“…Now, we need a plan before-“
Zhera speaks until she notices you suddenly grip the staircase with intense vigor, your eyes tightly shut. The warrior feels an invisible force surround you as you begin loudly snarling. Your human teeth start to elongate into deadly fangs. Your body begins to vibrate as untapped energy floods your system. The mercenary’s body moves without her, ducking behind a nearby wall. (Lena, you told me the child hadn’t shifted yet!)
Marble quickly crumbles under your immense power. The noise catches the attention of everyone in the room. Phillips smiles once he notices you, only for it to quickly disappear. Your eyes finally snap open, revealing yellow eyes surrounded by a glowing ring of red. A chill falls over the space as the hunters process the gravity of the situation. One of the injured hunters begins to desperately crawl away, sweat covers their brow as they panic.
Phillips watches dumbfounded as your anatomy begins to change. The hunter feels rage as the human woman he fell for becomes monstrous before his very eyes. Your skeletal system cracks and grows as your body reshapes itself. Your small hands stretch into fearsome claws, sharper than most blades. You instinctively rip away pieces of your flesh, revealing thick white fur below it. Any muscle mass you have accumulated over the years easily triple as you grow as large as Phillips’ monstrous form.
“No!” The humanoid yells.
The blonde overhead is taken aback by the transformation at first, but she quickly smiles once she notices the bloodlust in your eyes.
“heh (coughs), give them hell, hymen”.
You loudly growl at the hunters from the top of the staircase. The elite squad start yelling in a panic, none of them in any shape or form prepared to fight a newborn lycan. But you ignore them as your head violently turns towards Phillips. You crack the floor under you as your powerful legs thrusts yourself down the stairs, throwing yourself at the hunter.
“I AM FUCKING SICK OF THIS GODDAMN CASTLE!” one of the hunters’ yell in desperation as he aims a heavy crossbow at the wolf. Without hesitation, Zhera throws a dagger, stopping the man as it hits him straight in the forehead, pushing him back with force. His mask cracks, revealing the knife lunged through his skull. (Something tells me you’ll be one of the lucky ones tonight.)
The mercenary quickly realizes how costly her decision is as the group of hunters set their sights on her. Each of the men and women welcome the opportunity to act out their frustrations, bloodlust, and fear. The hunters run at Zhera with unhinged energy, prepared to die for one final kill.
Phillips’ gasps as you bum-rush him with full force, the giant loudly falls against the ground, further damaging the space. Without warning you begin violently swiping your large claws at him, one strike could easily cut someone into ribbons. Phillips just barely catches your paws, struggling as adrenaline begins to surge through his veins. You quickly respond by snapping your deadly muzzle at him. Saliva hits the man’s face as you aggressively attempt to bite off his head. Terror fills the humanoid as he watches your fangs get closer and closer.
[[“WHAT DID YOU DO TO ALCINA!?”]]
Your thought comes out as loud barks and snarls.
Zhera quickly scans the area around her, preparing herself for attacks from all angles. The mercenary does not allow herself to panic, unsheathing her weapon as she’s fueled by one thought.
(I promise I’ll live, Lena. I promise I will see you again. Now, LIGHT MY WAY!)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Daniela quickly takes notice of the crowd rushing at the mercenary. “shit.”
The blonde looks around in a panic, only one option seems to present itself. The vampire heavily sighs before tossing herself over the balcony. Daniela hits the ground with a loud grunt.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A heavyset man swings a giant axe at Zhera, she barely dodges the weapon, ducking behind the berserker to stab him in the back of the neck. Blood stains her weapon as she quickly impales another nearby hunter before they can reach her. A smaller individual swings their fist at the woman but she swiftly steps aside while pulling them further, throwing them behind her.
At the bottom of the staircase an archer aims at Zhera. The mercenary is too distracted to notice as she defends herself at every angle. The woman expertly maneuvers herself through the sea of killers.
“nighty ni-“
But the archer is quickly interrupted as a powerful fist knocks them against a nearby wall. The last thing the hunter sees is a muscular woman before they pass out with a groan.
Vera projects her voice across the space, “take out all hunters and do not go near the newborn. And remember, do not kill unless necessary, we are not like them.”
Her pack nods in response, immediately disbursing throughout the room.
Zhera watches in surprise as wolves fill the space, instantly attacking the hunters that surround her. Chaos breaks out as lycans easily dominate the weakened squad members, some on all fours and some on their hind legs. Various sounds fill the air as the hunters’ shriek in pain and the wolves loudly growl while their claws skitter against the floor.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A mixture emotions flood Vera once her eyes fall onto her student. Any sense of pride quickly dissipates once she notices the newborn wrestling with a creature made of decayed skin. Vera steps towards the battle but quickly stops herself, using ever ounce of self- control she has.
