An: Shew, so the holidays took it's toll on me big time or else this chapter would have been up sooner, so I apologize for the delay. The next couple of chapters are pretty fast paced, so I am hoping that it makes up for my possible late updates. With that said, I hope this chapter is enjoyable and I would love to hear your thoughts on it. I hope everyone had a good holiday and thank you again to everyone reading reviewing and following this story. Seriously without you guys this story would have ended long ago, so thank you for the encouragement. I also apologize if this chapter is riddled with mistakes, I edited it in a hurry. Anyway, on with the chapter!

After she was healed, Harkon helped her over to his bed and with minimum effort she fell into a peaceful slumber. He was surprisingly attentive to her for the following days, which was both an amazing feeling but troubling at the same time. He hadn't left her side since she returned from the battle with the werewolves. Anytime she wanted to leave his chambers he would lead her by the waist to the main hall, then sit next to her at the main table. She knew Harkon's paranoia and need to protect her must have been kicked into overdrive. Due to her being injured and knowing that anytime they chose, werewolves could descend upon the castle. She was thankful for all his assistance however, but she was in desperate need to speak to either Darius or Serana. She couldn't exactly explain everything to them...with Harkon sitting right next to her. Harkon had warned her that she was going to be 'tender' for a few days but that had to be the understatement of the year. She was aching down to her very bones. Not only in the areas she had been clawed at, but everywhere. If so much as a slight breeze grazed her neck it was like needles were piercing her flesh. Any real armor was out of the question because any extra pressure on her chest was borderline excruciating, so while she was in Harkon's chambers, she sneaked over to his wardrobe to find anything to wear other than the towel provided for her. Since she couldn't exactly walk out into the main hall with her privacy being covered by the thin material she threw on one of Harkon's normal deep purple undershirts, which was of course huge on her. Very comfortable however, the cloth rarely touched her wounds, and occasionally Harkon's scent would invade her. Making her smile, like the pathetic child she was.

She assumed Harkon would scold her or bring her something else to wear but this was her second night wearing his shirt and he had yet to say anything to her about it. Elvi was growing more and more concerned. Tomorrow night there would be a full moon. Hircine's faithful may have left her alone to recover but she would bet everything she owned that they would in fact, attack the castle once they had the unholy boost in strength from the light of the full moon. She knew Harkon had to be thinking along the same lines for each night, more and more Volkihar vampires were called to return to the castle, most likely to defend it. As far as she knew Harkon hadn't spoken of the hunt to anyone in the castle. Not even his advisers. He seemed a bit distracted with his other endeavors because as the two sat next to each other in the main hall, he was speaking with Vingalmo about the arrangements he was meant to make for their 'guests' that would be staying with them in the castle for a couple of nights. The said guests being the priest of Molag Bal and his company. From what she overheard they were coming all the way from Morrowind so luckily she had a little while to try and prepare herself for whatever was to come. She didn't want to disappoint Harkon, but she really didn't want to swear herself over to the Daedric Prince of Domination. Knowing Harkon he probably had intended for her to do this at some point anyway but with Hircine's actions, looks like she was forced to face it sooner rather than later. In a way she almost didn't care. Any high power she had devoted herself to, brought her little to no alteration in her life. Comfort or otherwise. Hircine rarely acknowledged her and only once had she ever heard his voice. The Divines, Talos in particular hadn't provided even that much to her. So if she absolutely had to devote herself to whoever this Molag Bal was she assumed that it probably wouldn't really effect her either. Let all the Princes fight over her soul once she was gone for all she cared. She wasn't going to be made a fool of for her faith again. Praying only to find no help or even advice.

Harkon did seem to be in a fairly good mood considering everything that was going on. While he and Vingalmo were discussing some past enemies that had come to the castle to claim their fame, and laughing lightly, Harkon would subtly nudge a goblet of blood closer and closer to her. Elvi refrained from rolling her eyes. He had tried to coax her into feeding since she had awoken the first time but she always refused. She didn't crave blood and frankly, she felt like a giant bruise so if she drank any blood she was afraid it would make her sick.

After Elvi ignored his gesture, Harkon sighed. Shooting Vingalmo a look that suggested it was time for him to take his leave. Once Vingalmo was gone and it was basically only Elvi and himself left in the main hall he spoke to her

"Darling, you need to feed. It will help you heal more efficiently. Your body needs blood in order to work properly, surely this you have learned by now." he didn't sound impatient, more concerned. She looked over to him and that undeniable joy at his presence filled her. Making it almost impossible for her to deny any request he asked of her.

"I'm not hungry. The very thought of feeding churns my stomach." Elvi described the best she knew how. Hoping he wouldn't take it offensively. She knew Harkon was probably right but she just didn't know how else to explain the sour feeling in the pit of her stomach at the moment. Even still Harkon nodded as if he understood,

"That is due to the venom in the wolves claws. It's a nuisance to our kind. You can flush it out of your veins if you feed, beloved. Trust me, you'll feel better." Harkon persisted. Elvi sighed but smiled a weak smile. Everything felt different now. She didn't know how, she didn't know why, but she fell in love with him. Visions of tearing the man's next to hers throat out used to provide her fuel and comfort in the past, now they were replaced with something as simple and genuine as seeing him smile or speaking kind words to her. No one had ever fought so hard to get to know her before, nor had she ever felt like she didn't have to be the strong and controlled person around him. He did that for her. He was her strength when she was weak. She didn't feel like she had to hide anything about herself around him. He didn't judge or condemn the wicked unrelenting darkness inside of her, and even though her heroic tendencies bugged him, he wasn't to harsh with her over it. So long as it wasn't interfering with his plans or her own well being he didn't seem to mind. Hoping that he was correct, Elvi sipped on the goblet in front of her, but only enough to appease him. When his eyes drifted over to the small group of vampires that were now entering the main hall, she set the goblet back down. Anxiously her eyes darted in the same direction but she frowned. Her two vampire companions had been absent from her recovery since their return, so Elvi was finding herself endlessly wanting to see Darius.

