Time escaped me. I wasn’t sure if it was still night or if dawn had finally come. My body shook uncontrollably where I sat in the tub, curtain drawn around me, leaving the thinnest crack to see out. I hadn’t moved in hours, or was it days? Even the concept of measuring time had vanished from my senses. My body and mind suspended in a moment of terror, with all my attention focused on one small blue broken tile on an otherwise pristine bathroom floor.

I stared at the tiny square, three of it’s edges rounded by years of wear while another was missing. A blank hole of black in a sea of blue. Eyes tracing it’s every detail, around one bend down a smooth line and around another until reached the rough edge of the break. It was perfect and smooth, a beautiful piece of work with a single corner missing. That one chipped piece comprised the beauty of the floor and the structure of the tile itself. Yet it remained beautiful while broken. Was that me, this little tile?

Broken and cracked, the whole of my being fractured under a tranquil surface so no one would notice?

Damaged, but still strong?

I stared at it so long there was no more tile, the different edges of blue melding into the off white grouted frames and distorting into a blur. The black corner causing my tile to stand out among the masses. I no longer saw the damage of it’s imperfect corner, but felt it. I was the tile, only I couldn’t be fixed. Chipped corners can be mended or tiles replaced. There was no repairing or replacing me, though.

It all sounded inside, the internal rants of my shattered mind, but my relation to the blue chipped tile made more sense than everything else that had led me to this point. . . It made more sense than the attack and the looming possibility of death.

~J.N. Sheats~

You’ll never see how broken I am. I don’t let people view that side of me. Not even those close are close enough to be let into my world, a ruined place where the skies are bathed in muddy maroon hues. A place thick with clouds full of unshed tears from years of restraining my sorrow—hiding the pain. The buildings are all rubbled and busted down to beams of rotting wood, broken glass left where windows once stood, and brick dust from foundations once indestructible. This is my place, my special nightmare. A solemn world built by pain, lies, and betrayal—masterfully crafted by those I trusted and loved. Each ruined monument an unpleasant memory seared into my mind and covered over with scars. The pieces of me stacked together in a delicate arrangement that threatens to shatter at the smallest whisper.

Behind a gorgeous smile and witty batter I hide my special place, and when the wind threatens to crumble me, I push back. For there is strength within those scarred patches, and resistance in my broken soul. I no longer shatter under the wind, but bend and sway with it’s chaos. No, you will never see how broken I am. That’s a secret I keep for myself, and use it as my greatest strength.

Flames rose high against the harsh vibrant colors of dawn, the bright pinks and oranges of the sky reflected the beauty of rebirth. A perfect moment to say one last goodbye, to see her off into another life.

“We must go,” Magnus insisted yet again.

He was right, the world was waking up to a new day. One of heartache and sorrow. Tentusa and its people were gone, the once white stone city now nothing more than another tragic memory but the rest of Vrasum could rest easy. Serenity had halted the Vamdari, at least for now and put an end to Vondorian. The Vampire Nation was now wounded but it came at a price. Serenity had used herself to end the horrors of last night, she took her own life stopping Vondorian and his army.

His body was still down there, trapped under the piles of stone that were the only remains of the temple. Once both Serenity and Vondorian fell to the ground, it began to quake and the temple started to crumble. I had made it to Serenity just before the altar split in half. Shielding her with my own body, I held her so close as I dragged her away from Vondorian. I wouldn't let her go beside him, she deserved better.

By some grace neither of us were crushed from the crumbling temple but I couldn't say the same for Vondorian's servants. Many of them were still trapped down there, others were scattered around the valley subdued thanks to Serenity. By the time they could pose any type of threat the Opsona will have arrived and I—I will be gone.

“Cret?” Magnus pestered again as I watched Rhea's body burn. My teacher finally released back into the world to be reborn again. I longed for the day I would meet her again but it wouldn't be the Rhea I remembered. She would be a different person despite all her reclaimed memories. No, this chapter of both our lives had come to an end.

“You go, Magnus," I said in a solemn tone. "Meet up with the clans and tell them what happened here.”

“And you?”

I turned to look at the old priest staring up at me with burdened eyes. He had given up so much just to live, sold his soul to carry on. He told me of the deal him and Serenity had come to, what she wanted him to do. He fed those unsuspecting people Serenity's tea all day, made sure each person had a body full of it, and then blessed each person with the same mixture. Dressing them for sacrifice. I hated the old priest for that. As he hid in the tombs below the temple people were dying, the temple defiled. Maybe that was why the ground shook the way it did.

This area had never been shaken like it had last night, it felt as if the valley was going to rip apart. It had to be the gods protesting what had transpired, weeping at the massacre that had taken place. A once holy land now covered in innocent blood, I could think of nothing worse.

“I will head to the far west, into the wastelands. Share that information with the clans if you wish, but I would prefer if you tell them I'm dead,” I requested one last favor from the old priest, and he nodded in agreement.

“What will you do with her?” He motioned behind him to Serenity's lifeless body draped over a waiting horse.

As the world shook under us and the temple collapsed I had held Serenity so close, cuddling her into my arms. I wouldn't leave her. If the gods saw fit to take me as well then I was at peace with that, but I wouldn't leave her alone. I wouldn't run like I had in the past and leave her to die on her own.

The shaking had grown more violent and the temple was falling all around I drew Serenity's body in close and laid my head to her chest, it was then I heard it. The beat of her heart so very faint. She wasn't dead, again Serenity had escaped the fate of the dagger and this time I didn't question it.

“I'm taking her with me.” I answered back turning toward the dying fire as the last of Rhea's ashes drifted off into the dawn.

I bowed my head in a silent prayer saying my goodbye to the woman who was my guide among the world's devils. My master, my teacher, and the mother I wished had given birth to me. She would no longer be standing just behind me to offer guidance, I now had to follow my own unguided path in the world even if every rational instinct told me it was the wrong one.

~Cret & Serenity's journey continue in book 4, Depraved Alliance~

In one swift motion I struck Cret in the throat preventing him from speaking. He fell back grasping for air and choking. He would live, but he wouldn't be able to give away my plan. I couldn't let anything stop me now that everything had fallen into place.

I had struggled with myself for some time over what to do—what I could do. In the course of a day my plans had changed with my swinging moods and resolve, but now we were at the end. There was no longer time to falter, this would be the last chance I had to make my choice and then it would be permanent.

Seeing Cret discovering those bodies, the fury so intense in his green eyes I knew what needed to be done. I felt guilt over all the lives but it was limited, these people had to die if the rest were to be spared.

“Take him to the manor and lock him up.” I heard Vondorian order from behind me. “We will attend to him later.”

The two Vamdari that had restrained him hoisted Cret to his feet as he gasped for air, his body leaning toward me. He knew what I was going to do and I was surprised Cret was the only one that had noticed, but he couldn't stop me.

We were even now. I destroyed his city, the people he protected. I felt content with that knowledge, the war between us was over. It was the last bit of business I had to take care of before everything came tumbling down into chaos. It wouldn't be long now, as I watched them drag him away.

I walked back to Vondorian to take my place at his side, and I would forever be at his side. The Vamdari that remained in the temple for this grand event also started to move out, the others not present were making their way through the valley. After the feast here at the temple with all these victims so easily laid out, it was time for a real hunt. They were sent out to do away with the rest of the smaller villages and pockets of people that called this place home. It was too bad they would never complete their task.

It's time.

My breath held in my throat as Vondorian reached for me, his chilled arm drawing around my waist. I cuddled into his chest with a shiver as he ran his hand across the side of my face. “You have done so very well my dear,” he said, rewarding me with a brilliant smile. I had always longed to see that.

The pleased look he gave, the soft smile of approval. Before all this that smile was all I wanted. The delight which danced in his crimson gaze could once complete my world, but that was then.

I softened in his embrace, the distant sound of Cret's struggle just a mild irritant. It had to be this way, why couldn't Cret understand that?

Vondorian dragged his fingers along my jaw to my chin, titling my head up toward him. His lips pressed sweetly against mine. A gentle kiss, long and delightful as I returned it. Nervous energy twitched through my body instead of passion or desire, the anticipation of what was to come too much as the moment held in a long span of breathless time.

Everything held right in place and then slowed to a crawl as I withdrew Cret's dagger, the one I had just stolen, from beneath the folds of my dress.

It's time. My thoughts reminded me and I leaned into the kiss, the slow motion of the world shattered back into sync as Vondorian roared.

It was done. That amber dagger my master so coveted was thrust into his chest, deep. I pushed harder on the blade to take it to the hilt and he gripped my arms as he tried to arch away from me. I held him close with my free hand and refused to release until the deed was done. Claws ripped through my flesh making me flinch at the bitter sting of pain but I endured. I wouldn't let him go and now neither would he.

Vondorian bore his fangs up to the heavens and groaned with each second that passed, I could feel his body weaken as I gave a half-hearted glance to the other Vamdari whose attention we had attracted.

Their movements were slow as they staggered toward us to aid their master. They were useless. I had ensured that earlier in the day. One by one they stumbled about before falling among their victims. Turning back to Vondorian I smirked in my victory. “They can't help you.” I laughed in my insanity, the dagger warming in my grasp as the crimson in his eyes started to drift in intensity.

“Hibryasthum flowers, my father's favorite. They grow on the western side of the valley where my village once stood, and they make the sweetest tea. Very harmless to mortals, but to vampires it induces the most intense death like sleep." I explained drawing Vondorian close as I waited for him to pass. “It's the same stuff you slipped me, and I covered these people in it. Forced it down their throats until they could drink no more, and now it's coursing through your Vamdari. Your servants—your army has been defeated, and now you.”

