From how plush and luxurious the textiles swaddled my body felt. Let me know. I was once again a captive to The Raven. I couldn't even worry about that yet. Oh no. My mind was preoccupied by another. As I lay there cradled by a cloud of cushions and held by the grips of rage, visions unfolded, visions of my William. Thanks to Eric and his quick thinking of giving me his flesh. I have gleaned the truth.

I just ran my fingers along the delicate duvet as I thought about the many, many, many, grievances I now hold towards my love. Which is hilarious, since mere hours ago. I was ready to walk down an aisle and take his name. Now? He'll be lucky if I allow him to breathe the same air as me.

You may be asking? What could he have done? Cheated? Oh no. He ain't a cheater. A liar? Ain't all men. Yes, he did lie, about many things too. But Nah. It ain't his lies. No, No, No. That motherfucker's treachery burns way deeper than that. William Thomas Compton was sent by the queen to gander at a wonder she had heard was hidden in old Bon Temps.

What wonder? It's just Bon Temps. Ain't nothing ever happened in that junky town.

He tried telling Sophie that but she wasn't hearing it. So he took his tail on down to his hometown and interviewed a few residents, under glamour of course. Which ones? Oh sweetheart, just about anyone willing to talk about the crazy ol Stackhouse family. They sure let it all out.

I do mean everything. Hell, he got information not just from the residents but from my own damn family. If you can call that beast family... William took it upon himself to not only find Uncle Bartlett but he killed him too. Ooo wee. He crept into that dilapidated hellhole of his and gave him a nice scare. Then let him drift on down the creek behind his house. His body was never found but his money was.

Apparently, that foul creature was sitting on a small fortune. He made it from... he was a pedophile and had lots of online friends. All the information was handed over to the feds and the money was gifted to all the victim's Bill managed to find... It wouldn't take the pain away but it was something. I might have to thank him for that one, I don't know. I ain't too mad about that shit. Anyway, before that creature took a dip. He let it all slip about what he knew of my abilities.

Oh yes. Bill knew what I could do before he ever walked his ass into Merlotte's. Most importantly. That night? He was planning on snatching me after my shift and hauling me to Sophie. My saving grace was the Rattray's finding him a nice paycheck and draining him. If you think that's bad? Wait until you hear, he's the reason my van went all kaput. You see. No one had any proof I could do anything they said and so he allowed Denise to beat me half dead. Unfortunately, I was caught so unaware I never had the chance to hurt the woman. But it sure got me to trust him and then on our first date. I fell right into his hands by showing him myself.

The only reason, I wasn't taken? He wanted me for himself. So he told Sophie nothing was there and it was all lies. She sure wasn't happy with him when she found out otherwise, Eric and I coming to his rescue after Maryann, saved his ass from being a chew toy to her mangy werewolves. After that. I was under the protection of the one person Sophie knows not to cross. Mr. Eric Northman.

If all that didn't make my blood boil, well, it was glancing into his past and finding out not only that this pitiful undead motherfucker helped that slimy cunt, kill and capture, but pillage and rape black men and women all through the BibleBelt! Now, I understand that all of this was against his will. There's a reason it's taboo for them to have been together. The bond of maker and progeny is so enmeshed he physically couldn't say no.

Now, why did she do this? Oh, it's because Lorena has always hated that the 'lover' she created for herself has been in love with black women since his wife. I about choked when I found that shit out. That's right. Charlotte was passé blanc and her family was once owned by the Bellefleurs. The highfalutin pieces of shit owned a slew of slaves at the time and one of them escaped to New Orleans and fell for a white man that bought her freedom. They married and had a slew of children, and well that's how Charlotte came to be. Now it suddenly makes sense why Lorena tortured him the way she did when it came to the death of his wife and children. He never stopped loving them.

To her vile racist ass. This was unforgivable and to this day she's still trying to beat his love of chocolate down. As fucked up as all that is. Even the shit with Sophie. I could have seen past it all. Had he told me the truth, I'd have understood. First off, he's a vampire, and being that he's several years junior to Sophie. He had no choice but to do as she said. It's how they do. I get that. Hell. He's just as much a victim of Lorena as any of them. But even after putting a ring on my finger he still neglected to tell me the truth and probably never would have.

