The Purifier looked once more at the now blessed body that rested peacefully on his operating table. She could no longer feel the cold stainless steel surface against her bare back, and her panicked screams had died out long before her body found the sweet peace of death. He bent over her and kissed the now pale skin that covered her forehead.

A sweet smile of contentment played on The Purifier's face as he looked down at his handy work, the mission that God commanded of him. Her once cherry red lips of sin had been peeled with careful precision from her face, leaving the virgin tissue underneath rejoicing to see the light of day. He was relieved to know that the boiling water he poured down her mouth and throat would cleanse her of the semen and lies that were her life. He was her savior, were it not for him, this tainted whore would never see the holy light of Heaven.

There was a delicateness about the tall man as he pulled first one side and then the other side of a fine white linen cloth over the woman’s body. He looked at her with the loving eyes of a father, as he tucked her gently into the blanket’s folds. He was careful to leave her face exposed so that she could receive her last rites and see the glory of the light that awaited her.

The Purifier bent over her body and parted her now virgin lips, softly placing a wafer onto her swollen flaking tongue. Then he began to pray.

Receive, sister, the Viaticum of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ; and may He keep you from the malignant foe, and bring you to life everlasting. Amen.

After washing his hands once more and straightening his tailor made suit, The Purifier gathered her lifeless body into his arms and made his preparations to lay her on the alter at a nearby Cathedral.

Two Hours Later

As was the case with every party held by one of the ‘almost-important-but-not-quite-there-yet’ crowd, it was being called the social event of the season. Everyone who was anyone was going to be there. These parties were an excuse for the who’s who of Hudson City to show off; show off their clothes, their jewellery, their cars, and of course, their newest Barbie girlfriends or Ken boyfriends. This was where social alliances were started or ended – usually in spectacular fashion. Deals were made, and kept or broken in equal measures.

The party was in full swing long before Celeste arrived. ‘Fashionably late’ was how it would be viewed by the other socialites in attendance, but the truth was, she simply couldn’t be bothered to get there any earlier. She was tired of these parties and the people who held them. They already admired her, they already respected her, maybe even feared her a bit; they all wanted to either be her, or be with her. Their aspirations were limited to being at the top of Hudson City’s social hierarchy, an accomplishment Celeste had reached before she celebrated her sweet sixteen.

There was no challenge left in any of it.

However, none of her boredom or disdain showed on Celeste’s features as she swept through the front doors of the mansion. Just inside the doors, she stopped to exchange pleasantries with the hostess of the party, one Victoria Hale. Tall, blonde, rich, and beautiful, Victoria was a member of Celeste’s usual circle of acquaintances. In this particular case, the party was an excuse to show off her latest acquisition – an engagement band sporting gemstones enough to buy a small country. The ring signified her attachment to the oldest son of the Whitacker family, an important and wealthy family from Seattle.

As required, Celeste ooh’ed and aah’ed over the ring. “It’s beautiful, Victoria. I don’t know how you can even hold your hand up with that thing on!”

The future Mrs. Whitacker blushed and smiled. “Isn’t it? I can’t believe Ron bought me something so expensive.” Of course you can, thought Celeste uncharitably, if he hadn’t, you wouldn’t have said yes. Victoria looked around at the crowd with pride. “Can you believe how many people are here? It seems like everyone has come out tonight!”

Celeste nodded in response, and followed Victoria’s gaze out across the other people lounging around the entry way. It did indeed seem like a larger than usual crowd – perhaps Victoria or her absent fiancée had called in some favours to ensure the party was a success. Clusters of the brightly coloured youth of Hudson City were scattered around the area, and by the noise coming from the archway leading in to the main hall, there was a good sized crowd further in as well.

With a smile, Celeste excused herself and made her way to the archway. More than a few people turned to watch her pass; her long black dress brushed the floor, and would have been quite conservative if the neckline was not cut down to her navel in the front, and just as low in the back. The thin fabric covered everything it needed to for decency’s sake, but above the waist, it covered little else. At the hips, the fabric pooled a little, before falling straight down to the floor. A slit opening the skirt portion up the left side provided tantalizing glances of her long legs as she moved across the floor. Her hair hung in loose curls, brushing around her shoulders as she gave a casual nod or smile to some of the more important people in the room.