I laughed again feeling a weakness starting deep inside of me. I twisted the dagger in his chest steeling the words that I could see forming on his lips. I didn't want to hear what Vondorian had to say, he had said enough over the centuries. This was my moment no matter how brief.

Vondorian's body grew heavy and fell forward onto mine, the world became dulled and silent. Muffled sounds of struggle echoed in the distance but it would be too late. The dagger was taking Vondorian's life and mine, I could feel it draining my life as payment for its misuse. My knees faltered under Vondorian's weight and my own weakness, we both fell to the ground. My grip on the dagger was loosening but I wouldn't let go, not until I was sure his chest stopped moving.

Labored breathing was all I could feel as my eyes became harder to keep open. It was getting difficult to hold on, but I had to see this done. My senses faded and my hand fell from the dagger, I could still feel Vondorian's chest rise and fall with shallow breathing. I needed to feel his last breath as I rested my hand on his chest, clutching at his shirt I felt movement and thought the dagger had failed. That Vondorian had regained some strength to over come the weapon's magic as my body started to move.

No, the movement came from the floor beneath us, it was shaking. The whole world was vibrating. A rumble barely broke through my hazy death and a loud crack like thunder woke me for a second as Vondorian's chest rose for the last time.

You preformed perfectly, his dark voice echoed inside my head and then everything fell silent and peaceful allowing fate to take me.

Nervous energy built in my chest as I made my way through the pitch-black tunnels, it was the best way to reenter the city without being discovered. Serenity made it clear I had to be undetected on my way to our secret meeting. The threat of being caught was too great for me to risk moving on the surface. Should either one of us be captured I was certain it would not end very pleasantly. I had no doubt that if I was the one to be captured Serenity would not hesitate to turn her back on me, but I had put my faith in her if only for this moment. The conviction in her eyes, the way she spoke about putting an end to her master, and even the motivation that fueled her actions all made sense, I should have been at complete ease with her intentions but I wasn't.

With the reluctant nag in the back of my mind keeping me on edge I put my trust into my warrior awareness should things progress in an unfavorable way, I would be foolish not keep my wits about me. The fact we were meeting in the temple offered some comfort about Serenity's intentions, there were far too many people seeking refuge within its walls for this to be a trap. Too many mortals for that small group of Vamdari to overpower, and in Vondorian's weakened state I doubted his mind control would be that effective. Everything was falling very neatly into place…I didn't trust it.

That was a lesson I had learned the hard way, never trust something so well planned or functional. Things always seemed to go wrong when conspiracy and secrets were involved. People turned on each other, unforeseen plots came to the surface, and only one person could end up on top. I might trust Serenity but I didn't trust this situation or the others in our game.

Stumbling through the maze of tunnels, I ran my hand along the wall, remembering vaguely where I was going from the escape the night before. It was so hard to tell direction down here in the pitch-black but I dare not light a torch. There was no telling where the earth had been worn away above me from all the damage the Vamdari had rained down on the valley, and I didn't want to draw any unwanted attention. Instead I settled on stumbling around in the dark, not that a light would help in this place.

What was carved under this valley was nothing short of a labyrinth, paths that twisted and turned in all different directions in and out of the valley. There could be four paths that led to the temple, while there were seven more that led into dead ends or weaved back through the confused maze of passages. The Fisargo knew what they were doing when they built this place. Used to navigate quickly through the valley and also for security these tunnels were treacherous, someone could spend a lifetime down here and still not reach their destination.

Last night it didn't seem as difficult, in fact Serenity navigated these passages with familiar ease. There were a few times she stopped and changed direction, but she still made her way through these tunnels with little trouble, no doubt drawing on some childhood memory of the place. I didn't have that advantage as I came to another fork in the path.

One tunnel branched to the right and another to left. It was the fifth time since I entered I had come to what I felt was the very same split. Maybe I was going in circles, but I couldn't be. Since I lacked knowledge of this place or how to make it back to the city using these ancient paths I relied on Serenity like I had before. Her scent was still lingering in these caverns, it was faint but enough that I could follow and it had been growing stronger the farther I went.

Lifting my nose to the right I was greeted with stale air and musty earth. Wrong way. Turning to the left I waited for a moment before drawing in the air, at first I smelled nothing but then it hit me. That sweet aroma of saged-lavender, so unique. It was this way.

I needed to hurry, midnight was closing in and I didn't want to keep my raven beauty waiting. Just the thought of seeing her again urged me to move faster, not once lingering over the thought of what I had been tasked with. Thinking about what was to come in the next few hours was too much, the guilt I felt in the temple when Magnus first greeted me returned every time I remembered the devastated city above. I would save the people I could, but even that did little to ease the shame of my failure. I would redeem myself though.

After I had finished here I would flee to the capital. It was a four-day journey from here, but if I cut through the ruins in the west, and traveled without stopping I could make it in two. Two would be better. Serenity had said she would return with the army to the vampire's home realm, but that didn't mean a few of her ranks wouldn't go rouge to avenge their fallen lord. I wanted to be ready if that was to happen.

Those foolish Vamdari would follow me all the way to hell to seek their justice. I would lead them instead to the Vrasum Capital and right into the path of an army of Opsona warriors. The idea had me delighted at my own cleverness, almost wishing the Vamdari Army had arrived so I could lead the mass of them to their death. I could end their campaign instead of just delay it.

My hand fell away from the wall again as the path split, another decision. To the left presented me with the sweet smell of lake air, if I wanted to turn back—run off to the capital and hide among the Opsona ranks, now would be that time. To the right Serenity's alluring fragrance taunted me. The duty to my contract told me to go left, it begged me to take the path to the lake and continue on to the capital, but if I did that Tentusa would be lost. If I went right I had a chance to end this all right now before any more people could suffer. The valley would be spared from any further destruction, but if I failed then the Opsona would be marching blindly into the wreckage. If they were coming at all.

I hadn't heard anything from the clans since my first contact with them. There was no telling if they were still gathering at the capital, or already marching toward the valley. Their lack of communication was more then just a little unsettling but I couldn't worry about that now. I needed to keep moving.

Serenity's scent whipped down from the right tunnel with a howl of air and my body moved in that direction without my mind's consent. It faltered to the call of my raven beauty's darkness, one that I was more then willing to submit to. There was no turning back now.

I didn't have to travel far before the path narrowed and the smell of the crypts beneath the temple overpowered Serenity's scent. Another few feet and a spot in the wall opened into another branch of the tunnel breaking off from the main passage, that was where the scent of death was coming from. This was the way into the temple but if I continued ahead I could make it right to the cellar of the manor. That might be better.

The thought of going alone, sneaking into the manor seemed a lot more promising. Serenity wouldn't have to dirty her hands or risk being found a traitor, even though she stated it was not treason since her actions would protect the overlord, I knew the rest of the Vamdari would not see it as such. Should they find out her role in all of this her life would be in just as much danger as my own, a thought which panicked me as I stared down the path that led to a new alterative.

No, I couldn’t do it. She was waiting for me in the temple and together we had a better chance of success.

Traveling toward the temple I ventured past the crypt and countless bodies that lie in their final rest. The odor of death so very strong it was a frightening reminder of how this night could end for me, when I came to the twisting stone steps that led upwards. I paused for a moment there, fighting the urge to turn to the glow in the Dressing Chamber just behind me. Rhea's body was still there, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her again. Not now after everything that had taken place. I wasn't worthy.

Placing my foot on the first step I braced myself for what waited ahead, my every sense teetering on the edge of sanity. Anticipation taking over as I took another step forward, that unmistakable ready itch of battle licking at my fingertips.

In the next moments I could be a hero not just to these people that were left in the valley, but to the Opsona as well. They would resent me for my accomplishments if I succeeded, but they would also honor me. I would finally have a place among them, or I would die trying. Either way I was coming out of this as a victor. Living I would be rewarded with what I had always wanted, in death I would be free of the coming conflicts that were fast approaching a decision.

The last few steps went by at a racing pace as I reached the top of the climb, Serenity's scent so strong here overpowered with that sage. I could feel her pull as a dark shape formed at the end of the twisted staircase, silhouetted by the dim light coming in from the open door. It was the shapely figure of a woman leaning against the wall waiting.

“Didn't think I was coming did you?" I laughed as I reached the top of the steps. All the fears I had over Serenity's intentions evaporated once I saw her standing there.

It was almost over.

Flashing a smile I was waiting for some kind of acknowledgement when my blood ran cold. The pungent stink of blood—fresh blood and death overtook the sage and my heart sank deep in my being.

It couldn't be, it wasn't possible. "Serenity?"

The figure of the woman didn't respond and the striking odor wafting in from the door grew even more intense forcing me to cover my face. It was too rich, this smell. I reached out for her only to grab an ice cold corpse, the body falling toward me I jumped back and through the open door. My feet hit something slick and I went down falling back with a harsh thud knocking my head against the hard floor, something wet soaked through my clothing and that awful smell assaulted me. It was dizzying.

It took me a moment to regain any form of my senses as I pushed myself to a stand, it was then I noticed the marble floor coated in stinky rivers of blood. What has she done?

Sadness dug a hole inside my chest and slowed every reaction, disbelief stilling in the moment as I scanned the main room of the temple. Its white awe inspiring appearance a scene of unspeakable carnage, bodies covered every inch of the floor. Some so pale there couldn't be a drop of blood left in them. Others were ripped apart like a wild animal had feasted, claw marks riddling their flesh. Men, women, and children were slaughtered and in this most holy place. Even my demon was repulsed by the sight. It was too much and I felt the tears of anger start to prickle in the corner of my eyes.

I spun in a circle trying to grasp the reality of it all when I heard her voice. "I did this all for you, Cret."

