OSHA
I woke as I always did, regretfully. How many more mornings like this? I breathed a disappointed sigh out into my chambers. It was located closer to the Queen's Quarters so that I could promptly serve. Qweneth. What a twat of a woman and queen, she was intellectually superior to her peers, I'll give her that. She knew exactly how to weave herself around any one person and derive anything her heart desired. She was small minded, in all the years I've spent listening in on her conversations and plots, she never once thought to truly utilize her power to make actual changes. Changes that would benefit both human and vampyrs alike. She was ruled by pettiness and vanity, her self serving ways of life left her with no true allies. Her prick of a husband and King made it even more difficult to obtain and keep counsel with the other lords and ladies. Their rule together was fire and brimstone, they clung to the ways of old, leaving no room for innovation or growth. All they had was fear. The slaves were nothing more than fodder to them, one dies, another is taken to put in their place, an endless cycle. The amount of missing bodies uncovered through the years gave weight to suspicion in the surrounding villages thus making it harder to conceal themselves from the human world. We were all doomed if things didn't change, the court knew this however, they too were fearful.
The Queen liked to hold "midnight lessons" every other morning with her handmaidens, myself included. We were lead to one of her hidden spaces, her blood alone revealed the doorway into it. I remember discussing it briefly with Misha a while back. It was some form of blood magic. It mimicked that of an enormous room stretched before us, the floor and surroundings obscured by the darkness. The sole source of light, were candles placed thoughtfully to where the floor was barely visible. The Queen's "lessons" were essentially her preferred way of torture, each night came a different conquest. There was never a night that I can recall where every girl lived through the trials, one always died. It didn't matter if you thought you won, you already lost.
One night in particular seeped deep into my very soul. We were lined up in her secret room, I couldn't recognize any of the girls with me. This meant one thing, she ran out of the others. Unfortunately they were castaways at her complete disposal. We stood silently with our heads down anxiously trying to anticipate what she had in a tore for us. We all collectively cringed when we heard her approach, not daring to look up. "Well my little swineherds, you are in for a surprise tonight!" She exclaimed, pausing for moment. I knew she was waiting us out, seeing who would look up first. "My my, what an ungrateful bunch." She began to pace back and forth interlacing her fingers gracefully as she did. "You see, prior to your ungratefulness I was in a giving mood. Perhaps nobody had to die." She materialized at the end of the line making the girl cry out, the drizzle of her urine could be heard shortly after. She huddled down to try to hide herself from the shame of it. I wish I could have told her that I didn't blame her, I would've done the same thing. Gwen was an absolute horror. I was the fifth one down so I tried my best to not draw attention to myself. "You're disgusting, nothing more than an animal just pissing about!" She kicked the girl with a force that caused her chest to concave, a gurgled gasp leaving her lips. The girl flew back, landing with a nauseating thud. Her eyes stared ahead in a knowing lifeless glassy gaze. I couldn't help but shudder and begin to cry. I was in the process of training with Misha every night we could. However witnessing this I couldn't help but wonder. How could I even come close to defeating someone like this? The impact of a punch alone could cost me my life. I resented myself for being as terrified as I was, shame quickly washed over me. "Tsk! My new pair of shoes from Mouldertons." She pouted, bringing me back to my situation. She continued to her earlier stance and sauntered down the line, her eyes scrutinizing every inch of our faces. "I'm afraid you've upset me, I can't have a mutiny started can I? No no no…tsk." She snapped her fingers, two of her guards came in. One held a chair settling it in the center of the room for her, the other hurried in a goblet which I assume was filled with blood. As quickly as they came, they departed, leaving us once again alone with her. Gwen approached the chair smoothing her dress down before sitting. Once settled she placed a fist under her chin, the other bringing the goblet to her lips. She took a gulp sensuously as if it gave her pleasure, confirming to me that it was indeed blood not the staggeringly stout wine they've been known to occasionally drink. Running her tongue alone the edges of her fangs she began. "Choose which one among you is to be sacrificed to appease my broken spirits." The girls looked amongst each other unsure about of what action to take. "NOW." She ordered. In a frenzied hustle the girls began to push one another arguing back and forth. You could plainly see that it wasn't out of malice that they did it, but fear. I was frightened of course, but I couldn't help but think she somehow needed me. Why else would she have put forth the effort towards grooming me to serve her? This whole situation proves one thing, she didn't value her maids, so it begs to question. Why was I alive still? I could have met my end at her hand on many occasions, I've seen her kill for less. What could she possibly want with me?
