As Sonja returned to her room Aerin and Selina helped her out of clothes and into something more comfortable since Viktor had released her from her duties for the day.
'So I've managed to get Tanis on board. The thing I'm most worried about would be the Lycans Viktor keeps in the dungeon. I would like to take them with us but that seems impossible right now. When I leave with Lucian Viktor will be beside himself with rage and might just kill them all.'
As she sat down on her bed, she let out a deep sigh. She knew that the escape would not be easy and that there would be many obstacles to overcome. But she was determined to succeed and to do whatever it takes to ensure that she, Lucian, and the other two members of their group would be able to leave the castle safely.
She turned to Aerin and Selina and said, "We need to start preparing for our escape. I will need you both to gather supplies and make sure that we have everything we need. And I will need you to be ready to move at a moment's notice."
Aerin and Selina nodded, their expressions determined. "We will do whatever it takes, my lady," Aerin said.
"Good," Sonja said, a small smile on her face.
'I can't second guess myself for now I'll rest and try to access the original Sonja's memory tonight. Maybe I can find a way out of this in there.'
As she laid down she focused on the memories of Sonja. Sonja would know the castle layout knowledge she would desperately need so she tried her best to think about that while falling asleep. After the memories finished flashing through her mind she realized that there was a secret passage that led out of the castle where Sonja used to play when she was a child. She also remembered that there was a guard who could be bribed and might be willing to help them escape.
With this new information, Sonja felt this escape had a higher chance of success. She knew that the escape would still be difficult, but with the secret passage and a possible ally in the guard, they had a chance of success. She made a mental note to talk to the guard as soon as possible.
As that thought passed through her mind her consciousness faded and when she next opened her eyes it was dusk as the sun began to set. Aerin and Selina got to work without speaking a word and helped her don her armor.
She went to the stables and found five death dealers fully armored and ready to handle the task of exterminating the bandits as Viktor ordered. Sonja mounted her stead and lead the group out of the castle at night.
They rode with speed until about five minutes away from the castle then they slowed down to a gallop. They were out to hunt bandits but if they were not careful then they would be hunted. Those turned by William the first Werewolf and the ancestor of all werewolves and Lycans were out and about in these woods. William is able to turn others into Werewolves, and his strain of the infection by far fast-acting, even turning his victims post-mortem. Werewolves unlike Lycans, are dangerous, infectious, and savage beasts seemingly incapable of thought or reason.
As they rode through the woods, Sonja kept her eyes peeled for any sign of the bandits. She knew where they were hiding out. They stayed hidden in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike. But she was not afraid. She was a death dealer, a warrior trained to fight and kill.
As they approached a clearing, Sonja signaled for the others to stop. She dismounted from her horse and crept forward, her sword at the ready. She could sense that something was wrong, and she knew that she had to be careful.
As she reached the edge of the clearing, she saw them. The bandits were there, armed and dangerous. They were huddled around a fire, their weapons at the ready.
Sonja signaled for the others to attack, and they charged forward, swords drawn. The bandits were caught off guard and were quickly overpowered. Sonja fought with precision and skill, her sword flashing in the moonlight as she struck down one bandit after another.
As the last bandit fell to the ground, Sonja let out a sigh of relief. The mission was a success, and they had managed to take out the bandits without any casualties. She then ordered the death dealer to quickly burn the bodies lest the scent of blood drew the Werewolves to them. With their job done they made their way back to the castle.
As they were about five minutes away from the castle, they heard a howl in the distance. Sonja immediately knew that it was the sound of a Werewolf. She signaled for the death dealers to be on guard and ready to fight.
Suddenly, three Werewolves emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing in the darkness. They were snarling and growling, their fur standing on end. They were larger and more ferocious than any wolves Sonja had ever seen.
The death dealers formed a defensive line, their swords at the ready. Sonja shouted orders for them to aim for the eyes, hearts, or heads. They knew that Werewolves were not invincible but still incredibly difficult to kill.