Adrenaline raced into my muscles bringing my demon to the surface with blinding rage building inside of me. Serenity would regret this moment, they all would. Turning in the direction of her voice I saw for the first time the Vamdari spread out along the perimeter of the main chamber, each one hidden in shadows where the dim light of fading candles could not reach them. Satisfied plum eyes looked on me as I directed my attention toward the couple standing near the altar of the goddess.

The woman I had put so much faith in, the one person I wanted more than anything in this world had betrayed me and now she was standing there in the arms of another. Vondorian's hands were wrapped around Serenity's waist as she stood staring at me with ice in her gaze. What I felt wasn't even rage anymore, it went beyond that weak description and threatened to rip my body apart with its intensity.

"Take him," Serenity ordered before I could lash out.

The Vamdari were on me. I didn't have time to defend as I was thrown to the ground and pinned against a cold corpse. My arms were restrained behind my back before I was brought to my knees, my demon growling and snarling at the vampires as they backed away from me. I would kill them all.

"It's over boy," Vondorian spoke for the first time as my eyes narrowed on him.

This was all his fault. He orchestrated this. From the very moment he spilled Fisargo blood, kidnapped Serenity and turned her into this thing. It was all him.

My chest burned with fury watching the way he held Serenity to him. I could tell he was weak by the way his weight pushed a little on her small frame. I didn't like him touching her despite what she had just done. Even with all the lives she just took I still regarded Serenity as mine, but that wouldn't save her from the punishment of my rage. I pulled against the restraints as Vondorian ran his other hand through Serenity's hair, taking his time to draw a few strands to his nose and inhaling. The bastard. I WILL kill you! The demon growled right on the edge of a murderous hysteria.

"Hand over the dagger child and we shall spare your life." Vondorian spoke again and I just snorted at him.

I didn't have a life any longer. My whole world had slowly been taken away and now this final blow. Fuck the world, fuck living I wanted to end it and take as many vampires as I could along the way.

"Cret, don't be stubborn, it will only cause more suffering I can assure you of that." Serenity's voice drew my attention to her fully for the first time. I wanted to snap my fangs in a show of protest but the sight of her stilled me.

Never had she looked more beautiful than in this moment, undeterred by the gore all around us she looked like a queen surveying her servants work and I wanted to bow, her scent commanding it.

Long flowing raven hair tumbled down into wavy curls that hugged her figure draped in a sheer amethyst dress. It formed to her body, highlighting every curve and detail before falling into weightless folds of fabric pooling on the only clean portion of floor in the whole temple. Cold harsh sapphires dripped from her ears and neck as Serenity stood there with a royal air about her. The sight so disturbing in all its otherworldly beauty.

Remaining silent I let the last lingering breath of defiance spur my actions, they would not get the dagger as long as I lived. I reflected that in my stare that fixed on Serenity, and she knew I was ready to fight.

Turning to her master she flashed him a look. A soft one placing her hand lovingly on his chest, it knotted my stomach to see Serenity express affection toward that bastard. Vondorian too offered a soft look at her and I felt the bile rise in my throat, whatever physical torment they could come up with, this was far worse. I had to look away before I ended up begging them to kill me.

The sound of heels clicking against the blood stained marble caught my attention but I still did not return my gaze to them. Let the both of them revel in their moment of victory, because they would get nothing from me.

That damn sweet sage, the new scent of torment rushed against me as a warm hand settled on the side of my face. Serenity directed my face to hers as she crouched before me, drawing me into those deep scarlet eyes I couldn't help but search for some kind of reason. Even though my demon's rage was taking over a part of me still wasn't convinced Serenity would do this, but her face read of deceit and brutality.

I shifted my gaze away not able to face the reality of what she was when I caught a of fleck of uncertainty in the scarlet. Those beautiful eyes held heartache, a sorrow so deep it rivaled my own. I knew in that moment this was not Serenity. These deeds that had been done weren't of her willing hand, not the woman I had found myself so in love with…Love?

“You will give us that dagger or I will tie your body to our banner and march you at the front of the army. You will watch as I burn every home on this insufferable plane.” Her words were cold and evil, but her eyes were screaming an apology. “And you will have to live with the fact that every life I take was one you could have saved. Just give me the dagger and we can forgo all of this trouble.”

I studied her for a moment, her words and expressions so conflicting. I didn't know which to believe, either way it didn't change my answer. "No."

I was firm on that topic because I knew she would not go through with her words, no matter what tone she used those eyes of hers were telling me all I needed to know. Even if she was serious, I could withstand a lot more suffering than she was willing to inflict, her will would falter long before mine.

Serenity leaned closer, a smirk creeping across her lips as she leaned toward my ear. I could feel her hands resting on my chest and it brought me back to that place we were just a few hours ago. Alone in that secret hideaway, I should have taken her offer if this was the way things were to end.

“Seeing you defeated by all the lives taken here. Watching as your spirit crushed under the weight of their lost souls makes us even.” Her words left me confused, but more the crack of her voice. She faltered for a second, but why?

Something brushed against my side, it was quick and I almost missed the feeling of the hand in the waist of my pants. I looked at her, questions creasing my face as she stood. Her gaze lingering a little on me before the confident smirk fell from her lips and turned into a plea, and I knew what she was going to do.

My heart froze for a second as my mind caught up and then hurled me forward into the most frantic terror as I watched her turn toward Vondorian.

She couldn't...I wouldn't let her!

"Ser—"

A gentle whisper of a breeze brushed pass me, a hint of salt water among the fresh lake air. It was stronger here, the scent of the sea, and it became stronger the farther east one traveled. I stood there among the cliffs waiting for the right moment. This long engagement was reaching its conclusion, coming to the definite end that it was fated for. I had spent my time trying to alter destiny since we first arrived in Tentusa but there was no changing fate, and I could accept that now staring out over the Lamus Channel. This was our point of entry.

The Tentusa Valley, birthplace of the twin goddesses as it was often called when I was younger, was an interesting place. A strange perplexing piece of low lying land nestled against the Rouron lake at its north, the water flowing in from the Lamus Channel all the way from the Driapus Sea. One of four great bodies of water in the mortal planes. On the west side of the valley steep rolling hills of lemon grass perfect for animal herders, to the south gentle slopes creating a number of farming villages, and finally the borders reaching far off to the east where the grassy hills formed into the jagged unforgiving cliffs I had found myself on.

I knew this place. I had watched it change from century to century. The hills became more rounded, the cliffs more ridged, and the lake expanded farther north than before, but there was one thing that always remained true. This place was special and that was why it would be first to fall in our renewed campaign of conquest. The Vampire Nation would rise from this spot and splinter outward infecting every corner of this plane, and once there was no more hope left I would march the army to the gates of heaven. That was my purpose, the only purpose I had left in this life.

It was hard to keep that goal in the forefront of my mind when the past wandered in, the sweet memories of my childhood kept creeping back. I had felt the pull of my home the second we entered the valley, but with Cret's question about my past I found my recollection of those times far more vivid than I cared to confess.

A distant distorted memory of standing on these very cliffs as a child made its way to the surface. Taking a deep breath I drew in the smell of the far off ocean and closed my eyes remembering that moment and the child I once was.

Large fluffy white sails reflected the late afternoon sun as they traveled down the channel. Warriors clad in tight garments of blues and blacks stood off in the distance near watchtowers, a large symbol painted on their chest plates and sewn into their clothing. It was a symbol of honor and pride, the mark of the Opsona. Any enemy seeing that looping p knew the horrors that waited for them. Vigilant keepers of sacred lands and secrets, they stood watch here at the water entrance to the valley, protection for the people that traveled the long distance to worship at the marble temple of the valley.

That day I was at my father's side to greet the travelers who came for the big feast, a celebration in honor of the Peace Goddess that protected this province. It was a grand week long festival with dancing, music, and foods from all over the world. So many different people had gathered to pay tribute to the goddess, others came to perform rituals during this most holy time. Those warm summer days were brilliant and then four days later my village was destroyed.

I opened my eyes to the darkening night. There would be no more happy memories here, by morning there would be nothing left but a crying land tainted with blood. I could see the armies ships approaching, their large white sails dancing against the growing winds, their color of purity a lie. Inside those ships were things—nightmares that knew nothing of mercy only the depraved joys of torture and death.

A low growl of thunder rumbled in the distance. Tonight would be the last time this storm came and tried to cleanse this land. There would be no washing away what I was about unleash.

My father would be so disappointed, but he was dead and that was another lifetime. A life that Cret was pulling into my present to distract me. I couldn't let that happen. I had made my choice and it was Vondorian. Him and I were fated, I saw that now as the head ship passed below. There would be no stepping back from this edge, not anymore.

Drawing in one last breath of that sweet salt air I stepped off the cliff. The world rushed upward around me, the sense of falling overtaking any of my worried doubts. Air whistled against my ears and raven strands followed behind, a raw powerful energy rose in my gut as I descended upon the ships. Those second thoughts that had been stewing in my mind were left behind as I sailed downward away from my past and into the burdenless future.

Hard wood stopped my descent and forced my body down onto one knee, I had landed on the lead ship ready to drive my fate. Paused calm held for a moment as I gave my choices one last lingering consideration before the world came crashing back forcing me into my new beginning.

Sounds of interested parties started to fill the deck as Vamdari made their way toward me, weapons at the ready. It seemed word had gotten out about the Vamdari life I had taken and these men were ready to have their revenge. There was no fear in my veins despite the current situation I had just landed in. Instead I was filled with the thrilling edge of battle. Insanity spurring my actions to fight instead of flee as more Vamdari crowded the deck of the ship.

