Just a drop...

Fireworks exploded with each touch that Cassandra made. Iris couldn’t control herself, she couldn’t control her movements, her hands gripped wildly for anything to hold onto, her back arched. By the end of it they were both breathless…

At the end of it Iris giggled, “If we do this everyday I’ll forget all my troubles.” She grinned and kissed Cassandra sweetly.

Soon enough they’d teleported back to the mansion. She watched as her mother hugged Cassandra. A soft smile on her lips. She then crossed her arms and shifted slightly as the conversation began about how to end Dylan. Iris took in an uncomfortable breath. “I don’t like it, but you’re right Cass. He’s very powerful and they only way we are really going to be able to get him at all is if he is distracted. The most vulnerable a vampire will ever be is when we drink.” She muttered.

Riskel had entered the room he stood at Iris’ side. He looked to Cassandra a long moment and then to Iris. “When do we expect them?” He asked.

“Soon.” Iris spoke and looked to him, her brow raised. “Within the next few days.” She then cleared her throat. “I have to get changed as well.” She watched him, her expression slightly blank as she looked him up and down a moment.

“Oh….right….” He backed up. “Sorry…” He bit his lip. “Excuse me…” He slipped passed Cassandra and his footsteps led away from the room.

Iris chuckled and looked to Cassandra, “Well, at least he is more submissive than Warren, I don’t have to push as hard to get him to leave me be.” She smiled and stepped to Cassandra. She kissed her sweetly. “I’ll draw you a bath then.” She spoke, her lips moved against Cassandra’s. She slipped away, her fingertips trailing along her body as she moved into the bathroom. She drew a nice hot bath with just the right amount of suds in the water. She slipped from her clothing and climbed in. “Ready.” She grinned as she slipped into the water. She waited for Cassandra and chuckled. “I’ll help clean your back.” She held a loofah in her hand a playful smile on her lips.

**

The days passed and soon Sebastian returned to the mansion. They all sat at the breakfast table with Julian cooking. Lucille spoke of how they’d found the home upon their arrival. They hadn’t heard a peep from the order. Which made everyone on edge. What if they didn’t play by the normal rules? What if they did something totally different this time? They could be mounting an assault now…just waiting for the right time.

Riskel glanced about as everyone spoke. He’d come to terms with the differences in this coven…mainly what Iris was and what Cassandra was. Though it had taken him quite a bit to get over it. He’d spent hours questioning Iris, learning. Iris threatened him, out of fear, to keep him from going to his father. He assured her that he was an ally. That he wouldn’t go to his father and that he would do everything he could to stop this, for his brother. Everything he was doing was in Warren’s name. He knew it was what Warren would have wanted, he knew he would have followed this same line.

Iris glanced to Cassandra, a soft smile on her lips. It was then that a knock came from the door. “That’s it, isn’t it?” Iris asked. She stood and was followed by Riskel to the front door. She paused a moment and looked to him before she nodded and opened the door. Three men stood before her, a shotgun over the back of one. “Good morning, gentlemen.” Iris spoke her eyes looking over them. “How may we help you on this fine day?”

One of the men stepped forward his eyes looking to her. “We’re here to collect.” He spoke. With a quick movement he pulled a pistol from his hip. He had it aimed and fired in the blink of an eye. Something Iris wasn’t expecting.

The bullet pierced through her abdomen. A silver coated jacket. Iris let out a cry before her body became frozen. Riskel jumped into action, he rushed forward and gripped the pistol, ripping it from the man’s hands. He elbowed him in the back of the head knocking him out. The sound of a shotgun firing sounded as another tried to fire at him. Riskel dodged and slammed the butt of the shotgun into the side of the man’s head. The beads of another shotgun bullet pierced into his back and he fell to his face writhing in pain. A sizzling sound came from his skin.

“Ah like that?” The man stood over him. “Our Commander came up with a new bullet for the likes of you.” He growled.

Julian rushed him then, tackling him to the ground before he could fire a bullet into Riskel’s head. He slammed him to the ground causing his head to bounce off of the hard gravel. He snarled as he glanced around, his fangs easily visible. “They don’t wait to ask questions do they?” He looked to Cassandra. “I’d much rather deal with Lycans, at least they aren’t using whatever he just used against us….” He lifted the shotgun and pulled a bullet out inspecting it. It had a red glow to it. “What the hell is this?” He snarled.

Lucille knelt next to Iris, she carefully dug the bullet from her daughter’s abdomen. Blood leaked onto the floor. Lucille grit her teeth as she held pressure over the wound. “Damnit, if they’re supposed to take her why did he shoot her like that?!” She snapped her eyes golden.

Sebastian helped Riskel to his feet. He looked over the pale skin of the king and sighed. “Let’s have a look.” He pulled him inside.

Lucille looked to Julian and Cassandra. “Are there more? What should we expect?” She asked as she continued to press Iris’ side her hands were covered in blood now. She grit her teeth. “Cass, I need your assistance, I think he hit her artery…” She glanced to her daughter. Iris was breathing quickly, her skin had paled. Her eyes fluttered slightly. “You’re alright dear.” Lucille spoke, “Just hang on.”

Iris grit her teeth. “Mother…” She whispered. There was something different about the bullets that they were using. She feared that Dylan had come up with something to add into the bullets to harm vampires…

“Just hang on, Iris.” Lucille spoke as she felt her daughter loosen beneath her grip. “Cass…” She looked up. “I don’t know what’s happening…she should have healed by now…this isn’t right…something is wrong…”

Julian pulled the unconscious bodies of the men of the order inside and took them one by one down to the holding cells. “We will ask them when they wake.” He spoke, “Then we will return them to the order with a message to Dylan. Hopefully he takes the bait…” He grunted as he lifted the last one over his shoulder and carried him downstairs.

