We walked silently along the many vast corridors and staircases to the Entrance Hall; Natalia's words echoed around my head.
I had seen first hand how dangerous Viktor could be and I certainly was not willing to risk my life ever again. Was it wrong of me to encourage such scandalous behaviour? There was no turning back now.
We descended the main staircase to the Hall to find a large crowd of Vampires chatting; waiting. Natalia lead me to the red and gold woven floor rug before she bowed, shot an apologetic look my way and left me standing there alone. I swallowed as my trepidation caused my pulse to rise.
As I approached the expectant crowd, everyone fell silent and separated in two halves. As Viktor strolled down the middle of the parted crowd, I stared at his now hard, stoic face; his eyes cold. He didn't give an ounce of anything away in his impassive expression; narrowing his eyes as he came to stand before me.
"Walk with me". He ordered. His command caught me off guard as he gestured with his hand to accompany him, to which I obliged.
I struggled to keep pace with his long legs as we headed for the large doors that lead to the Courtyard. In the crowd of Vampires I could recognise numerous faces from previous Council meetings and many noble Vampires who graced the Entrance Hall last night. I heard faint murmurings as the crowd watched their Elder. They eyed us both with looks of shock and surprise plastered on their faces; following us with their gaze until we disappeared. Viktor opened the door for me and then closed it behind him with a slam.
The moon shone brightly; high up in the sky, shielded by clouds. The air was brisk and there was a faint wind that further chilled the night air. Once my feet reached the cobblestone of the Courtyard ground from the Castle stairs I looked to Viktor, trying to find the right words.
"Where are you taking me?" I asked him almost apprehensively; afraid saying the wrong thing would set him off.
"Away from the throng of listening ears". I could hear the distaste in his voice as he referred to the Vampires inside.
"It is ok, Viktor". I began, choosing my words carefully. "I know I am still to go with the Death Dealers tonight and.." Still keeping pace with one another, he looked to me, an eyebrow raised. "And I am ok with that.." I hoped he would believe my lie. I tried my best to plaster a confident smile on my face but at best, all I could muster was a quiver through my lips.
I was not looking at him when I spoke but I could still feel his eyes on me. I wanted to appear brave to him, to show him I could handle whatever he threw at me next. I was tired of cowering; tired of crying.
"Your punishment.." He started, stepping closer as he spoke. "Is for the Council's benefit".
"What do you mean?" I asked him, a quizzical look in my eyes.
"The Council need to see that you get no leniency; that you received an ideal punishment for your insubordination, just as anyone else would. I can not have them thinking I have grown weak; soft". His mouth pulled down into a grimace and he clenched his jaw as he placed emphasis on his last word.
Even though I hated this, I could see it from his point of view also. Viktor just wouldn't be himself without his authority; his power.
"So you aren't sending me out there to die then?" I chuckled slightly, trying to make light of the situation.
But to my dismay, Viktor's gaze harboured anything BUT humour.
"Make sure you come back before sunrise". He furrowed his brow. "And that is an order". I could not discern whether he was joking or being serious, so I went with the latter and respectfully uttered a "Yes, my Lord".
We had strode a lap of the Courtyard; coming back to the Castle doors just in time for everyone else to come scurrying from them. Viktor left my side to stand with the Council members instead; nobles flanking him on either side.
His booming voice made everyone jump. "Itsvan!"
The sound of boots hitting the stone ground immediately filled the air, quickly followed by an armour clad figure.
"Yes, m'lord?" Itsvan breathed.
"You will get Lady Ilona armoured and then you will leave".
"No trouble at all m'lord, we have the horses ready too".
Viktor stared down at Itsvan and nodded curtly to which the head Death Dealer nodded back in response. He then hurried away to gather twelve of his men who came trotting over on armour clad horses.
Itsvan reappeared soon after holding the reins of a brilliant looking stallion. His coat was so dark it was almost black, adorning the same armour and shiny silver horseshoes as the surrounding steeds. I gasped in disbelief as I eyed Lucifer.
I raced up to him, barely recognising him with his new attire. "You look stunning, my dear one". A small smile plastered itself on my lips proudly as I stroked Lucifer's head; he snorted through his nose as if in response.
"And here you are, m'lady" Itsvan appeared by my side holding a set of women's armour. "Would you like some help?"
"If you don't mind" I said, grateful for his kind gesture as I had never fastened armour like this before in my life. I pulled it on, piece by piece and held it in place while Itsvan fastened the clasps. He worked quickly while under the scrutinising gaze of Viktor. I looked to the Elder to see him watching closely with a scowl upon his face.
This armour was made of silver and it weighed a tonne. Even with my immortal strength I honestly wondered how the Death Dealers managed with such weight. I was grateful that my breast plate was neither too tight nor too loose.
Once I was all fastened, I patted Lucifer once more on the head, before climbing up onto my saddle. I had ridden horses my whole life so I was glad my mount had remained dignified, even with such heavy coverings. A scruffy looking man clad in simple leathers raced over and handed each one of us our helmets, while a larger man dressed in dirty rags distributed weapons. Swords, crossbows, maces and daggers all emitted a metallic scrape as they were sheathed and secured in place.
The Death Dealers sat atop their horses, gathering the reins in their hands. After mounting his own steed, Itsvan looked towards Viktor who gave the final nod of approval.
"Do not disappoint me". Viktor called out as the sound of horse hooves against cobblestone rang through everyone's ears.
Armed guards pulled a lever for the Castles drawbridge to lower with a laboured creak as I trotted along, keeping pace with Itsvan and the other Death Dealers.
I quickly turned back to see Viktor still standing there, watching us leave as the Council surrounded him; quickly becoming obscured from my vision as we moved through the gaping mouth of the portcullis; his azure orbs sparkled in the moonlight.