I rested there bent on one knee, head down, waiting for the right moment. Whispers of questions spread through the growing crowd bringing a smirk to my face. They knew it was me. Thoughts ranging from confusion to anger over the Vamdari I killed filled their heads.

No weakness, I reminded myself as my mortal emotion of guilt threatened to take me over.

“You no longer have a place here,” an annoying female voice announced from out of the crowd. “Leave before I give the order to kill.”

Ryder. Her scent pushed the falter of my mortal far back to a place I couldn't find. Thrill of challenge pulsed in my veins and Vondorian's blood filled me with the brutality I needed. Lifting my head I focused my scarlet hungry gaze on Ryder, her small figure easy to pick out among the others that towered over us both.

She took a step back when my eyes fixed on her, and all the whispers hushed, replaced by an edgy tension as I stood. Raven strands of my hair tracked with the wind sweeping across my vision for a second, but my stare never wavered. The faint smell of Cret's honeyed-clove scent still hung on my body, filling me with an urge to kill that twitched in my fingertips as I looked at Ryder. The fear hidden in her expression made the need to draw blood even stronger.

Her and I had battled before, many times. She had seen those moments when I lost control and raged like an animal, and yet this was the first time Ryder had looked upon me with fear. It was addicting. Her reaction making my heart beats more rapid and thunderous in my chest. I was suddenly very glad I didn't kill her last night, delighted that one of her men jumped in front of my blow. If he wasn't already dead I would thank him for saving Ryder and giving me this moment.

"Stand down, Ryder. I'm the general of this army. That hasn't changed," I commanded.

"You killed one of your own, you no longer have a rank!" she yelled back. Her statement getting a few weak cheers from the crowd.

I dragged my gaze across the masses and silence replaced the defiant cheers, these men were still under my control. They might never respect me like they did Ryder but they feared me, and that would do. They regarded me as their leader because they feared what I or Master may do to them, but it didn't leave me untouchable. I still had to pay for taking a Vamdari's life or a rebellion would not be far off.

Taking a step forward I drew my sword, a sharp inhale rushed over the crowd before I tossed it aside disarming myself. Suspense hung heavy over the deck as I drew my dagger and struck it down into the wood. There was nothing threatening about me now but my nature. Even disarmed it appeared I put these men at discomfort because they continued to inch back trying to put distance between me and them.

"It was your man I killed Ryder, take your blood." I offered with a grin allowing one of my fangs to peek over my lower lip.

"It's your life the law demands."

"And yet it's only my blood you shall get," I corrected her. "Take your strike or fall in line."

Puffing out her chest she hesitantly approached, stopping a foot away to add. "You killed a Vamdari. You must pay with your life."

A roar exploded from the crowd as she rushed me, a dagger at the ready. Ryder always had a swift lengthy grace to her movements but tonight I could see the quiver in her hand as she approached, swiping for my neck she went for the sure strike. Loss of blood so quickly through any major artery rendered a vampire stunned, giving enough time to complete the kill. How pathetic of her. I took a simple step back to avoid and then stilled Ryder's wrist. The cheers and expressions of excitement from the others halted.

I didn't give her the chance to make another move, I twisted Ryder's wrist down to my midsection and held her hand there with the blade's tip pressing against my corset. Worry creased her gaze as Ryder tried to jerk from my grasp, my free hand gripped her hair and stilled her rebellion.

“Your man went against orders. Disloyalty will not be tolerated.” It was a lie but no one would question me, not with Master Vondorian's support.

This was to be a reminder to not only Ryder but to the all the onlookers. I would not have rebels in my ranks. This was my army and no one else was going to lead it.

Squeezing her wrist I thrust her hand and weapon forward until it pierced my gut. The sharp blade breaking flesh and dripping my blood onto the deck of the ship. The crowd was hushed once again as I forced the weapon to its hilt into my unflinching body, pain coursed through me adding a nice bite that pushed to the edge of battle ready ecstasy.

"You have my blood, my debt is paid. Now fall in line." I growled, tossing Ryder back so she fell on the deck as I turned and addressed the others. "Death is the consequence for disloyalty. Any of my orders not followed will be regarded as treason against Lord Vondorian and our nation. I will not hesitate to kill each and every traitor that crosses my path."

Plum gazes jumped between me and the fallen Ryder. The pain that licked at my stomach did nothing but encourage more violence as I waited to see who would run to Ryder's aid. The first to disobey would be slaughtered. I was ready to kill but no one came. Their gazes drifted away from the commotion and I knew things had returned to normal. I was in charge and they wouldn't question it anymore.

“Lower the sails and prepare to make landfall. Anchor the ships two miles down from the city.” I gave my orders and the ship jumped to life.

Gazing down at Ryder I met her steely stare that iced over her fear. We didn't have to say a word between us to know the other was speaking a threat. This ordeal was far from over, but one day maybe soon, I would kill her. That would be the only thing to end this rivalry.

The look between us broke and Ryder jumped to her feet grabbing the first person that walked pass, "bring the general her armor." The mockery unmistakable in her tone.

Yes, very soon I would kill her.

She was gone, Serenity fled so quickly after my foolish refusal to consummate our arrangement, only remaining long enough to give me details for this evening. I was to meet her just before midnight in the temple. It was the only structure left in the city besides the manor on the eastern side. A simple dulled beacon of what once stood there. That temple had existed for centuries and even now it would continue to survive while everything else fell around it, of that I was sure.

From there she would smuggle me into the manor. I was told there would be only human brainwashed puppets guarding Vondorian. The rest would be waiting farther east along the lake for the ships of Vamdari to arrive. Serenity assured me the army would not arrive until just before dawn, and they were to march tomorrow evening at sundown. That gave us time. Once I killed Vondorian their leadership would fall to Serenity, who swore to report directly back to the nation. They would take no more cities for now.

She gave me hope that I might still be able to save a portion of the valley and myself. The city might have been ruined but the people could still be saved, I was grateful to Serenity for allowing me this. I had a chance to redeem myself even though I had let her slip through my fingers. Something my demon may never forgive.

He was brooding and grumbling deep within me. I was just as upset by my actions. Serenity was giving herself over to me, damn me for not taking the opportunity. It could have been my last chance to have her…but I couldn't. I knew what she was doing, exploiting me to get what she wanted. While my demonic nature had no problems with that, I couldn't bring myself to use her in such away. I had done so much to Serenity in the past, this was my amends.

Now I may never get the chance to explore what we could have been. I had spoken so honestly with her. I held no truth back that stopping her was for the good of this world. There was no denying it, Serenity was the pure essence of darkness in this mortal world, just her walking among them would attract others such as herself if not darker, more violent creatures. Even if she altered her motives and turned her back on the Vampire Nation's conquest, evil would find her like it often did me. Could the mortal world really survive having two creatures like us on this plane?

I had thought of risking it as I breathed in her sage scent, I couldn't be certain which I liked better. This new found stronger aroma of sage or that darkly enticing lavender from last night. My thoughts drifted to her perfect body trapped against mine, the way her eyes traced over my bare chest with impatient hunger, and the arousal flushed over me once again. I was a damn fool for not taking her body and making it mine.

At the moment I was cursing my new found chivalry as I scanned one of the dirt walls in the study. I couldn't think on this anymore it would only madden me further and I needed to focus for the night ahead. There was so much that I needed to do before I took Vondorian's life.

Serenity had promised little to no resistance from him, confessing that her perfectly healed condition was due to the amount of blood she drank from the vampire lord. Leaving Vondorian much like a corpse at the current moment. I doubted even he could recover so quickly from such a state, and for once since agreeing to kill the man, I felt confident I could.

I had jumped so blindly at her request because it was Serenity asking, I was being such a fool. I knew in my condition I couldn't battle her let alone that lord, still I rushed at her request. Even now my intentions weren't completely honorable, while the idea of saving what remained of the people put my shame to rest my motives were far more selfish. I wanted Vondorian dead because he had what I considered mine…Serenity.

What would take place after Vondorian was gone had yet to really enter my mind. I knew Serenity would vanish for a time, but what would I tell the clans? They were gathering in the capital. I should have never made them aware of this situation. It only complicated things. I would have to find away to explain this all to them, would they even believe me?

The last few days of my life had been so extreme even for this era of magic and mystery; this all was some kind of dark fairytale with minimal evidences to the truth. I found it hard to believe at times, and the clan leaders were still very cautious of me. It was surprising they were taking such extreme action with only my word that there was a threat before doing their own investigation. Perhaps they had information I didn't, or maybe they had heard rumors of a possible vampiric attack.

Then there was the topic of Serenity. Should I inform them of her survival? It would do nothing but lead to my own death, and Serenity would be coming for me after this whole thing was over. She would be busy. There would really be no reason to bother the clans with this information.

I could hear Rhea's disapproval inside my head as I looked for that book of hers among the piles of others. Scanning each shelf for the worn brown leather I had yet to come across.

It had to be here.

Maybe I could find some guidance inside its pages, some wisdom she left behind to help me in this matter. I knew what Rhea would do if she were in my position. Duty came first—innocence was to be protected no matter the personal consequences. Ours was a race made for sacrifice and Rhea was always willing to do just that.

I should take her lead and follow but it didn't feel right. It was my pestering gut that was keeping me from doing the safe thing, launching a protest every time I was reminded of my duty—my contract with the Opsona. What it really came down to was which was more important to me—my life and acceptance or exile and death with Serenity.

With everything in perspective, Rhea's wisdom seemed meaningless and I was drawn back to our first meeting. Me fleeing the company of Elders that wanted me dead, and the woman, Rhea, who refused to let me by. I didn't know it then but Rhea had already become my teacher. She showed me in that moment at Damus Canyon that I could control what and who I was if I willed it. Over the years that followed I learned to trust in my own strength, but not anymore.