I was torn from my thoughts once again as I was pushed from behind. The girls still bickered, I myself stood mute. "I grow impatient! Since you senseless idiots can't make up your minds." She paused, turning to us with a smile. "I will."
In a motion so swift, only my ears could register the whoosh of air as she snatched the girl beside me.
"Hmmmm I feel like playing dress up."
As if she read my mind The Queen's eyes locked with mine. They spoke to me. " You will see."
In one fraction of a second, her nails became talons. The helpless maid twisted into submission under Queen Gwen's hands. Her face tilted in an upward fashion. The maid's pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears and Qwen's taloned fingers crept toward the seam of her hairline. "Go ahead child, scream for me. How I do enjoy a screamer." She smirked, before pressing her nails into her flesh cutting the maids face along her skeletal outline. Her howling filled my ears in a deafening wave. The other girls shrunk into a sobbing pile as they helplessly looked on. The maid struggled for naught as her face was stretched beyond the confines of normality. I cannot properly describe the sound of flesh when it is being peeled but one could almost associate it with that of pulling bark off a tree. A certain crunch and little pops as it's being torn away. My stomach flipped as The Queen brandished the maid's flesh in one solid sheet from her face to us. The maid writhed, incoherently screaming until Gwen backhanded her. The force alone crushing in the front of what was left of her face. "Now that our noisy bird has finally SHUT UP…" she enunciated. "Who is to be the doll?" She gleamed. Once again, the girls scrambled about pushing one another. I felt myself start to sway underneath my own fear. "Pet! I think you'll do." The Queens icy gaze fell on me. I felt myself swallow hard, my body held in a vice of terror and uncertainty. She snapped her fingers and yet again, the guards came, bringing with them, another chair. "Make sure this one sits like a good doll for me." My mind couldn't or should I say wouldn't catch up with what was going on around me. In a haze I found myself seated in the chair. Why wasn't I doing something? Why wasn't I moving? Because it all ends the same, at least this way it may be quick. A little voice in my head spoke from its deepest crevice. My body was bound by rope that itched and burned my skin, and every slight movement causing more friction, more pain. "Ah here we are!" The Queen approached me holding the maids fleshy face daintily in between her fingertips. "Please…" was all I could utter, even that small more seem strangled in my throat. The face hovered over mine, making me gag. My breath coming in deliberate huffs to keep the smell from entering my nostrils. Closer and closer it hovered until in one wet smack, her face covered mine. I could not hold back my gags or tears as I watched on in horror. The Queen delighted by her game, laughing as she took one more glance over at me before returning to the girls. That night I wore a bit from each of them until I was "whole".
The King became less and less interested in what his wife did and more so involved in growth of his name. He would oft be gone for several weeks at a time, convincing the more noble houses of his subjects to aid him in his war. Less prominent houses which made up the sum of their populace despised the King and Queen. Word of more and more of the inconsequential houses aiding the rebellion spread. The King did not take this lightly. When I was unfortunate enough to catch myself in his presence I'd taken notice of him constantly eyeing me. Misha warned me not to engage if I could help it. He stayed close in regards to his mother and I, never interfering but always watching. Over the years she groomed me into the politics of her world, which did not come without agonizing hours of repetitive lashing on my back with a thin branch. Every time I gave wrong answers, every mannerism I failed to perfect, every time the veil slipped revealing my true thoughts. Lash. She always seemed to choose my wardrobe with a low back, to show my inferiority and mark me forever as one who is chained. I was simply an example of my own species, weak and ruled. It was rather fun for her I expect, to feel superior, to hold one's life in her grasp, with one word I could be extinguished. Oh yes, to hold such power must be more divine than all the poor souls she's devoured over the many, many years of her lifetime. She was ruthless as a queen but she did hold something to gain from. Knowledge. All these years I've come to memorize the castle, I know the very place she rests her head, when she does it. I know when her husband is off whoring and the exact window of time to successfully kill her if I wanted. That, of course, would not serve ME any purpose at the time being. I would lie and wait, observe and soak up every morsel of information I could. Only then, would I be able to destroy them from the inside. Her death, instantly gratifying as it may be was not my only goal, I wanted to bring them all down.
