FLASHBACK

"Sonja, did you hear that?" I asked. We were patrolling outside the walls, in the forest. Everything had been going smooth until I heard an odd rustle.

"Hear what?" She asked, now on alert. My senses were heightened compared to the rest of the Kingdom's.

"I am not sure. It was just an… out of place rustle. Could be anything." I said, but stopped. A sudden smell took over that of the wet forest. A sort of musky smell, rigid. Vampires had a smell of Death, Life, and something else depending on the vampire. This was the opposite. It had a sense of mindless rage and…. I took in a deep breath. Wet dog.

"Run." I pulled my sword from the holder at my side. Sonja mocked my move, ready for anything. "I said run!." I yelled. She nodded once before riding off. I stayed where I was, waiting. A few seconds later, another rustle came from behind me. With the speed of lighting, I spun around. My sword connected with the tough, meaty flesh of a Lycan. It sliced through the bloody tissue, decapitating the beast. A howl ripped through the silence. Another joined it, then another. Hell.

"Yaa!" I said, kicking my horse, making him take off. He did, with speed faster than any other. The pounding of paws traveled behind me. I went faster, catching up with Sonja in no time.

"Get ready, their gaining." I said, riding beside her. The growling rose as another Lycan jumped between us. With our quick reflexes, we cut it into three pieces, our swords slicing through easily. Out of the corner of my eye, I seen one of the mongrels, running on the cliff side, ready to lunge. "Sonja, look out!" I yelled, making her look up just in time to see the monster jump. Her sword met it's rough flesh, slicing it. I determined that there were about three more behind us, we'd never take them like this. "Go, Sonja. As fast as you can."

She took off quicker, me following suit. We were halfway to the castle. The Guards were shooting large, wooden stakes, only hitting 2. Only one remained, running quickly behind us. The Castle doors were closing and we were almost there. Looking up, I spotted Viktor's Lycan pet, Lucian. He pushed the Guards from the stakes and took position. A trouble for Viktor he will become. I watched as he took his shot at the mongrel, hitting it perfectly. It slid in a bloody path into the castle, stopping at our horses feet. I looked over at Sonja, checking her health. She was perfectly fine, especially when her gaze me Lucian's. I rolled my eyes. Like I said, trouble.

I seen Viktor marching towards us as I pulled my helmet off, releasing my bloody hair. No doubt he, and all his glory, had something to say. As usual, he went off on one of his rants. And as usual, I ignored him. What he has to say has no concern of mine. He exchanged heated words with his beloved Sonja and orders with his prized Lycan, before turning to me.

"And you! Just what were you thinking?" He yelled. I rolled my eyes again and began to un-strap my torso armor. I did not need this lecture. The stress of the Lycans is getting closer and closer to the Castle walls was enough on me.

"I was thinking that I was doing my duty." I said calmly. No need to let anger get the best. Viktor scoffed, moving closer. I turned slightly, taking a sparing stance. My hand placed itself closer to my sword.

"Your duty? Your duty is to keep yourself alive. To do so, you stay within the castle walls, being a diplomat." He hissed and I lost it.

"My duty is to protect my kind! I was born to serve the race in which my blood runs through! I am not a bloody coward like yourself!" That last statement earned me a slap. It rang throughout the silent corridors, passageways, and cells. I could feel blood run down my cheek in a trail. I spun back towards him, my heart blazing with fire.

"I've done more for our kind than you ever will!" Viktor yelled. My sword was on his throat in an instance. Once my quick actions were recognized, 20 or so was pointed at my own. I cared not. My death would only bring hell on them.

"And yet, you cower behind your walls. That is understandable, oh War God." I removed my sword. "I do not care. I will not protect you anymore. Any of you. You, Viktor, and your Kingdom can burn in Hell." With tha, I walked away, grabbing Sonja as I did. She was confused as usual. "Watch your wondering eyes, Sonja." I hissed and pushed her away. Her actions will lead to her death. Viktor will never change. He will always be that egotistical, aged Blood. I growled and hurried up the stairs.

"Enkeli." A voice behind me called. I stopped and turned.

"Kraven." I sighed. One of the few people who actually care. I smiled and pulled him into a kiss. Even though he is my Guardian, I care about him. In more than one way. He pulled away, frowning.

"What was that all about? Can you not just keep your mouth closed?" He questioned. I rolled my eyes and continued onto my room. Of course, he tried to stop me, but I just shrugged him off. I do not care what he has to say.

I was relieved when I reached my room. Quickly I opened the door and rushed in. I rested against it, face down, when I closed it. The events of today have just been so overwhelming. I was finally alone. Just when I thought that, a hand breached the darkness and attached itself to my shoulder.

END OF FLASHBACK