Disclaimer: See chapter one

Chap. XIV

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The group had just returned to the underground lair of the lycans. As soon as it was seen that Sisera was injured, a group rushed forward to carry her to a doctor. Fortunately, Michael had treated the wound as best as he could on the way there, so it wasn't serious. Selene had been silent since their escape, which wasn't too unusual, but it was expected of her to at least comment on something. As Sisera was taken away, Selene moved over toward a corridor opening and stood still. Michael looked at her quizzically and moved over. But he took no more than three steps toward her when she snapped sharply.

"Why the hell did you come? I told you not to follow me."

Michael blinked in surprise and then retorted softly, "I couldn't just leave you there."

Selene turned to him, her eyes already changed and showing she was clearly annoyed, "I can take care of myself. Why don't you listen for a change?"

Michael's surprised expression slowly turned into a deep frown, "Damn it Selene. I came to save you."

"I didn't ask..."

"If I didn't know better, I'd swear you two were married."

The two of them turned to Ethan, who had been standing by and listening to their argument. Seeing the irritated looks on their face, he continued. "Good. Now that I have your attention, I suggest you two put that aside for now." Folding his arms, he closed his eyes lightly, "There are bigger concerns, aren't there?"

"What do you mean?"

"You both got out far too easily." His eyes opened, revealing a steely gaze on his face. "I can only imagine why, but I assume you know."

Michael looked over at Selene, who retreated back into her silent pose. Turning back to Ethan, he replied, "In truth, we don't know. Marcus let us go."

It didn't take long for Ethan to figure it out, "He intends to track you here to the den."

"I'm not sure."

Ethan looked away in thought, "We're going to have a really big problem if an elder arrives with a troop of Death Dealers."

"It's much worse than that." Selene said finally. "Marcus is a hybrid now."

Ethan's face changed in pure surprise, "What? You mean...like Michael?"

"Yes."

Ethan seemed to stagger a bit, recollecting his thoughts. "We'll have to move...immediately. Staying here will put everyone in danger."

Michael shook his head, "It's no good. Marcus can find us no matter where we go. I know."

"Well, we have a problem then. Well, whatever you decide, you'll have to do it quick, Michael."

"Me?"

"As an alpha, you can lead and they will follow." Seeing the worry in his eyes, he quickly reassured him, "Don't worry. We'll help you out."

Michael was left in silence and Ethan began to turn away, "In the meantime, I better check on Sisera."

Ordoghaz…

"How did he get in here?"

Lucas was bent down on one knee before Marcus in the throne crypt. He had just reported the escape of the lycans and Selene and imagined that the Elder would be furious. Regardless, he answered, "Forgive me, sire. He entered through one of the emergency exits. The traitor must have told him before she was brought here."

"Unlikely, but possible." Marcus replied evenly. "Have all emergency exits sealed off and guarded. I don't want this place invaded again."

"Yes sir." Lucas began to rise when he decided to ask, "Are we to hunt down the traitor and the lycans?"

"No. Not yet anyway."

Lucas was now confused. He had thought that they were to hunt down the traitor Selene immediately. He really hated the thought that she was ever once a Death Dealer and wanted her taken down. If it was up to him, he would have done it already. But it wasn't and that left him wondering why the Elder didn't seem to share his passion.

"Sir?"

"Do you question my judgment?" Marcus asked, making his expression and mood dark.

"No sir."

With that said, Marcus waved his hand in dismissal. "Leave me."

Lucas gave a quick bow and left the crypt. Once he was gone, Marcus sat back in the throne and gazed forward blankly. His thoughts were already in motion as to what to do next. He knew that finding Michael again would be no difficulty. Not anymore. Because of his new senses, all he had to do was stroll through town in order to find Michael's scent. As a hybrid, Michael's scent would be unique, thus making it easy to single him out no matter how trace it was. And if he couldn't find his, then he'll trace Selene's. Combined, they wouldn't go far.

But he had to be careful now. Even normal vampires knew that no vampire could ever have that kind of scent range. Also, Marcus was trying hard to keep his presence limited. The lycan blood within him gave him a very different scent. He couldn't afford the others to learn that he was a hybrid yet. At the current state of things, that would only result in more chaos and possibly an outbreak of rebellion. But he couldn't hide it for long.

"Sire."

