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

Chapter IV: Birthright

Hallowed Dream Haven

Stopping in the foyer, Castella says "Wait here. Not all of us here are keen on Vampires." "That's fine." Replies Kayle.

"How many of us are here?" Asks Jerick.

"Roughly ninety." Replies Castella as she heads to the room at the end of the room. Jerick mutters "That's a lot."

Rubbing her arms, Kayle says "My skin feels like it's crawling."

With a small smile, Jerick replies "That's understandable. I'm a little restless myself."

As Jerick and Kayle talk in the foyer, whispers could be heard from the shadows. A loud creaking sound could be heard from a door being opened from a distant room. Jerick and Kayle suddenly go silent as a tall brunette enters the room. Her eyes are a piercing Sapphire blue with light olive-colored skin. She makes her way towards the two with a graceful and dignified demeanor. Castella, following close behind, stops short of them and introduces the woman.

"My lady, this is Kayle Rite, daughter of the noble family." States Castella.

"I'm aware of that Castella, and this must be my older brother Jerick?" Replies the brunette.

Holding out his hand, Jerick says "It's a pleasure to meet you."

The brunette hesitantly takes his hand and says "The pleasure is mine. Forgive Castella's rudeness, my name is Elizabeth."

"She has been most hospitable." Replies Kayle, leering at Castella.

"Has she now?" Asks Elizabeth.

"Yes." Replies Jerick, letting go of Elizabeth's hand.

"We can talk privately in my room, would you mind following me?" Asks Elizabeth, heading back the way she came.

"Certainly." Replies Jerick and Kayle.

Briefly looking over her shoulder, Elizabeth says "Castella, would you mind getting our guests something to eat, I'm sure they're hungry from the long trip here."

"As you wish my lady." Replies Castella, turning towards the kitchen.

"I'm sorry for her behavior. She's new and has a quick tongue to boot." States Elizabeth.

"I think we understand how she feels though. It seems she's not too fond of my kind." Replies Kayle lightheartedly.

With a warm smile, Elizabeth says "She doesn't like anyone, so don't take it personally." "I won't." Replies Kayle.

"My room is just ahead. I'm sure the both of you have plenty of questions, and I'll answer them the best I can." States Elizabeth.

After several minutes they arrive at Elizabeth's room. When they enter the room, they are greeted with a large crystal chandelier and expensive tapestries. Jerick and Kayle take in the view before being brought to their senses.

"Would either of you like a drink?" Asks Elizabeth.

"No thank you." Replies Jerick and Kayle.

"There's no need to be so on edge here. I'm not going to eat you." Says Elizabeth reassuringly.

"Sorry. I'm not used to being around a haven full of wolves." Replies Kayle. "And what about you?" Asks Elizabeth.

Looking at Kayle, then his sister, Jerick says "Well, I can't really say. I just found out yesterday that I'm a Werewolf, and to top it off I nearly attacked her."

"Is it true that Castella threatened her?" Asks Elizabeth.

Looking at Jerick, Kayle says "Yes, she did. If I'm not mistaken, your change happens on the first full moon of the year and once you've found a mate."

"That would be correct. I turned when I was nineteen. Shortly after that, I was told I had an older brother." Replies Elizabeth.

"Can you tell me what happened, and how all of this makes sense?" Asks Jerick. "I can tell you everything I know." Replies Elizabeth.

"That's fine." States Jerick.

Jerick and Kayle sit there silently as Elizabeth tells them the story of their birth and how they were separated. Elizabeth explains that Jerick would have been the next Alpha of their haven, but his change would happen at a much later time than they wanted. So as a way to protect him from his fate, they put him up for adoption. Knowing Elizabeth would change and mature faster, she was placed as the next alpha instead. Their parents had died before she was old enough to be told about him, which is why it took her so long to find him.

"His change was forced and he doesn't have a wolf mate, so how's he supposed to fill the role?" Asks Kayle.

"He can't. I've also been told the two of you are planning on getting married." Replies Elizabeth.

"We are, or at least we want to." States Jerick.

"You are aware the two councils will not allow that." Replies Elizabeth.

"We're aware, but we're going too anyways." States Kayle.

"You're willing to defy the Vampire's law that prohibits the marriage of vampires and werewolves? Do you know how many of us have suffered a loss due to that kind of relationship?" Asks Elizabeth.

"If I wasn't forced to change, I'd still be human, so the laws wouldn't abide against it." Replies Jerick defensively.

"That's where you're wrong. You were born as one, just the same as her. If you were born without the gene, then that would be a different story." States Elizabeth.

Jerick says angrily "I don't care about the rules that govern our societies. I will die before I'm forced to love someone else. I lived as a human until yesterday, but I will die as a wolf that's proud of the choices he's made."

"What about you Ms. Rite?" Asks Elizabeth.

With crimson tears forming in the corner of her eyes, Kayle says "I would rather die than lose him. If I must sacrifice everything I know and love then I will."

Elizabeth whispers "Crimson Tears?"

Wiping away the blood-stained tears, Kayle says "Forgive me."

"Your kind's tears only turn crimson when you love them very deeply, don't they?" Asks Elizabeth.

Nodding her head, Kayle says "Our only link to the humanity we still retain once we've turned is the crimson tears we cry."

"So, you're both willing to commit a taboo?" Asks Elizabeth.

Looking at each other, Kayle and Jerick say "Yes we are."

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Elizabeth says "I'm not saying I agree, but I can tell she loves you. You might as well be committing double suicide."

"We know." Replies Jerick and Kayle in unison.

Shrugging her shoulders, Elizabeth says to herself "How is it I was born into a mischievous family?"

After everything settled down, all of them ate. Jerick got to understand the laws and rules the wolves had to follow. He also got to know his younger sister, who he had never known about. The two of them talked and caught up on their life events. Jerick's sister was baffled that he had fallen in love with his childhood friend's mom.

She was rather impressed that the two of them had been together for the last three years. Elizabeth asked Kayle to show her the engagement ring Jerick had gotten her. Since she agreed to help them on their quest to get married, Elizabeth gives Kayle her and Jerick's mother's wedding band. The ring had two birds flying in opposite directions. Kayle reluctantly accepted the ring and thanked Elizabeth for her help.