Chapter IV

For the love of a woman

Months had passed since Viktor brought Selene into the coven. He adored her, he lavished the girl with all the attention and affection he could muster, and he kept her at his side at all times. Her similarity to Sonja was haunting; everyone thought so; however no one dared mention her name. Viktor had intended Selene to be his daughter, his princess; in his mind he had already placed her on a pedestal. Selene however, had other ideas, though she fed off of Viktor's affection, the life of a princess held no appeal with her. She was so consumed by anger and hatred for the beasts, the only thing she wanted was revenge. She began training day and night with the Death Dealers, learning to use her strength and power. Everyday she trained, and everyday Kraven watched her, she was a glorious sight to behold, so elegant, so graceful and yet so strong. Kraven used every excuse to spend time near her, everything about her was incredible, her beauty was breath taking, her scent intoxicating and her charming vulnerability overwhelming. Kraven had never felt this way before, she had to be his.

"Hello Selene" Kraven spoke calmly as he approached her, as always she was training, this time with a crossbow.

"Hello Kraven" she responded politely

"How have you been." He asked awkwardly

"Fine thank you"

"Um… Selene…I was wondering if you would like to join me tonight… for dinner."

Selene hesitated for a moment "Kraven" she began, trying to find the right words "You seem like a good man, and I am by no means refusing your invitation out right, but I am not ready for a… relationship."

Kraven blushed, he was a little embarrassed "I'm sorry; I did not mean to offend you."

"You did not" she assured him "But right now I need to concentrate on avenging my family."

"Let the Death Dealers handle it" Kraven pleaded

"I am going to be a Death Dealer" answered Selene "I want to be a warrior."

"A warrior" repeated Kraven

"Yes, I want to be useful in our fight against the Lycan, I am not content to hide behind a meaningless position of power while other people fight and die for me."

"Like me" said Kraven cynically

"That's not what I meant" Selene pleaded "Not everyone is cut out for fighting"

"But you would respect me more if I were a warrior?" he snapped

"Kraven…it's not a matter of respect."

"Oh I think it is" he began "But I am going to prove myself to you Selene. I am going to be the greatest hero our people have ever known, and I'm going to do it for you." He emphatically stated as he brushed past her.

"Kraven you don't need to do that!" she called after him "Kraven!"

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Viktor had called a meeting of his court; there was much speculation as to what the purpose of this gathering was. Kraven stood among Viktor's Generals and his other high ranking ministers, making idle conversation, until he was interrupted by the sound of a Death Dealer. "Attention! For Lord Viktor and the Lady Selene." Kraven cast a glance a glance towards the top of a stair case, to see Viktor dressed in his finest ceremonial robes, he stood transfixed on Selene as she glided down the stone stair case like an angel. Viktor finally stood before his gathering and began to speak. "We have found him" he smiled "Lord Galen has discovered the where about of Lucian. He is held up in an old castle a few days march from here."

"How large are his forces My Lord" asked one of his Generals.

"Minimal" Viktor began "I am sending a large group of Death Dealers, however I would like a volunteer to lead them."

"I will My Lord" said a voice from the crowd

"No Nathan, not you." Said Viktor "You are too valuable to Amelia. I need someone else."

"Me My Lord" came another voice "I will do it." The entire room laughed a little, except Selene.

"You" barked Viktor "You are a diplomat!"

"I need this My Lord" he pleaded, he then turned his head to look at Selene "I want to be useful in our fight against the Lycan, I am not content to hide behind a meaningless position of power while other people fight and die for me."

Kraven watched as Selene hung her head, almost feeling guilty about putting him in this position "Very well Kraven" smiled Viktor "Do not fail me."

"I do not fail My Lord"

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Selene approached Kraven as he was getting ready to leave, he was wearing his armor, and carrying his ancestral sword, from this angle he looked quite the warrior, she watched as he and his men saddled up their horses, preparing for the task at hand.

"You're insane" she said coldly

"This needs to be done" was Kraven's calm response

"Just tell me you are not doing this to impress me." She pleaded

Kraven said nothing; he just placed another sword on his saddle, and checked his equipment.

"You're a fool" she pouted

"Sir!" a Death Dealer called, drawing his attention "We must ride now."

"Very well" Kraven called back "How about a kiss?" he teased "For luck"

"I do not give my affection to lunatics" she said coldly

Kraven sighed an leapt to his horse "Lets move out" he commanded his men. Selene watched as Kraven began to canter away on his steed, into battle against the beasts that slaughtered her family, she felt a warm feeling inside. These last few months she had been so obsessed with revenge she had forgotten she was a woman. "Wait!" the young girl screamed as she began chasing after the Death Dealers "Kraven wait!" Kraven heard her cry and brought his steed to a stop, he saw Selene running towards him, hitching up her skirt so as not to trip. "Wait!" he commanded his men.

Selene ran towards him, his horse standing on its hind legs in the moonlight "Please Kraven! Wait!" she came to a breathless halt, when she reached the jet black stallion on which he sat. "Kraven" she said breathlessly. He dismounted his horse and stood before her, "Kraven" she said again as she raised a hand to his face, she pulled his face towards hers, and the two shared a passionate kiss "For luck" she whispered.

"Hell itself can not scare me now" he smiled

"Go" she told him "Glory awaits you", Kraven traced the beautiful Vampires face with a delicate hand, before kissing her one more time. He again leapt back into the saddle, "Ya" he cried pulling on his on his horses reigns. Selene watched as Kraven and his men galloped off into the moonlight "For Luck" she repeated."