District 17

Ayla gave a gentle smile as Eva spoke highly of her, it gave her great pride to know that Eva thought of her in such a way. She definitely tried her best to support her queen, her savior. “Of course, my queen.” She nodded her head. “I’ll make haste and be ready soon.” She spoke, “It will be incredible to feel the warmth of the sun again…I haven’t felt that in over 100 years, I…don’t remember it very well anymore, yet I long for it.” She let out a soft laugh and shook her head. “I’ll prepare.” She gave a nod as Eva left the room.

Ayla turned to her desk, she opened up the drawer and pulled out a few test vials of blood, the ones that she just finished cooking. Ayla lifted the vial up and looked through the red liquid, it looked like blood, but would it act like blood? She just couldn’t seem to nail down a key ingredient. She’d tried so many countless times over the years. Something was missing. She sighed heavily and set the vials into a rack, to be continued when she returned to the mansion. She then stepped behind her desk and reached up on the wall, she pulled down a beautiful wooden bow that she’d had since she was a child, it was her father’s bow, and before that his father. She ran her fingertips along the smooth wood, the beautiful engravings that spiraled around. She then tossed it onto her desk with its quiver before she grabbed a pack from her closet and began packing the supplies that she would need. She packed away medicine, nightlock for Skylar if it was needed, as well as the bullets that she had taken from Skylar’s gun. Ayla grabbed her own pistol and slipped the silver nitrate bullets into the sleeve. She attached the pistol to her hip and left the room.

**

Skylar’s eyes cracked open when Eva’s voice broke the silence. She gasped slightly, and calmed almost instantly when Eva looked over the cut on her neck. “I’m fine, Eva. It’s just a scratch.” She spoke softly. Skylar’s eyes came to Eva’s when her hand touched her cheek, she gave a soft smile. Skylar leaned into the kiss and stumbled forward slightly when Eva pulled back from the knock at the door. “I’ll need my pistols.” Skylar spoke as she stepped over to the table.

Ayla stepped into the room, “My queen.” Her eyes looked to Skylar as she gathered her pistols. “I am ready.” She gave a nod. “I’ll lead us out through the underground tunnels, so that we do not raise alarm of the coven.” Ayla spoke, she looked to Skylar for a long moment, “I trust my queen and she has a trust in you. Do not break that trust, Skylar.” She spoke before she turned and left the room.

Skylar looked to Eva for a moment before she fell in behind Ayla. She was a prisoner, yet, she wasn’t. She didn’t feel welcome, that was for sure, she felt completely out of place. Skylar followed Ayla down into the basement of the mansion where Ayla tapped at a brick in the wall, it pressed back and a hidden passage became visible. Skylar stared in awe for a moment before she followed Ayla and Eva into the tiny passage. It was damp and dark. Ayla held a torch in her hand, lighting their path. The sound of rats scurrying across the floor made Skylar’s stomach knot up. Though, eventually they came to the end of the tunnel, it let out into a storm drain which Ayla then led them through the cold water to the edge. Ayla stopped suddenly as she stared at the sunlight. Fear showed in her expression. She hadn’t been able to step into the sunlight in so long, it was a terrifying concept to go into the light again.

Skylar stepped forward, she took Ayla’s hand and gave a gentle smile. “You’ll be fine. I assure you.” She nodded and then let her hand slip from Ayla’s she looked to Eva before she stepped forward and hopped out of the storm drain into the city streets. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. She took in a deep breath and smiled, for her it had been awhile, she was always out in the night protecting the members of the rebellion from the vampires and lycans, it had been a long time since she walked in the sunlight. A good month or so.

Ayla stood just a few feet back from where the sunlight peered into the tunnel. She bit her lip, her breath shook, her pulse pounded within her chest. She swallowed and shut her eyes before she took a few steps forward into the light. The warmth of the sun kissed her cheeks. Ayla stood there for a moment, at the edge of the drain tunnel, a huge smile split her lips. She let out laughter then, of joy. She opened her eyes and looked to Skylar and Eva. She wrapped her arms tightly around Eva. “Thank you!” She cried, tears welled in her eyes, “Thank you so much, Eva.” She whimpered. She jumped around and chuckled a bit more before the sound of a bullet ricocheting off of the bricks caused everything to stop. “Get down.” She grabbed Eva and dove behind a wall. Yelling could be heard in the distance. This brought her back to the reality that the world was always at war, even in the daylight.

After a few moments passed the trio moved on. It was hard to say where the bullet had come from, it clearly wasn’t meant for them. Skylar looked to Eva for a long moment as they walked along the cobblestone streets, two vampires blending in like humans. Skylar glanced to the people around her, lycans and humans walked the streets during the daylight hours. Skylar watched as a man with a scraggly beard snapped to attention, his eyes darted to Eva and Ayla. He knew. Skylar stepped forward quickly, “This way.” She grabbed Eva’s hand and towed her into an alley.

“What are you doing?” Ayla followed quickly, “This isn’t the plan.”

“I’m keeping you safe.” Skylar spoke quickly. She glanced over her shoulder, three men followed them into the alleyway. “Run.” She spoke as she took off in a sprint, “Just keep close to me.” Skylar darted down the alleyways, she slipped into small ins and outs and eventually they were in the underground tunnels to the city. Skylar knew these tunnels like the back of her hand. She traveled them during the day mostly to keep attention off of her. Lycans didn’t care day or night, they would abduct who they wanted. Get their prey into an empty alley, and that was that. Skylar breathed heavily, she leaned forward, her hands on her thighs for a moment as she fought to catch her breath. “They’re going to trail us, they could smell you, Eva.” She spoke softly. A spider came down from the ceiling then, offering a piece of paper to Skylar. She took in carefully and unfolded it, she read the writing on the paper, three names. Three souls. All male. She bit her lip and sighed heavily.

Just as this happened the door they entered the tunnels through burst open. Skylar grit her teeth, she pulled both pistols from her thighs and rushed forward, time slowed, shadows scattered around her, allowing her to jump forward quickly. She focused hard on the men that came running through the doorway. Skylar leaped forward, she holstered one of her pistols and held her hand out, a blue aura appeared, linking the three werewolves together. One rushed forward just as Skylar pulled the trigger of her pistol. The silver nitrate bullet sliced through the air and slipped into the werewolves chest as he gripped onto her, the liquid seeped from the wound as he slammed her onto her back. His eyes were wide, black as the night. He gasped for air as the silver nitrate rushed through his bloodstream. The other two werewolves gasped as the same thing happened to them. Skylar found herself trapped underneath the dead man, her pistol clattered to the side form the impact. His blood seeped onto her abdomen, it was warm as it soaked through her clothing.

