Just a drop...

Iris turned listening to Cassandra. She took in a breath as the words came over her lips like daggers in the dim room. "It wasn't you that drove us from our home, Cass." Iris spoke softly, "If that is what you want...I will aid you the best I can." She then turned onto her side, her eyes stared to her dresser for what felt like hours before she slipped off into a slumber.

Hours later as the sun began to set the room became darker. Iris slipped from the blankets. She glanced to Cassandra whom was still sleeping. She took in a breath as she slipped her corset back on, she brushed through her hair and carefully clipped her rose into her locks before she grabbed her dagger and pistol. Iris glanced once more to Cassandra before she left the room. She climbed the stairs to the smells of dinner. She gave a gentle smile as she walked into the kitchen to see Julian cooking. He glanced to her and offered her a smile. "Sleep well?" He asked followed by a grin.

"Hm, not entierly." Iris spoke and shook her head.

Julian paused a moment he searched her eyes. "What is it?" He asked, "You're not smiling Iris."

Iris shook her head again, "Stress I suppose. Everything that's happened."

"It reminds me of the lycan wars..." Sebastian spoke as he stepped into the room. "It seems the lycans are trying to plunge us back down."

Iris glanced to her father and took in a breath. "Is this what it felt like?" She asked softly. "Constantly fearing the next turn?"

"Yes. Your mother and I ran for years with the coven." He shook his head. "Get with the scientist, I've sent Warren to speak to him. We need to finish off Arden."

"Nigel spoke to us of the structure that the Lycans operate beneath. There is more than what meets the eye. He spoke of an ancient vampire name Arturo..."

"Arturo?" Lucille questioned her brow raised slightly. "He's an ancient...he was taken at the beginning of the Lycan wars...he...has powers much like Cassandra, the runes..."

Iris glanced to her mother a moment. "Well, the Lycans apparently have him, drink his blood as they ascend, that's how you get the strong alphas..."

Julian was quiet, his eyes watched Iris. He spooned some of the food into bowls and offered a gentle smile as he slid the bowls forward. "Where's..."

"Sleeping." Iris replied, her eyes looked to him a moment, "She's sleeping." She cleared her throat slightly as she took her bowl. Iris took in a breath. "I need blood...." She spoke softly then.

Sebastian took in a breath and nodded. "Your mother and I went into town earlier, we will have to start hunting again since we don't have Regina's family to provide us blood here. Warren could go with you." He offered a gentle smile.

Iris took in a breath. "Yes, I suppose he could." She spoke and stood. "I'll go fetch him." She spoke as she slipped down the stairs. Iris opened up the coat closet and pulled out a beautiful navy blue parka that had grey fur around the hood. She pulled it on and glanced down the hallway, she could hear Warren speaking with Nigel. The two laughed a bit and then continued on their conversation. She buttoned up her jacket then before she slipped outside into the frigid temperatures. A light snow was falling, it pushed into her eyes as she ran through the forest toward town. It only took her a few moments before she walked into an old tavern. It was quiet tonight, not many were inside.

"Welcome." The bar keep spoke as she sat down. "What can I get you love?" He asked a smile on his lips.

Iris looked to him, "Whiskey." She spoke.

The bar keep watched her a moment and then nodded. "Alright love." He poured her a glass and slid it forward. Iris downed the glass and held her hand forward for more. He watched her a moment and raised his brow. "Not too quickly eh?" He spoke and then chuckled slightly.

Iris grinned to him. "Who's to say it's quick?" She downed the second glass.

"You'll want to make it home, won't you?" He poured the third.

"Of course I'll make it home. Why wouldn't I?" Iris looked up to him a sweet smile on her lips, she downed the third glass. She glanced around to the bar, only a few other patrons were there. "You think that old man is going to bother me?" She looked back to him, her cheeks on fire, she grinned.

"Oh...him? No...no...." He shook his head, he didn't pour a glass just yet.

Iris raised her brow, "Well, I'm a paying customer, so don't judge hm?" She chuckled as she set a few coins on the bar, more than enough to cover her drinks.

The bar keep grinned and chuckled. "I see. No judgement here." He leaned forward. "I'm Ryan, what's your name?" He asked.

Iris smiled sweetly to him. "It's going to be thirsty customer if you don't refill my glass." Her eyes stared into his.

Ryan poured the glass and slid it forward toward her. "Okay, fair enough." He chuckled.

Iris grinned and sipped from the glass this time, she had quite a nice buzz going. "Iris." She spoke with a smile.

The bar keep grinned, "Iris." He repeated, "Pretty name." He spoke as he wiped down the counter. He continued to speak with her as the night drew on until eventually no customers remained. "It's pretty late...um..."

Iris looked to him, a sweet smile on her lips, "It is a bit late isn't it? I've seem to lose track of time." She stood.

He slipped around the bar. "I haven't seen you here before." He spoke, his eyes looking her over.

Iris smiled, "I'm not from here." She spoke, "Just visiting." She stepped forward, "For a bit." She placed her hand on his chest and looked up into his eyes.

He chuckled and smiled, "Oh...?" He grinned.

Iris glanced passed the bar and smiled to him. The bar keep nodded and moved to the front door, he locked it quickly and then came back to her he gripped her hand and pulled her into the back, away from any prying eyes. Iris kissed him then for a short moment before her lips moved along his jaw and down his neck. Her hand pressed against his chest as she pushed him against a wall. Then her fangs slid into his skin. He tensed only for a moment before he loosened, he was under her spell. Iris enjoyed the hunt, she enjoyed swooning her prey. She drank deeply and pulled back she pressed her fingertips to his skin and the holes healed, leaving only a red mark. She tossled his hair a bit and unbuttoned his shirt. "You had the night of your life, hm?" She leaned forward and kissed him then. "I'll see you again." She pressed her finger to his lips as he looked up to her in a dazed state. She chuckled as she slipped from the bar.

Iris was high as a kite, she'd drank more than she usually did. She giggled as she walked through the streets. She looked up to the moon that lit the sky, it was nearly full. She wandered around until she eventually sat at the dock of the lake. Her eyes looked over the calm waters beneath the silver light of the moon.

**

Lucille furrowed her brows as she sat at the dinner table. Warren walked into the room. "Did you have a good hunt?" She asked.

