Bab 3: Chapter Three
Chapter Three
After another hour, we walk into quite the scene. A man with a red hood attached to his leather chest armor has his arms folded, watching as the man I had spoken with earlier speak to another. The hooded man’s silver eyes are annoyed. I can just make out his charcoal colored hair. It’s familiar and always kept in his shaggy spiked way. The man from earlier has copper hair that is a bit unkempt. His grey eyes are penetrating as he glares at the other one. The other one has blonde wavy hair down to his chin. His golden eyes glitter against his tanned and muscled skin. He looks more amused than anything.
“I figured I’d run into you at some point Alek,” I say as I come closer to the fully dust corpse.
He nearly jumps as Kia gives a growl, warning him to stay away. “What are you doing here?” Alek demands, nearly losing his hood as he whips his head towards me.
“I’m not the one who’s encroaching on my turf,” I say as I bend down and examine the dust pile.
“I wouldn’t,” The blonde man warns. “That was a feral and we do not know if it was blessed.”
“He’s dead, and it’s a blessing he is,” I say as I reach into the pile, pulling out a necklace with a black tree on a silver stone. Interesting. There is a waxing crescent moon with hidden fangs on the back of the necklace.
I groan as I examine the white chain. I wanted this to end differently. “Great, looks like I’m going to your side for a bit.” I look up at Alek. “Found your missing prince.”
“You’re kidding me.” Alek says as he comes to look closer. “How did you hear about him?”
They called me. I slip in a lie, wanting to protect Alek’s ego. “I’ve been investigating a series of events where girls go missing and are found dead three days later. While looking at other disappearing events, I noticed that three months ago the Vampire Prince went missing. It didn’t fit my timeline, so I didn’t think much of it. Until now.”
“Missing girls?” The blonde demands. “Like Elora?”
“Girls of powerful lineage seemingly vanished from thin air. When found, they were drained of blood and magic. Only when I started getting closer to the killer, he started making errors. Some weren’t fully drained, and I was able to heal them; but they suffered amnesia and couldn’t remember the attack. The last few disappearances is when he started escalating his attacks, killing them on the second day. I knew his patterns were about to shift, and I was able to track down his next attack and victim. It’s how I managed to be here in time to save her; but the man got away.”
“Away?” He demands.
“I lost his trail and sent Kia after him. He put a ward on her and sent her back to me. He got away.” I pet Kia as she nuzzles me. “Don’t worry, I’ll find him.”
The blonde man looks me over. “Thank you for your assistance. My sister would have died without you.”
I wave him off. “She’s safe, that’s all that matters…Maybe you should ask her about her mental health after this. The feral lured her away as shifting to someone attractive.”
The man snorts, “More attractive than our future alpha?”
“She’ll likely be more interested in a future Luna.” I hint, looking at him. His eyes widen as the realization hits him.
His face pales. “Why-why didn’t she tell us?”
“Maybe because she’s expected to marry your alpha’s son; and honoring your families wishes are priority in your culture.” I say, looking to Alek next. “I can confirm this feral was a vampire before becoming feral. I was the one to kill it after all.”
“Well, thanks for your help,” Alek says, reaching for the necklace, sounding anxious to be rid of me.
I pull it back. “Not exactly. I have to be the one to inform his family of their son’s passing.”
“Why?” Alek demands.
It’d mean more coming from me. “Because I was left a note instructing me to give the prince’s family his master’s sympathies.” I stand as I tuck the necklace into my chest.
“Who told you that?” The man that had not spoken yet demands.
I give him a measured stare, remembering his face as I stabbed the feral into his heart. “That I’m keeping hidden until I speak with them. The less I give, the less you have to tell them. This will ensure Kia’s safety.”
“You’re not playing fairly Senja,” Alek says, standing up. “What is so special about this one?”
I give a small grimace. “I’m not sure yet. His fangs are…different.”
“A vampire was doing this?” Elora’s brother demands.
“I don’t think so,” I say as think back to what I could see. “It’s hard to explain.”
“You’re making absolutely no sense.” Alek says. “Just tell us.”
“When I know more, I’ll think about it.” I smile at Elora’s brother. “Please make sure Elora is okay. I’m sorry that it had to get as far as it did.”
“Senja,” Alek growls.
