Jane Welch - The Dead Moon

Prologue In a world so dark, and a valley so deep, creatures and humans lived peacefully with each other for many years. There were vampires, elves, dragons, shapeshifters, and wolves. There were four types of wolves: forest, blood, snow, and undead. They were the keepers of the peace in the land of Hynafal. But all of that changed when the vampire king had a son. His name was Alaric and on the day Alaric became king, he declared war with the undead wolves and killed them all… or so he thought. It has been prophesied that when the next dead moon comes, a new ruler will be born, and the undead will be avenged. A new light will come!

Chapter One: The Land “Vea…Vea…Vea! Wake up, sleepyhead! “ I open my eyes and see my best friend Veronica staring at me. “Why are you sleeping on the grass?” she said with an eyebrow raised. Veronica had dark hair and blue eyes; she was wearing a light pink dress with her shoulders showing.

“I don’t know, I just think it's soft,” I said.

“Really. It is?” asked Veronica as she sat down next to me.

“Oh, it is soft!” “Wait, your dress will get dirty!” She smiled and giggled.

“It's fine, I’ll just change.”

We sat in silence for a while until Veronica spoke, “Are you still having dreams?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly.

Veronica sighed, “Well, I’m sure they will go away soon.”

“I guess we have to hope for the best,” I said with a soft smile. “And besides, you’re going to be Queen next year! I am so happy for you.”

Veronica smiles, “Yeah, I’m really excited. Wati! You are going to be the next second in command, are you not?”

“Well, I don’t know, it’s best to continue being patient,” I said.

Veronica looked at me, annoyed. “Ugh, I am going to make sure you get that role, it’s your dream, is it not?”

“It is, but I do not want to rush the King, nor would I want you to either.”

She looks at me then sighs, “Ok,” she says, ”If that’s what you want, it will go no further. Let’s discuss something else, shall we?”

A few hours later, a knight came over saying the Queen needed to talk to us. It was about nine that morning when the Queen told us the terrible news. The knight led us into the great hall where the ceiling was covered in gold and silver, great artifacts hung on the walls, and the throne was at the end of the hall with a beautiful red carpet.

The Queen stood in the middle of the hall. “Ah, my Princess, do come in,” she said with a smile.

The Queen had dark hair with brown eyes and wore a silver crown and long blue dress. The Queen noticed me behind Veronica, “Oh Vea, what a nice surprise.”

“Forgive me, Queen Agatha, I shall leave,” I replied. “No, please stay,” she said in a serious tone. “You need to hear this, too.”

“As you wish, your highness,” I said bowing.

“We received terrible news this morning about King Rowan,” said the Queen.

Our faces turn serious. “Is father sick or something?” asked Veronica.

“No,” the Queen said as she started to tremble. “He’s been… assassinated.” Our eyes widened, and our faces were filled with shock.

“Impossible!” said Veronica.

“Who did it? I asked in a plain tone, my face still in shock.

“We don’t know yet,” Queen Agatha said with a sad face. We will announce it soon. For now, you two may go.” The Queen left with us in silence.

Chapter Two - The Intruders I woke feeling anxious and confused and looked out my window at the darkness. I left my room and went into the hallway. Out of nowhere, eyes appeared on the walls. They were all the same color of red and purple. A voice called to me and I felt as if I had heard the sound before. I followed the voice, as it got louder and it’s words finally became clear: Vea, Listen to your blood!

Over and over, it repeated the phrase. I was about to ask what it meant but before I could utter my question, I woke up and realized it was a dream.

Nonetheless, it felt as if it was a premonition. I got out of my bed and paced around my room.

Thinking long and hard about it. Suddenly there was a knock, I went to my door but when I opened it no one was there. The knock came a second time, but the door was still open. I was so confused. This was followed by an even louder knock that came from the window. I was just

about to look when all of the sudden the curtains flew open and two people entered with black cloaks. Once inside, they both removed their hoods and revealed themselves.

One was a man with black hair and dark violet eyes… which were the same color as my eyes.