A moment of silence passed, Ayla stepped forward and rolled the werewolf off of Skylar. She then helped Skylar to her feet. “How did you do that?” She questioned. She looked to Eva. “What is going on?” She asked.

Skylar snapped her fingers, time stopped around her. She turned and ran to the dead bodies, she reached into the chest of the first man and gripped his soul, she released it and then moved to the next and finally the third. Skylar then stopped right back where she was, she took in quick breaths as she stood in front of Ayla, whom studied her. Skylar looked to Eva and bit her lip. "Eva...she needs to know..." Skylar spoke softly.


"Know what?" Ayla questioned, she looked to Eva for clarification.

Skylar watched as Eva took Ayla’s hands into her own. She was silent as the world melted away around them, revealing the void world that Eva created. Ayla looked around, her eyes wide. She brought her eyes back to Eva, shock written all over her face. “I have to be dreaming…” She whispered softly as the world faded back into the tunnels.

The sound of the Lycans rushing through the tunnels toward them could be heard. Skylar scrambled and grabbed her pistol off of the tunnel floor, she shoved it into her holster before she pushed Ayla forward. “Go!” She cried as they rushed through the tunnels and back into the streets. Skylar ran along with the two quickly, she glanced over her shoulder as they made their way into the forest. When Eva asked her if there was a place to go, that the rebellion had she gave a nod as they slowed. “Yeah.” She took in quick breaths; her pulse was pounding in her ears. “I know a place, not too far.” She nodded. “I’ll get us there.”

Skylar glanced around as she gained her bearing, “This way.” She spoke as she took off in the direction of the fort that the rebellion had in the forest. They marched on for hours, the sun rose high up into the sky and began to set down over the horizon. Shadows crept along the trees. Skylar glanced around, keeping alert. “It isn’t much further.” She spoke as they crested a hill. Skylar led them down into the forest as darkness overtook the land.

“Eva…this isn’t a good place to be in the dark.” Ayla warned, she had her bow drawn with an arrow held in her hand, ready to defend them. The tip of the arrow was shiny, a silver tip. It was one of the most effective weapons that had been developed by the coven. Though it was nothing compared to the liquid filled silver nitrate bullets that Skylar had. A limb snapped in the distance.

Skylar stepped down the path, and eventually they came upon a dark building. She pulled a small ring of keys from her belt, the leaders of the rebellion all had keys to the forts over the lands. Skylar jingled through the keys until she found the right one. She slipped it into the door and pushed the heavy metal door open. “Come on.” She gave a gentle smile to Eva and Ayla as they stepped inside. Skylar pulled the heavy door shut and rummaged around until she found a lantern. She clicked several times before the flame came to life within the glass, it danced around playfully for a moment as she adjusted the flow of fuel. Skylar held the lantern up. “We have a generator downstairs.” She nodded, “I’ll be right back.” She gave a gentle smile and left into the darkness.

Ayla stood in the dimly lit room, she had been quiet all day. She stepped around, looking to the few things she could make out. “So…you’re a god?” She questioned and shook her head. “That…it’s just as crazy as the thought of walking in the sun, yet, we did. We both just defied all known laws to the vampire kind.” She chuckled, “It felt so good to be back out there again…to feel human again.” She sat down on a couch and took in a deep breath, “I’m with you every step of the way, Eva. I trust that you will keep us safe.”

The lights flickered and then flooded the room. The room they stood in was mainly empty, aside from a few chairs and a rug. Skylar came back up into the room a moment later with a smile on her lips. “Home sweet home. This is Delta Base.” She smiled, “I was three or four when this was built.” She looked around the room. “It isn’t much, there are bedrooms.” She nodded.

“You’re a reaper?” Ayla asked softly. “All of the stories and creative imaginations of our people are so wrong. You don’t look like a skeleton at all.” Ayla chuckled then.

Skylar gave a smile and nodded, “I can look more threatening, if you’d like.” She studied Ayla for a moment.

“The magic that you use…” Ayla spoke; she was intrigued by Skylar. “It’s incredible…how did you do what you did back in the tunnels?”

Skylar stepped forward and gave a nod, “It’s a domino effect, something that I learned a long while ago, um.” She looked to Eva and then reached up. Skylar pulled her scythe out of thin air, shadows engulfed her body as her reaper uniform took over and her wings formed from beneath the cloak.

Ayla watched with wide eyes. “Woah…” She breathed.

Skylar looked to Ayla from beneath the cloak with her fiery glowing eyes. “My powers comes with a price.” She spoke softly. “I have to take something that is the most precious thing, the soul.” She lifted her scythe and allowed it to disappear as well as the other attributes. The embers flecks remained in her eyes for a few moments after the transition. “Eva and I are here to help you.” She gave a nod.

Ayla looked to Eva, “Do you have magic, Eva? Do you have magic like her?” She was curious. Skylar yawned heavily then. Ayla turned her attention to Skylar. “Oh I bet you’re exhausted.” She spoke softly. Ayla too was rather tired. She needed blood. It was a daily occurrence. She bit her lip slightly at the thought of it. They weren’t at the coven, it wasn’t like she could just go get a glass of blood and drink it. She had grown so accustomed to it.

Skylar looked to Eva for a moment. “I’m going to go grab a snack, okay?” She spoke softly as she disappeared down the hallway into the kitchen where they rebellion kept MREs for emergencies such as this. Skylar pulled one from the cabinet and began heating up a pot of water on the stovetop.