What's undoubtedly worse than finding out all of that? The lie that finally nails his ass in his coffin? That abominable crusty hoe never freed him from their bond and legally by their laws makes her his estranged incestuous ass wife. The only reason the bond is weakened enough for him to even disobey an order. Let alone beat her ass. Is because she's been away from him for so long. As the years ran on, Lorena got tired of him not loving her and he began to grow weak and cowardly in her eyes and let him run.

It wasn't until she heard through the grapevine that Compton has reinvigorated himself and fallen madly in love with another black woman that she decided she wanted him back. So here we are. He's probably being tortured and I was sold to the highest bidder, her king, The Raven.

At the thought of his name. I could hear the twisting of a doorknob and a creaking along the floors. The person shuffled around but completely ignored I was here.

I dared to peek my eyes open and saw they were wearing a maids uniform. A very scandalous uniform that showed off perky masculine booty cheeks. They continued to dust off a grand bookshelf but from the way, they uncomfortably fidgeted. They knew I was watching.

"Is his majesty around?"

Silence. I huffed in annoyance but didn't push the issue. To distract myself I carried my eyes around the bedroom. It was different than either one I stayed in before. But still just as elegant and bold. I sat up and noticed there wasn't anything withholding me from moving around. Curious? What's Raven playing at? I figured I should test just how far my freedom stretches. As I flipped the duvet off. The maid froze with trepidation.

"I won't hurt you."

"I'm not to be in here while you're awake, I... I'm almost done."

I resettled on the bed and watched them. I was amazed at how well they kept their face hidden. As they swished around I kept trying to get a peek. It wasn't until I noticed the body language that I understood. He's enforced that I'm not be looked at... god I can't stand his pompous ass. Where does he get off? I huffed in aggravation and they jumped in fear.

"Where is he?"

"Preparing for tonight's nuptials."

"Of course, well, inform him that I'm bored and need some entertainment."

"Yes, your grace."

For a moment I had thought they were being sarcastic. Tossing back a quip. Yet it dawned on me once they curtsied upon exit. That Korun has lost his goddamn mind if he thinks I'll be his. This is ridiculous. I began calling out for him. When the door knob twisted once more. I threw a pillow and called him an ass. He snickered and sauntered to my side. He attempted to caress my arm and remembered my temper and just settled for draping himself on the edge of the bed. A fox-like grin on full display.

"Little bug must you always be so unruly?"

"Korun."

"I know. I lied. But you see. I just couldn't let my little butterfly go."

"I've noticed there are no chains."

He nodded and then held his hand out for me to take. I glared at it as if it was the devil's hand. Daring me to take his deal.

"Oh come on, when have I ever hurt you?"

"Why does your maid call me, your grace?"

"He's adorable, isn't he? As for respecting your title, it's customary, as you're not my wife yet but you will be. After Sophie."

"You don't think she knows of your plan to kill her after you wed? I'm sure she's got a nasty one for you too darling."

He laughed in earnest glee at my comeback. It died down and he gazed at me strangely. It wasn't malicious or even calculating. It's almost. Oh my god.

"Um. So you weren't lying about your feelings but lied about setting me free. If you love me. How can you trap me here?"

"I don't pretend to be a good man."

"That didn't answer my question."

"Would you like to come with me or not?"

I finally placed my hand in his and he carefully helped me down from the princess and the pea-sized bed. As I stood up I noticed my clothes had been changed into a gorgeous peach vintage negligee. Its shape compliments my bust. It draped the floor and the arms were flowing and feathered. I was immediately led to a bench at the end of the bed. I remembered the routine of him desiring to dress me. He left my side and came back with several slippers for me to choose from. A set of crystal embellished Cinderella slippers were gently placed on my feet. I held out my hand for him to take and he kissed my knuckles before helping me up.

"You're much more agreeable with my touch today. Are we in a good mood?"