“What is in this?!” Sebastian held a bullet up in front of the face of one of the men. “What did you put in this? Huh? You nearly killed my daughter!” He shouted, his fangs bared his voice full on anger.

The man looked to him and let out a chuckle. “You beasts are all the same aren’t you?” He spoke, blood in his mouth, Sebastian had hit him a few good times in the jaw as he demanded answers.

“No, we aren’t.” Sebastian spoke, “We are nothing like the Lycans.” He narrowed his eyes.

“Then what sort of breed are you?” The man asked. “Because you have fangs just like the Lycans.”

“No, we are nothing like them.” Sebastian spoke, his voice softened. “You know your leader Dylan is one of us?” He questioned.

“That’s a lie!” The man spoke and spit at him, blood splattered across Sebastian’s chest.

Sebastian tightened his jaw. “It isn’t, actually when they came here to check on Cassandra, he attacked my daughter, and he drank her blood, he drained her to the point that we feared she would die.”

“He’s not a bloody vampire!” The man began to laugh. “Vampires aren’t real!” He chuckled.

“Oh yes, we are.” Sebastian tilted his head. “But enough of these games. He placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Tell me what is in this bullet.” He spoke, his voice calm.

The man’s smile melted away, he relaxed. “I’m not sure, the Commander created them, said they would kill the bastards that corrupted Cassandra. Said we could use them to get her back…”

Sebastian took in a deep breath. “Here’s what you’re going to do then.” He spoke his eyes golden as he stared into the man’s eyes. “You’ll return to your Commander and tell him that you’ve shot and killed two of us. That we were devastated by this attack, that we scrambled to save those whom you’d shot. You’ll tell him that we are vulnerable and ready for him to come and pick up Cassandra, but that you were unable to get your hands-on Cassandra. Tell him you’ve injured a man and a woman.”

The man stared to him, “Was it a hard fight?” He questioned.

“Yes, we put up a heavy fight against you, until shots were fired. We even managed to kill your two comrades. You barely escaped with your life.” Sebastian spoke and untied him. “Here is some money for your trouble sir.” He handed him a pouch. “Now go and tell your commander of this horrible event.”

The man nodded as he took the money with that he walked from the home. He brushed passed Cassandra without even paying any attention to her. Sebastian had very strong persuasion skills.

Sebastian looked to her, his eyes soft. “I sent the other two home to their family, I gave them some coin, told them to forget the Order for the time being…all of them had no idea what rests within these bullets…Julian is doing a work up of the contents…Riskel is in critical condition. I was able to repair his wounds with Julian’s help.” He shook his head. “In all of my years I’ve never seen a bullet do so much damage…” He crossed his arms.

**

Iris’ eyes fluttered open, her face contorted in pain. “Oh…” She groaned and held her hand to her side. “What the hell…” She grit her teeth. She’d never felt such pain.

Lucille rushed to her side. “Careful dear.” She spoke, “Here take these.” She popped a few pills in Iris’ mouth and handed her a glass of water. “There is something in the bullets that you and Riskel were shot with…”

“Where’s Cass…?” Iris asked, her eyes filled with worry.

Her mother adjusted the blankets around her and gently cupped her cheek. “Cass is just fine…she’s with your father right now speaking to the men from the Order.”

Iris’ eyes were dark, the teal color was even darkened. She looked to her mother and took in a slow breath. “It hurts…” She whispered.

“I know dear.” She nodded, “I know…Julian is trying to figure this out.”

Iris nodded her hand still held over the wound. “Can I see Cass?” She asked softly.

“I’ll go get her.” Lucille nodded. “I’m…just glad you’re awake, dear…” She then slipped from the room.

**

Julian walked into the room, he had an apron on and he wore gloves. “I’ve figured it out.” He stepped into the room. “It’s blood from one of the ancients, I think it’s Marcus’ blood actually…” He looked to Sebastian. “Mixed in with it is a high concentration of silver. The jacket it silver as well. The combination of these are incredibly lethal…just the stuff touching my bare skin…” He shook his head and removed a glove. He had a deep burn on the back of his hand that hadn’t healed. “I’ve never seen something like this…there has to be magic involved…and…for magic to be involved Dylan must be working with a witch…”

Sebastian looked to the burn on the back of Julian’s hand. “He could be sentenced to death for drawing the blood of an ancient while in hibernation…” He spoke. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Most definitely. The blood is much different from ours. The antibodies. That is what attacked Iris’ immune system. That is what is slowing the healing process. Our bodies aren’t meant to have this blood…it is causing lysis of each of the cells that come in contact with it…which is causing our quick healing to disappear completely…and thus we heal at the speed of a human…”

“How long are the effects?” Sebastian asked, his brows tucked together.

Julian shook his head. “I’m not entirely sure…” He muttered.

Sebastian took in a slow breath. “We need to figure out how long it lasts…otherwise we are two short for when Dylan comes to claim Cassandra.”

“They made it very clear that he is interested in Iris as well.” Julian noted.

“Yes, and she can’t defend herself right now. Which, may have been his plan. I think he has been mesmerizing his soldiers to get them to do the radical things that they do. It only makes sense.” He shook his head. “You’re the only one he couldn’t control.” He looked to Cassandra. “Which is how he figured out what you were when you were a child. That’s why he kept so close to you, always looking over you. He was controlling you as best he could.”

