Crimson Heir

Chapter Nineteen

Helsing

Nothing went to plan. In the years I've spent alive, this was the most trouble I have ever encountered. I couldn't find peace in my own room, no matter how much liquor I consumed. Anaya was on my mind and it gave me rather a raving headache.

As I paced my room with the warm, amber liquor sloshing around in my short glass, I rubbed my chin in hopes it gave me a clearer thought process. I was torn by the options I had at my disposal. Do I force this shift on her and do what the Elder's want, or do I save her and make her normal - as normal as she can be - and have her reside safely with her family? Both choices were hard because I can't guarantee her survival with the Elder's on my back. She is still Reav's bloodline, unsure how far down the line, but it's enough to make her valuable.

With a swift chug, I swallow the remainder of my drink. The warmth tingled my chest and it made me clear my throat. Before I set the glass down, the door gets nearly torn off its hinges as I see my brother frantic.

"It's happened again," Levi said, almost out of breath, that was new. Was he running around trying to find her?

"Anaya?" I responded, slamming the glass down. I was in no outfit to leave my room as I stood there in my maroon slacks slightly loose, my ivory undershirt was unbuttoned, and my socks. Even my hair was let fully down and was a mess from stressing earlier.

"Marcino had got a hold of me just a moment ago. He found the room empty but she climbed from the window," Levi cleared his throat and took a deep inhale. "We searched the premises and we believe she went past the river."

His words created a mound in my chest. Tonight is the night there is someone to hand over the vial. Klein is already at the gates. The Brotherhood is ready to state their war with us if I don't give them what they want. Now Anaya is out there in the midst of it.

Without a second longer, I sped past Levi and ran out of my estate. The snow was nothing to me. My cold flesh could handle a night like this for my eternity. The scent of her lavender perfume was in the air and I knew that she probably headed towards the fence. She knew the premises of this place before she stumbled into it. There was no time to waste. I ran like it meant everything to me. I did not want to lose her, not like this.

One of the lighted paths had recent footprints. Some were small, like a woman's boot print. Some were larger and had a sturdy print that was like combat boots. Nothing like my men's uniform boots.

"She must have already encountered someone," I muttered, the cool air leaving a smoke-like vapor.

There was nothing threatening enough for me to search the current area, and I continued straight where the nearest fence would be. I wondered if I should head the other way to get to the gate but then I would potentially be facing a bigger problem. Knowing how intelligent Anaya was with strategies she would avoid the main areas, too. Heading straight past this path was my only answer then I would just run along the fence line till I found her. If I can find her.

At this point, I had to use my heightened sense to try and get a clear picture of where she ran off to. Breathing in through my nose, I could smell many scents in the air. It was actually overwhelming. I had to cough almost with how intense it got. There were at least over 50 people in my range of smell. That stirred a panic in my chest and I had to act immediately. Running now, I went towards the fence. There could be no way she would climb it as it is working now. But she also was a risk-taking woman, unfortunately.

 
I took in another breath to breathe in the cool, crisp air. It started to narrow down to several people in the area. Still was nerve-wracking, but it's better than the numbers I had smelled. The trail was easier to follow, too. Like I could visualize the thin string flowing in the air where someone ran. A perspective that only my kind would see if they were more in tune in their abilities, like most aren't.

 
I was gaining on someone as I could see footprints again. They were the same boots from earlier which makes me believe that I am following Anaya now. My ears would perk back as I also sensed danger. Something was off, and ominous before me. All I could do was run towards it though. It was pulling me to its location, a feeling that doesn't come naturally in these situations when danger is present. But maybe I wasn't the one in danger.

To my left, I heard the sounds of twigs breaking under one's weight and I turned my attention to it and followed it. It must've heard me because it ran along the trees for a long moment. The person was outrunning me. So naturally, I pushed my limits and got closer. They smelled rather odd and sweaty, and masculine. I don't think this is Anaya. But the person stopped at a tree and attempted to climb it.

"Hah-" I muttered, they were very wrong with trying to climb the tree. I rushed beside it and gained on them, finally. Quickly, I grabbed them by their shirt and swung them around to hit against the tree. It was a man.
"Who the hells are you?" I spat out.

He was out of breath from the run, but he smelled familiar now that I am close. He smelled of her. His hair was dark brown, but blue eyes. Doesn't look anything like her.

 
"I-I'm just trying to get out of here!" the younger man exclaimed. My eyes darkened as I glared at him, and saw his uniform.

"I asked who are you."

"K-Kevin..." he trailed off as his eyes were averting from my gaze. I let go of him and threw him down to the ground.

"You're on my property, how did you get on it?"

"Th-the gates are opened, the Brotherhood got it open by their t-tech," he stuttered. It annoyed me.

"So Kevin, tell me why you smell like Anaya? Is this her infamous brother I hear about?" my eyes would slowly glow in the light. My claws now elongated and my fangs protruded from my mouth.

"Y-yes? I am her brother, I-I'm not here for any trouble, this is just an order!" He was so scared, it was pathetic. No wonder why he cowered away and left Anaya behind when they got in. He deserves to rot away like her so-called father, Klein. I didn't want to spare this vile human. He was nothing.

"You have no order by the Brotherhood any longer. I have a better place for you, Kevin."