Author's note: Thanks to the reviewers for the last two chapters, and it was good to get another one from you, Heatherly. I'm very honored that you enjoy this and any constructive criticism you have, I'm all for hearing it. And glad to see you noticed how many names have meanings that go with the characters. Lucian's name will come into play later on. Dark star 11, glad you found this deep, I'm trying to make it so! And Erika, faithful reviewer you are, thank you, I'm very pleased to now you enjoy these stories so much! Well, without further ado, here is chapter six of The Covenant.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, those not mentioned in Underworld in any of its incarnations. Basically everyone belongs to Sony except for a few original characters. Please don't sue me, I'm simply borrowing the characters without permission and plan on giving them back, promise. Savvy?
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CHAPTER SIX: TREADING ON DANGEROUS GROUND
MOON PHASE - WANING GIBEOUS
Sonja lie awake in her bed, unable to sleep even though it was nearly noon. Vampires naturally felt the pull of sleep not long before sunrise. Many young vampires could not stay awake for more than thirty minutes after the sun was up. Sonja herself usually could not stay awake if she wanted to. Except for today. The problem was, she did not want to.
She groaned softly, irritated with herself. She wanted sleep, the deep dreamless stupor her kind could so easily slip into while the sun illuminated the world. Why could she not let it take her? What was it keeping her awake?
For a moment she felt like going to see her father, perhaps talking with him for a while would help ease her mind and let her sleep. Or perhaps playing a game of chess would do it, as the game bored her terribly. She did not understand how her father could love the tiresome game so greatly. Sighing, she slipped from the bed, having decided that she would indeed seek her father out.
She would put herself through a round of chess if it meant sleep today.
***
Rendor walked over to his brother, sitting beside him near the edge of the roof. He turned to Lucian, the younger lycan's attention focused on the hawk flying overhead until it landed on a branch near the top of one of the pines.
"Is something wrong?" Lucian finally asked, still watching the hawk.
Rendor shook his head. "No. The vampires simply wanted you to come and take care of the horses. They're switching us for a few years," Rendor informed Lucian.
"Why are they doing that? What point is there to it?" he asked, confused of the purpose to this new position change.
"I am not fully certain, but I believe it might be because you are better with horses than I."
Lucian laughed softly, glancing at his brother finally. "Yes, I suppose I am. You never could abide them that much," he replied and rose. "Well, best be on my way to the stables. Don't cause a stir for nothing," Lucian warned his brother. "No matter how tempting it may be."
Rendor rolled his eyes. "Since when did we switch places as far as brothers are concerned? I though I was the older, more mature one, not you," he retorted.
Lucian glared at him mockingly, then turned and walked off, heading for the stables.
***
Lucian smiled as he reached the stables, greeting the many horses softly. A few whickers and whinnies replied to the soothing voice, and he set to work, leading the first one out to be washed. The Death Dealer that had led him to the horses and given him his instructions walked off, his job done.
"Come on, boy, let's get you cleaned up," Lucian said to the first horse, a palomino by the name of Sunset. "This should make you feel better." He gathered up the necessary tools and grabbed the wooden bucket, heading for the nearby stream. The summer sun beat down on him, and the day was proving to be quite warm, perfect for washing the horses.
Sunset whickered again, nudging Lucian softly as the young lycan filled the bucket. Lucian laughed, turning back to the horse.
"Eager to get clean, or to get wet?" he said as he brought the bucket up to pour the water onto Sunset's back, the horse whinnying in approval, his head bobbing up and down. "Yes, I thought so." He grinned as Sunset whickered again.
Humming an old folk song his mother used to sing to Rendor and him to put them to sleep, Lucian went to work, washing the horses as best he could without taking them into a river. This new task was certainly much more preferable than roof watch.
***
Sonja walked through the halls, carefully avoiding the rays of light that filtered in through the windows in certain areas. She let her fingertips brush against the cold stone walls, a habit she had picked up as a child. She still did not quite understand why she did it, only that she enjoyed the feel of the cool stone against her fingers.
She was heading for the library, where she often found her father when he was troubled or wanted to think without Death Dealers all around, or the vampires of the high courts. She just hoped he did not mind company for a bit.