Lucille stepped into the room then. She gave a soft smile. She moved to her husband and hugged him gently. “Did we figure it out?” She asked and looked to Julian as he nodded. “Good.” She spoke and then looked to his hand. “Dear god Julian.” She stepped forward and looked it over. “What did you do?” She exclaimed. She then looked to Cassandra. “You’ve been summoned by Iris.” She gave a gentle smile. “She’s awake. I moved her to her room when she was sleeping. She should be more comfortable there.” She then pulled Julian off to patch up the burn on his hand.

**

Iris took in painfilled breaths. She sat up slowly and whimpered. She pushed herself from the bed and grit her teeth. She held her hand to her side. “What….is this…?” She spoke through grit teeth. She stumbled and fell, catching herself on the wall. “Cass…” She breathed. “Where is everyone…?” Iris held her side, blood soaked into her shirt, she’d torn a few of the stitches from standing up. She really shouldn’t have gotten up yet. She stumbled again, but this time she fell to the floor. Iris let out a whimper. It felt as though a hot iron was within the wound. Her body felt as though it was being shredded to pieces.

Iris!

Iris felt Cassandra’s arms around her body, her touch was warm. Her eyes fluttered slightly. “Cass…” She breathed. Iris grit her teeth as Cassandra dabbed the blood away. She whimpered as she pushed the needle into her skin. She could feel each poke, each movement of the thread. She had to focus to listen, her vision was fading in and out. She took in quick breaths as Cassandra explained the function of the bullets. Iris took the pills and swallowed hard, she grit her teeth. “How…” She whispered softly her voice trembled slightly. “My artery?” She brought her brows together. “Oh….” She breathed her hand over her blood soaked shirt.

She felt Cassandra’s lips on hers and she raised her hand to rest on Cassandra’s cheek, her eyes looked to her after the moment was over, a soft smile on her lips. “I’m not going anywhere.” She whispered. She shut her eyes a moment as the painkillers began to work, her world was spinning. “Blood…” She spoke softly. “Yes…maybe…we have to try…I can’t protect you like this…” She whispered as she lifted her hand to grasp gently on Cassandra’s wrist. Iris took in a shaken breath, she could hear her pulse. Her body craved blood from her injuries. Iris pulled her wrist closer and she sank her fangs in. Her touch was as gentle as it could be, though her hand trembled. Iris drank deeply, though only for a quick moment before she pulled her fangs from her flesh. She took in a deep breath, her eyes were golden. She could feel the rush of power through her body from Cassandra’s blood. She held her fingers over the two punctures. Iris trembled slightly, her eyes slipped shut and her muscles tensed. She let out a slight whimper and gasped, her arm that was wrapped around Cassandra tightened and she gripped onto her shirt. After a few moments Iris’ body loosened her head lulled to the side, her chest rose and fell quickly as she fell unconscious.

Lucille pushed the door open slowly. Her eyes looked over to Cassandra and then to her daughter, she was worried. She stepped forward and sat on the edge of the bed. “Poor dear.” She whispered softly. She looked to Cassandra. “She didn’t pull too much from you, did she?” She questioned as she lifted Iris’ shirt and looked to the wound. Her brows pulled together slightly. “Her body is fighting so hard to heal…” She muttered and shook her head. “Maybe after some rest, hm?” She brushed hair gently from Iris’ face. “I can bring Sebastian and Julian in to speak about the plans, if you’d like. I’m not certain Iris will be ready for this fight, no matter how much blood she gets. Those bullets need to be destroyed after we finish off Dylan…I wish we could trust the council…but clearly we can’t trust them, he must be working with someone high up in the council to get that blood. It pains me to think it could even be Nicholai, his status would allow him access to Marcus, or the other two ancients that are locked away…”

A gentle knock came from the door. Julian stepped in. His hand was bandaged now from Lucille. He looked to the two and a soft smile curved up his lips. “You know we could just let Riskel die and have Cassandra take his place.” He chuckled and winked to Cassandra. “If only it were that easy.” He then shrugged, “So, what sort of trap are you planning Cass? Can we do this without Iris if she isn’t up to par in time? She’s the only one of us that seems to gain your powers…at least…I think…” He glanced to Lucille.

Lucille took in a breath and nodded, “It seems that way, it may be partially because of the connection you two have, and it could have to do with the wolf blood that has been activated….” Her brows then creased. “The wolf blood.” She spoke and then left the room quickly.

Julian glanced after her. “Um….” He then looked to Cassandra. “I’m not sure if that was a good thing or not…I’ll be right back…” He rushed after Lucille.

**

Lucille returned swiftly with a syringe that was filled with a murky black liquid. “This may be the key, for Iris…I can’t inject Riskel with this. We will have to do our best to get an answer from Dylan if we can, if there is an antidote, or the run time of this poison…” Lucille gently turned Iris’ arm. She pushed the needle into the vein and injected the liquid into her. Black lines began to scrawl across her skin around the injection site. “Don’t worry dear.” She looked to Cassandra. “This is an age old medicine that is meant for those of our blood type…it cleanses…hopefully…” She watched as Iris began to breathe heavier, her grip on Cassandra tightened again, a whimper of pain came over her lips…sweat beaded up on her brow line. Lucille took in a deep breath. “It isn’t the most comfortable thing…” She muttered softly.

