The Mercenaries Dark Desires (ICS Book Three)

Chapter Two - Blood Lust

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Blood Lust

The Demon Realm, Nilfheimr. 

Alexandria sprinted silently through the forest, her leather boats gliding on top of the mud. The snow fell in thick puffy flakes, sticking to her cloak. She shivered against the cold, her damn fangs chattering in her skull.

She hated this place.

The demon realm was encased in shadow, the sun's warmth blocked out by dark thunderous clouds. The conditions would be perfect for vampires - who could walk freely without fear of burning in the sun - if not for the blistering cold that made her bones feel like snapping.

Nilfheimr was once a beautiful realm, both dark and enchanting. Now it was a rocky wasteland with dense forests and dried rivers. Rumors were whispered that a great war among death demons was slowly killing the world.

Not that she cared. This realm was hell...literally.

Reaching the edge of the woods she broke into a wide field. The men of her battalion waited quietly. Their blood colored eyes turned towards her as she approached, the red orbs glinting in the darkness.

Stopping in front of the captain Alexandria informed him, "No demons on the north side."

The captain nodded, ordering to his men, "The demons are coming from the east. Get ready."

With grunts the men lined up, readying their weapons. There were two hundred vampires in her battalion, more than enough to deal with the horde of half-dead demons moving their way.

Sighing, Alexandria stood towards the back. She wasn't looking forward to this battle. Normally she would be chomping at the bit, ready to sink her fangs into her prey. But the familiar rush didn't rise. Her hands didn't itch for her blades.

She just wanted to leave this cursed place.

There was no honor in this. No thrill. The demons who approached were slaves rebelling against a tyrannical master. Abused and broken they didn't stand a chance against the hungry vampires waiting in the darkness.

Alexandria couldn't understand why her house had agreed to fight for the fiery demon Lord Ivan, but it wasn't her place to question. That didn't mean she had to enjoy it.

Her brother, Damian, stepped beside her. Dressed in all black he didn't bother with a cloak, his long jacket and cowl lined with fur. Snow coated his hair, the jet black locks disheveled and unkempt.

He needed a haircut.

She bit her tongue, knowing he wouldn't appreciate her nagging.

Sniffing the air, he informed her gruffly, "They are close."

Scrunching up her nose Alexandria snorted. "Taking them long enough."

"Mmm..." Damian mused, obviously bored.

Alexandria gave her brother a look out of the corner or her eye. "You don't sound thrilled."

He shrugged. "This is beneath me."

"Go to hell," she snapped.

Damian's face remained impassive. "Already here."

Alexandria rolled her eyes. "You are so arrogant."