WINTERBORN
Chapter One
Snow silently began to fall upon the hardened ground of Transylvania. A dark castle loomed in the distance, a single window illuminated by a soft glow. The large windows were of beautiful stained glass, each depicting its own tragic tale. A great count called this castle home. He had married an equally great German woman who bore him two children. His eldest, Christian, took care of his younger sister Kate. Christian's hair fell around his shoulders, the ebony locks making a striking contrast with his fair skin. Kate inherited her mother's beautiful blonde hair, which fell to her mid-back. The Count was a very important man, which meant moving was a necessity. He and his wife were heading to Russia to visit well known friends, but this time, he left his children to finish their studies at Ravenswood in the Valley.
The two teenagers were seated at the dining table in the Great Hall, both in their own worlds. "Brother, may I be excused to go to the library?" Kate asked, placing her goblet onto the hardwood table. "Yes, but please remember to put the books back once you have finished. I shall join you in a moment." A smiled tugged at his lips as he watched his sister leave.
Later that evening, Christian strolled through the numerous dark corridors towards the library to accompany his sister. ~I wonder what the little spit fire's up to? ~ Upon entering, he noticed her sitting before the grand fireplace. Her eyes focused on the dancing flames, as if hypnotized by them. She started at the feel of his large hand on her shoulder. "Christian! You scared me." She shifted her body to face him. "You frighten too easily. Have you been reading about those old Transylvanian legends again?" He raised a suspicious brow, seating himself on the couch. "No, but I keep getting the feeling that someone or something is watching me." Christian sighed as he gathered her into a bear hug. "I think that you've been up long enough. You do have school tomorrow."
They both prepared themselves for bed, Kate finding relief in being able to finally take off her bothersome corset. Christian shuffled down the hall to check on her when he heard a window shattering in the distance. He immediately ran to protect his sister, throwing open the door to her bedroom. "What's wrong?" Kate gave him a questioning look. "Stay here. I will go check the living room." He quickly turned to leave, but found her blocking the exit. "Please move." His hand crept towards the doorknob and was yet again blocked from doing so. "I'm coming with you." Their eyes connected for a brief moment. "Fine, but be alert. We don't know who or what has come into the house."
Christian quietly retrieved his sword as they slowly crept down the hall towards the stairs. The living room was pitch black. Kate tossed a wall torch into the hearth, illuminating the room in a soft golden glow. "Hello?" The room was eerily quiet. A soft gasp escaped her lips. A pale, black-haired man appeared before her. "Who the hell are you?" The man's gaze moved from Kate to Christian. "My name is Gryphon, boy." He seemed to be taking an interest in the small blonde, finding her eyes captivating. "Why have you come here? " Gryphon glanced at the boy once more, but this time he smiled. Christian's horrified expression almost made him laugh. "Y-You're a vampyre!" Kate glanced between the two men. "Yes and a thirsty one at that." He growled lowly towards the boy, before pouncing. Christian struggled unsuccessfully to free himself from the man's iron-like grip. He cried out as the man tore into his jugular vein, draining him of life.
Christian cracked open an eye, not happy with the loud chirping that had just woken him. Opening his eyes fully he noticed his sister was lying beside him. "Kate?" Her eyes were blood shot and puffy. "What is wrong sister?" He didn't like seeing her in such a disheveled state. "Here, take a look for yourself." She said handing him an ancient looking hand mirror. Weird markings were etched into the skin of his forehead and under his eyes. They continued onto his chest and down his back. "What happened to me?" Unable to look him the eye, Kate decided to concentrate on the blanket. "He turned you." No wonder his senses felt so bombarded, they had been enhanced. "Did he hurt you?" The worry evident in his tone made her smile. "No, he only harmed you." With a forceful sigh he fell back into the pillows. "Well, it can't be changed. You better run along to school."
School took place within the village church. Kate quietly took a seat as her teacher entered. "Good morning children. I would like to introduce you to your new teacher." Kate immediately regretted looking up from her book. "This is Gryphon." Their eyes meant for a brief moment. He gave her a crooked smile before taking a seat. Throughout the class period he would send her malicious looks along with ones of hunger. She bolted the moment they were released. "How is your brother?" She glared daggers at the dead man that blocked her path. "He is doing quite well, thank you." She brushed past him, intent on getting home as quick as possible.
The castle was darkened by the drawn curtains, but she easily found her way to Christian's room. "Good evening Sister." His eyes gleamed in the soft candle light. While at home, he had been able to slowly gain control of his new senses. His eyes found her in the darkened room easily. "Good evening Brother. How was your day?" He gave a thoughtful smile. "It was tolerable. I've finally gained control of my newly enhanced senses." Kate gave a sad smile. "I saw him again today. He entranced the head bishop into believing he was the new teacher." Christian visibly tensed. "Did he hurt you?" A small, nervous laugh escaped her. "No, but he asked how you were?" The boy rolled his eyes. "That bastard..." Before she had time to reply he grabbed her arm, pulling her towards the library.
The evening the two siblings sat closely together, Christian feeling a strong urge to protect her. Thunder rumbled loudly above the castle, the glass windows rattling at the force. A cold hand ran over her shoulder, a shriek ripping from her chest. Gryphon appeared before the two his teeth gleaming in the soft fire light. "What are you doing here!?" Christian growled, his eyes flashing red. The older vampire chose to ignore the boy, seating himself close to the fire. "I have come to help you. The reason you were bitten was so that you may have the ability to protect yourself." Hatred flowed through Christian like molten lava. "The only thing that I am in danger of is you!" Gryphon bared his fangs threateningly. "Have you fed yet boy?" Thrown off guard by his question Christian just stared. "You must drink to stay alive. Now I will ask you again, have you eaten?" His patience with the child was wearing thin. "Who must you protect us from?" Kate sat in silence, waiting for the man's answer. "Your father." That was the last straw. Christian pounced upon Gryphon, raising his fist. As his hand prepared to strike the man's face, Kate stopped it. "That is enough! You both are acting like adolescent children!"
Gryphon shoved the smaller boy off of him. "As I was saying, your father wishes to have a pure bloodline and with you having vampiric blood coursing through your veins he must kill you. You have the rare ability to shape shift due to the werewolf blood that your uncle fused into you as a child." All this information buzzed within Christian's mind. "What about Kate? Does she have vampiric blood?" Fear consumed Christian at the thought. "Not yet..." Kate paled. She slowly began to head for the door behind her. Her leg scrapped against a fallen picture frame, a rusty nail slicing her calf open. The sweet aroma of her blood overwhelmed the sense of both male vampires. "Kate...you smell delicious!" Bloodlust gripped Christian as he raced towards his sister, the blood calling to him. Elongated canines sank into her lower leg as a second pair attached themselves to her jugular. A strangled cry escaped her chapped lips as darkness consumed her.