Rounding a corner, she came to the hallway above the stables, and she was grateful the sun was on the other side of the castle, keeping her protected from its light. She walked over to look down and her eyes landed on none other than Lucian.
He was washing the horses, right now he was rinsing off Nightsky, a black stallion she believed was Soren's. His skin glistened in the sun, as he was being soaked as the horse playfully nudged him and the water bucket every time he tried to pour more water on the horse. His shirt was soaked, lying on the ground not too far from the lycan and the stallion, and Sonja could not help but stare.
Run away, run away now before you are caught gawking at him, she told herself, but she did not move, except for her hands, reaching out and gripping the edge of the window. She pressed herself against the stone wall, watching him. She felt warm, somehow, flushed and her breathing became labored.
He was light tan, not the pale tone of the vampires, and his long hair was wet and clung to his shoulders. His chest and torso were not hairy at all, despite what the female vampires often wondered when they ever spoke of lycans. He had only a bit of dark hair on his upper body. He was grinning, talking to the horse playfully and softly, his voice soothing, sending a shiver down her spine.
Before she could take in any more details of him, Sonja heard footsteps and she ran back down another hall, desperate not to be caught in this situation and state. She was certain her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing just barely avoiding being called panting. She pretended to walk down the hallway, and as soon as she heard the footsteps pass by into the distance, she returned to the other hallway, over looking Lucian.
She was possessed it seemed, acting like this. It was against the Covenant, it was insane, it was dangerous, it was so warm! Seeing him made her burn practically, and she was even more flushed feeling at the thoughts her mind kept thinking while she stared down at him. She had to get away. Fast.
Reminding herself of why she had come out of her chamber in the first place, Sonja forced herself to leave, walking on to the library. But then she stopped, and decided she should not be near anyone right now, much less her father, or they might notice her present state. Which would probably not be a good thing at all.
She sighed. If only she could get closer, but she could not risk being caught, nor the sun's damaging rays.
One thing was certain though. She was quickly becoming obsessed with this lycan.
***
Sonja silently walked over to him, unable to keep away any longer. She still remembered that day with the horses, still remembered the fire in his eyes when he glanced at her, sneaking looks at seemingly every chance he got, turning away if he felt he was noticed.
She remembered his smile, his daring stare when she had returned his gaze, encouragingly smiling at him. She remembered the joyous expression, the look in his eyes, and she had known then, she would no longer be able to keep the Covenant. She was too far gone.
Her father would be enraged, furious at her, if he had even known of her desires before she had seen Lucian with the horses. And now, now what would he be, how would he react if he knew his daughter was now creeping over to the lycan's sleeping form, ready to let him look at her, touch her, hold her? She did not even care, not anymore.
Reaching out, she gently laid her hand on Lucian's shoulder, nudging him awake. His eyes slowly opened and met hers.
"Princess!" he whispered, "what are you doing out here?" He bowed his head, moving to kneel, but Sonja stopped him, grabbing his arm before he could move hardly an inch. "Princess?" he questioned, his voice louder.
"Hush," Sonja said, placing her finger on his mouth. "Keep your voice down or someone might hear," she warned him, coming to sit next to him.
The horses whickered softly, alert that something was going on, but they remained calm since there did not seem to be any danger to them.
"You fell asleep out here in the stable," she said, meeting his soft, gray eyes. "I thought you might be cold." She handed him the blanket she had brought with her, smiling as he tentatively took it from her.
He looked at it, surprised and wondering, then he met her gaze again. "Thank you, Princess," he replied.
"Sonja," she told him. She sighed at his questioning look. "My name is Sonja, not Princess, and I would prefer you to call me that," she explained. Before he could protest, she gave in to the long present urge to push back some of his hair from his face, her fingers brushing against his cheek.
He did not back away, did not stop her, merely stared. She did the same, letting her hand drop now that she had pushed his hair out of his face.
"Why are you here?" he asked her softly.
Sonja breathed in deeply, leaning over to him. "You," she replied simply, then kissed him before he could move away. Her lips met his and immediately she felt warm, so warm even in the cold night air.
