Queen Huntress

Strong winds slapped her porcelain skin while treacherous rains pelted her skin like small needle pricks. Lightening boomed around her unfamiliar surroundings as Blaise Nightshade ran through the woods. Her Indigo eyes scan the forest for potential threats. In the distance, Blaise paled as a faint howl touched her ears. “Where are my weapons! I always have my weapons on me outside the compound.” She thought incredulously. She picked up her pace and at the last minute changed direction. Most humans didn’t fear wolves, they were small and oftentimes only attacked when threatened. Blaise could handle a plain old wolf without weapons but this was no ordinary wolf. This was a werewolf and by the intensity of its howl, she knew it was an Alpha. Panic spread through her body as twigs snapped behind her, not wanting to have her back to the enemy Blaise spun around and prayed to God that this was a lone wolf.  “Relax child,” spoke a familiar voice. “I am here to speak with you.”  A white wolf with her mother’s electric blue eyes slowed to a stop once she sensed Blaise’s uneasiness.  “I won’t hurt you.” Blaise heard in her mind. “We need to talk.” Her mother's voice echoed through her mind.  “Mom?” said Blaise hesitantly, “Is that you? Why are you a wolf?”  The wolf neared closer and shook her fur. Under the light of the full moon, her fur glowed a magnificent silvery white.  “My sweet girl, We don’t have a lot of time. I need you to listen to what I have to say.” urged her mother.  Blaise felt uneasy but somehow she knew this was an important moment. “Tell me,” she whispered.  “Once upon a time the world was pulled into eternal darkness, Demons roamed freely and took the lives of humans and supernatural beings alike.” began Selene. “In order to restore the balance between good and evil the Moon Goddess created Werewolves. They heal rapidly which makes them impeccable warriors, they are gifted with speed and agility, and their only weaknesses are silver and wolfsbane.”  Blaise involuntarily rolled her eyes. “Mom, I'm a hunter. I know about werewolves.” she snipped.  Selene let out an irritated sigh but didn’t acknowledge her child’s words.  “The demons were prevailing, werewolves couldn’t see in the pitch darkness of the night.” she continued. “So the Moon Goddess hung the moon so that even in the cover of night the wolves were able to see their enemy in battle. But the demons drew back into the dark corners of the world and drew strength from their leader. Hades. They waited for the day that they could reproduce and forge an army with special abilities to eradicate the wolves.” Images of gruesome battles filled Blaise’s mind, shadows with long claws and black eyes retreating into the shadows following the battlefield.  “The Moon Goddess couldn’t let them hurt her children any longer so she fell to earth, there she sired a child meant to unify the supernatural world and defeat the army of Hades.” Continued Selene. “My dear I am the Moon Goddess and you are the pup meant to lead the supernatural world into victory and peace. But you mustn't reveal yourself. I went through much trouble to ensure you would be strong and capable. I raised you as a hunter to protect you, but danger is on the horizon and your wolf is still dormant--”  “I’m a wolf!” spat Blaise “This has to be a nightmare,” she mumbled.  “Being a werewolf is the greatest gift anyone could bestow on a child. You may not understand your heritage but this is why I came to you. I was never meant to raise you but I had to ensure you were prepared for what's to come. Do not reveal yourself until the time is right. You will know when it is time.”  The wolf looked to the Moon and started to fade. “Mom! Don’t go, I don’t even know what’s coming.”  The wind picked up as Selene’s voice ran through Blaise’s mind once more.  “First a series of gifts my dear, they will be followed by a gruesome battle. That is all I can reveal child. Do not fret, we will see each other soon my love.” Blaise awoke covered in sweat as she jolted upright in bed. Instead of panic, she felt an eerie sense of calmness surrounding her. The smell of breakfast wafted into her room as Blaise contemplated her dream. ‘Mother couldn’t be a werewolf she thought, I need to lay off the snacks before bed’ Blaise removed a bag of spicy pickle chips from underneath her just as her back was assaulted by crumbs.  Three short knocks alerted her to her father's presence. “I’m up sir!” she bellowed knowing full well that she would be late for the tactical meeting being held in fifteen minutes.  Bain Nightshade opened the door. His muscular frame barely fit in the door, his short black buzzcut screamed no-nonsense. “Blaise. You aren’t even dressed! This tactical meeting is too important to mess up.” her father announced sternly.  Blaise sighed, “Dad I know but I had this really weird dream..” she started.  Bain’s eyes softened “It’s alright, just quickly get ready and meet me in the strategy room with the team. I’ll have Grace bring a kraft cart into the meeting so we can eat.” he offered. “Those nightmares of yours haven’t lessened in all these years?” he asked.  