(It’s much too dangerous to break the fight now. I either need the room cleared or her to be distracted long enough so I can deal with her.)
Vera monitors the battle with intense focus, prepared to end it if it becomes too much for her student.
(I won’t let your young one die, Maya.)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Zaen spots a blonde woman lying across the room. The healer immediately makes their way over to her as they’re sure she must the “aggressive blonde” their partner has told them about.
They gently turn the vampire over, surprised by the barrage of needles that cover the woman’s body. The lycan takes notice of how the metal burns at their skin. (anointed steel.)
The blonde weakly swipes at the stranger, her voice low and gruff.
“I’ll…kill you.”
The lycan speaks softly as they try to reassure the vampire.
“Do not fret, Miss Dimitrescu. I am not a hunter. My pack and I are here to help. Please try to relax.”
Daniela stares up at the mummified figure with confusion, “why do you look like that?”
Zaen is slightly taken aback by blunt question but decides to answer honestly.
“My village burned me alive once they found out I was not human.”
A pregnant pause fills the conversation until Daniela speaks again.
“…fuckers.”
Zaen lightly chuckles, “indeed. Now please try to relax, this metal is making you weak.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You loudly yelp as Phillips knocks you back with his legs, using all of his strength to kick against your gut. Your back slams into a nearby pillar and you slide down it, hugging your core.
“You were supposed to be the love of my life. But it looks like I was too late..” He says heavily breathing while wiping blood from his mouth.
His delusional words fuel your anger. You immediately throw yourself at him and your hands slam into each other’s with a loud smack. Both lycan and monster struggle against mirroring resistance. You push against him only for him to push back with equal force. Both creatures focus all of their energy on making the other submit.
Your eyes widen once notice how close you’re getting to Alcina. You quickly use all of your strength to spin the fight towards the opposite direction, you miss the matriarch by a few inches.
“I promise I’ll kill her for this, for taking away your beautiful form-“
Your eyes twitch in anger.
You headbutt the hunter and his nose breaks with a loud crack, Phillips yells in pain. The man bends over as he holds onto his face. You give him a swift kick, knocking him back onto the ground.
You immediately toss yourself at the dazed man, taking his head and repeatedly slamming it against the floor. The humanoid quickly becomes a bloody mess. Right as you’re about to administer the final strike you feel large meaty hands encircle around your throat.
Phillips looks up at you with unhinged desperation in his eyes as he squeezes hard against your windpipe. You loudly cough as your claws try to loosen his grip but to no avail. You feel tears begin to form as your vision blurs. Your eyes slowly close.
Vera prepares herself to strike, waiting for the right opportunity.
(Focus, little one. What do we fight for?)
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
You find yourself in a familiar sea of black. You float on your back as if lying against an invisible surface.
The world inside your mind is quiet and peaceful and yet, you feel a chill slowly start to set in.
“We’re going to die… aren’t we?
A shadowy lycan appears, also floating on its back as it addresses you.
[“Do you want to die?”]
“Does it matter? I’ve failed everyone. Even with all your strength, I still couldn’t help.”
Hands made of ice begin creeping in below, stretching their icy tendrils towards you.
[“You still don’t get it.”] The shadow says quietly as their breath becomes visible from the cold in the air. You stare at them blankly through tired eyes.
[“There is no me without you. We shifted because you commanded it….not the other way around.”]
The hands of winter caress up your bodies, you cough as one lightly grips your neck.
[“There is no my strength, it is simply yours. So, I ask you again- do you want to die?”]
You stay silent as you ponder the statement, the hands almost completely cover you both. Your skin begins to burn as the cold quickly starts to become unbearable.
Without warning the shadow reaches out and seizes you by the neck, tightly gripping. You look at them with confusion and fear.
[“EITHER WE LIVE OR HE DOES – SO CHOOSE!”]
You instantly grab the claw around your throat.
[“WHO WILL SURVIVE TODAY?”]
The cold overwhelms your mind, you feel frozen in place. You struggle to move as the hands pierce into your flesh, you loudly hiss.
You shut your eyes and your wolf looks at you with sadness written on its face. Little does it know you’re looking deep within, anything hints of a spark that will free you.
