Azriel pressed the button on the wall and the coffin lid slid open revealing a dark passageway. She descended down the stairs, Serana following close behind her. The coffin lid slid shut behind them as Azriel pulled open a trap door in the floor.

Azriel smiled when they got to the bottom of the ladder. "Welcome to my home away from home... It doesn't look like much, but its one of the safest places in Skyrim to be."

Serana forced a smile in return and as she looked around, she wondered what would draw Azriel to the dingy sewers of a city. Not to mention the life of being a common thief. The more real it became, the more it bothered her that someone of Azriel's caliber would stoop so low. They walked toward a lone red haired man hovering over large books on a desk. The place, other than him, was entirely empty.

Serana wasn't very impressed.

Azriel smiled to herself remembering as she walked. Giving Brynjolf the job of Guild Master had been her idea. Establishing a council had been his.

'We'll make sure the Guild runs smoothly and no one person can rob us blind again. We're in this together, Lass.'

'Get us jobs and I'll back you up. We need gold, Bryn. Mercer fucked us hard and you're the best shot we've got to get back on our feet. You run the Guild and I'll help you every step of the way.'

'If we change how it's run, the others will see it as a family business. I need you to back me up on this idea.'

'They won't bail when the going gets rough if they are part of a council... I like it! Bryn, they're all going to go for it. There's not a down side because everyone has a say.'

"I want these ledgers checked!" Azriel yelled loudly.

The man in front of her yelped and jumped. Azriel doubled over laughing at him. "Gods, Bryn, relax. It's just me..."

The man looked at her and laughed. "Welcome home, Lass!" He stepped around the desk and hugged her. Azriel winced with pain. "Excellent job in Markarth and at Pinewatch... and you're just in... time... for..."

Brynjolf stopped and looked her over. "Zee, what in Oblivion happened to you?"

Azriel stiffly reached down to a basket with apples and plucked one up. "Uh, you know, the usual. Fighting dumb Stormcloaks, bad dragons, evil Thalmor vampires..." She took a side long glance at Serana "...and saving the beautiful creatures of Skyrim, one at a time."

Serana blushed as she smiled under her hood.

"Zee, you look like shit." He scoffed, but his face betrayed his concern.

"I missed you too, Asshole." She said with a smirk. "I'm fine. I just want to pick up some stuff, take a bath, and eat something hot for a change."

The longer he stood there, the more he had taken her in. Azriel's hair was a tangled mess of leaves, sticks, and dried blood. Her clothing was torn and discolored with dried blood. Her face and neck were badly bruised and her stiff movements concerned him.

"I'm in time for? What exactly?" She asked, devouring the apple.

"A meeting." He looked up at her, then to the hooded woman next to her. "Zee, you haven't introduced your lovely acquaintance."

"Brynjolf, this is my friend Serana." Azriel chucked the core aside. She smiled mischievously. "Serana, this asshole will steal your clothes off your back."

Serana smirked and pulled back her hood. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Brynjolf."

Brynjolf smiled in spite of the shock of seeing the woman's burning eyes. He took her gloved hand and kissed it. He could feel the cold from her skin seeping through the leather. "The pleasure is mine, my Lady."

"And then he'll try to sneak into your bed." Azriel said in a huff.

Brynjolf chuckled. "Lass, that wasn't even you and I eventually gave her clothes back when I sobered up."

"After I went and rounded them up for you!"

Brynjolf laughed harder.

"And Aela is still plotting your death." She added with a wolfish grin.

Brynjolf quit laughing.

"Now, I need a bath." She slipped her hand back into Serana's, not noticing the vampire's cold stare.

He shook his head. "Sorry, Lass. Business first..." Then he returned the mischievous smile looking between the two of them. "...pleasure second."

Azriel sighed. She'd never admit it out loud, but she was dead tired. She looked at Serana, once again, noticing the vampire was hard to read. "I'm sure you don't want to hear about our boring ass business dealings..."

Serana put her finger on her lips, silencing her. "I'm coming with you."

Azriel nodded slowly and Serana removed her fingers with a smirk.

Azriel looked at Brynjolf. "Lead on, Guild Master. We are going to our boring death together it seems."