I ignored him in favor of strolling to the door. It wasn't until I attempted to touch the knob that I noticed. It's iron. So is the bed and just about everything else in this room. There's no need to chain me up if I'm locked inside a cage. I just twisted it and stormed out of the room. He was a few paces behind me. Probably staring at my ass. So I gave him a show by swinging my hips. As I walked that long hall. I noticed something else that was odd. Werewolves we're all over the place.They were stationed about as sentries.

"Is all this for me?"

"Just a precaution."

"Ah, Eric must be alright then."

A low rumbling echoed behind me. I turned on my heel and Korun was leering down at me in disgust at my utterance of his name. A green glint burned in his eyes. He took a step back from me and adjusted his attire. Then carefully spoke.

"Please refrain from mentioning your whore in my presence ever again."

"That's new."

"My feelings for you have left me. Agitated. It's new for me too."

"I'm not sure how to behave now. Before you liked when I verbally taunted."

"I'd like you to be yourself."

"Noted."

I resumed my earlier position and kept walking. It took him a moment to follow. The atmosphere felt unbearably awkward as he kept trying to apologize yet struggled with his pride. I ignored him. He can't stand when I do that. It's odd, I get the feeling he's not used to that sort of treatment. Most likely because people are terrified of his mere presence. Eh. I find him more tragic than anything, he's having an identity crisis at his big age. I understand that he's feeling nostalgic but he has had ample time to learn and heal.

"I can hear you, you know?"

"It's true. You claim I remind you of your home. That knowing me has left you suddenly wracked with this guilt for your straying of their ways. Yet I'm a slave trapped in your hellish castle of horrors."

"I hardly think living a life of luxury is tantamount to bondage. I don't take pleasure in your upset but you must understand I can't risk losing you. Not now. Someday you'll forgive me for this."

"Not likely."

"Sissi."

I stopped walking. We were somewhere on the third floor now. Near the library. He was uncomfortably close and frigid with anxious contention. I defiantly strained my head high to meet his gaze.

"I meant what I said."

"Tell me is it loving to trick me? Or send your mutts after me? Or better yet, to possess me at all?! Shouldn't love be free?! But what would you know of that, you're nothing but a cruel beast. Honestly, I find it hard to believe you were ever kind. You're a disgrace and you know it!"

Streams of red poured down that mask of indifference. His tone gruff and heavy.

"Unless you'd like to attend tonight's ball, dinner will be late. Until then I suggest you return to your room."

"Of course your highness."

I made sure to curtsy. He huffed and disappeared from sight. Rather than immediately following his order. I wandered to the library and stalked the shelves. This was the only thing that kept me sane. Being able to dip into a world that wasn't my own allowed me peace. A moment to just myself without fear or worry. Then I'd get scared I was feeling too comfortable within these stone walls. After snagging a few books I lugged back.

Many of the tomes Raven possessed in his collection were of different languages. But even then I liked looking at them. As silly as it sounds. Sometimes I think I even can read them? I'm beginning to fear it may have to do with his abilities. We're strangely compatible, the connection is iffy almost as if it has a mind of its own. He's right. If given enough time to forget my life out there... I could slip into his hands and I'd be lost under his spell too. The silence got to me and my eyes began to droop. While held under an uneasy slumber. I could feel that link tugging.

It wasn't until much later that our bond let up and let me rise. As my chest rose and fell. I could tell I had been moved from my original resting place. While reading I had been sitting near the window. Allowing the last of the sun to dance along my skin. Now? I felt cradled in the warm fluffy cloud of the bed. I knew.

I hadn't dreamt that crash. I hadn't dreamt almost getting my arm yanked off by one of those things and I almost certainly wasn't dreaming the tugging of a brush running through my hair. Every once in a while I'd hear a low hum. The song was unfamiliar but it sounded pretty. Raven must be getting his rocks off while I'm 'out'. I can't stand him. I'm pretty sure those 'tests' were him trying to make me submit. Unlike the rest. He can't control me. It frazzles him to absolutely no end.

