Brotherhood clash

"Very well then soldier, lead me to my brother." And with that the officer bowed and led Zephon and I to the rest house, where Raziel awaited. Zephon spoke to me before entering the house.

"You are about to meet my eldest brother, Kain's right hand and favorite." He licked his lips. "There are things you should know about him. He tends to get annoyed fairly easily, so try not to aggravate him. He has very high standards and expects to be treated with respect, as I do as well. On the positive side, however, he has a charming personality, which makes him likable around many. He is a very honest and opinionated man, so don't be offended if he says something to you. All you can do is throw it right back at him." He smiled at me and in turn I did the same. "Oh and one more thing. He tends to have a charm on women, so be aware." I rolled my eyes. "Yes you have that reaction now, but wait until he stares at you all the time. It gets annoying how he stares so much." I nodded.

"Whatever you say, "My Lord".

"Yes don't forget to call him that either, but don't fret he sort of likes humans." I lifted my brow. Zephon opened the huge door to the rest house, and we stepped in. The room had about seven vampires in it , which they seemed to keep the place in order. In the center of the room, there were a few plush couches surrounding a fireplace. It almost seemed like some kind of lodge. And out of nowhere there came this voice.

"Brother! I was wondering when you would show up!" This caught us by surprise. It was then we looked up... and it was Raziel, coming down the stairs of the top floor of the place. At that moment I felt my heart stop. I've never seen such a handsome man in my life before. Even if he was a vampire, who was said to be wretched and ugly, ever wrong. His face was pale like Zephon's, black lips, and golden eyes. His hair was fascinating. His bangs came down to about his jawline and the rest was tied back in a ponytail. He also wore similar armor and trousers like Zephon, only his clan cloak was red. Now I honestly didn't care if he stared too much at me, I wouldn't mind.

"Ah, brother what brings you here?" Zephon spoke and greeted his brother by shaking his hand.

"What? I can't come for a visit to see how my younger sibling is doing? I am shocked you would question me, Zephon." He then looked at me, his eyes made me melt. "And...who is this Zephon?" Zephon looked at me and gave me a "be prepared" look.

"This, Raziel, is my personal servant Regina. She accompanied me here to visit my troops. Regina this is my eldest brother, Raziel."

"Please to meet you Lord Raziel." I bowed in front of him with respect.

"Same here my fine lady." He took my hand and kissed it, causing me to blush. "Very beautiful lady you have here brother. Very well mannered and respectful. I am honored to meet such a girl." My whole face turned red now. I could feel the heat on my face as if it was on fire.

"Thank you, brother. Now shall we?" Zephon motioned us to sit down on the couches in the center of the room. He had ordered a servant to bring some refreshments.

"Would you like anything to drink Regina?" Zephon asked me before sitting down.

"No thank you sire." Raziel looked at me.

"Nonsense." He turned to the servant. "Bring our lady some hot tea." Zephon sat down next to me.

"So. What is it that you came for, Raziel?"

"I told you I came for a brotherly visit, Zephon"

"The hell you did brother! We both know that I would be the last one on your list to visit!" Raziel sighed in defeat.

"Actually Zephon, the Master wanted me to check up on you."

"What! Check up on me? What is he concerned about that he should check up on me?"

"Lord Kain thinks the Sarafan may be plotting an attack somewhere along your borders. However, he does not think that your men are ready to defend if indeed there is such an attack." He believes that you will cost us the war if you fail and your armies, fall. He did not want you to make the same mistake again." He sighed. "So father sent me to investigate your "secret" facility."

"But how in God's name did you find it? It is not on the map!"

"You know father has his suspicions. With you always away from all of us, he decided to follow you one day. He has seen everything here. But I must say, with father's difficulty to keep anything confidential, I doubt this place will remain secret any longer." Zephon's eyes widened.

"Do the other clans know of this existence?"

"I would presume, Zephon." Zephon put his head down and his hands in his hair. At that moment I wanted to hug and comfort my sire in the best way I could. The mockery he was going through. It was quite sad really, how his own Father doubted him. How he believed Zephon would make the same mistake again. I moved closer to Zephon and rubbed his back. I really wouldn't know how he felt. I was an only child, but to be doubted by your own family was unbelievable. I could see Raziel at the corner of my eye, he was watching what I was doing.

