A large creature sprinted through a dense forest. He leapt over a large gully and sprinted as fast as his legs would take him. A large, wood and stone building emerged from the distance. The night was waning and dawn was fast approaching. He needed to get inside before the sun rose. That was imperative. He bounded through the forest towards the building materialising in front of him. He bounded through the door frame and into a deserted stone and wood shack.
He ripped open a trap door and leapt down the stairs. He landed hard and revealed himself to be a human with long dark, straggly hair.
"You have returned," said a voice.
"Indeed," replied the werewolf.
He picked up a goblet and a jug. He poured himself a glass of water and downed it in one before making himself another.
"Yes," said the voice. He emerged from the shadows and revealed himself. He looked almost identical to the werewolf except that his pockmarked skin suggested he was slightly older. "I'm sure killing Vampires is thirsty work."
The werewolf lowered his second goblet of water.
"What Vampires?" asked the werewolf.
"Two Vampires were mauled to death in The Reach," said the dark haired man. "You don't happen to know anything about that do you Vilkas?"
Vilkas shook his head.
"Nothing at all Farkas," he replied.
Farkas shook his head and walked away from his brother.
"I hope you are not lying to me brother," he said sternly.
"They are two Vampires," said Vilkas. "Why so important?"
"It is the first time Vampires have been killed by a werewolf in a century," said Farkas. "We don't want to draw attention to ourselves."
"I have no interest in Vampires," said Vilkas. "Only mortals."
Vilkas placed his goblet on the large wooden table. He then walked over to a large bed in the corner of the room.
"I am tired brother," said Vilkas. "I must get some sleep."
Farkas watched him walk across the room. He watched him climb into bed and as passed out in exhaustion. Farkas turned his attention to another table in the opposite corner of the room. Several pieces of paper with scribblings on it littered the table top. He moved them aside to reveal a book with the cover in a deep royal blue. Words were embossed in gold on the royal blue cover. The words read, 'The Blood Of My Enemies."
The large doors of Castle Volkihar opened. Stefan entered the castle, folding his wings into his armour. He pulled the doors closed and descended the stairs into the Great Hall. It was empty. He peered around into the alchemy lab, the barracks and even the smithy. There was no one around. He ascended the stairs and made his way out into the courtyard. He crossed the courtyard and entered the North Tower.
Serana sat in a large armchair in the small sitting room. She looked up as she heard the door open and close.
"Serana!" called Stefan.
She closed her book with a snap and threw it aside. She leapt up and darted across the North Dining Hall to greet her husband. She saw him and beamed widely exposing her fangs.
"Stefan," she said happily. "You're home."
He pulled her close to him and kissed her lovingly, stroking her hair.
"Yes my ravishing Vampire Queen," he said.
He kissed her once more. Serana giggled.
"I'm glad you are home," she said. She brushed her fangs against his neck. Even though he was now a Vampire, he still got excited when she did this.
"It's rude to keep my lady waiting," he said.
She giggled and kissed him once again.
"What did you find out in Cyrodiil?" she asked. Her flirtatious manner had been replaced by concern.
"It was Werewolves," said Stefan. "Werewolves attacked those Vampires."
He let go of Serana. He made his way to the barrels in the sitting room. He poured himself a measure of blood potion and took a long, deep swig.
"Werewolves?" asked Serana frowning as she thought. "There hasn't been a Werewolf attack in almost a century. Why would they start attacking now?"
"The Order believes it is something to do with myself," replied Stefan.
He poured himself some more potion and drank it in one. His long flight there and back had made him extremely parched.
"It seems my coronation has made them more active than usual," continued Stefan. "Or so Janus seems to believe."
He placed his goblet on the small table and took a seat at Serana's chair. They were silent as each of them thought intently. Serana took a seat next to him. She leaned close to him.
"You are the first Dragonborn Vampire Lord," she said. "Maybe they believe that by killing you it will reinstate balance."
Stefan looked at her.
"Balance?" he asked.
"As a mortal the Dragonborn was formidable," said Serana. "As a Vampire Lord, I can imagine he must be almost impossible to defeat."
She gave him an encouraging smile.
"I should imagine his Queen would be equally impossible to defeat," he said returning her smile.
Serana blushed. She kissed him on the cheek.
"Be that as it may," said Serana. "It seems The Order is right. The werewolves clearly have taken an interest in our kind once again. Whether it is because of you maybe a coincidence."
"I don't care what their interest is," said Stefan. "Those creatures are to stay away from you and our girls."
Serana got up and perched herself on Stefan's lap. He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
"I could never forgive myself if something happened to you or our daughters," he said quietly.
He looked around the room.
"Where is Lucinda and Valeria?" he asked.
"In the South Tower," said Serana. "They went to sleep before you arrived."
"Perhaps we should join them," said Stefan suggestively stroking his wife's hair.
Serana kissed him on the cheek.
"I like your thinking my handsome Vampire Lord," she replied picking up her flirtatious manner once more.
He stood up carrying Serana in his strong arms. His wings unfolded from under his armour. He took off and flew through the only glassless window out into the courtyard. He flew up the North Tower and landed gently on the battlements. Behind them the sun was starting to emerge over the horizon. He placed Serana gently on the stone floor. She then took his hand and lead him through a wooden door that led to their bedroom.