I thought it best I keep my eyes closed until he leaves... at least I know I won't be here for long. Unless they all died. I tried not to laugh. It's sick but their vampires, getting taken out by a car crash seems anti-climatic. Alcide...no. Eric is certainly on his way. He has to be. I attempted to keep my breathing steady and my eyes shut but when I heard a dark feminine giggle?

My eyes shot open to see the deceptively angelic visage of Lorena leaning over me. Her lustrous ebony shoulder-length bob framed her face perfectly. Her pink-painted lips were held in a pout. Most importantly those big green eyes looked like elegant jewels as she leered. Her cold expression fell flat and exposed a glaringly obvious insecurity. She absentmindedly checked her appearance to reassure her fragile sense of self. Such a travesty. I honestly loathe that I pity her lack of respect for herself. It's pathetic.

"What?"

She sneered and waited for a rude remark. Instead, I complimented her beauty and she smiled. Her fangs glinted in the light. A burning of bile bubbled up. I forced it down and attempted to look around the room. But the awkward position I was in made that difficult. She flipped her hair back and civilly replied.

"I don't swing that way sugar, but thanks."

"Is this a social call?"

She continued to rake the brush through my hair. Her fingers running behind it. Occasionally her nails would scrape my scalp in the most delightful manner. Curse my love for head massages. Where is Raven? This is the second time he's slacked and allowed someone in my space. Despite how silent she was, I could see she was attempting to put her words in order. A muffled grunt burst out before she did and an expression of delight flashed then suddenly. A deep disdain.

"Look who decided to visit us darlin."

Her hands began roughly tugging as she continued to play with my hair. I attempted to let my discomfort be known and I was smacked with the brush. As a childhood memory unlocked, I blinked in deep confusion. Alright this little game has sincerely put me in a foul mood.

"Raven?!"

"You've been repeatedly mumbling that. There's no one here by that name and even if there was. They can't save you, honey. No one can. Within the hour. You'll be under the mercy of Mad King Russel. It's almost too perfect... well, almost."

She fell into a fit of giggles and the slumbering captive audience grunted and made a ruckus. Despite that. They were stuck wherever they were. I was still cradled in the heaven of clouds and my head was situated in her lap. Any time I attempted to lift my head and view the other. I'd receive a hard smack and a hair tug. I finally relented and just let her play in my curls. It dawned on me. There's only one person Lorena has ever glared at like that. I darkly called for William and he frantically attempted to respond but was kept from doing so. It just sounded like wet mumbling. He must be bound and gagged. The sound of the door opening shocked Lorena.

"I was to be notified once she awoke."

"Raven, get your lackey out of my room."

"Ah, so this is the infamous Raven you've been calling for? Well, I'll say, for a taken woman you sure do get around. I thought it was the. What's his name? Pretty, blonde? Looks as if he's permanently smelling something foul and rancid?"

The grumble and roar from Russel let it be known. Eric is still alive. It settled my worry from earlier. As he ragingly snatched Lorena by her hair and drug her from the bed. I let out a slew of chortles.

"You will not speak of that excrement in my or my queen's presence ever again."

"Yes, my liege."

He gazed down at me and the hurt from earlier peeked behind those worn pools of amber. He quickly looked away. Lorena was still cowering at his feet as he replaced the spot she vacated. He was checking me over for wounds. Once he was satisfied he resumed her brushing.

"You're dismissed."

Lorena submissively slunk away. As her heels cracked near her pet. He dissolved into manic grunts and shouts. Uh oh. She's set something loose in him. I wonder if he'll finally turn and bite.

"Leave him."

"My king?"

"Goodbye, Lorena."

She huffed in fury. Yet when it came to leaving she made sure not to slam the door. His fingers lightly danced along my scalp. He was dressed awfully spiffy. His signature color accented the cream tux elegantly. His hair was coiffed and his face freshly shaved. Although I missed the scruff. He snorted and tucked my hair behind my ear. He quietly whispered he did too. I rolled my eyes at his hearing of my inner thoughts. He softly replied.

"You've been unusually wide open."

"I'm not feeling well."

"Is there something I could do?"

"Why is William here?"