Warren looked to her confusion on his expression. "Hunt? Speaking to the lycan?" He raised a brow.

"No, with Iris, your hunt." Lucille spoke her brows raised slightly.

"With Iris, no, I haven't seen her since she went to sleep this morning." His voice trailed off. "Why?"

"She was supposed to grab you to go hunting..." She spoke as she stood and went to the coat closet. She opened it and sighed. "She went alone..." She muttered and shook her head. "She's stubborn and frustrating sometimes..." She sighed.

Warren stood next to Lucille, he was bundled up. "I've been searching for her all night..." He muttered. The door opened then and Julian came into the home. "Anything?" Warren asked.

Julian shook his head. "No, no she isn't in her usual spots. The coffee house hasn't seen or heard a lick from her." He shrugged and shivered. "God I hate the cold here, I'll be glad when Arden is dead and we can get back to Netherfall."

Lucille looked to Cassandra a moment then to Sebastian with worried eyes. "She can't have gone far...she must be somewhere...."

Julian looked to Cassandra a playful smirk. "You didn't upset her did you?" He whispered in her ear a chuckle followed. "Good luck, Cassandra." He spoke as he walked into the kitchen to get a bite to eat.

"I will send word to my father today." Warren spoke, "If we can't find Iris, we will have enough men to go after Arden if something has happened." He then followed Julian into the kitchen.

Sebastian only smiled, he wasn't worried. Iris had done this many times before. She kept to herself to think. When she was alone she truely could see the world as it was, rather than caught up in the emotion of it. He climbed into the car and started it up. "Let's check town first shall we?" He asked and looked to Lucille. "Don't worry dear, we will find her."

Lucille sighed softly. "She knows I don't like her wandering off like that..." She muttered.

"Hm, she's not a child anymore dear, she hasn't been for quite some time." Sebastian looked to her with a playful smile. "We will find her, not to worry." They drove into the city and parked in front of the old tavern. "I have a feeling she may have been here, not at the coffee house." He nodded and slipped from the vehicle.

Sebastian walked into the tavern, the bell jingled happily. A grumpy old man swept the floor. He looked up his bushy eyebrows raised. "Can I help you sir?" He asked, "We aren't exactly open yet."

"Ah my apologies sir." Sebastian stepped up to him, he slipped a picture from his pocket. "Have you seen this girl?" He asked his eyes watching the old man.

The man leaned on the broom handle, "She's a pretty one, eh?" He asked. "Can't say I've seen her, my son may have." He turned his head. "Ryan." He called over his shoulder. "Get in her boy."

Ryan stepped from the back, the red mark was still on his neck from Iris drinking from him. He stepped up to his father. "Yes?" He asked a rag in his hand, he'd been cleaning.

"Have you seen this woman?" The old man asked and pointed to the photo in Sebastian's hand.

Ryan's brows raised. "Is she in some sort of trouble mister?" He asked and looked up.

Sebastian stared to him, "No, not at all. I'm just worried about her is all." His voice was smooth. "When did you see her last?"

"Is this the flousey that you were with last night?" The old man grumbled his voice cross.

Ryan's cheeks flushed bright red. "Um...y-yes...it was nearly 4 am sir...she was our last customer of the night." He bit his lip slightly, his mind wandering to the 'interaction' they'd had.

Sebastian chuckled then. "Wonderful, did she happen to tell you where she was going?" He asked softly.

Ryan shook his head. "No...no is she okay?" He asked, his eyes worried.

Sebastian snickered then. "I'm sure she's more than fine." He spun on his heel. "Thank you." He shook his head as he stepped from the tavern he climbed into the car and looked to his wife whom was fumbling with her hands. He placed his hand over hers. "Lucille." He spoke a smile still on his lips. "She was hunting, she had herself a meal here and a head over heels human tells me she swooned him into it, just as she always does. You know how picky she is about her food." He winked then. "You know where she might be?" He asked.

Lucille looked to him, "No..." She spoke softly.

"The hanging lake, remember that one?" He searched her eyes. "She likes to think there, it's been so long since we've been to Greystein I nearly forgot." He pulled the car out and they drove along. "We will have to hike a bit to get to the lake Cassandra." He looked to her in the mirror. "It's a beauty though, Iris loves it up there."

**

The hours of the night had drawn on as Iris sat at the edge of the lake. She looked to the thick icicles as they hung down from the cliff that jutted up at the other side of the lake, the water was a beautiful blue, it was as clear as can be. The trees were covered in snow adding to the beauty of the scene before her. "Funny place to be all alone." A voice spoke from over her shoulder.

Iris looked to see a man dressed in all black, he had his coat buttoned up tight from the cold. "Who's to say I'm alone?" She asked a smile on her lips.

The man smirked, "Well, you walked up here alone, you've been alone since you left the bar in town. So I'd say you're pretty alone." He raised a brow slightly.

"It may appear that way." Iris looked back to the lake. "But you're never truly alone. Clearly, you've followed me. So I'm not alone, as much as I'd rather be alone." She spoke as she skipped a rock across the water. It skipped twice before it sank. The man took a step forward but Iris rose to her feet and turned, she looked to his hand which was on the butt of a pistol. "What? You aim to shoot me, is that it?" She asked.

The man paused in his steps. "Yes, lycan I do. I aim to rid the world of all lycans. You're all beasts, no matter how beautiful your human form may be."

Iris furrowed her brows. "I'm a lycan?" She asked, "Hm..." She huffed slightly. "It would have been nice for someone to tell me that."

The man loosened slightly, his eyes staring into hers. He'd fallen for her trap. She just needed enough of his attention to warp his mind. "Oh, I must be mistaken." He spoke softly.

"Truly you are." Iris grinned then. "A lycan wouldn't apreciate the beauty of this lake. I can be sure of that." She spoke and turned, she skipped another rock. "Plus they're never alone, they are always in a pack." She drew her pistol, "Like these ones." She turned again and fired off a round. It cut through the air, the echo of the gunfire bouncing around the mountains. The bullet struck something in the trees, the splash of blood into the snow sounded. Then a growl of pain. "I can smell you, you know." Iris spoke, her brows drawn together.

The man glanced over, his eyes wide. He drew his own pistol. 4 Lycans came out from the trees then. Transformed. Iris watched as another walked out still in his human form, he clapped as he looked to her. "Bravo." He spoke. "A vampire with class, I like that." He snickered. "Kill them." He nodded ahead.