He froze, but did not move away. After a few moments, he gave in, returning the kiss, making her warmer. His hands gripped her shoulders gently, pulling her closer, and she moaned. He opened his mouth, letting his tongue trace her lips, making her writhe against him as she felt lightheaded and wonderfully flushed. His hands ran down her back, teasingly almost.
"Lucian," she whispered when they part, his mouth moving to her ear, biting the lobe of it gently. She shuddered. Everything about him was warm, hot, like fire. She wanted more of it, wanted all of it, wanted to feel fire.
Lucian moved his mouth down her neck, sucking on her skin when he reached her shoulder. His fingers pressed into her back, massaging her firmly yet gently. He nibbled her nape, making her bit her lip to keep from moaning loudly. They certainly did not need to be caught now.
"Sonja," Lucian groaned as his hands moved to her face, cupping her cheeks and he kissed her again, feverishly.
She responded eagerly, her own hands gripping his arms, her nails digging into his skin almost. She moved her arms to wrap around him, pressed herself against his chest. They both moaned into each other, and Lucian let himself fall back to the ground, bring Sonja with him.
Sonja let her hands come around to his torso, slipping them under his shirt and raking her nails over his skin. She smiled against his lips as he groaned, almost parting their kiss. She let out a gasp as he flipped them over, and she was amazed nobody had heard them yet. Perhaps Fate was being kind tonight.
Lucian's hands were rubbing her side, warming her stomach and making the butterflies flutter madly inside. He laughed softly when she whimpered, but then groaned when she arched her back, grinding her hips against his.
She looked up at him, meeting his eyes again. They were wild and hot, and she imagined hers were the same. "Make love to me," she whispered. "Now." The lycan stared down at her, uncertain. "Please, Lucian," she pleaded, arching her back again, rubbing her body against his.
With another groan of pleasure, Lucian nodded, leaning down to kiss her neck, sucking on the skin before moving down to her collar bone. His fingers began to pull at her gown, baring more of her skin to his gaze, his fingers, and the cool air.
"Lucian," she whimpered. And then heard the sound of knocking. Opening her eyes, Sonja saw she was still in her bed, the sun not even setting. "Cursed dream!" she hissed softly, quickly slipping out of bed and rushing to the door. She opened it slightly to reveal her father.
Please, oh please don't let him have heard me, she pleaded silently. With great relief, her father's words confirmed her plea was met.
"Sonja, I know how you hate to come to these social gatherings, I hate them myself," Viktor said with a sigh. "But tonight you should, as I will be leaving tomorrow for many weeks, and I would like to spend a bit a of time with you before I go," he told her.
Sonja smiled. She knew how he felt, and could easily agree to his request tonight. Besides, it might help take her mind of her disappointment that it had all been a dream. "Of course, Father."
***
Lucian wiped the water from his eyes, hurrying to the lycan quarters. He had been instructed to go and change into his chain mail, as the vampires were having a gathering in honor of Lord Viktor's departure. The lycans were always called to night duty whenever the vampires held a gathering of this sort, and it was likely the ceremony would go deep into the night even though sunset was still at least an hour away. Lucian was used to it by now. Besides, he had washed all the male horses and several females, he would finish quickly tomorrow.
He wondered if Sonja would be at the gathering, then immediately wanted to kick himself. Of course she would be there, her father was leaving for the northern territories tomorrow and would be gone for a few years, yes she would most certainly be there.
He tried not to think about her, tried to keep his mind on his duty, but he couldn't. As he entered the lycan quarters and quickly headed for his private room, he thought of her, how she seemed to glow. He remembered how she moved, how she laughed and spoke, how she never said a harsh word. He remembered everything about her now, after having watched her for six years. He had stolen several glances at her, once being caught in her own gaze.
Lucian, stop it right now, and change, he told himself. Quickly drying himself off, he put on fresh clothes and his chain mail. He looked up to see Rendor come in and do the same. He smiled. At least he and his brother might be able to have some time to talk now.
***
Sonja strode besides her father down the hall besides her father, the council walking behind them. She sighed, wishing she could talk her father out of leaving so soon. She wanted to spend more time with him, but she could understand wanting to leave for a while. She would hold her tongue on the matter.