As I dressed I paused only a moment, in the direction he traveled in which I cannot go. I've heard no word since that night so long ago. Nine achingly slow years. Was he even alive? My eyes prickled with moisture, I snapped back to myself. He was gone, nothing I could possibly do could change that, he chose to leave knowing I was left here alone. Misha was as cold as ever, I knew my thinking was self pitying because he had done so much. He taught me in secret, all the many nights spent hovered over books. I couldn't help but take notice of the fact, more often than not, I was distracted by his beauty. I tried to memorize his face, his strong brow and dark features, his lips barely concealing his fangs, his hair in an intricately woven braid down his back. I must confess all those combined held no flame to his eyes, they were so similar to Pasha's initially but he gave life to his on his own. Fierce molten steel to icy snow, his eyes moved me in ways that made me blush at night. He held a place in my heart since I've first encountered him but he was never as affectionate as Pasha, somehow I always felt small around him. I knew he tried his best yet I was haunted by a deep loneliness. I missed Pasha.
I was fortunate enough to snag myself some breakfast, compliments of Gertie, before having to meet with the Queen. Gertie quickly became my dearest and closest confidant, she still cared for me, taking great lengths to assure I had a warm meal waiting. She was the shoulder I cried upon when Pasha left, I had given up after his departure, she wouldn't let me. Gertie was wise, she had begun to let it show, her cheerful demeanor disguised her incredible knack for reading people. She was by far, more educated than I'd initially thought and in being so, she felt the need to aid my true cause. I knew not what drove her, only that she, like the rest of us, must have lost someone precious to her. Although I no longer worked in the kitchen, I found myself in my spare time, seeking her out for advise and a friendly ear.
The Queen's Quarters were adorned with countless trinkets from conquests won, the many windows gave the stoney room some softness. The trees rustling in the wind, the vast grassy lands that stretched before us, the warm sun streaming in making my skin come alive. It almost resembled human's quarters. Almost. Misha was the first to enter, his long strides directed to my left, his hair down in a flawless cascade, his eyes always averted from my sight. "Master Misha." I greeted with a polite nod. His cool eyes swept over me, feeling as if it's been forever. I locked gazes with him, searching as I always did, for something human. I knew with all of me, it was there but perhaps Pasha had taken it with him. Misha was a shell without him, as was I. He regarded me with the same amount of coolness as that of a wet stone, he seemed so far away now. When Pasha was here, it was almost like he didn't mind having me around, now I only felt his indifference. Grief oozed down my insides, coating me in a thick black pitch that wiped out any sign of life within me. It was his gentle nudge that shifted my focus to him once again. "If something had happened, I'd know." He murmured eyeing the door to the entrance. "I don't care." I lied, gaining his attention, his eyes a hint softer than before. "I wasn't thinking of HIM." My eyes traveled up the length of Misha's long muscled framed, he had been training himself, which unfortunately caught my eye many times. I stared into his face, absorbing every feature, even the ones that reminded me of Pasha.
The doors opening prompted us to take our stance, eyes forward to welcome our Queen. Gweneth showcased her usual bright, rich fabrics, her blonde hair twirled up into an elegant braid. She swept across the room in a galant fashion, I held restraint so as to not roll my eyes. "Mother." Misha bowed deeply in front of her. "Tsk up!" She laughed, enjoying her son having to grovel at her feet. I took my place next to him. "Your Grace, I trust you've slept well." I curtsied down to her waist, perfectly just as she had taught me. She motioned her finger for me to rise, her eyes shifting to me. "Today my dear, you will shine for us." She circled me, nudging Misha out of the way, taking my hair in her hand. "We will be hosting a gathering of all the lords and their ladies of the court. It is paramount we have their support during the war. You must be perfect." Her words hung on the last syllable. Misha obviously perplexed waited for further explanation which she would not give him. "Come girl, we've a busy day laid out before us." Turning to Misha she ordered for him to make himself "worthy of being her son" tonight before sweeping me in her tidal wave and carrying me off. I knew what lied ahead, one could always tell. Just like animals before slaughter, I could feel the impending doom of what she would make me do. No, what I would do, to achieve my goal. I steeled myself, as I did so many times over and prepared for what was to come.
