The end in sight.

[Dane]

Many a vampire would have been thrown into a frenzy at the sight before Dane. Much of the room was soaked with blood, it certainly reeked of it, and Lucia herself appeared to have bathed in it. He though only silently watched with indifference. The scene in front of him confirmed what he already knew of Lucia, she was a fiend. They all were in a way, but she more so than any of them. In the past two days she'd drank enough blood to sate most vampires, and now she devoured two adults leaving them bare of any flesh. He wondered if it was the nature of her race or the result of her bloodlines. Raven was not easily sated, and Dane more than once had witnessed the bloodbaths Alena left behind while satisfying her own hunger. Of what he'd seen Lucia's blood lust was the closest to rivaling that of her parents. It was in some ways her most redeeming factor, her monstrosity. The rest of his subjects were daft and dull, not unlike Lucia at times; she was just as easy to fool as the rest, but none of them shared her unpredictability. At the least she always kept him on his toes. The girl's nature was tumultuous.

Dane's expression remained unchanged while Lucia disrobed in front of him, though he glanced up and down at the sight of her. The blood glistened brilliantly off her pale body, highlighting her curves. That was her other redeeming factor, her beauty. She had her mother to thank for that. His eyes remained fixated on her as she turned and took a step away. "Of course." He stood and removed his suit, folding it neatly and placing it on the arm chair behind him. Taking his sweet time. "I am yours to command." The vampire added with a grin, before following her.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Lucia didn't think she'd ever get tired of watching Dane strip down, or hearing that particular phrase. Something about having control, being in charge of her destiny, her desires... it felt like freedom. A freedom she hadn't had since before her father died.

She could have squealed with delight that the Vampire King was taking her up on her offer. Biting her lip instead, Lucia strode into the bathroom. Her advance could have probably been executed with more grace, but Dane's response was confidence boosting.


A light mist covered the mirror, hanging in the air. Blood ran down the drain continuously for a good five minutes after the Hybrid stepped under the warm stream of water. She couldn't keep the grin off her face as Dane's hand caressed her skin as water and blood fell down her body. After feeding, the girl was in high spirits; and why shouldn't she be? Everything was going so well. She would take her place as Queen as was her right as the heir to both thrones, and untie the Vampires and Werewolves for good. Yes, it would be a difficult road, but she would be doing what her parents could not, and that would be better for everyone involved, especially her. It really didn't hurt to have someone like Dane by her side, either. He was smart, easy to talk to , extremely handsome, and he didn't care that she was a Hybrid; he actually seemed to embrace it and let her be who she was. He was the one.

Lathering up with soap, Lucia took the opportunity to wash Dane's body with her hands. He'd healed up excellently from his brawl with Alena the other night, and under the soap, his skin felt soft, yet firm.

In her periphery, something caught the girl's attention. She grabbed the curtain rod, lifting herself up easily and wrapping her legs around Dane's waist, pulling him in close. Bringing one hand back down, Lucia ran her nails across the Vampire's neck and up his scalp, pulling playfully at his wet hair. Forcing herself on him, Lucia took from him what she wanted, bringing her other arm down around his shoulders as he held to her. With the water falling down on them and their bodies intermingled, the Hybrid felt ready to conquer the world.

By the time they'd finished their shower, Lucia's legs were weak, making it a chore to walk, though she tried to make it seem as if she weren't having trouble. Ringing out her hair, the Hybrid watched as Dane dressed himself. She took her time drying off and combing through her hair, and walked over to the Vampire as he slung the tie around his neck. "May I?" Taking the tie in hand, the girl's fingers moved deftly as she folded, tucked and tied the cloth around her lover's neck. Adjusting the tightness of the tie and his collar, Lucia stepped back, smiling coyly at the sight before her. "You look very handsome, Dane. You cut an impressive figure."

Walking around the bloody mess, she opened the wardrobe to find something appropriate to wear for the remainder of the night. To her surprise, a couple of the dresses she'd had at the mansion had made it here. Picking out her favorite, Lucia slid into a long, black dinner dress. A slit ran from mid thigh down, exposing her left leg when she walked, and the multiple thin straps rested delicately on her shoulders and down her arms. Looking in the full length mirror, Lucia adjusted the waist of the garment, which clung snug to her slender body. "Thank you for accommodating me so. I believe I am ready for the rest of the night's entertainment."