With a silent sigh, she accepted the fact that her father would be gone for several years most likely. Though she would have preferred him not to go, she would smile and pretend that it was ok. And she would not think about feverish dreams until he was far away from the castle.
***
Lucian, Rendor, and Adewale, a turned lycan once a slave in Africa brought to the Hungary castle by Obi, an African Death Dealer, walked down the corridor, back to the lycan quarters. The sun had set nearly an hour ago, and they were no longer needed.
Turning down another corner, they heard the sound of Death Dealers approaching and stood against the wall, making room. Bowing their heads, Lucian noticed it was Lord Viktor coming down the hallway, Death Dealers in front, as was custom.
Almost against his will and taking the risk of a lashing should he be caught, Lucian dared a peak at the vampires, his eyes lighting up when he saw Sonja was indeed among them, dressed regally in burgundy and with a shining circlet atop her pale gold hair.
Suddenly, emerald eyes met his, and he nearly panicked, caught. But his princess merely smiled at him, almost playfully. Emboldened by her gesture, he returned it, smiling as well.
He forgot the fact that if the other noticed, he could be killed for his insolence, he ignored the fact that should his master see the look Lucian was giving the princess his family could be punished severely, he only thought of her. Her smile, her eyes, her presence, scent, everything that was her.
Then they were passed, and she could no longer keep his gaze. Lucian bowed his head again, watching her from the corner of his eye.
He longed to see her again already.
***
Viktor scowled as he, his daughter, and most of the Council walked down the hall, towards the throne room, where he and the Council would discuss what was to be done while he was away, traveling the northern territories. He had always allowed Sonja to meetings, if she wanted to come, and tonight was no exception. He wanted his daughter able to lead and to rule, should something ever arise and force her into that position.
But he was not at all pleased with the look she had given the lycan, or the heated stare the lycan had given her. He remembered that lycan, Lucian he believed was its name. The son of Lucrecia, the lycan slave he himself had killed by her request since her mate had died. Son of Rikard, the lycan that died alongside his lovely, soft wife. The lycan that had lead the pother males of his kind against the band of Turks that day, slaughtering them in rage and vengeance.
Viktor sighed silently. Perhaps all it had been from his daughter was sympathy and kindness as he had suffered the same loss she had that day.
But that had not been what he had seen in the lycan's eyes. This lycan, he was dangerous, he was strong, foolishly fearless, and had been showing alpha traits since his father's death, even though he was the youngest of two sons.
Resolved that his daughter was merely showing too much kindness and the lycan was showing far too much interest, he decided he would have a talk with this lycan after the Council meeting.
***
Lucian quickly took off the chain mail, eager to be relieved of its weight and heat. He kept thinking of her, her eyes as she stared at his own. He grinned as the exquisite memory of her smile made him even warmer.
He needed to stop thinking of her in such a way, yet thoughts flooded his mind, thoughts of the smile she had given him, of what it would be like to awake to that, of what it would be like to feel her skin beneath his fingers, her form held in his arms. He felt lightheaded almost, and there was a strange, almost nervousness in the pit of his stomach as he thought about her in ways forbidden to his kind.
"Lucian, be wary, you nearly were caught tonight," he heard his brother say softly. Rendor walked over to him, his expression grave. "I do not know how long you have stolen glances at the princess, but she is vampire, and our master's daughter. Forbidden more so than any other," he reminded Lucian. "Just, be careful. You tread on dangerous ground, and I would advise you walk away from it."
Lucian stared at Rendor, meeting his brother's eyes. He knew Rendor spoke true, but he could not find safer ground now. He was too far out. But still, he nodded, trying to placate Rendor's nerves. "I will be careful, Brother. You need not fear."
After a moment, Rendor nodded, satisfied with that answer for now. He started to leave Lucian's room, when he paused and looked back at Lucian.
"Do you think of her?" he asked, and Lucian knew he spoke not of Sonja. Of Lucrecia.
Lucian nodded. "Yes," he replied, his voice low and shaky. "Every day, and every night. But she was at peace, and that is all comfort we need," he told the older lycan.