Bradford noticed the glowing light disappaiting before his eyes. He either had found her or she worked a spell to conceal herself. The aroma of lavender and lemongrass filled the air as he slowed his pace once again.
Alexandre listened for Ravens breathingl. “It’s steady but labored. Her heartbeat seems to be strong enough to handle the elixir.” Stepping from behind them out of the trees, Bradford sensed her and immediately turned to face her. He watched her eyes dart over her daughter looking for a bite or something to indicate her state. “She was trying to find you. I gave her a small amount of my blood so she could keep going. I feared you would detect our arrival and flee before I could speak on my Elder Lord’s behalf to you.” “If she dies…Stop wasting precious moments stumbling over your words and tell me which fate befell her? Poison? Enchantment? Did you bite her?” Her eyes flashed with dark hues. Her eyes peered into Bradford’s thoughts and she spoke clearly in his mind, “Tell me NoW.” “Yes, Madam Bellavonnes. She followed the blood ties to you and as the sun began to lower, her thirst increased beyond control she jumped into the enchanted stream and attempted to drink from it. She quickly detected the spell work and didn’t drink it but it splashed all over her.” “She needs a special elixir. Put her down and step back.” “Not a chance. I need your help making my “Exivo” for my Elder Lord.” Alexandre thoughtfully glanced away as she realized the effects of that elixir on the Bitten. Looking back at her daughter she realized the day had come she would have to reveal the truth about her father. “I already gave her the herbs she prepared.” “I see. Put her down and step back. I won’t help you by coercion. You will have an audience with us after I’ve healed her.” Pointing at the bench built around the tree. “Sit her there. And step back.” Bradford acquiesced and took a view of the cabin behind him. The small porch was a mere shadow to the full front porch of Ravens home. The entire cabin was much smaller. The herbs lined the awning as her former home. Feather wind catchers hung there along side them. The modest home was made of lumber and had moss across the roof. Alexandre lifted her daughter to her feet and slid her arms around her little girl’s waste. “Come to, Raven. It’s time to stir the stew.” Raven’s eyes fluttered. “Mama? Is it you? Am I dreaming?” She felt weak but this was unlike a dream. Her mama’s arms felt solid and warm. A haze blurred her vision. Exhaustion fell heavily upon her steps. Entering the cabin, Alexandre gently laid her daughter to bed and walked across the room to the kitchen area. Here she pulled herbs down from the cabinets and began to prepare for the elixir to be made. “Madam, I must speak with you in person. The Elder Lord requires a potion for a spell.” Alexandre looked across at her sleeping daughter and smiled. Soberly, she continued to prepare the elixir, “Go ahead and speak. I can hear you this way clearly. Why would I trust the Bitten to be inside my home?” “You will have to trust me. I can help you prepare it faster. The spell can be worked by two who have caster abilities.” Alexandre realized why he was able to get through her charms at home. He was able to detect Raven and through his ability he was able to talk to them without words. Stepping off her threshold she stared at Bradford. Taking a deeper consideration of Bradford and why he may need that elixir she stepped forward. “Why does the Elder Lord need it?” “Madam, that is something I don’t know. He summoned me and made his request. By blood, I cannot deny him. I don’t know who or what he intends to use it for.” “Dangerous, Ignorant. Look at what predicament you’ve placed us under.” “Raven and you are both still hidden from the Bitten by your magic. I suspect I was requested due to my abilities.” Bradford bowed gently never loosing eye contact. “I will need invitation. You must say the words.” “How do I know you mean no harm to her? She already drank from you. The connection is already made.” “Alexandre Bellavonnes. I, Barren Bradford Whitley, vow to bring no harm to Raven or yourself in this quest. I need your help. Please. Just say the words,”Bradford lowered his head closing his eyes with his hands stretched out for acceptance. “This creature was once like me. There could be good inside him still. I’m loosing time.” Deciding to just use her wards against him she walked up to him and said the words, “Barren Bradford Whitley, would you join me inside for a meal and a lesson?” She extended her hand to be shaken finding it instead cupped and a light cold kiss was placed upon her knuckles. “All right. Pretense aside. I have much to do.” Alexandre wiped her hands on her apron instinctively and turned to walk inside. “Ouch. Rude.” Bradford scoffed under his breath. “Be grateful for the opening and opportunity. Now,” she turned towards him and her expression darkened with authority, “You have made promises. Honor them. Or you will find out why I am feared.” “Madam. Lead the way.” Shuffling his shoes he stuck his hands into his pockets and followed her in. An hour and a half later…”Quickly now, Barren Whitley. Have you finished grinding the herbs.” Pointing to the mortars behind her the counter was covered in many herbs ground and awaiting their use. “Overkill. The herbs must be used carefully. You can’t mix them.” Bradford looked at her and reflected at his work. Each of the herbs were crushed quickly. His hands were careful and attention distracted but he felt sure of his work. Alexandre took her needed herbs and blended the into the small cauldron atop the table. Crystals surrounded the table and candles burned around them. Green and white and black candles adorned the windows and flickered gently. The steam rose from her cauldron as she required one last important ingredient. “When have you last fed?” Alexandre grabbed her athlame and looked at Bradford. “I am well, madam”, he shuddered. It hadn’t been too long since he fed but use of his dark gifts was draining. Slicing her palm she dropped her crimson into the bubbling cauldron. A gush flew up crimson in color and Alexandre spoke her magic words. A puff of dark smoke rolled up and disappeared. Picking up her potion spoon she drizzled the potion into viles. Having a lot right now was just plain good preparation considering the company Raven was keeping these days. “Madam. I have only called upon her yesterday and have not ever approached her previously.” Barren wrung his hands and looked earnestly into her eyes. A gentle chuckle filled the space and for the first time Alexandre softened. “You fancy her then?” She was not ignorant