Traits That Define Us

Chapter 6 : Vernin Domino

Times keep changing, Losing contact with everyone until Mother was returned beaten, burned, and hanging on by a thread. Doing everything in my power to keep her life sustained, helping the nurses tend to her bandages, grueling her cleanliness, in despair that they would deconstruct my Mother's face like so. Gaining information on Maxwell and his whereabouts, I came across him from a pawn a few days back. I am eager to find my Mother's lacky, kill him, and finish searching for a power source on my own. Not truly sure what this source of power may be, but Mother said it had to be from the Dragons... Of course, anything that Mother wants, she gets. It was expected of Katie... her betrayal, the fact that she would blatantly give me the throne and reign over all the vampire races. Consumed in hatred, the vampires who were being hunted, their screams... and finally, the cries of my death-stricken mother, it proved to be too much for my emotions. In so doing, turning them off and leaving them off for good reason. Sleeping with several different females a night, enjoying my time as not really being a prince, for once, I was in my hot tub just waiting on some good information to fall into my lap at this point. Maxwell will do well to keep my plans low, Katie wants her big brother down from the throne, should she bring help then maybe a battle to the death will be a fun challenge? No new information has come, I've been brooding in this castle for weeks, I seem to have gotten paler... I shrugged, hearing a door suddenly open and astounded to see Maxwell with labored breathing, behind him was Katie and a muzzled sexy creature. "I've brought the Dragon child that was hiding in the Regal Claws Pack." Maxwell banters first. "Bullshit, she's my friend that saved my life and going to end yours!" Katie hissed, I chuckled at this, the muzzled babe can barely hold her head up, she's barely coherent with that muzzle restricting her abilities it would seem. "Katie, she can't even hold her head up now..." I mentioned to her shamelessly, "and what makes you think that either of you is even safe?" I asked her, standing from my bath, a palm extended, and a smile across my smug. "Please, don't hurt her, do what you want with me, but not her...." she pleaded. A small group of six came into the room to surround the two girls. Katie is such a fool, trying to defend her friend after bringing them both to their doom. "Take them to the cells," I ordered coldly, following adequately, a witch's hands begin to disintegrate. A bright flash of light blinded me, screaming was heard on the ground, footsteps then trailing away as something with a snarling hiss that sent something that I never thought I could ever experience before. Fear had smitten me,  creeping down my spine, twisting my stomach as I could only gaze to the entryway of my bathroom where the girls once stood."Ignore that burning witch..." I ordered as they tried to surround the dying broad in vain, "Bring them both to the Cells and make sure you take Katie's head while you're at it." I command them before they finally regained their senses, and rushed off. This little vixen with a muzzle has caught all of my attention, "Maxwell?" I simply questioned. "My Lord, I didn't think that Katie would bring that creature here, I have more news on this Dragon wolf hybrid if there is more that you would like to know." he reasoned after bowing his head to me. "Tell me everything you know," I demand as I pop the top on a container of Whisky. "A wolf known as May Isto served as a high-ranked tracker to the Wilds family in the Regal Claws..." he began, slowly pacing before my tub. Placing on my robe, heading to my room, sighing as I listened to him go on about another dog and how she was 'r***d' by the Dragon King, thus the result. "Katie is still trying to claw her way to the throne, isn't she?" I asked out loud. "It would seem that way, Sire." Maxwell agreed. "Good, I knew this wasn't going to be easy, so please continue as you are until the time comes for us to be ready for a strike," I advised him. "There is one more thing your Majesty..." Maxwell shortly informs, and my attention directing to him. "That girl is mated to Nick Wilds of the Regal Claws and Ansen Bloodwing of the Eclipsed Wing Herd..." he informed flatly. "Find her with everything you have, up Katie's bounty to sixty billion, and bring me that vixen with that muzzle on too," I demand, pointing to him and glaring at the other two that abruptly entered as well. Vera Coldheart, next to her in a more... punk-ish attire, Sage, my most bloodthirsty of warriors, barely keeping that suit and tie on. "Vera is the future Queen should Mother... not make it, Sage is my best warrior and smart when it comes to throwing off the enemy," I stated before waltzing to my desk, my robe barely over my shoulders as I progressed to slouch in my desk chair. "My loyalties are to the Royal Family, please allow me to hunt for them and bring the Regal Claws Territory to an end." He assured me, "Fine, but they will go with you." I ordered. "Yes, Sire." he instantly stated, a wager I instilled with my silent wrath. I agreed, with him, they were to follow and report. Whether the girl is found by them or not, I will end everyone's life in hopes to keep the throne and the hybrid by my side. Her power, my brains, and my armies will tower all of mankind. Instead of everyone fearing my Mother's name, they will fear mine! Mother, you've had a good run, but it's time for me to take over, getting rid of that pesky daughter of yours first! All those years of being a good little boy, all the time I spent gaining your favor, how I put in the work for you! Making my way from my chambers to Mother's Lyfepod, the only way for her to hold on to the remains of her stringing limbs. Barely making up a portion of her torso, her long blonde locks all that remained of her once flourishing beauty, and not entirely sane either. "My boy..." she whimpered, reaching for me with contorted unhinged limbs, riling up a chuckle from me. "Make an example out of anyone that stands in your way..." she suggests, the fact she even tries is wonderful in its own way, and I'll take her words in my heart while I slowly reach for her plug and render her to an eternal sleep. All the while, I made sure to get the missing piece of my puzzle from her, in a drawer in her room, I opened it to retrieve the Late Dragon King's dagger, forged from his blood and able to cut any and everything.

