Crimson Tears: A Werewolf's Dirge (Book 2)

Chapter III: Truth & Family

The farthest end of the beach

"Is there a reason why two nobles are here as well as a council member?" Asks Marko bluntly.

"We felt it was necessary since we have an elder and a newborn." Replies Magus. "I'm not an elder anymore, or did you forget that?" Asks Marko.

With a smug grin, Magus says "Right, you're no longer a vampire nor a human. You got cast out when you lost control after she died."

"Shall we get to the matter at hand instead of talking about the past?" Asks Marko.

Pointing at Jerick, Castella says "We need this human to come with us. His sister has found out about him and wants to meet him in private."

Confused, Jerick states "My sister? I'm an only child."

"Typical of humans." Growls Magus.

"He's not going anywhere without me!" Interjects Kayle.

"I'd learn to keep your pet under control if I were you." Hisses Castella.

"Who're you calling a pet?" Spits Jerick.

"Did that strike a nerve?" Asks Castella testingly.

Holding his arm out, Marko says "Jerick, leave this to me."

"The hell I will, she just insulted Kayle!" Shouts Jerick.

"Jerick!" Warns Marko.

Before anyone could react, Jerick charges at Castella. Grabbing Jerick by the throat, Magus starts to change. Jerick struggles to break free, while Kayle's eyes begin to burn a dangerous ruby red and her fangs are fully extended. Nora backs off, knowing full well what would happen if she tried to stop her. Marko warns Magus to let Jerick go before any blood is unnecessarily spilled.

Watching in fear, Jerick's eyes slowly begin to turn a deep Sapphire blue. Kayle freezes in place as she watches Jerick slowly beginning to change. First, his hands begin to form into dog-like paws with razor-sharp nails, then his body begins to shift into a more dog-like physique, then finally his head turns into a dog-like structure. Gripping Magus' arm, Jerick twists it in a swift motion and a loud howl is heard bellowing from Magus' chest as he lets Jerick go. Letting out a howl of his own, Jerick turns his attention to Castella, who happens to be smiling at the sight.

Laughing, Castella says "I knew if I insulted her in front of you, that would cause this." Slowly walking towards her, Jerick's teeth are bared, and his claws extend even further. Kayle calls out "Jerick, you need to stop!"

Turning towards Kayle, Jerick lets out a snarl.

Grabbing Kayle, Marko says "You can't get near him, he's enraged right now."

Clawing at Marko's hands, Kayle says with tears spilling from her eyes "I don't care, Marko, please let me go!"

"Let her go, Marko, it might be the only way to get him to calm down." States Nora. Marko says "It's not that easy."

Kayle turns her head and bites down on Marko's hand until his hold loosens enough for her to get free.

"Kayle wait!" Shouts Marko.

Jerick raises his claws at Kayle as she gets closer to him, but is stopped by Castella before he's able to swing at her.

Castella says over her shoulder "You're rather brazen to get near a werewolf when they're like this."

Ignoring her comment, Kayle continues to walk up to Jerick and holds out her left hand. Seeing the ring on her finger, Jerick lowers his claws, lets out a loud huff, turns away from her, and runs off.

"Don't worry about him now. There's a cave down there." States Castella. "Have you lost your bloody mind!" Shouts Marko.

"I don't understand what you mean." sneers Castella.

Enraged by her stupidity, Marko shouts "You damn right well know forcing him to change like that could have caused a lot more trouble than it would be worth!"

With an evil smile, Castella says "So?"

Gritting his teeth at her insolence, Marko says "Not that our kind has any care for human life as the next, but we respect the boundaries that border our change. And he's the son of a noble, which means he's stronger than all of us here."

"So you knew and kept it quiet? How audacious of you." Replies Castella.

"It's not that I knew, more of a suspicion. When I saw the ring your messenger sent, it clarified it." States Marko.

Holding his mangled arm, Magus says "You know as well as I do, they won't accept their marriage."

"So what if they don't? Our kinds have been at war for hundreds if not thousands of years." Interjects Nora.

"You have no say in this human." Spits Magus.

"I really hate it when Vampires and Werewolves call me a human." States Nora as she pulls out a necklace with two rings on it.

Perplexed, Magus and Castella start to say "Wait?! Those are...?"

"Nobleman rings from the Vampires and Werewolves?" Finishes Nora, continuing with "I am the daughter of a Noble Vampire and Werewolf. So, yes I'm a hybrid of the two."

"That's preposterous!" Hisses Magus.

Glaring at Magus, Nora says "My father was a werewolf, and my mother was a vampire. When the council of our races heard the news of a hybrid, my parents were hunted and killed. I was only an infant, so I was left in the care of Marko."

"That doesn't change the fact their marriage will be allowed." Repeats Magus. Baring her fangs, Kayle says "I'd rather die than be separated from him!" "I can arrange that if you wish." States Castella.

"Enough!" Shouts Marko, continuing with "You came here to have Jerick meet his sister, am I right?"

Raising her hands, Castella says "That's right. If his princess is comfortable enough with it that is."

"I'll be going as well, if she doesn't like it, tough shit, she'll have to deal with it." Replies Kayle.

Shrugging her shoulders, Castella says "Fine."

Marko replies "I'll go find him and make sure he's stable. Kayle, I know you're concerned, but please stay here."

Crossing her arms angrily, Kayle says "Alright, I'll behave. Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Fair enough." Replies Marko as he heads towards the cliff at the end of the beach.

Cave

With shaking hands, Jerick asks himself "What happened to me?"

At the mouth of the cave, Marko says "You were forced to change and nearly attacked Kayle."

Jerick begins to say "I would never...!"

Walking towards Jerick, Marko says "Your life as a normal human has ended I'm afraid. There are some things that I need to tell you, but that can wait. For now though, Kayle and you need to go and see what the others are here for."

Looking away from Marko, Jerick asks "Shouldn't you hate me?"

"I couldn't hate you even if I tried. I consider you a friend and family, and there's nothing in this world that would change that." Replies Marko.