[Dane]

While Dane buttoned his shirt he watched Lucia approach him. There was a subtle hobble in her step. She hid it well enough, but he had studied Lucia enough to know she was in some discomfort. It was her own doing though, not that he felt any regret. He only hoped, that if there were to be a fight, it wouldn't affect her ability. She seemed particularly gluttonous tonight, and could tell that she was in no mood to be denied. Though he had truly never entertained the though. Like Lucia he was feeling self-indulgent. The girl believed that this was her night, or at least their's, in both cases she would be wrong. This is my night. He thought with a smirk as Lucia helped him with his tie. Years of hard work were coming to an end. The payoff was so near, and he deserved to be rewarded. Taking Lucia in the shower was a start. The feel of her lithe body pressed against his, her lips and skin still tasting of blood, it had all been very pleasant. But, never truly satisfied he craved more. It would be enough, or had to for now. It would do him little good to have Lucia walking bowlegged.

"You flatter me, Lucia." He smiled. The girl truly had not the slightest inclination their time together was coming to an end. Sometimes he wondered how that was possible. Was it not obvious she was being manipulated? "A King, or Queen should set a standard for the rest of his subjects, something to strive for. You will excel in that regard." Once Alena was delivered to Dane, Lucia would see significantly less of him. He had little faith in any of his subjects to assure the Lycan would stay caged. Time after time again she escaped Raven's grasp. Dane would not be made a fool like the former King. He secured his golden cufflinks at the end of his sleeve, watching Lucia select a dress. Slipping on his suit and buttoning it he stepped around the shamble of blood and bones and stood behind the hybrid. "A Queen deserves no less." Smiling he rested his hands on her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. "Your beauty knows no bounds. Do you mean to fill the room with jealousy?"

"I have a gift for you, or rather gifts." Dane took Lucia by the hand and led her to the side of the bed. "Stand here." He smirked and dropped to a knee. He reached underneath the bed and pulled from it a long narrow glass class. "I had the servants hide, as to assure you would not fumble upon it by chance." Still on a knee he turned to face her and bowed his head. He held up the case presenting it to her. Within it was her father's silver sword. "This was Raven's blade, I thought it lost after my battle with your mother, but it was recovered in the wreckage. I want you to have, and wield it in battle tonight. If it comes to that."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

As Lucia groomed in the mirror, she watched Dane approach in her periphery. The Vampire cast no reflection, but Lucia closed her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her, and that was as good as seeing him behind her. Looking over her shoulder, the girl smiled magnanimously at Dane's compliments. With him by her side, the Hybrid would lead the Immortal Races to a better life. The moment her mother arrived, the revolution would begin. She felt lucky to have Dane's aid through this.

She followed happily as the Vampire led her by the hand over to the bed, and stood obediently where Dane told her to. Curiosity peaked as he knelt and reached under the bed, procuring a lovely glass case. As the Vampire presented it to Lucia, she extended her left hand slowly, as if to touch it. Was this what she believed it to be? Dane's next words confirmed her suspicions; this was indeed her father's silver blade. It explained Dane's reverence in gifting it; this blade had been forged millennia ago and had been the end of many lives.

Opening the glass case with both hands, the Hybrid gripped the handle firmly in her left hand, admiring the craftsmanship of the blade, guard and pommel. Well worn leather had been wrapped around the grip of the sword, protecting the girl's skin from the silver the weapon was made out of. All told, it was one of the most beautiful killing machines she'd had the pleasure of seeing. Raven had spoiled the girl in many ways, but when it came to this sword, Lucia had been prohibited from playing with, or even touching it, and she'd been severely punished for doing so.

Turning the blade in her hand, the girl got to feel for the first time how the weapon was balanced, and how heavy it really was. The weight, itself, was misleadingly light, not that she was worried about it being too heavy. There was a strong temptation to run her fingers down the flat side of the blade, though she knew the bite of silver would mar her skin.

The girl thought twice about going with that temptation and returned the sword to its transparent casket. Her gaze fell to Dane, kneeling on the floor before her. She was speechless. The gesture meant more to her than the Vampire probably knew. "I am relieved it was recovered; more than I can say. Thank you, Dane. If my mother bring with her conflict, as she often does, I will wield my father's sword. His blade - My blade, shall drink of the blood of those who will not submit."