They filed into the small room governed mostly by a large round table. Vex, Delvin, and Tonilia were already waiting.

"Well don't you look... A bit rough around the edges." Delvin said with a slick smile.

"Zee, what the fuck happened to you?" Tonilia walked over and gave her a hug.

Vex just stared at Azriel for a moment and laughed. "You look like a fucking wreck!"

Tonilia shot her a silencing look. Vex shrugged her shoulders and sat down.

Azriel smirked. "Fuck all of you." Her playful tone masking the discomfort she was feeling. "Can we just get this show on the road?"

Delvin walked up to Serana. "And who might this lovely creature be?"

Both Vex and Azriel rolled their eyes.

Serana smiled at the compliment. "I'm Serana, nice to meet you."

Vex cut in before Delvin could say a word. "Watch your back around that skeever... He likes to creep in on baths."

Tonilia chucked quietly and Azriel smirked.

Delvin smiled at Serana. "Don't worry about her, Love. She's jealous... Delvin Mallory at your eternal service."

"You fucking wish..." Vex's retort was scathing.

"As I was sayin'... Come sit by me." He slid out a chair for Serana ignoring the Imperial.

Serana sat down and could hear Azriel's quiet growl. She could feel herself blush at the young werewolf's jealousy. It made her feel good to know that someone finally cared she was around.

Azriel sat down next to her in a huff. Her leg brushed Serana's and Serana pressed her knee into Azriel's. Serana put her hands on her lap, then moved her right hand onto Azriel's left thigh. Azriel stopped growling as she gently stroked the top of her thigh.

Brynjolf looked around at the table. "We're just waiting on two more..."

"Who are we waiting on? This is the council..." Azriel put her left hand under the table and started tracing the top of Serana's hand.

"Business is booming 'cause o' this war, we had to include two new people." Delvin cheerfully added.

Azriel cocked her eyebrows, then jumped slightly as Serana's fingers worked their way into a hole on the inside of her thigh. The pants tore as she did, though only the two of them could hear it. She looked at the vampire, who was smirking as Delvin chatted with her.

Azriel whispered quietly, so only the vampire would hear her. "You keep ripping my clothes, I'm going to pin you down to something."

Azriel felt Serana rip her pants past her knee.

The door opened, Karliah and Sapphire walked in.

"Hello again, Azriel." The violet eyed elf smiled brightly. Serana removed her hand quickly and Azriel stood to hug Karliah.

"I'm so glad you decided to come back." Azriel said, letting go.

"Between you and Bryn, I didn't think either of you would give up."

Azriel laughed. "You know us too well."

Serana looked from Azriel and the Elf to the other woman who had entered last.

The dark haired Nord smiled flirtatiously at Azriel, her blue eyes sparkled. "Hey there, Zee."

For a brief second, Azriel returned the smile. "Hey, Sapphire."

The woman scanned Azriel. "What the fuck happened to you?"

"She got attacked by a bunny." Vex stood up haughtily and smacked the table hard, drawing everyone's attention. "Time is money, people! Can we please get this shit over with?"

Delvin didn't miss a beat. "Ah that's right Vexy, just tell everyone how... repressed... you are."

Vex scoffed. "Fuck you, Mallory."

"Anytime, Love." He responded chuckling.

Vex glared at him as she sat back down.

"Right, let's get going then, shall we?" Brynjolf cut the two of them off, drawing everyone's attention. "Tonilia, you start."

Tonilia opened her map and laid it out on the table. "The new trade route that Zee helped open up..." She traced her finger up the center of the map stopping at Whiterun. "...has given us a stopping point for the caravans before they head North or West. This is huge for us because Whiterun is quickly becoming a hub. With the war, lifted supplies sell dirt cheap and trade is booming."

"Zee, just to fill you in... We've been raiding their supply lines. Weapons are melted down and sold back as raw materials. Since the Iron and Corundum mines have jacked up prices, we're countering with undercut raw goods." Brynjolf added.

Tonilia nodded when he waved her on. "Merchandise stored here in Morthal, thanks again to Zee, has opened up our abilities for profits. Movarth has agreed to expand his caverns in the North, in trade for the ability to send clansmen to the South. He wants to occupy part of the Ratway until a more suitable place can be found. I need the council to agree to it."