**

A day passed, Iris didn’t wake. She’d tense and whimper in her unconscious state. Her skin was pale as a blank sheet of paper. Lucille kept watch over her while Cassandra planned with Sebastian and Julian. Riskel’s condition was unchanged. Lucille had to change his dressings every few hours to check the wounds, though his healing was still stunted. Iris’ eyes shot open, the dark black surrounded her eyes with the teal center. She sat up quickly as she gasped for air. She stumbled to her feet and caught herself on the wall. The pain in her side was gone…

Iris took in quick breaths. “Cass?” She asked as she looked around the empty room, her dark eyes moved quickly. She moved forward and her hand gripped the door handle. She shook her head, her senses were heightened. Every sound seemed as though it was right next to her ears. She pulled the door open and stepped out into the hallway. She glanced about she could hear something from downstairs. “Cass…?” She asked. “Mother?” She questioned. Thunder boomed outside after a flash of lightening, a storm was rolling in once again. Iris could hear each raindrop as it pelted the home. She stepped down the stairs quickly. “Anyone?” She called and glanced around.

Suddenly Iris’ throat was gripped and she was slammed against the wall. She found herself staring into Dylan’s eyes. She tried to fight him but she couldn’t move. “I’ll kill you.” He spoke, his voice sounded distorted.

“No…” Iris breathed she squeezed her eyes shut and disappeared from his grip. She slammed her fist into his back harshly. The two began to fight. He threw punches, but it was as if she knew his every move. She blocked each attack and kicked him in his chest sending him hurling against the wall. She pulled her dagger and slammed it into his chest, he became frozen from the silver. “You won’t hurt anyone anymore.” She pulled her pistol and fired three shots into his chest and a final into his skull.

Dylan began to chuckle then as blood dripped down from his wounds. He ripped the dagger from his chest. “You think silver can stop me?” He bound forward stabbing the blade into her chest. “You’re mistaken.” He snarled. Iris tried to get away, she tried to move, but she was frozen by the silver, she felt his fangs sink into her as she tried to scream.

**

Iris sat up, a scream escaped her lips, her chest rose and fell quickly. She nearly fell from the bed as she scrambled from it. She pressed her back against the wall, her eyes glancing about the room. Tears welled in her eyes. It had felt so real…

“C-Cass?” Iris asked, her voice trembled. Her eyes were dark as night, the teal color seemed to glow in the center. “Cass are you there?” She whispered as she listened for any movement. Her side ached. She looked down to her clean shirt. Someone must have changed her out of the bloodied top. She lifted it and looked to the bullet wound. She touched it and winced slightly. It was healing…but not nearly as quick as it should. She lowered her shirt as she leaned against the wall. A flash of lightening was followed by a loud rumble of thunder as rain began to fall. She listened to it ping against the side of the house, hitting the windows. “Cassandra?” She called then, afraid to leave the room, afraid that her dream would come true…

Iris looked to Cassandra in the dim room, she wrapped her arms around her and buried her face into the nape of her neck. “I only hope it was a dream.” She whispered speaking of the fight with Dylan. “I don’t know how you saw that…” She muttered softly then shook her head, pushing the question off for later. “Yes, I’m starving.” She nodded and allowed Cassandra to lead her to the kitchen. She sat down at the table and watched as Cassandra began to get items together. Soon enough Julian walked into the room. She leaned into his gentle side embrace. “I feel tired, achy…but better…I think…” She spoke as she watched him take over the cooking from Cassandra, she chuckled softly. He’d always been the cook in the home, at least since he’d been turned. Iris looked to her mother with a soft smile, “I’m glad to be awake.” She whispered.

She then turned her attention to her father whom questioned about the plan. She watched as Cassandra teleported the banana, her eyes widened slightly. The amount of power Cassandra had was incredible. She shook her head, “No, you’re not going to fight him alone.” She spoke, her hand balled into a fist slightly. “It won’t come to that, I can fight.” She spoke softly.

Lucille watched her daughter. “You’re still weak, dear.” She spoke and raised a brow. “He’s a very strong vampire…he already attacked you when you weren’t already injured…”

“I wasn’t expecting it, I didn’t know…” Iris grit her teeth slightly. “It doesn’t matter, if I can stop him from hurting Cass, I’m going to stop him.”

“And what if you get killed in the process?” Sebastian questioned, his eyes looking over her, worry in his expression. “Your mother is right, you’re still weak, if he were to come right now…”

“Then we will kill him swiftly.” Iris responded. “I’m not debating this.” She stared to her father.

A smile split his lips. “Take over the throne and your decision is final?” He chuckled and then shook his head. “Let your mother have a look at your wound. Would you?”

Iris nodded she glanced to Cassandra a moment before she stood. Lucille lifted Iris’ shirt and glanced to her side. The skin around the wound was pink. There was a bit of blood along the stitches from her movement. Lucille took in a deep breath. “Iris…” She looked to her.

Iris looked to her mother. Just then the sound of glass shattering echoed through the room. Iris turned her head as something clinked and rolled across the floor. “Get down!” Sebastian called as he jumped back with Lucille in his arms.

The bang of an explosion filled the room, a bright white flash came with the sound. Iris’ ears rang, she stumbled back, unable to see. She took in quick breaths as she stepped back quickly. Her back pressed against the wall. “Cass?!!” She called, she could barely hear her own voice.

She was grabbed then and hoisted up into the arms of someone. She fought against them, still unable to see clearly, her vision was marred with blotches of white. “Let me go!!” She screamed, “Let go!!” She beat her fists against her assailant. Suddenly she was set down. Her back pressed against the wall, she could see the figure through the shadow of her vision.