(Gail Silverwing POV)

The day of the Beta ceremony had finally arrived, I was with Sonja and we just so happened to spot Alanna and Zeek. Seemingly not busy as they laughed about something, we approached with a light smile, "Hello, may I have a word?" I request of them. "I don't see why not, shoot." the curly-cue responds happily. "I was wondering if you can give me a bit more information on this Katie girl?" I requested again. "We don't really have much information on her, the best wolf to ask would be Beta Haze, he's the only one that actually that met her during the war with the vampire Queen," he answered again. "But he and his mate are having a baby today, so..." Alanna mentioned with slouching shoulders and lowering her head. "I see, and this Katie has been friendly with..." I trailed off as I forgot the name, scratching my dome as I glanced at Sonja nervously. "Yusira Isto..." Nick's voice came from behind us. He and Ansen seemed aggravated by my forgetfulness., glaring at me as they approached. Ansen crossed his arms, sneering as his mate did the same. Sonja giggled, grabbing my hand and pointing to her noodle. I simply nodded, "My apologies, I just want to determine if she can even come back to the herd." I informed, "Don't worry, they know of your plan..." Ansen chuckled, "Yeah, I know and I knew I didn't like you for some reason... My mate better not have a single hair on her head damaged." Nick demands. "Not even a split end..." he snarled, keeping his arms crossed and still glaring.

"Nick..." Ansen chimed tenderly, "No, I'm already mad at myself for letting her stay a slave for this long." he growled. Just as he said this, Alanna gasped, our attention is drawn to her, and hers on the sights of someone else. We turned to see a striking fellow, brown short hair, a mustache that connected to his short beard, and brown eyes filled with detest. Either unhappy to help with the decorations for tonight or the fact something is crossing his mind, he didn't seem like he wanted to talk. Alpha Amel approached him, we watched in silence as they conversed, "Yusira is living with that wolf and his son Bryan, they don't come out much anymore after May Isto left..." Alanna informed. "Should we confront him since the party isn't until nightfall?" my dragon Theo inquired. "Yusira is a sweet girl, she has helped us in one way or another... even tutored Zeek and his idiocy..." Alanna mentioned, "Yeah, I was at an F in math and she got me up to a B+!" he enthused. "Then has she ever killed anyone?" I asked openly, "Not to our knowledge..." Alanna answered honestly. I sighed, if she didn't kill those wolves, something was happening to make my vision see this way...