By the time I was ready, it had turned to dusk outside, the sounds of guests arriving humming below. I stole a moment on the balcony out looking the lush hills, the village seemed to almost cower under the ominous shadow cast from the castle over the valley. I'd oft imagined what it was like to roam freely about my people, how they all lived together in harmony just miles away. Why did they choose to reside there having some inclination, of what habited this place? Did they not fear the rumors? What bothered me further, was how most of them down there, being oblivious to their fate, were somehow more free than I ever was. In a huff I tore away from my perch, entering the chambers once again. It was a fairly large room with chaises and chairs strategically placed to create a comfortable appearance. A fireplace exuded warmth from its hearth in the front making it the focal point. On the opposing wall in the back was an ornate antique mirror, its grand size leaving little room for anything else. I observed myself one last time upon leaving, the crown of my hair was plaited in an intricate pattern , the remainder cascaded down the rest of my back, it's red hue glowing in the firefight. The gown I wore stretched across me in a firm hold. The black fabric clung to my body revealing every curve, the neck was high, the hem of my sleeve clinging to my wrists. The back of course, remained open for all to observe, the rest of the dress flowed freely to the ground. A soft knock to the door shifted my focus, Misha silently entered in his usual graceful manner. He was absolutely breathtaking, he wore head to toe leather, strange patterns engraved the armor plaited into his chest. His hair was left free in a shining stream down his back and a thin silver crown placed delicately on his head. He eyed me from across the room, his steely gaze sweeping over my body. I felt suddenly warm, my heart quickened as we stood in silence. "It's time." His voice quiet but filling my ears, sending shivers through me as he approached extending his hand. I couldn't master myself, I longed to gaze into his face, drink in his lovely features, granting if he'd let me. Instead I focused on my hand meeting his, the coolness of his flesh against mine, his long fingers encasing my hand. My heart pounded inside, before I could stop myself, I found myself staring into his eyes. "You're so gorgeous." I uttered. My wits abandoned me, my loneliness began gnawing at me as it always did, like an old friend. With obvious hesitation, his hand raised to my cheek, smoothing his hand back until he cradled the side of my face, his eyes full of something I've never seen before. My breath hitched, my face flushed as I paused in anticipation. He leaned in to me, his mouth inches from mine, I could smell his intoxicating scent. The warmth of his breath moistened my mouth as I parted my lips, his canines extended down in response, his tongue glazed over them making them shine. I closed my eyes, succumbing to the aching draw of need. "Enough, we will be late." He breathed. The sudden rush of cold replacing the warmth I just felt from his presence, beckoning me as he turned to the door. "Wait." My voice barely an audible whisper. He paused, turning to me, his eyes honing in on my face. With a great sigh of exasperation he approached me more human-like. I trailed over his features, imagining to myself all the different expressions his face could make. I never once witnessed him laughing nor smiling for that matter. I reached to his hair, taking a large mass of strands in between my fingers in thought. All the time we spent around one another, I not once saw him, he looked...lonely. Like me. His breath hitched, I felt the air around us still. Something thick hung between us. "Nevermind." I let my hand fall to my side, my only lover, loneliness, clung to my insides pulling me down. The chill of his hand encasing mine brought me back. "Let's go." He cleared his throat before releasing me.
MISHA
I stood before the entrance to the grand hall, waiting for my arrival to be announced. The night did not seem to be in my favor. Our 'King' having seldom made appearances, decided to grace us with his presence this evening. I felt his aura through the thick mahogany wood, my fires inside ran hot all the while I could still feel her thoughts, smell her arousal. What an impertinent wretch she was.