Iris grinned she leaped forward, she fired off a few shots before she kicked up off of one of the lycans, her heel shoving into his back. She spun in the air a white light surrounded her as she transformed. She landed in her beautiful wolf form and snarled as she lunged forward. She sliced through the lycans with ease. She ripped into the throat of one and growled deeply before she slashed at the next. She flipped around and eventually she pinned the leader down. He looked up to her with wide eyes. "Wh-what are you?" He squirmed beneath her weight.

Iris snickered as she changed back, her clothes remained intact. She adjusted her rose with her free hand and smiled to him, "Does that matter?" She asked before she released a round of her pistol into his head. She stood then as she holstered her weapon. "I save you, and you're going to aim a gun at me?" She asked as she looked to the stranger. "I'm a lycan hunter too, you know?" She looked to him. "Don't think you can win this." She was in front of him in the blink of an eye. She knocked the pistol from his hands. She cupped his cheek. "You destroyed these lycans all on your own, I was merely a damsel in distress, all alone in need of a noble knight to save me." She spoke as she stared into his eyes.

The man stumbled back. He looked to his pistol, his jaw loose. He grinned to her. "I saved you." He spoke, his smile widened.

"Good job, now run along would you?" Iris spoke and tilted her head slightly. She watched as he walked back down the mountain. Iris then sighed as she moved back to the dock that reached over the lake. She sat down with her feet dangling toward the clear water.

**

Sebastian stepped over the dead body of a lycan, he wrinkled his nose slightly. He crested the hill to see Iris sitting on the dock. He could hear her singing a lullaby, a smile curved up his lips. "Remember that song?" He asked and looked to Lucille.

Lucille nodded a smile split her lips. "Yes, I do. She sings it quite well." She glanced to Cassandra. "Her grandmother used to sing that song to me when I was a child. It's something that's been passed down for generations." She chuckled slightly.

The singing stopped and Iris looked over her shoulder to the three. Her eyes rest on Cassandra for a long moment before she stood. She turned and walked toward them. "Come to fetch me?" She asked.

"Iris, we've been worried sick." Lucille spoke, her brows creased. "You shouldn't go alone..." She stepped over a dead lycan. "Not that you can't handle yourself...but with the circumstances..."

Iris sighed slightly. "Of course, I wasn't thinking." She replied. "It won't happen again." She spoke as she brushed passed them. "I'll meet you at home then?" She asked as she pulled up the hood of her parka.

"Iris!" Sebastian stepped forward, he let out a low growl, he was frustrated. "Well, at least we know she's safe." He sighed. "Come on then." He began back down the mountain.

**

Iris rushed through the forest. She grinned as she sped around trees. It didn't take her long to make it back to the cabin. She skidded to a stop at the front door where Warren seemed to be waiting. "Iris...." He spoke and followed her into the home. "They're looking for you, you know?" He asked.

"Ah yes, I know. I saw them. We spoke." Iris glanced to him. "What?" She asked as he looked to her with a blank expression.

Warren shook his head. "You worried us. Julian and I were out all night searching."

"Oh..." Iris thought a moment. "You didn't have to. I was just fine." She then smiled. "Do I smell food?" She asked as she stepped into the kitchen. "Julian." She spoke and hugged him. "What have you made?" She looked to the pancakes and bacon. She tossed a few items onto a plate. "Thank you." She chuckled as she sat down at the table.

Warren and Julian exchanged looked before Julian sat at the table. "Iris..." He spoke and looked to her. "What's bothering you?" He asked and tilted his head slightly.

Iris looked to him, a brow raised as she munched with a full mouth. She held up a finger as she swallowed. "Nothing at all. I'm great." She smiled before she went back to eating.

Julian let out an exasperated sigh. "Well...you know I'm here, if you need something..." He spoke as he went back to the stove and continued cooking to feed the others when they returned.

Iris began washing dishes once she'd finished her food. "Iris..." Julian raised a brow as he watched her. "I can get it..." He reached to her hands. "You never wash the dishes." He noted.

Iris looked to him a moment, she held onto her plate, "Things change, right?" She asked, "Why shouldn't I wash the dishes?" She questioned then.

"For one you're the princess." Sebastian chuckled as he walked into the room. He came up to her and pulled her into a hug. "Iris you scared your mother and I. You can't go out alone, especially with Arden so close, he could snatch you up in a heartbeat and I don't know if we can pull off a rescue mission like we did before. He is at his home now, it'll be heavily guarded by stronger lycans."

Iris leaned into her father's hug she closed her eyes a moment. "I know, I'm sorry." She spoke softly.

Lucille watched the two as they ended the hug. "Come with me dear." She spoke and offered a warm smile. She led Iris to the small study that the house had. It overlooked the lake. "Tell me what troubles you." Lucille poured a glass of wine and handed it to her daughter.

"We aren't allowed to..." She looked to the glass.

Lucille smiled, "Take it dear, I'm sure your father will make an exception for this one glass." She winked as she pushed the glass into her daughter's hands before she poured her own glass. The wine was a beautiful rose color. "So, tell me what is bothering you, Iris." She walked over and sat down in a chair that looked toward the balcony.

Iris stepped forward and sat in the other chair next to it, an end table sat between the two chairs. "We are always running." She spoke her voice soft. "My entire life it has always been fleeing from the Lycans...the lycans ruin everything....everything I've ever...." She took in a breath and then fell quiet.

"I know dear." Lucille looked to her a long moment. "But you can not hold her choices against her. Imagine if I suddenly came to you and asked you to change everything. Hm?" She eyed her daughter. "You wouldn't stand for it, in fact you would push back harder than you've ever pushed against anything. Everything has changed for her, give her time. You need to allow her to grow, you can't snuff out what little growth she's had. You're her sire Iris, that is your responsibility, you must guide her and be a light in the dark. You may not understand what it is like to be new to our world, but to Cassandra everything is new. The only thing that has stayed true through her turning is that she still aims to fight the lycans, that will never change." Lucille looked out toward the lake a moment her eyes trained on the plume of smoke that raised up into the sky.

"How am I supposed to guide someone who doesn't want to be guided?" Iris asked then, she pulled her feet up into the chair, her knees to her chest. "I thought..."