Skylar turned as Eva came into the room, she gave a smile and nodded. “It is nice to get away; I’ve always loved this fort.” She turned and poured the bag of freeze dried food into the pot as it began to boil. It was a minestrone soup. Skylar loosened a bit when Eva mentioned Ren and Ayla, she thought back to her world, the happily married couple, the doctor and officer. “I miss home.” She spoke softly and looked to Eva just as she leaned in for the kiss. In this moment, it didn’t matter if she missed home, nothing else matter but the fact that Eva was there and they were safe. Skylar placed her hand on Eva’s hip during the kiss and pulled her in close. When the kiss was over Skylar stood motionless for a moment, she could feel Eva’s fangs during the kiss, it was a concerning difference. She watched as Eva poured the bag of blood into the pot to heat it. Skylar let out a soft chuckle when Eva spoke of how strange this whole situation was. “Yeah.” She breathed, “It’s odd.” She felt dizzy for some reason, was it the kiss? Was it Eva’s presence? She poured herself a glass of water and sipped from it as they stared to the blood in the pot as it warmed. “Everything about this world is uncomfortable.” She muttered as Eva left the room with the two glasses.

**

Ayla perked up when Eva came into the room, she could smell the blood and smiled. “Thank you, Eva. I don’t know what I was thinking I packed a few serums, but I’m not sure if they will work…” She sipped from the glass and relaxed back against the couch. “This was taboo here as well, think about it, we have to capture humans to harvest them. Our coven is the least torturous, thanks to you. I ran away from my coven because of what they did to humans, I suffered that before the king decided to turn me, he wanted to keep me forever and they had bled me too much…I nearly died…I had to fight to escape…and then you found me and you showed me that being a vampire isn’t a condemned life, that it can be led with honor…but you already know this…” She whispered softly. “Or…my Eva does…” She lifted her eyes to Eva just as Skylar stepped into the room. Ayla fell silent as she listened to her queen speak of the next steps to their journey.

Skylar sat down in the chair across from the two, she spooned some of her soup into her mouth as she listened to Eva. “The headquarters are a few days travel from Ren, I’ve made the journey several times. There is a vampire coven that is northeast of Ren’s pack, Terre D’Ange, I have been helping their king Zachariah over the past five years, much as I have been aiding Ren. I have been trying to pull lycans and vampires together to end this war for so many years…that has been my only goal, my father wearily supports me and each time he has been surprised. This time however it was fate that I was captured by your coven.” She gave a smile, “Zachariah should be welcoming to you two, he is a trustworthy vampire, much of the covens around are not. I have not dealt with the Peacekeeper coven, I trust that you will keep me safe from them.” She took another sip from her soup when Eva mentioned sleeping schedules. It was smart. The lycans were surely about in this forest, as well as vampires. “Alright, I’ll show Ayla to her room.” She gave a gentle smile, “The barracks of the fort are strategically placed in the basement.” She stood as she finished her soup. “Come on.” She spoke softly as she led Ayla from the room.

Ayla followed Skylar down the stairs and into a small room that held five bunk beds. Skylar turned and gave a gentle smile, “There are plenty of extra blankets in that chest there, and the switch for the lights is this button here.” She pressed it and the room became black, she pressed it again and smiled.

“Are you ever afraid, Skylar?” Ayla asked softly.

Skylar looked into Ayla’s eyes for a moment she gave a nod, “Every day, yes. I actually thought I was done for last night when your crew captured me. I didn’t even know of your coven. When…” She paused thinking of the vampire that drank from her.

“James.” Ayla filled in.

“Yes, James. When he drank from me, I had never experienced that before…the relationships that I’ve built with vampires and lycans have been very carefully pieced together, so that I am not in danger. It was a huge risk for me to travel so far, into a territory that I didn’t know just to take out Jasper’s pack. They have been killing a lot of humans lately, and I’m not sure why. It’s become more violent recently than is usual.”

Ayla gave a nod and bowed her head. “I know…it isn’t just the lycans, some of the vampire covens have gotten extremely aggressive. I’ve seen what they do to humans.” Her voice grew soft as she sat down on the bed. “I’m sorry that James did that to you, Skylar. I should have stopped him.”

Skylar gave a soft smile, “It isn’t your fault.” She drew her brows together, “He is out of line, Eva already had to get onto him, he slammed me into the wall in her room while she was off speaking to you.” She reached her hand up and touched the cut on her neck. “There’s something with my blood.” She shook her head.

Ayla stared at Skylar for a moment, she gave a slow nod. “Your blood doesn’t smell the same, it smells very sweet, it really draws attention. I would have a hard time controlling myself if I drank your blood.” She gave a nod. “I can tell you that, as much as I am sure that frightens you.”

Skylar took in a breath and let it out slowly, “I know.” She whispered, “I trust that you wouldn’t hurt me.” She gave a nod. “Good night, Ayla.” She stepped from the room then and climbed the stairs back up to where Eva was keeping watch. As she was walking down the hallway a spider came down from the ceiling with another paper. Skylar looked up to the spider and gave a gentle smile, “Thank you my friend.” She spoke before she turned her eyes back down the hall. Skylar opened the paper to find that two names were written on it. Names that she recognized. Members of the rebellion. Skylar jumped when she heard a bang at the front door. Skylar pulled her pistol and came running forward, her eyes wide. “Eva?” She looked to Eva just as the door swung open. A man covered in blood fell through the doorway, his body was shaking, he held onto his abdomen. His intestines were hanging out of his stomach as blood leaked onto the floor. Another man ran in behind him holding his leg. Skylar stood with his pistol aimed at them.

“Skylar!” A third man spoke as he came through the door, he stared to her. “Sky.” He lowered his hood, it was one of the lieutenants. “We came for you…but the Lycans.” He had blood splattered across the front of his chest, his pistol that he held in his hand was covered in splatter. “You’re safe…” He spoke his eyes then fell to Eva. He could see her fangs. He aimed his pistol at her. “Fuck, get behind me Skylar!” He jumped over in Skylar’s direction.

In that moment Skylar stepped forward and grabbed his pistol, she forced it down. “No.” She shook her head. “She’s not the enemy here.” The lieutenant was shaking as he allowed her to lower his gun.

“We were attacked, Skylar.” The man looked to her, his eyes wide, though he continually looked to Eva, his breaths heavy.

