Lennon moved further along the balcony, his hand firmly gripping Lyla's. She hadn't said anything, but Lennon knew the thoughts. He was thinking the same. He was sure of it. Eloise was a traitor to her own species, allowing them to be abducted and sold to vampires. He mused that it was possible that she had a case of Stockholm Syndrome, but he doubted it. There was something wrong about it, something that looked like it was normal to them.

The way they interacted with each other said a lot to Lennon. This was not a new love; this had been brewing for a while. Joe was a creature that liked control and to allow Eloise to take the opening like that meant that he thought a lot of her.

Yes, this was not new.

In the darkness of the balcony, Lennon found a place to stop and watch. This was more than just learning about the miscreant child; this was searching for Aneska. She was here somewhere, watching over the proceedings and ensuring that Joe remained alive.

"She's definitely a vampire," Lennon said as he leaned into Lyla's ear. "Probably only since leaving home."

Reluctantly, Lyla nodded. She hated that she'd lost Eloise to this monster. Eloise was not her little girl anymore. She was a young woman in a world that was only just opening up to her. Lyla knew that there was no salvation for either of them tonight or ever.

"We've got an issue," Lennon said, carefully gesturing to the other side of the balcony.

Lyla scanned the crowd, finding Carson first, then Edwards. It was not seen, but Lyla knew that Edwards would have his rifle somewhere close. If Lennon had already figured out that Eloise had become a vampire, then it was certain that Carson would have too. What did that mean for her? Would he remain faithful to the boss man's request and bring Eloise back to him or had those orders changed?

Turning to Lennon, she gripped his hand firmly.

"Save her. Please, I'm begging you, do something."

With a huff of frustration, Lennon reached into her jacket and pulled the gun out. Raising it above his head, he fired out two rounds. Everyone began screaming, running for the exits.

"Something done. Won't save her, though."

Lyla moved through the crowd, ignoring Lennon when he yelled out that she shouldn't go down there. The outcome would not be what she desired. Lyla returned with a simple statement. Standing around and stating the obvious was not beneficial, and he should do something more constructive.

Finding a staircase, she rushed down them and quickly moved to the stage where Joe ushered Eloise to the side stage.

"Eloise!" she called out.

The girl stopped and stared.

"Mum?"

"Aneska!" Joe yelled.

The black mist swept down from the ceiling, creating a wall between them and Lyla. She could still see her daughter, which pained Lyla.

"Honey, come home." she called out. "No matter what you've done, I will always help you. No judgement, just love. Come home, Eloise."

As the words escaped, Lyla watched as the view began to darken. Aneska was taking shape, forming into a woman. She towered over Lyla, a svelte figure wrapped in a deep wine coloured fabric that draped in such a way that highlighted her shape. The figure continued to form. Lyla tilted her head back to see the merciless smile and the wild eyes. Amusement filled Aneska as she looked down at the human.

"I just want my daughter back," Lyla said calmly. "I have no issues with him. Hand her over safe and alive, and I'll walk away. No harm, no fighting."

"Your daughter doesn't want to return."

"I'd like to hear that from her mouth, thanks."

"No deal."

As Aneska took a step forward, Lyla stepped back.

"Why can't I talk to my daughter? What is so wrong about it?"

"Vampires only interact with humans for sustenance. You are nothing but a meal for them. Why would they want to talk to you?"

Lyla took another step back, keeping as calm as she could. She couldn't believe that she was doing it again. Distraction was never her forte, but if it meant an easier path to Eloise, then she'd do it.

Quietly Carson slipped into the shadows, opening the box as he moved. The timing was imperative if he was to get this done correctly. He hoped that he could do it before the creature destroyed the human. Carson didn't know why but he thought that Lyla had spunk and for the first time ever, he thought that a human was worthy of getting to know and perhaps, not dying.

"He does not control her. She is her own person. I raised her with the belief that she could speak her own voice, she could tell the world of her own opinion."

"Well, the mother of the year award goes to you." Aneska mocked.

"Why are you here? Does he really think that I will do so much damage that you're deemed necessary?"

"He knows what you are, blue moon."

Lyla smiled. It was enough to create a crack in Aneska's façade.

"So, the little boy is scared. I'm glad about that. It means that when I do find him, he'll cry like a little bitch. Maybe then Eloise will see him for what he really is."

Taking another strategic step back, Lyla smiled again. Carson placed the box down and pressed the button. As it began to draw in the air around it, he slid it over the floor. Aneska screamed as it dragged her down, sucking her into the containment chamber.

Carson breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that it worked. When the doors slammed shut, he knew that Aneska could not escape. Crawling the few steps to the box, he reached out to the box, only to see a boot press down on his hand. Carson looked up at Lyla and the gun that was pointed at him.

"I'll be taking that if you don't mind. And if you do, please know that I don't care."

He carefully pulled back, raising his hands. His thoughts about liking Lyla were now a distant memory. Though he had to give her credit, the determination to get what she wanted was amazing. With a flick of his fingers, he hoped that Edwards was watching. One shot and she'd be down yet she stood tall and definitely not dead.

Lyla smiled as she lifted the extraction unit and stepped back.

"Edwards is tied up. We'll also be taking his rifle. I hope that doesn't cause too many issues for you. Give my regards to the boss man. Tell him if he lays a finger on my daughter, I'll make him pay."