The end in sight.

[Dane]

Dane always made an effort to be observant, especially in regards to Lucia's behavior. Though she kissed him, there seemed to be some hesitation in her actions. The way she smiled made her seem shy. It was not what he wanted from her. Lucia needed to be sure of her actions. Not just when it involved him, but in all matters. A Queen without certainty or confidence would not get far. Even when she was just a mere puppet. She needed to be strong enough to convince both vampire and lycan she was worthy to be Queen. The former would behave as long as he was there to enforce her rule. The latter was still of concern to him. The lycans needed to believe their livelihood as a race was at risk of destruction if they did not bend the knee. "You'll find that I'm rarely not." The vampire wrapped his hand around Lucia's neck and pulled her towards him, though brief he kissed her passionately, before flashing her a toothy grin.

Unlike Lucia, Dane remained seated. He appeared content simply watching Lucia as she dressed, listening to what she had to say. Her admission came of little surprise to him. Of Lucia did not know Dane had secretly observed her time spent with the lycan. "I see," He paused briefly, as if unsure of what to say. "This should not come as a surprise to me. You're like your father in that manner. " Dane watched for a response. " You are Queen now Lucia. You need not wonder if it can be down. I will always see that your will is reality." Standing, he returned Lucia's devilish smirk and began to prepare for the night.

The vampire chose a pair of black dress pants, and a sleek black shirt for the evening. As he buttoned up his shirt, Lucia stepped towards him and brushed his hair. "Thank you my dear." Dane said eyeing her. He lifted his hands and reached to touch the braid she tied her hair in. "This is new. I think it suits you." He said with a glint in his eyes. "Lucia, there is something I've been meaning to speak to you of. The need to find a new pet is understandable, however, I'm not certain I understand why you allowed the previous to leave alive. You seemed intent on keeping him, but you've quickly found a replacement. " The vampire quirked his head to the side, as if curious to hear her answer.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Eyeing Dane as he considered her admission, Lucia noticed that the Vampire failed to really comment what he thought on the matter. However, as he pointed out that she shared that quality with her father, the girl grinned again. She did so wish to emmulate her late father.

Looking at the Vampire as if she had a new understanding, Lucia straightened his collar, "I remember, Dane. Even in my youth you saw that many of my needs were met." The girl had never known how easy she had it living in London with Raven until she had to live with her mother in Stockholm. With her father, Lucia was treated like the Princess she was; if it wasn't Raven, himself, providing what she asked for, the Vampire King had many attendants who were charged with keeping her happy. Things had been quite different with Alena. The Lycan Queen had not often denied her much, but she'd never gone out of her way to hand it to her daughter, either. Needless to say, while many of the Werewolves in Sweden acknowledged she was of their Queen's brood, many didn't take too well to being told what to do by a... whatever she was. "You've always treated my proper, the way a Princess - a Queen - should be treated. My mother tried to take that away from me; she almost convinced me that I don't deserve this."

Standing perfectly still as Dane reached out, lighting brushing her chest as he picked up her braid, Lucia smiled graciously, glad that he approved. She listened patiently as the Vampire voiced his thoughts; she had hoped she would have to explain herself concerning that, but she understood his confusion. Thinking on her pet, some small amount of remorse filled her. The Hybrid had honestly considered the young Werewolf a friend, although, upon analyzing her actions, something just didn't feel right. The anger that Pablo had felt and spoke to her mind made the girl feel incredibly guilty. What was she thinking? Calling the Lycan a friend after she'd treated him like, well, a piece of meat. The only reason he was probably nice to her was because he was biding his time to escape. Yet that last hug in London... The girl felt confused, and as she looked to Dane, pondering what to say, she realized: she had no reason to lie to him. "It was a decision I made in the heat of the day. Perhaps it was not the best move in front of everyone, but I do not need to justify my actions to them. The reason I let my pet go is: I've become fond of him. I believe he will come back of his own accord when he realizes there is nothing else left for him out there. I want the satisfaction of welcoming him back when he figures out he needs me." Saying the words out loud surprised her; was that how she really felt? Lucia smiled arrogantly, watching Dane to see how he'd react.