"Iris, she's very young." Lucille spoke, "Even you in your years you don't wish to have a guide." She chuckled. "Yet, you need guidance sometimes, don't you?" She looked to her with a warm smile. "Even if you don't ask for it, you do at the same time. Cassandra in her own way has asked of your help, you just have other..." She thought a moment, "Things blocking that. You are allowing your emotion to control you, which isn't much like you." She raised a brow. She sipped from her glass of wine. "You can't get ahead of yourself, understand her fears and doubts and be her guide, you owe that to her."

Iris sighed heavily, her brows tucked together. She drank from her glass as she watched the smoke rise into the sky. "If I would have known this would be such a hard thing on her I wouldn't have turned her." Iris spoke her voice agrivated.

Lucille took in a breath and shook her head. "Iris." Her voice was focused, calm. "It is hard on any human to be turned. Remember when Julian was first turned? Peter?" She searched her eyes. "You don't understand because you haven't been through that. Just imagine your entire world flipped upside down, imagine everything you believed in lit aflame. Also, she suddenly has this family that cares for her, when she's never even had an ounce of that in her life...and you dear..." Lucille took in a breath. "I know you are fond of her."

Iris watched her mother she looked away then, "She doesn't feel the same..." She whispered softly. "It was a mistake to turn her." She stood.

"Iris." Lucille spoke her eyes watching her daughter whom slowly sat back down. "You know not to dwell in the past. I feel your past is guiding you a bit too much with Cass."

Iris' eyes softened, she looked away, her chest froze for a moment. "I..." She looked back outside. "It isn't that...maybe at first..." She looked to her mother. "At first maybe that drew me to her...but that disappeared quickly...it isn't my past the causes me to be drawn to her...but..." She shook her head then. "She isn't ready, she doesn't want any of this."

"Can you blame her?" Lucille asked. "Look from her eyes, Iris."

Iris huffed slightly, "I know, mother." Her voice was full of frustration. "I spent all night thinking about it. I didn't just run off." She raised her brow. "I don't know what to do with her..." She then sighed.

Lucille chuckled then and shook her head. "Just try to understand her views, Iris. That is all she could ask of you dear. But, remember you must help her grow, that is how you will keep her safe, other wise she can turn from our greatest ally into our greatest enemy."

Iris watched her mother and nodded slowly. "Of course." She spoke softly. She stood then.

"She asked to be alone." Lucille watched her daughter.

Iris stared out to the lake a long moment. "I understand." She spoke before she slipped from the room. Iris walked through the home and down the stairs where she sat before the fireplace. She sighed as she realized there wasn't any wood. Iris pulled on her parka she walked up the stairs.

"Where are you going?" Warren asked, his eyes watching her, worried.

"To get wood." Iris looked to him, "I can handle it, I just have to walk 100 yards to the lakehouse..." She turned and stepped from the home then. Iris walked down the pathway her boots crunched the snow beneath her feet. She looked to the clouds in the distance, tonight it would snow quite a bit. It would cover their tracks and any scent that was in the snow from their travels. Iris paused a moment as she looked ahead of her her eyes fell on Cassandra she took in a deep breath. She was quiet as she approached, not making a sound. She listened as she heard Cassandra speaking to Bran. Her eyes softened. How much a loss like that could damage someone...

Iris leaned against the small lodge and watched Cassandra for a moment, she shoved her hands deep into the pockets of her parka. "I have a pair of gloves, if you want." She spoke, her voice soft. She set the gloves on the log next to Cassandra before she entered the lodge. She looked to the stack of wood that Cassandra had cut up and quartered into perfect sized pieces. Iris began gathering some of the wood until she had a good sized bundle in her arms. "Um...thanks for the wood, Cass." She spoke, her voice soft. She didn't look to Cassandra as she took a few steps away. "Don't be late for dinner okay?" She asked softly. "But if you don't feel like dinner, I understand. I can bring it to you..." She then walked off without another word. She held the bundle in her arms as she walked toward the cabin. Warren was at the door waiting for her as she returned. He opened the door and followed her down the stairs. Iris arranged the wood in the fireplace. "What?" She looked to him, her brow raised.

Warren reached forward. "You...don't build fires much do you?" He asked and chuckled.

Iris grit her teeth. "I can do it on my own." She growled her eyes darkened. "Can't you leave me alone for five minutes?" She turned to him. "What do you expect me to feel Warren?" She stared to him.

Warren backed off he bit his lip slightly. "Iris..."

"No." Iris spoke her eyes watched him. "Just...let me be alone, for five minutes...just let me be...."

Warren nodded, "Okay..." He spoke as he slipped from the room.

Iris huffed slightly as she turned, she grit her teeth and closed her eyes, calming herself. She began building the fire again then. She arranged the pieces carefully, her look full of concentration. She placed several tiny pieces at the bottom and tilted her head slightly as she held a lighter to the fire. Iris groaned as she moved about, trying to get it to light. She'd packed the wood too close together. She took in a breath. "527 years and I still can't get this right..." She muttered. "What can I?" She then shook her head as she moved to the couch and wrapped a blanket around herself. She pulled her journal and began to draw in it. The lines moving about the page fluidly.

Iris glanced up as she heard the soft footsteps of Cassandra. She watched her a moment and then went back to her journal. When Cassandra began to move around the pieces of wood Iris watched her, her brows raised when she saw the spark come from her fingertip. Then she'd disappeared into a flutter of ash like shadows. Iris furrowed her brows and sighed softly. "At least someone knows how to light a fire..." She muttered to herself as she returned to her drawing. She'd sketched in the lake, with the moon in the background. She was beginning on the flames of a fire, the log that Cassandra sat on. Drawing had always been an escape for her.

Iris looked up then as the mug clinked onto the glass table next to her. She looked to Cassandra a moment her brow raised. "Thank you." She spoke softly. Iris then returned to her drawing once again. As Cassandra began to speak Iris looked up, she set her pen down and she adjusted herself, sitting up a bit more. She went to speak, but Cassandra didn't really give her the chance. Iris watched her leave the room before she looked back to the mug of tea. She sighed softly. "You don't have to apologize." She whispered to the empty room. Iris returned to drawing then, taking sips from her tea until the glass was empty.

