Just a drop...

Iris tensed slightly as Cassandra moved closer to her. She seemed to hold her breath briefly. She looked up to Cassandra as she poured the wine. Iris shook her head. “No…he didn’t want to kill us…” She spoke, her voice a bit constricted. “He did exactly what he wanted to do.” Her hand trembled slightly. Her eyes looked away as she tried to remain focused. “Arden is like that.” She spoke she stood and walked over to the balcony, distancing herself. She opened the door and a gust of cool air pushed into the room. Iris took in a deep breath. “Over the years Arden has toyed with us, he sees this all as a game. The lives of humans are like pawns in chess to him. He is completely in it for the thrill. He is a cat and mouse Lycan. He loves the thrill of the hunt…” Iris leaned against the balcony then her hands gripping onto the stone.

Iris stayed facing away from Cassandra as she listened to her. The catapults and other large weapons were something she would expect from Arden. But why now? Was it because she was to take the throne? She wondered if the Lycans cared that much. They knew she could change the area immensely with her taking over the ruling. With her father moving to the council it would make sense that they’d attacked him first. “They will hunt us both tomorrow.” Iris spoke softly. “Arden is bringing in these ridiculous weapons as a distraction. If we are focused on stopping the catapults…that opens up a lot of alleys for them to attack…”

A knock came from the door and it pushed open slowly. Warren walked in, his eyes worried. “Iris?” He questioned. He glanced to Cassandra, “Julian told us what happened.” He took in a deep breath. “Thank you, you seem to be saving us quite a bit hm?” He looked down to her leg and bit his lip. “Do you need help patching that up Cassandra?” He asked as he looked to the bit of blood on her leather. His eyes looked over to Iris in a worried fashion as he stepped to the balcony. “Iris?” He questioned, “Are you alright?” He cupped her cheek gently and gazed into her eyes. He let out a long sigh. “They used blood root on that stake didn’t they?” He whispered.

Iris’ jaw was tense, “Yes.” She replied. “Is father back?” She questioned.

“He is.” Warren replied, his eyes worried.

Iris nodded and glanced to Cassandra. “Come on.” She spoke and walked through the room, her jaw tightened as she walked passed her. Iris walked through the house, “I think…that a disguise is in your best interest…they are going to want to use you against us now.” She spoke. “I know you can f-fight…” She placed her hand on the wall and held her breath a moment. “I know you can fight.” She spoke, “But when you are being hunted it is a different game that the Lycans play. It won’t be the stupid ones that they send after you, it will be more mutts like Arden and Ravus. The ones with an actual brain.” She paused outside of her father’s study and knocked on the door.

Before Iris could push the door open it opened and a warm embrace followed. “Iris.” Lucille spoke, her eyes were welled with tears. “Sweet girl.” She held her close, “We can’t let them do this to us.” She looked to Cassandra. “You’re injured.” She spoke softly. “Come.” She pulled Iris into the room.

Sebastian stood at his desk, a glass of blood in his hand. “Cassandra, thank you for protecting Julian and my daughter.” He spoke as Lucille stepped over with Iris held close to her. He looked into Iris’ eyes and sighed. “He found a strong strain of blood root didn’t he?” He nearly growled this. “Julian told me…”

Iris only responded with a nod. Lucille stepped to Cassandra. “Come here, let me have a look at that leg of yours.” She pulled a small kit from the desk and carefully cleaned the wound. Lucille’s eyes didn’t change color like Iris’ did she had more control with her age.

Sebastian handed his glass of blood to his daughter. “Drink.” He spoke and gripped her shoulder gently. He looked over the wound on Cassandra’s leg. “We should keep a close eye on that.” He looked to her. “A wound from Arden is never just a wound.” He took in a breath. “So catapults?” He asked and shook his head. “We can stop those easily. The other Lycans that they are bringing in will also be interesting to see. I’ve called for help from Warren’s family, they have also called or help from the king to the north. I contacted the council about King Levi, they won’t budge unless we can prove that it truly is goods from him, which means we will need a contract or a Lycan to confess.” Sebastian poured a glass of wine and handed it to Cassandra. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

Iris gripped her glass and took in deep breaths as she watched her mother clean the wound. The sweet smell of Cassandra’s blood filtered through the room. Her eyes nearly glowed with how bright the golden color was. “Father…” She whispered.