Of course she missed Serana and hadn't had a chance to spend any real time with her since her return to the castle but last she had seen Darius he was inches away from death. She wanted to know if he had healed as successfully...ish...as she had. Without so much as laying her eyes on him wasn't a good feeling. She owed Darius her life after what he had done, the least she could do was make sure he was feeling better. Well then again. It's not like she could do anything to treat his wounds for him, but they could sit and suffer together if nothing else.

"Have you heard anything about Darius' recovery, my lord? Were they able to heal him too?" Elvi asked in a bored tone. Hoping that was enough not to make Harkon upset. For whatever reason anytime she chose to speak about Darius around Harkon his mood would shift as swiftly as a strike of lightning. She recalled Darius informing her that Harkon had ordered him to stay away from her, due to him 'moving in on Harkon's territory' and she felt her own wave of anger at this. She wasn't a whore. Yeah, she had her own complex guy problems but every man she was around, she didn't want to sleep with. For him not to trust her around Darius was kind of insulting. Harkon cleared his throat and answered flatly

"I'm unsure. You have been my priority over everything else. I assume if he had perished I would have been informed."

Hm. Well that wasn't very helpful. When her eyes darted back towards the study where she had last seen Darius, Harkon balled his fist in aggravation. So just a brief battle was enough for her to cling back onto the Nordic brat? Darius was far to irritating and cocky to truly enjoy his presence.

"Why does your mind wander to him? You should be more concerned about your own health and the impending events that could occur at any moment."

"He's my friend, Harkon. That's just what friends do, we care more about each other than ourselves. I suppose I didn't tell you, did I? Were it not for him, I'd be dead. He saved my life. That's why he sustained as much damage as he did. He appeared in front of me, before the werewolf could make impact. I owe Darius my life." Elvi said trying to hide her annoyance but she was sure that Harkon had picked up on it one way or another. She may have felt for the man, but she wasn't going to let him ruin her friendship with Darius without a fight. They weren't doing anything wrong after all, so his anger was unmerited in her opinion.

"Oh goody..." Harkon said with his voice brimming with sarcasm. He rubbed his temple with his free hand and sighed, that was unfortunate. Darius was becoming that thorn in Harkon's side that simply refused to be plucked out. Now the idiot had to go and save his lady's life, something he had no choice but to acknowledge. It was pleasant when he could dispose of Darius anytime it pleased him, but now he had to honor that unwritten code. The cocky half blood probably knew that too. It was also going to become more difficult to keep Elvi away from him because of this. Her Nordic blood forever carried honor and old traditions in high value. Until the life was repaid he was inadvertently in debt to the brat. He had to figure out a more effective way to keep the two of them apart, if his word alone didn't work. Elvi ignored Harkon's attitude over the situation because an alarming fact returned to her mind. After she was almost positive that Darius was dead...she transformed into the vampire lord. She had tried to force her memory to piece together the events that had transpired after that but everything remained a blur. Was that always going to happen? Could she ever control the monster within once it was unleashed...?

"My lord...?" she questioned and Harkon turned his body towards her once he heard her tone. Worried she might be experiencing pain once more. He had tried to convince her to stay in bed until she was fully healed, but his stubborn little dragonborn was miserable laying around all night and day. Not doing something. Hm, he'd have to remember to feed her a thrall soon. That might add an extra bounce in her step.

"When I was battling the werewolves, I was injured, weak and devastated. I was convinced that Darius and I were going to die, so I changed into the vampire lord form. That's not the problem however...the problem is once I transformed I had no control over myself nor can I recollect anything I did during that time. Is that...normal?" she hated asking him probably elementary questions but she really had no one else to ask. Especially concerning being a vampire lord. He was the only one that took on that form and she received the ability from him.

"Don't concern yourself with it, Elvi. Often the blood lust, turns to blood rage and when that occurs it is very difficult to control. Each time you transform you will have more control over yourself, even if you are in a tempered state. Though I admit, it was very pleasing to feel you take on the transformation at long last. I have given you a very unique gift. Don't neglect it again."

When Elvi looked over to him, she saw the wild smirk that was corrupting his features. He felt her transform? From a fair distance away from the castle...curious. She wondered what he could have felt that told him that she had become a vampire lord. She was getting used to the blood bond between them and she kind of started to enjoy it. In a way Harkon could claim to know her better then anyone else because of it. Hell she didn't think she ever told Vilkas about her run in with the Dark Brotherhood and the origin of her scar, but Harkon knew. He knew all her hidden fears, desires and more about her past than she wanted anyone to know. Which again made her wonder why he would still find her endearing, whilst she carried all that baggage around. She was a basket case. She knew she had some good qualities but they were watered down with her guarded and intense personality. Then again, traits she despised about herself, he celebrated. They didn't make sense. He was a vampire that had walked this world as a mortal thousands of years before she was born, and she was a self righteous dragonborn, with a heart burdened by guilt. She honestly wished she didn't care as much as she did. As much as the sun had hurt her now that she was a vampire, she couldn't imagine taking that gift from the Divines away from humanity. She didn't know what she could do...she spilled her guts to Harkon about the hunt so more then likely he was going to have Olivia just as guarded as Elvi was. He's far more...strategic then she gave him credit for. Still it was a little...intimidating that he knew that werewolves could show up at any minute yet he sat casually in his throne. His expression reading that he didn't have a care in the world. Elvi had a new thought that truly made her ponder. Was Harkon just an arrogant tyrant? Or was he really that powerful that nothing concerned him? Even legions of werewolves. She honestly hoped it was the first guess.