Iris furrowed her brows then, her eyes turned golden. Her breathing nearly caught in her chest. She stood quickly and was almost instantly in the bedroom. "Cass?" She asked, her eyes worried. She'd smelled the blood. She set her journal down next to the bed, her pen marking her spot. "Are you alright?" Iris stepped forward she looked over Cassandra's body that was wrapped in the towel. "Um... " Her jaw tensed slightly and she looked away. "I smelled your blood...I was worried that you were hurt..." She looked to a painting on the wall and fell quiet then for a long moment. "Cass...you don't need to apologize..." She spoke then, her voice soft. "Your actions are understandable, this world that you are now living in is different, completely different from what you're used to. And..." She still looked away. "I may have come off a bit strong...I've never turned anyone...and the bond..." She shook her head. "I apologize." She spoke. "I will do better to understand you, so that I may help you. So we can defeat Arden and his mutts."

Iris stepped to the dresser, she ran her fingertips over a beautiful pin that was meant to be clipped into her hair. "I'll let you rest..." She spoke then, "I'll grab you some dinner, hm? You should eat something." Iris then slipped from the room.

Iris walked up the stairs and found her family in the dining area, chuckles and smiles about. Warren looked to her and smiled to her a bit shyly, though he didn't speak, he returned to the conversation. Iris grabbed a plate and piled it with food, chicken, rice, green beans. "I'll be right back." She spoke as she walked back to the stairs. She jogged down them quickly and stepped into the room. "Alright, here you are." She spoke and turned. "If you need anything else, you know where to find me." She spoke as she left the room.

Iris walked up the stairs to join her family for dinner. They talked and chatted. Arden's pack came up a few times. But Lucille would push the negativity from the table and they would return to a nice meal together. That's all Lucille ever wanted, to live in the nice moments that they had, for they never knew when would be the last. Iris walked back down the stairs and sat on the couch again, she glanced to the empty mug and then she looked around. She'd left her journal in the bedroom. She sighed slightly as she stood and made her way to the room. Iris quietly pushed the door open. In the dark she found her way forward. Her hand pat on the end table in the darkness as she searched for the book. Iris located it before she slipped from the room and back to the couch. She sat down and she continued her drawing. Her detail was incredible. She made sure to get each and every line. Eventually though, the pen slipped from Iris' grip and her head lulled to the side as the fire began to settle. Her eyes slid shut as she took in deep breaths. A chill began to settle down over the room, Iris shivered slightly in her sleep.

**

"What is the news from your father?" Sebastian asked, he stood in front of the fireplace upstairs his eyes looking to the flames as they lapped at the freshly cut wood.

Warren looked to the king and nodded, "In the morning his men should be here, we can devise a plan and try to pinpoint Arden. From what Nigel told me his stronghold should be somewhere in this area." He walked over to the table where Sebastian had a map sprawled out. He drew a large red circle. "Nigel is unsure of the exact location, unfortunately. He wasn't high enough rank to know that information, he was much more of a slave than anything." Warren looked over the map. They were a good 50 miles from the edge of the circle he'd drawn. Thankfully. Otherwise if they had been closer he knew Iris would have ended up in the hands of Arden. Her scent was unmistakable, especially now.

Sebastian gave a nod. "Good, good, how many has he sent?" He questioned as he began to draw out plans.

"He sent 30 of our best to aid in this attack, bringing down an alpha like Arden will be no easy feat. Luckily we have Cassandra on our side to aid us."

"Ah yes, her power is absolutely astonishing, even Lucille has never seen power like it. Though, a Dhampir has never been transformed, so this is a new era indeed." Sebastian leaned forward in his chair. "Well..." He looked over the map closely, "I would say this point here....and this here...would be a good placement for a stronghold, if I were Arden. It may be incorrect, but we shall send scouts. We will find the stronghold. Figure out the weaknesses in the patrols, and then we will strike....I'm not letting down until they are all dead or I am killed in battle."

"You will not die, my love." Lucille stepped into the room. "Don't speak of such." She placed her hands on his shoulders leaning over the back of the couch to look at the map. "If we plan accordingly we will have a fighting chance. I've contacted the rest of our coven, they are heading up from Netherfall and should be here by the afternoon tomorrow. Every able body will be with us."

Sebastian nodded, "Good, we will need it." He then yawned slightly.

"A good king needs his rest." Warren grinned.

"That is an understatement my boy." He chuckled and gave Warren's shoulder a squeeze. "I'll see you in the morning, we will end this." He nodded as he stood and he and Lucille moved to their bedroom.

Warren rose from the couch, he walked down the stairs and rounded the corner. His eyes looked over Iris. He stepped forward quietly and knelt before her the fire was nothing but coals at this point. He picked up her pen and carefully pulled her journal from her chest. He looked to the gorgeously detailed image she'd drawn of Cassandra in front of the fire by the lake. He looked over each line for a long moment before he placed the pen in the book, just as she always did and he closed it. He looked to her shivers and sighed softly. He scooped his arms beneath her. Iris made a soft sound but her head then pressed into his chest and she curled in his arms. A soft smile curved up his lips as he carried her down the hallway. He stepped into his room and gently set her down on the bed. Iris curled onto her side her face pressed into the pillows. Warren let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. He lifted the blankets and tucked them in around her gently. "There you are." He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead. "I know...nothing is as you want..." He spoke his eyes looking over her sleeping form. "But you'll see...everything will get better, from here it will get better." He nodded. He brushed a bit of hair from her eyes. Iris moved slightly and hummed in her sleep slightly. Warren sighed, "Usually you're a light sleeper." He chuckled. "Though, I won't complain, you would have stabbed me by now if you were sleeping lightly." He whispered as if she was listening. "Good night, princess." He spoke as he turned and walked from the room. Warren moved to the couch and stoked the fire. He pulled a throw blanket from the back of the couch and he lay down.

**

The next morning Iris woke, her eyes cracked open. She looked to her surroundings and a bit of confusion washed over her. She furrowed her brows slightly. "Warren...?" She whispered. She slowly stood and stepped from the room just as Warren was about to open the door. Iris ran right into his chest. The two stumbled and Warren fell back against the wall, his arms held Iris up. Iris looked to him with confused eyes. "Why was I....?"