“Enough.” I tell him as I get on Kia. “Yole Kia.”
Kia snaps at Alek, making him jump back before she breaks off in a run.
Days later, I have hit the ancient forests of the Viliesia territory. They’re much much larger and wider than the other trees across Diestra. It is believed that the trees spread throughout our lands, invading every part, starting from the Archaic Tree. The Archaic Tree is surrounded by the smokey colored stone of the Ashen Cliffs. The castle has red vines of the Canara tree swirling around it, allowing color to show and its roots to be in the center of their palace. The layout, like most structures in Diestra is open. There are no windows or doors, but thin screens to protect from wildlife.
I get off Kia as we approach the palace. I take off my shoes and pull my hair into a loose bun. After straightening my shirt, and wiping sweat from my bare midriff, I put on my black pack and walk towards the entrance. The amount of power in these centuries old palace is enough to send a shiver through my very core.
Vampires are the original race, next to humans. However, when humans started experimenting with magic, in order to protect themselves from vampires, other races were created. After centuries of experimentation, crossbreeding, and converting, humans ceased to exist. With no one to guide, or use the magic, it started infecting those who live, making every creature in this world magical. It’s ironic. They brought the end of their race. This no longer matters though, since all forms of humans have been wiped from this earth.
As I enter the castle, I’m immediately met with warmth. The ground is made of grass that is finely kept. The walls hold portraits of previous generations, but not many. The ruling family is as close to the original bloodline as possible. There are no human influences in their DNA, which is impressive to say the least.
The room I walked into is grand, heavily decorated in riches; most of them encased in glass for their protection. I shouldn’t be surprised that two highly decorated vampires are sitting in the throne at the end of the room. The thrones are silver. The woman has chocolate colored hair and sapphire eyes. Her pale complexion is the exact shade of cream, and just as smooth. That is Queen Ileen. Her male counterpart has navy colored hair with matching eyes. It’s about to the middle of his neck, with the left side of his head shaved. His skin is primarily pale with splotches of brown. This is King Alier.
I bow when I reach them, and look up, waiting for their nod to acknowledge me. After King Alier gives me a curious look, he nods. “Why are you bowing Senja?”
“Recent demotion.” I say as I grin, standing straight.
“As a friend to our land, and a personal friend to me, I would detest any formality from you.” He says, flashing me a smile. “How are you Senja?”
I chuckle. “Better than I have been. My confidence has grown almost to the size of yours.” I give him a wink as he snorts. “I assume you know why I’m here.”
Ileen’s face stiffens as she grabs Alier’s arm. “You found him?”
I bite my lip, “I’m afraid so. I was the one to kill him.” Horror strikes her eyes as I hold up my hand. “He was a feral, and responsible for several girls deaths.”
“What?” Ileen chokes. “Feral?”
And several deaths. I nod. “Yes.” I walk up to her as she tries to keep the tears from her eyes. I pull out his necklace. “I found this in the ashes. It was Prince Morgain.” She takes the necklace and sobs into me. I wrap my arms around her and stroke her hair.
Alier’s face is stone, a technique he uses in times of stress. So no one can read him, and I hate that he’s using it on me, though I understand the need of it. “Is there more?”
I hesitate, “I tried to chase down the man that was working with him, who Morgain referred to as Master.”
“He spoke?” Alier demands.
I nod. “I’ve never seen it before, though it’s quite uncommon for a vampire to be bitten by a feral. It sounded almost like forced breathing. It was chilling to say the least.” I raise my eyebrow as I try to think if I should say the rest at this time.
Alier looks at his wife then to me. He mouths “Is it bad?”
I nod.
Alier clears his throat. “Senja, we would love for you to spend the night here. We’re having our Solstice Masquerade Ball tonight; in honor of the upcoming season shift, and the start of our mating season.”
I grimace as I give him a dark look. I force my voice light while he gives me a mischievous grin. “I’d love too.”
“Perfect. Ileen will get you dressed tonight. I’ll show you to your room.” Alier stands as he holds his hand out to her. “Ileen, let’s retire until the party.”
She starts nodding in my chest before taking Alier’s hand and following him out of the room. I groan and contemplate running. I hate dances. Since it’s a masquerade, I can tell them that I went. Right?
Hadiah
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