At long last! The final chapter! And because I'm finished this, I will do something special. I will put up the Epilogue; yes! I had it done in advance! And the promo for the sequel: The Wolf Among The Lambs. I'm glad this story was so well received! Thank you for your time to read it!

Just to add something trivial: the two locations Lara has been looking itni: Yamatai (Yama-taikoku) and Kitezh, are based on real history! Just throw out the supernatural stuff. A ruler named Queen Himiko was a real person and did exist, not sure about her Stormguard, but she wasn't an insane Queen and user of Dark, shamanistic powers. Can't say much for Kitezh, though it was mentioned in Russian History and actually sunk under a huge lake; Lake Svetloyar, not a giant glacier.

Now the battle wasn't as epic as I thought, but oh well. I promise you, more blood is going to be spilt in the sequel. Enjoy!

Chapter 10: The Sun and the Moon

"The sun represents your conscious purpose in life.

The moon is the key to deeper emotional self.

It's where your secrets and desires live."

- Unknown

(Scene: Battersea Power Station, London, England/Roth's POV)

Sam and I watched as Lara leapt at Jenkins, transforming mid-air. She crashed down on him with mighty force, enough to send him to the floor. I managed to injure and incapacitate some of his men, but others, I shot down. I did not want to, but they gave me no choice. I heard Lara snapping her jaws into Jenkins' face, as he used his forearm to keep her from reaching down to his neck. It was enough to allow him to unsheathe his combat knife, stabbing it into Lara's shoulder, the one supporting her right front leg. He pushed her off him, as she howled in pain. I sprinted to Lara, quickly removing the knife.

His actions only angered her, because as soon as I removed the knife, she charged Jenkins once more, completely ignoring the injury inflicted. This time, he had no time to unholster his firearm. Lara shoulder rammed him with much force, it shoved him out the door. What's she doing!? Lara made another charge, harder this time, enough to send them both tumbling over the railing! Sam rushed over, I grabbed her by the waist. I can't let her fall too! She cried out:

"Lara no!" Then, she managed to slip out of my grip, only to grab something. Sam picked up a sniper rifle from one of the fallen hunters. She tossed it to me. It was a bolt-action rifle and had only one shot left in it. I have to make it count. I turned to thank Sam, but she was gone. Shit! What's that girl doing!? Those two will be the death of me and make my hair greyer than it already is! I looked over the broken railing; Lara was whimpering in absolute pain as Jenkins limped to retrieve his fallen pistol. The young Croft shifted back to her human form, being unable to hold her wolf transformation. Her clothes were shredded, but her cargo pants and tank top were not too bad.

I noted that she was clutching her right shoulder. Oh no! The fall dislocated her shoulder! I have to set her bones right before the Accelerated Healing kicks into effect! I readied the rifle, raising it. I positioned the cross-hairs on the scope, locked onto the leader's torso. It will break through his tactical vest. He limped his way to Lara.

"I'm going to put a fucking bullet into your fucking head!" He shouted. Not on my watch you bastard. I was about to make the shot, until some snuck up behind me, putting me in a chokehold. I dropped the rifle. Damn it! I don't time for this! I struggled against the hunter behind me. He must be a big, muscled tank! Reacting on instinct, I elbowed him as hard as I could into his stomach. It was enough, he grunted as he released his grip on me. I saw my opponent, oh he is a tank alright; twice the muscle mass I have. He raised his fists, getting into a boxing stance. Alright, he wants to do this bare-handed? Let's dance then. The hunter charged at me. I let out a front kick into his solar plexus, quickly moving in to jab him in the groin, next his face. He grunted at each hit. I have to end this fight.

I heard a gunshot. I looked down, fearing the worst has happened. It wasn't Lara being shot, but Sam! She's stalling Jenkins as she returned fire with a pistol taken from a hunter's body! Sam you bloody idiot! One is worse than the other! I got a fist to my face, causing me to draw blood, which I spat out. I saw the rifle next to me. I'll give him a nice knock out to remember. The hunter moved once more, this time, I'm ready. When he got close enough, I gave him the hardest whack I could manage, as I slammed the butt of the rifle into his nose. Most likely, I broke it or smashed really. The main thing is, he's unconscious. You know what they say: the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

I resumed my position, Sam has been cornered after running out of bullets. Lara was desperately dragging herself to get to her. Jenkins is going to kill Sam first. No one is dying today. I whistled to get Jenkins' attention.