[Dane]

It was evident to Dane that Lucia's resentment towards her mother came from the girl's sense of entitlement. Lucia was not treated as she would have liked, as a princess by either her mother or the other lycans. It was childish and petty not very surprising considering her upbringing. Raven treated the girl like she was all important, as if one day she would inherit the world. Had Alena even treated Lucia poorly, or did she simply not receive the attention she believed she deserved. Lucia was not Alena's only child. Even Dane was aware of that. Perhaps it was her nature as a hybrid. Was her resentment born from loneliness? No matter where the girl went she was different, an outsider. Maybe she wished her mother had forced the lycans to accept her. "Lycan society has always been backwards. I suppose it should be expected. The beast they harbor within has left them a barbaric people."

Dane listened intently to every word, nodding as she spoke. Lucia appeared to be very pleased wit what she said. He'd admit, there was some sense to it, but it seemed too clever for Lucia. Clever was not a word he would ever associate with the girl. "Cunning," He said with a grin. "I watched the boy as he left. You broke his spirit, perhaps we can expect a quick return. That is of course if the lycans do not make quick work of him." He spoke very nonchalantly in regards to Pablo's well being.That was what he wished, for the lycans to brand him as a traitor and execute him. The actions of one traitor had already created a rebellion among the lycans. The boy though youthful was esteemed among the lycans. Otherwise Alena would not have bothered to save him. That could lead to further divide among them, to go along with their lack of leadership. "I know many of your decisions were not easy, Lucia. The matter was all too personal. And you need not justify your reasoning to the masses, I would not expect you to. But you should be aware, they're always watching. Reading into your every word and action. And though lowly beings some believe they deserve more. They do not have access to your mind and if they perceive weakness they may not believe you worthy to stand above them." She would know what he meant. After the Viktor debacle nothing was off limits. There was proof that Kings and Queens could be killed. "Sometimes a more ruthless hand is needed. Make an example of your enemies, if only to show your allies that you are not to be crossed."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Considering Dane's words, the girl nodded subtly, "I see. Yes, I understand. I appreciate your counsel, thank you." She had suspected she appeared too lenient on Pablo, but that was a criticism she was willing to take. Lucia wanted him to have a fighting chance; and, perhaps foolishly, the girl wanted to show the young man her actions had good intentions. Mostly.

"I wouldn't be here if not for you, Dane. I hope you know you may speak with me about anything." If anyone else had given her the same advice, Lucia probably wouldn't have bothered to listen and would have been offended at the notion of needing such advice. Yet coming from the Vampire, the girl felt reassured she could do this whole leading thing.

She paused for a moment to see if Dane had anything further to add, and then looped her arm in his, heading for the door. She would have to see about her prisoner transfer and do away with Laura and the other two Werewolves.

[Dane]

Dane could not say if his advice truly reached Lucia. One thing was to claim she understood, another was to show true ruthlessness. She was far from that with the boy. It was clear she wanted him to think well of her. A foolish endeavor after stripping the lycan of his free will. Anyone with a right mind would loathe Lucia. He supposed only time could tell if she could be merciless . "He may resent you at first, Lucia. But even I resented your father at some point. That all came to past."

The vampire smirked for Lucia. "You do not know how glad I am to hear those words. I was worried that the power may get to your head." Her power of course was just an illusion. He was certain a subject would follow his orders well before they would Lucia's even if they contradicted. The masses feared Dane. He defeated Viktor, the usurper, Raven's slayer. A feat that forever earned him respect from his species, from the oldest to the youngest. No other dared to opposed Viktor, but he had. It was a testament to his strength. None dare crossed him.

