Dark Angel

Chapter 2

Kingdom of Hungary, Hubsburg Monarchy (1590-1609)

"I can't believe this! It's too soon!" wailed a frustrated Elizabeth Báthory. Her hands had begun to show wrinkles due to age. But, she was supposed to have more time. It wasn't supposed to start happening now. Ferenc had told her that her looks would never make a difference to him- that she would always be the beautiful woman he had fallen in love with all those years ago but, he was as simple-minded as they come so, who could blame him?
"How will those peasants see me?" She thought in disgust. She, the wife of the Black Knight was aging like those peasants. The had to be a way to solve this.

A perfect solution.

"I could assist you with what you seek." A voice called from behind her and she turned to see one of her servants, dressed in clothes so beautiful, even she was ashamed.
"Where did you steal those from?" Elizabeth snarled, angry that a simpleton looked better than her.
"I suggest you remain quiet and listen attentively your Majesty." She said with a look in her eye that was daring Elizabeth just to do otherwise.
"You dare order me peasant?" She almost laughed. "You know not who you are dealing with-"
She stopped in shock when she saw the girls eyes flash black and instantly, she was squirming under the tight neck grip the girl had her under.
"Now, you'll be a good girl when I release you. Okay?" Elizabeth nodded quickly and the girl released her from her grip and went back to sitting on the window.
"Now as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, I'm here because, you need my help so, I am here to help you."
"With what exactly?" Elizabeth asked her and she rolled her eyes.
"With your aging problem!"
As she kept looking at the girl, she realized; whoever she was, she was not to be underestimated.
Like a furnace that kept a raging fire within.
"Who are you?" She asked and the girl smiled mischeviously.

"My name is Isabella." She replied.

"Isabella Medici."
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Isabella stared at Elizabeth in disgust. She had kept her eyes on her for a while. But, whilst everyone saw her as a stressed noblewoman, all Isabella saw was a spoilt brat who thought everyone was beneath her.
'I guess she hasn't met those above her...' Isabella thought in amusement.

"What do you want from me?"
Elizabeth asked and Isabella stared at her.
"Nothing..." she answered.

"But, there's something I can do for you Elizabeth."

"My aging..." Isabella sensed that it was meant to come out as a question but, she was scared.

But her fear wasn't enough, not yet.

"Yes, your aging. You're strong, steadfast and resourceful Elizabeth. That's why I can't let anything happen to you..."
"What are you talking about?" Elizabeth wailed in confusion and Isabella shrugged.

"You're dying Elizabeth."

Instantly, she went white. Shaking even as she tried to sit. But her fear was not enough.
Great fear made people do great things.

And that's what Isabella needed her to do; something great.

"How long do I have?" Elizabeth finally breathed out.
"A few years give or take. But, that will be peace to you after all you'll go through." And Elizabeth looked at her in horror.

She was getting there. So, Isabella continued.

"The wrinkles will cover your whole body, your hair will turn white, your bones will become weak and your own systems will fail you. In the end, you'll die like those pitiful peasants you pretend to like." Isabella taunted whilst Elizabeth whitened.

There it was was.

"But, there's hope..." she added and Elizabeth looked at her. But before she could open her moth to speak, Isabella raised her finger; silencing her.
"But, great things like these require great sacrifices."
"Anything!"
"You'll have to... drink and bathe in the blood of females below the age of 25."
Noticing her distaste, she remembered that even though she was a pompous brat, she cherished the people.

That wouldn't do.

"I... can't do that!" She rose and stepped back, horrified at the very thought of it.
"I can't do that to my own people!"
And Isabella laughed.
"It's funny how you think you have a say in this..." and instantly, she grabbed Elizabeth and forced her to look in her eyes to begin her compulsion.

"You are young when you drink and bathe in the blood of ladies below the age of 25. You will slaughter all the girls in this vicinity because, they need to die for you to live. From now onwards, you will be my 'Blood Baroness'. Now, you will forget me. We have never met."

Then, she made Elizabeth sleep and quickly teleported out of her room.

She never looked back.

Elizabeth was just a stepping stone for the greater good. The blood would work for a while but, she'd die anyway. Even if she was caught, she basically had nothing to live for. Why not die with a story? Because in her long life, Isabella had understood the importance of a good story.

She never looked back.