“Iris.” He voice spoke. “Iris don’t move. Don’t leave this room.” It was Julian. “You can’t fight like this.” The sound of gunfire erupted through the home as the ringing began to fade from her ears.

“Cass…” Iris breathed as Julian rushed from the room. He slammed the door shut to the secret weapons room downstairs. “Hell if I’m staying down here.” She growled. Iris turned and pulled a pair of pistols from the rack of guns. She rushed from the room. She could feel the stitches on her side ripping. She rushed up the stairs. She could smell blood. Her senses were overwhelming. “Cass!!!” She called over the smoke of another grenade meant to distract them. She was slammed from the side. Her body forced against the wall. Iris pressed the pistol into the gut of the person. Her eyes locked on the man, a man dressed in black from the order, dressed for a night-op mission. She squeezed the trigger four times. Blood began to leak from his abdomen as he stumbled back and fell to the floor.

Iris turned she could feel the burning sensation in her wound as she took a few steps forward. “Cass?!!” She screamed. Another bang with a flash of white light. Iris stumbled back. Arms wrapped around her and she was tackled to the ground. The pistols clattered to the floor. She brought her fist up into the person that pinned her down. Then suddenly she gripped forward and bit into their neck. She did exactly what they weren’t allow to do. The man flailed as he tried to escape. She clutched tighter to him the more of his blood that she had. She could feel a blade stab into her shoulder, the pain was hot searing like an iron. Though, the man’s body became limp as his veins dried of blood. She shoved his limp body off of her and stood, she ripped the blade from her shoulder and winced. She turned then swiftly and tossed the dagger, it impaled into the back of another man, sending him to the ground instantly.

“That’s her!” She heard someone call. “Get her!”

She was surrounded in an instant. Iris snarled, the teal in her eyes glowing. She had claws as she stood before them, her fangs had lengthened. She spun around, her claws caught the throat of one man. Another she stabbed into his chest. She was hit from the back then and she stumbled forward. Iris growled as she leaped into the air. She transformed in the flash of bright light. She turned and rushed the man. In his confusion she knocked him onto his back and ripped his throat. Iris then bound through the home. With each step she could feel her wound opening, but she didn’t care. Iris leaped into the air and knocked another man to the ground. She growled as she fought through the men, ripping guns from their hands and knocking them over.

Iris was slammed then, she felt a searing pain in her side as she was shoved against the wall. Her body transformed back to her human form. She grit her teeth, her breaths heavy. “Careful, you’ll bleed out.” Dylan’s voice spoke, he snickered. “Why would you want to waste your valuable blood. Hm?” He licked his lips.

Iris narrowed her brows, she stared into his eyes. “I’ll kill you.” She whispered. “You’re a despicable beast. No better than the Lycans you hunt.” With that she hooked him in the side of the head. He stumbled back shocked that she’d struck him. Iris rushed forward blood soaking into her shirt from her side. She reached down and lifted one of her pistols from the floor. She fired off several shots. Her vision was beginning to blur.

“You’re slowing down, my Queen.” Dylan grinned as he watched her. He was easily evading her shots.

Iris grit her teeth she rushed forward then, her hand gripped his throat she held the gun to the side of his head. She pulled the trigger and all that followed was the click, a click that meant she’d run out of bullets. Dylan shoved her forcing her back he chuckled as he began to fight with her. It was just like in her dream. Iris kept up with him, she blocked his punches and she landed in hits here and there. She dodged and jumped back. Though, her vision began to cave in. Her pulse echoed in her ears.

“Careful.” Dylan spoke, a wicked smile on his lips. “You’re losing a lot of blood there.”

Iris felt his fist collide with her ribs then and she staggered to the side. She pulled her dagger and stabbed at him only for him to rip it from her hands. He kneed her in the abdomen then and allowed her to fall to the floor. Iris staggered and pushed herself back up. She scrambled and grabbed her other pistol. She aimed it at him, her breaths shook, she fought to keep her eyes open.

“Iris!” Sebastian’s voice echoed. He slammed into the side of Dylan knocking him from her vision. The two began to duel then.

Iris’ hand lowered, the gun clicked against the cold wooden flooring. “Cass…” She breathed. She managed to push herself up. She staggered and held her side. “Cass…we have to….do it….now…” She grit her teeth as she stumbled into another room. “We have to stop…him…” She spoke, her voice a whisper. She fell to her knees and crawled forward, “Cass…” She tried to focus, she climbed over a dead soldier’s body. Her body felt like it was surrounded in sand. Suddenly she felt the heel of a boot press into her back.

“Funny story.” Dylan’s voice spoke. “You and Cassandra are strong, but by taking you out of the equation.” He chuckled then, “It just makes this all the more fun, doesn’t it?” He questioned, he was crushing her with his weight. “How did you like my bullets? How does it feel to lose your power? To almost be human?” He snickered.

“Cass…don’t….” She choked, blood in her mouth. She tried to move, but she couldn’t move beneath his weight, she could barely breathe.

“Oh she’ll come, even if you tell her not to. I can bet on that.” Dylan grinned, “Then she’ll be mine.” He chuckled.

The sensation of being crushed was suddenly gone. Iris choked for air as she felt warm arms around her. “Cass…?” She breathed. Suddenly Cassandra shoved her wrist into Iris’ mouth. She felt her fangs slice into her skin, then the sweet taste of blood leaked over her lips. Iris brought her hand to Cassandra’s and took a few draws and then suddenly they were in another room and Cassandra was setting her down. “Wait…” Iris choked. She staggered to her feet, she could feel the power from Cassandra’s blood surging through her. She stumbled and fell to her hands and knees, her hand held to her side.