Later that evening as the sun began to set, the ceremony was being held outside, the decorations were glorious. These wolves like to make their parties extravagant... I admit that. The floor is filled with several tables loaded with so much food, a dance floor, and a makeshift stage with fine detail. Once the music started, cheers were heard, footsteps to the dancefloor rapidly commenced, and the party was in full swing. Some drinking was done, I noticed Ansen and Nick on the dancefloor as well, they were smiling at each other and enjoying the scene. Everyone in formal attire, I assume to shift after... My sights left Sonja to view the Gamma, the night was starting to consume the remaining bit of daylight, and another song played. Once the song ended, the Gamma had left and a brooding sense of uncertainty hit me. Nick and his choices of Betas were all being called to the stage, all of them but one had shown. "Bryan is here..." Alanna mentioned to us as she sipped her drink, "Maybe he knows he isn't cut out to be a Beta?" I asked openly and flatly. "Nope, that jerk is persistent, he always hated Nick being an Alpha and even asked my Daddy to give him a special potion so he could get to where he is now, and he won't even show," she admitted. "Sad to know..." Sonja responds, gripping my hand and laying her head on my shoulder.  As the moon rose over our ceremony, a blast from a far-off direction sending chills down not just my spine... But Sonja coward behind me just as it happened. "Mate." I heard Ansen's voice while trying to rush to Nick, and giving Zeek the Beta title. 

My eye drew wide as my sights caught a massive wolf dragon hybrid of glorious stature. Her black horns in a 'C' form, the lower portion transparent, her icy gray eyes screaming of pain, her scent was fluxing as if it was fresh and exploited. Her black fur with sprouting diamond scales, her wings just as diamond as her scales, and three tails that swayed smoothly behind her body. My brows narrowed as I noticed the wolf with his pants barely fastened under her talons, her gaze was set on Nick and Ansen on the stage. Screams filled the air as she attempted to step forward, "Get the Hell off my son you MONSTER!" the Gamma yelled through the screaming crowd, and a shotgun aimed at her. Alpha Amel grabbed the gun, Nick and Ansen were leaving the stage to stop him with their inhuman strength speed and a shot was fired hitting my sister in the heart scale on her chest. My own heart scale brought me to my knees, my airways were constricting, and the sound of a wolf being punched in the face forced my attention back to the event. While rising my head back up to the situation I was appalled to see Yusira was muzzled by Bryan, a vampire holding her after kicking him off her, and kidnapping her. "Release her creature of the night!" I yelled, "YUSIRA!" Nick and Ansen begged, "No thanks, asshat!" the vampire of blonde called. "KATIE! NO!" Alanna screamed. The night ended horribly, a complete disaster, and my sibling was lost to me again. Amel 'released' his Gamma, but he evaded Nick and slipped from Ansen's grasp with a throw of dust to the eyes. 

The night was long for us dragons, Sonja was frightened, Ansen and Nick were already having a hard time coping that Yusira was a slave... I myself am scared of what my sister may be capable of and who she runs with. The next morning, Ansen and I went to the ex-Gamma's home to tour the place, and an essence of her magic lingered. The remnants of this magic allowed us to review the scenes displayed within these walls, the pheromones of ecstasy remained beside them. Ansen snarling, growling as he gazed through it as well, three bedrooms were here, one was mostly storage with stuff everywhere and even the bed. The other two, more organized, but this one is extremely dusty... I made my way through the hall leading to the basement door, it was murky, black mold on some of the ceiling, and the walls too. A cot that seemed to be slightly broken, the main area clean and a corner of two trashbags alined. I sighed, returning upstairs to Ansen, following his scent to the bedroom he was in before, and noticing the massive hole through the roof. Ansen was glaring at the bed irritated and in anguish. "He had her here..." he breaks the silence, "I know I said I wanted my sibling dead if she ever hurt anyone, but I didn't take into account that she was being treated this way..." I admitted to him. "I don't know what I would do if someone hurt Sonja in this way... Keep my sister close so this doesn't happen again." I demand before taking my leave back to the pack.