Azriel looked at Tonilia, confused. "Why is Movarth sending his kin down here?"

Tonilia returned a more confused look. "Zee, here on Nirn... The vampire attacks have increased. Movarth has been taking in the new vampires and trying to give them their lives back." She looked at Serana. "No offense."

Serana nodded, but her voice was low. "None taken."

Azriel slipped her fingers into Serana's and squeezed her hand.

Delvin wrapped his arm around Serana's shoulder. "Don't go and worry that pretty little head o' yours, though. We take in all types. Just look at Zee and Vex! Just goes to show ya, we don't discriminate. Dogs, Bitches, whatever you are... It doesn't matter."

"Fuck you, Mallory!" Azriel and Vex both yelled at him, one in humor and the other out of spite.

Serana felt awkward being the center of attention as the others laughed at his comment.

"Alright, before we vote, Karliah has news on Red Water Den." Brynjolf said loudly over the laughter.

Karliah started talking, but Azriel wasn't paying attention.

"Del?" Azriel said quietly leaning behind Serana.

"Yes, Love?" He smiled sweetly back.

Azriel glared at him. "Your arm needs to find a new home."

Serana blushed and tried not to smile while still listening to Karliah.

"My apologies..." He whispered back, starting to move his arm. "I didn't realize you were... together."

Azriel growled at him. "We're not."

He hugged Serana tighter and Delvin's mouth slid back into a smile. "Then why does my arm need to move off this beautiful woman?"

Azriel's growl deepened. "Because, you want to keep it. Now, move your fucking arm!"

Azriel's eyes caught Serana's. Serana was blushing deeply, but there was something about the way she was looking at Azriel.

Azriel whispered so only the vampire could hear her. "What?"

Serana gave her head a single shake and her nails found her palm, drawing her attention back to Karliah.

"I think the most important thing is, these Vampires are different then the kind we are used too." Karliah finished.

Vex rolled her eyes. "And this is important why?"

Karliah looked from Vex to Serana. "Because, they are more like our new associate here. They're stronger, faster, and..."

Serana finished for her. "Their thirst is insatiable."

Vex pressed the point once more. "Okay, so can someone please explain to me why this is so fucking important?"

Serana looked at them each, before looking at the dark elf's violet eyes. "They sound like they've set up a place to stage attacks from. If they found this place, they'd either keep you as food or turn you. That is, if you survived the change or their thirst."

Everyone at the table was quiet.

"Fucking great. Just when shit wasn't enough of a pain in the ass..." Vex sat back against her chair angry.

Azriel started to laugh. "You guys are going to think I'm a tad evil for this..."

"A tad? Have you ever listened to yourself?" Vex scoffed.

Azriel smirked. "There's a fuck load of idiot Stormcloaks we can use as fodder. Just get them word that there's a vampire nest nearby and they'll go crazy."

Brynjolf looked up at her from his notebook. "That's a genius idea, Lass. We've kept them stalled here by robbing their supply lines for the last month. That new young Captain they sent a fortnight ago, is at his wits end. Maybe now we can get them back their supplies for double the price and our young friend Captain Ralof can help us out at the same time."

The smile left Azriel's face. "Ralof?"

"You know him?" Brynjolf asked quietly.

"He saved my life at Helgen and after." Azriel slipped her fingers into her shirt and pulled out her amulet. She rubbed the dragon between her fingers thinking. It comforted her the way it felt. Hers was unique, she had never found another one like it. Her amulet was made of a white metal she had never seen before and no one could identify it. The amulet itself was a dragon biting down on a sword. Others she had seen were crudely detailed compared to the craftsmanship of hers. But, that wasn't the real reason she kept it.

"Make sure he knows how dangerous this will be." She said shortly.

Brynjolf nodded understandingly. "The Dawnguard have stationed themselves outside the walls. If the right information is slipped to them..."

"Job's done." Delvin finished for him.

"Vex, your turn. What did you discover?" Brynjolf said looking across the table.