In the next instant Lycans burst into the room, with the door wide open it left the fort vulnerable. A lycan grabbed a hold of the lieutenant and ripped him from the fort. Skylar screamed as her leg was grabbed by the jaws of a lycan. She slammed to the ground her pistol clattered across the floor as she was pulled from the fort. It was raining outside now, a downpour, mud splashed up as Skylar screamed and thrashed against the lycan’s jaws. She pulled her other pistol from its holster, “Fuck you!” She screamed as she unloaded three bullets into the lycan. It growled as it continued to drag her along, though, a few moments later the grip it had on her loosened. Skylar pulled her leg from his jaws as it ran off into the darkness. Skylar whimpered as she lay in the mud, blood seeped from her leg that had deep gashes in it. She got herself to her feet as other Lycans surrounded her. “Eva!!” She cried, she took a step and fell to her knees. In that moment she willed time to stop. “Come on…” She breathed. The rain hung in the air. She pushed herself up and let out a small cry with each step on her leg. She looked down to the mangled flesh beneath her jeans for a moment before she lifted her hand, she took in a deep breath, linking the werewolves together. She aimed at one and shot, bringing them to the ground. Though, she now had three bodies that were not accounted for. The two bleeding men on the fort floor were her mark. Skylar allowed time to come to again and she watched as out of the darkness a man came. He wore a simple cloak. He stopped and stared to Skylar for a long moment. This was a reaper. He gave a nod and bowed his head before he reached into the chests of the men and pulled their souls before he released them all he smiled to Skylar, a smile that held vampire fangs. With that he walked off into the night.

Skylar stumbled forward, she could feel her leg crunch with each step. “Eva…” She whimpered as she fell down in the mud. “Eva!!!” She cried as she scanned around for any other lycans. She looked to her leg again, “Fuck…” She muttered. Lightning flashed and thunder followed with a loud bang. Skylar’s eyes fluttered as she gasped, she could see eyes of Lycans in the forest. She felt hands scoop up under her arms. “Eva…” She whispered, “There’s…” Skylar leaned her head back against her savior.

Ayla grabbed Skylar’s pistol as she lifted her, she wrapped her arm tightly around Skylar’s waist. “Hang in there.” She spoke softly. She heard the commotion from the Lycan’s bursting into the fort and had come to the top of the stairs just as Skylar was ripped from the fort. Ayla took aim at the Lycans as she pulled Skylar backwards toward the fort. “Come on.” She spoke, she popped off a shot, the bullet whizzed through the air and collided with the flesh of the lycan and was followed by a deep growl of pain. She turned and sprinted, holding on to Skylar tightly. She aimed and shot a few more times before she made it back to the fort. Ayla turned and locked the door before she set Skylar down on the couch. “Eva.” She spoke and turned, worry in her voice. She ripped Skylar’s pant leg back to reveal the wound. It was deep, the white of her bone could be seen within the wound, cracks along the bone as well. Ayla took in a deep breath as she searched over the wound, saliva covered the wound from the lycan’s jaws.

Ayla grabbed her bag and began searching through it quickly. She pulled out a medical kit. Ayla glanced to the other two humans that lay on the floor of the room, teetering on the edge of death. They would die by the end of the night. She shook her head and turned her attention back to Skylar. “Come on.” She placed a cloth beneath Skylar’s leg as she pulled on gloves. She then began cleaning the wound with saline. Ayla moved the flesh about, trying to get all of the saliva out of the wound. She winced slightly as Skylar moved in her unconscious state. She was thankful that Skylar had fallen unconscious. Otherwise this would have been a moment full of screams of agony. Ayla fished around in the wound and pulled mud and debris from it before she pulled a syringe from her bag. “You’re not going to like this…” She spoke softly as she injected it into the flesh around the wound. Skylar whimpered in her sleep, tears streamed down her cheeks. It was nightlock, which increased the healing time of a human. Something she had developed to help the humans recover from draining their blood. To make it easier on them. She then began sewing the flesh together, which proved to be rather difficult as it was shredded in areas. Eventually though, Ayla finished. She wrapped the wound and then pulled out two sturdy metal bars from her bag. She splinted Skylar’s leg into place and then sat back. Her hands and arms were covered in Skylar’s blood, her breaths were heavy. Ayla sat on the floor staring at Skylar, her eyes wide. It was rather difficult to keep control around her blood. Ayla hadn’t ever had this problem before, until now…there was something about her blood…

Ayla looked to Eva as she came through the door, a sight from a horror film with the blood splattered across her. “Eva…” She gasped, she then looked to Skylar. “Yes, I can carry her.” She nodded as she carefully tossed the unconscious Skylar over her shoulder. She followed Eva out the back door then quickly, “Her leg is broken, Eva.” Ayla spoke as they ran along. She watched in awe as Eva teleported and dropped pieces of Skylar’s bag on the ground. She gasped as Eva wrapped her arm around her and teleported them forward, it felt as though the world was collapsing on her body. She took in quick breaths and shut her eyes tightly. Then suddenly they stood at the base of the Peacekeeper Coven mountain. Ayla set Skylar down gently, and looked her over before she looked to Eva whom sucked blood from the bag. She took the bag when it was offered to her and gave a nod. “Of course my queen. I know she is important to you.” She gave a gentle smile. “I’m glad that I got to her in time, she was surrounded.” Ayla looked to Skylar, “She’s going to be in a lot of pain when she finally wakes up, I injected the nightlock in her leg, it should speed up the healing…that Lycan really ripped her up, he fractured her bone.” She took in a slow breath and sighed heavily. Ayla then drank from the bag, she inhaled deeply and then gave a nod. Ayla looked around the area that Eva had teleported them too. “Hang tight.” She pulled her pack from her back and set it down on the ground next to Eva. “You’re not going anywhere tonight, Eva. You need to rest.” She gave a nod.

