All the world changed in a single moment. Lives were ended, and even more lives disrupted. For magic had come back into the world, destroying all modern technology in an instant. And with the magic came elves, dragons, were-folk ... and vampires.<br><br>Thomas is one of these, and one of the oldest, for he was there when the world changed. He has been alone for a long time. When a chance encounter leads him to Justin and Ian, a mated pair of werewolves, he finds that he may not need to be alone any more.<br><br>Justin, ever-curious, asks Thomas about the day the magic returned, and Thomas shares two stories from his past, describing the confusion and horror of the old wold's destruction, but also sharing the blossoming relationship he found amid the chaos.

The Magic Returns

He heard the scuff of feet from the bunker door, and then a noisier cascade of footfalls and crunching gravel as somebody climbed the hill towards his perch. “Hey there. Sitting up and brooding?” said Brad as he came to stand next to Thomas.


Thomas gave a shrug. “I guess. Shouldn’t you be asleep?”


“Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d come see what you were up to.”


“It’s a nice night,” said Brad, and sat down on the rock next to Thomas.


They sat in silence for a while as the clouds scudded by overhead. There was a faint breeze, but the night was warm, and peaceful, silent. Whatever creature had been calling out had gone to sleep, or found what it sought. The moon peeked out for a moment, letting silvery light spill over everything.


Brad made an odd sound, and Thomas looked over to see that he was doubled over, nearly falling from his seat, and suddenly panting hard.


Chapter 21