His skin was white as the moon shined upon him. The other, a woman with dark purple hair that matched mine. Her eyes were a spiral of black and shimmering violet. Her skin was a similar tone to the glowing moonlight. Were they related? I prepared myself, ready to fight, “Vea!” one spoke, “We mean no harm. My name is Aiden and this is my sister, Luna. We have come here to tell you something very serious and important.”

“What do you want?” I replied in a confused tone.

“We want nothing more than to tell you the truth,” he said, his tone very serious. “Tell me Vea, did Queen Agatha sound troubled when speaking to you?”

I thought about it for a moment and said “No, not until she told us the news.”

“I see. And didn't you find that odd?” I thought for another moment. What was he trying to say?

Was it possible that the queen had something to do with the King's death? Or…did she kill him?

No! She wouldn't do that, for they always seemed so happy together.

“Are you insinuating that the queen had something to do with King Rowan's' death?” I asked in an irritated tone.

Luna responded calmly. “Yes, however we are not accusing. We know she is part of it.”

I widened my eyes. “What do you mean we know?” I asked.

“We saw all of it.” said Luna. “A plan was unfolding before our very eyes and we failed to stop them from committing such a heinous crime.”

“Luna” Aiden spoke, frowning at her. “You know why we couldn't do anything. If you keep talking about the past like that you won't learn how to improve on your actions.” Luna looked at him annoyed. They seemed like the typical brother and sister in many ways.

“Tell me.” I said breaking the tension.

“What happened on the night of King Rowan's' death?” There was a pause. Aiden looked at me with a serious face.

“Are you prepared for the worst?” he asked.

I let out a soft sigh. “Yes I'm prepared.”

Chapter Three - The Betrayal The night of King Rowan's’ death, it was cold in the dark forest. The branches were so quiet you could hear a leaf fall. We camped out on a small cliff with a beautiful view of the castle of Dynion in the distance. It was surrounded by towering mountains and forested lands to the north and south. We were on the north side. Luna had been off on a scouting mission when she emerged suddenly from the bushes.

“What’s wrong Luna?” Aiden asked.

Luna caught her breath. “We have a situation.” she said, gasping for air. “Two cloaked figures coming from the south!”

Aiden’s eyes widened. “What? The South?”

“Yes!” she said, still agasp. And the only ones who would come from the south are … vampires!”

What are we going to do? Aidem thought for a moment. “We must go observe them, to see what they’re planning.”

“Very well,” said Luna. “Let us go.”

They ran down the hil and deeper into the forest, making their way towards the castle wall.

And that's when they saw them. The two cloaked figures came out of the dark forest. Quickly, they hid in a nearby bush. One of the cloak figures looked up at the wall, while the other one stood watch.

With a running start, one of them sprinted toward the castle and then jumped so high he sailed up into the air and landed atop of the wall. He then looked down and called his friend.

“Hurry, we can't be seen.” Then his friends did the very same thing, joining him on the wall.

“Well you were right about them being vampires.” Aiden whispered.

“It's not possible for a human to jump a six meter wall.” Luna nodded slightly.

“Come on, let’s go after them.” Luna said, already moving.

They climbed the wall using their hands and feet and within seconds, made their way to the top of the castle wall. The vampires were making their way around the perimeter of the castle, moving like thieves in the night. A guard, who was coming from one of the four towers, approached his post. After the guard passed them, the vampires slipped past the perimeter into the castle.

All the while, Aiden and Luna followed quietly in their footsteps until they stopped at a window.

But it wasn't just any window. It was the king and queen's bedroom. One of the vampires knocked on the window. Shortly afterward, the window opened quietly, with the queen standing there.

“You're late.” the queen said, stepping aside as they entered.

Luna and Aiden made our way to the window so they could observe the meeting. Like any royal bedroom, it was large with a beautiful carpet and curtains hanging on top of the windows the color of violet with gold frames around them. The wooden bed was dark brown with gold interior and the bed sheets were a light yellow color. Upon them, lay the king, resting peacefully. The vampires finally revealed themselves; one was short with dark hair and dark scarlet eyes. The other had the same color eyes, but had brown hair and was younger-looking than the other.

“Forgive us Queen Agatha.” The older one said, voice calm, bowing shortly. “We were delayed by the king.”

