Thank you for any reviews! The story is just flowing from me lately, so that's exciting, I'm a bit sporadic in updating which I apologize for... I never forget about it though! This chapter is going to be a lot of politics due to the Luna situation, recruitment process by Hermione and Draco, and Blaise dealing with everything. I know Harry, Ron, and Pansy aren't getting a lot of face time but I have to develop my two new characters of my own creation, and well they'll be back soon, no worries! Remember reviews are never turned away! Hope you love this, enjoy!
Disclaimer: No own anything but a plot...
Chapter 12: Love & Politics & Everything In Between
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A wicked smile stretched across the face of the vampire, a tilt of his head like that of a bird's, and eyes that were a blood red that seemed to glow. Long ashy blonde hair was drawn back into a braid, and his arms were crossed on his chest, "Little Queen of the High Clan... You come to this one, asking for the support of the Sight. Why does your Lord not come with you? Is there one he finds more important than us? Long we have been allies, true to it shall we remain. Twilight, our heiress, she is your friend, through her we shall communicate. Heads of the other Clans are rarely welcome in another's Court, but you are learning. There are many Rogues you must speak to, so off you go, be assured we stand with you." The sliver-adorned vampire then turned his mind and eyes away from the present and Hermione turned to leave the tower in which his court was ensconced.
Once outside the heavy oak doors she leaned heavily on the stone wall, never had she been so nervous in her life. When Draco had asked her to come here, she had accepted because she saw how stressed he was over this Luna situation and she would do anything to ease some of the burden he weighed himself down with. The King of the High Clan, the King of their kind, was searching out the second-in-command of the Shadow Clan and then moving on to the Bia Clan. Soon she would be seeing the Calm Clan, they could hardly be counted on to fight but they needed the support. Charis had told her that the Calm had not been to war in over nine centuries. Still she was expected to change their minds and bring them to war now because the High Clan called need of them. She worried for Draco, the Bia clan wasn't called so for nothing, the violent is what they had named themselves so long ago. That clan she learned lately was one that had caused more wars for all beings than helped end them, it was how they lived, but they would be an asset against crazed minions of the Dark Lord.
The Rouges were to be the true challenge, sure they would still have to speak among the Natura Clan, the Fides Clan, the Cruentus Clan, and the Immunda Clan, those were all clans that were fairly old but not like that of the High Clan or Shadow Clan, even that of Sight. Natura was those who lived closely with nature and refused to kill humans to satisfy their needs so thus drank that of the animals around them. Fides was those of the faith, they held to the long held traditions, such as that of not mixing or turning others without incident that makes it impossible. Cruentus was the bloodthirsty, much loved by the Bia, they are commonly used to start their wars, these kill any who can not escape their predatory prowess. Last, Immunda are those who are not of the faith, they mix willingly, though you can be born half or not full and still be of another clan it means not continuing to dilute the bloodline or turn others freely. So much had she learned from late nights with Charis, had it been three days since Twi had left her to return to the castle on Blaise and Dumbledore's demand? Still the Rouges would be difficult, she and Draco both will have to pull every string and throw out every deal they had to get those of the Rouges to join their cause. They were those who were strong enough to lead or create their own clan but chose not to or belong to any of them.
Sliding down to where she rested against the stone floor, she buried her face in her hands, how was it she became a Immortal Queen? Love made her become Immortal, yet the part of being Queen was unknown to her until they had ventured here. Was Draco going to ignore all this, for her? His responsibilities, his kind, his heritage, all meaningless to him if he didn't have her. It made her dizzy just thinking of all he would have given up to just stay in England peacefully with her.
"Milady, the ground is not a seat you'd want to be using, such as you are." It was Charis, her lifeline in this crazed new world full of traditions and things that she had no knowledge of and could barely grasp when explained to her, brightest witch her age her foot. When the pale hand was offered, she took it and brought herself back to her feet, "I take it, the meeting with Ole' All-Knowing, didn't go how ye planned now, did it. Come along, 'tis high time for tea" Her brogue was apparent now after Hermione had told her how much she loved the sound of it, the girl had told her she was charming her voice to keep it from being heard accept when comfortably allowed. Now she let it free from charm, it seems she loved the sound of her heritage just as much as her Queen.