"Hey Jenkins!" He turned and looked up, right into my scope. "To Hell with you son of a bitch!" I made the last bullet count, as the rifle's recoil went into my shoulder. The bullet whizzed towards Jenkins, hitting him in the chest, right through his tactical vest. He slumped like a rag doll. I sighed in relief. It's over. Dumping the rifle, I ran down the stairs to get to Lara. Sam was rushing to her as well. As soon as I got to them, Sam was comforting Lara, trying to soothe her pain. I knelt down beside them.

"Lara, this is going to hurt; but I need to reset your shoulder bone before your healing kicks in." I explained,

"Do… it." She grunted,

"On three. One… two… three!" I pushed the bone back into place, letting out a very loud click, as Lara let out an ear-piercing scream that filled the entire building.

"Oh fuck! Jesus! Shit! Ancestors help me!" Sam cried. Lara must be crushing her hand! Soon, Lara released her grip as the pain sort of subsided. Sam shook her hand to relieve the pain. It may bruise, but she's fine, at least the lass didn't crush it. Lara doesn't mean it and she knows it. At the moment, Sam is more worried about Lara's wellbeing.

"Roth!" Sam called out, hearing sirens in the distance. Sounds like ambulance and police. The construction workers must have come back, saw my jeep then heard the gunfire next and called authorities to investigate. Shit! How do we explain this without revealing the werewolf curse?

Several paramedics entered the building, as well as police. Two of the paramedics ran over to me, kneeling down beside Lara. One got to work in supporting Lara's dislocated shoulder, the other began asking me questions.

"Sir, can I have you and your daughter's name?",

"My name is Conrad Roth. This is Lara Croft, but she isn't my daughter." I answered truthfully,

"Is she your ward then?" He further questioned,

"Yes. I'm her Guardian. Her parents are deceased. Please, can we get her to the hospital? She injured her shoulder pretty bad!",

"Brian, she will need to be looked at by professional doctors, other than that, her shoulder has been correctly realigned." The female paramedic reported. The male paramedic, Brian gave the nod to her. Sam wanted to go to the hospital to be with Lara, so I gave into her, letting her join the paramedics in the ambulance. As Lara was being lifted into the ambulance, unfortunately for me, a police officer asked if I could answer a few questions. Here we go.

Twenty-three Minutes Later…

15:23…

(Scene: Kingston Hospital, London, England/Lara's POV)

If there's anything in the world I hate: it's hospitals. It's not that I'm afraid of the doctors or syringes used, it's the utter boredom. All I'm doing is sitting in a bed, doing absolutely nothing as doctors and nurses walk in and out, checking on me and my injuries. Sam was being checked as well, nothing too life threatening or serious, at the moment she was sitting in a chair next to me. The doctors said my shoulder was dislocated. Roth did manage to realign my bone before the Accelerated Healing came into effect, so it will speed up my recovery. Right now, my dominant, writing arm is being supported in a sling.

My injury was healing actually, much to their surprise. I shrugged it off, telling them and lying, that it must the Croft stubbornness and resilience. So, my overall recovery has been knocked from a typical three week healing period, to just one. Then throw in another week of Physical Therapy. In general, the recovery time of a dislocated shoulder varies on your age. But since I'm a werewolf, it could be shortened significantly to days. They are just going to run a few more tests, before they discharge myself and Sam. Roth, from what I heard from Sam, is answering questions to a police officer to shed some light on what happened at the power station. Roth is telling the truth and lying at the same time. He'll make something up as he goes.

I don't care though, all that matters to me: is that Sam is back with me, safe and somewhat unharmed, despite being tasered. I'm just so glad it's all over, no more hunters trying to kill me. I may not know who they are a part of, because I have a feeling, it was a branch of a larger group. It doesn't matter now. Soon, I may not have to worry about my Full Moon transformations if the Wolfsbane really does work and dad was correct about his research. I can carry on my life, live like a normal human, no more mysterious deaths on the streets. I may still be a werewolf, but I can live normally.

Thinking about it now, this whole thing, I always thought it was curse, a burden in preventing me from living out the life of a human being. It helped me to become closer to Sam, I would still be close to her, even if I didn't imprint. Sam was never afraid of me, she treated me as if I wasn't cursed. She never looked at me as if I'm a monster. To her, I was still Lara Croft. Guess this curse is a blessing in its own right. Yet, because of it though, it painted a target on my back, I endangered the life of Sam and Roth. They could have died! I would have gone mad if I lost them both. I didn't lose them in the end, luck was on our side, sometimes… luck is meant to run out at some point, but when it will is the question.

