Heir to the Eternal Throne

Chapter 8

            Jade stood, matching Aldrin in height. "Don't even start getting angry with me. You gave me the choice to learn exactly what it would be like to be at your side, and I chose to take it. If you're going to start dismissing me at every turn over some secret, how in the name of the gods am I to know you even trust me?" Jade argued. Aldrin remained quiet.

            That moment of silence was broken as someone cracked a laugh. Not just anyone, but Luthar. Aldrin leaned to look past Jade as she turned on him too. Luthar got control of himself, looking back up at his brother. "Forgive me, but I can't help but find this amusing. Of all the people who might dare challenge you, it turns out to be the new blood." Luthar looked at Jade. "It was a pleasure to meet you for the very short time it lasted. Enjoy your last moments breathing."

            Aldrin opened his mouth, but Jade beat him to the punch. "Oh, and what makes you the judge in any of this?!" she snapped, turning to face Luthar completely. Luthar became silent, his smile starting to fade. "You think I am a joke? Get out of that chair, and I will put your ass where it belongs."

            Luthar eyed the woman, sizing her up. Against a newborn in his state, it was unlikely he would even wrestle her. She might be overconfident though. Something he could take advantage of. Slowly, Luthar rose to his feet. Jade's gaze remained locked on his, her stance unwavering.

            "Child, you can't even imagine the mistake that would be." Luthar kept his voice deep and low, retraining any urge he may have had to yell at her. The unusual calmness of his tone had no effect on her. She did not cower or give any hint of being uncomfortable.

            "Call me a child one more time..." Jade warned him, taking a step closer. She stood only inches from the older vampire. Karen began to walk around the table, intent on breaking up the fight. She was stopped as Aldrin put a hand in her way. With a slight glance at his sister, Aldrin shook his head once, then looked back.

            "Chi..." Luthar opened his mouth to speak, only to be silenced as Jade trust her fist up and under his jaw. Luthar flew back over the chair, rolling across the ground as he landed. Groaning, he pushed himself up to his knees. Jade didn't wait, but took a single leap over the chair and sped off towards Luthar.

            Luthar shifted his back towards her, only for her to take him by the arm and flip him through the air. Landing with an even louder groan, Luthar rolled down the steps before the throne. "For a legendary warrior, you sure know how to whimper." Jade spat, stalking towards Luthar as he rolled onto his back.

            "Damn woman!" he cursed, pushing himself to his feet as Jade got closer. Once in range, Jade threw another punch at him, only to have Luthar block and attack himself. Jade respond in kind. She fought back, keeping Luthar focused on her punches. As he was drawn into the repetitive motion, Jade ducked to avoid his next attack and countered by slamming her knee into his gut. Luthar spat out in pain, a furious animalistic roar of frustration echoing through the room. Jade ignored the sound, turning back on him with another uppercut to the chin. Thrown back again, Luthar landed on the stone floor with a loud groan.

            Jade took a few steps closer, staying just out of reach as she circled her pray. "Concede!" she demanded.

            Luthar took a few deep breaths, unmoving as he lay on the floor. "Concede!" Jade commanded again, raising her tone. As Luthar remained silent, Jade took a step forward, only to stop as a commanding voice echoed from behind her.

            "Enough!" Aldrin said, walking up behind Jade. "Learn restraint, Jade. He is beaten, you are the victor. Press too hard and you let your guard down." Aldrin cautioned as he passed Jade. "Sister, take care of our brother. I will join the both of you in my quarters shortly."