[Dane]

Dane slowly rose to his feet, placing the sword upon the edge of the bed. Those were more or less the words he wished to hear Lucia speak. Though if she really meant them remained to be seen. Did she truly have spite for her mother, or was this simply a stage in her life. Was she no more than a rebellious daughter seeking attention from her mother. And if he was having these thoughts; then certainly the masses would when they eventually revealed Lucia's true nature to them. Her loyalty would without doubt come into question. Few vampires could even fathom the possibility of a hybrid; that was jarring enough. And to learn that Alena; their most hated enemy is also their new Queen's mother could also incite unrest. Maybe it would be beneficial if Alena arrived with her forces in tow. If his little surprise for her was discovered, and put down. Without question their losses would be considerable, but almost all of his subjects were replaceable, and the good that would come from the vampires seeing Lucia beside them would far outweigh the bad. The hour was growing too late to worry about such things. His plans had been sent in motion a long time ago. Alena would either come a bloody shamble, possibly dead, or with a regime of troops.

He eyed Lucia, brushing the dust off his hands. "Show no mercy, or hesitation. Your mother will spare you neither. If she's given the chance she will put you down." Fighting Alena was not the only she could prove her trust. If the witches held their end, and if Lucia's pet actually managed to bring Alena to them, a merciless execution would be more than enough. The chances of such a thing happening were slim. When they last spoke of it, Lucia seemed adamant they take Alena alive. "Apologies Lucia, I should not trouble you with thoughts of slaying your own kin. When the time comes, I know you will do what you must."

He extended an arm to her and smiled. "I believe our presence is expected elsewhere." Once in the hallway, the faint sound of music could be heard coming from below. The music and dancing had already begun. Dane saw no need for it, dancing or music for that matter. But many vampires considered themselves sophisticated, among them had been Raven who held a ball or two in his day, it seemed that was one custom that had not died with the King. "I spoke of gifts hadn't I. While we were occupied I had the servants arrange to remove the presence of a certain someone from the festivities. She should be in her new dwellings; within the cells below awaiting her fate, yours to decide of course."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Listening to Dane's words solemnly, Lucia tried to take them to heart, yet she couldn't quite believe that her mother would really try to kill her. Sure, Alena would probably be pretty upset with the girl, but the Werewolf Queen wouldn't attack her own daughter, would she? No. No, she couldn't. Still, if it came down it it, the Hybrid would slay the accompanying Werewolves and subdue her mother. She would do what she had to for the good of both races. That, she was resolved to do.

Taking the Vampire King's arm, Lucia stepped daintily over the mess in the center of the room, following Dane out into the hallway and down the stairs. The sweet melodies that grew louder at their descent were made all that more sweet as Dane gave the girl a second gift. She smiled genuinely at the thought of Dane sending Laura down to waste away in a cell, and she squeezed his arm softly. His gesture made Lucia feel worlds better about the Baby Bat's intentions. "Leave her to rot for now. There are more important things to take care of; I shall deal with her after my pet returns with our prisoner of war."

Reaching the bottom floor, the night's celebration appeared to be in full swing. The amassed Vampires pranced around the great hall, holding tight to their partners here, and switching them up there. Lucia, herself, had never been to such a large party before, but she'd heard glorious tales of the festivities her father had thrown ages ago. She had been taught the art of ballroom dancing in her youth, thanks to Raven; and there was nothing she wanted more right now than to join in on the fun.

Releasing her arm from Dane's, Lucia turned to him and bowed, as a man would, smiling playfully and holding out a hand, "Might I have this dance?"

[Dane]

Dane eyed Lucia at the mention of her pet and their prisoner of war. It was apparent she intended to let them both live. For whatever reason Lucia still had a soft spot for Alena, though he supposed it should not be so easy to convince a daughter to kill her mother. The girl was hardly as ruthless as she believed herself to be. As for her pet, it was easy to forget about the boy at times; though the lycan was vital to Dane's immediate plans in the grand scheme he was so, insignificant. Just another pawn to be played at his leisure. If it were up to him the lycan's head would be lopped off alongside Alena's for all to see. Unfortunately it was not entirely up to him, absolute control was the cost of promising Lucia the throne. Disobeying her directly would be suspicious at the least.

As to be expected from a lycan den there was no proper ballroom. The great hall would have to suffice and the vampires did their best to make it acceptable. The tables and benches were moved to the side of the rooms and stacked, giving sufficient room to dance. At the end of the hall there was a makeshift stage on which the band played.