His gaze refocused, Marcus looked to see Erika enter the crypt. In her hands was a cup of red blood. She approached Marcus and bowed, careful not to spill the drink. Rising up, she slowly handed Marcus the cup. Marcus silently reached out and took it in his hands. Yet his eyes never stray from her.

"What are you thinking of?"

Erika blinked, but kept her head lowered, "Sir?"

"Your thoughts, young one."

Erika was beside herself. She didn't expect for an Elder to speak with her, much less ask such a strange question.

"Well...sir...I don't..."

"Speak already." he said narrowly.

Erika took a deep breath. 'I am in so much trouble.' Nevertheless, she answered him.

"Your scent. It's strange." She then quickly continued, "But I have had little contact with Elders. I don't mean to offend you, sire."

Marcus merely looked at the nervous girl and smiled, "You have done no such thing. You are right. It is strange."

Erika blinked again in confusion and dare to take a glance up at him. He simply looked back, without any resentment or disapproval. Just simple mildness.

"You may go." he concluded softly.

Erika quickly bowed once more and left the crypt. Marcus chuckled to himself a bit and took a sip, only to stop midway. His nose twitched silently and his eyes remained on the entranceway. Someone else had been nearby. Someone had been listening.

'Octavia...'

'Another hybrid...' This was the thought that occupied Ethan's mind as he moved through the station to the area used for medical purposes. How could a vampire Elder be a hybrid? It seemed too farfetched. He began to examine things. Michael was a hybrid because he possesses a trait in his blood that allowed for a blending of the species. That trait was passed all the way down through his ancestors and leading to the original ancestor, Corvinus. Michael was the direct human descendant of that family. So how could...?

Ethan blinked and then mentally slapped himself for his own ignorance. Corvinus had three sons. One lycan, one vampire, one mortal. So it should be concluded that Marcus was a direct descendant on the vampires side, if not, the original child himself. But that made him wonder something. What ever happened to the lycan child? Was he killed long ago? If that was the case, then who is his descendant? Lycans had no historical records since they were under the rule of the vampires and anything pertaining to them was probably lost. For all they know, he could probably be among them. But it seemed unlikely. He soon approached the medical ward, a cleared out train terminal loaded with equipment. He entered inside to find the dark lycan female sitting in a cot. He arm was now thoroughly bandaged, although she winced each time she tested it.

"How are you feeling?"

Sisera glared at him with her dark eyes and grumbled, "I was shot with a silver bullet. What do you think?"

Ethan merely folded his arms and leant on the wall behind him, "It could have been worse."

Sisera blinked and then let out a light chuckle, "Heh. You haven't changed. Still the optimist."

The lycan gave a dark expression, "I was never optimistic, then or now."

"Yes you were." she retorted. "Just never about yourself."

"Perhaps..."

Sisera stood up from her seat and turned toward him, "It must have been hard being in your brother's shadow."

Ethan shrugged lightly. "Not at all. Lucian was a great leader. He was reckless on occasion, but he always knew what to do and when."

Sisera cocked her head slightly and smiled, "It must be genetic."

"What does that mean?" Ethan blinked.

"Your actions in the forest, your distraction plan, even the decision to leave Zhan behind."

Ethan looked away and replied, "I was just doing what I thought was best at the time. There was no one else."

"Exactly."

Ethan now frowned deeply. He knew where this was going. This wasn't the first time this was suggested to him. During the early years of the war, some had disagreed with Lucian's methods and wanted him gone, often trying to convince Ethan to battle him for leadership. But Ethan had no desire to be an alpha and his loyalty to his brother was without question.

"Forget it, Sisera. I've been away too long. Besides, Michael has already been chosen."

"Has he? Only a few decided on him and that was because there was no one else. We didn't expect to run into you. Besides, Michael himself has yet to decide whether he wants to be alpha or not."

"Even so, Michael would be the best choice." Ethan attempted to counter. "He has Lucian's memories and with it, his experience."

"That is true. But memories are a long way from actual leadership." she commented. "Michael could be a leader, but not for a long time. He is a youth in this struggle and too much is on him as it is. He needed someone to lead him until he can fully understand himself."

"I think that part is settled already." Ethan smiled within, glad that he could get off the subject for a while.

"You mean the vampire?"

Ethan nodded, "She wants to guide him, but her life has been changed so radically that even she's confused."

"Well then, until they can get things straight, don't you think someone should keep us alive?"

Ethan didn't reply.