The next she knew she heard Cassandra speaking about Dylan, how he’d had her blood. She familiar smells of the cabin filtered through her nostrils. Her vision was a blurry shadowed mess. Her hearing wasn’t much better. Her head lulled to the side as she felt herself lifted. “Don’t…let her go…alone…” Iris struggled against the arms that carried her trying to break free. “Don’t…” She grit her teeth.

“Iris.” Julian spoke. “Listen to me this time, please. You aren’t strong enough, stay here.” His face came into her vision, his eyes golden from drinking Cassandra’s blood. “We will handle this.” He then disappeared.

**

Sebastian slammed his elbow into the back of Dylan, catching him off guard and causing him to drop Cassandra. The next moment later Lucille swooped in and caught Cassandra before she could even hit the ground. “Don’t worry dear.” She spoke as she gently leaned her against the tree. “You’re not going with him.”

Dylan grinned as he looked to the family that stood before them. “Perfect, I can exterminate the royal family and have my puppet.” He licked his lips. “Now who should I kill first?” He questioned and teleported.

Sebastian was quick to teleport with him, ashes were left all around the lake as they flashed around. Julian rushed forward and was suddenly gripping Dylan by his throat, he slammed him harshly into the lake, breaking through the ice. The two plunged into the frigid waters. The ice shattered in several places as the two battled it out. Suddenly a body was thrust through the ice and landed in a heap on the shore. Julian lay unconscious. Dylan appeared before him a sneer on his lips. “You’re more trouble than it’s worth.” He growled and turned.

A ball of fire surrounded him. “You won’t leave with your life.” Lucille spoke, her eyes bright yellow. She held her hands up, controlling the power.

Dylan stumbled back, the flames licking and burning into his flesh. He teleported away, only to be engulfed once again. Suddenly he teleported and slammed Lucille back, knocking her to the ground, he pulled a dagger and it sliced into her shoulder. The flames disappeared. He cackled as he stared to her. “Good luck stopping me now.” He spoke and turned toward Cassandra.

Sebastian rushed forward and tackled him to he ground. “You’re not taking her.” He slammed his fist into his face several times. The two rolled about in the snow.

Dylan snarled as he struggled against him. Though he managed to get the upper hand after several minutes of fighting. He teleported and slammed Sebastian against the trunk of a tree, “Now then…” He turned as Sebastian collapsed into a heap.

Iris stood before him, her hand gripped onto her side. Her eyes were dark as the night sky. “You’re not going to hurt anyone else.” She spoke. She held a pistol in her hand, one of the pistols from the order. She took a staggering step forward.

“And what do you plan to do about it?” Dylan chuckled he teleported before her and grinned. He poked her with his finger, causing her to become off balance. “You’re weak.” He spoke, his face in hers. “You couldn’t fend off a moth.” He chuckled.

Iris looked to him, a smile curved up her lips. She teleported and slammed into his back. She then teleported again, he elbow dropped into his chest causing him to fall back. Iris landed on him the pistol held to his head. “I’m only as weak as I allow you to see.” She spoke, blood dripped from her nose. “This gun is loaded, I made sure of it this time.” She stared into his eyes a long moment as he struggled against her. Iris pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed across the lake. Iris stared to Dylan’s face a long moment before she stood. She held her side and aimed the gun at him, she unloaded the entire clip of the special bullets into his chest. She then tossed the gun to the ground. She stumbled to Cassandra and lifted her, she teleported inside. She did this with each family member until they all had been brought in to safety. Iris collapsed, her hand gripped onto Cassandra’s arm. She coughed, a glob of blood in her mouth. She gripped onto her side as her vision caved in.

**

“I can’t get the bleeding to stop!”

“Iris can you hear me?”

“Don’t give up.”

The words filtered through the darkness like echos in a cave. Iris fought to wake up, to open her eyes. To remember. She couldn’t remember what happened. She did remember the sound of the pistol firing. Everything else silent except when her finger depressed the trigger.

“Treason. Your entire family has murdered another vampire for sport. How dare a member of the council stoop this low.”

“We were attacked!”

“The order is falling apart without a commander.”

“We must stop the Lycans…the cities are falling”

“My queen…you need to wake up. We can’t do this without you…”

Iris woke. Her body felt rigid. She took in a gasp of air as though dust filled her lungs. She coughed as she rolled to her side. Everything hurt. Her vision was blurry as she pushed herself up. She glanced around. “Hello?” She asked, her voice soft. She looked to the cold metal table she had been laying on. She shivered as she looked down. A scar remained where she was shot. “What…” She breathed. She reached and pulled a sheet around herself, she looked around the room. “Where am I?” She questioned. There were a few other tables with figures that lay beneath sheets. She stepped forward and lowered the sheet looking into the face of the dead man before her.

A metal plate clattered to the ground. “I-Iris?” A familiar voice.

Iris turned, her eyes fell upon Regina. “Regina?” She asked, her voice hoarse, dry. “What…what’s going on?”

Regina looked to her with wide eyes. “You…you died…you…” She stepped forward. “We were supposed to cremate you today…um…” She took in a shaken breath. “You were dead…” She stared at Iris in disbelief.

Iris shook her head. “No…I didn’t…I wasn’t…” She brought her brows together trying to make sense of everything. “How long…?” She asked softly.