The nightmares started when Blaise was ten, she and her mother Selene were traveling to an Alpha’s pack where her father was attempting to form an alliance when rapid vampires and werewolves targeted their motorcade. The driver veered in attempt to knock the wolves away from the nightshade girls, but due to thick smoke, the vehicle went off the road and into the ocean. Selene had just dragged Blaise to safety when she was attacked by twelve rogues. Ever since Blaise has dreamt of the gory battle.  “No Dad,” sighed Blaise “It’s like someone is trying to show me what happened, and who ordered the attack.”  My father wrinkled his nose “Or you haven’t properly sorted your feelings in the last ten years your mother has been dead.” he said which made Blaise’s stomach lurch. She was envious of her friends who still had their mothers. “I’ll be ready in thirty minutes dad. Why don’t you start with the target of the attack? I already know that much. I will announce the teams and discuss the game plan once I arrive.” she offered.  Bain nodded in approval. “It’s nice to see that even when you wake up late you are still more prepared than my hunters.” he chuckled.  Bain gently closed the door to allow Blaise to get ready.  Pushing last night's dream from her mind Blaise entered her white marble ensuite and surveyed her morning appearance in the mirror. Her platinum blonde hair was slick with sweat and matted around her scalp, her long locks fell just short of her waist. Her dark Indigo eyes took up a large amount of space on her face. She had perfect eyebrows, full lips, and a button nose. Her striking face matched her hourglass figure. Sighing she approached the shower and turned the water on steaming hot. As she showered she thought of the job she was about to complete.  The Nighshade Hunters had been hired by the King of all Alphas to investigate a camp of rogues just outside the capital of Lycanis. They were capturing humans and turning them into an army. Vampires and Rogue wolves had been responsible and few made it out alive. Attacks were being reported all over the kingdom but the king couldn’t risk intervening. Following the great supernatural war that named the King’s pack ‘Blood Moon,’ the demons had caused witches to become nearly extinct, the royal witch being one of the many casualties. Blood Moon pack being without a witch meant that they couldn’t mask their scent from the Rogue pack, so it was time for the Nightshade hunters to step in, and Blaise was going to use this job to prove to her father that he made the right choice by choosing her as his successor. From the king’s records, the Nightshades were able to narrow down a location for a packhouse located in British Columbia. Attacks had occurred all along the coast of Lycanis and it would only make sense for the Rogues to be located somewhere in the middle. As Blaise contemplated the details she didn’t even realize that the water had run cold. “Oh s**t,” she muttered aloud.  Blaise quickly dashed from the shower when her mother materialized in the mirror.  “Child, it is time for your first gift,” she announced. “With this gift, I grant you the ability to project your spirit to wherever you may seek, along with this gift comes the ability to read minds and project thoughts into other people’s minds. Be careful, my love for the journey you are about to embark on is dangerous.”  Blaise turned white as a ghost, every hair on her body stood at attention and it took every ounce of her strength to keep herself from shaking visibly.  “How do I use it?” questioned Blaise.  Selene looked at her daughter, her eyes brimming with love and wisdom. “You need to focus on your intent, only then will you be able to harness your gift. If you wish to watch something just focus on that person, if you want to read someone or project something in your mind you must visualize their minds opening up to you.” She smiled at Blaise as she started to disappear. “Remember dear you musn’t reveal yourself until the time is right, a war is coming and you are in danger until your wolf is no longer dormant.”  As quickly as she appeared Selene’s image was no longer in the mirror leaving Blaise hurt and confused. ‘So my dream was real’ she mused. Wanting to make it to the strategy meeting Blaise quickly dried herself off and dressed in her favorite combat greens. Bain had announced last night that the Moonshade hunters would be leaving for Blood Moon immediately. Obviously, they would be gone for a while she had barely packed her bag in time to leave. Being a female Huntress was so difficult, not only did she have to purchase ridiculous amounts of camouflage for all terrains but she also had to dress for meetings with Werewolf Royalty. She not only had to act the part of a seasoned warrior and gain their respect. She had to prove herself worthy of her father’s position. That meant harnessing her feminine side and looking crisp and clean while asserting her strength when it counted.  