Hey I'm back with chapter one! Now I know that this story has a slow start but things start to pick up in the next chapter. Keep with me people! This chapter is set 3 years after the prologue just so you understand. Anna needs to be older for the events in the story!

Disclaimer- See first chapter (Prologue)

Werewolf Hunt

Dusk fell on Valerious manor; and darkness began to envelope Vaseria. A small group of travellers walked up the steep pathway to the entrance of the manor, torches and weapons in hand. Inside, Velkan was gathering weapons and torches to give to the hunting party. Boris Valerious had made it very clear ever since Velkan's thirteenth birthday, that he wanted Velkan to hunt Werewolves like all the other men in the village. Anna was now thirteen and she wanted to join the hunt just like her brother.

"It's not fair." Anna fumed. "Why shouldn't I be allowed to go? I've had just as much experience with swords and guns as the men from the village-maybe more! And I'm old enough!" Velkan chuckled to himself. He knew that his father would have a tough time dissuading her from coming if she was in this sort of mood.

"Anna, Mama and Papa are just trying to do what's right by you. It's nothing personal. Papa is right when he says it's dangerous out there."

"I know it is dangerous Velkan! And as for mama she thinks I should be learning to cook and clean, not how to wield a sword." Anna sighed.

"At least talk to Papa and ask him again if you can join in before you get angry." Velkan jumped from the table he was standing on and stood beside his sister. "It's worth a try." Anna looked up at him and smiled.

"Alright, I'll ask him again." She turned to leave. Changing her mind she turned back to face her brother.

"Velkan?" This time it was his turn to turn around. "Thank you." He smiled at her lovingly.

"It's fine. Now go and ask him before we leave." Anna grinned and ran from the room so fast, she was gone in seconds.

The men from the village were gathered in one of the smaller common rooms in the house. The mood was light as the men preferred to relax before they went hunting. Werewolves could smell fear for miles around. Anna walked apprehensively into the dimly lit room, hoping that her father would talk to her before it was time to set off. As Anna entered the room, all eyes turned towards her. Most were inviting and friendly but as she gazed around, her eyes fell on Fredrik, her father's general of the hunt. His icy glare was enough to make her turn her attentions back to finding her father. Anna turned to her right and found her father sitting on the arm of a big chair; laughing and joking with one of the younger men in the team. When he saw Anna, Boris stood up and embraced her.

"Anna! What can I do for you my love?" He looked at her expectantly.

"I wanted to know if I could join the hunt." Boris' inviting smile turned to a slight frown. He put a strong arm on Anna's back and guided her out of the room. Sighing deeply, he spoke.

"Anna. I'd love to take you on the hunt with me. But it is just too dangerous for someone of your age. Plus your mother doesn't think it's such a good idea."

"So you're saying that I'm too young and Mama doesn't want me to go?" Anna replied.

"Basically, yes my dear." Boris touched Anna's shoulder, thinking he had swayed her round.

"Even though Velkan was my age when he went on his first hunt?" By this time, Anna's mother, Helena, had joined the conversation.

"Anna. I don't want you out there in the dark hunting something that could kill you. You should be at home with me, where you're safe."

"Mama, I don't care about how safe I am. We won't have a chance against Dracula if I don't learn the techniques of Werewolf hunting. So I need to go with Papa. Please?" Boris sighed.

"I'm alright with it as long as you stay close to someone dependable." Anna jumped up and hugged her father.

"Thank you Papa! I'll go and tell Velkan." Gazing after her daughter, Helena looked to Boris.

"Look after her, don't let her get hurt." Boris smiled at his wife. "I won't let anything happen to her. But she was right. If we are to win against Dracula, we must give them the experience they need." With a last look at his wife, Boris returned to his team to start the Werewolf hunt.

Please review I love to hear your opinions on my writing. No flames if you can possibly help it ;)