Osha
I weaseled through the sea of unknown faces, each stopping in mid conversation to ogle me as if I were a circus animal. I found steady footing in keeping my eyes to the floor, how each foot found its way in front of the other. Almost like a bell, I heard Qweneth's laugh cut through the deafening murmur of guests, guiding me. It took only a moment to spot her, she wore a turquoise gown, the magnitude of her swinging bustle exaggerated her every movement, making her look smaller. Her hair was braided in an exquisite pile on her head, her neck slender and exposed. She was the most beautiful woman in the room, her insides however, were the polar opposite, the sum of her being made of the same darkness that would be found in Hell itself. Misha stood beside her dutifully, barren like a drum, he revealed nothing, his eyes found mine briefly before flashing onward. I slithered through the remaining guests that stood between Gweneth and I, taking my place silently beside her. "You're late." She stated nonchalantly in my direction without ever looking my way. "Apologies My Lady." I curtsied low as to not look upon her face, her satisfied scoff released me of my low stature. The disorienting hum of the crowd lessened and the sea parted, the King in his gold armor and obsidian leather did its job embodying that of power. A bold gold crown placed upon his peppered hair. His eyes resembling Pasha and Misha's, held a more sinister hue to them. How many countless lives have been ended at his hands, their last sight being those terrible vortexes? How many people in this room were plotting against him and who amongst the damned here would devotedly follow him straight into the depths of Hell? It was all a sham, the nature of this beast was to know the soft areas, where to strike, where to press. The game itself being perilous, I made it my solace to excel at playing and knowing its players. He swept across the room gathering Qweneth in one graceful movement, Misha and I followed in tail. Taking our place around the throne, we paused in hesitation for our 'superiors' to sit, the room stilled, not even the air stirred. I kneeled delicately on the the pillow provided next to Gwen, my hands folded neatly in my lap, I focused on the steps below me.
For a great deal of the evening and into the night, the 'King' urged, well rather demanded, that every house, rally and supply his kingdom for the ongoing war that had been raging for the past many years. My people, the humans began to raise arms against the vampyr race, churches poured out battle ready soilders armed with the word of God. Hunters were born specialized in the field of exterminating vampyrs from towns and villages with weapons forged with the very spirit of Christ. I admit I held the tiniest shred of hope, it was a fool's dream perhaps, for who could withstand the sure destruction of a tangle with a vampyr. I've seen what they are capable of, for one to be beaten, you would have to sell your very soul to the Devil for such power. Along with the shortage of weapons and soldiers, discord between the vampyrs and the few wolves tribes left rose steadily. The vampyrs held no regard for any race other than their own, much like the humans throughout history who've led people into war. There is always a sense of superiority, something that gives them a sense of righteousness in what they are doing. Having a cock for a King didn't help matters.
My knees dug into the pillow aching in protest the entire time, I'd long stopped listening to the King's pretentious drivel, it was Gweneth grasping my arm that I broke from the pillow. "As you can clearly observe." She bellowed, turning me away from the onlookers, revealing my back. "Once fully subjugated, they can be taught to be loyal and serve, like any other beast. With a firm hand of course." She added gaining laughter from her peers. "Sit." She commanded, I did as I was bid, not meeting anyone's gaze. "Ah! Lord Craster! How lovely of you to attend!" Qwen clapped with glee breaking my trace. "In honor of your continuous loyalty to the crown, please allow my ward here to give you a personal tour of our grounds at your pleasure." Gweneth often referred to me as her ward, to dress, tear apart, pick at, whatever she pleased. My stomach sank and a new fear gripped me. "I humbly accept your offer My Queen, you know well where my support lies, come shrew." Craster's hand clasped mine pulling me towards the doors of the halls, I glanced behind to Misha, who was no where in sight, how did he manage to leave so discreetly? With a snatch I found myself struggling to keep pace with Craster, his hand firmly directing me. "The gardens?" He demanded. I raised my hand, extending my finger forward. "The next hall on the right leads out." I croaked. I couldn't help but sense a warning deep inside, don't go with him, it said, then again so did everything around here. Within seconds we were outside, lush bushes and flowers glowed softly in the moonlight. Paths of stone winding throughout the maze of plants. "This will do." He snipped before pulling me to him, his canines gleamed back at me. "I'm dreadfully hungry." He tugged my hair back, ripping the fabric clinging to my throat exposing it, my hands instinctively flew up in protection. "You insolent little gash!" He laughed hysterically, taking delight in my fear. The back of his hand struck my face with a crushing blow, the initial sting resonating deep in the tissue. "Not to worry, there will be time later to talk." He smiled. "What fearsome figure you make teasing you prey." A familiar voice chuckled from the shadows, I turned slightly turned trying to make out who it was. Stalking forward the light revealed, Yuri, his brown leather and tan skin resembled the warmth of the sunshine, eyes alight with fire.