"I recall you desiring him to be."

"Oh, is this your way of apologizing?"

"I figured you'd be grateful. I could give him back to his maker."

Despite my anger with him. I'm not cruel. I kept quiet and Raven settled once more. I could hear William anxiously struggle.

"About earlier?"

"I'll wait for dinner. Enjoy your wife."

Unlike earlier, he didn't get upset. He just kept brushing my hair and remained as silent as a house mouse. He nodded his head in understanding and rose from the bed. He stared at himself in the enormous mirror bolted into the burgundy wall and adjusted his tux. It still looked impeccable. He was just annoyed. This room fit my mood much better than the last. At hearing that, his eyes danced along my reflection. No emotion could be picked up yet I knew better. He's sulking.

"I respect your wishes but I'm disappointed. I had hoped to share a dance. I'll send up a tray, would you like cake? There are many delectable options."

"Chocolate?"

"I believe there's a ganache."

"That's fine. Thank you."

He strolled away but stood at the door. His wide shoulders flexed as if he meant to call out to taunt. But instead, he just shut the door behind him. I grumbled in rage at hearing the lock click. His cologne still clinging to the air around me. It was the only distraction from the scent of William. He's in desperate need of a bath. My nails tapped to the beat of my heart. The thoughts I gleaned in his head churned in my mind on a loop. I have every right to be hurt and angry, yet I still couldn't shake that feeling of shame. He is right about me. I have changed. I have darkened my soul but so has he. He's not the innocent man he likes to think he is and frankly, I think he knows. His soul has corrupted long ago... maybe that's why he believes he must save me. If he only knew, it's him that needs rescue.

I carefully sat up and leveled my eyes on him. He wasn't as fucked up. Just his clothes were disheveled and filthy. While his face was perfectly unmarred. Thanks to my blood. He still refused to look me in the eyes. Is it that guilt? I can't tell. I slipped from the high bed and found my slippers. These creaky old wood floors hold nothing but splinters. All the rooms downstairs have immaculate marble tile. Though this room is much warmer. As I neared him he scooted back in fear. This time it wasn't me he was afraid of. I bent down to where he was chained up and removed the ball gag from his mouth.

"Are you alright?"

"I should be asking you that."

"It's you whose bound, do they hurt?"

"Unfortunately."

I took a seat in front of him. All the anger had abated in favor of not knowing what to say. So I just sat there with him.

"He hasn't... has he."

"I haven't been harmed in any way by him. Mostly because I acted in a way that enticed his desires. He's psychotic."

Bill was amused by my honesty. He noticed the type of clothing I wore and he looked away. Too scared to ask if I had let him touch me. I forced him to look at me.

"No. He hasn't."

"If he had it's not your fault. You were only trying to survive...I'm sorry."

"Don't. Not now."

"I am."

"I know. You always are."

We got quiet again. I got bored and leaned over to snag my book off of the window seat. He noticed it was written in Arabic.

"I didn't know you could read in foreign tongues."

"I can't. Well, I mean I couldn't... not until Korun. That's his name. His real name, it means Raven. I don't know how to explain it other than. Our gifts are compatible. It's been strange as of late. But I'm sure you knew that. Considering it was your duty to find out how strange."

He winced. The cat was out of the bag now. I defiantly glared at him. Yet he still didn't open his mouth and tell me himself.

"Not gonna deny it?"

"No. I'm sure you've seen."

"I'm sort of surprised it took me this long. I mean I've guzzled down liters of your blood and nope. So why now?"

"The visions or dreams one experiences under the essence of a vampire is not controlled."

"That's a lie. I'm pretty sure Eric can control them. So try again."

"He's much older than I. If he has any ability to control them. That may be something he's gained with time."

"Were you ever going to tell me?"

He kept silent and I laughed. Of course not. He shrunk further into the corner and attempted to hide his face. I didn't let him. I forced him to look me in the eyes. He cowered. It's terrible what Lorena has done did to him. He's just a husk of a man. Probably has been since the death of his true love. His Charlotte. I yanked my hand away as if I had been burned by him. He whimpered and attempted to touch me. The chains clinked in protest of the movement. Russel locked him up tight.