"You were cold." Warren spoke, his body tensed slightly. "I...I slept on the couch, I didn't want to see you shivering like that." He looked away. "My father's men should be here within the hour...um...breakfast is ready." He looked to her.

Iris pulled from his grip, she offered a gentle smile. "Thank you, Warren, that was awfully sweet of you. But you didn't have to do that." She turned and began down the hallway with Warren on her tail. She glanced to him. "Don't think that..."

"I don't." Warren replied, not even allowing her to finish. "Iris..." He grasped her hand and stopped her, he stared into her eyes a long moment. "I wish you would just make the best of this...I don't really have a choice either, did you ever think of that?" He questioned. "Of course, being paired with such a beautiful queen, I can't complain, but you're like a bouquet of roses, you're beautiful on the surface, but remove the wrapping and the thorns will slice into your skin..." He took in a breath and searched her eyes. "If we succeed in taking down Arden, the coronation will be just around the corner, I just want to be happy, I don't want to fight you any longer." He then sighed softly, "Okay...breakfast..." He spoke and walked up the stairs.

Iris stood still for a long moment. She glanced up the stairs after Warren. He was right. He didn't have a choice either. She'd been treating him like he did. Like he'd chosen this. But it was her father and his father whom had come to an agreement. Her jaw tensed for a moment as she thought of her future, what it could hold. She sighed and shook her head. Nothing made her more queasy than thinking of marrying someone she didn't love...she walked up the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Good morning dear." Lucille smiled and greeted her with a gentle hug. "Here you are, go on sit down." She handed her a mug of coffee.

Iris smiled to her mother. "Good morning mother." She took the mug and sat down. She glanced around. It was just her and Warren at the table, Sebastian was at the stove cooking. Julian must have been out or still sleeping. "Where's Cassandra?" She asked softly.

"Oh." Lucille took in a breath. "I'll go fetch her, hm? Wouldn't want her late for breakfast." She smiled warmly. Lucille walked down the stairs then. She gave a gentle knock on the door. "Cass?" She asked as she pushed the door open. "Breakfast is ready dear, you should come join us all. Warren's coven soldiers will be here soon. Sebastian has a plan, I'm sure he will tell you over breakfast." She waited a moment. "I do hope that you and Iris were able to talk..." She spoke softly. "She asked of you..." She thought for a long moment, "Warren told me she slept on the couch last night..." Lucille then shook her head. "Just remember, Cassandra...you're family now, if you need anything I am here." She then left the room and walked back upstairs.

"Good morning Iris." Julian spoke with a smile as he stepped into the room. He took his seat at the table and sipped from his orange juice.

Iris smiled to him. "Good morning Julian." She spoke and then Cassandra appeared in the room. Iris looked to her as she took a seat next to Julian. Her eyes then moved to her coffee mug which she held with both hands as she waited to be served. She watched the steam rise form the mug as she listened to the idle chatter between everyone. Soon enough the meal was on its way and Sebastian was speaking. Iris looked to everyone as they spoke. Iris would watch Cassandra as she spoke before she would return her eyes to her meal. She looked to her father when he spoke of her. "Of course father." She nodded. "I wouldn't bring anything less to the table." She gave a soft smile. She was responding to his 'a-game' comment.

Iris moved her eyes to Cassandra and she nodded, "Sure, we have a workshop down by the lake, we could make a nice sword for you." She spoke and stood.

Lucille stood and touched her shoulder gently. "Just don't forget our conversation hm?" She smiled to her before she began clearing the table.

Iris took in a breath she glanced to Warren a moment and then to her father and Julian. She turned and grabbed her coat from the closet. She pulled on her own pair of gloves and pulled the hood up before she stepped out into the cold air. Iris shivered slightly. "I don't mind." Iris spoke as she walked next to Cassandra. They came to the small shop and she pushed the door open. "It shouldn't be too difficult. We have the supplies." Iris gave a gentle smile as she stepped inside. She looked to the wood burning stove as she shivered. The temperature inside of the workshop was fridgid. Iris could see her breath. "Could you do that thing?" She asked and looked toward the fire. "I will be the first to admit I can't light a fire, I've tried to figure it out, but I guess I'm just not good at it." She shook her head as she stepped over to a cabinet and opened it. "I'll get everything together while you do that."

Iris began gathering supplies, she pulled on a mask and handed one to Cassandra. "I'm not sure if silver even harms you...but you should wear that to be safe." She spoke as she put on her mask. She shivered again as she looked back to her items. She tossed a few things into a pot. before she then stepped over to another cabinet. Iris pulled on an apron over her parka. "Good fire." She smiled beneath the mask, her eyes looked to Cassandra. "Alright." She grabbed a piece of steel from the cabinet. Iris pulled off her gloves and pulled on a pair of thick gloves then. She held the steel rod in the flames and watched as the metal began to glow bright orange.

Iris took a step back, she brought the hot metal over to the anvil before she pulled the hammer. Iris' eyes were focused. She'd made many swords. Her father taught her when she was younger, it had been a pass time for them before the lycans settled down. She beat against the metal for over an hour until it began to take the proper shape. She'd put it back into the flames and pull it out to continue shaping it. Sweat beaded on her brow as she worked.

Iris moved about she dipped the hot metal into a vat of water and it sizzled for a moment before she set it on the counter. The day drew on as she worked. She etched into the blade carefully and eventually she looked to Cassandra. 'Your blood?" She asked her voice soft.

She reached forward with a syringe in hand. She inserted the needle carefully into Cassandra's arm, her eyes turned golden and her breaths increased. Her brows furrowed, she shut her eyes a moment before she turned away, gently slipping the needle from Cassandra's arm. She then placed the blood into the pot that she'd combined several other items into. Iris heated it until the silver mixed with Cassandra's blood evenly.

Iris moved quickly as she moved through the process. It was calculated carefully. Her eyes focused. The golden color remained in her eyes as she worked with the blood. As the sun began to fade from the sky Iris turned. She pulled the mask from her face, a soft smile on her lips. "I think you'll like this." She spoke as she held the blade forward, offering it to Cassandra.