"No, the arse, he kindly explained that the Head of Clans are not generally welcome in the courts of other Head of Clans. I'll have him know he was speaking to the Lady of the High Clan, his Queen just as much as any other Clan. Oh how he ruffled my feathers, if only Draco had been there, the uppity old man dismissed me without so much a few words form my lips." A pout was evident on her face and the other woman could barely contain her laughter at such sight, "I am having tea with her Lady of Calm... Next time you can tell Draco his mate does not deal among the politics of the Clans." Huffing, she flopped down unladylike on a bench placed in one of the grand lobbies of the school/harbor for their kind.
Charis remained standing and adjusted her bow that she'd wound though Hermione's hair earlier that morning, the hair was just as much a masterpiece of beauty as that of the gorgeous gown she was adorned in. "Would be herself coming, our Lady of Calm. Now then, ye will remember that she has not temper with her and isn't after it being expressed in her court." Her charming smile set Hermione's heart at ease as it sped up trying to stay relaxed as the other Clan Head walked towards her. The woman was quite tall, had shorter soft brown, and her eyes were a cool shade of blue, her appearance just exuded calm and control. Slowly she approached her long dress trailing a bit behind her was a like a flute straight down her body, an ivory lacy creation. So much she was unlike herself as High Queen, her hair a crazed mess of ribbon and curl a beautiful bright chestnut, her eyes a shocking gold, her dress full and grandiose a bright gold to match her eyes accented with soft pearls. The High Queen showed status, wealth, dignity, honor, so much, so vibrant and standing out.
"Lady Hermione..." her voice was firm but soft, "If you do so please, we can be entertained in the central tea room. My Clan will gladly serve the Queen of Immortal." Gently she reached out for her hand, Hermione looked swiftly to Charis before receiving a nod that it was acceptable, taking it Calm helped her to her feet and they began gracefully gliding towards the indicated tea room. "Let us not rush into what I know you have come to request of me, first my Queen let us speak on lighter terms and possibly enjoin in a true friendship that could be made between us." Her smile was enough to put Hermione at peace, and her worries about this tea seemed to just drift from her mind as they continued down the long hall of the school, passing beautiful arched windows that looked out upon the less than desirable gardens.
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The darkness increased as he made his way into the dungeons, never would this be a pleasant place to visit not as long as the Shadows held their Court here. A chill ran across his skin as nightmares were entertained before his eyes, all tricks of the mind that they liked to invite. Only High, Sight, and Shadow could hold gifts, maybe a few Rouges that should belong to those Courts. Turning another corner he found several captives held in fear by one of the Immortals, it was gruesome how the Shadow could torture. The High Clan tried to avoid such things, but it was not always possible, his mind thought of the time he had almost drove a mortal to insanity using his gift to barrage his mind. Hermione would most certainly not involve herself with any of the High Clan's affairs with Shadow. Draco had darkness in his blood, he was almost shocked that this was not where he belonged, but as High King he was much more adequate.
He wondered how his mate had faired with Sight and Calm, he still hadn't decided who would go to Natura or Fides, he would handle Bia and Cruentus. His mate would be spared violence and death as much as could could possibly allow. Immunda was a mystery to him, long had High avoided contact with them as High had with the Rouges, either grouping would be hard to request help in their Courts. Then his eyes lit upon a man with hair an almost navy color, his eyes just as black as a soulless abyss, he walked forward a terrifying expression of evil this man didn't make the High King flinch even a bit. "Kaine..." He looked upon Irial's right hand, "I hear you have a new member of Shadow..."
Pleasure crossed his face, "Yes, my Lord... he is very pleased." They then began moving into one of the many rooms hidden in the pitch black hallway, "But that is not only why you are here... I know of your connection to the girl, but you are here for more than retribution for any pains caused by this decision."
"As if there would be any retribution, you all are reveling in all repercussions and benefits that come from this. You are right though... I see, that is what it shall take to gain your allegiance. I will have to pull a few strings, talk to some allies of my own, but if it is fate as it seems then I shall see to it that you will be on my side. I know where Irial is, do not doubt my power and abilities Kaine." The other Immortal smirked evilly and projected images that made Draco's eyes run red, "That would not be a wise decision for anyone, watch where you tread some places are not safe even for the likes of you." Draco snarled before turning his back and leaving the way he came in, the vision of his mate being violated and tortured in his mind, no one touched his mate, his Queen.
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"Fate does not dictate all..." Death was staring into Shadow, and it was not pleasant, but neither were meant to be comfortable, yet together they should have been almost as one.