Sam's phone suddenly came to life when a text message came through. She picked it up and stared at the screen.

"It's from Roth. The officer let him go. There will be no charges pressed against us." She said. I sighed in relief. Most likely Roth told them that the hunters were a street gang that threatened the Croft family for years; bad blood he would've worded it as. As for the shootings, it was on both sides. We tried our best to apprehend them without drawing blood, which we did, but it wasn't the case exactly. They gave us no choice but to shoot and kill some of them out of self-defence. The main thing is, they won't be looking into this case too much. "He's at the hospital, waiting for us."

I smiled, thank god! Let's get the hell out of here! I'm done being so restless! I swung my legs over the bed's edge, then getting off it. Sam suddenly clutched my uninjured arm, my left. I looked over to her, bringing her in closer.

"I promise Sam: no more harm will ever come to you.",

"As long as you're with me, I'm always safe Lara." Sam gave me a quick peck on the cheek, as we walked out the room, to the reception for the Hospital Discharge papers. We both filled them in, signing our names and once everything was filled out, we were allowed to leave.

Sam and I exited the hospital through the main door, we saw Roth, parked outside. Silently, we sat into the car. Roth drove off, we decided to head back to our flat. We missed too much college, we both can't afford to miss any more. Roth respected our descisions. Back to a normal life now.

One Hour and Five Minutes Later…

17:28…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

Roth parked outside our flat, we promised to contact him every now and then. Right now, we have to try and resume some form of normality and get back on track with the lecturers we missed. Oh I'm so dead! The both of us hugged Roth, saying goodbye. He said that he was going to head back to Croft Manor to tell Winston we're OK. We waved as Roth drove off in the direction of Surrey. Heading inside, we made our way upstairs, finding our room and entered.

It's almost untouched, aside from the piling number of post on the counter. Ah yes, we did get a spare key cut since we trusted Alison so much. I wonder is anyone aware of our absence? As on cue, we heard Alison's along the corridor. Someone's with her, it sounds like Alex.

"Ali, I'm telling you: their room is fine!" He groaned,

"Hey! Those two love birds have trusted me in taking care of their room if both of them are no there. Clearly, they are not present." They're at the door now, outside. "Then we'll go on our date." Sam and I choked upon hearing that. Ali and Alex are… dating!? When did this happen! The door suddenly flung open as both of them stared at us wide eyed in shock and surprise!

"Hi?" Sam said meekly, smiling nervously. Ali ran towards us without warning, crushing the two of us in a bear hug.

"Where the fuck did you guys disappear to!?" She asked,

"First! We would- like to- breathe Ali!" Sam managed to say. Alison let us go in an instant, as both Sam and I gasped for breath. Jesus! Her strength could rival mine when it comes to giving hugs.

"To explain why Sam and I have been missing for the last four days, is because I had some personal, family issues to sort out. Sam wanted to come to keep me company. That's why we were absent." I explained, well… really outright lying. Ali just nodded, accepting my statement.

"We promise to catch up more, so why don't you and Alex go on your date?" Said Sam,

"Alright." Alex laughed, "Anyways, any notes from classes the both of you missed, are on the counter over there. When we realised you missed the first set and the next, we asked all your lecturers if they could print off all the notes." I sighed in relief. I'm saved! I won't have to worry about chasing for notes!

"You're a lifesaver you guys. Thank you.",

"No problem LC." They make a cute couple, Alex you dork! You better not mess this date up! I stared at Sam. Unfortunately, before they left, Ali notices my injury.

"Oh my god! Lara! What the hell happened to your arm!?" I looked at my arm, supported in the sling.

"This? I stupidly fell down the stairs in my childhood home. Missed a step, took a tumble and landed at a bad angle." I laughed nervously. In reality, I'm not that clumsy, but was enough to fall off the ladder in the library in my youth.

"Take it easy then. See you back in class!" They then left us, walking out our door.

"So… what now?" I questioned to Sam,

"Takeout and a fluffy movie. After the insanity I've been thrown into unexpectedly for this half of First Year, we need to relax.",

"As you wish. I'm sorry you got thrown into this mess. I endangered your life." I said to her, feeling bad.

"Lara, I'm here and we're fine, alive. Don't start wallowing in self pity.",

"OK. OK." I smiled slightly, "In the mood for Chinese?",

"I would kill for it! The usual please!"