"Fucking finally! We have word from some of our moles that the Stormcloak's will be marching the garrison from Riften to Falkreath for a massive attack. There's also another garrison halted in Ivarstead. From the last communication we got, supplies are their only hold up." She spun Tonilia's map. "The route between Windhelm and Ivarstead here along the Black River is the best place to rob them blind. And... we're already in place waiting."

"Anything else?" He asked taking notes.

"I've got a lot of jobs and that kid keeps pestering me. He wants to get to work. I figured I'd give him something easy like a sweep job."

Azriel looked at her questioningly and Vex rolled her eyes. "Aventus." Her whisper reached Azriel's ears.

Azriel nodded she couldn't blame the kid. Ulfric sent him back to Honorhall after hearing word he had returned home and was trying to contact the Darkbrother hood, but not before she had found him. The kid had guts and she liked him. Especially, after finding his way into the Ratway several times before Brynjolf had finally given up and let him stay. They'd trained him to pickpocket and he turned out to be quite the thief. They'd even given him a cute nickname he hated, it made her smirk.

Brynolf sighed. "Give him a job, see how he does. He's eager... I'll give him that. Tonilia, make sure our little Mouse has the right gear. Delvin? What have you got?"

Delvin smiled. "Besides the usual? A fully functioning mine or two in my pocket. The buy-off has been accepted..." His eyes flicked to Karliah. "...which means we're now in control of Redbelly and Lost Prospect Mines. Prepare yourselves for the flood o' coin we're gonna be seein'." He laughed.

"Bryn?" Sapphire called out across the table.

He looked over to her.

"This is taking a while. I don't like leaving her alone so soon."

Brynjolf exhaled and looked between Sapphire and Azriel. "Zee, there's something else you need to know..."

Everyone went quiet.

She looked at him questioningly. "What?"

"Cynric is back with Niranye." He said the words softly, but everyone one at the table held their breath for Azriel's reaction.

Azriel leaned forward quickly. Her eyes searched his. "Is she alright?"

Brynjolf took a few breaths before answering. He had seen her temper before.

"No, Lass. She's not..."

Azriel stood so quickly her chair flipped. "Where is she?"

Brynjolf and Serana both stood.

"Lass, you need to calm down..."

Azriel's Thu'um shook the sewer. "WHERE IS SHE!"

Sapphire stood. "Azriel... Listen to me. You aren't going to help by going to her angry."

Azriel's growl was deadly as she stared through Sapphire.

"Lass... Relax. I know this is important to you. But, right now she needs you to be calm when you go to her."

Azriel looked directly into Sapphires eyes. "Fine. I'll be in my room."

Serana closed the door behind them quietly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Azriel didn't look up from where she was sitting. "Not really, no."

Serana sighed and walked over to her. She knelt down in front of the angry werewolf and moved her hair behind her ear so she could see her face. Azriel tried to look away and Serana cupped her chin. The sunset gold color of Azriel's eyes lacked their usual glimmer of mischief. Serana studied her eyes, finding only hurt and anger.

"You don't open up to anyone ever, do you?" Serana's voice was quiet.

Azriel didn't answer.

"This person... Niranye. She means a lot to you..."

Azriel tried to look away once more, but Serana held her firmly in place.

"Azriel, let me help you somehow."

Azriel closed her eyes. She could feel herself shaking out of rage and exhaustion.

"Serana, Niranye is my friend. She was taken to jail in Windhelm simply because we're friends. Whatever has happened to her is my fault. How can you help me with that?"

Serana felt both a sense of relief and a craving. Her desire to unlock this mysterious and reclusive young woman tore at her. Yet, more than anything, she wanted to strip away the hurt she could see.

Each new thing in Azriel's life led to another question, rather than an answer.

"I can listen." Serana brushed her tangles away.

Azriel caught her hand. "I need a bath." She stood up abruptly and walked over to an intricately carved black box that sat in the middle of the far wall.

Serana surveyed the room, trying to think of something to say. Azriel's sudden withdrawal was difficult for her.

The room was large for a bedroom. At the back wall was a large bed and two nightstands. Behind the bed held an old tapestry similar to the ones she had seen around the sewer. Flanking the bed were two large wardrobes on either side. Next to both wardrobes were two large dressers.