“Why?” The Queen glared.

“Personal matters, your highness,” the younger one replied.

“Just do what you were ordered to do,” the queen scoffed.

The older one moved to the king's side and took out his dagger.

Luna whispered to Aiden in a panic. “We have to save him.”

“No!” Aiden ordered. “We can't be seen, I already told you we would only observe.”

Luna frowned nervously. “But the people will be devastated. They would be under a false rule.

What if she accuses the elvies?!”

“So be it,” Aiden responded seriously. This is for the sake of our lives... For Vea.” Luna continued to stare at Aiden. And then it happened…the sound of a blade. They turned their heads and saw the dagger that was once clean, dripping with the king’s blood, and saw his lifeless body.

Chapter Four - The Evil Queen Luna gasped, covering her mouth, eyes wide. Aiden looked away from what he had just witnessed.

“Is it done?” asked Queen Agatha.

“It is,” said the older one.

The queen smiled slightly. “Good. She then turned to the vampires. I have no use for you two anymore. You may leave.”

The younger vampire spoke up. “Apologies Queen Agatha, but I am afraid we won't be leaving anytime soon.”

The Queen then stared at him with a look of curiosity. “And why is that?”

“His majesty requested that we would serve under your command and… to kill the princess as well.” The vampire announced, his scarlet eyes cold. The queen flinched.

“You will do no such thing,” the queen commanded, glaring daggers at the vampire. “The king knew you would say that,” the older one said. “He is curious to know what you will do with her.”

The queen's face lightened, “I will do what I do best,” she answered in a dark tone. “Now leave. I shall call the guards to my room.” The queen commanded.

Luna and Aiden quickly moved away from the window as the vampires bowed and put their hoods on. After exiting the window, the older one paused.

“What is it?” the younger one asked.

The vampire inhaled deeply, “Strange, There's a scent of werewolf in the air.”

“Werewolf?”

“Yes, keep your guard up at all times. Understand?” ​ “Yes sir.”

They turned away from the castle and vanished Into the night.

Luna sighed in relief, “I think that's enough. We should go.”

“Indeed.” Aiden replied, “but first let's do one more thing.” They made their way back to the window. The queen had left to summon the guards so they entered and saw the king lying there in his bed. He had a blond beard and hair that was the length of his jawline. He looked peaceful, even in death.

“All Mighty King…be at Peace.”

Luna and I looked sadly at the king. Luna shed a single tear. .

“No King should be betrayed by his own Queen,” said Luna, voice raspy.

Aiden put his hand on her shoulder, “Come on, let's go, we can't stay long.” as he headed towards the window.

Luna turned around. “How much longer? How long until we can stop hiding?

“Until we tell Vea the truth?”

He turned to look at her, “We’ll tell her when word gets out about the king’s death.”

Luna wiped a tear away from her face.

“Fine,” she answered in a whisper. “We will tell her then.”

We returned to our camp in the dark.

Chapter Five - The Truth The room was silent, with only the wind blowing through the window. I looked out and saw the beautiful crescent moon.

“So all of that is true, huh?” I asked Luna and Aiden, who were standing side-by-side.

“Do you have evidence of this?” Aiden reached into his cloak and took out a small torn piece of fabric that was a color of light gold and stained with blood.

“This is the only evidence we could get,” Aiden answered.

I took the stained fabric and looked at it carefully. Then turned to them suspiciously. “Why do you seek my trust?”

Luna’s eyes softened, revealing the Violet in them. “Because…” she started, glancing at Aiden.

He then nodded in approval. Luna looked at me in the eyes, “Because we need your help. Not only that, but we want to help you as well.”

I look at her confused. “You want to help me? Why?” She was about to speak, when Aiden cut her off. “Because you must listen to your blood.

You know you are no human,”

My eyes widened, as I stared at Aiden. “Listen to your blood?!” I asked quietly.

That sounds like the premonition I had! I thought to myself and frowned at Aiden. “What do you mean I am no human?”

He stared at me with cold eyes. “There's no need to act confused,” he replied. “We aren't human either.”

I froze. “Wait if you're not human, then what are you then?”

