I rowed us beneath the sweeping branches of the willow tree, the leaves whispering softly above us as we glided into a secluded, tranquil alcove. This was my sanctuary, a place where I often came to collect my thoughts and calm my mind. I let the boat drift, and we floated in silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against the hull. The moment seemed suspended, and I knew it was now or never to ask the question that had been weighing on my mind. I gazed into Roxy's eyes, my tone solemn and sincere. "You know I would never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with, don't you?" I asked, seeking reassurance that she trusted me implicitly. Roxy's expression faltered, confusion etching her beautiful features as she searched my face for clues. "Of course, I know that," she replied, her voice steady and confident, dispelling any doubts I may have had. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Given everything that's happened ov
e finally broke apart, gasping for air as we gazed into each other's eyes. I took a moment to simply drink in the beauty of the woman before me, my heart swelling with emotion. How did I, a creature of the night, deserve such a radiant and loving soul? I felt like the luckiest being alive. As I basked in the warmth of our connection, I knew this was the perfect moment to ask my next question. "Okay, one last question," I began, but before I could continue, Roxy's voice cut through the air, her words spilling out in a rush. "I actually have a question for you," Roxy said, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?" I replied, my curiosity piqued. Roxy's smile grew, and she asked, "When are you going to mark me?" I was taken aback, my mind reeling in surprise. This was the very question I had been about to ask her. I shouldn't have been shocked, though, Roxy had done her research, pouring over ancient texts and gathering knowledge for her com
I could tell you the exact moment my entire life took quite the turn for the worse. It was January 13th, 1840. She was 92 years old. Time seemed to stand still as I cradled her fragile form, the weight of years and memories settling upon me like a gentle mist. My fingers moved with a soothing slowness, tenderly combing through the now silver and gray curls that cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight. The softness of her hair, the delicate curve of her neck, and the faint scent of age and wisdom all blended together to create a sense of profound intimacy, a feeling of being connected to this precious, vulnerable soul in a way that transcended words. The delicate, glittering lines of the infinity symbol seemed to shimmer and dance beneath my fingertips as I traced their intricate path along her skin. The mark, with its dainty filigree and subtle sparkle, was a thing of beauty, yet it was also a potent reminder of the bond between us, its power physically inscribed u
~(72 years earlier) Aren’t you a pretty little thing.” I purred, as I admired the glitter shining from the infinity symbol standing vertically, my newly administered mark, upon the side of this woman's face. I wasn’t even sure of her name, but I didn’t care. She was a vision of loveliness, a petite and delicate beauty with a presence that belied her small stature. Her blonde hair, styled in a chic bob cut, framed her face and accentuated her striking features. Her deep blue eyes sparkled like sapphires, shining brightly with a warmth and kindness that drew me in. Her tanned skin glowed with a healthy, sun-kissed radiance, adding to her natural beauty and effortless charm. She was a Wolf, I could hear her Wolf’s internal dialogue which made it that much easier to know what she wanted. I preferred Wolves, they were easier to mark and more obedient. “She will do… for the next few weeks at least.” I smirked at Axel. I had marked a plethora of women, but never completed the mating r
We woke up early, around 6:00 am. That was usual for me. My plaything was in the shower. As I stood there, listening to the sound of the water cascading down, I felt a fleeting urge to step into the shower alongside her. But it was a hollow impulse, one that I couldn't quite explain, even to myself. I didn't genuinely desire her company, nor did I feel any emotional connection to her. She was, after all, merely a plaything, a distraction from the emptiness that lay at the heart of my existence. And yet, the more I indulged in these fleeting moments of intimacy, the more I risked entangling her emotions, binding her to me with threads of attachment and affection. It was a prospect that filled me with a sense of disquiet, a reminder that my actions had consequences, even if I didn't truly care. I sighed out loud, caught up in my thoughts when I was mind linked by Jerome. “Sir, the Necromancer King doesn’t want to agree to the deal… he wants all the bodies, not just the ones w
"Take your new toy and meet me at home." Blaze said, and I knew he wasn't asking. "Yes, daddy." Haven replied. As she knelt beside the lifeless form of my plaything, her arms extended in a gesture of supplication, a sudden, eerie transformation took hold. Her eyes, once a vibrant green, turned a milky white, as if the very essence of her being was being rewritten. The air around her began to churn and writhe, a dark, shimmery substance coalescing into a whirlwind that swirled around her like a living entity. The atmosphere grew heavy with an otherworldly energy, and I could feel the weight of something ancient and foreboding stirring to life. "Per manum meam, et mortui resurgent." She chanted in Latin. I believe she said, ‘by my hand, the dead shall rise.’ As I stood transfixed, my former plaything began to stir, her body twitching back to life. With a fluid motion, she rose to her feet, her neck cracking audibly as she snapped it back into place. Her eyes, once bri