At only twenty-one years old it was a shock to most that Blaise was so good at hunting. She had been training since she was ten years old, Precisely six months after her mother passed away Blaise demanded that her father train her himself. She didn’t want to witness anyone dear to her die the way her mother was heinously slain. Blaise surpassed many of her age group within a few months of training. She was able to quickly learn how to arm every weapon in the Nightshade arsenal. Crossbows, bow and arrows, semi-automatics, rifles, Glocks, even this crazy rocket filled with gunpowder and wolfsbane. Blaise was even able to craft special bullets made of silver filled with gunpowder and wolfsbane that were then laced with wolfsbane for an extra fatal touch. Once crafted they were stamped with the millimeter and the Nightshade family crest. In every aspect of her training, Blaise was able to perfect the training handbook forcing the Bain Nightshade to name her his successor. His original successor being his nephew and Blaise’s cousin Alexander Nightshade. It caused a huge controversy but Alexander never treated her any different. They were like siblings, Alexander’s mom Batya had been there for her as though she were Blaise’s mother and she believed they were proud to watch her face her fears head-on.  Blaise was exiting her room, with her kit bag over her shoulder and her suitcase trailing behind she made her way to the strategy room. Her combat boots slapping the tile and reverberating a crisp cadence throughout the compound. Hunters are similar to werewolves, like they have packhouses we have compounds. Pretty much a maximum security military base on the inside, with ample holding cells hidden underground a few kilometres from the house. The Nightshade namesakes live on the compound along with a number of high-ranking Hunters. The rest of our lower levels of hunters and their families are located throughout our human town. When she arrived at the strategy room she applied her thumbprint to the reinforced military grade door and watched it slide open. She stepped in at the end of her father’s presentation. “Okay everyone, are we ready to talk about strategy?” asked Blaise pointedly, her face completely devoid of emotion. She had to be cold and calculated here, your heart doesn’t belong on a battlefield and if her mother was right, this was about to get bloody. The room was silent once again. “Let us begin then, feel free to help yourself to refreshments. This will be a long meeting. We are going to head out at one o’clock this afternoon. The Royal Blood Moon Pack is roughly an hour away making our arrival time two pm. Let’s go over arsenal and then we’ll move into formations, remember we are being paid by Blood Moon for a job. They are peaceful werewolves and not our enemies so please offer them your kindness and ensure your men do the same.” Blaise continued on to discuss the first mission and they would solely be doing recon once the Rogue army was located.  Blaise had put together a team of hackers, communication, and digital surveillance specialists for this job. It would be imperative for this mission that the Nightshade hunters remain completely undetected. This meant that hunters would have to position themselves within the trees armed with snipers, and bows and arrows to reinforce the ground team. The plan was to infiltrate the packhouse long enough to bug it and get the hell out of dodge before the rogues had even realized we were there. “Okay, everyone now that we have weapons and surveillance equipment figured out I’m going to announce our companies. Any questions so far?” asked Blaise  Alexis Briggs shot her hand in the air so fast that Blaise had to stifle a laugh. “Lieutenant Nightshade I would like to inform you that my mother is a witch hybrid, I can get pendants from my grandmother to mask our scent. That way rogues won’t be able to trail us back to Blood Moon.” Blaise eyed her best friend mischievously. Of course, they rehearsed this impromptu Q and A. Bain Nightshade is not a fan of the supernatural whereas Blaise believes that witches and werewolves would make excellent allies. Despite popular belief, hunters don’t hunt every supernatural creature just for existing. Their targets are always supernaturals that gain pleasure from harming humans like rogue wolves and vampires. “Commander Bain, what do you think?” asked Blaise innocently. The first hunter leaned back in his chair at the head of the table and let out a deep huff. “Considering the supernaturals involved are rogue wolves and vampires we need to cover our tracks. We can’t let these rogues know we’re on to them or else we won’t have time to organize our allies to fight. Can you see if your grandmother can cloak us with these pendants as well? Vampires as you know have the gift of mind control.” Blaise had to work hard to compose herself, she thought she would have to acquire these pendants on her own and hide them from her father. “Yes commander, she is no low-level witch and luckily for us her bloodline is thought to be extinct so even if this rogue army has a witch she won’t be able to identify our spell caster,” explained Alexis. “Okay,” announced Blaise. “Let’s go over our companies.”  