to the airs of attraction. “Then you must protect her innocence. While she is powerful and wise, she hasn’t yet realized her abilities potential. If she is to be successful in her path she doesn’t need anyone else’s quests to fulfill.” Side eyeing Bradford briefly, she continued to fill her viles. Completing the task she took the coolest one and shook it. Holding it up to the candlelight, she checked the color. A deep dark purple-black hue filled the vile and she continued to shake it. As she walked over to Raven, her heart filled with adoration and failure. “Don’t worry my girl. I will give you the antidote to the suicide stream and you will come back to me.” Alexandre slipped the liquid between her lips as she held her head back.Margaret went up to the deck to think more clearly however that was not to be. Vlad himself rarely allowed anyone to witness him in his full moon glory. What a sight she was to behold. Margaret’s long ringlets danced in the wind as the moon flashed off of her glass like eyes. Marble skin seemed to allow light to pass through it. Her dress moved and swayed with each gust of wind. The sailors whispered amongst themselves, “Tis mighty bad luck to have a woman aboard.” “That’s not the worst thing aboard, men. You’d better mind your tongues for no whispered thing is hidden here.” The captain scolded the men and tipped his hat to the Lady. Margaret watched as the Captain was keen on what she was. His biggest worry was how many of them would make port before the destination had been reached. Margaret moved past piles of ropes and sails hoisted holding the wind to move them along quickly. She imagined she could blow into them to hasten their journey. Margaret walked over to the edge of t
Margaret felt the waves sloshing back and forth as she laid in her dark space. Waves sounded like thunder as she imagined what this marriage was to provide to her life. Her mind riddled with memories of Bradford and her new founded family. Her father traded her. Margaret felt a pain deep inside her soul. “How could he do this to me?” Tiny streams of bloody tears began to fall from her eyes like waterfalls. Suddenly her sleeping place wasn’t hers alone. She tensed up as the profound strength of her paramour exposed his intentions to her. Reaching down and touching her cheek, he spoke, “I have many wives. They will be like sisters to you. The bond you will feel with them will be similar to the blood bond you will feel with me now.” “Vlad Tepes was my name. Most call me by some other formidable names. I am the Walachian Prince. My enemies know no mercy. I am not as old as some of the creatures you know. I am the father of all our kind. It’s been hundreds of years longer than I’ve al
Moon Goddess Priestess knew that she would have to get back to the party. Taking this deal meant she would forever have the herbs that she needed to protect her Pack. She would be able to fend off illness and magical attacks. The benefits of this were endless and she had prayed to the Moon Goddess many times about this. It was only now that Raven was at full strength that she worried regular herbs would not be enough to protect her. The Alpha King would likely rip anyone to shreds that contribute to Raven’s death or illness. And pups! Who knows what kind of trials a hybrid high born pure line would come. “I am coming. Meet me in the clearing. I bring good tidings” The Priestess linked to Beta Chance. She turned and grabbed the tea she had made to make Raven’s body open to pregnancy. She would bathe her in these tea leaves and oils anointed for their union. While she put her vials into her robe she felt Prince Vlad’s vial. Pulling it out she unlocked a box inside of the cupboard.
“Stop struggling. I am much older than you. I wish to take you back to your father. After, of course, you agree to marry me and leave this place. I need you in my world.” The sinister raspy voice ordered Margaret. “You definitely have a way of catching a lady’s eye. How could you just abduct me and then demand my hand. This is improper!” She growled back. “This is the only way I could get you back in time to make sail before the sun rises. We have to go before your father and confirm this union.” The mans raspy voice sent chills down her spine. “Make sail? You have got to be kidding. I’m not leaving home. I am a part of a powerful family and they will not simply go on without at least looking for me.” Margaret warned. “Believe me, I have accounted for that. Now, stop struggling. We have a wedding to attend…Ours.” He pulled her shoulders along with such speed and might, even Margaret had some difficulty keeping pace with him. A strong knock on her father’s door led to the
As Alpha King Sebastian and Queen Luna Raven returned to their robes they walked naked and hand and hand up to the courtyard. Alpha King stood in front of his Queen Luna and picked up her robe. She turned her back to the attendees who were whistling and cheering for them. “I didn’t realize they would all hear us.” She blushed and he placed her robe onto her shoulders. She tied the strings to keep it closed and Alpha Xander picked up the Alpha King’s robe and placed it on his shoulders. He slid his hands into the robe and Raven turned around and tied his strings. “Shall we go and put on our party clothes, my love?” Raven asked. “Yes, my love, we shall. Alpha Xander has our items laid out in the Alpha den. Let us go there as the guests go begin the party.” Alpha Xander spoke to the guests, “All right, all right. Let us go to prepare the way for the newlyweds to be received. Luna Avery will take them to prepare and we will all go and get the party started. Also…the first one to get the
Alpha King Sebastian and Queen Raven sat at the wedding table and looked across the hall at all of the territories that had come together. Many prior to this day hadn’t been in the same room together for far too long. This was the hope of this union, that all of them could be united under one banner and be a community they could all trade and grow with. They wanted the days of neighboring packs fighting and the war between the Bitten and the Lycans to be ended. Alpha King looked at his beloved Mate sitting beside him and heard her thoughts, “Yes, my love, I too, think it is time for us to consummate this union. Would you be ready to start the run?” Queen Raven smirked and teased, “I thought you’d never ask.” She stood and kissed his smidge on his forehead and took her leave to the entrance of the courtyard that led into the enchanted forrest. Alpha King stood once again and address the wedding reception guests, “The time for the Mating Ceremony has come. We leave now to join as o