The Shadow Realm

Chapter Seven

"The Vampires, werewolves, goblins, ghouls, ghosts, shape shifters, and the Fae, I'll need every last Other I can reach."

Dante's expression was calculating, while Dawn's was awe struck.

Stepping forward, the Alpha determinedly began, "Just like you did all those years ago, we will do it again!"

Sighing, I shake my head a little. At her worry, I answer, "It won't be as easy as you think."

It was at this, Dante shared in on current affairs.

"With tensions rising with every passing moment, the Others will  never agree to unite again and fight another war. They have long forgotten their ancestor's ideals, these newer generations."

Nodding I add, "While we Vampires have remembered, not everyone has our immortality. Many of the species age, and therefore, are subjected to time. Remembering a battle waged so long ago? Finding the will to stand up and work together? The times have most certainly changed."

"While that's true and all," Dawn started, catching Dante and I's attention, her expression solem as she looked at the stars, "I think it will work out just fine. Sometimes, it takes a disaster to bring people closer. Maybe with a looming war, the tensions that have been rising will deteriorate, and we can all live as one again?"

Dawn, it seemed, was a dreamer.

I admired that. Dreamers, afterall, are what the world was built on.

Where there is a will, there is a way, and where there is no will, there is no way.

But I learned, early on, that dreaming too big was dangerous. Dreaming a hopeless dream was bound to hurt oneself.

I had gotten lucky the first time, with all the species having been new to the world, they were more willing to bend to the power of one who seemed to know it all.

"It's a definite possibility, but your thinking of only one outcome," Dante had become less hostile towards the shewolf, but he still seemed stiff.

It was as good as any could expect, considering Dante held great contempt for Wolves, like most Vampires did.

It must have been when she defended me, that he stopped seeing her as a threat.

"This war could also spark chaos, and anarchy, putting the Shadow Real, and the Human one, in danger."

I stepped forward, before anyone could say anything more on the matter.

"Which is why we need to hurry. My old friend will definitely be of great help if we plan on starting yet another Realm War."

Everyone gathered, Dante, Dawn and her pack, including I, all shared a moment of tension.

"How far is this friend of yours?" Dawn asked.

"Not far. Just out of this forrest, on the mountain range."

Dante was silent as he stepped to my side protectively.

Dawn seemed to consider, and nodded in agreement.

"Well, at least I'm saving you the trouble of having to unite the wolves, because we will gladly do our part to rid the world of that creature!" She said determinedly.

I offered her something I haven't given someone in a long, long time: A genuine smile.

"You're a strange shewolf, Alpha." I told her.

She winked in good humor.

"Back at you, Ms Vampire Queen,"

She passed a small moment of confusion before looking back to me in concern.

"I just remembered something...and I was wondering,"

I knew what she was going to ask and I was really hoping I wouldn't have to answer, but I'd have no choice.

"Do you, know Kellios? Personally?"

Sighing, the whole world around me seemed to shutter with me. I continued leading the way, but a painful flash of memories asauged me.

It took moments before I could find myself.

Dante's tendril of darkness once again reached for me, but I banshed it.

"It started before I had waged the first war, and in fact, you could even argue I had a great part in starting the war,"

Everyone sucked in a breath, and the Alpha did not shrink back behind her pack. Instead, surprisingly, she stepped forward, an understanding look over her face, contrary to the judgement I'd expected to see.

"What happened?" She said softly.

I didn't feel like a Queen right now, but instead, a young girl who was unsure of herself.

"It's a long story," I warn.

She offered a caring smile.

"We've got time."