Epilogue

Onyx was sitting in the coffee shop, staring out the window and drinking tea. Gwen had asked him multiple times if he'd seen Phoenix around, but he shook his head, saying she had disappeared. It had been a week since Phoenix disappeared with the man into the dark of night, and Onyx was looking night and day for her. He saw Elliot once, was blamed for her disappearance, then punched in the nose for an explanation. Onyx gave him the truth, and was punched again. When Onyx asked the boy for help, he tried to punch him again, but Elliot's fist was caught and pulled back before anymore damage could happen. Finally, he agreed and they set about making a time for them to meet.

It was supposed to be today, in the coffee shop. It was supposed to happen an hour ago, but the boy still did not show. Onyx was irritated for even thinking the boy could be of some use when he couldn't even show up on time. Onyx had to be somewhere in thirty minutes with Advandth and Devdan, and he couldn't be late for it. So, where the hell is he?

Fifteen minutes later, just as Onyx decided to ditch the meeting and leave, Elliot came bursting into the door and over to his table. Onyx glowered. "Where the hell have you been?"

"I found her!" he hissed. His wide green eyes were staring at Onyx with anticipation. "She's walking this way!"

"Who?"

"Phoenix!"

Onyx stood and narrowed his eyes at the boy. "Don't play games with me!"

"Look!" Elliot hissed, pointing out the window.

Onyx did, and felt his heart race, only to slow down again in disappointment. It certainly looked like Phoenix; red hair and tan skin. But this woman had a different gate, different features that made her look regal. Her face was softer and feminine, no signs of a broken nose. Her hair was shorter and pulled into a braid that went just below her shoulders. The biggest indication that it wasn't the woman he was looking for was that she was wearing a dress. It was an elegant blue with white lace and a modest neckline.

Onyx sighed, sitting down again. "That's not Phoenix, Elliot."

"How do you know?"

"Look at her. Have you ever seen Phoenix wear a dress?"

Elliot thought for a moment and let his shoulders sag. "I thought it was her. It's like she has a twin or something because they look so much alike!"

Onyx nodded, and continued staring at the girl. She turned so she faced him full on and he was startled at the resemblance. Something about her rang a bell in his head. Something important…

He stood up and ran out the door, Elliot running after him. When he got near her, he slowed his pace and gently grabbed her hand. She turned and gawked at him and his size. "Excuse me, my lady," he said softly.

Her eyes were hard and very blue, like Phoenix. "What is it, sir?"

"I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you are," he said and smiled a little.

She scoffed and pulled her hand from his. "I don't have time for this. I'm looking for someone."

"May I ask who?"

In her other hand, was a picture that Onyx hadn't noticed before. She pulled it up and a tear slipped from her left eye. "My sister. She's been missing, but people have said they've seen her around. I have to know if she's still alive or if I'm wasting my time."

"May I?" Onyx said, holding his hand out for the picture. She handed it to him and he looked at it. It didn't take long to recognize the girl holding the newborn child in her arms. "Who are you?" he whispered.

"Excuse me?" the girl said, misunderstanding his tone for rudeness.

"I'm sorry, but you must understand that I am going through something and need to know your name. It might help me."

She grabbed the picture from his hands and backed away. "If you're not going to help, then say so. Don't hit on me!"

"I'm not!" he said hurriedly. "I'm asking for confirmation. I need to know if I'm right."

She narrowed her eyes and looked at the picture again, running her hand down it softly. "Aurora. My sister is Soliel."