Ayla then stepped off into the woods in search of wood for a fire to keep them warm. She pulled old logs from the ground and eventually found her way back with an armful of wood. Ayla knelt down and began building the fire, she added in small twigs and lit a match. Ayla blew on the small flames until eventually a fire formed, the flames danced about happily. Ayla then dug in her pack and pulled out a large tarp that she packed just in case they were trapped outside. She moved around and scaled the large tree slightly to hang it from the limbs. Ayla jumped down and smiled to Eva. “There, more fit for a queen.” She chuckled as she pulled a rolled blanket from the bottom of her pack. She unrolled it and then carefully lifted Skylar and brought her beneath the protection of the makeshift tint she created. Skylar groaned when she was set down. Ayla sighed softly, she checked over the splint and looked over the bandaging, a bit of blood leaked through the white gauze. Ayla took in a breath as she sat down, she looked to Eva. “What is it about her?” She asked then, curiously. “Her blood is sweet, it has a scent that I crave for some odd reason. I’ve never felt so entranced by the scent of a human’s blood before.” She leaned against a tree at the edge of the tarp and glanced over to the fire that crackled and popped happily. “Those lycans wanted her, Eva.” She spoke, “They weren’t after us, which, usually a lycan will hunt down a vampire just to kill us for sport, it happens all the time in the city…” She shook her head. “I don’t get it…what is it?” Ayla glanced to Skylar for a moment before she brought her gaze back to her queen. Skylar curled onto her side in her sleep, tears rolled over her cheeks, her body shuddered from the pain that she was in. Her pulse pounded within her chest.

**

“Stop!” Skylar screamed, she sat on the cold ground, her leg was bleeding profusely. “Lucille!” She cried and batted her hand away. “Leave it alone!” She sobbed.

Lucille took a step bach and sighed heavily, “I’m trying to help you, Skylar.” She sat down and studied the wound. “Nasty things.” She muttered, “Lycans are a creature that I swear are a direct creation of the God of war, there is no use for them. They are filthy creatures.” She shook her head. “You’ve a lot of saliva still in that wound.” She spoke softly.

Skylar looked at her leg, the bandaging that Ayla had done. “It hurts, Lucille…” She grit her teeth and whimpered.

“I know.” Lucille edged closer, “Let me try to help you.” She spoke softly, she reached her hand forward and placed it carefully over the bandaging. Skylar lay back, clenching her jaw and balling up her fists as she did so. “Shhhh.” Lucille soothed as the white light came from her hand. A warmth spread through Skylar’s body. Lucille stayed here for a long moment, she furrowed her brows and shook her head. “I hate this dimension…” She muttered as she pulled her hand away. “I have given you some relief, but I can’t fix it Skylar…” She sat back and took in a breath. “Does it feel better?” She asked softly.

Skylar gave a nod as she sat back up, she grit her teeth, “My entire body hurts.” She whispered.

“It’s the poison in their saliva.” Lucille spoke, “Much like a vampire, their saliva is just as fowl.” She turned and looked off in the distance of the shadowed world. “That’s why you were light headed earlier, when you kissed Eva.” She smirked, “It’s a seduction technique that vampires have used for ages. You’re more resistant from it, though, it can still take over your rational thought. Luckily you shouldn’t have to worry about Eva.” She chuckled then. “I’ve kept you long enough.” She then tapped Skylar and a burst of light blinded her.

**

Skylar sat up and winced as pain rushed through her body, she let out a soft whimper as she sat up. She grit her teeth and looked down to her leg, she’d hoped it was all a dream. The lycan dragging her off into the forest, his teeth digging into her calf and ripping her flesh, cracking her bone. Her body trembled, she took in quick breaths and looked around, Eva was asleep in that moment. Ayla was sitting at the campfire, poking it mindlessly with a stick. Skylar pushed herself up and took a step only to stumble forward and fall, she groaned.

Ayla turned and quickly stood, she caught Skylar in her arms. “Hey, hey, you’re okay.” She spoke slowly, “You’re alright.” She gently helped Skylar to sit next to the fire. “Your leg is broken, Skylar. I’ve done the best I can with what we have. Once we get to the Peacekeeper coven I can assist you further and get you some medication that will help the pain.”

Skylar took in shaken breaths, she stared at her leg for a long moment, “I can’t stop thinking about it.” She spoke softly. “I’ve always been ready for an attack…what is happening to me?” She questioned. “I’ve never been so off guard.” She pulled her pistol from its holster and slipped the magazine from it, two bullets left.

Ayla dug through Eva’s bag and brought Skylar’s things to her side. “Here.” She set everything down before she sat down next to her at the fire. “Eva ripped up your bag, to use to get the lycans off of our trail.”

Skylar gave a nod, “Smart.” She spoke softly. She loaded up her magazine with new bullets and checked over her other pistol before she holstered both on her thighs.

“You’re going to have to teach me how to make those bullets when we get back.” She gave a gentle smile. “I’ve developed bullets, but not like that. Those really help in a pinch. The bullets I created take several to kill them, usually it is just to scare them off.”

Skylar looked to Ayla, “If it helps us end this war, then I will help you. I know you’re not in it to just kill the Lycans, Ayla. If we can put an end to this we will.” She grit her teeth, her leg was on fire.

“You should rest, Skylar.” Ayla spoke and helped her, she lifted her and helped her onto the blanket she laid out. “I’ll keep watch.” She gave a nod. “Rest.”

Skylar lay motionless for a moment. She looked over to Eva and looked over her features. She eventually turned onto her side and curled into Eva, laying her head on Eva’s shoulder she snuggled her body in as close as she could. Skylar took in a long deep breath, even the Eva in this world had the same sweet smell. She allowed her eyes to close and eventually she fell asleep.

Ayla sat in front of the fire, keeping it stoked through the night until the morning finally came. She pulled a blood bag from Eva’s pack and used the fire to warm it before she came to Eva’s side. “For you my queen.” She gently nudged Eva and offered her the bag. She looked to Skylar whom was still happily snuggled against Eva. “It’s…interesting to see someone with you.” She gave a smile, “It’s nice, Eva.” She nodded then, “In a good way, it’s refreshing….” A hint of sadness crept over her expression. Ayla was lonely, she didn’t have anyone, she only had her work and Eva. She always tried to impress Eva.

Skylar’s eyes cracked open, she blinked a few times, she then winced as her body reminded her of the pain in her leg. She slowly sat herself up. She looked to Eva a moment and gave a gentle smile. “Thank you, both of you, you saved my life.” She spoke, her skin was pale from the blood loss, and lack of nutrition. She searched through her things and pulled a granola bar from the mix and began munching on it, that would have to do for now.