A table and two chairs next to where Azriel was standing were on the left side of the room. On the right were three long chests. The middle chest was the interesting one. It was entirely black, and had no lock or opening that Serana could see. The space between the chests was several feet.

Azriel knelt down in front of it, but made no other moves. Serana watched her, perplexed.

"I'm sorry. I'm not very good at talking with people." Azriel finally said.

If Serana didn't have as sensitive of hearing as she did, she would have never heard her speak. She walked over to Azriel and knelt down next to her. She reached out once more, cupping Azriel's scarred cheek and turning her head towards her.

Serana found herself stroking the woman's lips with her thumb. "I understand. I just wish you'd let me help you somehow."

For the first time, Serana saw longing in her eyes. "Azriel, what is it?"

A minute passed and Azriel just watched her eyes. Serana thought she'd pull away once more when she finally spoke.

"It's... It's nothing, never mind. I'm not going to bore you with the stupidity of my life."

Serana swept the hair off her face, holding her softly with both hands. "Azriel, I want to know. I'm not letting you off the hook for this one."

Azriel furrowed her brow. "Why do you care so much?"

Serana tried to think of an answer that wasn't overly honest. "Because... You're my..." Serana fought for the right word. "...friend."

Footsteps from the hallway drew both of their attention. Serana looked back at Azriel and rose to answer the door. The woman outside never had a chance to knock.

"Uh, thanks." She said stepping through the doorway with a loaded tray.

"Sapphire? Oh holy shit..." Azriel said jumping to her feet. The smell of all the food made her mouth instantly water.

Sapphire set the tray down and Serana closed the door. She looked at the mortal who had brushed by her coldly. "You're interrupting."

Azriel popped the top of the bottle of ale. "It's alright Serana. Sapphire is chill." Sapphire smiled warmly at Azriel as she took a drink, but turned and gave Serana an equally cold stare.

"Zee, when's the last time you ate?"

Azriel was salivating looking at the tray of cheeses, bread, and pies of every type. "Um, an apple earlier."

Sapphire punched her in the shoulder hard. "You cannot be some fucking hero starving yourself to death. Fuck sakes, Zee. You look like a wraith."

Azriel rubbed her shoulder tenderly, Serana's low hiss made the Nord turn once more. "Don't even think about it, Bitch."

"Knock it off, both of you." Azriel growled. "And I fucking eat, Sapph. I've just been busy lately."

"Azriel, apples are what food eats. You might want to remember that the next time you go fuzzy. Try a deer. They're tasty."

Azriel rolled her eyes.

"Apples are food, Sapph. I'm well aware of how a deer tastes, thank you." Azriel snapped back playfully.

"Good. Eat and clean up. I'll come back and take you to see Niranye."

Azriel started to argue.

"Zee, I'll punch you again. I said eat and clean up. You look like shit and you're shaking." Sapphire turned and glared at Serana as she walked out, slamming the door.

Azriel just stared at the doorway. "Fucking women!"

Serana crossed her arms and glared at Azriel.

Azriel looked from the door to Serana. "What?"

"What was that about?"

"What was what about?"

Serana pointed to the door. "That!"

Azriel crossed her arms defiantly. "Don't you start on me too."

Serana glared at Azriel and Azriel glared back.

"Are the two of you..."

"What? Are we what?" Azriel knew where this was going.

"...Together?"

"Are you seriously going to ask me if I am with every woman that you meet?"

Serana seethed in silence.

Azriel's anger had taken control. "Fine, alright. It's none of your business, we occasionally do jobs together. Then we get really drunk and fuck. Is that what you want to know? Or are you going to ask me if it's a sweet and touchy-feely relationship? No. It's not. It's about making money, getting drunk, and fucking. That's it. End of story."

Azriel dropped her arms. She looked away and rubbed the back of her head. Her appetite was gone. Azriel sat down in the chair and stared at the floor. "Why do you care who I'm with? You keep getting angry with me over it. Why are you so... jealous?"

Serana watched her stare at the floor. She knew exactly what made her jealous. But, she wasn't going to explain it. It was too ridiculous to voice, in her opinion, but it didn't stop her from being angry. Nor did it lessen the fact she wanted to find the mortal and rip out her lungs.