The day after, being a Saturday, Ansen and I met up with Nick, Amel, and his Beta Haze. After our short introductions, we headed in the stinky dark-lit halls of the cells under a bunker far from the Pack Homes at least. We heard the cackling of Bryan as we walked farther in, sadly the only sound that gave life to this stinking Hell, "That b***h got the best thing she can ever have in life and... I gave it to her, HAHAHA!" he laughed through his shackles. "Give me a good reason why you think that?" Amel questioned him in a stern tone, "Well, Alpha Amel..." Bryan sighed, "don't get mad thinking that Slaves aren't meant to be used eventually, I just got to her before Dad did and it was amazing!" he went into hysterics. Ansen's snarl stopped him in an instant, with a step forward and grabbing the bars Bryan was whimpering before him. "You do realize that the girl you detained, enslaved, attempted to kill, and r***d is my younger sister? As prince of the dragons, and the treaty that we have with the Regal Claws Pack, should a Dragon Kin suffer at the hands of a wolf, they will be left in the herd's custody to be mauled and your Alpha can't save you." I explained flatly, unremorseful of how he would take this information. "That also means that you did this to a Royal and you with your father are to be sentenced to death." Beta Haze added the extra grain of salt.

"The only thing I heard from that was that your lizard Father r***d my Mother and then left us with that slave to take care of it..." Bryan snarked back, "Excuse me?" I retorted to him ready to rip the bars apart myself. "No matter..." I sighed as I released the indented bars, and taking my leave. "Once I have your Father, I'll be sure to let you watch my herd devour his very bones too." I seethed. "What was that muzzle you put on the girl?" Amel questioned him, stopping me before I had left, "Like I'd rat out my connects?" he scoffed and spit at his feet. "He won't have to..." Ansen responds openly, "I can peer into his feeble mind and find out everything I need to know, but I can't ensure he will be unscathed." he mentioned with a sly grin in his tone. I turned back to them, walking at a fast pace and glancing at Amel, "Let's do this then." I advised. "Keep your scaly hands away from me!" Bryan screamed as he kicked and wiggled about. "Poor puppy..." Haze stated, "Can dish out the pain but can't take it, hahaha!" he jests. Ansen approached, opened the cell door, extending his stretched palm to grip his face. Allowing his magic to do the remaining work, Bryan was screaming his head off, echoing through the whole bunker. A snarl forced Ansen to turn his gaze from him, he quickly released Bryan who fainted and gazed at me. 

"Maxwell is alive..." was the statement he made, Amel and Haze lowered their crossed arms to get more information about this. "Maxwell?" Amel questioned openly, Ansen nodded to answer, "He's the one that gave him the muzzle and the collar, Bryan also ordered to have Yusira removed from the territory that night as well." he informed. "Then that means Katie is working with Maxwell or under the Queen!" Haze butted in, "So she was making her own way back to her throne, I should have had you kill her right after her conformation..." Amel bellowed. "We've been led astray, they are trying to take advantage of our kind nature and the vampires are running wild." Haze suggests, "Are you sure it's the same Maxwell though?" Amel questioned sadly. "Mated to Luna Cora May in the Wild Shadow Territory?" Ansen asked flatly, Amel didn't answer, but his eyes did for him. "I have to make some calls, please try to relax until we have any news of anything." Amel sighed as he walked away and shaking his head to the ground.

Continuing to the Pack homes, we met with Nick, Alanna, and Zeek in the garden. They were all slouching, gloomy expressions, and a dark cloud of depression was hovering over their heads too. Nick noticed us first, he rose quickly to greet Ansen with a hug, and upon their release, Ansen just couldn't look him in the eyes. "It was worse than we thought, huh?" Alanna was the first to speak, I gulped as she and Zeek approached with tears to fill their eyes almost. "Ahem..." I tried to clean my throat. "They need the truth, that will at least put us in a better standing too." Theo urged me, "I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but..." I stopped as I looked up to the partly cloudy sky and sighed. "...Did he?" Nick asked sadly. I bit my bottom lip, nodding to answer and the gasps and disappointment, hurt more. "Bottomline..." I stated openly, looking back to all of them with a faint smirk, "Bryan admitted his crime, the Gamma is still missing..." I recalled, "Ex-Gamma." Curley-cue added, rolling my eyes along with his rudeness, "Yes, yes... Ex-Gamma and Maxwell Manx are alive and working with Katie." I concluded shrewdly. "Did you say, Uncle Max?" Alanna asked in revelation, "Uncle?" Nick and Ansen questioned. "WE aren't sure, but the description that Ansen gave Amel, it does prove to be the same Maxwell that gave the muzzle and collar to Bryan, that was placed on Yusira last night," I informed, watching her fingers curl to her mouth, the shocked wide eyes she displayed, Zeek and Nick too. 

