Bloodstream At Dawn

But that isn't what catches my eye- what makes my thinking skid to a stop.

No- it's the royal cress emblem burned into his skin right below his right shoulder that makes me stop. The carving of a black wolf with red eyes. The most sacred signature of a royal wolf- not many had it anymore. If my face already looked distraught, it falls even more. I know what I have to do.
I take a deep breath.

"I, Sophia Venedoza- warrior of the clan Amaphrote, almost queen of-" I start my rejection sentence. This is the way it has to be. He steps forward immediately and I stumble back, I swing my battle axe at him and drop the head that was still in my hand.

"I reject-" I start again, but this time, he dodges my battle axe and tackles me to the wet ground.

He lifts his head and his blue eyes meet mine- I hold my breath for a few desperate seconds, hoping to cherish this moment before I have to do what I have to do.

"It's nice to meet you Sophia." He mutters, scanning my face.
"I've heard a lot about you." He states, voice thick and strong. Like iron being forged at a blacksmiths. I blank out.

"I wish I could say the same." I say breathlessly, and then swing one more time- this time I aim for his heart. I narrowly miss it and instead plunge into his shoulder as he moves out of the way. His face tightens as I get up as fast as I can.

"This is war." I say. "Do your worst."

And I mean it.

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Sophia Venedoza, almost queen of the Emerald Empire is conflicted. Not only is she in a battle for the crown, but also against herself and her feelings. Everything about having a mate such as him goes against everything she was raised on-- but she wants him. No use in denying that.

She'll do her worst alright.