It didn't matter how strong my will had become. It wouldn't work this time. Serenity had shaken every part of me right down to my Opsona rational.

I ruffled my hair pushing the thoughts from my mind. I needed to focus on one thing at a time. I needed to be ready for tonight, after that I could think on these insane matters all I wanted. For now I would take things as they came and figure the rest out later.

Reaching my hand to the back of my neck I tried to rub out the tension, my gaze falling to the lower shelves. There tucked away in the far corner pushed farther back on the shelf among books twice as large, I spotted it. Rhea's legacy. Its worn leather binding nearly impossible to distinguish from the shelf it rested on, such a simple item and yet it contained more than any of these other books.

Finally. I thought with much relief. If I could do nothing else right I had to at least keep this safe.

Retrieving the book I brushed the collection of dust from it, gently gliding my fingers over the familiar leather binding that had become faded and cracked from years of use. Though it appeared small, no bigger then a journal a traveler might keep in his/her pocket, I noticed it had grown in size since I had last seen it. More wear on the spine, pages ruffled and tucked inside, Rhea must have been working on something before she hid it away.

Falling back into a chair I let the moment fall over me. Opening to a random page, I traced my fingers over the rough paper and scribbled ink. Right away I was comforted, my racing mind settled and I knew Rhea was there with me. Just like all the other times I was in her presence I felt for the first time since arriving that everything was going to end the way it needed to.

This book was my answer to everything—the guidance I so needed. What if you don't like the answer?

The thought sent a fear through me and I slammed the book shut not ready to dive into its pages just yet.

Cret expressed a timid hesitation to my request that wasn't warranted, dressing another's wounds after battle was normal. Then again we were on opposing sides despite the assurance I wasn't here to kill him—at least not at this moment. Waiting with a great deal of impatience I hardened the look in my eyes to make my intent clear. I needed him ready for battle, not wounded and pathetic like he was.

Growing tired of the game I reached for my sword at my side and tossed it on the floor behind him, followed by the dagger in the small of my back. It was my way of showing I was no threat even though we both knew I was just as deadly without weapons. The caution eased from his face and Cret finally started to reach for the edge of his tattered shirt, a crack of a cocky smirk flashed at the corner of his lips, and a hint of naughty suggestion shimmered in his intense eyes.

He wasn't being cautious of me, his shyness was for another reason and I tried to appear annoyed by that, but I felt my body react to his little show. Deviously seductive thoughts no doubt flashing through that mind of his, I wanted to know just what he was thinking but that would only open me up to him. I couldn't give him that edge, so I fought the urge to invade his mind and harden the unamused expression on my face.

I wasn’t here to play his games or to be seduced by his witty, casually intriguing, and enticing personality. I had plans for him. Ones that were far more satisfying than just simply taking his life in a fit of swift revenge.

Typically, it was Vondorian who came up with elaborate schemes, planning every detail in the mission we had been given. His every moment spent on the painstaking task of seeing to his end goals. To me it had always seemed pointless. A waste of precious time when we had the force of the Vamdari behind us, there was nothing our numbers could not overcome, but now as I formed my own cunning web of lies and deceit I understood the allure.

Creatively twisted plots and deeds crafted to perfection in the form of both revenge and closure that would end in a crescendo of corpses, the thought of which had me smirking with anticipation for that final moment. The conclusion to all of this was only a fraction of the thrill edging my body to a new undiscovered high. Enjoyment derived even from these simple moments like back in the temple with that priest, the way he bent so easily to my will and knowing that I was far superior in that one instant to predict the needs and desires of another. It left me filled with a new sense of pride as I watched my puppets dance to my whim.

Cret would certainly take more persuading than that fat old priest, it was that challenge that had me completely seduced in the moment. The idea of luring Cret into this sense of security and exploiting his clear attraction to me was just the build I needed. If he could use me then I would return the favor before crushing his spirit.

I watched as Cret struggled out of his shirt, his head disappearing into the fabric as he pulled it from his body that flinched in pain with each tug to free himself. I should have helped but it pleased me far too much to watch him suffer. My own scar from last night still tingled to remind me of just how dangerous an enemy he was, a fact which aroused my sexually unkempt needs.

Freeing himself from the item he released a groan relaxing back into the chair and I took in the full sight of his body for the first time. The mystery of what those oversized clothes had been hiding now partly revealed, making me interested in what the rest of him looked like.

Fever-inducing honey flesh wrapped around lean defined muscles, a number of scars littered his battle worn body. I found myself thrilled by the overwhelming number of them. Each mangled portion of flesh a flawed mark on rough skin, and thoughts of each scar and the close to death experiences they told filled my mind. I wanted to know the story behind every one. Everything, right down to the small narrow slashed scar wrapping around from his left side. It looked brutal and angry, much darker in color than the rest. Yes, this wound has a very interesting story attached to it.

An itch to trace each one with my fingers tickled in the back of my thoughts as I continued to study him. He was nothing like Vondorian. There was no dark elegance to Cret, or pure raw power that rippled under his flesh. Nothing soft or smooth about his skin and yet I found him to be perfect. Perfectly flawed to the point I was having trouble controlling my fantasies.

Drawn to the red tattoos like scratching lines on the left of his face I could finally trace them down along his neck as they wrapped around his shoulder and disappeared onto his back. I wanted to know the mysterious meaning behind them, what exactly they were and if it had to do with that dark taste in his blood. My eyes jumped to his right on his peck where the Opsona symbol was carved into his flesh, not inked like all the other Opsona but cut deep. The scar looked old and weathered, but the discoloration of another scar that slashed through the symbol looked newer. What exactly was he to the clans? He lacked all the other classic defining marks of the Opsona and yet he was an Opsona. I tasted that, I was sure of it. Opsona blood was far too unique in flavor to mistake it for anything else.

The interest of his history faded as my eyes wandered over every detailed curve of his body. Studying each contour of his chest working down to his abs before settling on the V created by his lower muscles. I felt my breath grow heavy and my mouth run dry as I reached the waist of his pants. Too bad I didn't wound his leg.

He's a murderer, I tried to remind myself but it didn't help.

I still wanted to reach out and trace his marred flesh, to feel his reaction to my touch and run my fingers along every line my eyes had just made across his body.

"You keep looking at me like that and I won't be responsible for my actions," Cret purred and I glanced up to catch the look of lust in his eyes. The emerald green somehow more tempting and fierce than it had been before. I could feel my cheeks warm in embarrassment, a feeling I was not familiar with. I looked away in shame.

"I was looking at the wound," I countered in a feeble attempt to redirect both our attentions.

Turning to the bowl of water I had set on the table, I dipped a cloth in and rang the extra water before looking back at Cret, avoiding eye contact I focused on the wound and forced myself to not look anywhere else. His flesh was ripped and torn so violently I almost felt guilty for what I had done to him, but that lingering thought of his betrayal still burned in my chest. I could live with the pain I had caused him because it could never match the hell he put me through.

There was still blood coming from the torn skin, but the hole wasn't as deep as I had remembered it being, even with my distorted memories of last night, I was sure I had pierced clean through his body. Cret was a wonder to have survived, what was that other half of him that it could stave off death like that?

My mind wandered away from my plans and became lost in my curiosity. I wanted to know this man. He was so new and interesting. An enticing mystery that I needed to solve. I glanced up at Cret through my lashes and caught a cocky grin on his face. He was playing with me again. Pushing the cold wet cloth to the wound I made sure my point was made with a rough gesture, he flinched and groaned as I caused him pain, making me smile in the small victory.

I trained my attention on clearing the blood away more gently than my first pass. It was so hard to resist the urge to touch him. My fingers causally sliding against his flesh as I wiped his skin clean. Each subtle brush of contact made him shiver and caused my body to warm at his reaction. The room was suddenly so very thick with sexual tension. A temptation hung in the air that prickled against my carnal need for satisfaction and I could hear Cret's breathing becoming just a little more labored as I continued.

Each beat of my heart increased in the slow seconds that passed by. It was all I could do to not touch him properly like I so wanted. The thought of Vondorian waiting for me in his bed was gone now. It was just me and Cret in this small room hidden away from the world.

As I cleaned the last of the blood from the wound I peeked up at him to find his gaze on me. Those intense emerald eyes heated peeking through the spiked ghost white tips of his hair, his look so expressive I felt my cheeks flush and my breath catch in my throat.

"I don't understand you," he said finally breaking the lustily heated silence between us. "You are so harsh and violent, and yet your touch is so delicate."

Cret's hand gently took my wrist as his other pulled away the cloth I was holding, directing my hand to his chest. His skin flinched a little under my touch but his warmth was inviting. I melted into the feeling and calm overtook me. My devious intentions for this meeting lost in a single moment, and I no longer felt the need to avenge my wounded vampiric pride.

No, I can't.

Pulling my hand from him I stood up and turned away. I needed distance. "You can bandage yourself." I added making my way toward the window. I needed the fresh air from the valley to clear the fog from my head.

A sigh came from Cret. I knew he was left just as disappointed as I was. "Would it mean anything if I apologized for last night, and the other time?"

"I wouldn't believe you if you did," I replied. "We are enemies Cret. I hold no illusions we could be anything more and you shouldn't either."

The lies poured from my lips as I tried to make my voice sound cold and cruel. It would mean everything if he apologized and I couldn’t hear that, those words would be like an approval to further explore this attraction. I couldn't do that, not now that I had so definitively chosen my path.

A sliver of heartache settled on my chest when I remembered last night, that freedom and strength Cret had given me. The untouchable feeling—though as dark as it was, there was no fear of what my actions could cause me, who was watching me and judging my intentions at every turn. Vondorian's collar was no longer around my neck, I could do what I willed, and even though Master was leaving me unsupervised for the moment I knew I wasn't truly free.