Sebastian looked over to her and grit his teeth. “It’s okay, Iris.” He stepped to her. “Come on.” He pulled her into his arms and then disappeared from the room.

Lucille took in a breath. “Blood root is a very strong poison.” She spoke, “It corrupts the mind, it causes us to act much like an animal. Iris is doing very well controlling it, though your wound isn’t helping.” She gave a gentle smile then as she finished bandaging her up. Just as she set the case back in the cabinet Sebastian returned. “Is she alright?” Lucille asked.

Sebastian nodded, “Yes, yes, I gave her some Valerian, she is doing a lot better than I would expect, I can smell the blood root…he used a heavy dose…” He sighed softly. “So tell my Lycan Hunter.” Sebastian smiled to Cassandra. “What would you have us do? They are going to be hunting you no doubt, and in turn hunting Iris and Julian, they have been spotted with you the most. We must protect you. We can’t have them knowing what you are, they will never stop if they find out.”

Lucille gave a gentle smile. “We will figure this out dear.” She spoke. “What about leading them astray, they have a scent for her now.” She stared at Cassandra. “They’ll follow your scent easily my dear.” She took in a breath. “Do we still have the illusion root?” She questioned and waited for a nod from Sebastian. “That will work well, once Iris is awake I’ll have her work up the potion, it will hide your scent from them for a few hours. We used to use it during the wars when we infiltrated the Lycans homes…” Lucille fell quiet then. “How does your leg feel?” She asked curiously.

Lucille had a small smile on her lips as she’d cleaned Cassandra’s leg. She watched her curiously, she knew that Cassandra was studying her. She’d watched her, Cassandra’s eyes always seemed to be watching and learning, thinking. The gears were always turning. The queen was quiet as Cassandra spoke to the king. She watched the two idly.

“The Lycans are always scheming something up.” Sebastian spoke as he sipped on a glass of dark red liquid. “It seems to never end. Though with the announcement that Iris is up for courtship, we knew this was coming. The Lycans react this way every time a new vampire is to take over the throne. They try to overthrow the present king and queen, as well as murder the up and coming king and queen.” He crossed his arms. “I believe your idea for a diversion could work quite well. The Lycans will be interested in you, distracted by you.” He smirked then. “I’m sure it is quite confusing to them as to why we would keep a human around.” He chuckled slightly. “Generally we avoid humans, unless we are feeding.” He winked to her and took a drink from his glass. “I completely agree with you that we cannot stand by idly.” He then sighed slightly, “Dear would you help with the illusion root? Iris may be out of commission for the evening.” He then thought as he moved to his desk.

“I know a vampire that looks a bit like you.” He smiled, “She has the same fiery locks. Not nearly the personality or spit fire responses, but, she will create a good diversion…” He chuckled slightly, “Oh, and you weren’t rambling dear, you had a lot of very good points.” He watched her a moment. “You’re very bright, very skilled. I am extremely glad that we have befriended you, though at first it may not have been completely to your terms.” He finished off his glass and set it on the desk. “I’ll draw up some plans, and I will notify the families, as well as the council. I will try to get some concrete information on King Levi….if he has offered these weapons this will be a good moment to put an end to him.” He thought for a moment. “Come to think of it, I did see his son last night.” He drew his brows together. “I wonder if he is in on the plan as well?” He was more speaking to himself then. He shook his head then, “Don’t worry Cassandra, we will handle this. I want to catch them as they bring in the weapons. I like your idea of delivering the Lycans heads.” He grinned wide then, a bit of a devilish grin. “Something like that will surely disrupt Arden’s pack.” He then glanced to Lucille.

Lucille nodded and offered a smile. “We have enough in our coven to make a stand I believe…I just…”

“It won’t happen.” Sebastian spoke and hugged her gently. “We move forward, we will never digress and allow those mutts to over power our kind again.”