Ayla listened to Eva as she spoke of the pure bloods. It made sense that a pure of heart human could be different. She glanced to Skylar as she slept, she looked to the blood on her hands that stained her skin. The smell still danced around in her nostrils, egging her on. As Eva spoke of the other dimensions Ayla became intrigued, listening to how she had healing magic in one world. “It’s good to hear that at least Ren is a hero, hopefully she is a hero here too…” She muttered softly. She watched as Skylar snuggled into Eva and smiled sweetly, she chuckled slightly as Eva blushed. It truly was a sight to see. She never thought about Eva having someone else, but it was an amazing thing to watch unfold. “I hope so.” She whispered softly. Ayla watched over them through the night, dozing off a few times, but at the slightest sound her eyes shot open and she checked the perimeter. It was nearing dawn when they began to head up the mountain. Ayla helped Eva pack and then nodded as they took off for the journey. It was a grueling four hours, especially with what little sleep she had. Skylar lay her head against Eva, she held back tears as she cringed, her leg was throbbing. “I’ll get you taken care of once we reach the summit, Skylar.” Ayla assured her. She glanced down the mountain to the forest below, she began to wonder about the lycans, would they follow?

When they finally reached the Peacekeeper’s coven she stood silently as Eva made her entrance and handled the master. “Pleased to meet you.” She shook the woman’s hand, never losing eye contact with her. It was tense being inside a coven that was not her own. The eyes of other vampires moved to Skylar and her bloody leg. Ayla brought her eyes back to Grace as she spoke that she knew of Skylar. It was incredible, the word must have not traveled to their coven, being so far to the south of the land. Skylar was holding back sobs by this point, the pressure in her leg was building the pain increased to an unfathomable level. When Eva led them into the medical room. Ayla swallowed as Eva spoke that she didn’t trust anyone else. “Of course, my queen.” She stepped forward. She pulled her pack from her back and dug into it, she found a small bottle and pulled out a syringe. “Skylar.” She turned as she filled the syringe, “I’m going to make this better, okay?” She spoke.

Skylar looked to the liquid that filled the syringe, “O-Okay.” Skylar choked out, tears rolled over her cheeks.

Ayla found a tourniquet. “We need to get this off of you.” She spoke as she helped Skylar pull her black military style jacket off, revealing a black tank top beneath. Skylar let out a whimper, her cheeks were flush, her skin pale. Ayla nodded, “I know.” She spoke softly. She then rushed around and pulled several tools from the cabinets. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, “Okay…” She tied the tourniquet around Skylar’s arm, she tapped at her arm and found a good vein before she injected the liquid. “Deep breaths, come on.” She spoke softly. “Count down from ten for me, Sky.”

Skylar lay her head back on the cold metal bed as Ayla counted down from ten with her. “Ten…nine…” Her eyes fluttered. “Eight……..seven….” The numbers were more spaced, her voice softer. “Six…..f…five…..fou….” Her eyes slipped shut.

Ayla took in a breath, “Alright.” She slipped on a pair of gloves and pulled at the bandaging. “What is causing this…” She questioned out loud, Skylar’s skin was warm and pink. Inflamed. She grabbed tools and began cutting the stitches open. She irrigated the wound thoroughly. Ayla grit her teeth, the blue of her eyes grew icy as she fought her bloodlust. Ayla continued on cleansing the wound until she felt as though what she had done was enough. She then injected more nightlock as well as a good helping of antibiotics into the wound. She sutured the wound shut this time, sealing it with a glue that would keep Skylar’s blood in. Ayla then cleaned up the wound site, washing away all of the blood. She then injected something else into Skylar’s arm, a painkiller. It would keep her comfortable as the medicine did its work. Ayla carefully removed Skylar’s bloody ripped up clothing and searched through the drawers in the room. She found a medical gown which she tied around Skylar before she shifted her into the other bed. She looked to the bloody clothing and brought it over to the huge medical sink where she washed away the blood from her hands as well as the cloth.

Ayla leaned heavily against the sink, she clenched her jaw. “Eva….” She muttered, “I…c-can’t….” She breathed heavily. “I…need….to get…outside….” She choked as she ran from the room. Ayla ran through the hallways and found herself at a balcony, she leaned heavily against the cold stone, her eyes wide, slowly the icy blue color of her eyes calmed back to the ocean blue.

“Need a drink?” A vampire walked up behind her. He held a glass of blood in his hands. “You’re brave.” He spoke as he handed her the glass. Ayla looked to him, her pulse still pounding. “Not many vampires can handle such torture, digging around in a human, smelling that sweet…succulent blood..” He licked his lips, “Especially blood like that.” He hummed, “That doesn’t come around often.” He chuckled.

Ayla shook her head. “I can’t control myself.” She whispered, fear in her voice.

“Not many of us can around pure blood like that.” He spoke, his eyes were a bit wild as he spoke of Skylar’s blood. “She’s important though, and not to mention, she’s the daughter of the rebellion leader, if you had her blood on your hands.” He clicked his tongue, “Game over.” He chuckled. “So sad.” He licked his lips again. “She’d be a wonderful harvest, wouldn’t she? Keep her around, that kind of blood doesn’t go bad.”

Ayla straightened then. “You’re not going to touch her.” She furrowed her brows. “I won’t allow you to speak of her in such a way. Just because…”

“Just because what?” He slammed Ayla against the railing. The glass that she held in her hand slipped from her grip and shattered on the ground.

“Just because her blood is pure does not make her a target. She is important to this war.” Ayla shoved him harshly. “Don’t touch me.” She snapped, her fangs showed. The vampire chuckled as she walked off toward the medical wing.

**

Skylar writhed in her sleep, tears rolled over her cheeks, she whimpered. Suddenly her eyes shot open, she sat up quickly and glanced around the room, fear in her eyes. “Eva…” She calmed. “God…” She took in quick breaths. “I dreamed…it was a nightmare, I dreamed we were attacked by lycans…” She shook her head. “Eva, we have to stop this war.” She spoke softly. She looked to her leg, the careful stitches that Ayla had made this time. She then looked to her clothing that hung over the edge of the sink. “Where’s…”

Ayla pushed through the door in that instant. “We need to watch them, Eva.” She spoke, blood was splattered on her pant leg from her dropping the glass. “They’ll try to keep her.” She warned, “I just had one come up to me, speaking of her blood.” She looked to Skylar with worried eyes. She knew how important Skylar was to Eva. She couldn’t let the vampires take her.