"Very well," the disappointment in his voice stung but I needed to make it clear, there would be no relationship between us. "So what do you want?"

"I want to know why Vondorian needs you alive."

It wasn't the real reason I came here, but I was the curious type and it was a good mask for my true intentions. I needed to give Cret a reason to trust me, something that would draw him into my plot.

"If it's keeping me alive I see no reason to tell you." He toyed with me. I knew he was by the way he let the words glide out of his mouth with that arrogance of his.

"Vondorian is keeping you alive," I growled to warn him but it was only half hearted. I still couldn't get the image of his bare chest out of my thoughts. "How long my will to follow his orders lasts remains to be seen."

The sound of the chair's legs scraping against the stone floor caught my attention but before I could turn to see what Cret was doing I felt his warmth behind me. I swallowed past the knot in my throat from the close contact and remained with my back to him, that soft teasing breath of his at my ear when he whispered, "I couldn't help but notice you didn't call him lord or master." A tone of satisfaction in his voice.

I hadn't noticed my lack of disrespect when speaking of Master. I rarely used his name and even then it was always accompanied by his title. How could I be so disrespectful, was it because I knew he was no longer watching me? That I was free of his hold only briefly since I had weakened him after drinking so much of his blood?

"You're reading too much into nothing," I played it off as causally as I could but my body was on edge. My nipples hardened under Cret's warmth behind me, and the little distance between us. His delightful breath brushed against my neck.

Cret's hands came to rest on my waist and I shivered as he continued to question my motives. "I don't believe you. You wouldn't be here if you weren't questioning your master's orders." He teased me, the distance between our bodies gone as he moved closer pulling me against him.

I didn't like him questioning my loyalty, maybe because what he said was so very true. It was more than I was prepared to face as his hands snaked forward around my body, a warming heat rushing to my core. Even after everything that happened between us, I wanted Cret, or maybe that was just because I left Vondorian like I did. Left his bed before I could fully satisfy myself.

These are just lingering sexual frustrations, not any kind of attraction, I lied to myself.

Forcing false annoyance to take over my desires I grabbed his wrists from my body and twisted to cause pain, "I told you to keep your han—"

My words stumbled from my mouth as he jerked me around to face him, my hold on his wrist altered as he captured mine. Restraining both my wrists with one hand between us he pulled them down and forward to drive my body toward him. By the god's he was deceptively strong, that was so attractive.

"Enough games," he growled low in his throat. "Why have you really come to me?"

"I want Vondorian dead." The words rushed out of my mouth before I could really think them through.

It was a quick reaction to get Cret on my side, if we shared a common goal. Something that I could rally him behind then everything could move forward just as I planned.

Cret laughed in reply before leaning closer to me, "I don't believe you."

"It's true whether you believe it or not." I tried to sound sure of myself. "I know he is trying to make a move on Overlord Mathus, and Lord Mathus takes priority over Lord Vondorian."

It wasn't a complete lie. In the vampire ranks we all knew Overlord Mathus' life was to be protected above all others, but a Vamdari's objective was skewed. Our loyalties ran deep to Vondorian, and while under his command we would lay down our life for Mathus. If the vampire realm ever became divided every Vamdari would stand at my master's side. There was no questioning that. I just hoped Cret didn't know any better.

He didn't release me but I saw the harden skepticism in his eyes ease. "He wants my dagger."

"That damn thing," I growled as the scar on my chest burned in reminder. "What could he possibly want it for?"

"Because it can kill anything, and if he truly is making a move to take over the Vampire Nation the dagger will ensure it."

I let an unconvinced laugh leave my lips. "Your silly toy couldn't even kill me. The thing is unless."

"And yet you have fallen by it twice."

Brooding silence fell between us over the truth we both spoke. That dagger had failed to kill me twice now, but Cret was just as surprised by it as I was. Twice now I had stared down death and each time it had only made me stronger. There had to be a damned angel at my side. Something that was protecting me, but that was just a suspicion and I had more important things to think on. Such as why Cret's life was so important to attainting this weapon.

"Why does he need you alive?"

"The dagger's cursed. It must be handed over willingly or—"

"Or its magical properties won't work." I finished for him, but Cret shook his head at my interruption.

"No the dagger will still kill, but at a price." Cret paused for a moment, hesitating to tell me more before he continued. "If the dagger is not passed on willingly it will take the life of both the victim and wielder. Vondorian requires me to live so I can hand him the dagger without him risking his life to use it."

It seemed reasonable but something about the situation didn't seem right. Master's need to have that dagger passed down by Cret's hand wasn't like him. Yes, a curse had been placed on it, but the Vondorian I knew would not allow that to stop him if his goal was to overturn Lord Mathus. I could see Master getting another to take the dagger forcefully from Cret, and then assassinate Mathus without telling them of the dagger's consequences, that would be far easier then torturing Cret in order to force his hand. Why was Master going through the trouble?

It didn't matter. None of this story was real, Lord Vondorian had shown no signs of betraying the overlord. This was all just a tale of fiction to get Cret to do what I wanted, but then why did Master need the dagger?

"And you have no intention of doing that," I stated more than asked and the determination that creased his brow told me I was right.

I knew men like Cret, warriors, not just Opsona warriors, did not give in to their captors. We could put him through hell and still he would take that dagger to his grave. There had to be more to this than just this silly weapon, the nagging discomfort in the back of my mind was sure of it.

That is none of your concern, I reminded myself.

I came here to bring Cret willingly into my plot. It would be far easier to do that than battle him, even wounded he held an advantage over me and I knew that. No, it would be safer for all if I lured him in with false promises, besides what I had planned for him would bring me more satisfaction than if I struck him down right here.

I wanted to feel delight in my twisted plot but now with Cret so close and my body so heated I wasn't proud at all. Sickness churned in my gut and I almost wished I could take it all back now, but things had been placed into motion it was time to move forward.

"I need your help Cret." I played the desperate maiden as best I could. Remembering just how troubled he was seeing Vondorian's brand on me.

"How do I know this isn't some type of elaborate trap?"

He was good, but I was better. "You are the last person I wanted to come to. You know how to wield the dagger. I can get you close to Vondorian if you promise me you can kill him."

The tone of my voice was filled with confidence and seriousness to the point I believed my goal was to actually kill my master. Conviction poured from me as I stared Cret down trying to force the look into my eyes. I needed his willing trust especially since he still had me trapped in his iron grip.

"And let you kill me the second I have done what you asked." Cret growled, "I'm not that gullible Serenity."

"I call a truce. I'll lead you to him, you kill Vondorian, and we go our own ways. After I have reported back to Overlord Mathus I will come to finish this matter between us. Of that I promise."

He seemed to be in deep thought considering my offer. It was all I had to give him. If he didn't fall for this then I would have to drag him back to the manor, I would prefer not to do that. It would make this evening far more difficult than it needed to be. After a long moment of studying my face he pulled me forward by my captured wrists, my face only inches from his as his heated gaze pinned me.

"Is that all you have to offer?" his words were so suggestive I found it hard to breathe with that stare fixed on me.

I swallowed past the heat rising in my body and tried to control my altered breath as my heart started to beat in rapid succession. It was getting harder to remember myself and the set decision I had made this morning. It was even harder for me to remember this man was dangerous without feeling aroused by that fact.

Cret brought his free hand to the side of my face and caressed my cheek, running this thumb over my lips. I couldn't help tracing my tongue along the path he just made. He exhaled at my actions and I knew just what I had to offer Cret to get what I wanted.

"You want more?" I toyed with him pouting my lips a little to entice him. Men were so easily persuaded when it came to sex.

"I think you need to sweeten this deal if you want me to risk so much."

I let a slight whispered moan pass my lips as he glided his fingers over them again. His eyes danced with lust and need and I knew I had him, just a little nudge and the deal would be done.

"You can have me," I whispered in a subtle moan. Shifting my body against his to grab Cret's attention.

Satisfaction flashed in his eyes before he jerked my wrists again to draw me forward more, his free hand coming to grab my face as he locked gazes with me. "Don't tease me, Serenity."

"It's a serious offer. You can have me until sundown." I repeated my offer leaning into him. "You can do with me whatever you wish, Cret. I'm all yours."

He groaned at my advances and before I could urge anymore his lips slammed into mine. Hungry violence devoured my mouth as he released my wrists and grabbed my waist, my body flushing with a deep arousal like I had never felt before. I was more impatient for this than Vondorian to take me and I found myself tugging Cret closer. Driving my hands into his hair I kissed back nipping at his lips with my fangs that I couldn't keep to myself, my left leg moving on its own hooking around his waist. The feeling of his erection against my body had me dripping with anticipation. I could spare a little fun.

A roar exploded from Cret before he ripped from our heated kiss, drawing my hands from his hair, pinning them on either side of my head against the wall. His breath ragged and heavy as he hung his head in front of me. His surprising reaction left me feeling heated and disappointed. His grip tightened for a moment on my wrists before he spoke.

"Damn you, Serenity," he panted and I was confused. "You would give yourself to me just to be a loyal little subject. How can you forgive them for slaughtering your family, and making you like this but you can't look past me trying to stop you from becoming just another blood hungry vampire? I really wish you would."

His words seemed so pained and I felt that same tug of disappointment from my actions. I didn't know what to say in reply because I had never thought over my past. I hadn't thought about my family in so long and at first as the child I used to be I was angry. My soul had burned for revenge but somewhere along the way, I had lost that part of me. Those desires to avenge my family, my people. They were the desires of a child I had long since said my farewells to, or at least I thought I had.

"Not like this," he said. "I don't want you like this. You're doing this to get what you want out of me. I won't trade favors for sex. Not with you."