"Calm your thoughts, beloved. You are giving me an awful headache." Harkon said irritably but a playful smile played across his lips. Almost as though he enjoyed it. Not the pain of course but the intimacy. To be so severely linked to another being, so much so he knew when they were immersed in thought was quite the experience. One that was hard to describe unless you too shared a blood bond with your progeny. Elvi's mind was never easy to read. Even now he heard more or less buzzing in his head over any coherent words or thoughts. He wasn't trying to read her mind, but he assumed in her somewhat fragile state he was able to pick up on her inner thoughts much easier now. Even if it wasn't intentional. Elvi frowned and mumbled an apology. She didn't know how to simply silence all the pressing worries that kept flooding her mind. Harkon sat back in his throne and gestured for her to come to him, which she immediately obeyed. Nestling her head into his chest once she sat comfortably on his lap. She stopped caring that people could see the two of them together like this. Right now she craved any comfort she could get and the way he simply stroked her hair made her feel on top of the world.

"There is a full moon tomorrow night..." Elvi stated. Not being able to keep it in anymore. She was sure he was well aware of this, but his calmness about the situation actually drove her crazy. He was far to busy trying to make her well again, it seemed to her that he forgot that the beasts were after her blood and wouldn't stop until she was dead.

"Yes. Does this concern you, Elvi?"

"Very much so..." she sighed. She had almost lost her life after so many werewolves had come after her and she was weak now. She almost had to depend on him to keep her safe. Honestly she didn't like this. She hated feeling weak. Depending on someone else. As capable as Harkon may be, surely he too would fear the wrath of Hircine, a Daedric Prince.

"Don't let it. No beast or man will harm you tomorrow. I promise."

Gods she hated how much she believed him. As quickly as it had came, her fears vanished with his vow. Could he really keep her safe? Or was she just buying into his bravado? Either way she was tempted to shut her eyes and fall back asleep to the sound of his heart beat. Nothing could calm her more then that sound. He lifted her chin and gave her a quick kiss that made her positively giddy on the inside. Jeez, was she really this needy?

"Will you be alright on your own for a short while? I have to oversee the work in the cathedral, to make for certain it is proper for our guests." Harkon asked and Elvi frowned again. She actually really needed the break from him to try and quickly explain her mess up to the others, but she didn't want him to leave. Which made her even more pitiful, since she had seen him constantly the previous nights. She nodded then stood from her spot on the throne. Harkon helped her over to the seat next to him, gave her another kiss that burned on her lips in the most enchanting of ways, then left her alone. With a sigh and her lips still tingling from his affections she stood. Once she knew he was gone she set out to search for either Serana or Darius. Not knowing where to look or how she was going to explain herself to either of them. She headed towards Serana's room but from out of the corner of her eye she saw the distinct bright red color of Orthjolf's hair. She concluded that if anyone knew Darius' state it would be him.

"Orthjolf." she called over to him. Making him halt in his tracks. The look on his face was inquisitive which was understandable considering that their past interactions weren't exactly pleasant. She half limped over to him which fortunately he met her half way. When they were face to face Elvi asked

"Where is Darius?"

"Sleeping in his coffin." he answered curtly. Obviously bitter feelings still hung in the air due to their little squabble all that time ago. She pressed on anyway.

"How is he?"

"Better, considering all the damage done to him but it will be awhile still, before he resembles his past strength. You should probably be resting as well, dovahkiin. Werewolf wounds have a tendency to reopen with minimum effort. Our lord would be in an irritable state were you to harm yourself further." Orthjolf said casually but Elvi picked up on the subtle message that he was trying to convey to her. It stated 'leave Darius alone'. Despite knowing that Orthjolf had conspired to keep the two of them apart, in a way he was right. If Darius required sleep in order to be healed then so be it. She didn't want to disturb that. She nodded with a weak smile but as she was walking away she heard Orthjolf sigh.

"Elvi."

At that she turned back around. A little surprised to hear her true name on the ancient Nord's tongue.

She could tell he was debating something. Something that he wasn't exactly thrilled about.

"If you were to visit him while he was resting...I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Before she could question his sudden change of heart, he walked briskly away. Her aching legs couldn't chase after him if she tried so with a shrug she decided to head down towards the room that held most of the coffins. She didn't know when Harkon would look for her, but she knew he wouldn't be happy that she was wandering around on her own. Let alone trying to be alone with Darius. Once she stumbled down the steps, she tried to judge which coffin Darius might have been sleeping in. Alas, they all looked the same. How in the world he was okay with sleeping in a coffin for hours on end, boggled her mind. She couldn't see herself ever being comfortable with sleeping in a coffin, since she had the irrational fear of enclosed spaces. That and anything resembling death never sat well with her. Fortunately she just had to knock on three coffins before she heard the annoyed grunt that she instantly recognized as Darius'. She pulled open the door of the coffin, watching Darius pop open one of his eyes to glare at who ever was interrupting his nap. Once he saw it was her, a small smile shined on his face. Making Elvi's spirits lift to tremendous heights.

He stepped out of his coffin and stretched. He let out a half growl, half yawn then smiled at her again. Elvi noted that like herself, he was wearing a loose fitting shirt and it looked like he lazily buttoned the shirt because it was fastened incorrectly. Seeing this made her giggle but she didn't comment on it. She was to happy to see him. Not so happy to see the bandages that were covering his chest. She noticed them in his white shirt's opening. Though it should have been expected because the same bandage work had been done to her neck but luckily her chest was fully healed save the being tender and bruised part.

"Hey there, beautiful. It is a joy to see you up and about. I have been a little preoccupied with my own issues, so I apologize for my absence. I know not seeing my handsome face must have taken it's toll on you." he smirked and to Elvi it was astounded to see him act so much like his usual self.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Darius. I am so thankful that you are alive. I owe you everything, you know? No one has ever risked their life for mine like that before..." Elvi had the overwhelming need to embrace him but refrained. If he felt anything like she did then her loving gesture would only cause him more pain. Shame. They both could use it. Darius waved her off and chuckled.

"Enough of that will ya? You owe me nothing, darling girl. You would have done the same for me."