Lucille sighed softly, thinking of the past, before the Vampires rose. “Just the thought of it.” She whispered. She then looked to Cassandra. “Would you like a lesson in the ancient roots then while we make the potion?” She perked up a bit. It wasn’t often that someone wanted to learn of the ancient roots, most of the vampires already knew them by heart. She led Cassandra from the room and wound through the home to another room that looked like a study. There were bookcases that lined the walls with books stuffed into them. She had a desk that had a work area with glass bottles and vials. Lucille was the vampire that made all of their potions and injections, such as the valerian root oil injection that they used on Julian to knock him out…as well as Iris.

“I’ve always been fascinated by herbalism.” Lucille spoke as she stepped over and opened a huge book with had drawn images, it was her own book with her own writing inside. She’d created many recipes in her years. “I noticed that you were watching me earlier. You’re curious as to why I don’t react to your blood hm?” She asked and then offered a warm smile. “It has to do with control, though Iris is a very well controlled vampire and she seems very intoxicated by the smell of your blood.” She spoke as she flipped through the pages. “I haven’t seen her react like that in a very long time, centuries really.” She chuckled. “There must be something about you.” She smiled once more. Lucille stopped on a page then. “Here we are.” She held the book to Cassandra. “You’re going to make it.” She watched her a moment. “I’ll help you, don’t worry.” She began pulling out the items that were needed, she had every bit of the potion memorized as if she’d done it a million times.

Lucille watched Cassandra a moment. “The blood root that was used on Iris was rather strong.” She spoke then, her eyes looking out a window as a flash of lightening lit up the tops of the trees. “I’m not sure where Arden got it, but it had to be from a vault that the Lycans have somewhere, it’s ancient. Blood root just isn’t that strong anymore. A long time ago the Lycans used to use it against us to cause us to attack humans. Some of the myths of vampires come from those dark times. My father told me stories of waking up covered in blood, he didn’t know where it was from, or who. To think that the Lycans would force that upon us…” She shook her head. “I’ve always wondered what entertainment they gained from it, or was it in hopes that we would see life their way and join them?” Lucille fell quiet then.

She shifted slightly and moved about the room, speaking of various roots and herbs to Cassandra as she guided her through making the potion. She grinned and chuckled. Lucille was very friendly and personable. She grinned once the potion was made, the color was a deep purple. “Ah yes.” She gave a nod. “This looks and smells just the way it should. It will do you well tomorrow.”

“My queen?” Julian came into the room, his eyes worried. “It’s Iris, she’s broken into a fever.”

Lucille’s eyes widened for a moment. “That’s quite alright.” She spoke as she turned and plucked a vile from the shelf behind the desk. “Come on.” She spoke to Cassandra. They rushed through the home and soon enough they stood in Iris’ room. Julian was right, a sweat beaded up on Iris’ forehead, her brows tucked together in her sleep. She trembled slightly. “Hmm….” Lucille touched Iris’ forehead and sighed slightly. “Something isn’t right, she shouldn’t be reacting like this from the Blood Root, there was something else on the star…” She grit her teeth slightly. “We go centuries without the Lycans needlessly attacking us for them to revert to their old habits.” She growled.

Lucille shook Iris gently. “Iris dear.” She spoke. “Iris.” She watched her daughter carefully then.

“What do you think it is my queen?” Julian asked worried.

Lucille shook her head and held her finger up to her lips as she watched Iris’ eyes flutter open. Her expression was filled with pain. “You’re alright dear.” She spoke and brushed her hair from her face. “Come on then, drink this.” Lucille lifted her head carefully and helped pour the vile into her mouth.

Iris choked and shut her eyes tightly. “Mother…” She whispered, her eyes opened again. The golden color remained, her breathing was stifled. Her eyes moved to Cassandra and she clenched her jaw, her fists were balled tight.

Lucille watched her with sad eyes. “It’s okay dear.” She whispered, “You’re going to be alright…” She searched her eyes a long moment before she sighed. “Cassandra, I hate to beg this of you, but whatever Arden has given her…it’s a poison that very well could be killing her much like the poison that was injected into Sebastian.” She squeezed her brows together. “Would you allow Iris some of your blood? I believe it will help….I can only hope it will…I’m not sure what this is.” She reached forward and touched Iris’ neck where black lines were beginning to form along her veins. “It’s definitely a poison of some sort…” She spoke softly.

