised his grip. He walked away and started to pace around the lab. He mumbled to himself in a langue Claire didn't know but the more he spoke the angrier his tone became. He suddenly growled and grabbed the nearest table. He picked it up and knocked it to the ground. The crash made Claire jump in shock. Myrnin punched to nearest wall, which caved in as his fist made contact.

Claire ran to him in the mists of his rampage. She grabbed him from behind, holding his shoulders in her hands. He stopped suddenly and sighed. Claire could feel his muscles start to relax under her touch. He raised a hand to place it on one of hers, still not turning. "That was dangerous." He said, matter-of-factly.

"I know. But it would be more dangerous if I let you carry on like that."

"True. If you excuse me a moment, I'm thirsty." He stated, walking away towards the kitchen to get some blood. Claire sat down on the couch once he had left, head in hands. It was like Morganville was collapsing in slow motion. And no one could stop it.

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. It's not much but it's a start. I'm making no promises to update soon because I have a performance with my drama company today and I'm going to be busy all of today. And I still have no idea where I'm going with this. I got a few ideas but I just have to piece it all together.

Thank you for reading. xxx