They glanced at each other. “...We’re werewolves.” Luna stated.

“Werewolves!” I said under my breath. “Which kind?” I asked. “...Undead,” Luna replied. “...That's impossible, The vampire King drove them to extinction!” I stated.

“Well,” Aiden spoke up. “I guess that means you are too.”

The room went quiet, as they stared at me, waiting.

I stared back at them. Instead of calling them crazy I simply asked. "Who are you two, really?”

Luna smiles slightly, “Vea… 17 years ago, when the vampire King attacked us. Three children, who were siblings fled from their home and into the kingdom of Dynion. The children could not take care of the youngest one who was still far too young. So they had no choice but to give her to the humans. Years later, the girl knew she was an undead wolf so she trained hard to make sure she could stay in her human form.” Luna stopped locking eyes with me.

“But…” she continued, “as she grew, there was something not quite right. Her powers grew stronger and stronger, making it hard to keep control. You need guidance Vea.” I stared out the window. A gust of wind whistled through the gap. The air was cold and the silence between us grew longer, as a realization came to me suddenly.

“If you two are my siblings.” I said breaking the silence. “Then why didn't you tell me sooner?”

“We didn't want to take a risk. We are only here now because we must go before it's too late,” Aiden spoke out.

Luna nodded. “If we don't leave soon, the queen will find us and give us to the vampire king.”

Luna paused and stared at me.

“Do we have your trust, Vea?”

They waited impatiently for my reply. I paused and then sighed, “Yes, you have my trust.”

Their eyes both softened in relief. “Then it's decided.” Aiden announced.

We'll leave in 3 days time. Until then …Vea, I want you to bring Veronica.”

I nodded, my eyes sparkling at the thought of Veronica coming with us. “Wait!” I said as they began to exit through the window. “Just where are we going?”

Luna smiled, “To the forest wolves. To the Sleeping Giants.

Chapter Six - Combat Training The next day, I woke up early, realizing that everything that happened last night was not a dream. I still couldn't believe Luna and Aiden were my siblings! I prepared for my daily combat training while thinking of ways to get Veronica to come with me.

Veronica was always the adventurous type and always followed me around when we were kids.

But still, I was worried what would say when I told her who I was and wondered nervously if she would come with me after telling her about Queen Agatha’s involvement with the king’s death. I arrived at the open courtyard where knights trained for combat. There were training dummies spread around the yard. The morning light was soft and the smell of breakfast filled the air. I picked up a wooden sword that had splinters on the handle. I wrapped bandages around my hand to protect my skin. I wore a leather shirt, pants and black boots, with my dark purple hair halfway up.

As I hit the dummy, I started thinking of ways to tell Veronica the truth. Just then, someone called out.

“Vea!” I look over my shoulder and see Veronica.

She too, wore black boots and black leather pants along with a puffy white shirt and brown corset. Her black hair was pulled back in a tight bun.

“Hello Veronica,” I said with a smile, putting the wooden sword down.

“You're up early,” she said with a smile.

“So are you.” I said, heading toward the weapons rack to grab two daggers. I held one of them and flipped it over, and caught it with my two fingers before handing one of them to Veronica.

“How are you doing?” I asked.

Her smile faltered. “Better, just need something to distract myself is all.”

I smiled faintly. “Well then.” I said stepping away, making some distance between us.

“Let's start, shall we?”

Veronica smiled back, “You never miss a day of training, do you?”

I laughed, “It's more fun when you're training someone.

Now… you strike first.”

Silence then fell. The air grew heavy. Veronica and I started to circle. Veronica struck first!

I blocked her attack, which almost hit my head. Then she swung low, toward my knee. I blocked her once again, and she attacked my face. I stepped back quickly, barely avoiding her.

“Nice Veronica,” I said, stepping away from her. “If I were a commoner I would be dead. but you're not reaching for that, are you?”

Veronica, annoyed, came at me again. We clashed daggers making a loud metallic noise again and again, to the left and right. She even went for my knees and ankles, yet still failed. We clashed again but this time it was different. As soon as I let go, I used the back of the dagger to jab her on the neck. Veronica fell to her knees and rubbed on the back of her neck.