Iris grit her teeth, she let out a whimper, “No…I…c-can’t.” She cried softly tears welled in her eyes. She was fighting against her body again. She knew she didn’t have control…

“Don’t worry, Iris. You are in control, you control this.” Lucille spoke, her voice calm. She never seemed to get too terribly excited about anything. Though the worry in her eyes gave away her true feelings. “Cassandra?” She asked and looked to her for an answer.

Lucille took in a deep breath as she sat on the side of the bed. “Iris.” She spoked as she held the bag forward. She pulled a blade from the dresser and slit a small hole into the bag. Lucille watched as Iris reached up and took the bag almost instantly. She held the bag to her lips and drank deeply, her eyes closed. Soon enough the bag was dry. Lucille watched her daughter closely. “How do you feel?” She asked as she touched her cheek. The fever had vanished. The black lines disappeared.

Iris slowly nodded. “Thank you.” She whispered softly. Her eyes were blue with golden flecks now as she looked to her mother. “What was that?” She asked. “What did he do?”

Lucille shook her head, “It was a poison much like the one that was given to your father…Arden is trying to keep you from the throne, just as he is trying to keep your father from the council. If King Levi is working with they Lycans I could see this…If Levi thinks he can persuade the council…he knows if your father was one of the council members he would not allow it. Lycans are not allies…” She shook her head.

Iris sat up slowly, she trembled slightly. “I feel so weak.” She whispered. “I’ve not felt like this before.” She looked to Lucille with worried eyes.

“That is the blood root.” Lucille nodded, “You’ll get better, don’t worry.” She cupped her cheek. “Luckily we have Cassandra.” She smiled, “You should thank her.” Lucille glanced to the window with tired eyes. “Tomorrow we will have a busy day…hopefully your father has worked out plans, Cassandra offered a lot of good ideas that he favored.”

Iris gave a slow nod. “Arden is up to something…” She stood and waivered.

“Slowly.” Lucille placed her hand on her daughter’s back. “He is, we will figure him out, don’t worry dear.”

Iris took in a slow breath. “Where is she?” She asked as she glanced around the room.

“Getting a bite to eat.” Lucille smiled. She then chuckled at the panicked expression that followed. “Don’t worry, she’s with Julian.”

Iris relaxed slightly and then gave a gentle smile. “Good.” She spoke, “Julian will keep her safe.” She collapsed back onto the bed and groaned slightly. “It feels like knives are inside my body.” She spoke as she lay back.

“Blood root will do that to you.” Lucille spoke, “I’ll go get them, you’re still too weak to walk around.” She gave a gentle squeeze before she stepped from the room. Lucille stepped into the kitchen moments later. She took in a deep breath. “Oh pesto?” She chuckled. “Fancy, Julian.” She sat down next to Cassandra. “Thank you.” She spoke and looked to her a warm smile on her lips. “Iris seems to be doing better. The Blood Roots effects should wear off through the night. Her eyes are mostly normal again.” She looked to Julian as he placed food before them on plates. “Thank you Julian.” She began to eat.

“How is she doing? Does she need food?” Julian asked with worried eyes.

“Something simple wouldn’t hurt.” Lucille responded, “Cassandra will make a great herbalist.” She grinned. “She made her first potion tonight.”

“Oh?” Julian asked as he scooped his food into his mouth. He was done in a matter of seconds before he began working on some toast for Iris. “What did she make?” He questioned curiously. “You know Cassandra you’re learning from the best.” He chuckled. “Lucille has written several books on herbalism. She has nearly all the recipes memorized.”

“Years of practice help.” Lucille chimed in.

They chattered about speaking of herbs and potions until Lucille yawned. “I must be off to bed, I will see you soon.” She stood and with that she was gone into the house.

Julian washed up the dishes and then lifted the plate of toast. “Let’s go check on Iris hm?” He smiled as he led her up the stairs. He pushed the door open and peered in at Iris whom had fallen back asleep. He stepped over to the side of her bed and set the plate down, the ceramic material clinked against the end table.

Suddenly Iris shot up, her hand wrapped around his throat, her eyes were golden, her chest heaved. Though as she stared into the frightened and confused face of Julian her grip loosened. “I…” Iris drew her brows together. “Forgive me, Julian, you startled me.” She looked to Cassandra then, her brows quivered slightly. “Cassandra.” She spoke and gave a gentle smile. “Thank you, I feel much better.” She searched her eyes.