I felt my heart still. I didn't know what to do or how to respond. This was my world. Doing whatever it took, and the men and some women I had offered myself too had always taken it. I didn't understand his declaration. I almost felt insulted by his refusal. I went to protest and degrade him but then he looked up. An expression in his eyes I could not place, a strange look with a crack of a smile on the corner of his lips and I was wordless yet again.

"You get me close and I'll kill Vondorian for you, but I won't take advantage of what we have between us. It will happen naturally I'm sure of that."

He released my wrists and turned from me running his fingers through his hair, I could do nothing more than stare at him in amazement. Cret was passing on something he clearly wanted and would never have again despite his confidence over the matter. Such a fool.

Sinking down into the weathered wooden chair, I stared down at my hands coated in rich black dirt and dried blood. The fresh scent of earth still clung to them breaking through the musty air of Rhea's secret study. I cut Victoria down. Helped her in the only way I could and then buried the body near the ruins. It seemed the best I could do at the moment. She should have been buried with her father under the temple but that was an impossible task given Tentusa's current state. Later when all this was over I would return and give her the burial she deserved, but for now she was at peace in the ruins where so many other souls slept.

I wondered how the world had changed on me. Everything I knew and was taught shifted beneath my feet, leaving me suspended over a chasm of a new, terrifying world. Not even here, among Rhea's most cherished belongings did I feel comforted. Tucked away in her secret room where it still felt like she was living somewhere out there. This was home to her for generations and now it was just a painful reminder as I looked at all her most important works stacked on shelves carved out of dirt walls. This was the place I learned everything I knew, a teacher and student studying in these modest chambers. Coming here always made me feel at home, but not this time. Despite the warmth seeping from the earthy walls, I was cold. Chilled by the harsh realities just outside.

A steady slow drip of blood from my side the only sound in the room as it formed a shallow puddle beneath me. The gentle taunting howl of wind swept by outside of the small slit of a window along the back wall. From here you could see down into the valley and onto the city. I didn't want to look. There was nothing left down there to gaze at, just wreckage.

I needed to get up and clean my wound, the other smaller cuts on my body had already healed, but this hole in my side was stubborn. It needed to be dressed and then I needed a meal to regain some of my strength, but I wanted to do none of it.

Leaning back in the chair I let my body stretch out and my gaze travel toward the ceiling, a rush of defeated air left my lips. I couldn't think on any of it anymore, my physical and emotional limits had been spent and now there was nothing. Not a single thing that could ground me. I found myself back at the place I was in my younger years—a wanderer with no direction and a shame that followed everywhere.

The musty smell of old worn books and scrolls surrounding me with their knowledge, years of dictations scribbled down. Words of wisdom littering the aged wooden table in front of me, and all I could do was drift off into blank thought. Let the confusion of mind and emotions take me over, and hope that I emerged with some form of direction.

"You should care for yourself better," Serenity's voice startled me to my feet. "And clean that wound before you get an infection."

I stood there in shock looking at her, the woman who had rejected me and still she took up every second of the thoughts racing in my mind. The demon within awoke with a warning hiss as I took in her appearance, not a single scratch on her. It was like last night had never happened. Serenity's body was in perfect condition. Arms folded across her chest and leaning against the far wall, she looked completely at ease and that pissed me off.

"How did you find me?" It was the first question that came to mind, was I really being that careless that I was so easily followed?

"I knew you would be coming here."

"How?"

"No one else knows about this place, and your scent was well covered. So does it really matter how I knew?"

It mattered because no one got the drop on me. It was one of the few traits the Opsona actually praised me for, or at least acknowledged. The thing that shocked me more was that she was the one that snuck up on me, I was far too attune to Serenity for her to be capable of that, or at least I thought.

The fact she bested me at something, even if only for a moment in time brought my demon out of his wallowing hole and sent his need to challenge to the forefront of my mind. Her demeanor did little to aid the situation. My demon and I were both still wounded by her rejection last night, and seeing Serenity there in such a causal manner added to the sting of our wounded ego.

"You look surprisingly well." I noted to her perfect condition drawing the conversation in a new direction to distract myself.

"One of the many advantages of being a vampire."

"Ahh yes. Drink a little blood and everything in your world turns out fine." I growled at her more then I meant to, jealousy hiding in my words.

We were both different, unique in our creation, but I was more limited than her. Blood was a cure all for just about any affliction that could harm a vampire. Time was my only cure. I could stave off infections that would kill a normal mortal, survive wounds that not even Opsona's could, but still I was restricted by an element I could not control. Time. Serenity had no such restrictions.

Her cold stoic look faltered a little at my comment as she took a step toward the table. I flinched back in response completely on guard, waiting for her to attack while I was still weak.

"Settle yourself before you make your injuries worse," she warned, reaching for one of the chairs at the table and pulling it out before sitting. "I don't delight in drinking blood, it's the cowards way out. I would have rather healed on my own strength."

Her words left me a little confused. I knew she devoured blood with the same need and lust that others of her kind did. It was a drug vampires needed and craved every second their immortal hearts beat.

Over the years and many evolutions of the vampire race they had learned to control their cravings. The blood-lust not nearly as ravenous as it was talked about in ancient times, but it was still an insatiable need they had frail control over. Along with their vanity it was the only exploitable fault of the race. Despite her natural instinct to crave blood Serenity seemed disgusted by it, ashamed. That was interesting.

"Besides you have no call to judge me. You're no more mortal than I am." Her tone grew dark and victorious as she leaned back in the chair.

Serenity's gaze locked with mine, a caution in her eyes but not rage or hunger like last night. None of that creature I witnessed before was there. This was all Serenity. The sage of her scent was strong today to the point I could smell no lavender only an odd sweetness she never gave off before now. Even her scarlet eyes lacked the cruel beauty that was common for her. She was altered somehow.

Serenity closed her eyes and inhaled for a long moment then exhaled licking her tongue along those lush lips of hers. The rejection from last night rushed away in a sudden wave of arousal.

Damn her.

"Yes, there is something that mingles with your blood, and I'm not talking about that rich Opsona heritage of yours. It's something much darker." A twisted smirk appeared on her face and I took a step back, turning my head away.

I focused my attention elsewhere not wanting the conversation to continue. Talking about my father or what darkness he gave me was not something I wanted to discuss, especially not with her. I knew what the other creatures in the Underworld thought of my father's family, how they treated them. Not that I cared for the emotional suffering of the man, but it would only make a joke out of me. The Rebrosnus Faction of the Crepus Vali, we were nothing but a smear on the heel of every Underworld being. Legend painted my father's family as misfits among the nightmares of the other realms. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing that.

"Why are you here? Come to finish me?"

"No, sadly enough." She sounded far too disappointed about not killing me than I would have liked. "Master Vondorian wants you alive."

"So you've come to collect me then."

"No."

"Stop playing games. I tire of them," I growled which triggered a laugh, she was toying with me.

"I thought you liked playing games Cret," she mocked. "Suddenly not so playful once someone else has the upper hand."

I looked back to her with aggravation creasing my brow. I had always had the advantage over her, that was what my patience and stalking rewarded me with but now the tables were turned. The smug smile on her face burned through me as she tapped a finger to her head. A flaunting show reminding me I could no longer read her thoughts and I wished like hell I could. Maybe then I wouldn't be so on edge if I knew her intentions.

"Been studying I see," I mused, trying to regain the ground I lost, fighting to keep my calm exterior. It wasn't easy. My demon had a need to dominate, becoming more persistent the longer I gazed at that smug expression plastered across her face.

"I'm a fast study, and your blood taught me so much."

That last part startled me. I knew last night before we battled there was something different about her. A new clarity had taken root in her eyes, a revelation that hadn't been present before. Serenity had gained something down in those tunnels and from what she was telling me it was my blood that unlocked these new abilities. That couldn't be possible.

Memories, thoughts, information passed through blood was so rare, an impossibility outside of a few races and vampires were not among them. It was normal for vampires to pick up traits from their sires only because their bonds were so intense. There had even been rare reports of the strong emotions from victims felt by their vampire attackers. The idea that Serenity was able to learn a whole ability just by drinking my blood was disturbing and brilliant. Was this what made her so special? Or was the vampire race just evolving yet again?

"That's not all I learned Cret," she said with a wide smile that filled me with dread. "The second your blood touched my lips it all became so clear. Memories, your memories, filled in the gaps. I suddenly had a full picture of the night you murdered me."

Her last words were dark, the urge to lash at me heating her gaze. I felt relief in that. Serenity still wanted me dead and I didn't blame her, but if that was all she learned from my memories, I was thankful. My secrets were safe and intact. Serenity's need to see my blood stain the floor, I could handle. Her knowing me, really knowing me. No, I wouldn't risk it.

"Is that why you are here?" I asked sitting down in the chair I had sprung from when she first appeared. "You want to kill me, take revenge? It won't change anything."

She gave a light laugh and glanced away. "You're pathetic right now. I only want to fight you at your best, anything less would be a waste of my time."

I wasn't sure about her motives though her argument did put me at ease. I knew every word of what she said to be true, that was the Serenity I knew better than myself at times. Honorable to a fault, so long as that creature of hers remained at bay.

If she wasn't here to kill me or bring me to her waiting master, then why had she come?

Watching with a cautious eye I tried to draw any information I could from her as she stood. Tracking each step as she made her way to the little bucket near the window used to catch rainwater.

What do you have planned Serenity…What is it you want?

I asked over and over trying to get a fix or at the least an idea of what her intentions were. She had become so hard to read. Every point of her behavior was erratic leaving me staggering for answers.