I felt Craster's hands grip me tighter as Yuri thundered over to us. His appearance differed from before, his muscles were larger, more defined. A scar now lined the side of his aged face, I must admit even now, he was very pleasing to look at. His hair was tied back, it had appeared much shorter than before. His luscious auburn locks must have been cut a while ago, they appeared to have grown out just a tad. "Be gone you plunderous oaf lest I make quick work of relieving you of your limbs." A sound blow landed his cheek before more words could form, his grip loosened enough for me to snatch myself away. Yuri pounced on Craster with an audible thud, fists flying and connecting. In a mad tangle they struggled to overpower on another, Yuri however, seemed to hold the advantage. Blow after blow he subdued Craster. The merciless sounds of his fists connecting with flesh, the squelch of blood pouring from his face. This would not go unpunished. "Yuri, enough! Please don't burden yourself!" I shrieked, attempting to pull him away before his next blow came down. I took his face in my hands, his emerald eyes glowing with anger. "Please." He surveyed my face before cutting his eyes to Craster once more. "Count your blessings leech." He spat, returning to meet my worried gaze. "Alright sweetling, I apologize for making a spectacle." His eyes trailed over my features. "Anyhow we have much to discuss."
I sensed myself ease as we departed from the gardens leading us further outward into the meadow that stretched to the line of trees beyond the property. I found myself pondering the mystery of Yuri and our previous meeting. "After all these years, now is the time you come, why?" My voice coming out harsh, I felt his sidelong gaze observing me, his hand gently cupped my elbow bidding me to stop. He turned me to face him, his eyes softening into something unfamiliar to me. "You remind me of your mother, the resemblance is striking." He gently swept a stray curl from my face. "Osha, are you aware of what you are? Of what happened?" His mouth was pressed in a firm line, his voice laced with the same mournful tone as before. "I watched as she was murdered in front of me. That is all I've ever known." Feeling the sting of my grief I shook myself changing the subject. "I thank you for your help earlier, I would reward you but as you can see I have nothing to give-" "I don't care for a bloody reward. I need you to answer me." He grasped my arm enough for me to know I wasn't leaving. "Do you know what you are?" I was perplexed by his sudden need for explanation of my existence. "Human. Servant. Slave. Take your pick. Forgive me but I haven't had word from you in all these years, you being my mother's dear friend I would have expected more than silence." My tone clipped. I could tell he meant well but I felt something was off about him, he was still an enigma to me. Without warning he tugged me to him, encasing me in his bulky arms, I could help but notice the warmth he exuded nor the woody scent that enveloped him. "I've been seeking answers, Osha, I fear for your safety, now more than ever. I will answer any questions you may have but first, come away with me." I pushed against him slightly, searching his face, sincerity washing over him. "I- I can't. Do you not know the snare I'm in?" The absurdity of his request causing a stir of emotions within me. "I will break anything that holds you here, please I implore you to come with me, all the answers you seek will be given, this I swear." I broke away gently, our eyes locked. "How do I know that I can trust you?" I whispered, his body taking a rigid stance, he squared his shoulders, his face morphing into a fearsome expression. "You cannot." A familiar voice sounded behind me, a cool hand cupped my shoulder. Misha. I turned his meet his unyielding glare, his canines protruding down.
