Prey: protectors of Arrasia, book 1

Chapter 12

Cassie woke from a peaceful sleep with a feeling of impending danger. Instincts as an Alfa and a member of the Protection squad urged her to grab her sword. She grabbed Valkyrie from its sheath and took comfort as the sword glowed silver and then blue in response to the unbreakable bond it had with its wielder. Valkyrie had been foraged from the metals of the legendary Ice Wolves themselves and fashioned with the love and devotion that only a father could give when creating a gift for his child. It had been named in honor of the lethal and legendary pack of Achievers his daughter had been given the honor of ruling over. Lord Hayaus had imbued the sword with powerful magic and combined with her skills and abilities, they were a deadly force. Even now she could feel her pack rouse as Valkyrie, and the Alfa inside her called them to action. She dove to the side just as a blade of shadow flew past her head. Cassie shifted into her Achiever form, Valkyrie becoming a part of her as she did so. Then she heard the assassins Howell of pain as the cursed cloak of shadows was ripped from his body. A tall, beautiful and deadly Variant stood there. A very familiar looking Variant. She turned to the young Alfa and smiled softly. That smile widened when she saw the recognition in her younger sister's eyes.  The assassin writhed in her embrace. "Please, wielder of Valkyrie, protector of the innocent, daughter of Victory, let me live!!!!!"
"Quiet, you insolent little twat, or I will flay whatever skin you still possess from your body. Hello again, my darling little sister. It has been quite a long time, hasn't it.?"
"Darksong," the name her pack's young called this particular sibling of hers escaped her lips before she could stop herself. The older girl nodded slowly in response to that feared, and respected, name. "Yes," she said quietly. "That is what they call me. But you know me by a different name. Don't you, sweetie?"
Sister. Friend. Love. These were all words Cassie associated with the girl before her. "I... know you by many names." She said carefully. "Ah, you've grown smart. And so beautiful. You have our father's stunning eyes."
Everything Liana had said was true. Being an Alfa had taught her to be weary, to think before she spoke, to put the survival of her beloved and loyal pack before her own needs and wants. Being a Protector had taught her to be ready for anything, to think on her feet. She had grown up. "Lia." She whispered. Liana twitched slightly and disposed of the man with a wave of her hand. She stood and his body fell to the floor. "Yes?"
He groaned quietly. "Zarathan, rise."
He rose and bowed before his Alfa. "I apologize, my Alfa. I... I failed you."
"Hush now, my son. I must compliment my little brother. You concealed him well, Theo."
A shadow detached from the wall and smiled adoringly up at his sister. Liana was not fooled one bit by his angel's innocent face. This young boy radiated power and danger, particularly towards anyone stupid enough to cross his sister. "Calm yourself, my darling boy. And leave us."
The 2 saluted and left the room. Liana sealed the door tight behind them, using spirit and air. Cassie shifted back to her human form and took a hesitant step forward, fingers resting on Valkyrie's hilt. "Let us see how much you have truly grown. What say you, princess. I challenge you to a Ky-Ree."
Valkyrie hummed softly in taut readiness. The Achiever part of her responded to the call of the blade she was bonded with. Both demanded she accept the challenge. Liana stepped closer and reached out, softly stroking her little sister's cheek. The younger girl flinched away, but Liana knew it was from surprise more than anything else. She drew closer and Cassie relaxed under her sister's gentle fingers. Those beautiful eyes, however, were still alert.
"How about I make this interesting for you,"  she whispered into Cassie's ear. "If you win, you may do with me as you wish. I offer myself as your winnings. Just think of what we could do with you too direct me. The most feared Variant would be at your command."
Those eyes raised to her, curious but hesitant. Still, Cassie was their father's daughter, and she could see hesitance resolve into determination. "And if I lose?"
"I want... you."
"I accept your challenge, dearest sister."

The bedroom disappeared around them. They were in a sacred arena. Cassie knew the risks were high. A life for a life. The rules of the Ky-Ree stated that the steaks could get no higher. She could sense others watching them. Lord Nava was among the crowd. "By the honor invested in me by my brother, lord of Justice and honor, I pronounce this Ky-Ree officially begun."

They moved around each other as if in a dance. Liana shot balls of fire and Valkyrie blocked each volley. Cassie thrust her sword upwards, calling down lightning. Liana absorbed the power and formed a net of air and spirit around Cassie. "Shatter!"
Valkyrie split into thousands of shards of brilliant light and the net fell apart around her. Valkyrie flew backk to her and Cassie hurled a pillar of ice at Liana. Liana dodged the ice and looked up just in time to see and roll away from another ball of water. She was loving this. She raised a hand and formed a ball of snow. Her younger sister formed a net and expertly tossed it. Liana struggled as Cassie approached her. She gently stroked Liana's beautiful raven hair. Liana stilled. Her powers. She thought surely Cassie would have stripped them from her or at least limited them. Her baby sister shook her head and drew her close. Liana looked up at her as the mark binding them together appeared on their right hands. Cassie kisses her sister gently on the cheek. Liana smiles, but this smile is genuine. "I could never hurt you," Cassie whispers. The net falls away and Cassie motions for her to rise. "Well done young warrior. Our victor!!!!!"
Nava smiles at Cassie as the crowd cheers.