"I'm sorry!"

"You don't know the meaning."

I glanced down at the ring still perched on my finger and that acidic burn edged back. I carefully slipped it off and placed it at his feet before standing and limping back to the bed. His sniffles filled the room. I urged him to lick his wounds silently as I had a headache. It took every ounce of focus I had to decipher the foreign text. While I read. Time ticked by. The sounds of a roaring party from downstairs made it nearly impossible. I tossed the book and mockingly thought of congratulations to the newlyweds.

"Are you and Eric?"

"He hasn't touched me either. Unlike you I was faithful."

"I never once touched anyone else."

"No, you just neglected to tell me Lorena didn't absolve your bond. Thus still making you her's. Isn't it she that would have to accept our marriage as true to make it so? I don't think mommy dearest is fond of letting that happen."

"Eric tells you too much."

"No, he tells me enough to survive the world you tossed me into."

"Newsflash Sissi, it's your world too. One I see you've come to masterfully navigate. What now?"

"I don't know. Before I was ready to just say goodbye but... it's complicated."

"I love you too."

"Do you?"

"Marie."

"Thomas."

"Yes, of course, I love you. I know I have a funny way of showing it but it's true."

The tension was broken by the sound of

muffled bickering...it didn't sound as if it was coming from inside but outside my window. Which is odd, the bedroom is on the fourth floor. Just then a body crashed through my barred window. The warped metal and glass debris littered the floor. Thankfully all the ruckus from downstairs covered the noise. If anyone had heard we'd all be sitting ducks. I was stunned to react and just kept staring at the body. I think it's Mr. Elvis Presley?! I just blinked in confusion and a horrid laugh burst out.

"I take it you're a fan?"

Pam spoke boredly as she hopped into the room and bypassed him just lying there. He groaned in protest of her roughly helping him up. I was struck as I took in his rotten appearance. It's rare to come across a vampire that looks as monstrous as they actually are. But this one sure did. His pupils were blown out and his skin didn't look right. It was gray and waxy in places... almost like a corpse. I've seen this mostly when they need to feed.

"I feel like I'm on bad drugs."

"As fun as it is catching up. We don't have a lot of time. Where's Eric?"

"How the hell should I know?"

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!"

Some mumbling came from Elvis as he reminded her to be quiet and she mocked him but settled down. He was currently helping Bill from his chains. I was more than a little surprised at watching him touch silver without complaint. He just yanked the links apart with ease. Pam was still getting a kick out of how lost I was.

"Call him Bubba. I wouldn't use his well-known name unless you'd like to end up a meal. As for his appearance and odd behaviors well... something went wrong during his transformation."

I weakly nodded my head as Bill explained. I just decided to keep my mouth shut and figured I'd help out. I presume we ain't getting out the way they came in. It wasn't until Pam and Bubba tried to pry it off its hinges that we came to realize. This wasn't just any old door. All along it were these strange glyphs. Bill surmised it's been spelled closed. Pam wasn't ready to accept defeat and kept attempting to bust it down and nothing. All while my mind was running a million miles a second searching for another way out. It wasn't until I understood this room has been completely designed with me in mind that I knew. The only way to get out was to force someone to open the door. Shit.

"I think I may have something. You won't like it and it's going to cause a mess."

Despite how stupid my plan was. It was the only one we had. Pam and Bubba doubled back outside as a distraction. They were told to make as much noise as possible. They would need to grab the attention of the wolves. If Korun believes Eric is around? He'd run to my side. All we need is for him to open the door and I could do the rest. The anticipation was getting to me the longer it took. We could hear wolves... yet no Korun. Bill attempted to soothe me and I shoved him away. He kept his hands where I could see. The pain he felt was evident.

"I'd never hurt you. I just wanted to hold you."

"Don't."

"We could try the window. I could hold you on my back..."

"We're too high. You'd be a sitting duck if we got caught."

"We could fly? I didn't imagine that did I? Those butterfly wings..."

"I'm not leaving without my pound of flesh. That bitch dies tonight."