Reaching the archway, she paused to survey the room. For the most part it was the same crowd, but this particular event had more diversity in regards to age. As she watched she quickly saw the social lines and where one clique would end and another would begin. One group of young ladies though, had broken that mold.

As Celeste's attention lingered on the group of five women, she noted that they were all interested in something or someone that was in the outdoor garden. The ornate doors were open wide and some of the younger more hip crowd had spilled into that softly lit area. She knew those places, the spot where couples would migrate to imagine privacy, even though they wanted everyone to see who they were with and what they were doing. Whatever it was that had captured their attention had them half mesmerized, as they whispered gossip between them.

Celeste could almost feel a dare or challenge in the air. She knew that those girls were verbally drawing straws as they tried to decide who was going to make sense of whatever high society mystery the tongues were wagging about tonight.

Whatever had that particular group of girls so intrigued was likely going to be the most interesting thing that would happen at this party the entire night. It might even be enough of a distraction to make Celeste’s obligatory appearance here less of a burden.

She made her way casually towards them, stopping to greet various people as she went. Each individual was granted her complete, undivided attention; a handshake or a hug as appropriate, eye contact, and her dazzling smile. She knew everyone’s name, their relatives, and their business. She inquired after their families, even though she already knew the answers, both good and bad. At last, she approached the group of girls who were still hovering around the garden doors.

“Jennifer,” said Celeste with a smile, by way of greeting to one of the girls in the group. “You look wonderful tonight.”

"Oh! Celeste! Thank you... That dress is stunning." Jennifer practically squealed in her enthusiasm, it was unexpected at best for Celeste of the Hudson City Fraziers, to deign her worthy of a personal greeting. There was open envy in her eyes as she gaped at the socialite's scandalous dress, so few people could pull that off.

A slight change of Celeste’s pose allowed her to show the dress off to its fullest effect – both to Jennifer and friends, and anyone else in the room who cared to look. Jennifer was both sweet and non-influential, so was of little interest to Celeste – by the same token, it took little effort on Celeste’s part to make Jennifer feel special.

Tara, a former friend of Celeste's, gave her a more reserved greeting, and barely managed a smile. "Celeste." It wasn't a secret that Tara Winston had her heart torn out a few years ago, when her then dear friend Celeste had conveniently started dating her boyfriend, not even a day after they had broken up. Since then, Tara had remained civil in order to keep from committing social suicide, but other than that, she could barely stand being around her old friend.

Celeste’s smile for Tara was just as bright and open as it had been to Jennifer. “Tara, good to see you. You cut your hair! It looks great.” Every inch of her body displayed the sincerity behind her words. In truth, Tara’s hair did look good, but that was of course beside the point. Celeste always went out of her way to be kind and generous where Tara was concerned. It seemed to make people forget – or at least disregard – her previous slight to the woman. Well, Tara had clearly neither forgotten nor disregarded it, but that didn’t bother Celeste in the slightest. She couldn’t remember quite what Tara had done to deserve punishment, but she was sure it had been something important. Besides, Tara should be thankful – the boyfriend in question had been cheating on Tara for months.

With Celeste.

Christie Danner stepped forward and gave Celeste a delicate embrace. That Danner girl, that's what everyone called her, was a woman blessed with everything from looks and money, to smarts and personality. Everyone loved that Danner girl. It was impossible not to with her sweet unassuming personality. Her two hanger ons, Megan Meyers and Emily Hoagan gave a slight wave, but remained in the background as was their way.

Celeste smiled and returned Christie’s embrace. For one brief moment, Celeste’s smile had a hint of smugness to it, but it was gone in the same instant.

"Celeste." Christie smiled at her with a depth of sincerity that promised that her intentions were nothing but pure. "I am so glad that you're here. She released her from her embrace, holding onto her for a moment longer than most would have found comfortable. "You are just in time." She cocked her head as a sweet smile played at her face. "Have you ever met The mysterious Fabian DiSantiago? ...we can't be sure, but we're almost certain that the man out their next to the fountain is him."