Dane led Lucia down the hallway. Stopping the nearest servant with a glare of his eyes. "Yes, my Ki-, lord?" The subject mumbled, not yet comfortable with the idea that Dane was no longer King. He dropped to a knee to show both he and Lucia respect. "Clear a room, and arrange it so that it can hold a lycan prisoner. Preferably one on this floor." I need this done. Immediately." The servant nodded before scampering away. Dane turned to Lucia. "Wait here my dear. I had something made for this very purpose." He disappeared around the hallway only to return in a matter of moments. In his now gloved hands, he held a long silver chain; at its end a silver collar. "This was meant for moving your mother or your pet. " He let her loop her arm around his again.

Anticipation was building in Dane as they approached the cells. Was his favored prisoner, Alena Wulf, awake? There were many things he wished to say to her. Unfortunately many were unspeakable around current company. He needed to speak to her alone. Far from Lucia's company. That was her pet's one good use, distracting Lucia. He hoped her new one could do the same. "Your mother may be awake." Dane said to her by the stairs leading down. "Are you ready?"

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Following Dane's lead, the girl walked happily down the third floor, pausing only as the Vampire addressed a servant and bid her wait. As Dane disappeared around a corned, Lucia watched where the servant ran off to, gathering more Vampires to aid in preparing a room. The servants bowed to her as they passed, and the girl-Queen waved a hand in acknowledgement. When Dane reappeared, the Hybrid smiled brilliantly. "It's perfect!" There was something so ironically beautiful about the thought of placing a silver collar on a Werewolf. The notion smacked of ownership and tickled the girl in a way she hadn't expected. "I would have at least two more made." She took the Vampire's arm in both of hers.

As the pair made their way to the basement, Lucia considered her lover's words. She found she felt very little at the prospect of her mother being awake; there was little the girl felt she wanted to say to Alena. Although she imagined her mother would have words for her. Lucia's thoughts were far more occupied on dealing with the two unwanted Werewolves and Laura. "I am ready." She nodded to Dane, taking the steps down to the cellar.

At the bottom of the stairs, by the shelves of clothing, the cell keys hung rather unceremoniously. Gathering up each key in their entirety, Lucia untied the drawstring of her dress, looping the large O-ring through the cord and tying it tight around her waist, "You and I should be the only ones with access to these." Rifling through the clothes, the Hybrid picked up a pair of leather gloves and a spare shirt that she would wrap around her arm when the time came to collar the noisy Lycan. "Please hold these for me." Lucia handed Dane the gloves and shirt, grabbing the key to the cell with the first Werewolf in it.

While most of the occupants in the cells appeared to be awake, there was a distinct silence throughout the room. Lucia could hear the Lycan's breath and felt she could cut through the tension in the air, but the only other noticeable sound was the jingling of the keys dangling from her waist.

Peering in at the man in the first cell, it looked as if he'd been fighting against his bonds all day. Yet it seemed to Lucia, that upon seeing her, his fight was rejuvenated. Smiling sweetly, the girl unlocked the cell door, sliding it open and stepping gracefully inside, letting the door close behind her. In an instant, the Lycan was upon her, trying to push the girl against the bars. Slipping quickly under the man's grasp, Lucia turned, now facing the prisoner's back, delivering a powerful hook kick to the back of his head. As her heel made contact with the base of the Werewolf's skull, he staggered forward. The lights in his eyes seemed to flicker and go out and he fell to his knees, his head leaning at an uncomfortable angle as his body finally slumped to the ground. Sitting on the Lycan's back, Lucia grabbed his head, twisting sharply and pulling away, severing any remaining connection the brain and spine had with the rest of the body.

Standing easily, the Hybrid dropped the Lycan's head, letting it smack against the ground and roll slowly away. Leaving the first cell, the remaining two Werewolves began pounding against the walls, their hands smacking against the cement; fists leaving slight dents. The man who'd addressed her earlier in the day seemed to be spouting some sort of challenge to her in Norwegian. Lucia could only identify a few choice words, but the intent seemed clear enough. Snapping her head around, the Hybrid met the loud Lycan's eyes, grinning fiendishly, “Wait your turn.”