Bill reminded quiet. As I looked him over. I felt. My nose twitched in interest. He noticed and did something I didn't expect. I watched William stick his finger into his mouth and chomp. It snapped like a carrot. He held it out for me and I sheepishly took it. I felt so embarrassed that I turned away to wolf it down.

There's gotta be something I can do... as I felt a buzz from the. Meat. I figured it couldn't hurt to try. I wandered over to the bewitched door and focused on the glyphs. The longer I stared at them my head began to pound. I forced through it. Just a faint glow emanated from my hands as I held them over one. I gritted my teeth through the pain as my nose began to drip in protest. Bill attempted to stop me by dragging me from it. I shoved him back roughly, as my eyes laid on him in threat He skulked away and submitted under fear. I laughed and turned away from him.

My vision was blurred but I managed to find the door again and proceeded with my mission. As I fought against the magic I could feel my energy depleting until I slumped to the floor yet even then I refused. It wasn't until I was blinded by the blood pouring from my eyes and my heart thumped so rough against my ribcage that I was genuinely terrified it would hop on out. That I finally was engulfed in flames so hot the door melted. As I stumbled into the hall I almost passed out. I slumped against the wall as I forced my limbs to move. The blaring from an alarm was muffled and distant. It wasn't until I was almost run over that It dawned on me. If Korun didn't come to my aid... there are matters more pressing.

I was lying on the floor just trying to catch my bearings when I noticed the other doors... a few of them had been smashed open and exposed what was behind them. More rooms specifically designed for other creatures. That's just fucking great. I was lifted to my feet by Bill, this time I let him help me. We were forced to fight our way through as a blaze roared. A few times I was almost lost to the smoke but we managed to escape. That floor. The one below was much worse. All those things that had escaped their cages had decided to wreak hell and were battling or just straight up feeding. The werewolves were in full-out war.

We tried sneaking past but Bill got tugged away as something attempted to rip him limb from limb. All while I was hunkered down just trying to gather control but I was zapped. As Bill held his own I could just barely hear him ordering me to run, to leave him and save myself. My will to survive kicked in as something took notice of me and just managed to use the last of my strength and blinked away. Where I landed? In the basement. The stone felt nice against my clammy skin. A bellyaching cackle escaped as I noticed that the ancient coffin had been moved.

"Asshole."

I rolled over on my stomach and coughed up blood. If I don't find something to kill soon I may need one of those things too. Against every muscle in my body, I crawled. There's gotta be a way out of here. I know damn well he didn't lug that thing up those steps. Low and behold that bastard had a secret tunnel that lead to a channel of water. I feasted on a few fish as I swam to safety. The water dumped me somewhere deep in those woods.

I gotta say. It was much easier getting out this time than last. Especially since I knew which way to run. Away from the sounds of wolves pounding dirt. As I dashed through a thicket I found they weren't coming this way but toward...

I couldn't believe it. Even though my eyes were seeing the strange double image. I wouldn't have believed you in a million years that I'd see two Eric Northman's duking it out in the middle of the forest.

But true enough at least thirty feet away that's exactly what I saw. One was completely nude and covered in scars. His hair long and hung limply like noodles. His body mass nearly doubled. But true enough he looked exactly like Eric. While the second. I'm pretty sure is Eric. Huh? I like the shorter cut on him. It suits his face better. Although is that. Is that a crown on his head? The surreality of the sight struck me frozen. What is going on? It wasn't until I watched my Eric knock back the doppelgänger Eric so hard he went flying and mid-air morphed into the biggest creature I had ever seen. That I knew something was deeply wrong, the creature landed and howled for more.

The wolves that had chased them circled around but didn't dare cut in between them. It was freighting to notice that this blackened-haired beast wasn't like the others. He was bigger and meaner. In all honesty, he didn't look like any of them. But I was sure that this doppelgänger was a wolf too. They bowed and bayed as the fight began and it clicked. It's because he's not like them... if he looks like Eric, that must mean. Northman has a mangy werewolf for a twin brother...What the literal fuck?!