MISHA
I knew my mother was up to something, the way she addressed Osha earlier gave me as much. Hearing her offer her up like a slab of meat awoke a fury within me I could not fathom. What's more was the fact Osha seemed all too familiar with what was expected of her. Craster being a member of one of the three elite houses, it was apparent she gained to curry his favor. What puzzled me was the fact Osha was my mother's personal attendee, what would she gain from offering a mere servant to one of the elite? Unless...
I frantically sought Osha out, sending my senses into overdrive as I searched for her heartbeat. I inhaled deeply trying to decipher her scent, my fangs lowering in response. There.
I unleashed my full speed in her direction feeling her as she traveled further away, panic overcame me. I reached the garden in record time, the smell of Craster's blood invaded my nostrils. I could make out the signs of struggle and blood left behind from a skirmish, Craster having fled, I feared the worst. "Osha..."
I tactfully followed Osha's scent and erratic heart beats, keeping myself obscured from view. She was accompanied by a larger male figure, his arms wrapped around her further boiling my blood inside. What exactly was going on? Was she seeking out companionship? Unbridled terror and heat of my wrath mingled together coating me. I closed in ready to kill, it was his stench that knocked me back, a fucking dog.
I trailed closer, reading myself to attack when I caught a glimpse of his face, Yuri. What the fuck was he doing here? "How do I know that I can trust you?" I took the initiative to end their conversation before he could say any more. I could see him square himself in defense upon seeing me. You cannot." I finished. Her eyes met mine as I placed a possessive hand on her shoulder. Know your place Dog. "What are you doing?" I addressed him, a low growl emitted from his throat. "You know well leech." Osha took a step away from me, bewildered. "What is going on? You know one another?" Yuri and I locked eyes, daring one to make the move. DON'T DO IT. Yuri's expression was unreadable, until a grin splayed across his face. "We do, he knows about your mothe-" I left no room for error, taking his head in my hand, smashing it into the ground. A growl erupted under me, his body shaking, his form taking hold. Osha clambered to us desperately, her eyes pouring with fear and worry. "Misha No!" She screamed, her voice piercing my chest. It had to be done. I reached for his neck to steady whilst I removed his head, Yuri's aura sent me back. The blast of the change taking over, his mouth dripped with saliva, his limbs crackling. His skin stretched until it finally tore, his mouth forming into that of an animal, on all fours, the rest of his body broke and reformed. Osha, frozen in perpetual terror, was locked in place, tears streaming down her face, disbelief widening her eyes. I thought of nothing else but to remove Osha from his path, I unleashed my speed, scooping her up into my arms. A howl rose behind me, an enormous wolf stood where Yuri once did. It's auburn fur glistening, sharp teeth gnarled and snapping in my direction, it's gigantic paws pressing into the earth ready to charge. "We must leave. Now. Hold on." I whispered in her ear. I turned towards the gardens and pressed into the ground springing forward, the crumbling of earth beneath Yuri drummed in my ears as he pursued me. I wasn't going to make it in time, his breath huffed on my back, he was not far behind. I abruptly stopped, causing Yuri to hurl past me, I pushed Osha away from me, taking my moment to seize the wolf. He fumbled to gain his footing after being duped, his low unearthly growl grew louder as we squared off. In close combat it's almost impossible to beat us, our speed gave us an advantage in that sense, however, wolves attack in packs. I was fortunate he was alone. He had no time for a defense as I clasp his jaw in my hand, a whine escaped him as he struggled. "I do not want a war on my hands, you can keep your life, so long as you leave Osha be. She's mine." He futilely trashed underneath me. "I could rip the top of your skull off right here, stop struggling, you've lost. You left your pup here, but back then, you weren't so sure were you?" The struggles ceased. "Leave." I hissed. I released him, instantly returning to Osha who regarded me coldly, pushing past me she called to him. "Yuri?" He shook his fur, his face turning in her direction. He whimpered lowering his head in defeat, pushing off on his hind legs he sprung to the trees, a mournful howl filling the sky before him.