Her eyes nonchalantly traveled to her list that was gripped tightly in her hand. “First up is our sniper company, Alexander Nightshade, you will be the commander. In case this mission goes to hell you will be covering us with silver bullets and flaming arrows.” Alex looked at his cousin, his mischievous eyes glinting. “Okay cuz, same guys as usual?” he asked, wondering about his team. “Yes Alex, I have Marcus Lennox as the head bow, followed by Orianna Baylor, Orion Baylor, and Kieffer Knox under his immediate direction. The twins whooped while Marcus and Kieffer slapped each other's backs. “Formation will be a little different this time we have to stagger you far enough apart that if we require your assistance to get us out the enemy won’t be able to pinpoint your location. I want you guys placed in trees around the perimeter just in case.” she finished “Our lead sniper will be under sergeant Alex Nightshades command, Sergeant Nightshade you will be on the roof of the packhouse that way you will be able to spot all patrols and call the shots since we’ll all be cloaked with magical pendants the rogues won’t be able to see or smell us.” announced Blaise. “Albern Gannon you will be our head sniper, below you will be Lothbrooke Thatcher, Cybil Thane, Clarke Thane, Peter Marley, and Cephus Sterling. You guys need to be 100 feet from one another and keep a tight perimeter.I chose you all because you don’t miss your targets and everyone needs to make it back to the Nightshade compound in one piece.” Blaise’s tone was final and she made eye contact with every hunter in the room. Her message was clear. No casualties. “Next we have the scout company, Alexis Briggs our explosives expert, who will be charged with disarming explosives on the ground, her team will go ahead of us and silently disarm any traps the rogues have set. Christopher Kingsley, Ainsley Hall, and Hiram Ford you will all report to Briggs and aid in disarming any landmines and tripwires.” Alexis smiled at Blaise. “We will all be armed with wolfsbane and silver shrapnel grenades just in case they have a witch that can sense the pendants.” Announced Alexis. “Excellent,” replied Blaise. “Let’s move on to our flight company who will be scouting from the air. We will have an Aurora CP130 in the air equipped with a 20 000 foot zoom camera under the cockpit Aaron Briggs will be the pilot while Arianne Holden scans the cameras. You will be scouting the movements of any rogues and send their locations to our head of communications Jar Stetson. Lennox and Fletcher Hayes you boys will be manning our fighter jets with Forrest and Cairo Langston as your artillery guys down below. Kristin and Kellan Fisher you guys will pilot our water jets, their cargo will carry wolfsbane and silver laced water to drop on the rogues if necessary.” Blaise looked around the room and saw everyone staring in awe. Her father’s retirement is officially a year away and this is the first mission strategy that she planned herself. Her father would never have been this prepared and Blaise formulated water especially designed to stop werewolves in their tracks. “Finally myself and commander Bain Nightshade will be on the ground with our Nightshade seals while backup forces will remain within fifteen minutes of the rogue territory. Our pilots will start scouting today and report back to us at Blood Moon so we can locate the rogue army.” Blaise finished her strategy plan and eyed her Father expectantly. “You heard the lady. Move out.” snapped Bain. The other hunters jumped from their seats and headed to the motorcade bay and airfield hanger. It was only Blaise and Bain left in the strategy room. “So dad, what do you think of the plans?” she questioned. “I think that you are quite talented in all areas of battle kiddo,” he replied easily. “Now let’s get this trip to Lycanis over with,” he stated.  Blaise exited the strategy room on her father's heels excited for her first trip to Lycanis. Supernatural creatures being a source of interest for her. The drive to Blood Moon would be quite short but for some weird reason, she felt nervous. At least with her new ‘gifts’, the Nightshades would have the upper hand. Blaise reached the motorcade bay and slipped easily into the reinforced bulletproof hummer beside Bain Nightshade who was already in the driver’s seat waiting for Blaise. The drive was silent, partly because both the Nightshades were deep in thought and partly because Blaise was too focused on the ever-changing scenery. The Nightshade’s hometown was just an ordinary human city whereas Blood Moon pack was deep in the woods an hour away from civilization. The tree trunks were impossibly wide, much wider than any tree Blaise had ever seen. Once they arrived at the pack territory dark brown blurbs could be seen running alongside the large motorcade. The hunters' vehicles all came to an abrupt stop while Bain lowered the driver-side and passenger side windows. Blaise heard twigs snapping as two Blood Moon wolves emerged from the woods. A large Auburn wolf with green eyes approached while his partner shifted from behind a tree. After three soft rustles that a hunter would have to strain to hear an auburn-haired werewolf emerged wearing only a pair of black basketball shorts approached the Nightshade’s motorcade. “Commander Nightshade!” He boomed Blaise had to stop herself from staring, she had always thought the Hunters were abnormally large but they looked small compared to this warrior. He stood at six foot five inches and his eyes flashed between emerald green and electric green as he approached. His nostrils flared as though he was scenting them. “Beta Theseus.” replied her father in an unfamiliar monotone voice. Although realistically Blaise has never seen her father speak to a werewolf before. “Who's this?” asked Beta Theseus, never taking his eyes off of Blaise. “How rude of me I never introduced my daughter in the thirty seconds I have been parked here,” replied Bain dryly a tight small on his lips. Beta Theseus chuckled, his