Julian watched Iris a moment. “Eat some toast.” He spoke and then stood. “Um…” He looked to Cassandra. “If you need anything, just yell, I’m only a few doors down.” He then nodded. “Good night.” He bowed his head and slipped from the room.

Iris yawned she snuggled into her blankets again. “Did he make you dinner?” She asked, her eyes heavy. “Julian makes the best dinner.” She turned slightly and hummed softly. She wasn’t fully awake.

Julian glanced to Cassandra for a moment and then back to Peter once more. He bit his lip. “I apologize for young Peter’s behavior.” He spoke. He eyed the dagger that was stuck up to the hilt in Peter’s chest and grit his teeth slightly. He took in a slow breath, “Are you alright, Cassandra?” He looked to her his eyes were golden as he looked to the droplets of blood that escaped her neck. He narrowed his brows slightly. He glared at Peter, his eyes darkened. “I think it would be best if you go to Iris’ room from now on. I know that being constantly under the supervision of one of us must be tedious but clearly some of us can’t seem to control our cravings.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “How does it feel Peter?” He asked, his face close to his. His voice was nearly a growl. He ripped the blade from Peters chest then and shoved him harshly against the wall. A painting fell and clattered to the ground. “She’s not a toy, she isn’t a possession, she is helping our coven and if you so much as lay another finger on her….”

“He won’t.” Sebastian spoke. He’d seemingly appeared in the room. Sebastian had heard the commotion from his study. He took a few steps forward and stared into Peter’s eyes. He lifted Peter up whom was gasping, his eyes wide. “You are my son Peter but I have no sorrow in watching you succumb to your injuries that you greatly deserve. Your lack of control is appalling. I told you to leave her be.” He gripped the front of Peter’s shirt holding him up as blood soaked into the cloth. Peter’s head lulled to the side as blood leaked over his lips, though he managed to chuckle slightly. “You find this to be a game?” Sebastian snarled, his voice incredibly angry.

Julian bit his lip, his fingers still wrapped around the hilt of the dagger. He took a step back. His eyes glanced to Cassandra, he searched her eyes a moment and then he wrapped his arm around her and ushered her from the room. “Sebastian is as kind as they come…” He spoke softly. “But going against the law is something he doesn’t take lightly. Peter has been treading on thin ice for a few years now…” He glanced over his shoulder to the room. “Come on.” He led her down the hallway and he gently opened Iris’ door. He held her dagger to her and then took in a breath. “Don’t feel any regret.” He spoke and nodded. “Peter deserved that, he shouldn’t have done that to you.” He looked to her neck again and then glanced to Iris. “She’ll be fine, you don’t have to worry about Iris hurting you, I can promise you that. She will keep you safe.”

“Julian.” Sebastian spoke from down the hallway.

“Coming my king.” Julian searched Cassandra’s eyes a moment before he slipped down the hallway. The words between the king and Julian were muffled.

Iris was curled on her side, her expression was peaceful. Though her brows tucked together slightly when Cassandra had entered the room. Her eyes fluttered open, she rubbed her eyes sleepily. “Cassandra? Are you injured…?” She slipped from the bed. Her eyes were the bright golden color. She clenched her jaw, her breathing increased. “Wh-what happened?” She stammered. She moved to the cabinet and pulled her medical kit out. She carefully cleaned up the blood from Cassandra’s neck. She trembled slightly as she fought for control, the blood root hadn’t worn off yet. She held her breath and shut her eyes a few times, freezing. Iris was fighting for control, though she didn’t seem as worried as she was before. The tips of her fangs were visible as she let out a long sigh as she pressed her fingertips to Cassandra’s neck. Iris then carefully took a step back. Her eyes fell on the dagger then, she could smell her brother’s blood. “He hurt you…” She whispered, her voice soft. Iris’ eyes fluttered slightly, she shut her eyes and took in a slow breath. “My apologies…” She spoke as she sat back down on the bed. “My mother said this particular strain of blood root was rather strong…” She shook slightly. “Cassandra are you alright?” She took in small breaths as she looked up to her. “I’m sorry for my brother…he…” She shook her head. “You did the right thing, he shouldn’t have hurt you like that.” Iris was relaxing now that the wound was patched up. Her eyes slowly melted to blue, though the golden flecks remained.