Four Days Later…

Night…

20:00…

14th December 2010…

(Scene: Hyde Park, London, England/Lara's POV)

Myself and Sam sat on my bike. After my arm healed and being given the all clear by the doctors, the first thing I asked Roth was: where in god's name was my bike? I was relieved when he told me Blake and Seán are taking care of it at the bar, which was brought around the back for security reasons. Roth even entrusted them with the keys. So, I made my trip to The Nine Bells to get my bike back, which wasn't there! Until I heard the sound of its familiar engines. Seán that cheeky bugger decided to give my bike a test run and rode around London on it!

Sam could see the anger on my face, I was scowling! No one rides my bike without my permission first! The young lad I see as an annoying brother, just smiled innocently at me, giving the excuse that he always wanted to try my motorbike because it had a nice engine! I glared at him for so long, he thought I was going to knock him out. Instead, I just laughed, patting his shoulder and told him: if he wanted to try my bike, he could've asked instead of doing it behind my back! For all I know it could be stolen or Blake might have accidentally sold it! Don't worry, I forgave Seán.

In the middle of it all, I did go to my Physical Therapy sessions, but I only went for one, because after two days of recovery, it fully healed! That was the twelfth, then the sessions were on the thirteenth. It surprised and shocked my doctors! For once, I praise my Accelerated Healing ability! It allowed my shoulder to heal just in time for the fourteenth. I did need a temporary Scribe for the two days, other than that, my recovery was quick and swift.

Then, coming up to the next Full Moon, which is tonight, Sam and I made a trip to Croft Manor to make the suppressant. Thankfully it doesn't have to injected via medical syringe, I can just drink it. Not looking forward to that. I came across a tape recorder among dad's pile of notes and it turns out, he did prove it! I just have to try it myself. Winston and I followed the exact steps mentioned in the notes, there was enough for one vial. It did not smell pleasant and the solution was slightly viscous, not too much like if it was honey, more like… refined oil. If this proves to work, Winston and I can make more.

I turned on my phone to check the time. I was nine o'clock now and it's getting dark. I looked up at the sky, to see it was being illuminated by the stars and majestic Full Moon. I stared at Sam.

"It's time." I told her. If even dad proved it worked on him, I could have a different reaction. Sam knows how to ride my motorbike. I ordered her that if anything goes wrong, the suppressant doesn't work on me and I turn, to get on my bike and drive away far as possible. She was put in danger once, I won't let it happen again!

"It will be fine sweetie. I believe it will work!" Sam encouraged. I sighed, luck has to be on our side! I reached into my back pocket, pulling out the small vial. I removed the lid.

"Bottom's up!" I drank the contents. As soon as it hit my throat, I tried not to cough it back up and eventually, I managed to swallow it. "This stuff is a nightmare to drink." My whole body was still shuddering from the awful taste!

"Better get used to it then." Sam teased and in response, I growled. Noticing her cringe immediately, I apologised to her. I set the timer on my watch as I made myself comfortable on the ground. We waited.

Four Hours Later…

Morning…

00:00…

15th December 2010…

One hour passed, which soon became two, three, now four hours! I haven't felt any evidence or signs of me turning. It was morning now, Sam was fast asleep. God! I have to berate her for that! What if I did turn! She would be easy prey! The main thing is though: I didn't turn! I'm still human! I smiled, thanking my father for his research! Thanking God, even though I'm not a religious person. I shook Sam's shoulder to tell her the good news.

"Sam! Sam wake up!" All she did was swipe my hand away. Last resort now and you asked for it! I punched Sam in the arm, which instantly woke her up. She wasn't happy at the fact I punched her though. This time my love, I am not sorry.

"You're so mean!" She groaned,

"That's what you get for not waking up! Anyways, main point: Sam! I didn't turn! I didn't become a bloodlust werewolf!" That woke her up, as she gave me a crushing hug.

"That's great! You can live normally!" There's still another nine hours in the serum, father's note said that it only lasts twelve hours, starting as soon as it enters my system.

"Let's go home. We can tell Roth the good news later, right now, I need to go to bed!" I hopped onto my motorbike, with Sam behind me, wearing her helmet and holding onto my waist. I inserted the key, turning in the ignition and rode back to our flat.

I am so happy now! Even though the suppressant lasts twelve hours, it will give me some form of normalcy. No more sneaking out at midnight, especially no more strange animal-like killings. I can live the rest of my time in college as a human.

