The Blood Moon Killer

Chapter 25: Refuge

With a slight bow, Winter lowered his head and his daughter followed suit. Snowfall sighed and rose from her throne and walked down the steps to get closer to Winter. "I know you wouldn't come here unless it was a matter of great urgency. Tell me."

Winter shook his head, "this matter is..... Delicate." "How so?" The Queen asked as she ruffled her wings and tilted her head. Closing his eyes, the Prince spoke softly. "Gift of Secrecy."

Suddenly, the three were in a beautifully furnished room. It was very beautiful and Whiteout couldn't help but study every detail about it. "If you're using the Gift of Secrecy then this msut be serious." Nodding to Whiteout who was still fixed on the room, Queen Snowfall spoke "does it need to do with her?" Winter sighed and gently eased Whiteout off his back which broke her from the trance "you haven't met her yet. This is my daughter, Whiteout." 

The Queen tipped her head down as Whiteout bowed "I see... I'm assuming you and Moon-" "Please don't." Winter interrupted sternly. "We don't need to talk about that right now, there are more pressing matters." "Yes, I was made aware of that when you bursted through my throne room. "We come here seeking refuge, more like, I came here seeking refuge for her." Winter let out a long sigh "a new evil has returned to Pyrrhia, much more dangerous and evil than Darkstalker, and more cunning than Snowslide. She's a four thousand year old Nightwing that goes by Astraea. She has red scales instead of the white ones and she... What she does..." 

The Icewing Queen noticed how her cousin's eyes would constantly look at his daughter with concern. As if he was afraid to speak the truth in her presence. "Let us just say that this does not sit well in anyone's stomach." 

She blinked a few times. "I see... And this... Astraea has come for your daughter? What of your mate?" She asked, tapping her claw on the ground and staring into the eyes of the dragonette. Winter refused to speak, but the look in his teary eyes gave away the answer. 

"Very well. You and your daughter Blackout-" "Whiteout" Winter corrected "yes, Whiteout may stay as long as you wish and we shall protect you both. Your daughter is of royal blood and should be treated as such. However, I'd like a chance to introduce myself to her."

Whiteout watched as the Queen walked closer to her and in response, the dragonette cowered behind her father's legs "h-hi." "Hello, little one. I am Queen Snowfall, your cousin. It's a pleasure to meet you." She announced, extending her claw. Whiteout looked up at Winter who nodded "y-you too. Your Highness." "Just 'Snowfall' is enough. We are family." Gently putting her claw in hers, Whiteout and Snowfall shook talons quickly before the dragonette pulled hers away.

"Shy one. Nothing like you, Winter." "She gets nervous meeting new people. Especially royals." "She knows she's one herself, yes?" Whiteout nodded "papa?" She asked in a small voice. "What is it?" "I saw your thoughts when we were flying here. About mommy."

Winter froze. No...

"I know what Astraea is capable of and what she does. I was at the temple. She eats other dragons. She wants to eat me." She stated in a low and trembling voice. Snowfall blinked in shock. She knew this was bad, but when Winter said 'this does not sit well in anyone's stomach', Snowfall thought he meant that it was just someone murdering someone else in a terrible manner. 

Cannibalism. Snowfall's mind echoed. The worst she's had to deal with was the Breath of Evil back in Pantala. But this. This was just awful. Suddenly, she forgot her rank as queen and embraced Winter in a tight hug. "No father should know that their child is at risk of something like this. Whiteout will be the most guarded dragon in all the kingdom. My personal guards will tend to her every need and ensure her safety."

Winter returned the embrace "yes. Yes that would be enough. Thank you." Winter looked down at Whiteout who smiled up at her father "I'll be okay daddy." "Meeting Adjourned." Winter announced, then the room shifted back to the throne room where dragons were watching the trio intensely.

"Oh my! It is a hybrid!"

"I've never seen a Nightwing and an Icewing have a child. Is this what they look like?"

"Oh my! That child has a silver tear drop scales!"

"Heh. Cool."

"Is that Prince Winter?"

Queen Snowfall stretched her wings and the room's chatter silenced immediately. "Prince Winter and his daughter, Princess Whiteout, will be under the Icewing's protection for the time being. My personal guards are hereby ordered to care and tend for the young Princess. This is my decree."

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Whiteout was escorted down lavish halls. She was accompanied by four guards in a lot of armor. They each held spears and were very concentrated on everything going on. Looking attentively at the windows, doors, floor, ceiling...  She's never felt so out of place. Whiteout was never used to being in extravagant places. She prefered the quiet and humble life. 

Even if she was technically a Princess, she never wanted to use her 'royal' status for anything. She was perfectly happy living in the countryside with her parents. But with Astraea on the loose and her saftey in the balance, there she would remain until the danger was dealt with.

Even though she was half Icewing and the cold had little to no effect on her, she still felt cold. Her father was ordered to stay behind and cut contact so their positions wouldn't be compromised, no matter how much Whiteout pleaded, her father was removed.

She was now surrounded by unknown dragons. Two Icewings in the front, and two behind her that were leading her to a special room with no doors or windows. Supposedly, one of the most secure rooms in the Icewing's palace.

"Right in here, Your Highness." One of them said as the ice door was opened for her "just.. 'Whiteout' is fine." "As you wish." As the young princess walked into the room, two of the guards entered and were posted at two opposite sides while the other two were outside the only entrance and exit. The room was decently big, the bed was tucked against a wall and a nightstand on one side and a closet on the other. Even though it was furnished with a couch and all, the room felt so empty.

Looking at the two guards, Whiteout wanted to make small talk with them, try to feel a little less lonely. Walking up to one with a smile she began to speak softly "thank you for this, how long have you been a guard?" "Two and a half years Princess Whiteout." The Icewing replied instantly, in a cold and monotone voice. "T-That's lovely. Do you enjoy what you do?" "Very much. This conversation has been very pleasing Young Princess, but I do suggest you rest. It was a long flight here."

With a slight nod, Whiteout made her way to the bed and tucked herself under the covers. She looked at the guards "there is no need to be so up-tight. Please, relax. It's late." The other guard spoke this time "we appreciate your concern, Your Grace, we do not need it however." 

Whiteout curled her tail around herself and wrapped her wings over her body. It's so cold here.