The Shadow Realm

Chapter One

"And why is that my Queen? Why leave under a full moon, if you don't mind me asking?" Dante gulped.

Though Vampires were creatures of the night, they weren't the only species that favored the moon, or were illuminated by its light.

"Actually," I started, not even sparing him a glance as we made our way toward the castle gates," I do mind. But I know you very well, Dante, and instead of waiting for you to find me, I thought I'd save us the trouble and bring you along with me now." It was more like the subtle tightening in my chest loosening when he neared, meaning I indeed, needed him for something.

For what? I did not know. Only time and fate would tell.

Having changed into better traveling clothes, I in my dark leather attire with red accents and thigh high boots, and Dante in his night dark trousers and a hunting vest, we were ready to set out on our journey.

Spying a glance over my shoulder, I caught Dante's relentless gaze glued to me.

"You know I will loyally follow you anywhere, Rose, but that does not mean I never have questions." He said.

Sighing I turned back and strode through the ornate doors that shut behind us, with the help of my abilities of course, and I did not wait for Dante as I flew effortlessly through the night, as swift as the wind.

In thousands of years, mortals had definitely evolved and changed, yet in that time, it was only now that I felt the stirrings of something. Something I couldn't quite put my finger on, only the notion that trouble was brewing and it was going to cost me. But what price would it demand?

The restlessness of the situation only ebbed away as a thought appeared in my head.

Maybe I should go out for a bit.

It was not the split second decision I had made it out to be, but Alber seemed to know. His tense posture full of concern, yet even he knew he could not stop me.

My Vampiric senses stretched and I felt Dante not too far away.

Glancing up, I saw the moon in all its fullness. It was gleaming an ominous glow, which made my hair and skin stand out all the more.

Looking through the bloody glow of my vision, I picked up slight movement in the corner of my peripheral view.

Pausing, I slowly brought myself to land on the ground. Dante followed a moment later, unknowing as to why, and being annoyed by that.

"Have you finally come to your senses and decided to go back?" He huffed out.

I shot him daggers that immediately had him tensing, holding his hands out apologetically.

"I meant not to offend," he commented curtly.

I turned my focus back the surrounding trees. I had stopped us in a small clearing so that should anything pop out, I'd have time to react. No need to hide. Only few posed a threat, but my senses were picking up not a threat, but something...eager?

My hand reached out openly at my side, darkness stirring around me and curling in my palm.

Dante seemed to finally come to his senses as he closed the distance, coming close behind me as a protective shadow. His body stilled and tensed slightly.

We waited, patient as death until the snap of a twig came from just in front. My gaze jumped to the sound and my eyes picked up a curious set of eyes that held a mischievous glint.

It was to distract me and my attention, but apparently the hidden creature knew not who I was.

A smile curved my lips as I turned on my heel, pushing aside gently an upset and curious Dante to catch the growling wolf that flew threw the air towards us at an alarming speed- or what would have been alarming if I were just a mere human.

My hand shot out before me and the wolf froze, suspended in the air. With the flick of my wrist, it was flung back from where it had come.

"Damn wolves," I barely heard Dante mutter.

I'd have agreed, since from a long time ago, they were made our enemies. Or at least, to some they were. They never bothered me, so I saw no point in bothering them. But now proved to be different.

Before more could pounce, a low whistle came from the place where my eyes were once glued.

Turning back, I noticed a figure approach, the shadows parting to reveal a slender figure. Her arms were bare, revealing slender muscle, and her skin was sun tanned. The female had long hair pulled back from her face in a thick braid that fell down at her waist. Her eyes were dark and a tribal paint was splashed on her cheeks. She'd have seemed a regular werewolf if it hadn't been for the confidence she expelled in her very walk.

She stopped before Dante and I. I still had a smirk plastered on my face.

"Its really hard to find Vampires. They're so secretive and lonely, ya know?" The she wolf commented as if she were merely talking about the weather.

Dante remained silent beside me, thankfully, as she continued.

"I felt like they were avoiding us or something." She shrugged. "I'm not sure why, I mean, we don't bite." She threw her head back and laughed.

"Actually, we do." Her gaze returned to us, followed by a sarcastic chuckle.

"And so do you guys," she stated more seriously.

My instincts calmed, the same as when I had first thought of venturing out. This could only mean that this girl was going to be useful. Maybe.

But what was her purpose for seeking out my kind?

"As lovely as you bunch seem," I commented, letting her know I knew there were more out there, that I knew the situation better than what she would probably like. "I'm sure my kind has reason to avoid you. Possibly due to the order of their Queen?" She inclined her head.

"Their Queen?" The girls eyes widened, fascinated.

Now it was time for me to gouge out more information from her. What exactly did a wolf like her know?

What I said was true though. Due to the unnecessary bloodshed and a premonition of the unknown stirring, I had ordered Vampires to refrain from involving themselves with the other species for the time being. At least I knew my people were obedient.

I simply nodded to the eager girl.

"Wow, you know, I've heard of Queen Rose! I heard she was this old, scary hag that sat on this weird throne and that she looked like a skeleton!" She said in a rush, seemingly unafraid or unaware that she was closing in on two powerful vampires.

Although, I was less than pleased by the girl's comments, I could sense amusement from Dante. I'd need to teach him a lesson later.

"Does she really look like a demon? Is her throne really made of iron stakes dripping with the blood of her enemies!?" She asked eagerly.

Releasing a breath, I continued to smile as I announced, "No. It seems your sources are a bit....far fetched."

The girl looked to me as if searching for the answers, which I was readily glad to give her.

"She is beautiful as the day she....as the day she existed. She is not a scary old hag, nor a demon, but she is very demonic in other ways..." I trailed off.

The girl smiled and pushed out her hand.

"The names Dawn. Alpha Dawn."

My years of experience were the only thing keeping me from gasping in shock. A female Alpha? How was that possible? Weren't the males the dominant ones? I'd never heard of a female one...

I reached out my hand to shake Dawn's, which was warm with flowing blood, contrast to the icy death in myself.

"Rose. My name is Rose." I said, and I couldn't help but revel in her surprise. But that didn't last long as Dante foolishly took action and-