The smile that befell upon Shadow's face was not as innocent as it was made to seem, "You are mine once you join this world, I can feel it deep in my blood... she should have belonged to Sight, oh I feel the Old Rust Bucket now shoving his anger upon us all at this development... how glorious it is when a Lord and Head takes what is rightfully his. If any other had turned her she would have been theirs until I had found her. All along she would have been mine, Shadow is her calling even though Sight is her gift." He loved watching Death squirm and stomp before him, riling him up only made Shadow's adrenaline run more.
Throwing a spell into the wall in anger he turned his back on him, "Listen, she was mine to protect in this place... how will the Dark Lord react to this? Are you abandoning the High King for what, an evil barely-immortal?" It was hard to keep his temper in check in such an environment that inspired such emotions in this Immortal monarch's presence. "Does she carry your aura so well as you do now?" His mind ran to Harry and how this would affect one of his brothers, it wasn't going to be easy to tell him when the time came. Fate had funny ways of doing things in this world, but he admitted without it he may not have ever met his beloved Twilight and be able to know he was going to enjoy forever with her in bliss once this threat of the world's peace was eliminated.
"Oh my dear Blaise... until Sight is gone and your little mate ascends, you will be mine... The Dark Lord will have to accept it, what is done is done. As for my High King, well he knows how to hold my loyalty if only he chooses correctly. She is so much the Lady she should be, none could deny her rightful place even those who will gawk at her gift. Yet she is not wholly undamaged... I was not quick enough to save her fully. That shall remain one of my most haunting regrets for my eternity. Your Greyback he damaged her only enough that she should survive but not without consequences severe." Blaise watched as Shadow turned away his eyes more haunted than what was right for the master of nightmares, fear, and darkness. He reached out it was impossible to resist it, this would truly be his Lord for some time at least.
Pulling back roughly, he let a glare settle on his face, "Greyback shall be dealt with, do not involve yourself in such, but Irial what shall you do now?"
"Isn't that what they all want to know? You? Voldemort? My Faery Queen? My High King and Queen?" His smile was full of too much glee of the power of the chaos he was creating, "Oh you do thrill me Death, a visit to you always revitalizes me. Don't we all want to know what Shadow shall do, where that crucial piece shall fall, and what if it does not fall at all? But is it not too much involved to avoid such calls as that of Light and Dark? Dark doesn't that just call to Shadow, but too much holds it to Light. It is the presence of Light that allows there to be Shadow, it can not exist without it, and perhaps that is why his Faery queen is as such she is. Oh, Death, I know you just enjoy those twisting lines in which flow so logically in my chaotic verse. Find the Reason, the Truth, and then you shall know what Shadow has chosen, always remember it now has it's Faery Queen." Irial's beautiful smile was not causing what it would to any other mortal, and that is what spurred him on.
Blaise walked to his bed, "Come to me when you can talk straight or send her to me. I am not required to bear your presence Irial."
"Soon, my Death. Soon you shall be." With that Shadow was gone, out the door and no longer causing Blaise's heart to speed. It was always hard for the two of them to be in each others presence, once he was immortal though they would feed from each other, but for now it always came close to pulling him into his void. Running a hand through his hair much like his old friend that was prominently on his mind lately, how would Harry deal with this? He shouldn't find out unless necessary as of yet, no that was the only thing he could decide on about it for now. That handled the near future but in the long run, Harry would ask and Blaise didn't know what he would say. "Drake... I hope you can come up with something soon." The silver Dragon almost as if it heard its master's name came floating into his room with Draco's voice flowing from it and tears drifted down Blaise's cheeks before he could regain his composure.
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Hermione walked into her bedroom, pulling her gown off as she went, she was almost positive none of her meetings had went as expected, both Sight and Calm had given consent to side with them, but something just felt off. Perhaps that was Draco and not her, she wondered about the room in only her shift trying to discern if the unusual suspicious feeling she had was coming form their bond. Soon she found herself staring at the object of her thoughts with a small frown set upon his visage. "Things not working out the way you want, my Dragon?" she purred practically in his ear as she leaned over the back of the armchair to bury her face in his neck from behind.