eyes glinting an electric green once more. He was mind linking someone. “We’re serving lunch in the war room, King Forrest will meet you there, this job is very sensitive and he would like to debrief you and your lead warriors privately. I’ll meet you at the garage and show you the way. Our omegas will take your bags to your rooms. I apologize for the haste but the King is very eager to get this matter situated.” Commander Bain Nightshade c****d an eyebrow, “As are we Beta Wolf.” he replied coldly. Blaise glanced between the beta and her father, he was still trying to discreetly sniff the air, the action piqued her curiosity. Beta Theseus nodded and leaped back into the woods shifting into his auburn wolf in one swift movement. The motorcade began to lurch forward as the Nightshade’s approached an underground parkade. They parked their vehicles on the lower level and passed the keys to an awaiting Omega. “Your keys will be returned to your room with your bags sir.” She said she was a thin woman with long dark hair and plain features. Her cheeks had a healthy blush and her eyes were a chocolate brown color. Bain wordlessly handed over his keys and walked past the omega towards the packhouse. “Sorry, he’s overly formal.” offered Blaise politely. “You don’t smell like a hunter. What are you?” Blaise clenched her jaw and it took all of her strength to keep her face relaxed and her eyes emotionless. “Just a human with good aim,” she chuckled. The omega let out a giggle and her eyes shone as though Blaise had done an incredible service. “You’re funny! You should go before you’re late. The Kind is a stickler for punctuality.” she breathed. “I’ll show you to your room afterward. My name is Allison.” Blaise smiled gratefully appreciative of her kindness after the commander's abhorrent behavior.” Thank you, Allison, I’m Blaise. See you later.” she replied kindly. Dashing from the parkade Blaise beelined to the packhouse hoping someone would be present to direct her to the war room.  As she stepped through the front door her breath hitched. The packhouse was actually a pack castle. It was constructed with black stone and featured seven tiers and each window was shaped to resemble moons. As she entered the foyer impeccable black marble floors mingled with her combat boots resulting in a thunderous cadence beneath her. The walls were paneled with espresso wood panels climbing halfway up the walls meeting breathtaking depictions of Selene the Moon Goddess, the god of which werewolves pray to. Red curtains kissed the rafters and swooped to touch the floor. Golden chandeliers staggered down the hallway as warriors and maids passed by.  Blaise wandered around in awe until she happened upon a maid dusting. “Can you please direct me to the war room?” Blaise whispered discreetly. The maid smiled kindly “Of course M'lady,” the omega bowed and placed her duster on the side table she had been cleaning. They silently trudged down the long hallway towards an elevator, the maid tapped the button lightly and waited for the doors to open. The elevator matched the flooring in black marble. The elevator hummed and the doors swiftly opened to reveal an all-black interior with tufted leather walls and an intricately engraved solid gold railing. The maid moved inside and held the door open for Blaise to follow behind. She pressed the basement button and they waited as they descended 3 floors below the main entrance. The elevator whirred to a stop and the doors opened to reveal cement from floor to ceiling. Blaise could make out what looked to be a range with moving targets to her right and a short hallway with a door to her left. Blaise took a left and opened the door to reveal a room full of hunters and werewolves. “Good you made it before the king.” Bain chastised. Blaise just rolled her eyes and took the empty seat beside her father. The werewolves eyed her curiously probably wondering what she was doing, Blaise looked too innocent to be a hunter. She chuckled to herself well I can’t wait to brief them of my plans she thought.  The heavy metal door to the war room banged open to reveal the most handsome werewolf that Blaise had ever seen. Her indigo eyes widened in shock and an unidentifiable feeling passed through her body and the air became electric. He stood at six foot seven inches, his broad shoulders boasted a heavily muscled chest and back his arms rippled underneath his suit. Blaise pressed her lips together worried that she would drool. 'Jesus get it together,' she thought to herself. He stopped immediately upon entering the room his eyes flickering from black to an incredible shade of grey. Glancing around the room his eyes fell on Blaise. It was as though no one else was in the room. Blaise was completely mesmerized. She couldn't help but notice as his nose flared and he eyed her intensely. Every muscle in his body strained as though he was in a deep conversation. Beta Theseus snapped Blaise out of her trance when he called the room to attention. "Please stand for King Lucien Forest the first." The beta announced in his deep voice. Blaise couldn't help but feel disappointed when the King tore his eyes off of her before she could look away. Without sparing her another glance he took his seat at the head of the table. "Let us begin," the King bellowed fixing his eyes anywhere else but on Blaise.