Celeste raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow in surprise. “Really?” She followed Christie’s gaze out the doors towards the fountain. There was indeed an unfamiliar face there; a man of middle height and a dark, almost feminine beauty. It was odd for there to be anyone in attendance at these events that Celeste didn’t know at least by sight; anyone visiting from out of town was the subject of local gossip long before the night of the event.

She studied him a bit more intently, trying to discern from his build and facial features whether or not he was indeed a DiSantiago. That particular family tree was quite extensive, which made it difficult to identify its members by features alone. His clothes were incredibly expensive; the tailored black suit fit him perfectly, the red shirt underneath complimented his coloring, and the hint of white in his black and red tie was an excellent accent to the entire outfit.

Still, the display of money evident in his clothes was not enough to conclusively determine who he was. With a smile to the other girls, Celeste shrugged. “Well, the easiest way of finding out, is for someone to ask him.” Slipping past their group, she started to make her way towards him, transferring the full weight of her smile from the girls to the stranger by the fountain. Her eyes came back up to his face to find that he was already looking at her.

Celeste's heart quite literally skipped a beat when her eyes met the gaze of the mysterious stranger. There was an allure about him that was irresistible, and she had to physically restrain herself in order to keep her stride as slow and fluid as she would have liked. The man watched her approach with his deep melancholy eyes, they swept over her slowly, too slowly, before coming to rest on her mouth.

Well used to the attentions of men, there was still something different about this one that made Celeste react in ways she was unfamiliar with. Perhaps it was simply the mystery that had always surrounded the name of Fabian DiSantiago – who she was now, for some reason, quite certain this man was. No one knew much about him, and the seemingly infinite selection of rumours about him implied that no one knew what the truth actually was. That, and the few people who did know the truth weren’t talking.

He offered her a glimmer of a smile as she came to a stop in front of him, but said nothing. His eyes slowly came to meet hers again and their was an intimate familiarity in them, like he somehow had the capacity to truly understand her. The breeze played with his styled hair, but it had nothing to do with the shiver that Celeste felt deep within her.

Celeste’s smile broadened a bit, enjoying the affect this man was having on her. Few men could bring her to any sort of reaction at all, and he was doing so with nothing more than a look and a fleeting smile. She was also certain that she had the attention of nearly everyone at the party. They all wanted to know if this was the mysterious Fabian, and if it was, they wanted to know the answers to all of the questions surrounding him. But none of them were bold enough to approach him.

Cowards, Celeste thought uncharitably. And now you’re too late; he’s all mine.

“Good evening,” she said to the dark stranger before her, her voice pleasant and her smile inviting. A tip of her head indicated the group of girls she had left; they were not even making an attempt to conceal their stares. “You certainly are causing quite the stir around here this evening.” She let the comment hang in the air.

His smile lingered as his dark eyes swept over her once more. They still seemed melancholy but there was a hint of longing there, a definite feeling that he appreciated her presence. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Celeste." His voice slid across her skin like it was velvet, soft and deep. He took one of her hands in both of his, and cradled it, while he introduced himself. "I'm Fabian DiSantiago. I hope that I can trust you to keep my secret. It wouldn't do for my family to find out I was talking to a Frazier." With that he lifted her hand to his lips and softly kissed her open palm.

Celeste fought down a blush, fighting to keep the composure that always came naturally to her. “The pleasure is all mine,” she replied softly, almost shyly. “And of course, I will keep your secret. I imagine you would prefer peace from not only your family, but from the, shall we say, inquisitive minds here.” She cast a brief dark look towards the doors leading back towards the party, but almost immediately turned her full attention back to Fabian.

This close to him, she could see in intimate detail just how beautiful his features were. The bones of his face were fine and perfect, his eyes dark and all encompassing. Without prying, he seemed to see straight in to her, and understand everything she said and everything she didn’t.

“What brings you out tonight?” Her eyes were continuously drawn to his mouth, and she was torn between listening to his words, enjoying his voice, or watching his lips move.

He was still holding her hand and looking intently into her eyes as he replied. "I don't get out much. The noise of these gatherings are difficult for me." He turned his gaze away from Celeste to peer into the fountain next to them, and it left her with an empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I was actually getting ready to leave..." His voice trailed off as he looked at her again, obviously torn now with his decision.