One Week Later…

Evening…

17:00…

22nd December 2010…

(Scene: John Adams Hall, University College London, Endsleigh Street, London/Lara's POV)

I sat comfortably on the couch, reading one of my new books I bought for myself. One of them was on the lost Japanese kingdom of Yamatai or by its proper Japanese name Yama-taikoku. I might ask Sam about it, not much is known about the island or its ruler: Queen Himiko also known as The Sun Queen. The island suddenly vanished, faded in history and no one has been able to find the island since then. Another book I picked up was about a great city, somewhere in Siberia, Russia known as Kitezh, popularly known as the 'Russian Atlantis'. Reports are mixed saying it sank underneath a great lake or a very large glacier.

Funny, I think dad's research notes mentioned something relating to it but… this whole thing about Immortality, it's nothing but bollocks! The closest thing to that is in death, which Our Lord 'promised'. I refuse to be seen as another Crazy Croft! I continued reading my book, until it was suddenly snatched from my grasp.

"Hey!" I cried out, knowing how much I spent on these books. I long finished my End of Semester exams and wanted to treat myself! Those books costed me a rough total of £30-40! I looked up to see Sam, crudely holding my book, no respect for it.

"Seriously? Reading Lara? You finished your exams! This is not how you relax!" My girlfriend teased,

"Well, it is how I relax. Now please give me back my book!" Sam turned the book to look at the cover.

"Yama-taikoku? Or more easily said by the larger world: Yamatai? You know sweetie, some of my ancestry goes back to Yamatai." My eyes lit up, having a friend who has direct lineage in history will make finding information so much easier!

"What do you know about the island!?" Sam was a bit taken back by my sudden excitment, only to smile cheekily at me.

"Only what my grandmother told me. Lastly, I'll tell you when I feel like it." She winked at me, causing me to pout and whine like a puppy. She playfully pats my head like a dog, only for to grab her arm. She squeals as I swing her around, pinning her on the couch and straddling her. "Thats unfair!",

"All is fair in love and war." I stuck my tongue out at her,

"Alright! You got me! Now come on! We're going to be late for the dance! I got the tickets and it's starting at eight!" Three hours, plenty of time. I got off her, running to have a quick shower. Sam made me go first since she is picking out my outfit, which does worry me.

I only spent ten minutes in the shower, stepped out, wrapping myself in a large body towel. I walked into my room. God Sam! It better not be fancy! It's just a normal college dance, they didn't set a Ballroom or Tux and Dresses themed night. My prayers were answered when I saw some nice, but comfortable clothes. It was black jeans with a black stringy top, along with my dark olive-green collared shirt. Sam was already in the shower and no doubt will take an hour. She curses my natural beauty these days because I can just make anything look flawless and get away with little or no makeup. So really, I take half the time to get ready, compared to Sam. She was still showering, so I began to get into my clothes and started drying my hair.

Little does she know as well, during the week, I've asked Roth if he could help me set up a surprise late night picnic in the large gardens of Kew Palace in Richmond. Not too far depending on the route you take and of course traffic, but since I'm taking Sam on my back in my wolf form, I have to go through certain parts of the countryside in fear I get spotted. Roth and Winston have the food and drinks sorted out and prepared spare clothes for me when we get there. Then… I don't know after that just talk and watch the stars? Maybe I can teach her the constellations.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Sam stepped out of the shower, drying herself and shortly, getting into her outfit. God! I hope she won't freeze in it! England weather is not exactly kind during the Winter season. Even my body temperature that's five degrees higher can't withstand he freezing cold, especially at night! It's a different story now if I'm in either of my wolf forms. I checked my watch: 18:30 was on it. Now, she'll be spending another hour fixing her makeup. I picked up my book about Yamatai and began reading to pass the time.

I lost track of time and my book was once again snatched away from me. This time, I was not unhappy about, I expected it. Wordlessly looking at my watch again, it read: 19:15. Forty-five minutes to spare. We're good. We grabbed our purses, I made Sam take a secure bag with her, which she didn't question. The surprise I have prepared will be better than the dance!

Five Minutes Later…

19:20…

(Scene: Sports Hall, Main Campus, University College London, London/Lara's POV)

We made it to the Sports Hall, all the First Year students were waiting in line to be left in. I saw some of the other girls, they look a tad bit under dressed, not that I have a problem about it… it's how are they not freezing!? They probably are, but are quite good at hiding it. I'm not going to be surprised if there's alcohol. I better keep Sam sober, otherwise she won't be able to sit on my back right, especially when I run at top speed.