In a few moments of silence the two smiled at one another and basked in the serene feeling of each others company but Darius could not help but feel a little suspicious. If he had heard correctly Harkon had remained next to Elvi like the clingy asshole he was, from the moment they had returned. So how she was speaking to him seemed out of place.

"Harkon know that you are slumming it up with the likes of me? I'm certain he half hoped I had died. I'm quite the pest, you know?" Darius mumbled bitterly. If another vampire was created with the same ability that Darius had, it would be in his best interest to just leave the castle without being seen. He knew Harkon had his sights on him now, even if he had regretfully obeyed his command. One slight mistake and the lord of the castle would be happy to remove his head. Elvi sighed and simply refused to acknowledge this weird avoidance they were supposed to do. Harkon had no reason to be territorial or jealous when she was hopelessly devoted to him. She'd just have to prove it by being around Darius in his presence so he could see for himself there was no cause for concern. That would work, right?

"He is busy, and I don't care if he doesn't like us together. He can manage, I do everything else he acts of me. Speaking of which Darius...I have some bad news..." Okay now was the moment of truth. She knew she should probably keep her feelings for Harkon a secret or else it would just make everything all the more complicated and their trust in her was bound to waver.

"You know how we were going to keep the hunt from Harkon in hopes that Olivia might become a causality in the battle...well..." I'm an idiot and spilled my guts out to Harkon...Should have been the rest of that sentence but she couldn't get it out. She didn't know who she was betraying now but either way it felt terrible. Especially when she looked up and saw the look of trust in Darius' eyes. It's not like she was trying to lead them to destruction or anything! She just couldn't lie to Harkon anymore. Their chance of actually stopping this prophecy now...was looking grim.

"Shit. He forced it out of you, didn't he?" Darius asked with all the hatred in his heart for Harkon. He should have known, the old bastard could never leave what was well enough alone and their story wasn't exactly foolproof. Elvi blinked at him. Forced...yeah...that could work...

"He knows about the hunt now yes, and more then likely Olivia is going to be guarded tomorrow night. I'm sorry." Elvi worded carefully to where she wasn't exactly lying...but wasn't telling the full truth either. Darius let out a few more curses then sighed.

"Great. Now the only thing we can do is hope her opening a portal to Oblivion is also time consuming. That or reach Oblivion first to claim the scroll. Both options seeming very bleak where I'm standing." he sighed. Elvi mimicked this, and rubbed her forehead. Beating him to Oblivion a second time was really their only chance but without Jayston's aid that left only herself, Serana and of course Darius. Harkon was bound to keep Elvi by his side until she was back to full strength which made her curse her own body. She knew she was still at the very least a few days away from being back to normal but in that few days Olivia and Vingalmo could be able to travel to the Soul Cairn and back for all she knew.

"I'll inform Serana...you should get back to the main hall before Harkon begins to look for you. If he see's us together he's going to assume we're conspiring against him...which is absolutely true but not the attention we need right now. We have more then the prophecy to be worried about once the wolves show up. Prepare yourself the best you can." Darius said rather frantically considering the source. Obviously the risk of failure was wearing on them both in that moment but Elvi perked up at hearing Serana's name. She missed her terribly too and was wondering how she was taking to all of this.

"Serana, I haven't seen her either. Do you know her thoughts on all of this?" Elvi questioned desperately. If only the three of them could openly sit down to sort everything out, it would make everything a thousand times easier...but Harkon would never allow them to be together for longer than maybe five minutes. He was right to do this...but that didn't make it easier on her. Darius shrugged but the smile returned to his lips.

"We spoke only for a few minutes the same night we returned but if what I remember is correct she is sorting out how the two of you are going to reach the Soul Cairn on your own. She has reclaimed the missing pieces to the moon dial and apparently she had the intention to scope out the court yard again. I think Harkon has forgotten all about the courtyard's importance, so you may be able to reach it with ease this time. I admire Serana for this, I believe she feared her father's ability to somehow acquire whatever information he desired and prepared for it. So even if Olivia lives throughout the night perhaps there is still a chance. We can't give up hope just yet. As I said...prepare for hell tomorrow. Never before has any creature dared to attack our castle and the prophecy be damned...I just don't want Hircine to succeed in his plans...forget everything else."

He looked down to her and the worry shining in his golden eyes made Elvi's heart sink. He still put her above everything and she was simply at awe. She was blessed to have such devoted friends in her life. Only she was more afraid for literally everyone else except for herself. She wasn't the only one in danger. Harkon, Darius and Serana were also at risk. That was what mattered to her. She wouldn't feel the sickness bubbling in her stomach currently, if she knew they would be safe. She wanted all of this to just be over. She didn't want to lose anyone. Though the likelihood of that happening seemed even more impossible then reaching Oblivion in time. Someone was bound to get hurt or even die because of this prophecy and knowing this was beginning to tear her apart. Especially if the one that had to die was the man she had given her heart to.

With a fake smile she turned to leave. Putting her faith in Darius that he would inform Serana about their sudden change of plans. Once again she was putting everyone that mattered to her in jeopardy because of her feud with Hircine. A feud she didn't even know she was in until recently. She didn't look for Harkon or anyone on her journey back into the man hall but instead walked straight to his chambers to lay down and go to bed. Without anyone left to pray to she could only hope and wish upon the stars that everything didn't turn into a catastrophe tomorrow night.

(xxx)

Elvi was alone. Every well bodied vampire had been summoned outside of the castle for reasons that were unclear to them but very clear to her. Everyone expect for her. Harkon had ordered that she remain in the castle where she was 'safe' in case the wolves showed up. It had been hours but she didn't hear any fights or struggles break out yet and the anticipation was painful. Even Darius was outside with the others despite how hurt he truly was. Serana had whispered encouraging words to her before departing which included 'It's not over' which Elvi knew to mean their attempt to stop Harkon only that was the very last thing on her mind. She sat at the main table with her eyes glued to the door. Even if Harkon marched inside proudly stating that he knew where the scroll was, she wouldn't care. She'd just be happy that he was okay. She couldn't take it anymore. Harkon may have wanted her to remain indoors for her own safety but she was about to pull her hair out at any moment. After making sure both of her precious swords were at her hips she rushed towards the door. Harkon had left a few thralls inside to guard her in case the beasts made it past him to the castle. All she had to do was send the mortals a vicious look to make them back away from her, when they attempted to stop her from leaving.

