Author's Note: This is my first attempt at a Fan Fic. So please, feel free to give me constructive criticism. You may notice that (especially in the beginning chapters) I do not use many of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes characters, but I may toss in a few names here and there that you will recognize.

Disclaimer: As much as I'd like to claim every idea, and character in here as my own. I respect Amelia Atwater-Rhodes too much. You will find several of her ideas in here, and maybe a character or two. I cannot take credit for them.

Chapter 1: Attacked

Just a child by human standards, at ten, she could already yield any kind of sword, throw any kind of knife and hunt with a bow and arrow. She was decent with a staff as well. She was Zharane Varan, a part of the Ooni Clan of hunters. The Ooni Clan was one of five clans descended from the Vontaon who were immortal hunting witches. Zharane had begun training the moment she could hold a knife in her hand. It was the way of the clan. Her birthday had just passed, and the news of her father's death at the hand of a vampire was received, neither of which disturbed Zharane's training or focus. She wanted to be the best. She could already beat most of the other children her own age at anything. She wanted to beat them all, in everything. She didn't want to settle for second best.

It was a dark night and Zharane couldn't sleep. The air, the heat, the blankets, everything bugged her this night. Finally she gave up on trying to sleep and tossed off her blankets, slipping out of her bed. She pulled on some clothes and headed outside. She knew Liliah was on look out this night. Liliah was the clan leader, but also someone Zharane could go to for anything. Tonight she just wanted company. She found Liliah near the bell. Liliah was sitting upon a large rock and watching over the camp. She sat down beside Lilah.

"Trouble sleeping, child?" Lilah asked, keeping her eyes to the forest.

"Yes." Zharane admitted. "Something disturbs me."

"Is it your father's death?"

"No." She looked around a moment, and then back to Lilah. "Something is different tonight."

"I feel it to, child." Lilah tensed. Even at ten Zharane instantly went on alert. "Come, quick."

Lilah was up and headed for the warning bell as the first vampire appeared. Zharane screamed names in her head. She knew not to draw extra attention. Her mother came out of their tent fully armed as more vampires appeared. She saw Zharane with Lilah and attacked a vampire.

"Ring the bell, don't stop until I tell you to run." Lilah ordered Zharane, drawing her sword. She tossed the girl a short sword.

Zharane made the bell and began tolling it. Lilah took on one of the strongest vampires. Vampires and clan's men were fighting and dieing. The ground was covered in blood. Zharane kept ringing the bell. Lilah was losing. The vampire she fought threw her into the bell. Zharane moved towards her.

"No! Run Child!"

The vampire appeared before them: his golden eyes glowing with triumph. Zharane leapt at him, stabbing forward with the short sword, and her magic and anger. He fell backwards writhing in pain. Her magic sent with the sword was as powerful as any Vida blade. Zharane helped Lilah up. The vampire might not die, she had missed his heart, but he would be in pain for a while. She ran with Lilah, knowing that the rest of the clan was dieing. She couldn't help them. She wasn't strong enough to face the dozens of vampires alone, and Lilah was hurt. They didn't stop until Lilah nearly collapsed. Zharane found small cave, something to provide some shelter. She led Lilah into it.

"Zharane, you must not go back, no matter what happens." Lilah told her.

"I won't." She promised.