Regina stood for a moment, she reached down and lifted up the instrument tray. “Um…” She thought a moment. “You never woke up after the Order’s Commander attacked your family…that was…almost three years ago…” She searched her eyes.

Iris staggered back. “Th…three years?!” Her eyes widened.

“Calm down.” Regina spoke, she set the tray down carefully. “It’s okay.” She gave a gentle smile. “You missed a rough few years anyway.” She let out a soft laugh.

Iris took in quick breaths, her eyes wide, she stared around the room trying to comprehend everything. “Three…years….” She spoke, her voice slow. “Three years…what…who did this? Who…where am I?” She went to speak again but there was a loud sound. Her eyes looked to the door as it slammed open, she jumped from the crash of the wood against the wall. Visions of the fight between her and Dylan raced through her mind. She gasped for air, suddenly Cassandra threw her arms around her. Iris’ brows quivered slightly, her pulse raced. The sound of her cries caused Iris to tense slightly as her mind raced. Iris’ eyes were jet black, the teal in the center was dark, it was hard to even see that it was there. Words spilled over Cassandra’s lips and then suddenly she felt her lips pressed to hers. Iris felt her pulse flutter. Scenes of her time with Cassandra in the valley flashed before her eyes…scenes from their first dance at the ball. Everything happened so quickly. She took in quick breaths as the moment ended, her eyes staring to Cassandra.

The words flowed from Cassandra quickly. Everything was spinning. Iris took a step back. “I…” She shook her head. “I…” Her heart felt like it was going to leap from her chest, it felt like it was in her throat.

“Iris.” Regina took a step forward. “Take a deep breath.” She was watching her closely.

Iris shook her head, “I…” She drew her brows together. “I don’t know…” The sound of the gun fire from when she killed Dylan echoed in her mind again. She winced slightly.

“Give yourself a minute.” Regina touched her shoulder, her eyes watching her carefully.

Iris tensed, her fangs lengthened and she lunged forward. Regina ducked and she rushed to the cabinets as Iris stumbled, she was weak, thankfully. Regina’s hands shook as she drew up a vial she spun just as Iris grabbed her shoulder, her eyes were completely black. Regina stabbed the syringe into her and injected it. Her chest heaved. “I’m sorry my queen.” She breathed as she wrapped her arms around Iris whom became limp in her arms. She shuddered as she placed her on the metal table, she glanced to Cassandra. “Um…she’ll need a refresher it seems.” She spoke softly. “I can only imagine…” She shook her head. “I’m sure this is all just a bit fast for her, she just woke up…” She looked back to Iris whom lay peacefully on the table. She trembled slightly still, “At least I had some valerian….it comes in handy….” She muttered. She glanced to Cassandra, “Lucille will be happy.” She smiled sweetly then. “You of all people will be happy too.” She chuckled and then sighed softly. Regina looked to the furnace that she had been preparing to put Iris in, she’d been putting it off all morning, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Now she was glad she hadn’t. “It’s almost like she was suspended in sleep…like our ancestors….” She pondered a moment.
**

“You’ll be the king over this coven, Riskel.” Nicholai stood in the council chamber with all of the other council members. “It is with great sadness that we bring this accusation upon the Remington family, that Iris Remington Queen of her coven, acted alongside Sebastian, Julian, and Lucille to hunt down and kill Dylan Gerhard one of our elders.” Nicholai looked to his son. “How do you find them, King Riskel, guilty or not guilty?”

Riskel stood before the 7 members of the council. He looked into each of their eyes. He shook his head. “Iris is not a criminal.” He spoke his eyes stared to his father. “Iris sacrificed herself to save her family, to save me and to save the coven. Dylan aimed to steal Cassandra away to destroy the council as we know it.”

Nicholai’s eyes darkened as his son spoke. “I’ve heard enough.” He waved his hand. “We will call this to trial. We will investigate every member of this coven until we come to an agreement.” He glared to Sebastian then whom sat at his seat silently. “We can not allow crimes to go unpunished. This coven has gone against the council countless times.”

“For the good of our kind.” Riskel spoke up again, his eyes staring to his father. “Sebastian was a worthy king just as he is worthy to sit in this council. His actions are just.”

Nicholai stared to his son. “Enough.” He slammed his hand down on the table. “All who call for this to go to trial? Say aye.” All of the other members agreed, except for Sebastian whom still sat silently, his expression of pain. He wasn’t taking the loss of Iris well.

**

Lucille walked through the home, cleaning up after the event. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She trembled as she fell to her knees in Iris’ room. She held the blouse she’d worn just a few days prior. Painful sobs washed over her body. Each day she wished she could change what happened. Each day she questioned why…her only daughter…the house was so empty.

Julian would come to her and comfort her in Sebastian’s absence. He was called away immediately when they returned. The council threw horrible accusations of treason. Hence the trial. “She didn’t deserve it.” Julian hugged Lucille close. Lucille only cried harder as she hugged herself to him. Losing Iris was the most painful thing she’d ever dealt with.

**

Over the next three years Lucille created a small chest that she kept the letters to Iris in for Cassandra. It was on Iris’ dresser, each letter in order a date written on it by Lucille. She still cried. Though, Sebastian was back from the council. Things were looking up. The trial was nearly finished. Marcus had been awakened and things were moving forward. Finally the shadow of the accusation was beginning to wash away.