"It seems she cares a lot about you brother. People like that are not to be wasted or misused in any harmful way." Zephon looked up at me and I smiled, hoping to bring him up from the depths from where he fell. He smiled back.

"Yes, I know."

"Well now that you know the bad news, there is really nothing for me to say, at least about this incident." He looked at me. "Well Regina...how old are you?"

"Sixteen sir." His eyes widened. It seemed my answer had surprised him.

"Sixteen? Wow, I must say you don't look sixteen. You're so beautiful and so young it's hard to imagine you at such an early age." I smiled and felt the heat return to my face. "Isn't she beautiful Zephon?" Zephon looked at me, I showed no expression.

"Quite." He turned his attention back to Raziel. "How are the others Raziel?" I suddenly felt uncomfortable. He said it so...plain. There was no expression on his face, it's as if he didn't even mean it nor care. I mentally smiled. I'll get him back.

"Well they seem to be doing-"

"Excuse me My Lord for the interruption, but what color are your eyes?"

"Regina! Your being rude!"

"Not at all Zephon." He motioned for his sibling to be quiet. "I believe they are sort of gold with a bit of yellow." Raziel smiled. "Why do you ask, Regina?" I got up and went over to him and planted myself on the cushion next to him. Damn he was more beautiful up close.

"Because I think they are gorgeous. I've never seen such beautiful eyes, especially ones on a handsome man like yourself My Lord." I turned to Zephon. "Doesn't he have beautiful eyes sire?" I knew Zephon was getting jealous. I could see all the rage in his face.

"Indeed." Was all he could say. I smiled at his response. Revenge was sweet. Raziel chuckled.

"Well thank you for that compliment, child. I don't think any human has ever told me that face to face."

"What about the vampires? Has any of your kind told you that?"

"All the whores!" Zephon managed to yell out. Raziel shot him a violent look and revealed part of his fangs. Obviously warning Zephon to keep his mouth shut, or else.

"The whores?" I looked back at my sire. "What are you saying?"

"Oh please. With looks like his don't you think they'd be all over him?"

"That's enough Zephon!" I jumped when Raziel shouted. Raziel looked at me.

"Forgive us, Regina. We do not intend to be so disrespectful in front of you."

"All is forgiven Lord Raziel." He smiled at me. He then caressed my face with his claws. Oh did this feel good. I heard Zephon let out a low growl, I could tell he hated what his older brother was doing to me right now.

"Such a beautiful yet intelligent girl you are." He kissed my forehead. This act made Zephon jump out of his seat.

"Enough Raziel! You have overstayed your welcome! Your in my territory now so I say it is time for you to leave." Raziel looked at his brother and stood up, not matching his younger siblings height. I stood up as well.

"Very well Zephon, it's been a pleasure seeing you again." He turned to me. "Well this is goodbye until next time my child." He kissed my hand and winked at me, sort of what Zephon did to me earlier. He nodded to his brother a farewell. "Oh Regina I almost forgot." He whispered in my ear. "If at any time at all you need someone or something, don't be afraid to ask. You are always welcome to my territory to stay as you wish. My land lies to the west. I'll see you soon." He then gave me a small kiss on the cheek. I thought I was going to die.

"That will be all Raziel," said Zephon giving him an angry look. Raziel looked up at him and nodded.
"Well how about walking your brother out to his carriage then?" So I followed behind Zephon outside to bid a farewell to Raziel. He got in the carriage and motioned Zephon for a word, leaving me behind.

(Raziel)

"If you ever do anything to harm that child in anyway. I will see to it that you are thrown in the abyss by my hands. Do not make that mistake brother."

(Zephon)

"It is none of your business what I do to her Raziel. You are not father you do not control me or what I do! Besides." He turned around to face me. "I would never harm her, so don't get that idea. You nor our brothers will lay a claw on her."

(Raziel)

"I wouldn't harm her brother, in that way." He smiled. "But perhaps Turel and Dumah might." Zephon stood in shock. "Until next time Zephon. Farewell. Driver depart." And with that Raziel was gone. Zephon turned to me and gave me a mean look. I knew I did something to upset him, I just had to prepare for what was coming next.