A momentary thread of panic slipped through her mind at the thought of him leaving her here, surrounded by these people that she felt nothing but contempt for. She quickly crushed the thought and was relatively certain she kept it from showing on her face. “I had been thinking much the same thing,” she lied smoothly. Well, not entirely a lie; she certainly was happy for an excuse to leave the party. “Might I be so bold as to ask whether you would like some company tonight? In a… quieter environment than this.”

His eyes narrowed with intensity, and his entire body spoke clearly as to how much she had piqued his interest. "Are you bold, Celeste?" His deep voice seemed to dip into her soul. "I've heard that you are quite bold."

“Oh yes,” she replied. “I’ve always been bold; I suppose it’s a fault of mine.” Her body language enforced the truth of her words.

"I can't promise that I'll behave myself, but I would adore your company this evening, if you are so inclined to join me."

Celeste's smile lit up her face. “I would be delighted. Please lead on; save us from” - she gestured at their surroundings – “this.” Her eyes shone with mischief and laughter. “And if you won’t promise to be good, well, then neither will I.”

She felt the soft clench of his hands as he squeezed her cradled hand. Her heart quite literally skipped a beat when he spoke again, his promised words full of sincerity. "I'll save you Celeste. I promise."

She rested the fingers of her free hand lightly against his wrist. The pulse she could feel through her fingers seemed to beat in time with hers. "I hope so," she replied softly, her eyes focused on his.

Without another word, he pulled her gently further away from the party. They meandered through the outdoor garden, and exited to the grounds where he suggested that they take her car back to his place.

Celeste nodded her assent, and led the way to where her car was parked. The sleek, metallic blue Corvette was aglow with the reflected lights of the mansion, where the party continued in full swing. She retrieved her keys from her purse, then looked at Fabian. "Shall I drive, or would you prefer to?"

Instead of replying, he walked to the passenger door and held it open for her. He took the proffered keys and bent low to gather the flowing fabric of her gown and tucked it in softly around her, before shutting the door.

Celeste only barely stopped a blush from coloring her cheeks. She was used to being treated like royalty by men and women alike, but somehow this was different. Fabian was treating her with respect and dignity, but without any hint of the other things that usually went along with that. Most men exuded either their awe of her, or their conceit at being the one to leave with her. Fabian displayed neither, instead showing a calm self assurance that was both uncommon and very intriguing.

Fabian took a moment to look back at the mansion as he walked to the driver's side. He slid his eyes over the entire scene, his eyes lingering on the winding driveway and the headlights that streamed slowly back and forth beyond it. His own heart quickened as the taste of cleansing wet his pallet, he could almost feel the creamy soft skin of Celeste and the smell of her perfume was still hovering about him. He was about ready to drown in his own well of temptation and sin and wondered how much of a head start he had on those that would be looking for him.

With a soft click of the door, Fabian joined Celeste inside the exquisite interior. The car purred to life as he eased it out of the estate and back onto the road, heading out of Irish Town. His rich voice broke the tangible silence as the large estate disappeared behind them. "I've heard of you, Celeste Frazier." He looked over at her with his intense dark eyes and gave her a smile.

She returned his gaze, her eyes laughing. Everyone had heard of her; she accepted that as no more than her due. She was more interested in what he had heard.

His eyes were hungry, she knew that look. He was saying and doing all of the right things, but the look in his eyes spoke of an insatiable hunger that she was hard pressed to remember seeing before in another man.

"You have a bit of a larger than life reputation." His hungry eyes lit with a bit of fire as he spoke. "Are you really that infamous? Or is it just that everyone is so jealous of your beauty and charm that they exaggerate to try to stay out of your shadow?" There was a daring lilt to his voice and she could easily imagine what answer he preferred.

This time, the laughter spilled out of her. “It’s a bit of both, I expect,” she replied amidst her chuckles. “As well as a bit of one leading to the other. Some people are jealous or angry because of some perceived slight.” Her body was turned in the car seat so that she faced him; she leaned slightly towards him as she talked. The feeling of his eyes on her sent shivers down her spine.

“Of course, all rumors are exaggerated – but many hold at least some kernel of truth. Some, more so than others.” She tilted her head slightly to look up at him, and smiled. “However, there’s only two ways I know of to determine if a rumor is true. One, is to have been there and seen it yourself… the other is to ask.”