“Ow! Why did you have to hit so hard?”

“Sorry but if this were a real fight you would be dead.” I told her, putting a hand out. Veronica took it and stood up.

“You need to be more focused, that's all.”

Veronica sighed. “I'm getting better though, right?”

“You could kill a knight, if that's what you mean.” I replied.

Veronica's face flashed with excitement. “Really?”

I nodded. “I'm very proud of you. Now let’s go again.”

Veronica was improving with each strike. Her speed increased too. I remembered that when she was younger, she had asked me to teach her how to wield a blade. She was only 12 when she asked me. I was around 9 when I started training. I was surprised, but also filled with excitement. As a friend and a teacher I was proud. Veronica had become very skilled with a blade, as had I. When I asked her why she wanted to know how to wield a blade, she simply said: “I don't want to be a weak Queen nor princess.” Ever since then, we had trained everyday.

An hour later, we took a break and I fetched us cups of water. I handed one to her “Thank you.” she said. Taking the cup and drinking it down.

“Hey Veronica,” I said as she let out a satisfied sigh. “What would you do if everything you thought you knew was a lie?” I looked at her and she looked at me.

“What are you trying to say, Vea?" she asked, seriously.

“Like, if I had something I didn't know and I found out just now what it is. or the person you knew and well was a liar, what would you do?”

After a pause, then Veronica spoke calmly. “I guess I would start over.”

“Start over?”

“Yeah, I would go and live with the forest wolves somewhere if I were forced to.”

I smiled. “If you were forced to, huh?”

“I really like the forest werewolves. As long as I don't cut down a tree, I'd be fine.”

I laugh. “But why would you live with them?”

Veronica smiled. “So I would help them when they needed it.”

“So you like werewolves,” I said, a bit more relaxed.

“What if I told you that I - your best friend - was indeed a werewolf?”

Chapter Seven - Convincing Veronica stared at me blankly for a moment, then she chuckled softly. I look at her in surprise.

“Sorry but that’s old news for me,” she revealed.

“You knew?!” I asked in complete surprise. “How?” I can name a lot of reasons,” Veronica replied. “You always sneak out at night, sometimes to train.” She continued, counting her fingers. “You're always looking at the moon. and whenever you get hurt, it heals faster than a normal human.” She took a deep breath, lowering her voice, “And just between us. I've seen you almost transform.”

I blink at her rapidly. “You're creeping me out Veronica.”

She looked at me. “Oh Vea, how you pain me!.” She says I'm a dramatic tone. “I was only worried, is all,” she said with a smile.

“I appreciate the worry Veronica, but I'm afraid there are matters that are much worse that you should be worrying about.”

Veronica sighed. “I know, like my father right?”

The conversation went quiet and I stared at her. “There are things that I must tell you Veronica.

Things that are sharper than any knife.”

“What things?" She asked, frowning.

I take a deep breath. “I know who killed your father.”

Veronica froze, her blue eyes wide. “Killed? By who?” she asked, her voice rushing from her lips.

“Vampires.”

“How is that possible? Mother was by his side. Guards were everywhere." After a long pause, she continued, “Veronica…. Theres more, isn't there?”

I nodded, “The vampires are working for…Queen Agatha.”

Veronica froze and her mouth opened as she breathed deeply in and out, eyes wide. She stood up, walking around the middle of the courtyard with her back to me. She put one hand on her hip, and ran the other through her black hair, then spoke after a long while, breaking the silence.

“Why?” her voice harsh, looking back at me.

“For selfish reasons, I don’t fully know" I replied.

Veronica sighed harshly. “There's something else.” I added. “She had created an alliance with the Vampire King in secret.”

Veronica gasped. “Alaric!”

“You cannot stay here, Veronica. They will kill you next!"

She frowned at me. "Then what do you want me to do? Abandon these people living under false truth?”

“Then let me explain this.” I answered after a long pause. “In two days’ time, I will be leaving.

Whether you come with me or not.” Veronica stared at me in shock.

I continue. “Your people will die either way Veronica.” The air went still as she looked at the floor and crossed her arms. After a long moment, she spoke. “Does anyone else know about this?”