Skylar winced as Eva slit her wrist and allowed her blood to drip onto her wound. She drew her brows together, her breaths shook as she felt her muscles healing. She lay back on the bed a strange heat flooded her body. In this moment Percy had burst into the room, Skylar’s eyes fluttered as she reached for her pistols that were hanging up with Ayla’s bag on the wall. She listened to the yelling of the fight and suddenly she was scooped up into Eva’s arms. The next moment a rush of cold air came over her body, she felt the teleportation and opened her eyes just as Eva asked if she was okay. Skylar’s eyes fluttered as her body fought off the fever. “I’m…cold…” She whispered softly.

Ayla stared up to the window they came from, high upon the mountain, “Why can’t we travel like that all the time?” She chuckled. “I have your guns, Skylar, don’t worry. Eva over here.” She said as she pulled Eva into a small shed that was abandoned. “Here.” She pulled clothing from her bag and set the holsters on the table. “Get dressed.” She nodded and stepped from the shack.

Skylar stood shakily, she leaned against Eva for a moment, the back of the medical gown hung open, allowing a cool breeze along her back. She leaned in and kissed Eva then, a sweet loving kiss. She gave a gentle smile as she stepped to her things. She was a bit wobbly at first as she pulled on a set of black pants and clipped her holsters into place. She then slipped the grey tank top on over her black bra. Skylar looked to the bag that Ayla had set down, it had food supplies in it, medical supplies, her UV and silver nitrate bullets. Skylar took in a deep breath. She turned, her body was shaky. She then looked to Eva and gave a gentle smile. “Hopefully, the rest of our adventure together isn’t as chaotic.” She commented. “Thank you for healing me, Eva.” She grasped her pack and pulled it over her shoulders. She then grasped Eva’s hand and pulled her outside.

Ayla smiled, “Ah much better.” She chuckled, “Nice pack.” She winked. She then looked up to the coven, “You cause a lot of trouble, Skylar.” She spoke as she started off north. “However, if they were strong willed vampires, they could control themselves.” She chuckled.

Skylar let out a laugh, “Thank you for mending my leg, Ayla. I know it must have been hard.”

“It was.” Alya didn’t miss a beat. “Very hard, one of the hardest things I’ve done since being turned.” She spoke quickly. “I’m glad I kept in control…”

Skylar gave a nod, “Yeah….me too…” She fell quiet for a long while. “I can’t go much longer like this, Eva…” She spoke softly, her eyes were heavy, her body shaky. “There’s an outpost, not far from here. It should give us safety, it’s high in the mountains, the lycan don’t travel there, and there isn’t a coven for nearly 50 or so miles in every direction.” Skylar turned and led them in the direction. They marched on for hours, snow began to fall as they climbed in altitude. Skylar shivered and hugged her arms to her body, her teeth chattered. Eventually they came to a crest of a hill and a small building could be seen in the distance. Skylar staggered in the direction of the building and pushed the heavy metal door aside. She then shoved a desk aside to reveal a hidden trap door. “D-d-down here.” She stuttered, her body wanting to give up from the cold. She climbed down through the hole and clicked a button at the bottom. It was warm inside.

Ayla jumped down and looked around. This bunker was much nicer than the one before. She yawned, exhausted, her skin was growing pale, she needed to feed. Especially after the episode of bloodlust she had, she kept looking to Skylar, her brows would draw close, she would have to look away and fight herself.

Skylar punched a few buttons on a computer.

“System lock down, activated. Perimeter security activated.” A voice came over the intercom system.

Skylar took a step back, “Th-this way.” She still shivered. She led them down a hallway to a row of rooms. She pressed a button on the wall and the door to that room hissed as it opened. “Here, Ayla.” She spoke softly.

Ayla grit her teeth as she walked passed Skylar, the smell of her blood, she could hear Skylar’s pulse as it beat quickly to warm her body. “Okay.” She said with a tight jaw she pulled her pack from her back and pulled a blood pack from inside of it as Skylar led Eva to the next room down the hallway. She bit into the blood pack and sighed happily as the taste of the blood entered her mouth. She drank it quickly and lay back on the bed, within seconds she was fast asleep, the empty blood pack still in her fingertips.

Skylar pressed a button to close Ayla’s room before she led Eva off down the hallway. She pressed the door to another room. “Here, Eva.” She spoke, her voice weak. She stepped into the room and collapsed onto the bed. “I’m…so cold…” She choked out. She shakily pulled the blankets around herself before she began digging through her bag. She popped a package and slipped it beneath the blanket, a heat pack. She then cracked another package and shook it quickly for a minute before she opened it and drank the hot soup that it created. Skylar looked to Eva with tired eyes. “Eva…” She whispered softly as she turned and snuggled into her. “Good night…” She kissed her then for a moment before she lay her head down, moments later she fell unconscious into the world of dreams.

Ayla glanced to Eva’s hand as she held it up, a curious look about her eyes. She stared to the image that appeared above Eva’s palm of the gorgeous woman that stood, determination in her eyes. Ayla looked to Eva before she looked back to the image as the woman looked directly to her with her hazel eyes. She leaned back against the wall as Eva smiled and told her that was Ren. Ayla lay in the room alone through the night, it took her a few hours to fall asleep, as all she could think about was this Lycan. She felt a strange connection with her, and yet, she hadn’t met her.

**

“Skylar.” Remi’s voice spoke.

Skylar sat at a huge round table, several chairs were empty, the room was dark. She glanced around the room, her vision hazy at first. “Remi? What is this?” She questioned.

Remi only smiled to her as torches around the room lit. In came a man that wore a Spartan helmet with a Mohawk made of some type of hair, horse hair possibly. He had a shield attached to his back, and in one hand he held a spear. He wore a cape over his bare back, a shoulder pad, a red cloth to match his cape was wrapped around his hips, and he wore armored shin pads. He glanced to Skylar as he sat down at the table, a grin on his lips. Skylar looked around the room as Lucille stepped in, she sat down slowly, her eyes looked to Skylar and she gave a nod. She sat just to the right of Skylar, Remi was directly across from her. Skylar looked to Lucille and then to her forearm as Lucille gripped her arm gently, reassuringly.

The door flung open and in walked another man. He wore dark red armor, it reminded Skylar of blood. He wore a half mask that shielded his eyes, a hat that looked much like a fedora on his head. He also had a cape that swung around behind him. He had leather belts hung loosely on his hips. He sat down at the table and chuckled. “Father death, shall be begin our meeting? Your guest of honor has arrived.” He snickered.