Fabian regarded her solemnly for a moment and nodded his head. "That sounds true enough. ...so why don't you tell me then. Which of these devious rumors are indeed the truth? I've heard that you've torn asunder entire families, seducing husbands and fathers." His intense eyes met hers again and the hunger that still lingered in them was palpable.

“Well, that sounds like one big rumour,” Celeste replied. She shrugged, a half smile still tugging at the corners of her mouth. “And I suppose there is some truth to it, though that quite depends on your perspective on the matter. Some might argue that I have “torn families apart”… but really, if a husband and father cheats, isn’t it he who has ruined his family? What has that to do with me? He makes the choice to sacrifice what he has built, simply for a night… or more… of his own pleasure.”

Her smile widened and took on a sharp, almost cruel quality, as she thought of Christie Danner and what she didn’t know.

“Nothing I do will change the inherent nature of a person. Whatever they choose to do, was already there inside."

Fabian nodded his head knowingly, as if he expected nothing less from her. "Perhaps you underestimate the power of temptation. You are a phenomenal beauty, what man could resist your charms? Would you let a man resist your wiles?" His voice held that raw quality again, openly desiring the sound of her voice to quench his thirst for knowledge of her.

Celeste preened slightly at the compliment, enjoying having his attention focused entirely on her. She had long ceased paying attention to where they were going, her thoughts and mind riveted to this fascinating man before her. “Temptation is a powerful thing,” she said slowly, letting the words linger in the air between them. “I wouldn’t pursue a man that had no interest in being… tempted… by me. But I have yet to encounter such an obstacle.”

The DiSantiago took his eyes fully off of the road, completely captured by Celeste's confession, he seemed to lose himself for a moment as he drank in her beauty. As she watched, his skin paled and she could see his adam's apple bob as he swallowed deeply. His features clearly spoke of temptation and desire.

Her eyes stayed locked on his as the silence stretched out, thick with sexual tension. Her breath was coming slightly quicker, and she could feel her heart racing.

The blare of a car horn startled them both out of the moment, and Fabian swung his gaze back to the road, visibly startled. He reached up and swept his hand over his brow to wipe off a thin layer of perspiration that appeared there. Whether it had been caused by Celeste or the near accident, couldn't be determined.

Dropping her eyes, Celeste took a minute to compose herself. She was not used to reacting so strongly to any man, and it was a bit disconcerting.

The tension in the car didn't dissipate and by the time the car finally coasted to a stop it had become almost unsettling. Celeste knew that there was no rational reason that she should be affected like this by a man, by any man. She was queen of her realm, master of her domain, but tonight she felt like some mindless minion held spellbound by the mysterious Fabian DiSantiago.

The neighborhood was most certainly not Irish Town, as a matter of fact she was surprised by the normalcy of the two story house. It wasn't that it was rundown or mundane, but by no means was it the sprawling Irish Town estate or lavish Bankhurst Penthouse apartment that she had expected.

After a minute, she realized that it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he wasn’t staying in one of the usual high class areas. If he were, then he wouldn’t be such a mystery to everyone. There’s very few places in the rich areas of Hudson City that anyone could remain low key and unnoticed for a lengthy period of time.

Fabian took a few moments after he parked the car to gaze at her, before he finally turned off the engine and got out. Then he was there, outside of her door ready to help her out.

Celeste accepted the offered hand and stepped gracefully out of the car. She let her hand linger on his, her eyes searching his for some sign of his thoughts. Their gazes locked and their was an undeniable chemistry between the two of them.

He lifted his free hand and grazed the back of it gently against her cheek. "You are more than a temptation, Celeste. You are living...breathing...sin." He bowed his head closer to hers, until their cheeks were lightly touching, and he continued in a whisper. "What man could resist you?"

She felt his hot breath against her ear as he whispered and could hear his breathing stop as he inhaled her rich perfume. Her eyes closed as she felt his fingers tangle lightly in her hair, pulling her head back as he finally brushed his lips against hers.

The touch was light, but it still took her breath away. From not only the touch of his lips, but also the touch of his hand on the back of her head, it felt like small currents of electricity were pulsing through her body. Her hand came up to rest on his chest, partly for the opportunity to touch him, partly to steady herself. Her fingers rested just above his collar, the tips of her fingers tracing the hollow of his throat.