Iris’ eyes lowered slightly, “I…” She bit her lip slightly and backed away. “I’m not…” She let out a long breath and fell quiet. She watched Cassandra for a moment as she’d settled into the couch with her book. “Don’t worry about the whiskey.” Iris offered a small smile, though there was a tint of sadness in her voice, “There is plenty more in the cellar, my father’s vice is always whiskey, so you know.”

Iris fell quiet then, she pulled her knees to her chest as she focused, her eyes remained golden, her breathing was ragged. She leaned her head against the headboard. She didn’t blame Cassandra for being afraid, she knew if she was in the same predicament she would feel the same. No matter how hard Iris tried to keep her safe, danger would always lurk around the corner for a human living amongst vampires. It wasn’t long before Cassandra was asleep. Iris stood slowly she took in a small breath as she pulled the small throw blanket from the end of her bed. It was soft and cozy. She lifted a pillow as well and stepped over. “I won’t hurt you…” She gently lifted Cassandra’s head before she tucked the blankets in around her. She shifted to the book and lifted it, she looked at the cover and a soft smile curved up her lips. She sighed softly as she pulled a bookmark from her bookcase and replaced the napkin. She set it down and slipped back to her bed where she pulled the blankets over herself, though she sat with her back against the headboard. She stared to the storm outside, keeping a watchful eye with each creek of the home she glanced around before nodding back off to sleep.

The morning came swiftly. Iris rose before Cassandra she glanced to her a moment before she slipped into the bathroom. She drew a hot bath and stripped from her dress. She’d never managed to change into her pajamas with everything that happened. Soon enough she emerged from the bathroom dressed in black tight pants. She wore a black corset that had dark blue lacing beneath the corset she wore a white tunic. It accented her perfectly with the way that it moved along her curves. She wore the black leather buckled boots that fit over the top of her pants that were nearly tights. She walked over to a cabinet and opened it up to which she pulled a dagger that she attached to her thigh. Iris then pulled an old revolver from the cabinet. It was black with red cursive writing on it. The revolver was from the days of the Lycan wars, it had been her grandfather’s. She holstered it to her other thigh before she sat at her desk her nose in a book, she seemed to be researching something. She’d take notes here and there. She was broken from her thoughts by the sound of Cassandra’s voice.

Iris looked up and offered a gentle smile, “Much better.” She spoke, the golden flecks remained in her eyes, the icy blue had darkened into an ocean blue. “I do hope you slept well, I’ve fallen asleep reading on that old couch many times.” She marked her book and stood. “That’s a very good read.” She noted the book that Cassandra had. “A lot of good information, you’ll learn a lot about us from it.”

Iris nodded when she mentioned making bullets. “Yes, that would be a good idea, I would love to help.” She spoke and followed her. She leaned against the wall as she waited on Cassandra.

“Good Morning.” Warren spoke, a gentle smile on his lips. “You look splendid this morning.” He looked over her beautiful corset. It had touches of golden lace that seemed to bring out the flecks in her eyes.

Iris offered a warm smile. “Thank you Warren.” She replied, though she didn’t play up her response for him, she was too tired to play the royal games this early in the morning.

Warren searched her eyes a moment before he headed down the hallway, “See you downstairs, guardian of the human.” He winked to her as he left.

“She’s plenty capable you know.” Iris spat back, she crossed her arms then. Iris turned then as Cassandra came from her room fully dressed. “Breakfast smells delicious this morning.” She spoke and glanced to Cassandra though she didn’t say anything else as they made their way down to the kitchen.

“Good morning dear.” Lucille poured a coffee for Cassandra and then Iris. She kissed the top of Iris’ head. “You look much better.” She sat down across from her.

Iris gave a nod as she lifted the coffee to her lips. “Much better.” She inhaled the sweet aroma of the coffee.

Warren chuckled as he looked to her, he then smirked when Cassandra brought up the teams. “Oh how many teams are we talking?” He asked.