As soon as she stepped onto the stone bridge she felt rain mercilessly beating down on her. It was hard to even see everything clearly due to it's force but she was able to make out that all the vampires were at the end of the bridge on the shore. At her approach Harkon turned around to face her. The disappointment and slight anger clear on his face even with the furious rain falling on them.

"Go back inside, Elvi. You know I asked you to remain in the castle." he called to her in a warning tone but she ignored it. How he expected her to stay calm and blissfully unaware of the events out here, was quite frankly unreasonable. Once she was at his side she whispered

"I'm not leaving you." in the firmest voice she could muster. It was the truth. If he wanted to drag her back inside the castle that was his prerogative, but that was the only way she was going to leave from her current spot.

"I appreciate the sentiment, dearest but I am fully capable of taking care of myself. You're weak and not able to fight at your full potential." Harkon argued and she felt his anger begin to rise but once more, ignored it.

"Injured or not I am also capable of taking care of myself. I'm not a coward that hides from her problems, Harkon. You know this about me. I'm not going back to the castle until you do."

At this Harkon sighed. In a way it was refreshing to see her stubborn attitude and relentless fire again but did it really have to shine in a moment as crucial as this? Not having the time to argue or to escort her back to the castle himself he opted to take Elvi by the waist and pull her to him. His eyes scanned over to Vingalmo and Olivia whom were attempting to perform their experiment only to see that they had paused during his and his lady's little spat.

"Carry on!" he hissed making Olivia almost drop the vial she had in her hands. Didn't the fools realize how very little time they had? Actually, no they didn't. He didn't inform any of them about the possible werewolf attack that was to come because if he had, panic and disorder would have ensued. Vampires were the superior race by leaps and bounds but the mutts had their advantages against their kind. Making even the bravest of vampires leery towards fighting them. If as many as he suspected were on their way, chaos was sure to irrupt in a matter of seconds. An advantage being that they were on his island. No matter the circumstance he and his kin would see them coming. Which was all he needed to guarantee his victory.

Elvi's anxiousness didn't waver now that she joined the Volkihar on the shore. Her eyes scanned the crowd to find Darius who shared the same concerned look on his face as hers. His swords already drawn and at the ready. When she next found Serana she was staring back at her. Wordlessly they had a conversation using only their eyes. Elvi looked over to Vingalmo and Olivia as if to ask if they had revealed the scroll's location yet and Serana shook her head, which would have been a relief if the following words weren't spoken from the Oblivion walker's mouth

"I see...fire...violet fire...a place where lost souls are trapped as they were...before their death..."

Elvi shut her eyes tight and begged to the maker that Olivia's cryptic words didn't bring any clarity to the ancient Altmer. Elvi reluctantly looked back over to the scene. On the ground separating the mortal and vampire an elaborate circle was etched in the dirt. One that was harboring a number of raw ingredients. Above it hovered an orb that looked similar to a giant pearl. It was very strange to see Olivia staring into the solid mass as if she could see something other then the orb it's self. Vingalmo quirked an eyebrow upwards and scratched his chin. Replaying all his knowledge on the Oblivion planes in his head. Elvi looked up at the full moon and actually wanted the damn werewolves to show up already! As she looked up at the sky she noticed...no rain was falling where she was. When she turned her vision up at Harkon she realized that he was completely dry. As if not a single bead of water had touched him...strange. Everyone else including Olivia and Vingalmo were soaking wet and when she extended her arm away from her body, Elvi felt the rain once more on her skin. Before she could question this unnatural oddity, Vingalmo interupted her thoughts.

"The Soul Cairn?" he questioned doubtfully. "That is the only plane I know of where souls are lost and trapped their instead of being assigned due to their beliefs or sins. The souls that are trapped into soul gems are said to be sent to the Soul Cairn. But that cannot be, the Soul Carin isn't even ruled by any of the Daedric Princes, why would the scroll be hidden there?"

Elvi, Serana and Darius all felt the exact same grip of horror clench their hearts at Vingalmo's proclamation. It worked. It actually worked. Harkon found a way to discover where the Elder Scroll was hidden without a shadow of doubt. Now all that was needed was to open a portal. They didn't know when that was going to happen but it was going to happen no matter what. Sooner or later Olivia was going to open the gates to Oblivion leaving Harkon or whomever he desired to freely walk into the Soul Cairn and claim the missing scroll. The rest would only involve finding the bow and at last destroying the sun. Elvi sighed. It was starting to feel hopeless. Even without the insight, Harkon still won. He always did. Harkon cleared his throat and stated with an enraged voice.

"No it is fitting. Often I heard my wife speak fondly of the Soul Cairn and their pitiful keepers. I'd catch her making offerings to those...Ideal Masters upon occasion and it made me furious! Our faith is meant for our creator Molag Bal and to share his worship is an unforgivable sin. Now that I have heard the scroll's location, I should have realized it on my own. Of course she would flee there to her false gods just to enrage me further."

Elvi felt the arm that was holding her begin to shake and she sighed. Was it to late? Was all their efforts in vain? She couldn't just give up, so the only option left was to rush to the court yard, hope they could find Valerica's portal and grab the scroll before Harkon. This was...exhausting. Lying, sneaking around...all of it. It was beginning to become far more personal then Elvi ever wanted it to be, but if Harkon was certain that his wife was in fact in the Soul Cairn, you could bet everything you owned he would search there. Thankfully Harkon asked the question she was fearfully wondering

"How long, Vingalmo before you can make a working portal to Oblivion? I feel as though I must have a reunion with my clever wife...urgently."