I was right, the week had dragged on and on, seeming as if it were never going to end. I was looking forward to my meeting with Blaze, but more importantly I hoped I could get another glimpse at Haven. She was the one who had been occupying my thoughts, her enigmatic presence lingering in my mind like a ghost. Even the disturbing intensity of our dream encounter couldn't dim the fascination I felt towards her. If anything, it only seemed to have fueled my desire. Those fleeting seconds had been enough to leave a lasting impression, though. Her image was seared into my memory: the striking features, the piercing eyes, the wild tangle of red hair. But beyond that, I knew nothing. No hint of her personality, no glimpse of her values or motivations. She was a mystery, a cipher, and I found myself wondering what lay beneath her enigmatic surface. I materialized at the clearing where I was to meet with Blaze again to finalize our deal. The scene unfolded with a sense of ritualist
Time seemed to stretch and blur, the endless procession of trees and underbrush blending together in a maddening rhythm. The silence between us was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft crunch of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath our feet. I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of anticipation, a building tension that seemed to vibrate through every cell in my body. And then, suddenly, the trees parted, The clearing emerged from the dense foliage like a sudden revelation, the imposing wooden gate dominating the space with its sheer size and ominous presence. The Necromancer soldiers stood at attention, their dark armor and impassive faces exuding an aura of foreboding and authority. The air was heavy with the weight of magic and power, and I could sense the gate's significance, its role as a threshold to a realm both mysterious and treacherous. Haven's pace slowed as we approached, her eyes scanning the gate and its guards with a mixture of caution and curiosity.
e finally broke apart, gasping for air as we gazed into each other's eyes. I took a moment to simply drink in the beauty of the woman before me, my heart swelling with emotion. How did I, a creature of the night, deserve such a radiant and loving soul? I felt like the luckiest being alive. As I basked in the warmth of our connection, I knew this was the perfect moment to ask my next question. "Okay, one last question," I began, but before I could continue, Roxy's voice cut through the air, her words spilling out in a rush. "I actually have a question for you," Roxy said, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?" I replied, my curiosity piqued. Roxy's smile grew, and she asked, "When are you going to mark me?" I was taken aback, my mind reeling in surprise. This was the very question I had been about to ask her. I shouldn't have been shocked, though, Roxy had done her research, pouring over ancient texts and gathering knowledge for her com
I rowed us beneath the sweeping branches of the willow tree, the leaves whispering softly above us as we glided into a secluded, tranquil alcove. This was my sanctuary, a place where I often came to collect my thoughts and calm my mind. I let the boat drift, and we floated in silence, the only sound the gentle lapping of the water against the hull. The moment seemed suspended, and I knew it was now or never to ask the question that had been weighing on my mind. I gazed into Roxy's eyes, my tone solemn and sincere. "You know I would never pressure you into something you're not comfortable with, don't you?" I asked, seeking reassurance that she trusted me implicitly. Roxy's expression faltered, confusion etching her beautiful features as she searched my face for clues. "Of course, I know that," she replied, her voice steady and confident, dispelling any doubts I may have had. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Given everything that's happened ov
As I mentioned Roxy's name, I caught a fleeting glimpse of Haven's expression hardening, her eyes flashing with a momentary glint of anger. But I didn't give it much thought, simply offering her a casual farewell. "Bye, Haven," I said, waving briefly before materializing back to Roxy's side. She was standing with Jerome, looking poised and ready to leave. I felt a flicker of confusion… I didn't remember bringing her here, but maybe I had done it out of caution? Yet, why would I have been worried about visiting Ramses with Roxy by my side? I pushed the uncertainty aside, focusing on Roxy's expectant gaze. She seemed ready to move, and I fell into step beside her, letting my concerns fade into the background. I turned to Jerome and the other warriors, offering them a nod of gratitude. "Thank you," I said, my gaze sweeping over the group. Jerome's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I take it the threat has been neutralized?" he asked. I felt a jolt of conf
