A/N - Thanks so much to those that have commented on the first two parts, it means so much to know that people are reading this and enjoying it. This chapter is quite short, I'm afraid, but the next one will be the big fight, and so you can expect it to be rather long! I hope you enjoy this chapter - please review if you do :)

Part 3

Lucian watches, features twisted into a smile that for once is only vaguely tainted by the loss that underlines everything, never ending, always present even in bright moments such as this.

And then there were two. Two hybrids. Two of us stepping out into a bright new dawn.

With Michael at my side we shall finally have the means to end this damned war.

As if it was ever a war…

…as if it were ever more than Victor's hateful purge of my brethren.

But still, even if we succeed, it shall be too late.

Always too late to save her.

Sonja…

Distracted, Lucian doesn't notice Kraven bringing his gun up silently to aim at his chest.

And either does he see Victor enter the room, rage in those vile blue eyes, frozen by the sight of Sonja's replacement bent over her lycan love.

Not until bullets enter his chest at close range, the force flinging him backwards to land in a heap at the feet of his former master. The symbolism isn't lost on him, even amidst the pain, and a bitter sneer tilts his lips for a moment and remains there, even as Victor bends down and grips him by the neck, drawing him up until his clawed feet barely scratch the floor.

A slight tightening of his grip and my windpipe will collapse…what is preventing him from making that move? If I had such an opportunity, I would not hesitate before bringing about his death.

Unless…does he not realise just what…who…he has caught? Have Selene's actions so blinded him with rage that he cannot even recognize the features of the one he most despises?

Lucian very nearly laughs despite his perilous situation, but the amusement passes almost instantaneously, his features hardening.

No, I will not be some anonymous death by his hands.

I will kill him, and he shall know that it was I.

He shall know that I have avenged his daughter, finally.

Lucian pushes words past the fingers tight around his throat, voice thick with hate.

"Is that any way to treat your son-in-law, Victor?"

Victor hisses, eyes flashing dangerously, and Lucian uses the moment of shock to lash out with clawed hands, freeing himself and moving out of range of Victor's sword in one fluid movement.

If Victor was furious before, now he is rage incarnate, the seething, hateful monster that usually hides behind cultivated façade on full display.

Spittle flecks the air as he snarls violently.

"Lucian. You have perverted the natural order for the last time."

His eyes flick up and down, narrowing as they take in Lucian's changed form.

"You defile my daughter, you turn yourself into a living abomination, and even that is not enough for you!"

Lucian's gaze follows Victor's, over to where the Death Dealer watches with fearful eyes.

She does not fear for herself.

No, her concern is only for Michael, body poised in front of his protectively as he shakes and groans, the change commencing.

Victor shall not take them from each other, as he took Sonja from me.

I growl deep in my throat and leap towards Victor, digging claws into cold, dead skin and sending both of us flying, away from Michael and the Death Dealer, crashing through concrete and dust and landing with a splash into the water below.

Pulling myself to my feet, I face the monster that blighted my life forever.

He draws his sword.

I bare my teeth and wonder if he can see his certain death reflected in the black of my eyes, as I can see mine in his.

Then there is no time for thought, only claws and fists, slicing swords and pain, pain, pain…