“Only the two who reported this knowledge to me after they witnessed your father's assassination,” not ready to reveal my sources.

“I…I need some time to think about this, Vea,” Veronica said quietly.

“I understand.” I replied.

She started to walk away, but I called out to her. ” Veronica.” She stopped and turned slightly to look at me. “Decide quickly. We'll be meeting outside the north gate at midnight. I hope you come with us.” I smile at her. Her eyes met mine quickly and then she walked back into the castle.

Chapter Eight - The False Accusation Later that evening, Queen Agatha sent word to the people of Dynion for an Important announcement. At the centre of the stone castle stood a crowd of people waiting patiently for the Queen's arrival. There were flags all around and the largest one waved in front of the main balcony where the king would normally speak. Dynion’s flag had a golden crown which was blue with a white border that framed it. After a long wait, there was the loud sound of a drum, signaling that the Queen had arrived.

She stepped out onto the balcony wearing a white gown that was laced with gold. Flowing behind her, a cape hung from our shoulders. Her hair was half up with barrettes and her silver crown with gems that sparkled in the daylight. Her brown eyes glowed bright as the sun shone upon her. When she appeared the people grew silent as her gaze roamed across the crowd.

Her face was serious, and her tone professional.

“Good evening, people of Dynion,” she announced. I made eye contact with Veronica in the crowd. She was wearing a simple navy blue dress with puffy sleeves. Her hair was up in a bun, wearing a small kokoshnik that shone slightly. I wore a simple back robe.

“Some of you.” the Queen continued, “may have heard that our beloved king Rowan was assassinated.” The crowd gasped and murmured among themselves. “The assassins,” the queen declared scornfully, “were none other, then the elves.”

Confusion, shock and anger spread through the crowd. Veronica and I frowned at the queen.

We knew that we were the only ones in the kingdom, who knew the truth. I looked at our people, their hearts filled with vengeance and fear as the Queen continued. “I ask of you, people of Dynion, to come and raise our army against the elves of Lumie’re. The ones who took away our king!”

Her tone, bold and convincing, led the people to cry out with rage, though some seemed unsure of the news. The elves, I thought in my head. Why the Elves? It was clear that the vampire king and her were planning for war, but why?

“We have to leave soon.” I said as I turned to Veronica again, only to find her gone. I knew she felt terrible. Queen then added. “Those of you who wish to fight along our side, will report to the Royal guard. That is all.” With that, the queen turned around and walked back into the castle.

Chapter Nine - The Confrontation The night of our planned departure to the sleeping giants. I had packed the necessary supplies and dressed entirely in black with a cloak, belt, boots, and daggers at my sides. I was ready. I glanced out my window. The moon was nearly a quarter full. It shone brightly, reflecting in my violet eyes.

I put on my hood and snuck out of my room, closing the door silently. The halls were eerily quiet.

There were dim candles along the walls, flickering as I passed them. I headed down the hallway and peeked around the corner towards Veronica’s room. To my surprise a figure was already in front of her door. By the light blue dress, black heels, and pearl necklace, I realized that it was Queen Agatha. I watched silently as she proceeded to knock on the door. “Veronica? It’s just me.” The queen said innocently .

The door opened halfway. Veronica appeared wearing a comfy silk robe, her hair down on both sides. She peered out at her, “Good evening Mother.” Veronica opened the door fully to allow entry.

“Veronica, how are you doing? The Queen asked half-heartedly.

“I’m doing fine Mother.” Veronica replies formally.

Veronica’s room was dark, with only the moonlight illuminating the room in a cozy blue. Her room was simple with a wooden desk and bookshelf. Glints of gold caught the candlelight all around her bed, that looked big enough for a family of four. In the corner of the room was a closet, filled with gowns and beautiful dresses. Veronica stepped closer as the Queen walked in.

I could see the queen beside her, standing slightly taller than Veronica.

“May I ask you why you are up at this hour?” Veronica asked, stepping onto the large white rug glowing in the moonlight. I stepped closer towards the room to hear. The Queen turned to meet her gaze, dress flowing silently.

“I wanted to clarify something,” she answered.

“And that is?”