Sebastian sat down at the table then, a smile on his lips. “Let’s have 3 teams.” He set the food down on the table and began building his plate. “I’ll head one. Cassandra will head another and….” He thought for a moment, “Warren you will have the third.” He grinned. “Your father has sent reinforcements they should be here any minute now.” He looked to Warren as he spoke. “The odds are looking more in your favor by the day.” He winked, joking yet being serious.

Iris shifted slightly at the comment thought she grabbed a spoon of some cheesy grits that her father made. It would be filling and give her energy.

Lucille watched and sighed softly. “When does this all happen?”

Sebastian looked to her and offered a gentle smile. “As Julian said, scouts are on the lookout for the caravan that is bringing the weaponry. Once we have word we will launch our attack.” He grinned then at Cassandra. “My team is going to beat your team.” He chuckled. “We will send the heads to Arden’s doorstep and then tonight we will enjoy ourselves at the ball. You haven’t seen a celebration quite like this, Cassandra, you will enjoy it, though….” He looked to Iris, “I’m sure Iris would be more than happy to help you dress for the ball tonight.” He chuckled. “You must dress to dance.” He ate another bite.

Iris chuckled, “I have a dress or two.” She looked to Cassandra. She looked to the empty chair that Peter usually sat in. Her eyes lingered on it for a long moment. She then felt the gaze of her father, she met his eyes a moment before she looked away. The rest of the meal was filled with idle banter, laughter. Much as a family should. Julian poked at Warren, and Lucille chimed in picking on Warren as well.

“Cassandra would win.” Lucille smirked, her eyes met Cassandra. “She’s more agile than you Warren.”

Warren scoffed playfully. “We shall see which team is better.” He chuckled.

“And I shall be the judge.” Lucille grinned.

Lucille stood and soon enough they began cleaning up the kitchen like a well-oiled machine. Sebastian looked to his daughter a moment before he helped the queen by carrying her dishes, a job that Peter usually was tasked to do.

Iris stood and glanced to Cassandra. “Shall we make the bullets?” She asked softly. She turned and began walking toward the basement where they wound down into the labyrinth of the basement. Iris pulled her revolver and set it on the work table before she glanced to Cassandra. “I want to try something.” She spoke. “Arden had enough time to rip his arm off, preventing your blood from killing him.”

Iris pulled a bullet that had a liquid silver tip. “These were the most effective thing we had against the pack before you.” She spun the bullet around in her fingertips, watching the liquid move around within it. “I think I can make something better than this…” She nodded, she seemed to be thinking more clearly today. Yet her eyes hadn’t lost the golden flecks. She took in a deep breath as she began piecing things together. She pulled out a pot and pulled on a thick pair of leather gloves. Iris then pulled on a mask that covered her nose and mouth. She was protecting herself from the silver. She lifted a tube then and poured metal shavings into the bottom of the pot. Iris was very focused, as if she was calculating the amount. She adjusted the heat on the burner with her spare hand before she stopped pouring the silver into the pot. She walked over to the oil bench and grabbed a bottle with a dark liquid in it. She poured the tarry substance into the silver and a liquid began to form. It turned to the color of the liquid silver that was inside of her bullet tip. Iris then glanced to Cassandra. “Um…” She thought a moment and bit her lip. “Your blood.” She gave a gentle nod. “I’ll have to mix it in as it cools, and….” She moved over and grabbed something else. She poured the bottle into the solution before she grabbed a syringe. She watched Cassandra with careful eyes. She gently reached out with her gloved hand. Her grip was incredibly careful as she punctured Cassandra’s arm with the syringe. She took in a bit quicker breaths, though…her eyes didn’t change from the dark blue form. The golden flecks seemed to lighten slightly for just a brief moment. Iris took the syringe and placed her thumb over the small puncture hole. “That should be quite enough.” She spoke, her eyes looking to Cassandra.