The Werewolves charged at the death dealers, their jaws open wide. They were fast and agile, but the death dealers were well-trained and skilled fighters. They parried and dodged the Werewolves' attacks, striking back with deadly precision.
Sonja fought with all her might, her sword flashing in the moonlight as she struck at the Werewolves with deadly accuracy. She aimed for the head and heart, knowing that it was the only way to take them down.
The Werewolves fought with ferocity, but they were no match for the death dealers. Finally, the last Werewolf fell to the ground, and Sonja let out a sigh of relief. The fight had been intense and brutal, but they had managed to survive.
Sonja quickly ordered the death dealers to leave the bodies and ride for the castle lest they be ambushed by more of these creatures.
As they rode back to the castle, Sonja couldn't shake the feeling of unease. They had managed to take out the bandits and the Werewolves, but at what cost? She knew that these creatures were not just mindless beasts, but were once human and had a family, loved ones, and a life.
She couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to cure these poor souls, to turn them back into humans. Since she had Aria's memories of the future and her skills as a doctor it might be possible for her. But she knew that was a task for another day, for now, they had to focus on getting back to the castle and reporting their success to Viktor.
As they reached the castle gates, Sonja dismounted from her horse and walked towards the entrance. She was met by Aerin and Selina, who had been waiting for them. They were relieved to see that Sonja and the death dealers had returned safely.
Sonja reported their success to Viktor, who praised their efforts and congratulated them on their victory. But Sonja couldn't shake off the feeling of unease and the weight of the lives lost, both human and Werewolves. She knew that this fight was far from over and that they must find a way to end this cycle of violence and death.
Sonja and the death dealers rode back to the castle, their armor and weapons stained with blood. They dismounted their horses and made their way to the throne room where Viktor was waiting for them.
Sonja approached Viktor and reported their success. "Father, the mission was a success. We were able to take out the bandits and eliminate the threat to the kingdom. We were beset by some werewolves but they easiliy dispatched them."
Viktor nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Well done, Sonja. You and my death dealers have served our kingdom well. I am proud of your efforts and your bravery."
The death dealers bowed their heads, accepting the praise from their leader. Viktor continued, "You have all proven yourselves to be true warriors. I will make sure that your efforts are recognized and rewarded."
As Sonja was about to leave with the death dealers Viktor called out, "Sonja wait stay with me for a moment."
Sonja turned to face her father, unsure of what he wanted to talk about. Viktor looked at her with a serious expression. "Sonja, you have proven yourself to be a skilled warrior and leader. I have been thinking about your future, and I believe that it is time for you to take on a greater role in the kingdom."
Sonja's heart began to race as she wondered what her father meant. Viktor continued, " It is time I make good on the agreement between Marcus and myself. You shall be engaged to Nicolae Corvinus he is the only son of the Elder Marcus. Once married you shall be promoted to a Vampire Elder."
Sonja was shocked by her father's words. She had known about the agreement between her father and Marcus, but she had never thought that it would come to fruition. She had always assumed that Viktor had only promised Marcus as a way of keeping him from rebelling and had no real intentions of keeping that promise.
'Well, it doesn't really matter since I plan to escape soon. Knowing the original Sonja she would reject this and storm out but that would make Viktor keep an eye on me so that's out. It's best to try to refuse and if he pushes it then accept begrudgingly.'
"Father, I understand the importance of the agreement, but I am not ready to be married yet. I want to continue serving the kingdom and fighting for our people," Sonja said trying her best to portray the correct emotion.
Viktor's expression softened. "I understand your concerns, but this is a matter of politics and alliances. It is my duty as a leader to ensure the security and prosperity of our kingdom. The marriage and your promotion will solidify our alliance with the Corvinus clan and increase our strength and influence."
"I understand, father. I will do as you say," Sonja said, bowing her head in acceptance.
Viktor nodded, pleased with her response. "Good. I will make the arrangements for the engagement and your promotion. In the meantime, continue to serve the kingdom and train for your new role as an Elder."