He stiffened slightly at her touch before she felt him give way to his reservation, pulling her head into him as his passion intensified. She could sense the effort that it took for him to pull away, each time he tried the low moan from her lips would draw him inexorably back under her control. When he finally pulled away from her he pulled her urgently towards the front door of the house, and made every effort to avoid her sultry gaze.

Celeste allowed herself to be led, glad of the opportunity to catch her breath. She forced her breathing to return to normal, and felt her heartbeat slow back to its regular pace. Rather than look at Fabian – which she knew would set her heart racing again – she looked around her, taking in her surroundings.

Fabian had also regained some semblance of his calm back as he fumbled for his keys and let them into the house. Celeste noticed that it was sparsely furnished as he closed the door behind him, making sure to fasten the deadbolt and set the alarm. It seemed a little odd to think of those things at a time like this, but it was easy to forgive eccentric habits.

Besides, Celeste didn’t want anyone disturbing them any time soon.

He took off his jacket and hung it with care on the peg next to the door, he ran his hands over it a couple of times to make sure the creases were in the right spot and that no wrinkles had set. She got the distinct feeling that he was taking his time trying to overcome the passion that she had stirred within him only moments ago.

She put her purse down on a table by the door, smiling slightly to herself. Taking a few steps further in to the house, she gave him time to compose himself. Her eye – long accustomed to observing all of the intricate details of the houses owned and lived in by the rich and famous – surveyed the area. Sparse and simple interior decorating was all the rage currently, but the interior of this house teetered dangerously on the edge of taking it too far.

Fabian turned around slowly and watched Celeste as she looked around the nearly vacant house. His face was set in an intent look as he closed the space between them, his eyes catching hers in a moment of electric chemistry.

Celeste resisted the urge to take a step back. His approach was sudden, and a bit unexpected, but she was too drawn to him to move away. Her eyes searched his, trying to decipher what she saw there.

He stopped in front of her and reached for her delicate hands, all the while holding her gaze with his serious brown eyes. "I told you that I would save you Celeste." His voice was sincere as he spoke and she felt a most queer sensation begin creeping up her fingers and through her body. The chemistry was so electric that it nearly stung her with it's intensity. "The next place you see will be far more magnificent than my most humble abode."

She heard his words but they seemed distant somehow. His grip on her hands was soft, but so magnetic she couldn't pull away, even when the tingly sensation went from startlingly pleasant, to an alarming feeling of numbness.

“Fabian…” She said his name softly, somewhere between a question and a plea. She wasn’t entirely sure what she was asking, or asking for. Her thoughts were running too quickly to pick out any one amongst them. Her eyes stayed locked on his, too intrigued to worry about the odd numb feeling in her hands.

"Shhhhh..... Celeste. All will be forgiven soon." He smiled at her benignly as a most serene expression settled upon his face, lending him an almost heavenly glow. He bent slightly at his waist and scooped her up in his arms, yards of her silken fabric cascaded over his arm and trailed behind them as he began walking with his delicate cargo.

The action would have normally been romantic, but his words triggered the first, faint warning bells in Celeste’s head.

The tingling sensation continued to spread down her arms, and now she could feel it low on her thigh and on her back, where Fabian's hands lingered as he carried her. Her tongue was thickening as well and a sudden dryness invaded her mouth making it hard to swallow. As she was taking inventory of her body, he stopped in front of a door in the kitchen and opened it. The stringent smell of antiseptic wafted up to her from below, and as she lolled her head sideways she saw a bare wooden staircase leading down into a basement.

The faint warning bells in her mind suddenly turned into full fledged claxons. The little eccentricities that Fabian had been displaying took on a much more sinister cast, and Celeste was no longer entirely certain that she wanted to know more about what he had planned for tonight. Leaving with Fabian had been a great way to one-up the women at the party, but increasing her social standing did not extend to discovering whatever his kink was.

She almost teleported to her car, but remembered that Fabian had driven. Where had he put the keys? She wracked her brain, trying to remember. They were in the car, then outside… he led her to the door and let them in… There! His jacket, he had hung it by the door. He had left the keys in his pocket.