Iris turned then and carefully added the blood into the mix, the silver liquid began to change as she added the blood in. It darkened to almost a black liquid from just the syringe full. Iris then set up the bullets very carefully. She moved about and filled the tips of the bullets before she screwed on something that looked like a mechanism to the ends of the bullets. As she clicked the tip into place the tip began to glow a bright purple. Iris had used silver plated jackets even for the bullets. She carefully set the pot to the side and removed her mask now that the danger of the silver was out of the way. She lifted up a bullet and handed onto to Cassandra. “That might just work.” She grinned then. “I thought about it last night…” She spoke her voice soft. “If this is injected into their bloodstream, it will kill them much faster than just a blood tipped bullet. This mechanism will burst when it hits and it will poison them, just…” She paused a moment. “I know you’re a good shot, but be careful not to shoot any vampires with it, unless of course you’re in danger, if anyone threatens you don’t have to apologize…”

Iris then looked away, “No matter the case.” She popped a few bullets into her revolver, the purple glow could be seen from within the chamber. “Did you want to work on your sword?” She asked softly then. “Or…a disguise?” Iris changed the subject quickly from Cassandra harming vampires. She offered a playful smile then. “You know your hair really gives you away.” She spoke and searched her eyes.

Iris nodded and chuckled, “Time is a bit of a constraint when Lycans are breathing down our necks.” She spoke and then thought a moment. She smiled then and giggled slightly as Cassandra rambled on. “I’m not judging you.” She winked. “Have you seen my room?” She asked and raised a brow. “Not all of my books are scholarly.” She laughed once again as they made their way to her room. She was feeling much better. She kept thinking of the urge to drink blood that she’d had, she’d never felt quite like that before. She shook her head as she watched Cassandra searching through the dresses. “It must be nice to get to relax a bit then hm?” She looked to the colors and mixed some together as she pulled on a pair of gloves. “I think the white would look quite attractive on you.” She glanced to her a moment and chuckled. “Black might be a bit dark for your complexion.”

Iris finished mixing the colors, “Let’s see then.” She thought a moment, “It’s been awhile since I’ve done this.” She let out a soft laugh, though her smile was joyful. She brushed the color into Cassandras hair and balled it up into a bundle on top of her head. She chuckled as she looked into the mirror. “You look like you just rolled out of bed.” She winked. “Leave that for a few.” Iris spoke as she cleaned the dyes from the bowl. She leaned against the wall looking over Cassandra, “Could I style your hair for you? If you’re going for a whole new look.” She smiled, “I could help.” Iris moved about, she looked much different outside of a dress. She took on a rouge like appearance. She wasn’t the beautiful princess, she didn’t look so dainty. Even though she was far from delicate.

Iris walked to her bed and looked over the dresses that Cassandra had picked out. She looked over a few and then smiled, “May I make a suggestion?” She asked as she went to her closet. She pulled out a few items and folded them up on the bed. “I think you’ll be stunning in this piece.” She spoke as she stepped back into the bathroom. “Oh yes, this is coming along well.” She poked at Cassandra’s hair and grinned. “Do you miss the red?” She winked before she helped her rinse her hair. Iris smiled, “I think white was a perfect choice.” She moved about and grabbed her brush. She brushed through Cassandra’s hair, she was incredibly gentle, as if she thought she was going to break her. Iris then opened up a drawer, “Alright, a whole new you, ready?” She pulled a razor blade from the drawer and began sliding it through Cassandra’s hair. Her eyes were focused as she moved swiftly. Soon enough Iris brought a beautiful pin and wrapped Cassandra’s hair just right around it pinning it up behind her allowing her freshly cut bangs to hand forward at the sides. Iris carefully brushed through it and ran a bit of pomeade into her bangs, it smelled delicious. It was one of Iris’ favorite things, Lucille made it.

Iris then stepped back, she searched Cassandra’s eyes for a moment, a smile on her lips. She then brought the carefully folded ensemble to Cassandra. “Do you want to try it now or later?” She asked. The ruffles of a skirt could be seen beneath a black corset. She then grinned, “I can’t wait for the ball now. I’m stealing a dance with you, just so you know.” She winked. “It will be a very nice break from all the pure bloods.” She rolled her eyes. “I honestly feel like a meal to them, the way they look at me.” She shook her head. “Sorry.” She offered a smile. “You look beautiful, Cassandra, the color really brings out the green of your eyes.” She added the compliment and then turned away quickly to hide the blush on her cheeks, she stepped over to the balcony window and looked outside at the beautiful bluebird day.