Turning to a table on her right Serenity shifted so her body blocked my view. I grew a little nervous hearing the sounds of items moving and shifting. I wanted to jump up and race over to her, but before I could she turned back my way, hands full with a small bowl and a rag along with some bandages.

Strolling with that causal air back toward the table, she laid the items down and drew a chair closer to me. I tensed a little not sure just what she was planning on doing with all these items, but it couldn’t be what it looked like.

"Off with your shirt," Serenity demanded. I found myself reading a lot more arousing details into her command than I was sure she intended.

"Excuse me?"

"Take off your shirt so I can clean your wound. It's clear you have no intention of doing it."

The doors of the temple whipped open in an intimidating display of power, my power. I entered the overcrowded temple without any of the sickness I had felt before, no gut wrenching protest from the divine. They couldn't touch me now. Stagnant air rushed from the open doors filled with the scent of rotting wounds and spoiled flesh, mixing with the sweet aroma of death and wet ash that filtered in from the ruins of the city. Two worlds were clashing in this holy place, one of feeble hope clinging onto what remained of life, and the other of ruination. The harsh reality that would soon befall these people, but first I had business to attend.

I stormed in like a clap of thunder. This temple was all that was left. The only building in the aftermath of the Vamdari's tantrum from last night. Ryder's men had burned everything else and herded the people into the temple much like animals, that was just what they were. Animals being rounded up for the slaughter. When the army landed this evening, we would feast, toast our success and bless the coming battles. It was a tradition. A ritual of sorts and these people were our sacrifices.

The mass of people that once overflowed into the halls stretching out from the community chamber now extended farther. There were hundreds packed within these walls, each one giving off the most delectable scent of terror as I marched through the tightly packed numbers. People started to shift and stand, watching me with horror stricken eyes, my unmasked appearance no doubt a startling revelation for them. There was no reason to hide myself any longer, their fates were sealed. I flaunted my darker features and blood colored eyes feeling the beauty and power I did last night. That pervious feeling of dark seduction, the elegance of some brutal creature beaming off me despite the lack of my creature. This feeling I would keep.

The holy protest of the gods protection didn’t stop me like before. It couldn't. Not with Vondorian's blood racing through my veins, I was more powerful than I had ever been before. The small tastes I was allowed from him were nothing compared to what I was feeling now. Strong wasn't the right word. I felt godly. He had never offered me so much, but I would take it again just to feel this untouchable.

In our hungry kissing and physical exploration of each other's impassioned bodies, he offered me more than I could ever imagine, and I gorged myself on him. My dark lord. I was left free to do as I willed. Vondorian finally trusted me as he did in the past, his dark voice inside my head was gone, in fact all of them were gone.

Walking into this place should have flooded me with mental chatter, the mortal emotions that clung to the atmosphere should have been taking over, but again none of it could touch me. The feeling, so liberating, sharp tingling awareness pricked at my skin making me feel more alive than I had ever been as I rode the high of Vondorian's power. He was all I needed. I knew that now.

It was the idea of Vondorian waiting for me and the prospect of finishing what we had started that lifted my stomach in excitement. Time and events couldn't pass fast enough for me to return to him. My lips were still warm and swollen from his kisses, my body covered in his vanilla scent. By morning I would be in his bed, becoming his and he becoming mine. Then at night fall we would march together with the army toward the capital. Vondorian was right—the world was going to change.

First I had the matter of the high priest to deal with, the bastard who had so willfully tested my patience before. Then there was the matter of the villagers, the ones Cret forced me into sparing. They didn't fear me like they should have, and now I would make sure they cowered before me. Which was what they did seeing the ease I displayed in navigating the room, the rawest depraved version of me on show for them. The other priests didn’t even step forward to stop me. What could they do? Even the holy beauty of this place was falling at my feet.

The once polished marble was drained of color and vibrancy. This place no longer held the awe I felt as a child. It was just another holy place I was to decimate, just another in a long line of temples and churches I would burn and reduce to ash. The last moments of this holy temple had already begun, it was clear in the dulled beauty of this place. The vivid murals of the gods and goddesses were now pale with chipped paint. The altars were dimly lit and the items placed before the statue of the goddess were tattered and worn. How easy purity was to sway and destroy, it made me chuckle…pathetic.

Stopping in front of the altar where the giant statue of the Peace Goddess sat, I looked up at her. Judgment creased her stone face and I felt a challenge, one I would gladly take on and win. I would show her people they were not safe, not even in this holy place. Nothing could stop me until my hands were wet with Cret's blood, and even then I wouldn't stop. I would see this mortal world overrun with nightmares from the exiled realms. Show those gods how easily everything could fall into complete chaos. I had to show them.

Soon this valley would be a crater where no living thing would dare enter. The darkness would pour through the cracks of the devastation. I would reign upon these grounds, that moment was fated. She couldn't stop it any more than I could.

"I told you," the enraged voice of the high priest yelled at me. "You are not welcom—"

My hand grasped his throat as he came closer cutting off his words. Hearing his voice and demands was an annoyance. Welcomed or not I went where I pleased.

Lifting the fat man off the ground with such ease caused a gasp to rush over the crowd. People jumped to their feet, the other priests inched forward to aid and then paused with uncertainty. Their actions left me with an edgy need to slaughter them all and this annoying priest, but he would live—for a few more moments. I had plans for him…Painful plans.

He struggled in my grasp, clawing at my hand that clasped around his throat as I walked him back to a door. It was then that other priests finally forced themselves into action and rushed in our direction. I put my other hand up to stop them. "Follow us and I will kill him without hesitation."

My tone was steady, cold, and calm. It was perfect, my old self returning so fast. I was back to the vampire I was before Cret cut me down in battle. No more inner conflict, no more struggle against morals and emotions I never wished to have. I pushed the high priest through the door and toward a spiral staircase leading down, suspending him over the edge of the steps. Intoxicating fear reflected in his eyes sharpening my high. I held him there for a long moment dangling over the descending darkness of the spiral steps. Once I could draw no more enjoyment from the moment I released him, letting his pudgy figure tumble down into the pitch black nothing as I followed behind at my leisure. An array of groans and painful grunts echoed up from the darkness, followed by a harsh release of air as he hit the bottom. I could do whatever I wanted to this man down here, no one would hear his screams.

I reached the bottom just as the priest was struggling to his feet.

"How dare y—" My hand was at his throat before he could say more. His voice was so damn annoying.

"Don't speak, it only makes me want to kill you faster and I want to enjoy this." I instructed releasing his throat so he could get his breath, he would need it for the screaming.

Watching as the priest heaved in and out for every small amount of air that passed through his strangled sore throat was pleasing. The scent of death so heavy in the air pushed me to a place of reckless depravity, I wanted to see this man's blood here among the stale dimness. It would be so black and fluid, running along damp slick stones that hadn't seen the light of day in centuries. Spices and powerful perfumes assaulted me as I inhaled deeper, mixed with decaying corpses. The catacombs.

I had no idea what this place was when I first forced the priest down the steps, but now it was all too fitting I should choose this place. Here among the most honored dead, the most sacred place in the entire valley, I would desecrate it with the blood of a holy man. Lay my claim to it and watch every pure and sacred aspect wash away under my intimidation. Yes, this was perfect.

A warm glowing light to the left flickered against my vision, drawing my attention from the doomed priest. I glanced in the direction and then back to my victim, ignoring it until something drew me back for a second glance. This time my eyes lingered on the curious room for longer than a passing second. The soft timid glow of candlelight breaking through the darkness intrigued me. So small a light defeating such a looming force, how?

I took a step forward toward the room when the priest grabbed at my arm. "Stay away from her!" he demanded.

Throwing him to the ground, I ignored the protest and continued toward the odd light. Just outside where my vision was still obstructed by the wall, a familiar scent hit me. Every limb of my body froze and I stopped breathing.

That rose aroma had haunted me for days, the phantom memory of a life I took. A tremble started in my hands, and I clenched them into fists before pushing on. This was ridiculous—she was just another victim. Another life I took without reason or care. That was how I lived…That was how I wanted to live.

Certain I could handle whatever my imagination told me was just around the threshold, I walked in strong willed but unprepared. The mortal feelings of guilt flooded over me and my newfound cruelty and power-fueled brutality vanished.

Rhea lay there on a stone bed surrounded by melted candles that were dwindling away to dripping ribbons of wax. Soft light flickered off the outline of her body basking her in an otherworldly glow, capturing me in awe. She was dead, her body as cold as the stone she lay on, but there seemed to be a judging life-force in her. Those pale green eyes flashed in my mind and the emotions took over.

The guilt, shame, conflict—they weren't gone. They didn't fade and leave me to my former self. I still felt every bit of the emotions even through Vondorian's power that beat in my chest.

Rhea's last plea replayed it my mind like it had before. There was no stopping it now as I stared at her corpse.

'You have a choice.'

I had killed thousands of people throughout my life. I had heard people beg before, saying wild and random things in their last moments. Why did she and her words matter so much?

"Leave he—" The priest growled grabbing my arm again, the weak contact of his hand against my skin was enough to snap me from my guilt-riddled haze.

Slamming the man into the wall, I pressed my arm across his throat, my unmasked scarlet gaze focused on him. "I'm going to give you an option," I said forming a series of events inside my head. "Save yourself and this pathetic mortal world, or die with the people in the temple above us. The choice is yours, but know that there are others I can go to. I don't have to spare your life."

An array of emotions washed over his face until I finished speaking and he belted out his answer without thought. "Y-y-yes…Yes, I'll do whatever you say."

My inner cruelty fluttered with approval at how quickly he swayed. Humans were no different from savage animals. It was all about the individual. Evil resided in their hearts just as it did mine. The difference was I enjoyed it.