"Please tell us anything you can, something is better than nothing at all," I suggested to her, she sat down on the grass, tears caressed her cheeks, she didn't bother to look at any of us. "We assumed he died in the war with Mom," she started sadly, "Dad said that they were the first twins born in a Coven that could reign together for so many years to come... But he was so interested in dark magic and using animals of all kinds as experiments and commencing with black magic... It was hurting the Coven and killing innocent witches too!" she sobbed instantly. "I don't even think... Daddy knows that he lives..." she concluded while lowering her head to us. "It seems as though we need to set a slower pace to find Yusira?" Sonja sighed openly as she placed her hand on my shoulder and gave me a smile. I too, lowered my head, my rush to find her before anyone dies is getting more complex. "MOVE!" we overheard a strikingly aggressive wolf rage her way towards the cells where Bryan was being held. "Let me through to see that i***t!" she savagely barked to the guards, everyone shared glances in between, all watching her barge her way in like a troll. "Who is that wolf-like troll?" Sonja inquired solemnly, "My ex-betrothed, don't pay her any mind...." Nick urged gruffly. "Ex-betrothed?" Ansen questioned with a slight hiss, "My goofy Mom's idea...Don't worry though, I found out that she was actually mated to Bryan from Casey." he admitted sadly. 

"A shame that her own Beta has such loose lips." Curly-cue jokes, Sonja snickers and so does Ansen. Nick and I growled/hissed to him, he whimpered before lowering his head. "Don't pick on him you two!" Sonja hissed, nudging me with her arm and crossing them. "...I regret nothing when it comes to my mates..." Nick assured in a snouty tone. "You said she was mated to Bryan..." I offered openly, my eyes remained on the cells too. "Mika? Yeah, she and Bryan had been together three years prior apparently, but she is an Alpha she-wolf." Nick informed brimming with confidence. "Run the terms by us... if you will?" I requested of him, "An Alpha can be male or female, but for us Lycans, we are all born male... Mika is actually my cousin, but she isn't my mate and I don't want her." he added. "Interesting..." Alanna raised from the grass spouting and her hands over her hips. "The only way for her to accept Bryan would be if... He was a Beta..." she informed, "Then..." Curly-cue interrupted. "What's going on between them now?" he asked bluntly. We were silent, waiting for her to re-emerge from the prison cells, and did she... The metal bolted door was dented harshly, the scratching of her claws, and the savageness of her snarl. Unphased by her random act of angst, she shifted, racing about and howling her disappointment to the chilling breeze. 

"I fear..." I opened, faintly grinning at the gloomy depicting sky, "I  fear that my sister is a target for something far bigger for something that she won't be able to handle alone..." I professed to them. Taking Sonja's hand from my shoulder, I kissed it tenderly and returning my gaze to her's. "Return back to my mother and help her in any way that you can, I can't afford to have you harmed while here," I ordered sadly. She shed a tear, it was crimson red, like a Ruby gem, and without a second to waste, she plucked it. "Whoa..." Curly-cue's voice broke the silence, "I thought Dragon's only cry over loved ones?" Alanna questioned. "That is true... in a way,  we only cry for the ones we are fated to love." I corrected her, kissing Sonja's forehead as she gave me her tear. "Please bring the Princess as soon as you can, I love you." she requests, my heart swooning in my chest upon hearing her say such words. "I adore you, I promise." I winked to her before sending her off with a wave, "Now then..." I smirked at the others and bringing my pointer and thumb to my chin. "Let the games begin..." I started evilly.