One of his hands moved instinctively to her forearm as the other continued to swirl the fire whiskey in his cup, "Not quite, Shadow was willing, but under conditions. Conditions I'm not sure if I want to fold to, damn him Irial." his sigh was heavy, much was burdening him mind and soul, "At least Sight and Calm were easily gathered to us, but I have decided upon not going face to face with the other courts, I have already dispatched many emissaries from our Clan to each. We shall now concentrate on the few Rouges I deem likely to help our cause. Oh Bia was more than willing to participate in battle, they didn't even demand any spoils of war, it seems they have weakened due to the lack of violence between wars as of late and will easily join our side to strengthen once again." Draco leaned forward loosening from her hold, she then twirled around the chair to settle in his lap. "'Mione... how will I know I am making the right choice? If I give in to Irial then how will that affect the balance?"
Smoothing the hair from his forehead she leaned forward to kiss it, "Perhaps you should speak to Twi about the possibilities, I can be no help there. This balance you all have is very precarious though, if you were to make conditions of your own. Alliance bonds should only keep the balance, Sight and Calm cannot demand conditions as they have already given consent, and shall not rescind. Draco... you are a brilliant man, you will know what to do. I love you." Her smile was to ease his heart, too much was going on too quickly and both of them feared they wouldn't get their allies to battle before it was too late. "We shall send Bia now with Calm, they shall be enough to buy us more time."
"What would I do without you, my little kitten?" he kissed her then, his lips tasted of his drink, she pulled away her gentle smile still beaming. "Send for Charis, give her the orders."
Hermione took to her feet then, it was easy enough a twist and turn of the waltz, and she was back in the bedroom pulling on something far more comfortable, "Promise me, you will be fine while you're gone. I don't want to worry for your safety, I know you're leaving, I don't know where Irial wants to meet you but you will go to him. Be safe my love, I will handle matters here, I have Charis and that old bat Guildenstern." Her eyes were so golden, the mirror provided her a handsome view of her mate, who stood in the doorway in only a pair of dress pants, "He has nothing over the High King, send Ronald if you doubt my safety." it was to tease him, and it worked as she watched a crooked smile form on his face and he burst out in laughter at the thought of the ginger trying to bravely fight off the threats that laid here. "There now, you can see I'll be just fine without you here." she tiptoed and placed her soft lips against his cheek. "I love you now and forever, Draco Lucian Malfoy."
"And I you." he pulled her into his arms then, kissing her properly, "I will be back before dawn, now off with you." and he patted her bottom as he released her with a smirk.
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Draco thought of the note he had sent off with Calliope, Hermione's owl, it was for only show since Hermione and Dumbledore hadn't known he'd already sent his patronus to Blaise talking about more than the issue with Twilight but Irial as well. Standing on the cliffs of western Ireland was not where he expected to be at this moment, no he much rather be near his mate where he could ensure her safety but she had bade him go. What a woman his mate was. The ocean spray misted across his face and he breathed in the fresh air, if only he could allow it to relax him as it should have. The Head of the Shadow Clan, Shadow himself was on his way to meet with him, would he bring Luna? His mind raced at the though of seeing his once innocent and beguiling friend who saw things none of them could ever imagine in their wildest dreams, except for him. The air was chilled but he didn't feel it, it was probably warmed compared to his body temperature. He wondered if her change had went smoothly, or if because of the werewolf poison as well if it had been excruciating, his mind leapt to his own and he cringed, he even had the dark magic to help him along just as 'Mione had had her white magic.
The skies grew dark, but they were not storm clouds as no rain fell, Draco knew he had arrived but still remained facing the sea. He would not allow Irial think for a second he could gain the upper hand on the High King. "You are late." Was all he said as the ocean spray misted around him once again. The other vampire was quiet in his approach but Draco had felt him from long away, it was hard to hide from the High Clan. "She had trouble then... I was hoping she had fared better than I or 'Mione." his sigh was deep, soul deep, this business with Luna tore him into such a full exhaustion of court politics and strong ties.
"It was Greyback's fault... perhaps your Order can seek my revenge for me for that as I cannot attack him outright from my position. Blaise is well if you were wondering, or have you already found all you need in my mind. Is our deal made before I have even spoken of it?" His disdain for Draco's gift was apparent even though his own was close to the same, yet it involved touch something Draco did not need. "My King, as you are, I can tell you... your mate as she portrays her is going to be quite the Queen for our kind. Already I'm sure she has charmed Calm and any other Court you allow her to grace her presence with. Hermione Granger, now Malfoy, is one of intellect and heart, something you do not find often, our King of strength and cunning it is said. What a pair you two make, that shall give our kind an immortal peace."