It was beautifully crafted. It had a perfect balance to it. The hilt had a smooth rounded bulb that led to the leatherwrapped grip. The guard was finely crafted and held a wolf head that pointed down the sword, the ends of the guard also had the head of wolves that were fierce looking. The blade itself was gorgeous. It was silver along the edges, but the middle of it had a black and red tint to it. Iris had succeeded in infusing Cassandra's blood into the blade. She smiled then, "Do you like it?" She asked softly. She then turned as she pulled off the apron. "What will we do?" She asked, her voice still small. "When we face Arden? It will just be us and him...and he's very strong...we've both lost to him..." She nodded as she thought back to the chamber. "Cassandra, if anything happens, don't let him take me. Please." She looked to her with worried eyes. "No matter the cost. Don't let him." She searched Cassandra's eyes for a moment. "I'll not be another test subject." She muttered and looked away. "They've already done enough to me."

Iris looked to Cassandra when she complimented her hardwork. A smile curved up her lips, "Not too bad huh?" She chuckled, "I used to make different swords all the time with my father, back when we needed them more, I guess times are changing more to that again, hm?" She tossed the gloves back into the cabinet. Iris grinned then as she mentioned the wolf, "I thought so." She spoke as she watched her tighten down the strap over her chest.

Her smile faded slightly when she spoke of Arden. She bit her lip. She feared him more than anything, the nightmares that had followed her imprisonment with the lycans. Sure it had only been a few days, but from what she could remember...it was filled with pain...

Iris stopped mid sentence when Cassandra placed her hands on her shoulders, her pulse was bounding with the thought of being captured again...with the thought of what Arden might do to her now. Iris' breaths shook slightly as Cassandra pressed her forehead in, she was frozen, her eyes stared into Cassandra's. Iris closed her eyes and took in a deep breath as she felt Cassandra's lips against her forehead, her breath shuddered. Next she was pulled into a tight embrace as she listened to the kind words. She held onto her, she didn't want to leave her arms. She felt at home, safe...her fears seemed to vanish.

When Cassandra pulled back Iris looked into her eyes, she nodded as she asked if she could feel something. Iris stared to her with her icy blue eyes, she went to speak, to explain the connection...but in that moment Cassandra kissed her. Her body went rigid as her mind raced over what Cassandra had said before, as her conversation with Lucille rushed through her mind. Though she loosened, her arms wrapped around Cassandra's neck and she pulled her in closer as passion mixed into the kiss.

It was over so quickly, Iris took in a deep breath, her cheeks bright red as she looked to Cassandra. She stared into her eyes as the warmth of Cassandra's hand melted into her cheek. She listened to her words and her eyes followed her, she was frozen a moment beforeh she hurried to catch up, rushing through the thick snow. "The storm should offer us cover." She spoke as she caught up. She pulled up her hood and soon enough they were inside the cabin with the others.

Iris slipped in behind her and found her way to her mother and Julian in the crowd. As Cassandra cut into her wrist and poured her blood into a glass Iris' eyes changed, her breath trembled. Julian smirked. "No matter how much you fight it, you're drawn to her for more than just blood, Iris." He spoke and chuckled.

Iris shot him a glare and punched his arm. "I can't control it." She whispered, her voice cross. "Listen to the king so you don't fuck anything up." She snapped. Though she grinned to him a moment later. She wasn't actually mad.

Julian snickered as he grasped the cup into his hands, he took a sip and passed it on. "Whatever you say, princess." He winked to her before he turned his attention to Sebastian.

Iris looked to Cassandra then as she stood before her with the beautiful amulet. She grasped it, her hand brushing against Cassandra's. She looked to it a long moment. "Okay." She nodded. "I will. Thank you, Cass." She looked to her a moment before she clasped it around her neck. It was hidden beneath the cloth of her tunic. Iris then turned her attention to her father.

As they left the home Iris grinned, she loved to run. She sprinted in and out of trees. She leaped into the air and transformed, she was keeping up with Cassandra easily. Iris transformed as they came to a stop, she giggled happily. "That was fun." She smiled as she glanced over her shoulder as the others caught up.

Iris looked to Cassandra in awe as the runes scrawled over her body. She took a step back, looking up as the dome was formed. Her jaw was loose as she watched this display of magic. She'd never seen anything like it. Iris reached forward, her hand held Cassandra's back, steadying her as she finished. She watched as the emergency exit was created and then her father ordered Cassandra to do more. Iris watched as red runes ran over Cassandra's arms. She watched as the ruins lit aflame. She rushed after her as they quickly retreated toward the tunnels.

Iris placed her hand on her back and her brows tucked inward. She pulled her dagger and cut a slit into her own wrist. "Drink." She held her wrist up and allowed Cassandra to take it. She winced slightly to the feeling of her fangs sinking into her flesh. Iris closed her eyes as she felt the blood pulled from her body. Though the whole thing only lasted a few seconds...

Iris lowered her arm, blood dripped down into the palm of her hand as her wound healed. "Okay?" She asked and offered a gentle smile. "That should give you a boost, hm?" She looked into the cavern. She could hear the sound of the battle at the ruins, the yells and snarls. She took in a deep breath. "Let's go." She rushed forward, her steps quick yet silent. She moved from shadow to shadow, keeping out of sight.

"Eh...what's goin' on up there?" A lycan stood with his back to them. "Do ye' hear that Willy?" He asked, he had a big cigar in his mouth that puffed with each word he spoke.

The other lycan stood close to him, he looked up, "Yeah...yeah I hear it. I'm sure Arden is just having another one of his parties, eh?" He crossed his arms.

Iris pulled her dagger and looked to Cassandra. She then counted down in her mind, hoping the Cassandra could hear her. 3.....2....1.... She leaped forward and jumped onto the back of the larger lycan. Her legs wrapped around him as she slammed her dagger between his collar bone and neck, stabbing downward. She pulled it quickly and sliced across his neck. Blood splattered on the cold ground. Iris landed on a knee over him. She glanced to Cassandra. "Block the exit, like we talked about." She spoke. "I don't want him getting away this time."

Iris then turned, her breaths shook. Her pulse was bounding. Fear gripped her. She'd never been so afraid in her life. She feared for Cassandra...for herself...her coven....

Iris pressed forward, slipping through the shadows. They came upon a large room in the caverns, it would be well suited for an ambush...and a fight...Iris looked to Cassandra and nodded as she stayed hidden. She listened. The screams of the battle above ground caused chilled to run down her spine.