Selecting the key for the second Werewolf's cell, Lucia cocked her head, looking in at the man. Tensing, the Lycan crossed his arms over his chest. As the girl entered his cell, this one proved to have more fight in him than his brother. Smashing the man's face, full force into the bars, she grabbed him by the hair, pulling him back and into the ground. He clambered back to his feet with surprising swiftness, throwing calculated punches at the Hybrid. Grinning all the while, Lucia weaved her way through the Wolf's attacks, letting his rage build as he realized he couldn't hit her and what attacks did land seemed to have no affect on the girl. As he charged her one last time, the Hybrid pulled her left hand back, fixing it into a spearhead for a final strike. The man's stomach felt warm as her hand plunged into his flesh, underneath the sternum, and she twisted, pushing her arm deeper into the Werewolf's body. He shuddered, and his body collapsed as Lucia gripped his heart, squeezing tight and ripping her arm out.

Letting the organ drop to the ground, Lucia exited the cell, turning to look at the last Werewolf, fresh blood coating her left arm. Without addressing him, the Hybrid turned to the cell across the hall from where the Lycan was being kept, to Laura's cell. The poor woman looked as if she'd had the worst day's sleep, and was likely confused as to the reason she was being held among a few Lycans. Grabbing one of the bars to the Vampire's cell, Lucia leaned against it, looking in at the woman. "I am terribly sorry you were put in such lackluster conditions. You deserve better than to dwell down here among Beasts."

[Dane]

"Agreed." Dane said nodding to Lucia's suggestion that they were the only two who should have access to the keys. He already had his own key for Alena's cell resting in his pocket. The rest were of no importance to him. Slowly following behind Lucia his eyes focused in on the end of the hallway. There rested his prize, waiting for him. He felt an urge to approach her, and gloat of his victory. It was unlike him, usually watching his enemies drop to the floor lifeless was satisfying enough but the Queen of Werewolves was a special case. When all other had failed to defeat her he stood victorious. In time he would have the satisfaction of taking Alena's life. He nodded again as Lucia handed him a pair of gloves and a shirt. Apparently he'd been designated to hand maiden duty. This was below him, and unfortunate but necessary. He'd essentially sworn to do her bidding, to Lucia that meant the minuscule task as well.

He stood by the outside of the werewolf's first cell, watching the fruits of his labor unfold. Lucia was ruthless in her execution of the lycan as he'd insisted. It was a start, she showed no mercy, gave the lycan no explanation she simply killed him, however the was nobody to bear witness to the action except for the other lycans, who would soon suffer similar fates. This would not aid her reputation, but for a private affair, he had no complaints aside from the putrid smell of lycan blood that filled the room and another minor detail. The weight of her actions was somewhat diminished by Lucia's lack of undergarments. It was almost comedic, being flashed by Lucia as she attempted to display her brutality. For certain it made her appear foolish. He would tell her later to save her some embarrassment. Unless of course it was her intention to provide one last pleasant view to her prisoners before sending them into the afterlife.

Her devilish grin did not go unnoticed. Dane had gathered that this was mostly for his sake. It seemed she believed she needed to prove herself to him. If Lucia thought this would earn her his respect she was wrong. That she would never have from him. Her next showing was less impressive. There was a time and place to taunt and humiliate an enemy. But considering the lycan's current state, chained and weakened Lucia's actions once again came off as childish and petty. He found himself glancing back at Alena's cell, less than entertained at Lucia's showing. The girl still required some conditioning before the lycans would bow to her out of fear. Dane turned his head back in time to watch her finishing blow. That humored him a little. It was reminiscent of how he killed Szandor, reaching through his chest to tear out the lycan's heart. Was Lucia intentionally trying to emulate him?

"Please, leave me be. I've done nothing wrong." A feminine voice called from the cell over. Laura, Dane had nearly forgotten about the vampire. She like the rest of them were unimportant. "Please, my King there must be some mistake." Laura begged, standing to face her would be executioner. Smiling Dane moved to Lucia's side, placing a hand on her shoulder, he turned to flash the hybrid a grin."I believe you're right my dear. She does not deserve this. Send her on her way, to somewhere that better suits her." Laura dropped her head, staring at the floor, apparently wise enough to know and accept her fate. Unbeknownst to Dane, she did not intend to go without a fight. Instead she feigned defeat, waiting for Lucia to approach her before lashing out at Lucia's eyes.