Azriel rubbed her legs and looked at her breaches. They were shreds. She looked at the tray of food. She had no appetite, but the apple in the corner called to her. She picked it up and admired it.

Serana watched her turn it in her hand. "Why do you like apples so much?"

Azriel closed her eyes and took a bite. The sweetness stirred around inside of her mouth as she chewed. When she swallowed she looked at Serana. The cold stare was gone, but other than that she was unreadable again. Azriel sighed. The vampire was overly complex at times, she wished she could figure out a way to crack her open and understand her better.

Azriel didn't feel like arguing any more. Maybe if I'm more open, she will be too... "I remember the first one I ever had. I was starving and I snatched it from a street vendor after I saw someone eating one. I had never seen one before. I didn't even know what it was called."

Azriel took another bite, letting the sugary goodness relax her as Serana watched. Azriel smiled sadly to herself, remembering the moment of her life.

"I smelled it first, to make sure it was good." She laughed softly. "I had no idea how to tell. I just remember this red thing and how sweet it smelled. It was the most beautiful thing in my world and it was totally mine. I looked at it for a long time before I ate it."

She looked at the apple in her hand. "Do you know what it's like to be so hungry, that when you take a bite of something so good it makes you cry?"

She looked at Serana. "It was the first thing I ate as a free person." She took a deep breath. "I cried the entire time I ate it."

She took another bite and chewed slowly. "It's hard to believe it's been just four years. It seems like it was another life time ago." She said the words absentmindedly.

Azriel finished it in silence. She set the core down back in its original place and looked back to Serana. "I'm sorry if my life pisses you off, Serana. But, it's all I know. And I'm trying the best I can at it."

Serana let her arms drop. "Azriel..."

Azriel shook her head. "Whatever you are going to say... Don't. You asked and I told you. Nothing needs to be said, it's too easy to pity something. I don't do pity."

Azriel stood and walked to the wardrobe and opened it. She pulled out new cloths and bundled them under her arm. She stopped short when she saw the look on the vampire's face. "What is it?"

"You don't ever talk about your life?" Serana asked quietly.

"It's not worth mentioning. So, no."

"But, you answer when I ask."

"Yes."

Serana took a step forward. "Why?"

Azriel shook her head. "I don't know. People don't normally ask me about me." She narrowed her eyes. "Why do you ask?"

"Do you want me to honestly answer that?"

Azriel smirked. "Yes. Why do you keep asking me personal questions?"

Serana regarded her and knotted her hands together. "Because you are a mystery to me, Azriel. Everything about you is."

Azriel laughed softly. "You expect me to believe that in... What was it? Four thousand and five hundred years... that I am a mystery to you?"

Azriel set down her clothes on the top of the chest and looked at her.

Serana exhaled. She wasn't sure how much to say or really, what to say. The more she thought, the longer the uneasy silence between the two of them grew. She couldn't find the right words. She was struggling between what she felt and what she was willing to admit out loud to Azriel.

Azriel picked up her clothes and started walking to the door. She stopped when she was next to Serana. "Look, you could just say you were curious. You don't have to bullshit me."

"Azriel..."

Azriel cut her off. "When you figure it out, I'll be in the bath."

The wolf paced in her mind, softly nipping at the reaches of herself. It was eager to run and hunt, to alleviate the stress she felt. The hot towel covered her face, darkening out the few orbs of light that danced through the air. She stretched out further in the wooden tub, sinking to her chin in the hot water. She didn't bother to lock the door. No one ever disturbed her in here. But, she held a small hope the vampire would appear. The separation was bothering her.

Her feelings were tumultuous at the lack of contact. One part of her wanted to be alone, but the other wanted the vampire close. Having Serana constantly near was becoming difficult, yet at the same time not. She couldn't part her thoughts from the vampire and it bothered her. The vampire consumed her every thought, now she intruded her dreams as well.

She let her hands dangle over the edges of the tub. She needed a release from it. She needed distance, but thinking about actually putting distance between them made her head throb.

The wolf howled softly at her in warning. Azriel sniffed the air and listened carefully. She heard no footsteps. The latch clicked and the air moved gently, carrying the soft smell of rose water and mountain flowers.