**

Over the three years Riskel became the king he was meant to be. He fought with his father, refusing to rule as a tyrant. He learned from Sebastian and Lucille, he ruled just as Warren would have. He brought the coven together in the harsh times and they grew. He stood before the council on the day of the trial, Sebastian nodded to him. He spoke out against his father, against the horrible wishes Nicholai had always had. Marcus sat in front of them his eyes trained on the young king. Others stepped forward and spoke against the corruption of he council. They spoke of the death of King Levi….of his work with the Lycans…and then they spoke of Cassandra and how she’d turned the Order around, how much better the world was. Finally they spoke of Iris how her sacrifice saved them all. How without her, none of this would have been possible.

Riskel helped seal his father’s coffin, so to speak. He watched as several of the council members were shackled and taken away. Marcus shook his hand the ancient vampire had a grin on his lips. “Tell me more of how Iris died.” He spoke and searched his eyes.

“Dylan procured your blood and created specialized bullets…”

“Her healing was stunted tremendously…” Marcus replied and shifted. He stood, fiery red hair and evergreen eyes. “I have allowed the council to grow corrupt in my absence.”

“You are not to blame…” Riskel spoke and shook his head. “The corruption came from within, these members sought to destroy everything around them, they are no better than the damn Lycans…” He scoffed.

Marcus chuckled and grinned, “Ah you’ve become a wise king.” He frowned slightly then. “Though without a queen at your side…” He sighed. “I apologize that she was taken from you so soon, Riskel.” He gripped his shoulder and nodded. “I will not be returning to my hibernation.” He shook his head. “Not for awhile, I will run the council with members like Sebastian. I will recruit more, seeing as he’s the only one left.” He chuckled. “We’ve cleared out a council before, ages ago. I’d hoped to never have to do it again. But, hope doesn’t always save things…” He looked to Riskel then a moment. “So, now that the trial is settled, you can finally say goodbye to your queen, hm?” He asked.

Riskel let out a long sigh and nodded. “It will be just as painful as it would have been three years ago.” He whispered, “Lucille still hasn’t stopped crying…”

“She sounds like she was remarkable.” Marcus spoke, “It is a shame…”

**

Memories flowed through Iris’ mind, bombarding her. She let out a cry and sat up quickly. Her eyes looked around the small room she was in. She took in quick breaths. “Hello?” She asked as she stood slowly. She drew her brows together. She thought of the morgue. She looked down and lifted the tank top that had been placed on her. She ran her fingertips over the scar.

**

“Take her somewhere safe. Get her acclimated. It may take a bit of time for her to be herself again…” Regina spoke, her eyes looking to Cassandra. “I trust you with this, you’re really the only person I would trust with her life outside of the royal family.” She chuckled slightly. “Then again…” She smirked. “When she’s herself again you will be at her side, I know it.” She winked and then looked to Iris. “I have a small cabin up on the hillside.” She stepped over to the cabinets. “I go there to think…to relax…when I need some time to myself.” She pulled a key. “Just follow the old trail outside of town and up the mountain, you’ll find it. It isn’t very big, but it’ll give you two time to catch up. This…” She looked around the morgue. “This place isn’t a good place to wake up in, I’m sure it was confusing to her…” She muttered softly. “Here.” She handed the key over. “Just get Iris back.” She smiled.

Regina’s eyes teared up slightly as Cassandra held out the bag of coins. “Th-thank you Cassandra.” She searched her eyes. “You’ve no idea how much my father and I needed this.” She spoke softly just before Cassandra disappeared.

**

The sweet taste of blood. A familiar taste. Iris’ eyes opened and she instantly held onto Cassandra’s hand as her fangs sank in instinctually. She could feel the warmth return to her body, memories flashed before her. She took in a few breaths after Cassandra withdrew her hand. Iris searched Cassandra’s eyes a long moment, a few memories flashed before her. She allowed her to help her up and to the kitchen. She took in a quick breath as she remembered turning her, she remembered her fangs sank into her neck as she drew her blood down to dangerously low levels, then she dripped her own blood into Cassandra’s mouth.

Can you remember anything?

Cassandra’s voice jolted her from the memory. Iris looked to her, her eyes had returned to the crystal blue color. “I…” She furrowed her brows slightly. “Bits and pieces…everything is a memory…” She watched her a moment, her eyes tracing over her. Memories of Cassandra moved through her mind at an alarming rate. She took in a quick breath and shut her eyes, leaning her upper body against the table. “I remember you…” She breathed, her pulse beating rapidly. “I remember the way I felt when I first saw you….” Her cheeks tinted pink a moment. She couldn’t remember anything else. She looked down, the glisten of her wedding band catching her eye. Memories of the wedding zipped through her mind. She took in a sharp breath. “You spoke of a king?” She questioned. “I’m married to him?” She looked to Cassandra with a confused expression her brows tucked together. She then shook her head. “What has happened to me?” She lifted her shirt and inspected the scar again looking over the raised skin. “What happened?” She questioned softly. “You said I saved everyone…” She drew her brows together. She couldn’t remember no matter how hard she tried. It was painful. Bits and pieces of her memory came to her, but the majority of it was washed away.

Iris took in a breath, her eyes darkening from the mix of emotions running through her. “I remember you though…” She stared to Cassandra. “I remember us….dancing…and um….” Her cheeks blushed fiery pink. “Cass…” She finally spoke her name, memories rushing through her mind, nearly overwhelming her. Iris stood and moved swiftly, she wrapped her arms around Cassandra and hugged her tightly, tears welling in her eyes. She could feel the same emotions she’d felt when she rushed after her, when she saved everyone from Dylan. She buried her face into the nape of Cassandra’s neck. “I was so focused on saving you, I forgot to save myself.” She breathed, her body shuddered.