His voice was always eerily calm but the pure malice that vibrated from the very back of his throat was toxic. Elvi squirmed uncomfortably, recalling a time that malice and rage was directed at her. Harkon truly was a very intimidating enemy. One she hoped to never name as such again. Vingalmo sensing his lord's swift change in emotions answered immediately

"If given the time, a week at the most. Only a few more trial and errors and we will have the correct formula needed, my lord. Now that we know which gate we need to open."

"For your sake Vingalmo, I hope that is true. I have had enough disappointment for one lifetime, wouldn't you agree?" Harkon's eyes fixated on the Altmer's and even if Elvi was not on the receiving end of the venomous glare, she shivered. There was a new...urgency in his voice that was very, very concerning. Now he was becoming impatient with his progress and demanded the results he wanted, and quickly. Anytime he had done this in the past, he had gotten precisely what he wanted. Elvi didn't want to get caught moving against him, but if she and Serana didn't do something soon she had the terrible feeling they would be to late. So it seemed like...she didn't have a choice. If she did nothing, he would succeed. She was beginning to loathe the entire situation more and more with each passing second. So much seemed weighted on her. If she helped him, he would succeed. If she didn't do anything, he would succeed and even now she couldn't help but question if she fought against him, would he still complete the prophecy too? He always seemed to be ahead of the game and in reality he had only five people that were trying to stand in his way. No one else dared to. If it came down to a fight...would they be enough? Or would he still over power them?

"Now, take the mortal back inside and-"

Harkon was unable to finish the rest of his sentence since he and every other vampires that stood outside with him, heard their approach. Turning his eyes to the sea he then saw the wolves swimming their way over to them. More then a dozen this time. Though some of the vampire's around he and Elvi started to back away in horror another few hissed and growled as the beasts moved closer. Instinctively he pulled Elvi to where she was now standing behind him. Elvi's heart started to thump loudly in her chest in fear, excitement and the forever need to kill anything that posed a threat to her. It was truly amazing how quickly the werewolves made it to the shore despite having to travel across the very sea. From behind Harkon, she could see the build and features of the lycantropes were far more distinct due to the light of the full moon. She was waiting for Harkon to join the fight so she could run past him, and try her best to rid herself of these mutts herself, but strangely enough...he didn't move. He stood perfectly still, his shoulders arched back slightly and his arms extended but that was the only real difference. Just as the Volkihar were about to attack the one's that made it on land...something very, very strange happened. Not one...but five separate lighting strikes cracked from the sky and struck the sea. Elvi jumped back from the blinding light of the strike and the sheer shock of it. When the area was shrouded with darkness again she was...amazed at what she saw. Now the only remaining werewolves alive, were the few that made it to the shore because now the rest of the pack was floating dead in the sea. The lightning had electrocuted the one's remaining in water to death in a matter of a few seconds.

Before she could wrap her head around the phenomenon, she saw that the werewolves alive had spotted her and were now viciously heading her direction. With Harkon still standing in front of her a few feet away she sprung back to her feet, but it was to late. Four of the wolves had pounced on Harkon, determined to rip him to shreds to get to her. She shouted his name and moved to try and force the lycans off of him but in another flash they were slung off of him in one swift force. For the first time in what felt like generations she watched Harkon transform into his vampire lord body. One that now in comparison she realized was even larger then the mightiest of wolves that were present to claim her life. A few others were battling the Volkihar and out of the corner of her eye she saw Serana fighting one of them. Unable to leave her best friend hanging, Elvi drew her swords and raced after her. Her eyes continuously flashing back over to Harkon but with the rain beating down hard enough to draw a small amount of pain it was difficult for any of them to so much as see correctly. When Elvi was at her side she slashed at the claw that was about to claim Serana's throat without a second to spare. With a quick stab to the heart Elvi disposed of their current threat only for two more to spot her and leave their current skirmishes to attack. From behind them she saw Darius chasing after the wolves to provide whatever aid he could. Like her, he must have been to weak to summon his vampiric power and was forced to battle the old fashioned way. Elvi braced for their attack but the wind was knocked out of her when Serana grabbed her by the waist from behind and yanked her back and away from them with as much strength as she had in their body.

When they landed on the ground Elvi felt a severe panic clench her heart. They were helpless sitting ducks to the mutts now! She was about to shout to Serana and ask why in the name of Oblivion she had done that when she saw from above...sharp, jagged shards of ice falling out of the sky. Like hail that had been molded and altered to assume their deadly and sharp shape. Even Darius had to halt and jump back to avoid being hit by the icy assault from the sky. It was like a dozen daggers had been plunged into them, the wolves were mercilessly being hit by wave after wave of the shards of ice until they fell flat on their bellies, dead. Barely able to comprehend what she just saw, she looked over to Serana and shouted over the heavy rain fall

"Did you do that?!"

Knowing Serana's favored spell was using her ice spikes, so maybe that was some...super spell or something. From what she could make out, Serana frowned and shook her head. Her body turning towards her father who was single handedly finishing off what used to be the countless amount of werewolves. As Elvi watched Harkon battle in his monstrous form...she didn't feel afraid, nor revolted. She felt safe again...somehow. As though he was still by her side, ready to strike any that tried to harm her. Still this made no sense. Two separate, impossible occurrences? Were the Daedra or even the Divines finally interfering in their plight? Harkon had the last of the shape shifters by the throat and Elvi heard Harkon's furious roar, louder then the rain or very thunder that took over the island. It sent pleasant shivers up and down her core which was odd but how she loved every violent tendency Harkon had. Darius rushed over to Serana and Elvi and once he helped them back to their feet, Elvi attention returned to her sire with great anticipation. Harkon's hand tightened around his throat until the wolf was forced to return to it's form as a mortal. When a frail looking brunette imperial squirmed under his might Harkon chuckled and slowly reverted back to his normal self also. When he saw the fear in the mortal man's eyes Harkon smirked wickedly.

