As she watches the Islanders chatter to themselves, XyaNdeRr feels something brush against her Kindred spirit. Frowning, slightly afraid, she steps back into the protection of the shadows. Again it comes, stronger this time, rocking her body with its force. Her porcelin face slackens, eyes growing distant as a voice, the voice of Malikan, her Sire, slips across her mind and soul.

"Der Hergott nimmt, Der Hergott gibt, doch gibt er nur dem den er auch liebt?"

Falling into a shuddering heap on the floor, the shadows swirl around her to bring her body back to Malikan. She moans gently as they carry her back to the Tower, her home...... "Bestrafe mich, Master. Bestrafe mich......."

..... punish me.

Awakening, disoriented and afraid, XyaNdeRr sits up slowly, running her slender fingers delicatly over her temples. Looking around she sees she is no longer in the room on Holiday Island, but a chamber in the Tower. The stone walls and empty fireplace offer no comfort, and she slowly stumbles to her feet. She puts a hand on the mantle of the huge fireplace to steady herself, and a deep, throaty chuckle from behind startles her. She turns slowly to see a shadowy figure watching her from the bed.

A startled cry escapes her parched lips, sounding like the caw of a raven. "Master....."

The figure stands, stretching up to his full, terrifying height. He quickly moves toward her, black cloak whipping around his massive body.

Flinching back, XyaNdeRr licks her lips nervously, eyes darting around the room, looking for an escape.

Malikans hand flashes out, as if to strike, but instead gently caresses her cheek. "My chylde....." His voice is soft, yet a hardness betrays the mock concern.... silk against a stone... A small whimper escapes XyaNdeRrs throat as he forces his mind and will over hers. "I have been hearing... rumors.... that you have been befriending mortals..." His face twists in disgust. "Is this true, little one?"

Lying not even entering her thoughts, she nods dumbly.

A deep sigh escapes Malikans perfect ruby lips. "Then you must be punished. You know this, yes?"

Again, she nods, almost eagerly this time. "Bestrafe mich, Master. Punish me."

He steps back, absently flicking his wrist. The once friendly and protective shadows rage and boil around her, tearing at her flesh, deforming the once perfect ivory skin. Her screams tear through the Tower, echoing off the cold stone walls.

Malikans laughs chase the screams through the halls.

XyaNdeRr is thrown from the Tower violently. She lays quietly, in a crumpled bloody heap on the hardpacked dirt in front of her now ex-home. The hiss of her masters voice still rings in her ears....

"You have betrayed us, little one. Forever you will be an outcast, you shall never again be accepted by me or any of those I have sired. You are an orphan XyaNdeRr. You are now and forever alone."

Too weary and shocked to move, she lays there, eyes wide with disbelief.

Alone.

The gate slams behind her, and the Children of Malikan turn their back on their Sister forever.

ALONE!

The word pounds its way into her brain, and she jerks up from the ground in terror. Adrenaline surging, she charges her way through the forest, branches slapping at her torn clothes and red welted skin. Blood flows in tiny rivers down her face and body, weakening her. Finally she collapses at the entrance to a cave. Crawling inside, welcoming the healing darkness, she curls up and loses conciousness.