OSHA
My mind was struggling to comprehend what had just transpired, I'd heard tales of the wolf tribes yet seeing one was a different experience entirely. I turned to Misha, Yuri's words echoing in my mind. He knew something about my mother, I could tell Yuri wasn't lying by the look on Misha's face when he said it. A red hot fury overtook me, I stomped over to him, his face giving nothing away, I slapped him, hard. "You knew my mother? You know what that meant to me! Why?!" I demanded, my body vibrating. He rose his head meeting my hot glare, his face was as always, impassive. "That's not your concern." He stated flatly. The fires inside me raged, his response only feeding it more. "Then neither am I, I'm leaving, I'll catch up with Yuri somehow. You will do nothing, I expect that won't prove to be too difficult a task seeing as how that is all you've done since I've met you." I spat, spinning on my heels towards the tree line. The harsh clap of his hand around my wrist stopped me, twisting me in a blur until I was facing him. I slipped out of his grasp, as he taught me through the many nights of our training. I landed a sound blow to his face, knocking his head back, which was in vain. His movements were so fast and so precise, instantly having my throat in his grasp. "I will only say this once." He snapped, his breath hot on my ear. "You are not going anywhere. Only I know what's best for you. Now I suggest you remember yourself before I crush your fucking throat by mistake." Tears boiled in my eyes, my anger getting the best of me I thrashed once again at him. I managed to land a scratch on his face, his eyes shot to me, sheer wrath emanating from them. He drug me by my neck to the pillars entering the garden, slamming me against it. My breath came out in a grunt, the air leaving my lungs. "I will not repeat myself again. Give up Osha. You can never beat me." I knew it was the truth, which is why it enraged me more, I trusted them. I trusted him. Pasha was gone and his brother was a traitor. What has happened between all of us? Why? All the endless nights I spent weeping, haunted by my mother's face and not one word from him. He was fully aware of what happened that day, not even Pasha knew all of the details. Only Misha. So how? How could he do this to me? Misha saved my life the day of the fire, for that I will be forever grateful. He said even less back then but even so, he took me away before any of the villagers could find me. He somehow even managed to deliver me safely to an orphanage before leaving, no doubt trying his best. Knowing what I do now, as uncharacteristic of him as it was, he chose to assist me. Was it all his plan, for me to end up here? "Why save me if you intended on me living this way?" I choked out, my eyes baring down on him, I felt his grip loosen slightly. I tried my luck breaking free to no avail, his hand held me firm, a low growl rose from his throat. I desperately wiggled about trying to find an opening, managing just enough movement, my face found skin, my teeth snagged it between my lips as I bore down. His hand flew up reflexively, knocking me away as he hissed. I landed on the ground beside the pillar with a thud, my body feeling the full force in which he struck me. In the time it took me to blink, he was on top of me, his canines low in a snarl and his eyes glowing electric. "You made your choice, remember this Osha." I did what little I could do in regards of defense, his body kept me down while his hand held my face still. "I hate you." I cried angrily. "I don't care." He murmured, his lips dangerously close to mine. He sucked my lip into his mouth, my breathing coming to an abrupt halt. I felt the sharp pain of his teeth as he bit into my lip. I cried out, trying to pry him away. He pulled me close to him, gorging himself on my mouth, I could feel blood oozing down from the corners. He paused momentarily, switching to my tongue. I sucked back as hard as I could to keep from entering his mouth. He was more powerful, sucking my tongue enough to grip it with his teeth, once again sinking them into me. I cried against his mouth, struggling against him. He drew in deep, my blood filling our mouths, his grope on me tightening, relentlessly and hungrily sucking the very life from me. I focused up at the night sky, the dark hues blending together in masterpiece made by The Lord himself. It felt like eternity stretched out into a few minutes, I could no longer tell the stars from the sky. My eyes fell heavily as if I've never know sleep, my body tingled with weightless, my senses dulling with great significance. I could feel Misha tear away, gasping in great huffs, my blood staining his mouth. After wiping the blood from him, he scooped me into his arms. "Fuck." He hissed. I know not where I was headed to, only that my eyes could no longer stay open.