"Hey Sam." I said,

"Yes Lara?",

"Can you promise me to refrain from the alcohol?" Sam cocked her head to the side,

"Why?",

"You see… I planned something tonight and I need you to be sober for it!" Vague enough answer, though referencing to a surprise will keep her excited enough and she will stay away from the alcohol.

"Then I will keep my word!",

"Thank you."

Eight pm finally came as the Student Leaders let us in after checking the validity of our tickets and Student IDs. I began to loosen up of being in areas that's dark and crowded by people. The DJ was playing his music and everyone made their way to the dance floor, while others went to chat with each other, loudly and some went for the drinks. I felt Sam catching my hand, pulling me towards the dance floor. I pulled back.

"Sam! No! I don't like dancing!",

"Oh lighten up Lara! Let your hair down for once in your life!" She joked. She kept this up for a whole hour, before giving up because Alex came to my rescue. So I gave her the excuse to go dance with Alison, while Alex and I catch up. Sam conceded, leaving us nerds to our own devices. I love winning these kind of situations. Alex offered me a drink but I kindly declined.

"Lara! What went on that you and Sam were missing for four days!?" He had to yell so I could hear him over the music.

"I told you before! Family matters! My uncle is trying to claim rights of ownership for the manor, but I won't let him." I lied. Uncle Atlas hasn't made any move on the estate yet.

"Oh. You don't get on with some family members?",

"Let's just say: things are icy between any surviving Crofts and the DeMornay family." I simplified. I'm not lying there, but I was too young to understand. Alex had this awkward look on his face. He looked like an upset puppy because he's thinking he pried too much. I laughed at him, tapping his shoulder. "You're OK Alex. You aren't prying if that's what you're thinking. I was young when that was happening."

Our catch up was suddenly interrupted when a random female student approached me. Is she drunk already? Or did some of the students binge drink before hand? She's half drunk, half sober, not completely drunk. Yet anyways. I began to build my walls up. High, very high.

"Hey! You're that gorgeous British stud everyone keeps talking about!" What am I? A horse solely used for breeding? A stud dog even? She suddenly caught my hand. I tensed at the sudden contact. Alex backed away because he knows I have my ways to handle this. "Are you single? Cause we could totally hang out together.",

"I'm sorry. I didn't catch your name." I said to her, as courtly as I could manage.

"Where are my manners? I'm Vanessa.",

"I hate to burst your bubble Vanessa, but I'm already taken." Her face fell. "Her name is Samantha Nishimura and she's a much better person than you. Scram!" Vanessa backed away quickly, melting into the crowd. Bloody hell! I can't wait to get away from this dance! Seems like the whole college doesn't know I'm in a relationship with Sam. Yet, we have kept it quite tight, only keeping it among our close friends.

"You handled that with such grace LC. I'm impressed." Alex jokingly praised,

"Was I too rude?",

"No. It will keep other girls well away from you now for the rest of the night." Alex: One; Lara: Zero. On cue, the DJ switched the fast paced dance music, to a slow dance. If Alex and I, know Sam and Alison, they are going to be making their way to us, right now and pull us to the dance floor. Of course, I am right as the two party animals came towards us and grabbed our hands. Alex had three seconds to put his drink on the table as we were both pulled on to the dance floor. Alright, this is the one time, I will dance. I don't mind slow dancing.

I held Sam close to me, possessively too. God damn the wolf trait! Part and parcel of being a werewolf. We danced in sync with the music, both our hips swaying lightly. I wanted the moment to be like this forever, never to end. Time seemed to have no meaning. I wonder has father felt like this with mother. I knew they loved each other very much, I just haven't been told a lot of stories about them. I could ask Winston. It's getting a bit late and I know the picnic is waiting for us at Kew Palace, I don't want to keep it waiting. Even though, it's only champagne and cold food, sandwiches really.

"Sam!",

"What is it Lara?" She asked me,

"Is it OK if we leave now, I don't want to keep your surprise waiting.",

"Let's just tell Alex and Ali." I walked off, waiting for Sam at the exit. She went to find the adorable couple. I tapped my foot, only to see Sam making her way through the crowd. That was quick.

