Since that first meeting Ashley's café, battle lines were being drawn. Although many didn't want a war, as the weeks went on, it was becoming clear that people weren't going to get a choice. Species were picking sides. It wasn't a matter of if, but more like when. The leaders tried to keep the peace, but fights were breaking out. Eventually, more blood would be drawn.<br/><br/>Elise and her witches sided with the werewolves. Dawn was recovering but ended up in a coma from her injuries. The witches were hopeful that someday Dawn would wake back up.<br/><br/>Elise and Amber weren't living together. They were slowly coming back together, though. At first, Elise only got updated about her niece through Elizabeth. Eventually, Amber began to text her. Very recently, she started to call her. Elise wished she could turn back time and not lie to Amber about the dagger, but she had been honoring her late sister's wishes. Slowly, Amber was beginning to see that and start to let go of her anger.<br/><br/>It was hard to fully let go, though. Being a Dark One meant dark emotions were more prevalent. It was so easy to give into anger or hate...Amber didn't hate her aunt, though. She still loved her but her new powers, and Rumpelstiltskin's constant voice in her head, made it harder to show it.<br/><br/>Only with Micky, did Amber not hear him. His presence kept Rumple at bay. Something the former Dark One did not like. Being with Micky made her happy and made Amber feel like herself. The person she was before she retook the dagger. Amber would no doubt probably read every book in the library. Dark Ones didn't need to sleep but if she didn't occupy her mind, then dark thoughts would come in. Hanging out in the library with Micky was fun. She was surprised to find out how much he liked to read.<br/><br/>Amber had a notebook to keep track of any time a Dark One was mentioned in a book or journal. Rumpelstiltskin had been one of the longest living Dark Ones but he wasn't the only one. Amber was surprised how far back the dagger went. And upset to read that the only one way someone lost the dagger was being killed with it.<br/><br/>When winter came, at first, Amber thought the snow was cool. She had grown up in Los Angeles, it very rarely snowed. It didn't take long for her to dislike it. She didn't like being cold. Although she did like that Micky stayed close to her because of the cold.<br/><br/>----------------<br/><br/>Julia enjoyed spending time with Ashley. She didn't care if they were working or just hanging out at the house. Spending time with Ashley was one of her favorite things to do in the whole world. Although she felt the time for them to pick a side was drawing closer and closer. She felt that no one could stay neutral in this coming war.<br/><br/>-----------------<br/><br/>Easton was surprised that some of the races picked his side. They were tired of the witches and werewolves running the town. They wanted a change. The more allies, the better, thought the vampire leader.<br/><br/>In the weeks until the start of winter, Easton and his coven had kept a low profile. Gaining allies and stock piling weapons. War was coming and he was going to be prepared. Besides, Easton didn't get where he was without being patient. He had plans, big ones. Ones that involved the Dark One.<br/><br/>"Easton, I don't get it. You've had strands of her hair for almost two months now....When are you going to use them?"<br/><br/>Yasmine asked, she remembered breaking into Amber and Elise's house. Taking the hairbrush, he said he needed it to summon the Dark One but yet Easton hadn't done that. Easton replied.<br/><br/>"Soon...Once the Winter Solstice comes. The shortest day of the year will be the perfect day to make the Dark One our new friend."