Dragon Rising

Chapter 1

The sky was turning red and orange as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The air was sweet with the smell of mountain wildflowers. A night that was too be beautiful, truly a night that made one thirsty for a bite to eat. A slender hand pushed open the dark stained lid of a coffin. A petite girl sat up and stretched as she woke with the night. The young strigoi walked to her wardrobe and found a suitable dress for the evening. Silently the creature of darkness went in search for her sire. The shade walked into the throne room and found her sire. Aleera Drăculești walked up to her father, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. It was just before dusk, the sun not nearly set. Her father was always an early riser. He was watching the people outside, the servants and guests as they prepared for the night. Five years now since they became strigoi. Five years he has been looking out this very window.

"Papa, you are up early." Aleera smiled as she stood next to the other strigoi. She looked out the window and spotted the woman he was watching.  The lycan, she was pretty for a mutt. The princess scoffed as she spoke her name, "Cătălina?"

He hummed as he watched the lycan interact with some of his soldiers. They were watching her dance and sing, her arm still wrapped in the bandages. She would be fully healed soon. He had much respect for the young wolf now.

"Da, always up before the sunsets." He chuckled and looked out the corner of his eyes at his daughter. Her bright red eyes watching, forever youthful. His own golden ones returning to the lycan. "Cătălina will be staying here. She has to recover from an injury, after the full moon she will return to her troops."

"I did not know we were entertaining lycans. Why can't you let her go now, her pack has healers." Aleera's tone was sharp and distrusting.

"Domniţă, my little umbră, you know why she is here." Vlad spoke softly, his tone even. His daughter huffed in response. That attitude hasn't changed, his eyes rolled as he shook his head. "We must work together now Aleera, we are fighting a common enemy."

"Is it true Papa, that you fought with her father?"

"Da, we fought together against the Turkish demons." He turned away from the window to sit on his throne. "Why do you ask?"

Aleera did not like this. These random people that she never heard of, alliances that could only end in betrayal. She followed him to the throne, not needing to bow to her own father. She took a bold step forward, making her father raise his bow. "I'm not a child anymore. I demand to know why we are allies with the lycan, we are capable enough on our own."

"It's much more complicated than that."

"Then explain to me why."

Vlad looked at his daughter with a slight glare, the female strigoi took a step back. She never really liked seeing her father angry, she had seen the results of that many times. She could feel her skin prickle at the thought. The strigoi king could smell the fear in the air and it made him smirk. Even now with all her bravado, she was still frightened by him. After all she was his daughter. He saw the court filing in as well as the guards. Dimitru came to Aleera's side and bowed to the king. Vlad waved his hand.

"No need to do that old friend."

"I know, but the court is present." He spoke low as not to draw too much attention. Good evening Domniţă."

"Good evening General, here to give the nightly reports?"

"Da. Sire, may I proceed."

"Proceed." Vlad helped his daughter sit at his right side on her throne. She smiled and bowed her head in thanks. The court gossiped among the selves as Dimirtu stood.

The general pulled out the a scroll and started to read off the report. "The humans have abandoned the southern border of the territory. The lycan are patrolling the eastern territory and awaiting word of Lina's health. We have already sent a messenger and they will be arriving sometime tonight. Guards have been posted along the northern territory and awaiting for your order to attack invaders.