I watched in horror, frozen in place, as The Shadows enveloped Layna, their dark tendrils slicing through her body with ruthless efficiency. They drained her of every last drop of blood, their malevolent presence seeming to revel in her agony. Her screams echoed through the cell, a haunting, soul-shattering sound that left me feeling shattered and guilty. I had never witnessed The Shadows claim a life before, and the brutality of it was staggering. The sheer horror of what I was witnessing left me reeling, my mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of Layna's sacrifice. She had chosen this path, had willingly offered herself up to The Shadows as a gesture of gratitude, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't deserve such a sacrifice. Her actions seemed to imply that I had done something worthy of such a profound thank you, but I knew better. I knew that I didn't merit this kind of devotion, and that realization only added to the weight of my guilt. Layna's words
A sense of foreboding settled in the pit of my stomach as I gazed at Haven's enraged form. It was clear that she was seething with a deep-seated anger, and I had a sinking feeling that I was, again, about to become the focal point of her ire. Haven's finger shot out, accusingly pointing at Roxy as she spat out her words. "Why, Raphael? Why her?" The venom in her voice was palpable, and I could feel the weight of her resentment bearing down upon me. I sighed inwardly, a sense of weary frustration washing over me. "Oh, my god, Haven, we are not doing this again," I retorted, my voice firm but laced with a hint of exasperation. Incredulity warred with annoyance within me as I struggled to comprehend the depths of Haven's petty jealousy. Could it really be that this entire, catastrophic mess had been spawned by her own insecurities? The thought was almost laughable, if it weren't so infuriating. Get the fuck over it, I mentally seethed, my frustration simmering just below the s
My gaze lingered on Roxy, and I knew that leaving her with Jerome would ensure her safety. I trusted him implicitly, and this was the most logical decision. Yet, as our eyes met, I sensed a flicker of understanding, as if she knew I was contemplating leaving her behind. Her silence was unnerving, and I couldn't discern whether it was the magic's influence or her own reservations. I gently cradled her face in my hand, my voice low and soothing. "If I take you with me, you'll witness things that will haunt you. I'm sorry, but I won't spare any of them. They can’t be allowed to live, not a single one." I watched as a maelstrom of emotions swirled in her brown eyes, a silent struggle between her Human sensibilities and the harsh realities of the Underworld. It was a battle she couldn't win, for in my world, the rules of mortality didn't apply. Her eyes seemed to plead with me, yet simultaneously acknowledge the inevitability of my actions. I wished for more time to explain the
I languished in my own despair, lost in a sea of regret and self-recrimination, until the passage of time became distorted, stretching into an eternity. It was only when I glanced down at Roxy's arm, noticing that the cut had vanished, leaving behind unblemished skin, that I was jolted back to reality. I focused my Vampire senses, straining to detect the faintest whisper of a heartbeat, but there was only silence. Yet, the fact that she was healing was a beacon of hope, a reassuring sign that her revival was imminent. A wave of relief washed over me, bringing with it a sense of tentative optimism. However, the prolonged duration of her revival puzzled me, sparking a nagging question: did the distance from the Land of the Dead impact the speed of the revival process? The uncertainty lingered, a persistent shadow in my mind. In hindsight, I probably should have returned her to the familiarity of our home, but I hesitated, fearing that the sudden change of environment might sta
The shock etched on Layna's face was almost comical, and I couldn't help but be amused by her reaction. With a final, lingering glance, I materialized outside her cell, leaving her to ponder our exchange. "I'll be back," I called out, my voice low and smooth. "As you're aware, I still require your... assistance. Let's just say it would be prudent for your intel to prove accurate, little Necromancer." My parting words were laced with a subtle warning, and I could sense a shiver run down her spine. With that, I vanished, rematerializing in Jerome's office. I instantly established a mental link with my men, conveying the details of my encounter with Layna and issuing orders to assemble our troops. We possessed various methods to disrupt magic, and we would employ every trick in the book to ensure our mission's success. I briefed Jerome and his men on the intel I'd gathered, and he swiftly relayed the information to his own team through a mental link. Our plan was taking shape:
~(Raphael)Roxy's demeanor this morning was off, a subdued quietude that seemed out of character. I attributed it to our passionate encounter the night before, wondering if perhaps I had pushed her too far, too fast. She hadn't complained, of course, her words still echoed in my mind, "that was Incredible," she had whispered. But I couldn't shake the feeling that I might have overwhelmed her. The bite, in particular, weighed on my conscience. I had acted on instinct, unable to restrain myself, but I knew it might have been too much for a Human to process. I longed to ask her about it, to gauge her emotions and reassure her, but I hesitated. Her newfound Risen state made her vulnerable, and I knew she struggled to express herself freely. I decided to wait, to give her space, and hope that she would open up to me when the time was right. Frustration simmered within me, a lingering resentment from my last encounter with the Necromancer. I had hoped she would yield some crucial