* * *

Yet within the walls bound

Sooth shall be found

One thought to be gone

A foe of dawn

Amidst darkness' flock

Stainless' instrument gifts unlock

At the touch of noon

On the August moon

Stir shall purity's scourge

Jewel of all lost in a thawed forge.

* * *

"DAD!" VICTORIA GRUMBLED for the hundredth time, begging Matt, her father. There had been word that a few antis were spotted by New Peak valley west of the town. It was part of our territory; they were trespassing. Plus, this wasn't the first or second time, so her father was personally heading out.

She had been pleading since the evening before, but Matt always found a way to avoid her. Claiming he had 'urgent matters' or locking her out of his office. It was past midnight which meant they'd soon leave.

"Tiger, it's too dangerous, and you are not ready. What kind of leader would I be if I let you get hurt?" her father Reynold said in his 'don't ask again' voice. But she wasn't going to give up that easily this time.

Victoria had been overlooked countless times by her father and most of the members of their clan. She was sick and tired of it.

"It's not like it's a full out war; it's just a small raid. Plus, you'll be there too." She argued. "Or is it because you're ashamed of me like the rest of them?" Victoria regretted it as soon as she said it.

She couldn't ignore the fact that this was the umpteenth time he was not allowing her to go on any missions or stakeouts. There were rumours the antis were from Smulton- the mysterious city filled with so many supernatural creatures it was a literal melting pot. No one knew where its location though many had gone looking for it. The two sides had been at each other's throats since forever. She wasn't even sure why it was going on in the first place.

"I can tell what you are thinking... and we'll discuss this when I return," Matt said as he walked into the arsenal.

"Whatever," Victoria muttered loud enough for him to hear. She heard him sigh and continue walking.

I have to find a way, She thought. She would go even if it meant leaving without her father's permission. She was determined.

Walking down the passageway towards her room, she spotted a familiar platinum blond mane talking to someone else next to the windows.

"Rio!" Victoria called out. The white-haired boy turned to her, his pale skin a bit yellow under the moonlight. He looked like a high schooler in his faded t-shirt and jeans when he was way older. Victoria knew he had stopped ageing, but she wasn't sure how old he was; he never spoke about his age. She walked up to him as the other person walked away.

"No!" He exclaimed as soon as Victoria got close enough, startling her a bit.

"I haven't even said anything yet!"

"But you were about to, weren't you?" Rio said. "Whatever it is, my answer is still no," he added, using his hands to dismiss Victoria.

"I just need you to talk my dad into letting me tag along to the raid." She pleaded. "I've been practising; I know I can do this."

"No. I have said no three times already," he said and began to walk away.

"Rio, wait!" Victoria called, and he turned to face her. "Please! For your best friend in the whole wide world." She pouted, staring deep into his dark eyes.

"Fine." Rio conceded. Victoria jumped for joy, causing him to chuckle.

* * *

The sound of armour, the clanking of blades, packing of quivers, rented the air. The warriors were all busy getting ready for the raid. Vampire fangs and claws would have been sufficient if they didn't have to worry about werewolves, witches, and whatnot at the same time. The precaution was a necessity.

The valley was a safe distance from Aurora's Haven, their little town, so there would be a lesser chance humans would take notice.

Victoria was outside the arsenal with Rio, just itching to strap on some armour, when her father noticed them and gestured for them to come in.

The arsenal felt different to Victoria. It still looked the same- steel walls starting to rust from age; barrels and boxes stacked on end going far back into the room. But it felt different to her now. She was walking in as a warrior- well, that was if her father agreed.

"Hey, daddy-O. I see that you're all set to leave," Victoria sweet-talked her father, nudging Rio to back her up.

Matt stared at the both of them, not a glint of wavering showing. "Tiger, my answer is still no," He says, cupping her face in hand.

"I wasn't going to ask!" Victoria lied.

"Then why is Rio here?"

"Fine. I was hoping you would reconsider if you heard what Rio had to say since you seem to trust him more than your daughter." she says, her eyes widening in hope. Maybe guilt-tripping might work this ti,e around.

"We've been over this. You're all I have left. I absolutely will not let you go into a warzone unprepared," Matt said. "I don't think I'd survive if you got hurt," Victoria swore that she saw Rio glare at her father, but it was so quick. Was he mad?

It was no use talking to her father anymore. He wasn't going to budge. "Okay, dad. I won't ask again,"

"Someone's gotta give me a hug for some extra good luck," he said and pulled her into a bear hug. "Let's have father-daughter time tonight. Netflix?" he continued. Victoria loved her dad even though he could be stiff sometimes. He never got angry at her. Probably because she reminded him of her mom; she passed away a few years back.

"Sure." She said and released herself from the bear hug before finally exiting the room, leaving Rio behind.

She ran to her room, checking the time on her way. 12:45. I have fifteen minutes left, She thought. In her room, she grabbed a beanie and a face mask, then headed towards the front of the building, where the vans were parked.

She spotted two black vans and hid behind the bushes that covered the front of the building, waiting for a moment to slip into one of them. She had to be as stealthy as she possibly could. Getting caught was not an option.

"Load up! We leave in ten!" a voice yelled from the side of one of the vans. The rest began rushing towards the side of the building, moving supplies into the van.

Now is my chance! She thought.

She put on her beanie and mask, beginning to move slowly but quickly towards one of the vans. The sudden sound of footsteps caught her attention.

Crap! They're coming, She thought and ran into the trunk of the closest van to her, shuffling into a corner where she wouldn't be noticeable- She was in!

She quickly realized that all the warriors had gotten into their various vans, and the engines began to rev. Just as quickly, they were on the move.

I am sorry, dad, She whispered to herself, mixed feelings of guilt and excitement.

She was doing it- She was actually doing it!