Right before a hand can cover your eyes, you release a shaky breath as you feel something ignite deep in your core. At the last second, you feel warmth in your heart.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Your eyes suddenly snap open and it strikes fear into Phillips’ core. Without hesitate you clumsily slam your thumbs into the humanoids’ eyes, and he shrieks in pain as you press in with all your power. The man’s grip instantly loosens, he violently shakes his head trying to escape your attack.
You loudly growl as you begin slowly tearing the man’s face apart. The hunter’s disturbing screams are drowned out by your memories. Images of Alcina begin to flood your mind. Everything from the moment you first laid eyes on the matriarch to the last time your lips met. Your senses flair up as you hear her voice echo through your ears.
“My beautiful girl made of sunlight….”
With a final, roaring growl you rip the man’s head in half. The humanoid’s blood stains your snow-white fur. Adrenaline pulses through your body as you loudly howl, the powerful sound fills the castle, making the windows shake. You feel a sense of euphoria unlike nothing before.
[“YES, YES- WE MUST KEEP KILLING!”]
Your beast hungers for more blood.
But before you can satiate it you feel someone suddenly put you in a tight headlock.
You violently squirm under Vera’s tight squeeze.
“Rest now, little one.” Your teacher grits through her teeth as her grip tightens. The woman dodges your violent swipes at her. Your snarls fill the space as tries to knock you out as gently as she can. Despite the warrior’s strength and experience, your unruly energy is still quite a feat for her.
[[“NO! I’M FINALLY FREE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!”]]
Your world slowly goes black, the last thing you see is the harpy that sits in the corner of the room.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vera gently lays you down as you begin to change back. She places her large fur cape over your now bare body. (Rest now, your first kill is always the hardest.)
The lycan’s gaze falls onto the large decaying body, her eyes ever so slightly narrow as she watches black smoke ooze from it. (and to fight a creature born of black magic no less….)
Vera smiles to herself as she imagines Luther somewhere unsurprised his offspring was able to conquer such a battle.
“Of course, my pup won! Just look at her! The Gods have always favoured the child, I mean they did bless her with my good looks!”
The warrior’s smile disappears as she quickly turns around to extend a clawed hand at a nearby figure. The lycan’s beastly paw is just centimetres away from Zhera’s neck while the mercenary’s sword is pointed at hers.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vera’s expression stays neutral as Zhera speaks clear and direct.
“State your identity and step away from the girl.” The mercenary threatens, prepared to lay her life down for girl despite only just meeting her.
The lycan feels needles prick at her throat, silently acknowledging the blade’s holy steel.
“We are the child’s pack. Who are you?” Vera counters.
“I am a friend of the Dimitrescu family.”
Both women refuse to back down, their gaze completely locked. Vera decides to listen to her gut. “..Then it would appear we are on the same side.”
“So it would seem.”
The voice of a young lycan breaks the women’s standoff.
“Ulfra! Do we leave the bodies, or do we begin collecting them?”
(Ulfra?) “So, you’re an alpha.” Zhera says while slowly lowering her weapon. Vera mirrors her action.
“I am. -Allow the elders to handle the bodies, we have no idea if these hunters are tainted with black magic!” The alpha answers.
The tense energy dissipates between the women as Zaen makes their way over while supporting Daniela against them.
“You both look like you stuff too many pillows into your outfits. Muscles aren’t everything you know.”
“Nice to see you again, Daniela.” Zhera deadpans while sheathing her blade. The mercenary decides not to comment on the puncture wounds that cover the vampire’s body.
The vampire’s smirk fades as her gaze travels over the room, acknowledging her mother and then her fallen companion. The human’s face is smudged with fresh blood while arrows cover the entirety of Alcina’s body. Daniela feels her nauseous setting in again from guilt.
“Can you help them?” She asks, addressing the alpha but Zaen answers instead.
“Hopefully. I will examine the newborn for any serious injuries. If all is well, she will simply have a lot of lingering energy to waste.”
“She’s finally unlocked some of her power, it will take some time before she becomes accustomed to it.” The alpha adds on.
The healer’s gaze then falls onto Alcina, they look at the matriarch with sadness in their eyes. “Lady Dimitrescu on the other hand seems to have been poisoned, perhaps drugged.-“
The statement makes Daniela’s mouth dry.
“With any luck it’ll be something that can extracted without issue.”
“And how long would that take?” The blonde almost whispers.
Zaen slightly shakes their head, “it depends on the drug. It could take minutes, hours, perhaps days. The silver lining is that Lady Dimitrescu is not human and extremely powerful at that- I have hope she will recover.”
