The Fangclaw Inheritance: The Eye of Half Blood

IX

IX

“Oh?” Iaosos inquired, amused by the beauty Annabella portrayed.

“As I said; there’s a word I’d like to say to you,” Annabella calmly repeated, having the sudden urge to yell.

“Let’s hear it then,” Iaosos smiled.

“As leader, aren’t you supposed to discipline your men? The second Roktu and I were on the second floor, your sentries tried to woe us, but I was clear we weren’t interested. I tried to preserve my ladylike formality; however, the way your soldiers treated Roktu and me truly made me enraged. If this is how the Iluminatia Vampires are, then it’s my job to eradicate this Island from a boorish Vampire Dukedom.”

“You have courage, I’ll give you that,” Iaosos was already close to her, ready to draw his broadsword. Annabella in turn drew her dual rapier and blocked his broadsword with her two swords, pushing her swords against him, and leaping away from him, near the open window balcony.

 Iaosos was quicker than she had expected. She wasn’t ready when he attempted to lop her head off, as she ducked and kicked upwards, only for Iaosos to disappear and reappear far away from her. If his strength were to mix with his speed, he would indeed be a formidable opponent. Both were Vampires, so it was easy for her to counter his moves. One mistake in timing could mean her life, Annabella thought to herself, preparing for his next attack. Within a second, Iaosos was already on top of her, preparing to rain his broadsword on her skull. She brought her rapier upwards, blocking his broadsword, Iaosos disappearing once more. This was becoming bothersome, Annabella thought to herself, remembering her duel with Charlotte. It was similar with Iaosos, but this time it could mean death. Iaosos stopped leaping at her and made a stance, the sword’s blade at the back, as his whole body began to shine in black. Annabella wondered what it was, but Roktu, pushing her arrow against the string, recognized Iaosos’s stance.

                It was an immediate danger if he wasn’t stopped―she conjured another two arrows and pushed them against the string, all three pointed at the enemy’s shoulders. She shot the arrow, thudding against Iaosos, the Vampire stepping back from the quick pain. His concentration had been foiled by a female archer. Frustrated by his failed attempt to exhibit his power, he sprang towards Roktu, the broadsword aimed at her. Annabella, worried for her friend, leaped in front of her and blocked his broadsword, their eyes met upon one another.

                Iaosos smiled, amused by Annabella’s courage. The only flaw in dual sword was the high risk of leaving yourself opened. Annabella realized this, and tried to find a way out of being cornered, but to her surprise his broadsword already ran across her waist, a fountain of blood splashing from her stomach. Annabella felt the immense pain from her stomach, blood flowing from her mouth. It was peculiar how her instant regeneration didn’t apply, as blood poured from her body, weakening her.

                Her hands trembling, she endeavored to push his broadsword away, even though it meant making the wound critical. Roktu could only watch, helplessly while her best friend could risk losing her life. Even though she tried to stop Annabella, she couldn’t, because this was her choice. One of the risks of being leader was to protect one’s comrade as well, and that Annabella knew too well. She couldn’t bear losing one of the only friends she had in the world. She had been alone for too long, and no one ever took the time to understand her, but her servants, Serastios, Marlox, Roktu…

                Annabella was losing her consciousness steadily, suddenly having flashbacks of her short-lived adventure. Successfully, she drove the broadsword out of her body, using her will and her desire to protect those she loved. It was cliché, she thought, but life itself can be a cliché, that she knew. Annabella slowly fell downwards, caught by Roktu’s white furred body. Roktu was on her dog form, snarling at Iaosos, who prepared to slash her before she scampered away. To his surprise, she leapt above him, running towards the exit. Iaosos cursed immaturily, his continuous profanity catching the attention of Iluminatia guards.