Beatrice was standing before Susan's house with a paper that bore Susan's home address. She was about to knock when the door opened, and before her stood Susan.

Beatrice lifted the paper. "My colleague gave it to me."

Susan nodded. "Glad it found its way to you." 

"Yes, it did. Is your offer still on?"

Susan stepped aside. "Come in. Pick any room you like."

"Thanks." Beatrice walked in.

Susan looked at the darkness outside, she turned to show Beatrice upstairs, the door closed behind her.

The first room Beatrice was shown was the very one she chose, for she had a belief that beggars aren't choosers.

And Susan was quick to correct that thought, for she had read it quite clearly like it was spoken to her.

"You're no beggar in my home. You'll live as I live, and do what you want. But don't go to the room on the right upstairs. That's my private chamber."

"Thanks. I think you ought to know why I came here. In the street where I live, there was some kind of cult clash, but no one is really saying a thing. Thing is, all those gang members were wiped off in the most brutal, and gruesome manner, and I fear that if it's a cult clash, then it's bigger than the government."

"I'm glad you came here," Susan said.

Beatrice looked down in fear. "My coming here may put you in danger. When I was with that guy I told you about, residents saw us as a couple. His friends know where I live, and they would come to find me. They may trace me to your house. And for this, I am scared for your life. Should anything happen to you, I'm not sure I'll forgive myself."

Susan gave her a warm hug and said, "No need to be scared. You're safe right here." But what she really wanted to say was you're in the hands of fear itself, so, there's no need to fear. "And don't tell anyone about this. Keep it a secret."

After dinner that night, Beatrice asked Susan, "You live out here alone?"

"Yes," Susan said, stooping down as she shoved in some wood into the fireplace with a poker.

"Don't you feel lonely sometimes?"

Susan didn't, but to make them not think much about it, she said, "Sometimes, yes. But I pretty much enjoy my company."

"Then why didn't you rent, or buy a house in the city?"

"The environment is serene, and quiet. I hate noisy environments."

She kept the poker next to the fireplace, she moved to sit on the sofa opposite Beatrice's.

"Well, in truth," Jake said, "it's too isolated for a lady. Don't you fear being robbed?"

"I believe when you have a dread for something," Susan said, "your mind creates it and brings it to life to plague you. I don't think about being overpowered by robbers, neither do I think of them robbing me."

"That's a strong policy."

"Yes. And it works for me."

Trying to conceal what she was from them won't be so difficult. She could be at several places at once by simply splitting herself into different forms that would take her likeness, or another likeness, and even better, she could move at the speed of light.

"Do you have a family?" Beatrice asked.

"I do. My mom and two sisters." And all this time, she had her gaze to the fireplace. "What about you, Beatrice?"

"I have no one. I'm all that's left in this world."

Susan looked at Beatrice. "I'm sorry." She looked at Jake who sat next to her. "What about you."

"I do have a family. But is there a point calling them family when all they see is a failure, a disappointment, and a mistake?"

Susan's gaze returned to where it had initially been—the fireplace. "I guess not."

"You're not a mistake," Beatrice said to Jake.

Jake smiled. "Thanks. That means a lot coming from you."

"You're welcome. Where are you from?"

And Susan listened to them catch on without interrupting.

"What about you, Susan? Where are you from?" Beatrice asked.

"I'm not sure," she said.

No need to lie to them. Telling them could mean death.

"Sometimes, I wish to be part of the sea," she added. "It's the only place that identifies with me. And sometimes, I wish to be part of fire."

"Do you like poetry?" Jake asked, he thought she was speaking in metaphors.

"Art is like living. And poetry is part of art. So yes, I love poetry."

"No wonder your words are so cryptic."

Susan then decided to be quiet on the subject.

"I like to draw," Beatrice said. "I think—" 

Susan took to her feet. "Don't stop. I need to check a few things outside. You two, enjoy each other's company. I'll be right back."

Susan was leaving because she almost suggested they have a threesome, one that could lead to their deaths. What had she been thinking, bringing them here?

The door gave way to Susan, she stepped out into the cold night but stopped at the sight of her sisters, Janice, and Vivian coming out of the darkness of the tree lines.

Susan walked up to them. "If you've come to kill me, now would be a good time. But if you've come to interrupt my guests, I'm sorry," she halted her movement and spread both hands, "I'll have to stop you." She lowered her hands.

"I told you she's grown quite goofy," Janice said.

Vivian put on a deadly smile and advanced toward Susan, she paused right in front of her.

Susan took note of the glow of death in her sister's red eyes, she admired her gleaming dark, red hair.

"I like your hair," Susan said.

"Thank you," Vivian said. "Bloodthirst has made you come outside. Why not finish off the two souls in your house?"

"Because I don't intend to sleep well tonight. How's mother?"

"Still pissed at you."

Susan walked past her sister. "Good for her."

"Susan!" Vivian called.

Susan paused her footsteps.

"You're being picky with your targets," Vivian added.

"I couldn't resist for long," Susan said. "You know how the curse works."

Both sisters turned to face each other.

"Now, it's good to see you, sister," Susan said, "but unless you wish to kill me, please, get on with it."

Vivian walked up to her. "I don't have that power. Not yet. But I hope to be Queen someday. Then maybe, I'll grant you your request."

"Thanks. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to kill someone. Bloodthirst and all. You two, have a great night."

Susan turned and walked away.

Janice walked up to her. "What do we do, sister?"

Vivian said, "Now, we wait."

Susan disappeared.