Lucia fell quiet. "He did? Well, if he did, then you know where he is."
Wellington shook his head. "Sir Damian is now an enemy of the kingdoms. His location cannot be known to anyone."
"Even me?" Lucia asked with a scoff.
Wellington held out his hand for Lucia to take. "Yes. Even you, my lady."
She mounted the horse again. "But you should have an idea of where he should be, right? You and Damian are both crusaders of the King's guard. Where do you think he would go in a time like this?"
Wellington went on foot, pulling the horse Lucia sat on. "I'm afraid I don't know. Damian was never one to talk to anyone. He was either alone with his weapons or with that pet Raven of his. Nobody knew who he actually was."
"He seems quiet." Lucia said with a bitter smile.
"Yes. And now, his uncle has the throne," Wellington spoke quietly now, his voice as though in a whisper. "Damian and his allies will be hunted for the rest of their lives. Your father wants you home, my lady. If you look for Damian, I'm afraid you too will be seen as an enemy."
Lucia scoffed again. "Bollocks! Damian did nothing wrong! I can't believe a little blood he drank from me is causing all this."
"Lord Jarlen must've planned all this for months. He found the perfect time to strike and chose today. My question is how he got to ally with the vampire slayer?"
"Van Helsing?" Lucia's eyes widened in shock.
"Yes." Wellington whispered this time, sensing danger teeming in the atmosphere. Even the horse felt it as it neighed uncomfortably.
"Lady Lucia, on my count of three, I want you to get off the horse and run as fast as you can." he saie.
"What do you mean?" Lucia looked around, not seeing any sign of danger.
"Do as I say," Wellington let go of the horses' reins and clutched the edge of his sword. "In 3 - -
"Wellington" Lucia whispered.
"...2
Lucia looked around, still not seeing anything, but readied herself to run.
"...3" Wellington unsheathed his sword. "Come out wherever you are!"
An arrow whooshed past him, striking the horse's back. The creature gave a loud neigh and jumped, throwing Lucia off balance. She landed on the floor on her back and winced in pain.
"Run!" Wellington yelled at her.
She got to her feet and ran. "How did they find us?"
"Van Helsing!" she heard Wellington's echoing scream.
She halted to a pause and whipped around only to hear a loud bang. Birds scattered in the night sky, plunging the forest into a deafening silence. One that sent fear traveling up and down Lucia's spine. Without a word, she picked up a rock, moving back. She hit something warm and dared not look back.
"Lady Lucia," Warm hands were wrapped around her shoulders and she stiffened at the contact. "Lovely of you to join us. Wellington, God rest his soul, would've joined us but the guest list is just you and I."
"You monster!" Lucia cried out with a scream.
"No. No. I'm only human," the hands turned her around. "The name's Abraham Van Helsing. You have heard about me."
Lucia's eyes widened as she stared at him. In the dark his eyes glowed a bright yellow. Something similar to Damian's dark plum ones. His hair around his face in short curls. She couldn't tell if it was black or brown but she knew one thing, the man didn't feel human. She didn't know how she could tell but she just knew.
"Like what you see?" he leaned his face closer.
"No. You're a hideous monster!" she threw the rock at his face and dashed off in the opposite direction.
"Our father who art in heaven," Lucia prayed as she ran. "Halloweth be their holy name, thy kingdom come!"
"Lucia! Get back here!" Van Helsing called for her.
"Thy will be done in the goddamned place. Give me this night your protection from Van Helsing!" she prayed as she ran. "Forgiveness is not on the list oh God but you understand why I'm telling you this."
"Lucia, I can hear you." Van Helsing said in a sing-song manner.
Lucia caught her breath as she stopped in front of a cliff. "I didn't ask for more danger, God! Why does death love me so much?"
"I think that's because you're lovely." Van Helsing replied.
Lucia looked down at the cliff. The moonlight shone in the water below, giving her hope of survival if she were to jump. "God, you've been saving my life since I got here. Do me this one favor and let me live."
"Lucia!" Van Helsing appeared from behind the trees and inched closer. "Step away from the cliff."
"Leave me alone and I will." she replied, still moving back.
"You drive a hard bargain." he chuckled.
"Of course, my family runs a business. I know a thing or two." she replied coolly.
Van held up his hands in midair. "Alright. I won't harm you."
"I don't trust you."
"But I promise not to hurt you."
"That's probably what you said to Wellington before you killed him. I'll take my chances with the water." she threw her arms and fell downwards, the scream of her name echoing in the air.
After what felt like eternity, Lucia threw her eyes open. She was not the chilly water nor the dark forest. It was day time here and the sun was out, bringing warmth to the room.
She moved her fingers first before sitting up, looking around. "Where am I?"
"You're in Canterbury, my lady." A voice said, startling her.
Her hand flew to her chest. "Oh my God. You startled me."
"I apologise to my lady." The man went on his knees.
Lucia recognised his voice and dark hair. "Sir Adam?"
He looked up. "It is I, my lady."
"Where is this place?" she wondered then had an aha moment. "Am I in Canterbury?"
"Yes, my lady," Adam rose to his feet. "The Knights of Canterbury were patrolling the island when we found you washed ashore on the beach 3 days ago."
"3 days ago?" Lucia gasped.
"Yes, my lady," Adam said with a nod. "Now that you're awake, Lady Colette would love to see you."
Lucia responded with a frown and he went further to explain. "She is wife of the Duke of Canterbury, Duchess Colette of House Von Burren."
"House Von Burren? No, it can't be. C - Colette? She's alive? She's here?" Lucia stuttered terribly.
"Yes, my lady. Your sister is very much alive."