The monster world was torn apart by war, the war between the vampires and the werewolves. Years they had fought a bloody gruesome battle with no end in sight. But far from the bloodshed stood a large gothic castle. Castle Dracula. Dracula himself sought to keep the war as far away from his family as he could. His two daughters, niece and, nephew didn't need to see nor hear about it.

On one dreary, dismal day, the family sat around a cheery fire in the main room. All was quiet except for the soft notes from the music box that belonged to Christina. The oldest of the children she was seventeen and reserved. A hybrid resembling her dark fae mother, Alissa, more than her vampire father, Radu. Draculaura sat to her right. The oldest of Dracula's two daughters at sixteen Draculaura was pink-skinned and bright. Next to her was her younger sister, Sibella who was fourteen and purple-skinned, quiet but friendly.

The music box stopped, the lid closing as the youngest, twelve-year-old Chase picked it up and brought it to Christina.

"I think we should put it away, for now, Chase," Christina said gently when he presented to her.

He pouted, black hair falling into his teal eyes as his lower lip stuck out.

"I know but you don't want to wear it out do you?" Christina asked as he climbed next to her.

She put her arm around him with a small smile. Christina had spent her entire life caring for Chase. it seemed that way at least. The young boy was unable to speak, born without a voice. Independent as he was he still stuck close to his older sister. Feeling that she understood him far better than anyone else. He didn't have to write her notes to convey what he was thinking. Nothing could separate them.

Well, almost nothing that is.

For far away and across the border, Clawdeen the alpha of all werewolves had just discovered something that could change the course of the war and the Dracula family forevermore.

,.., ….

Getting summoned to the Vampire Queen's castle was hardly, if ever a good thing for Dracula. Especially when he learned why he'd been summoned. Alpha Clawdeen had found a prophecy. The parchment on which it was written was torn and water damaged but one thing remained clear that to forge peace two daughters of the Night were to be traded to two Sons of the Moon.

"and since I have no children of my own, I'm afraid this falls to you, Dracula," Elizzabat sadly declared.

"I understand," Dracula nodded, "but, Sibella isn't old enough she's barely old enough for courtship,"

"No one said this was supposed to be romantic,"

"Still, isn't that vhat the public vill think?"

"True," Elissabat hummed, "You have a niece, don't you?"

"Christina,"

"She's old enough,"

Dracula wanted to argue but only a fool would dare to argue with the queen. Instead, he asked, "How long?"

"Three days,"

,,,,,

Christina sat in the library, an old book in her hands, eyes devouring the page soaking up every word of the story. All-time lost to her until there was a sharp tugging on her sleeve. She put the book down finding Chase before her. He presented her with a single piece of paper.

"Did you draw this?" Christina inquired, studying the sketch her brother had worked so hard on.

A large butterfly, its' wings a myriad of purples and blacks. Beautiful, lifelike and delicate.

He nodded happily pressing it into her hands.

"Thank you, you're fairy sweet,"

He smiled.

"Want to join me?"

He hopped onto her lap making her grunt, "You're too big for this,"

But she didn't make him move. She simply readjusted her book so they could both see it. Chase leaned back, folding his wings so they wouldn't be a bother. Christina smiled down at him, playing with his hair while she read to him. The two stayed like that until Dracula stepped into the library. Chase jumped off of Christina's lap to greet him.

"Hello, Chase," Dracula smiled weakly.

"Uncle Dracula?" Christina questioned, worriedly standing from her seat, "Is something wrong?"

"Christina, please sit down, I have some distressing news,"

…...

"Clawdeen? Why?" Shaggy questioned his cousin, "Why me?"

"Because I trust you, Shaggy, please do this for me?"

"You like, want me to marry a stranger?! A vampire no less! Mom will have a heart attack!"

"One, the prophecy said nothing about marriage. Two. Aunt Stacey has already been told about this and she's okay,"

Shaggy blanched, "But she sent me here with Sugie to get us away from vampires,"

"Please, I've been fighting a war that isn't my own,"

"Fine, when does she arrive?"

"In six days,"

…...

Christina didn't weep, didn't scream, didn't do anything to let on to the storm that was her heart. Draculaura meanwhile, sobbed relentlessly.

"I understand," Christina nodded solemnly, "I'll begin packing,"

"No, Gerda will pack your trunks, spend time with your brother,"

"Yes, Sir."

Draculaura had run from the room to go cry in peace. Christina watched Sibella pass by on her way to comfort her older sister. Looking down at Chase she found him sitting on the floor before her chair, music box in hand, teal eyes full of tears.

"Want me to wind it?" she asked softly, touching his arm.

He nodded, handing it to her. She gently turned the key, humming as she did so. Chase watched wide-eyed as the lid opened and soft notes filled the air. Christina smiled sadly at his reaction, no matter how often she wound it for him he always seemed amazed by it. Eventually, he was lulled to sleep by it and stayed curled in a ball, wings tucked around him. Standing she picked him up and placed him in her chair, pulling a blanket over him.

"Sleep well, sweet one,"

…...

I leave tomorrow. I've made my peace with it as has Draculaura though I catch her sniffling now and then. To be separated from my family brings me great sorrow but if it will bring us peace as Queen Elissabat says then I will hold my tongue. Tonight, at supper, Chase held my hand under the table as we ate. I'll miss him as he'll miss me. Even now, he's stuck to my side, sleeping beside me, hand holding my left wrist as if I'll disappear. I have no fear he can manage on his own

But, can I?

…...

Breakfast was a solemn affair. Christina descended the stairs wearing a long-sleeved black gown, seemingly prepared for a funeral, her hair twisted into a tight bun, a few wavy tendrils framing her face. She ate quietly before moving to the parlor where she sat alone awaiting the carriage that would take her away. When it arrived, she hugged her family, donned her warmest cloak pulling the hood over her head. Chase had to be held back lest he jump into the carriage with her. Once alone, she pulled the drapes closed. And, finally wept. Time was lost to her as the warm tears slid down her face. Once she could cry no more she conjured her diary and began to write, her hand flying across the page.

They sent a carriage to get me. It's small and dark, inconspicuous. I'm alone as Laura is to be taken elsewhere. I know very little about who I've been 'given' to only that he's the Alpha's distant cousin and that he resides in the valley with his sister. That's all the driver was willing to disclose before I got into the carriage. I know not where Laura was sent or to whom. I can only hope whoever they are treats her well. She's been beside herself with grief.

I dare not imagine what Chase is feeling now. The heartbreak on his face will forever be seared into my memory. Our goodbye was brief but sorrowful, my heart breaking the entire time. I promised Uncle Dracula and Aunt Vana I would be strong and polite. It was all I could say before my throat closed as if I was choking. We hugged until the very last moment all of us.

Then I left, Bella's quiet sobs reaching my ears

I suppose I'll rest now, there isn't much else to do.

I hope these next few days go by quickly.

...

See? I wasn't kidding when I said new stories were coming despite my WIPS. I've been working on this one since January and I'm impatient!