Remi glared to him, “Not until our last guest has arrived.” He looked to Lucille, his brows tucked together tightly, “Where is she?” He asked, his voice impatient.

“Um…” Lucille looked to the huge clock on the wall that ticked away happily with each second. “She’ll be here, she still has a minute.” Lucille gave a smile, she gripped Skylar’s arm again. Just as she squeezed Skylar’s arm the door pushed open. Skylar looked over to see a blonde woman walk into the room, she wore old century clothing, a navy blue over white lace design but blue and silver armor pieces. She had beautiful white angel wings behind her back and she carried a gorgeous staff to match her attire. “Cassiel.” Lucille smiled.

Suddenly shadows swarmed another seat and a man appeared in a cloak, his face was covered by a golden helmet that had two horns that curled to the sides. Remi looked to him, amused, “It is interesting that we have stirred your attention, brother.”

“Don’t worry, Skylar.” Lucille spoke, she could feel the fear coursing through the girl as she tried to figure everything out.

Remi slammed a knife into the table, the room lit red for a moment before the lights dimmed again. Remi smirked, “I’ve brought you all here to meet our new Grand Reaper, my successor.” He nodded across the table. “Skylar Greystoke.” He spoke.

“Welcome, Skylar.” A deep voice came from beneath the helmet of the man that had appeared from the shadows. He lifted his helmet from his head and set it on the table, he looked to her with wise eyes, “It’s wonderful to have fresh blood for our crew.” He smiled. “Nice to meet you, Skylar, I am Abraxas, I am responsible for all souls.” He spoke, his voice was unsettling he then nodded to Remi. “Remi is my successor, I was once the God of Death.” He smiled. “One day, you shall sit here again, in my shoes, looking into the eyes of a new successor.”

Skylar watched him she took in a breath. “I am Cass.” The angelic woman next to her held out her hand, her skin was a perfect porcelain color, flawless. “Cassiel, but you may call me Cass, I am Lucille’s boss, see, she is basically a Grand Reaper, but, she works for me.” She chuckled, “So she doesn’t bring death, of course.” She had perfectly blue eyes. Skylar couldn’t break eye contact with her. “I am the God of Life.” She smiled, “Lucille and I help to keep you and Remi in balance, and all of these other Gods.” She smiled to them. Everyone was perfect silent as Cassiel spoke. She demanded their attention, they respected her.

“I am Jerimiah, God of strength. It is good to see you on your feet, Skylar. Last we met you were unconscious and Remi asked for my aid in helping you transition into your powers.” The Spartan chuckled.

Remi looked to the God of War, he cleared his throat. The man stared at Skylar. “I know what you’re doing.” He spoke, his voice accusing. “You’re trying to rip apart my little world, to end my wars. It’s been going on for a thousand years, you really think you can end it with that pup of a rift god?” He snickered.

“Kratos.” Remi snapped, his jaw tight. “We all work together, to balance out the world. It is nearly time that a God ends your game, it is getting out of hand.”

Kratos smirked and chuckled, “Oh, we’ll see about that. Have fun with the present that I’ve given you, Skylar.” He stood and disappeared with a flash of red light.

Abraxas shook his head and chuckled. “There is a reason he has remained in his position for so long, Remi. He is determined, and he does his job well. I have matters to attend to. We will talk soon.” He nodded to Skylar before he disappeared into the shadows.

Cassiel placed her hand over Skylar’s and looked into her eyes. “Do remember, Skylar, you are an angel, your purpose is for good.” She spoke softly, her voice fluid. She then smiled before she stood, she towed Lucille along with her.

Jerimiah was the only of the gods that remained aside from Remi. He stood and stepped across the room to her, he looked her over for a moment. “You need to be strong.” He then grabbed her hand. A red energy absorbed into her body. “Strength is all you need, dear Skylar to make it through Kratos’ trickery and games.” With that he released her and stepped away.

Skylar breathed heavily, her eyes full of fire, she grit her teeth, she could feel the heat of the power coursing through her body. Remi smiled as he stepped to her, “Don’t fight it.” He whispered in her ear before he slammed his hand into her chest.

Skylar fell backward into shadows that engulfed her. She screamed as she fell into the abyss. She felt a gentle shove on her shoulder then.

**

Skylar’s eyes cracked open, still full of fire. She caught Eva’s back as she left the room. Skylar breathed heavily as she sat up, sweat beaded on her brow. She stood and looked to herself in the mirror for a long moment as her eyes slowly came back to normal. She then stepped to the kitchen, she felt weak, ill, feverish. She sat down at the table and smiled. “Thank you, Eva.” She grinned as she dug into the food. It was nice to have something other than soup. She listened to the plan and gave a nod.

Ayla sipped from her glass, she looked to Skylar for a moment and then to Eva, “I will gather supplies and make sure that we are ready for anything, just in case Ren’s pack isn’t welcoming to us.” She then stood and left the room, she too showered.

Skylar left to clean herself up as well. She stared hard in the mirror at herself, looking over her skin, she looked into her eyes which were slightly blood shot. She blinked a few times, she heard the water running down the hallway. She furrowed her brows and shook her head as she started her shower. She ran hot water, for some reason she was cold, she couldn’t warm up. She stood in the heat of the shower for a long time rubbing the soap into her hair and body until she finally emerged. She pulled on a set of black pants with black leather boots. She then pulled on the tank top and over that she pulled on a bomber jacket that had light tan fuzzy material on the collar. Skylar fixed her hair and stared into her eyes, flecks of the ember color floated around within her eyes. She holstered her pistols after checking the magazines twice. She then stepped from the room and met with Eva. She had her backpack full of supplies that she gathered tossed over her shoulders. “I’m ready when you are.” She nodded.

Ayla stepped into the room, she had on a pack that was well packed, a blanket was rolled up on top and another attached to the bottom. She smiled as she came into the room. No more blood or mud on her body. She had found herself another set of clean clothes in her pack. She had on her standard black leather pants, black boots, a bousier corset that was a deep red color with black stitching. Over that she wore a black jacket made of cloth. She smiled as she saw the two. “Alright.” She nodded, “Let’s go.”