Chapter VI

Trouble in Paradise

Weeks had passed since Kraven's triumphant return from castle Lucian, he was enjoying being a hero, rumor had it that Viktor was so impressed with Kraven that he was to be named Steward of the Coven. However not all was well with Kraven, for he knew he was not a hero, and far from being elated at his new position he had to begin preparations, to make sure his pact with Lucian would be honored. However he knew it could not achieve power alone, he would need an ally, one who had also been scorned by Viktor, yet had little personal ambition of their own. He had found such an ally in Soren. The man who had once been keeper of the Lycan slaves, however since Lucian's revolt had been relegated to menial guard duties. He was no longer the feared tormenter of the Lycan hoard, now he was nothing. Kraven had approached him, offered him a chance to be the head of a force that would rival the Death Dealers, he had told him of his pact with Lucian, and promised him that as soon as the Elders, and the Council were dead, Kraven would let Soren get his revenge on Lucian and the other Lycan he was once charged with keeping in line. Soren accepted Kraven's offer, and swore to defend his new master with his life, Kraven had convinced Viktor to appoint Soren as his personal body guard, the two would become inseparable. However despite the progress of his plan Kraven felt a heavy weight, a sense of guilt. He had taken to consoling himself with wine. Tonight was no different; he walked with a purpose through the bowels of the castle flanked by his now ever present shadow.

"Are you sure this is wise My Lord?" asked Soren

"What?" asked Kraven

"You have been drinking a lot lately."

"What are you my mother?" asked Kraven

"No My Lord" sighed Soren "I am just concerned it may affect our plans."

"It will not" he snapped "Now come, Selene is in the great hall"

"What is happening with you two?" asked Soren with a grin

"At the moment" began Kraven before hesitating "I am not sure. But it is only a matter of time. I am after all the hero of this coven."

Kraven and Soren entered the great hall, a place where the Death Dealers would come to drink a glass of blood, or a glass of wine and exchange stories from the nights hunt. Kraven entered the room as some Death Dealers stood aside for him. He smiled arrogantly at the status he now held amongst the coven's warriors. However his smile quickly turned to a scowl as something on the other side of the room caught his eye. Selene was sitting with another man, Valon. A young looking Prince, who had gained great status among the Death Dealers since he was sired. They were laughing and joking together, sharing a glass of blood. Kraven saw red when Valon reached over to touch Selene on the arm. He stormed across the room and grabbed Selene by the arm pulling her away. "What are you trying to do to me?" he hissed

"Get off of my arm now!" she snapped

"You would humiliate me in front of everyone?" he demanded, his voice full of venom

"You are doing a pretty good job of that yourself." She proceeded to shove Kraven in the chest sending him staggering back a few feet. What is wrong with you?"

"I will not stand by and watch my woman flaunt herself at the entire coven" he hissed, his fangs becoming more visible.

"I am not your woman Kraven!" she spat "And how dare you accuse me of flaunting myself. I like you Kraven! That is to say I liked you! But no vows were exchanged, and I will not be told what to do by anyone."

"You will be mine!" he hissed

"We will talk about this later." Selene said calmly before walking out. Kraven tried to compose himself however he was interrupted by the sound of laughing. Kraven snapped his head round to see Valon rising from his seat "You handled that well Kraven!" he laughed "Oh sorry it's Lord Kraven now isn't it."

"You would mock me." Sneered Kraven as he unsheathed his sword

"Yes I would" he replied confidently "You walk around here thinking you are royalty because Viktor has bestowed some title on you. Well my family has ruled these lands for centuries. While you were polishing Viktor's boots I was learning to be a warrior. For the record, Selene and I are just friends, I am already betrothed. Now I see you have you sword out…" Valon drew his own sword, only to throw it down to the cold stone floor "…lets see how much of a warrior, our new hero really is."

Meanwhile, watching from the shadows of the hall, Selene gasped at the unfolding situation. Kraven was hesitant to fight, it was obvious. Instead Soren stepped between them, and faced off with Valon. "What's wrong Kraven?" he mocked "Surely the slayer of the Great Lucian is capable of besting me?"

Kraven's eyes flashed with rage as he charged towards Valon, swinging his sword wildly, Valon was able to dodge Kraven's attacks easily, sidestepping him and delivering an elbow shot to his head that sent him staggering into the wall. Kraven dropped his sword at Valon's feet, with a look of disgust Valon kicked the sword back to him and awaited his next charge. When it came Valon was able to avoid his attacks with ease, punching him repeatedly in the face and then kicking him while he was down. Kraven crawled along the floor. "Now tell me…" Valon demanded, as he punctuated his speech with kicks to the head and upper body of Kraven "Do you really expect me to believe that you were able to survive Lucian and his pack, when you can not even defeat me?"

Selene looked on from the shadows as Valon continued his assault on Kraven "he lied" she whispered under his breath "he couldn't have done."

"You know what I think happened?" Valon continued

"I don't care" hissed Kraven, spitting up a little blood "Soren…" he muttered "Soren… help me."

Soren stepped between his master and Valon, and began attacking instantly, the fight did not last long, Soren was easily able to best the brave vampire prince. As Valon lay at Soren's feet, Kraven struggled to his feet "It's not over yet" he snarled "Teach him a lesson Soren." Soren bowed his head and unraveled his whip, he began a punishing assault on Valon, tearing through his chain mail, his skin down to his bone.

"That's enough Kraven!" demanded Selene, as she lead a group of Death Dealers to Valon's aid. "You are an animal" she hissed, slapping him across his face "the only thing more pathetic than your ability to fight, is the insatiable apatite of your ego. I hate you!" Selene and another Death Dealer picked up Valon and carried him off, as Kraven looked on.

"Come Soren" he growled, swallowing his rage "we have work to do."