"Shall we then?" Sam chirped. Firsts things first: find a quiet that I turn without being spotted. After a couple of minutes of walking, I told Sam to wait by the alley and before she could protest, as I took off my jade necklace and handed it to her, as well as my purse. I then disappeared into the shadows.

(Samantha's POV)

Before I could say anything to Lara, she just melted into the darkness! Who is she!? Batman… or Batgirl for that matter. All of a sudden, I heard clothes ripping, which made me jump. I looked into the alley, but couldn't see anything. It's pitch black!

"Lara?" I called out, my voice echoing. Then, I see a pair of glowing, gold eyes. Lara walks out in her Twilight Wolf form. What? I just stare at her, totally confused. Next, Lara's head jerks, pointing to her back. It takes me a few minutes to comprehend her since she is communicating via wolf sounds and body language. A whack from her furry tail snaps me back to reality. I forgot an animals' tail is made up of bone and can move by the muscles.

"Ow!" I complain, rubbing my arm, the exact same place she punched me when we tested the Werewolf suppressant seven days ago. Lara whined, once again, pointing to her back. "You want me to get on your back?" She nodded, growling softly. Lara seems to be able to handle my weight, I mean, she's huge in that form! That is the average Grizzly Bear size, doesn't matter if it's male or female. I sighed. "Alright. If you insist."

I climbed onto Lara's back, sitting into a comfortable position and tightly clutching a fistful of her thick fur. I might have more balance if I lean forward when she runs. Run she does! I gripped tighter on the fur. Lara is running at an inhuman pace, even for the animal kingdom! She could challenge a cheetah! I feel we were moving so fast, we're just a blur of dark brown and black to the human eye. I loved the wind blowing into my face and my hair! Where is she taking me?

Thirty-eight Minutes Later…

00:38…

23rd December 2010…

(Scene: Kew Palace, Richmond, London, England/Samantha's POV)

Being on Lara's back as she ran through the road and countryside with lithe and power was… exhilarating! It was like riding a horse but better! The moment, which I thought lasted a long time, was cut short much to my dismay as my werewolf girlfriend slowed her pace to a gentle walk. I sat up straight and examined my surroundings. In front of us was a large, very large mansion or manor, similar to Croft Manor. Oh please don't tell me she owns this too! If not, Lara sure has enough money to buy it! To avoid myself confusion, I'm calling it a mansion. It was surrounded by huge acres of land.

There were no lamp posts, the only light source illuminating the whole areas was the natural light of the moon and stars. Who knew Lara could be this romantic!? I thought the closest to romantic she got was sitting down in a nice café for coffee and tea. I underestimated the young Croft. In the distance, I could see candles flittering in two or three lanterns. There was a basket as well. Did Lara set this up? This is my surprise!? Lara you're such a romantic sap! It's adorable!

I got off Lara's back and we walked towards our little picnic area. Once we got there, I noticed a small backpack, no doubt spare clothes for Lara. No wonder she stock piles on loose pants and t-shirts from Pennys. I stared at Lara as she picked up the backpack in her mouth and ran off into the trees. I crossed my arms, waiting a few minutes for her. After five minutes, she came jogging out of the tree line towards me. Her dress was quite casual, a pair of standard blue jeans, her favourite boots and a plain white, collared shirt. Lara coughed, looking at me like I'm forgetting something. Oh right! Her necklace! I fished through my bag and pulled it out.

"Thank you." She said, then stared at me shyly. "Like your surprise?",

"Please tell me you got permission to use a part of the land?" Wow Sam! First thing to ask: legal shit.

"Yes, I called the owner during the week. He was fine about once I told him who I was. Funnily, he thought I wanted to buy the place." Lara laughed,

"Shit Lara! I didn't think you could be so romantic!" I feigned,

"I'm full of surprises." My girlfriend countered.

Lara gestured to me to sit on the blanket. I opened the basket to find nicely made sandwiches, no doubt Lara roped in Winston and a bottle of very nice champagne. I won't drink too much, I don't want to ruin this night. Is this secretly an official date!? Lara and I are together, but we didn't go out or anything like that. I took out the food, passing Lara a sandwich. She opened the champagne, away from us and poured two glasses for us. I like the fact Lara didn't go too over the top, I almost expected Winston to be here and have a dinner waiting for us. Lara isn't your ordinary person from the stereotypical upper class, she's so down to earth!

Some people thought she would be some high ego, snobby rich kid, but really, she's a super smart, socially awkward dork and introverted.