Draco turned then his cloak blowing furiously in the wind, "It hasn't been decided yet-" he froze when he saw the figure standing timidly behind Irial, such a contrast to see them together.
"Dr-Draco..." she whispered, her skin was pristinely white like the purest pearl, her hair just as beautifully light, her eyes as bright as any aquamarine, and her dress floated around her like a dream, "I made him bring me... I don't want any bad blood on my part. Pleas try to understand.... H-Harr-y" she sobbed brokenly as she almost fell to her knees, Irial was quick to sweep her into his arms, "I didn't do this to hurt him... to hurt anyone. You all mean so very much to me, he will understand.. I see it you know. He shall be happy, happier than I could have ever made him." Draco's heart broke at the tears that dripped from her cheeks and walked slowly forward gauging Irial's aura with every step, once he reached them he bent forward to kiss her forehead.
Pulling away he moved back to the edge of the cliffs, "Luna, do not worry over Harry... we have not yet informed him. We fear his reaction, perhaps it should be you, send him your patronus. Irial, you must take care of her, I can't express how important it is that you do, it is almost as if you have stolen my own sister." Draco felt the pain in his heart being soothed, even from miles away his mate took care of him. "Your deal then, that Charis be taken to the Order, and Luna given clemency to the dual throne of Shadow, then the last condition I have a hard time dealing with. I can't allow you to stay in Voldemort's court, it is too dangerous, too corruptive, too tempting and compelling, how can I be sure of your allegiance while you dine among mine enemy?" His eyes tried to turn angrily upon him, but one look at Luna curled against his chest and they only showed sorrow and hurt, it was his fault any of them were in this position, he should have never come for his angel of a mate.
"As long as I am there, and Blaise is there... know that we are with you brother."
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Azure eyes looked into the hated face of a man that controlled her life with his every whim, standing here in this dank room wondering if this would be the time he tortured her to the death. Her Queen's smile was what kept her from crying out, her Queen was the reason she had to remain silent. This man was daring to threaten the most angelic woman in all Immortality, he could not comprehend how well protected she was, when Charis knew of almost complete strangers to her Queen that would lay down their life to save hers. It was among all beings, mortal, half-mortal, half-immortal, and immortal that found her Queen to be pleasing and good. None could come against her without staring down hell's gates.
"Your silence is what condemns you. What is it you know? Only silence proves that there is something to tell!" his anger was increasing, that meant his methods we become bloodier.
She winced when a dagger slid across her perfect skin, it began healing immediately, her hands felt the ground and began trying to draw energy from the stones. Still they were not living and held little reserve energy for her to draw on. The blouse she had been wearing was already in shreds on the other side of the room, her skirt was tattered but still on her. The dager dug deeper the next time, causing her to bite down on her lips to keep the screams she wanted to release at bay. The snap of the whip was heard just before it lashed out against her, digging deep then ripping away, her lip bleed from the force she used to keep quiet. The taste of copper in her mouth was nerve-wracking, she still contained life's blood, but her own had it's own unique poison like that of any immortal, so coppery wasn't what would be perceived as normal. "What have you done?"
His maniacal laughter struck her hard, "You were inflicted with a very light bit of it, it will only last for the next couple of minutes... It is something that can change immortal poison to that life's blood we crave. It can reverse the process of the change, isn't that brilliant?!" he sounded crazed and she feared turning to him but noticed that her wounds still had not healed, and again the dagger dug in.
Her mouth hung open in undeniable pain but unable to vocalize it, her eyes glossed and blurred her vision. Then almost as if nothing had changed she looked down and saw it begin to slowly heal, whatever he had done to her was now fading. The pain of being fully human tortured was unbearable and for once i her life she felt blessed with her half-immortal nature, almost willing to be fully immortal. As the sting of the whip returned she pulled forward almost pulling it's handle from his hand, but the momentum only made the ripping away that much worse and sent her sprawling to the ground. Her back heaved with her breaths as the wounds healed themselves, as she found new rocks in while she drew on their reserves to fund her own actions. Still she kept her silence, her eyes held hatred and contempt for the man before her, and he could read that, could feel it radiating off of her.
"Well, my dear, your beautiful, precious King shall be losing his hold on immortality soon, my plan is set... your Queen shall no longer be like that of our kind."