“Do you trust me Veronica? Do you know that the things I do are all for your sake?”

“I do Mother. Why are you saying these things?”

“You are aware that we will soon be at war with the elves!” the Queen exclaimed. “And we will need some help. So I made an alliance.”

“With who?” Veronica asked.

The Queen glared at her with a glint in her eye as she turned towards the window. Veronica frowned at her cold tone. “With who?!” she asked, more emphatically. ​ “Vampires!” The Queen blurted out. Veronica didn’t say anything at first in a decent attempt at acting innocent.

“Why?” she asked.

The Queen turned to look at her, eyes soft again. “For your father Veronica, our King. For what they did to him. Veronica shook her head and looked at her with disapproval.

“I do not seek vengeance, nor do I seek war” she declared.

The Queen stared at her then sighed softly. “I will press you no further… but are you sure that is how you feel?”

Veronica nodded, “It is” she confirmed.

Irritated, the Queen’s eyes turned cold, and she crossed her arms. “So be it!!” Suddenly, her tone was dark, as two figures came out of the shadows. Their clothing was all black with bright red eyes, a telltale sign of vampires. Quickly they grabbed Veronica by her arms. She gasped as they forced her to her knees on the white carpet. Her silk robe fell off her shoulders, revealing black clothing underneath. The Queen walked over to her.

“Apologies Veronica.” the Queen added, standing over her threateningly, “but, if you won't join me… then I have no use for you.”.

Her words cut through Veronica deeply as she met her mother’s eyes with a mix of sadness and anger.

“No use for me?” she repeated, voice low. “Was I just an object to you?” she said in a sour tone.

The Queen smiled, dark and sinister, sending a shiver through the room. “Oh my sweet Veronica.” she replied, her tone almost motherly. She lifted Veronica’s chin up with her finger.

“You always have been.” she whispered playfully. Veronica froze, eyes wide.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked almost in a whisper.

“There are so many reasons Veronica.” The Queen let go of her, “and you are in the way of one of them.” She crossed her arms and looked straight at the vampires. “Take her to the dungeons,” the Queen ordered. The Vampires brought Veronica to her feet, but as they turned towards the door they stopped suddenly, their red eyes glaring right at me, looking through the open door. Veronica stared at me too, wide-eyed.

Sighing in annoyance, the Queen spoke, acknowledging my presence, “Vea Shade… why are you up so late?”

“I was going to ask you as well, but after hearing all of that I don’t think I need to,” I answered, glaring at the two vampires.

The Queen narrowed her eyes at me. “Kill her,” she commanded without emotion. One of the Vampires charged at me, aiming to sink its fangs into my neck. I bent low, grabbed his arm and swung him backward. He landed on his chest and I placed my foot firmly on his back with my hand still holding his arm, locking him in place. I then stared at the Queen, my violet eyes glowing in the moonlight. The Queen was unamused.

“Release Veronica!” I demanded, my voice calm. The Queen glanced at the vampire still holding onto Veronica. He moved without hesitation towards me. I completed the take down of the first vampire by breaking his arm, which disabled him and bought me some time to deal with the second vampire. He screamed in pain. I looked up as the second vampire charged toward me.

He also aimed for my throat, but I raised my arm to block him. In a swift motion he swung with a concealed dagger and slashed my wrist. Blood splattered across the white carpet, immediately staining it.

Veronica gasped as the Vampire repeated his attack, but the second time I was ready, I dodged out of the dagger’s path and then knocked the dagger out of his hand, catching it midair. He reached out to grab it too, but found nothing but empty space. I thrust the dagger into his stomach and he looked at me with bewilderment as he died. As his body fell to the carpet, the room went silent, except for a few muffled sobs from the first Vampire as he nursed his broken arm. When I glance at him, he shivers, fearful of facing me again. Veronica sighed in relief. I looked at he Queen who had a furious look on her face, “Let’s go!” I urged Veronica, my hand still dripping with blood. She nodded and stared at the Queen.

“I hope we meet again, mother.” Veronica said boldly. Then without hesitation, we left the angry Queen and our would-be assassins, one dead in a pool of blood and the other softly whimpering on the floor.