"So, care to tell me where we are?" I asked, as we tipped our glasses.

"This is Kew Palace and we're in Richmond." Lara answered,

"None of your ancestors lived here?",

"None that I looked into." She replied, "Last time I researched, if my memory serves me right, the land belonged to John Dudley, which was then restored to his son Robert Dudley; the first Earl of Leicester. Surprisingly a childhood friend of Queen Elizabeth I in 1588 and he was a court favourite. I could go on about it, but I don't want to bore you with Landed British History." I chuckled at her statement,

"That, I can't argue against Croft. I would just gag you to shut that History mouth of yours." We both laughed.

Time flew, we just talked and talked. We even finished the food, most of it by Lara due to her monstrous appetite but we have forgotten about the champagne. Oh well.

(Lara's POV)

The night… morning really was going exceptionally well. Better than I hoped for. Sam and I laid down the blanket, her head resting on my chest. I looked at the sky, because of the lack of skyscraper lights, we could really see the stars properly. I didn't realise I was mumbling until Sam told me.

"Lara, you're mumbling." I stopped,

"Oh really? Sorry." I felt a small bit embarrassed, got that habit from father.

"What were you saying?",

"I was recalling the star constellations. Roth thought me them when we went on climbing and hiking trips. He said they be helpful if I ever get lost.",

"Why though?" Sam was looking at me utterly confused, "You'll have GPS and stuff." Not surprised she said that.

"That is true, but Roth always told me this." I clearly my throat, dropping my voice an octave lower. "Alright Lara, you won't always have some fancy gadget to tell you where you are. If you can learn to read the land and the stars, you can always find your way home." I perfectly nailed Roth's voice, in my opinion anyway.

"I have to say Lara, Roth has a way with words. You're lucky to be living with an ex-Navy Officer. This is stuff I wasn't even taught.",

"I guess I am lucky." I chuckled softly,

"Teach me the constellations." Sam suddenly said. I was surprised, almost taken back, but I was more than happy to oblige. Basics first Lara. I pointed to the brightest star, the obvious one that most people know.

"The star up there, the brightest one. That's the North Star, properly known by its astronomical name: Polaris. It's the one always facing south, that way you can find your sense of the other directions.",

"Right. Easy one to remember.",

"I should take you with myself and Roth for our annual hiking trip. We should do one ourselves." I was pondering, "Maybe Bulgaria?",

"Lara, you're rambling." Sam lightheartedly joked,

"Sorry. Now, to locate the constellations, any one really like Libra, Cancer, Leo even Aries! By linking each of the brightest stars in the sky. Some are best viewed on certain months of the year." My eyes subconsciously darted the night sky. I could stay here forever, then my eye caught one of the constellations. I pointed my finger to show Sam. She's a film maker, has good imagination, she'll be able to picture it. "Look! There's Aries!",

"Aries is the goat right?" Asked Sam. I sighed mentally, forgetting Sam isn't exactly adept in Latin.

"No, Aries is Latin for 'Ram'. It's a reference to Greek Mythology; the Golden Fleece. It's one of Homer's oldest tales, apart from his famous Greek story: The Odyessy.",

"I remember watching a film based on that myth. It was Jason and the Argonauts, 1963. Still a good classic." Sam winked, so Film Studies does has its advantages!

"Yes! That is correct! The Golden Fleece was a symbol of kingship and authority. Jason needed to seek it out to prove his right to marry Medea. The ending between them was bittersweet." I looked as Sam was staring at me teasingly. "What!?",

"You sound so adorable when you go all historian! It's infectious.",

"And you're insufferable." I countered playfully. Then she pulled me in before I could process anything and we passionately kissed. After a minute, we stopped for air.

"I love you Lara.",

"I love you too Sam." We relaxed again. Sam nuzzled onto my chest, our hands held together. I stared at the bright sky again. This time, I saw Perseus; The Hero.

People will probably wonder how Sam and I are even together, how we can hold on for so long because of our personality differences. It's the differences that brought us together. In a poetic way, she is the Sun, I am the Moon, light and dark. I am Yin, Sam is Yang. We balance each other out and it's that balance, the polar personality opposites that will keep us together. I'm not ready for it yet, but at some point, I will propose to her. She's the one I need in my life. Sam accepts me for who I am, she doesn't care that I'm a cursed human being, a Werewolf. All she wants is me and I will keep her safe. I promise. A Croft never breaks a promise.

Fin

That's it! Next! The epilogue!