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All smiles and feeling as light as air, the young Queen twirled down the halls of the grand gloomy castle. Some of the aristocracy just watched, not sure whether to be abhorred by her lack of conduct or enthralled that their Queen was among them, the King had returned to his throne with a Queen. Her day gown was much more suited for this movement, it draped a little past her knee and float around her as she spun around a corner, it settled on one shoulder leaving her other shoulder of golden porcelain skin to bare. It was too good of day ever since she had spoken to Calm and all she wanted was to spend the hours near dawn in the arms of her mate.
A man swept before her, his fiery locks completely unlike that of any belonging to the Weasley clan, "Milady, if I could speak with you?" his smile was almost too perfect, but then weren't they all like that, her mate could dazzle a room without such a show of flare as his smile could be. Pausing for a second, she watched as he motioned towards one of the many classrooms off this hallway. Sweeping a hand through the hair that had fallen loose of the bun resting to the side of her neck she ducked her head a bit and swept into the room much like that of her hand through her hair. His hand came tot eh small of her back as he directed her towards the oak desk at the front of the room, quietly shutting the door behind him. Turning she was met with breath taking green orbs. "I'm the Head of Natura... I thought it best to speak with you about where my loyalties lie."
Backing up she saw his gaze had become quite feral, "Oh, well my mate, your King sent out an emissary to discuss such things with your court. We have a pressing personal issue we are dealing with at the moment." She watched as his eyes flickered away from her face and a shot of fury went through her form.
"Oh... I spoke with him... I just thought I should let you, my Queen, know exactly where I stood." The desk was suddenly pressing against her back, and she reached out to try to hold him away, and saw fog pooling in her hand. Her gift was awakening with her anger and fear, and the latter increased as she knew no good could come from it here. Mesmerized she took her attention from the tall male who was still approaching her with something flashing silver unnoticed to her own beautiful golden eyes. "People speak of love and politics, and everything in between... but you are all of that my Queen."
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A pain spread across him suddenly, and he fell forward onto his knees. Looking up violet eyes crinkled in worry, and blue misted in tears, a pale body slipped from the others grip and rushed forward. The male came to him bending on one knee, gently moving the female to the side. He grabbed his chest, it felt like something was being torn from him. Tearing at his shirt the buttons popped away as he ripped it open to reveal his pale sculpted chest. A white rose with a black stem glowed as appeared above his heart, then slowly wilted, his roar was louder than the crash of the waves against the cliffs below. His claws scored his perfection, the liquid spilling forth darker than the red that filled mortal veins containing the poison to grant immortality.
Strong hands pulled his own away from his body, the voices were dulled to his ears as he began to shake. Falling forward against the other male, another rack of pain gripped him and his body tried to jack-knife. His eyes caught sight of a black dagger being drawn, as he lifted once again he watched the the metal swiftly cut across the other male's wrist. The dark poisonous life's blood poured out. The drips caught his gaze, it had been so long since he'd fed, he had refrained so long for the sake of his mate when she'd been human and Twilight had been mated practically. More pain bloomed right at his core it felt, his body seized and he convulsed once again. What was happening?
The pale female was speaking, pointing at the mark, and tears were rolling down her cheeks so quickly. Her eyes glowed with the Sight of Prophecy, and she moved to help hold his head still as the male brought his wrist to his mouth. His fangs found the vein on pure instinct, pulling the darkness into him, it was hard to ignore the memories that filled him as his mind reached out to the two with him. What he saw in the female froze him solid. Fury filled him, the pain was his fuel as he saw the scene play on repeat in his mind's eye.
The male pressed his hand against the wrist he was feeding on harder, it was a demand for him to continue. The dark tattoos running and wrapping around the forearm brought to his mind who it was he was feeding from. This was more than an offer to serve a need, this was an offer of fealty, the black dagger was engraved with their ancient language with an obsidian jewel embedded in the hilt. It was still stabbed into the ground next to them, his hand shook as he reached out and took hold of it. The old ways were strong in the other male's clan, and they needed to be in his own. Traditions were key to their unity, another shot of pain caused his eyes to black out then they fuzzed to function once more. Something was deeply wrong, he reached out to his mate for strength. That alone replayed the scene again and his blood ran cold at the revelation proved true.
His mate...
The bond, it couldn't be gone, no he reached deeper, it held but by a far stretch of a thin string. No response from her end gave him the will to pull away.
"Hermione!!!!"
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Amata Mercy