Footsteps sounded then. Off in the distance. Then they became louder as they bound toward them. Suddenly the explosives went off. Causing an uproar of growls from the pack that had escaped. "These fucking vampires!" Arden's voice snarled. "What's gotten into them huh? First they manage to get their princess back! Now they're attacking us at home?!" Her growled as he rushed forward.

Iris grinned to Cassandra, her fear fading as she thought of Arden's death. She imagined Cassandra lobbing his head off in one fell swoop. She knew it wouldn't happen that way, but...in her mind it did. Iris spun out then, she lobbed a grenade forward. The Click of the pin pulling form the grenade echoed in the cavern. Her eyes locked on Arden as the explosion went off. He had several lycans with him.

"Princess...." He spoke a grin on his lips. "How nice of you to join us." He chuckled as he looked to the lycans around him. He then took in a deep breath. "You've brought your pet with you, I see." He spoke. "She still smells lovely."

Iris stood her eyes on him. "I'm going to kill you Arden." She spoke, her hands balled into fists.

"You can try." He snickered, "But I'll drag you out of here screaming if I have to." He then rushed forward. "Get them!" He ordered. The lycans rushed forward with him. He had at least 20 with him.

Iris took in a quick breath, she glanced to Cassandra before she pulled her pistol. She rushed forward and let off three shots before Arden slammed into her. She skidded back, her hand gripped his fist. She grit her teeth. "You won't win." She spoke, her brows drawn together.

"Oh....you're much stronger." He chuckled. "This, will be fun." He reached around with his other hand.

Iris leaped back a bright light surrounded her and as it vanished she'd transformed into her wolf form. She snarled, baring her fangs. She rushed forward and leaped into the air. Arden slammed her to the side, swatting her down like a fly. Iris skidded across the ground and got right back up. She jumped onto a Lycan and ripped into his throat, blood splattering everywhere.

Arden snickerd, "How about this?" He asked. "I'll start by killing your pet." He turned and suddenly he had all his attention on Cassandra. "Keep her busy boys!" He ordered the lycans.

Iris growled as she was surrounded by Lycans. Her eyes looked to Cassandra, the teal color staring to her a moment before she was rushed. Iris spun around snapping at them, she'd claw forward and knock them to their backs swiftly. There were so many, with one that fell it felt like another instantly replaced it. Iris tried to break free, to help Cassandra, but she couldn't get away...

The lycans came in waves. Iris growled as she continued to beat them down. She was slammed to the side by one lycan as the sword clattered to the ground near her. Iris scrambled to her feet, transforming as she rushed forward. Her hand scooped down and she lifted the blade easily. She spun and lobbed the head off of a lycan. Her eyes looked to Cassandra with worry. She grit her teeth as a lycan slashed into her leg. She spun and instantly her sword was lodged in his chest black lines crawled across his face. She ripped the blade from his decomposing body as she was rushed by more. She squeezed her eyes shut a moment as she stabbed into another lycan. Her eyes were dark as night, the teal seemed to glow as she heard the shout of Cassandra in her mind. She lobbed the head off of another lycan as she rushed forward as Arden broke the roots that wrapped around his feet.

She was knocked back as she watched Cassandra slam against the wall. The sword clattered to the ground as Iris became pinned to the ground. She stared up into the drooling jaws of a lycan. She growled, "Get off of me!" She pulled her gun and fired the three remaining rounds into his chest. Iris shoved his body from her as she stood. She rushed across the room as Cassandra cried out. She scrambled as she gripped onto the hilt of the sword. "I'm coming." She breathed. She leaped forward and slammed into Arden harshly sending him flying against the wall. "Leave her the fuck alone!" Iris snarled, her fangs easily visible.

Arden snickered as he brushed rocks from his shoulders. "But it makes you more fun to fight." He grinned. He rushed forward then. Iris sliced into him with the sword, a deep gash across his chest. He growled in pain and slashed forward. Iris dodged easily and came at him again, slashing into his arm and back. Arden spun then and with great force his claws caught Iris. She flew into the wall. The sound of the sword clattering on the ground seemed to echo as her head slammed into the cold stone. Iris' vision faded to black and then everything came back in a grey tone. She pushed to her hands and knees.

"You don't give up do you?" Arden was walking toward her. He kicked into her side harshly.

Iris cried out as she felt her bones break. She could taste blood in her mouth. Everything sounded as if it was under water. She gasped for air, her eyes fluttered. The only sound she could hear clearly was that of her uneven breathing.

Arden began to chuckle again. "Good, now stay." He spoke as he turned transforming back into his human form. He walked toward Cassandra. "I'll kill you first you little pest."

Iris grit her teeth. Her hand shakily reached up, she fumbled with the chain that the amulet hung from. She lay on her side, her vision fading in and out. "No..." She breathed. "You...won't..." She uncapped the bottle and drank the blood. As the blood washed over her tongue she felt a surge of energy. Iris pushed to her feet she staggered slightly. The sound of the blade lifting from the cold stone floor seemed to reverberate off of the walls.

Arden turned, "Just give up already." He snarled as he walked toward her.

Iris looked to him, blood leaking from her nose. "No..." She whispered and shook her head. She then grinned. In the blink of an eye she'd disappeared into a burst of black ashes. She reappeared the sword in Arden's chest, stabbing through his heart. She ripped the blade back harshly. "I won't give up." She muttered, "Not until every lycan is dead." Her voice was a growl. She moved quickly then, the sword sliced easily through his neck like a hot knife through butter. Iris kicked her foot into his chest harshly. Arden's dismembered boy fell back onto the floor as his head rolled to the side. Iris turned then she was instantly at Cassandra's side. Her head was spinning. "Cass..." She breathed. "You're going to be okay..." She whispered.

Iris pulled her into her arms and stood. She glanced to the blocked exits and took in a deep breath, suddenly she teleported and they were outside. She stumbled forward to be caught by her father's hands. "Iris!" He looked her over he looked to Cassandra.

Iris looked up to him, her eyes welled with tears. She disappeared again, miles away from the ruins now. She fell to her knees, gasping, blood leaked from her nose as she fell to her knees. She coughed as she held Cassandra. She bit into her own wrist harshly and pressed it to Cassandra's lips. "Drink...take what you need...just...drink..." She was breathless. The snow fell around them. The world was silent. Red stained the snow from the blood. "We did it..." She whispered and let out a soft laugh, blood on her lips.