"I have a message you need to deliver, to the one you call Hircine." he stated in his so very chilling soft tone. One that made the hair's on the back of your neck stand up in pure terror. He raised the man he held by the throat higher into the air as if he was lifting something as light as a mug of mead.

"Tell him, Elvi Erissen belongs to me."

Short, simple and menacingly to the point. Elvi's eyes widened when she watched Harkon snap the man's neck with a quick flick of his wrist. Tossing the lifeless body away from him like it was a disgusting piece of trash. When he looked up at the black clouds above them...the rain instantly ceased falling. Her eyes traveled to the sky and watched the clouds part, revealing the moons natural light at it's brightest for the first time that night. After seeing this, in unison Elvi and Darius' jaws dropped. Realizing everything that had occurred that night wasn't chance or accident...but that it had been controlled the entire time.

"Atmokinesis." Serana whispered in her delicate voice. To clarify she added, "Weather manipulation. That's his gift. He can control any climate...any environment that he is in. It seems after all my years of slumber...he's learned to master it even greater then I could have imagined."

Was that even...possible? No wonder the vampire had a god complex for who other then a god could control mother nature with the power of his mind? Serana sighed. She refrained from revealing her father's power in fear that any rebellion that conspired against him would disband. His unique gift was almost impossible to fight if he could summon rain, hail, lighting, anything he desired wherever he was present. Even a quick gust of wind could turn into an unstoppable tornado under his control. Once her father had mastered his gift was when the prophecy became crucial to him, if she recalled currently. He was discouraged, he could move the clouds to block the suns light once he was outside but it was never enough to cease the pain or energy drain. He thought he had conquered his weaknesses once he realized his power only for him to be mistaken. Leading him to the current predicament they were in. He was determined to eliminate anything that made him weak. That was just who he was. He wanted to be all powerful, not to mortal standards, but his own.

Darius begun to think along the same lines as Serana, and for once in the cocky Nord vampire's life he was filled with true fear. His own gift was powerful but...limited. If Harkon could summon as many bolts of lightning as he desired with a mere thought...he didn't think he could teleport out of it's way. Not multiple times anyway. Lightning could strike in a second or even less. Before he thought killing Harkon would be a feat sure, but achievable if given the right man power but now...there was no way. Was this what Orthjolf had tried to warn him about? Were they really fools to try and fight him from the get go? Could they have ever won? This was unreal. Harkon was already insanely powerful but to add this on top of it...

Harkon walked towards them and Darius gulped. Suddenly the old bastard looked so much more dangerous. Harkon seeing the shocked expression on the brat's face, he smirked. Mockingly tapping his shoulder with false encouragement as he passed. Like he knew that Darius had the intention of fighting him and it was his way of saying 'good luck'. Darius grit his teeth and damned himself for looking like the speechless, shaking coward but it couldn't be helped. Never could he fathom such a gift being possible, let alone that Harkon was a master of it. How in the name of Azura could they defeat him? Was it fruitless? Was he forced to obey and bow to the insane tyrant for the rest of his days, after all? Darius turned around when he heard Olivia emerge from underneath the bridge, where she had fled for shelter. Blast. She was still alive and now Harkon knew where he had to search. If Vingalmo was correct, both he and Olivia could create a portal to the Soul Cairn in a weeks time. Leaving them little time to even plan a counter strike except hoping that the portal in the courtyard worked and that they could travel there without notice.

Just like before, Elvi was not afraid, not at all. Maybe her feelings for him made her bias, but he looked no different to her now then he had the previous night. She didn't know why she didn't see it sooner. Was that why the air felt so thick and heavy around him when he was of a certain mood? Is that why she was near freezing to death in his presence her last moments as a mortal? She didn't know, but what was certain was her fear of being destroyed by the werewolves anytime soon faded to the very back of her mind. Harkon's hand cupped the side of her face and his eyes scanned her up and down for a brief moment. Examining her for any flaws. A satisfied smile twisted on his lips when he saw she was no more injured then she was previously. Only difference being that she was soaked with rain water and covered from the waist down with mud. As was his daughter from the looks of it.

"Didn't I tell you that, none of the savages would bring you any harm?" he asked softly. He pushed the now damp braid away from her face and tucked it neatly behind her ear. She had beautiful hair, but a gorgeous face. He didn't enjoy it when one feature hid the other. She smiled up at him then nodded.

"So, next time when I ask you to remain in the castle will you comply? You almost got away from my sight long enough to get hurt, and it would be a shame if my promise to you would've been spoiled due to your own actions. Your commitment and bravery is admirable so I will let it slide but do as I ask in matters concerning your safety. Until you are granted Lord Molag Bal's protection this is very vital, do you understand?"

He didn't seem angry, more irritated with her but that was his Elvi. She wouldn't be her if she didn't defy him from time to time. In a way it was good, now Elvi and the rest of his stunned court knew his true power and the main hall would be blissfully silent for the next couple of nights with fresh fear. Elvi nodded again and he took her by the hand. Leading her carefully back inside of the castle. Serana was also lost in thought at hearing her father's words. Molag Bal's protection...what are you planning father? She questioned in her head. He wouldn't call upon the prince of domination unless he found it absolutely necessary and she wasn't certain if Elvi's safety alone was enough for him to call upon his aid. Something else was at work here and if she was correct, she wasn't going to like it. Not one bit. That's it...before things fell out of their hands, the second Harkon had his back turned she and Elvi had to search the courtyard again. Plan number two had to go off without a hitch or else...he would win. After all she, her mother and even Elvi had suffered in the past she wasn't going to let that happen. Even if...it killed her.