Dane smirked at Lucia's gesture. He would play along for her amusement. Taking her hand, he held up the end of his suit and curtsied. "It would be my honor." He said, before pulling her closely to him and wrapping his arm around her. "It lifts my spirits to see you well again." Dane whispered into her ear while leading her in the dance. He moved with grace to the sway of the music. Despite his indifference towards dancing, he had learned to centuries ago. He found that ballrooms made excellent hunting grounds. "I met your father for the first time at a dance like this." He said truthfully; so few things he said to her were. Though it was not quite 'like this'. It had been within a proper ballroom, decorated with vibrant tapestries within a castle, not a warehouse. "Or rather, after. But I felt his presence during as he did mine."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Tickled by Dane's response to her invitation, the girl laughed easily as she was pulled into the Vampire's body and taken out onto the floor. Resting a hand on his shoulder, Lucia followed enthusiastically, matching each step he took. It didn't surprise the Hybrid at all to learn that Dane was so light on his feet. She grinned as he whispered in her ear, leading her around the room. As the tempo changed from a slower pace to a faster waltz, Lucia found she adjusted well. The band, while no Johan Sebastian Bach, played perfectly acceptable modern variations of some of the classics the girl had grown up exposed to, and it felt natural to move so fluidly with Dane among her people. She did feel well. Despite the events of the other night, Lucia felt unusually optimistic about the morning to come, and ultimately pleased with the people and situations in her life. Here, she was surrounded by Vampire high society, some of whom had been present and important individuals during her father's reign. Here, she had someone who treated her as an adult and with respect; someone she could trust and relate to.

At the mention of her father, Lucia looked to Dane, raising an eyebrow in earnest curiosity. The thought of hearing more about her father, and learning more of Dane's past was too exciting. Yet something about the way Dane worded his sentence distracted the girl from what she really wanted to know. She'd been presented with low-hanging fruit; it would be a shame not to reach out and pluck it for her own. A coy smile graced her face, mischievousness lighting up her eyes. "Dane! How dashing you must have been. Was it a masquerade? I imagine my knowing father, awaiting your introduction and approach. You meet in the darkness... Two forces such as yourself colliding must have been quite dangerous." The dulcet tone of her voice whispering excitedly in the Vampire's ear. Perhaps she was overstepping her boundaries, but she meant it playfully; she wasn't trying to take a stab at Dane. She respected him far too much for that.

[Dane]

For someone who considered themselves ladylike; Lucia's statement was far from that. But it was what he should have expected from her. After all she wasn't quite a woman yet. She was still very young and thus immature, and of course there was her lycan blood. They were all savages and any proper being would would never let such a thought stray into their mind, especially considering he spoke of Raven, her father. The girl had issues, that much was obvious. Leading her this far would not have been so easy if all was well with her parentage. His only visible reaction to her words was a roll of his eyes, and a slight smile to show that he wasn't offended. Of there was nothing Lucia could ever say that Dane would take to heart, but she did not know that. "Lucia," His smile curled into a half smirk. She was not the only one who thought themselves to be clever. He whispered back into her ear. "Do you often fantasize of me colliding with your parents?" He paused, lifting their hands above their heads and removing his arm from her waist for a quick twirl, before pulling her back close to him to continue to tease her. "I'll admit, you're not alone in such thoughts. Though mine have never been of your father." He winked at her. Quite aware that his words wouldn't sit quit well with Lucia. "I only jest my dear. Raven and I, did have our own collision. Though not in the matter in which you imply. And if it was his masquerade I was not aware. I had no knowledge of him at the time."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Dane's initial reaction should have been what the girl was expecting, yet it shocked her and she laughed despite herself. Coming back in from the spin, Lucia placed her hand on his chest, smiling until the Vampire insinuated that he'd considered her mother before. Huffing, the Hybrid turned her body away, pretending she was about to leave, but came back to the Vampire King in time with the music. "I meant to add that I do not wish to think of my father in such a way. It is bad enough I've witnessed Mum nude before."

The girl's features lightened at Dane's wink, "You're lucky my spirits are so high," she teased back. She relaxed again into the dance, into the pull of the music, resting her hand once more on Dane's shoulder, at the base of his neck. Closing her eyes momentarily, Lucia moved, relying on the band and Dane's lead. The music called to her, stirring something deep within her, and the intimacy with Dane made things all the better; she hoped to always remember this moment.

Opening her eyes once more, the Hybrid met the Vampire's gaze, "Will you tell me of it? How did you come to be at this dance where you would meet my father? How old were you? What was my father like back then?" She had more questions, but shut her mouth, hoping that Dane would indulge her curiosity.