Serana had impeccable timing. Azriel didn't move, nor did she care that the vampire would be able to see her naked form. She had already undressed her, what was the difference?

Serana stood at the foot of the tub looking down at her. A smile played at her lips as she looked at her. The young werewolf didn't move or acknowledge her in any way as Serana attempted to form a thought that didn't involve ravaging the woman.

She watched her chest rise and fall slowly. Her eyes followed her lines as they curved from top to bottom. The familiar ache in her stomach changed from a dull throb to a constant hurt. The heat that radiated from the tub surrounded her. The perfume of Azriel's bath enveloped her.

She didn't want to break the silence, but she owed Azriel an answer. The tension between them felt like a permanent wall, one she needed to hurdle. The short separation felt like the loss of a limb. She couldn't get over the fact. In the short space of time they had spent together, she felt closer to the woman than her own parents.

"When I was young, my life revolved around learning. My parents didn't afford to me the chance to do the silly things children do, including have friendships. My mother was constantly giving me tasks to accomplish. My father... Well, he was my father. His time was taken up with other, more important things, than me."

Azriel pulled the towel from her face.

"When we became vampires, that didn't change, it just got worse. My mother was my best friend and my only friend. My father withdrew from us altogether and eventually, my mother did as well. I was left alone.

"Azriel, I have spent my entire life, outside of my parents, completely alone. You are a mystery to me because of the person you are. There are so many things about you... I just want to get to know you. I want to understand you. Since you woke me, I don't feel the unbearable loneliness I felt for centuries. I know you can't possibly understand what that's like. But, I'm hoping, maybe you'll try."

Serana's arms were wrapped tightly around her body like she was trying to comfort herself. Azriel sat up in the tub. The wounded look in Serana's eyes made Azriel ache. She wanted to find the source of her pain and tear it to pieces.

"Why didn't you just leave?" Azriel's voice was quiet. "The world is a big place, Serana. You could have gone anywhere."

"It's not that simple. My parents..." Serana took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. "My father was a King, my mother a Queen. I simply couldn't just walk out the door of our castle."

Serana watched Azriel's jaw fall open.

"Please don't look at me like that. It's not as impressive as it sounds..."

"But, why? Why would you let them do that to you? You could have gone anywhere!"

Serana shook her head. "You don't know them. What they would have done... I couldn't."

Azriel pulled the towel from the edge of the tub and wrapped it around herself as she stood. She seated herself on the side of the tub.

"Serana, why do you lack confidence in yourself? Why didn't you just leave? Look, I've been thinking a lot about this Prophecy of yours. Your father is an asshole. Let's just cut out the bullshit and go kick his ass."

Serana sat down next to her. "Azriel, I wish that things were that simple. My mother is gone. My father still holds court. There are things you simply don't understand."

"You're a vampire from the North, you live in a castle..." Azriel clicked her tongue in thought. That sounded so familiar. "Wait, give me my bag!"

Serana walked to the bench and retrieved the bag. She walked back to the tub and handed it to Azriel.

Azriel dug around inside and pulled a book from its depths. She flipped to the part about Volkihar Vampires and handed it to Serana. "Is this true?"

Serana read the passages in silence, eventually looking back at her. "Yes. It is. Well, for the most part."

"So, Wayne was right..." She looked up at Serana. "Your clan... They take more than mortals, don't they? You kill werewolves and vampires too, don't you?"

Serana tried to turn away, but Azriel stopped her. "I'm not judging you. I'm asking."

Serana looked at her. Azriel's fingers traced her chin, the hot electricity made her shiver. "Azriel, I'm not proud of the things I've done in my past."

Azriel's fingers ran softly along her jaw. "Serana, I'm not going to judge you. The person you are is beautiful to me. But, I don't understand why you couldn't just walk away. They made you a prisoner... Let's just go kick your father's ass and be done with this."

Serana took Azriel's hand in her own. "Azriel there are things you just don't understand..."

"Then enlighten me."

"Azriel, my mother and I couldn't stand up to my father then. We weren't a match for him. Us walking in there would be suicide for you."

Azriel narrowed her brow. "Why for me? Serana, I'm not afraid of a vampire."