The group turns their attention towards a loud voice at the top of the staircase.
“Ulfra, Nievar! We’ve found the other vampires!”
Large lycans gently carry in both Lena and Alessia. Unfortunately, neither of the women have broken out of their trances. Lena continues to scar her throat while Alessia painfully digs into her scalp with her claws.
Zhera immediately runs over to Lena once she spots her. Daniela attempts to do the same but winces before she can go further.
Zaen supports the blonde, “give yourself time, it will take a few hours for the metal’s effect to wear off. We will care for them, I promise.”
Daniela mentally kicks herself, frustrated by her weakened state.
The mercenary eyes the lycan holding her partner, the smallest hint of desperation can be heard in her voice. “I’ll take her.”
The wolf looks towards their leader for permission. Vera lightly nods. They gently exchange the brunette, the vampire weighs nothing to the mercenary. Zhera looks down at the brunette’s bloodied neck. The mercenary tightens her fists and clenches her jaw as she closes her eyes. (I’m sorry I couldn’t have been here sooner….my light.)
Both Lena and Alessia are laid down next to their mother. Tears start to form in Daniela’s eyes as she looks onto her family. The longer she looks, the more bile she tastes in her mouth. (I did this to you all…)
The vampire turns away from the group. The healer allows the blonde to limp away, clearly needing some space.
“I need to go. Will you please tell them I’ll be back….soon, once they wake up?” The blonde slightly coughs to cover up how her voice cracks.
“We will.” Zaen answers without hesitation.
“And make sure you take care of them….or I’ll kill every one of you.” Daniela says, her back still facing the group. The threat falls on deaf ears as everyone takes notice of the sadness in the vampire’s voice. The blonde runs off, even injured, Daniela is still quicker than most.
“Is it wise to allow her to go off in such a state?” Vera asks, addressing the mercenary.
“I know it is more unwise to force Daniela to do something she doesn’t want to do. I think she just needs space.” Zhera answers, more focused on the mumbling women.
“Very well.” Vera orders a couple of scouts to follow the vampire. “Keep a good distance and give her privacy and if any other hunters try to harm her…use discretion.”
The young lycans immediately go after the woman.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The vampires are each attended to by a different healer. Remnants of the drug are pulled out of the women through ancient healing techniques and sacred herbs. Each healer carries generations of knowledge passed on throughout the pack’s lifetime. Vera aids with removing each of the arrows pierced through Alcina’s body as Zaen begins examining her.
The alpha’s gaze falls onto her student, the girl’s expression shows no sign of stress as her chest slowly rises and lowers. The great wolf that shook the castle’s windows is now long gone, leaving only a small girl its wake. (I promise we will do everything we can to help her, little one.)
The warrior can’t help but wonder what her student experiences within the world of dreams.
“Father?”
“Yes, pup?” The man with the salt and pepper beard answers from the behind the counter, he whittles away at small piece of wood, working on an unknown creation.
You find yourself back within your family’s shop. How you’ve missed every trinket and weapon that covers its walls. Any sense of fear you experienced earlier is now gone.
“How do you know when you’re truly in love with someone?” You ask while examining a bowl of ancient coins.
The question brings a small smile to the shop owner’s face. He puts down his knife and makes his way towards you.
“Well, in my experience love comes from knowing pain exists.”
You look at the man, confusion evident on your face. He responds with an amused smile as he continues.
“What I mean is, I think you know you love someone if you understand by proxy of loving them there is always the possible of pain. And I don’t just mean them experiencing their own trials, or them possibly harming you but knowing there’s also the possibility of losing them. Whether that be through death or another reason. If you acknowledge the possibility of being hurt by this love in any way, even in the most excruciating way and you still decide that person is worth all of that, then I’d say you truly care for them.”
You gently nod as you process his statement, his confession now holding more weight with the knowledge you have.
“…At least, that’s how I know I love you.”
You immediately lock your eyes with his.
“As soon as you were born, suddenly it was like- my gosh. There was now an entire world of possibilities of this beautiful baby being harmed. I’ve never felt such fear. But the fear never came close to hold much I loved you.”
For some reason you feel tears run down your cheeks. Your father gently holds your face in his hands as he looks down at you, wiping your tears.
“I will always love you more than the air I breathe, never forget that.”
You fiercely hug your father, and he returns the embrace. “I miss you so much, father.”
“I’m never too far. Let’s get together soon, okay?”
You vigorously nod your head as you sniffle.
“Now, tell me more about this person you think you love.”
The smallest hint of a smile appears on the student’s face.