(xxx)

Once they were back in the castle, Elvi dried herself off with a towel the best she could and changed into a more comfortable pair of pants, along with another one of Harkon's shirts from his chambers. Yet again he didn't seem to mind this or comment on it so she assumed it was okay. She pulled her hair back into a sloppy bun not wanting to fool with it anymore and walked to sit next to Harkon by the fireplace. She shrugged and looked over to him

"Do you think it is really over for tonight? Don't you want to have someone on guard or something...?" Elvi questioned. Getting out of this without a scratch to show for it seemed way to easy. Harkon chuckled

"No other wolves will burden us tonight, sunshine. Hircine has only so many followers and if my prediction is correct the ones that came to the castle were some of his finest. He won't risk anymore of his children until he has time to regroup and scheme. As much as he wants your head, he loves the hunt to much to not let it drag on for awhile. That much I can assure you."

Again so sure and so calm he was. He had commented on her courage but his certainly outweighed her own. Elvi leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. A giant weight had been lifted from her only for an even greater weight to be added. Sure all of her friends were alive and well but now she knew she would have to attempt to find the scroll and soon. This was going to be impossible if she didn't heal completely in a day or two. Harkon would remain close to her until then, so therefore she couldn't get away long enough to check the courtyard. Not only that but she remembered Vilkas and Farkas were still waiting for an update, a plan of action in Solitude. She had no plan, and if Darius was unable to teleport to them, there was no way to get to Solitude without notice. She begged that Vilkas had the patience to give her a little more time before looking for the castle again. That would be a painful, awkward, even conflicting confrontation that she never desired to see. She tried to exclude Vilkas from all of this from the start but of course he wouldn't have it. She both wanted to but dreaded seeing him again. Having to look into his silver and blue eyes and tell him she was in love with the enemy would crush him. She couldn't help how she felt. If she could she'd be done with the both of them and fall in love with some quiet wood cutter or something.

With Harkon getting the answers he sought while the werewolves were fried and dead she assumed that the rest of the night would be peaceful or joyous one but when she opened her eyes she saw that Harkon had a...troubled look on his face. She stared back at him questionably then felt her stomach tie into knots. She knew that look...he had seen something! He read her mind, which given her previous thoughts that couldn't be good. Oh no...oh no what did he see? Surely he didn't read her mind about the courtyard or else he would be yelling or attacking her, surely. Trying to act as though she didn't suspect anything she asked politely...

"Is there...something wrong, my lord?"

Harkon studied her eyes for awhile before rising from his throne. Making Elvi nervous, and causing her to fidget uncomfortably in her seat. Oh damn...now she had done it. If there was a way to control her thoughts she really needed to learn it! He smiled down at her and leaned to give her a kiss on the forehead.

"Not at all dearest." he said reassuringly. "Now you really need to get to bed. With all the excitement you put your body through unneeded stress. You will never heal that way. I will return to join you soon."

With a swish of his cape he left her and closed the door behind him. Elvi sighed loudly in relief. Shew...okay...she was just getting paranoid now. It's not like she could ever read him correctly anyway. That was a trait that really bugged her about him. He could read her like an open book yet anytime she tried to read him it was like deciphering and ancient code of some sort. Perhaps she had been under way to much stress, but what else was new? With a yawn she decided she would try and figure out a plan with Serana tomorrow night since it was bound to happen whether she liked it or not. Sleep never had the allure it currently had over her, and she was less likely to think being asleep. Something she had done way to much of in her short years of life.

Meanwhile Harkon, despite his claims to the contrary was fuming! To long...to long had her thoughts always shifted back to...him. He remained silent about it because he was aware she had a life before him, but what Harkon had seen a few moments ago was the final straw. He saw the poor excuse of a man...letting Elvi feed from him. An intimate act that was only excusable if he was prey but the weakling still drew breath, he just knew it. That was recent, it had to be during her abandonment of him. Before this vision he had been plagued with the memory of their kiss...one to many times. That wasn't what really set him off however it was...the emotions Elvi felt anytime a memory flashed through her mind of him. Why?! She had him now why give the mortal dog a second thought! It made no sense. There was a silver lining to this infuriating discovery. Harkon had seen his face in the past, but that was all. The rest was well guarded he'd give her credit for that but now...now he had a name. Which for Harkon was exactly what he needed to free himself of this problem. Looks like Elvi was the most fought over treasure that had come into his possession but if anyone thought they would win her freely, they were gravely mistaken.

Orthjolf's presence interrupted his thoughts while he sat alone in his throne at the main table. Harkon looked up at his cautious adviser and commended his swift heed to his call.

"You summoned me, my lord?" he asked formally. Harkon thought about it carefully. There were a few snags in this plan, but it had to be done. He couldn't allow another man that Elvi held fondly to her heart continue to live in this world. Especially when he heard through Elvi's memory his vows to destroy him! He'd see if the Companion held the same courage when in his presence at long last. They had some important matters to discuss after all.

"There is a way...for you to make up for your blunder with the Oblivion Walker, Orthjolf. I have faith that you will not fail me again?" Harkon questioned. Watching Orthjolf carefully.

"Whatever you wish my lord, consider it done."

Well that was pleasant to hear even if it lacked any real certainty. He had been told to and forced to wait in most of his important affairs lately, to be told that his order would be carried out immediately was refreshing. In this case he needed it to be done swiftly and efficiently. If it wasn't one thing keeping his Elvi from him, it was another and if this warrior had means to take Elvi away, then he would feel his wrath that would serve as a reminder for everyone else that tried to steal what was his.

"Find me this...Vilkas of Jorrvaskr." Harkon smirked. Planning all the intriguing ideas he had in store once he finally came face to face with then man in question. The man that Elvi would consider even whilst knowing him. If Vilkas was to succeed it would be the exact same things as stealing from him. A very unforgivable crime.

"Bring him to me. Or if you are given no other choice...bring me his head."

An: Uh oh...looks like Harkon found out about the companions, namely Vilkas. Also for any of you that may have been wondering what Harkon's vampire power was, I finally revealed it. Just a small glimpse into his power. Would love to hear your thoughts and predictions on what is to come! Like I said the next few chapters will be pretty fast paced with some major twists added in so I hope they are well received. Leave me some feedback guys! You're the best. Thanks again!