"He's not just a vampire. My father is the Patriarch of the Volkihar line, my mother is the Matriarch. But, my father's power... Azriel we'd be fighting an army."

Azriel held out her hand and a single spark flickered in it. "Serana, I can do something they can't. I can walk in daylight and I can't burn. You may be resistant to the sun, but your kin will burn."

"That's what you don't get. Azriel, like the first blood matron, I'm resistant to fire as well. So are my parents..."

Azriel stared at her. "Wait, you can't burn? At all?"

Serana shook her head. "No. That's why fire doesn't bother me. Like Lamae Baolfag, I have that resistance."

"The dragons... That's why you said I didn't understand!"

Serana nodded. "Yeah. That'd be the reason."

Azriel gripped her hand and pulled her up. "Tell me when to stop."

Fire erupted from Azriel's body and swirled around the two of them. Azriel contracted the flames around them as she held Serana's hand. The intensity of the heat grew and Serana looked at her with a faint smile.

The flames subsided as the two stood closely together. "How the fuck is that possible?"

Serana sighed. "Arkay's reach doesn't extend to us. My family are pure-blooded vampires. Other vampires, the vampires we call half-bloods, carry a disease. A disease they get from us. Well, my parents anyway."

Azriel shot her a questioning look, but remained silent.

Serana entwined her fingers with Azriel's. "For us, it's not a disease, we share the blood of our patron, Lord Molag Bal. Our bodies do not work like other vampires. We don't need to breathe except to speak or smell. Our hearts beat only to pump the blood we ingest through our veins. We can make someone a vampire by sharing our blood with them, but it will most likely kill them. We can't be killed by fire, cold, or sunlight. Our wounds heal rapidly, faster than even yours do. The ritual we went through guaranteed my parents what they wanted. Immortality. It cannot be undone..."

Azriel thought for a moment. "But, there has to be a way to kill your father..."

Serana let go of her hand and stepped away from her.

The movement was so quick it shocked Azriel. "What's wrong?"

"Azriel, I don't want to kill my father. I want to stop him, not commit patricide." Serana crossed her arms angrily.

"Serana, I just think maybe instead of doing all this bullshit to find out about some prophesy, we could save ourselves some grief and just kick some ass. Something has to work! Your father is a raging asshole."

Serana was furious. "Just because I said the Prophesy was pointless and vague like every other prophesy out there doesn't mean I want to kill my father! This thing... This fucking Prophesy destroyed my family! I don't expect you to understand, Azriel. You've never had a real family before! I still care for my father, unlike you, who killed the closest thing you ever had!"

She had said the words out of anger knowing it would hurt, but Serana instantly regretted it, watching Azriel's face fall.

Azriel felt her blood turn to ice. Serana's words were like a knife to the heart and she looked away.

"Azriel... I'm sorry..."

Serana stepped in front of her, but Azriel held up her shaking hand. "Don't. You know nothing about my life, Serana."

She pulled her eyes from the floor and looked at Serana. "The words 'I'm sorry' don't take it back. It doesn't undo your meaning or your anger. You cannot possibly understand how that makes me feel... To know opening myself up to you was a mistake." Azriel grabbed her clothing and started walking out of the bathing chamber.

The chasm in Azriel's chest threatened to destroy her mask, as she berated herself for her own stupidity. She was determined not to show the vampire any emotion. "I need to see my friend." Azriel took a breath to control her heartache and outrage. "Alone."

Serana sat in silence as she listened to Azriel's heartbeat rescind. She looked around the empty bathing chambers in the darkness. The light orbs had faded when Azriel had walked out. It didn't bother her. Her vision was perfect in the dark. What bothered her was the wedge she had put between them once more. She had seen the walls go up as Azriel closed herself off. She had made a childish mistake and knew it would cost her. Azriel was trying to protect her and she knew it. Yet, the friendship she so desperately desired with the woman had crumbled with her own angry words. Serana rubbed her temples. She needed to make amends for it somehow. Sitting in a bathing chamber wasn't her answer. She thought for a few minutes about what to do before finally coming to a decision.

"Fuck this." Serana pulled the hood over her head. "Let's see how good of an enchantress you truly are, Dragonborn."

I'd really like your thoughts on this chapter.

Thanks, Red.