Decision made, Celeste teleported herself to the front door. It was a short hop – no more than 20 or 30 feet – but as she materialized at the door, she felt as if she had tried to port 20 or 30 miles. As she reached out for his jacket, her legs gave out on her. Her hand caught on the jacket’s pocket, and she collapsed to the floor, taking the jacket and the hall table down with her.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." Fabian's disapproval sounded from across the room and he turned towards her to begin his unhurried retrieval. "I'm sorry, my dear, but escape isn't in your cards for tonight. You are strong willed, I will give you that, most sinners are completely paralyzed by now." One step. Two steps. Three steps.

Oh. Shit. Her limbs simply refused to respond to her brain’s instructions. For about 10 seconds, panic clouded her mind, no coherent thoughts breaking through at all. In that moment, she was a scared, helpless girl, in a very very bad situation.

Then Celeste Frazier returned, and she was anything but a scared, helpless little girl. Clarity wiped the panic from her mind. I need to get out of here, was her first though. No one knows where I am, was her second. If the first was out of her reach currently, the second was not.

Another slow step and then another. She caught a glimpse of him from her peripheral vision, his head was cocked and a queer look played at his face as he watched her. He seemed as interested in watching his tortured little pet as he did in securing her again. "Do you feel it Celeste? It's seeping further into you now. Don't fight it, there will be no pain...yet. ...and your redemption will be the sweetest peace." His voice was as soft as a lul-la-bye.

She lolled her head to the side and caught sight of her purse, laying on the floor a few feet away. It had fallen when the table was knocked over, and the contents of it were scattered across the floor. She concentrated, using far more energy than it should have required, but was rewarded with the familiar, comfortable feeling of her cell phone materializing in her hand.

Three buttons, that’s all I need, she thought, almost growling with frustration as she tried to force her fingers to obey. Unlock, first – nothing else matters if she couldn’t get the keypad unlocked. As best as she could, she pressed and held down the * key. She heard a muffled beep as the keypad unlocked. Two more – she could hear Fabian coming back towards her, though she couldn’t see him with the angle her head was at. Moving her head seemed pointless; seeing him approach wasn’t going to make him get to her slower.

Through sheer force of will, Celeste moved her finger up the keypad. 1, then Send, praying she was pressing the right buttons. Her eyes locked back on to her purse, and as she felt the control of her powers slipping away along with the control of her body, she sent her phone inside the purse, out of sight.

The approaching footsteps were almost to her by then. The clackity clack of Fabian's dress shoes on the tiled kitchen floor, came to a halt and she knew that he was only a few paces away. The carpet now hushed his footfalls and she steeled herself for what might come.

It wasn't the abrupt touch that she had braced herself for, instead she felt a gentle tug on her now lifeless arm as he stooped again to pick her up. Her legs dangled like dead weight as he lifted her. She felt a cool breeze caress the bottom of her left foot and realized that at some point one of her shoes had fallen off. The paralyzing sensation was now thick in the pit of her stomach and there wasn't a single inch of her body that responded to her mental pleas to move.

Despite the fact that her body wasn't responding to her, her mind was as sharp as a tack. If anything her perception seemed somehow increased, as if she were experiencing them through someone else. Her hearing was more keen and her sense of smell became so acute that she could smell bleach and a sweet tangy scent begin to mingle with the anticeptic that was wafting through the open door to the basement. She could also feel with complete clarity every touch on her lifeless body, even now a tear or bead of sweat slivered over her chin and down her neck.

"Shhhh....Shhhh.... Don't worry Celeste. I would never do anything to hurt you. Once your soul is purified, you will have all of eternity to understand." He lifted her slightly in his powerful embrace and kissed her forehead, the sound of wood board creaked under their combined weight as he shifted precariously to shut the door and bolt it behind them. Her still eyes were completely at his mercy as to where she could see, but every inch of the room and door that she looked at was covered in some sort of thick insulation.

With the panic in her mind already come and gone, Celeste decided to skip the despair stage, and head straight for anger. That anyone would dare to kidnap her – to harm her – was almost difficult to comprehend. Much easier to conceive, was exactly what she was going to do to him when she got out of this.

ooc: File Closed

Note to Self:
Emily Hoagan
Megan Meyers