Dane was less than interested with the vampire's death. Once again he found himself looking at Alena's cell, and this time he approached it, after glancing one last time to watch the quick confrontation. His face stone cold, he stared through the bars. For now he had nothing to say to her. Simply seeing her chained and helpless was proving to be gratifying enough, for the time being. True gratification would come with her death. Victory would not truly be certain until then.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Lucia watched the woman critically as she pleaded for her life and then simply resigned to her fate. Opening the cell, the girl expected some sort of reaction, some attempted maneuver toward freedom, yet there was nothing of the sort. Regarding the Vampire coldly, Lucia approached her; this prisoner was her least favorite of the group, but with such a stunning show of surrender, she deserved no more attention than the first two Werewolves. It wasn't until the Hybrid got just within arms reach that Laura made her attack. Stepping back quickly, Lucia dodged one of the Vampire's arms, her left hand coming up to snatch the woman's other attack. Just a little too late; the Vampire's nails made contact with Lucia's eyebrow, digging in deep as they tried to claw down. Catching Laura's wrist before she clawed any lower, Lucia held firmly to the limb. "You look so pretty digging your grave." She was grinning despite herself; now she could justify killing this Vampire the way she wanted to. Reaching out with her free hand, she grabbed Laura's neck, digging her claws into her throat to brace her body. With a quick and violent tug, Lucia ripped the Vampire's arm first from its socket, and then from its body. Laura tried to resist, but Lucia's tenacity and strength made the act easy. For a brief moment, the girl considered using the Vampire's arm as a weapon against her, but she scrapped that idea, deeming it too primitive. Dropping the limb, the girl pounced Laura.

By the time Lucia was done with the prisoner, Laura had been quartered and decapitated. What little blood filled the Vampire, now covered Lucia and the cell walls and floor. Her yellow dress had been spackled and splattered red. Wiping her hands on Laura's dress, Lucia left the Vampire's cell.

Walking down the hall to where Dane stood at her mother's cage, Lucia retrieved the leather gloves, slipping them on and tying the shirt around her right arm. "Thank you." Taking the silver chain and collar from Dane, the Hybrid looped of the the chain around the shirt covering her arm, making sure she had just enough slack. Leaving Dane's side without so much as a glance at her mother, the girl approached the last Werewolf's cell, looking in.

He paced furiously in his cage until he saw the Hybrid. Spitting at the girl through the bars, the man growled low in his throat. The sight of the collar concerned him, but his stubborn resolve did not waver. "You will not have me so easily, demon."

"Manners." Lucia chided, wagging a finger at the Werewolf and wiping the spit from her neck and chest. Opening the cage, the Lycan immediately jumped at her. The Hybrid stood where she was at the brink of the cell, an eyebrow raised. The chains holding back the beast did not allow him to reach her where she stood. "Petite Woof. Until you've learned some respect that's what you shall be named."

Struggling against his bonds once more, the Werewolf tried in vain to reach the girl. As he lunged forward again, Lucia lifted a leg, planting her foot firmly in the man's face. While the impact was hard, the Lycan did not recoil as the others had. In fact, as the girl moved into the cell, he seemed to grow even more fevered, blood running from his nose. As she got within reach of the Werewolf, he tried grabbing her to pull her closer. Holding fast to Lucia's forearm, the beast in a man suit roared hatefully, curling his fist into a tight ball to punch the Hybrid.

Dropping the collar in her left hand, it dangled from the chain in her right. Swinging the chain, Lucia whipped the collar around, hitting the man across the face just as his fist made contact with her shoulder. The silver seared the Werewolf's cheek, a fresh strip of blood rising where the collar struck flesh. For only the slightest moment, he flinched, but it was just enough for Lucia to slip in closer, kneeing the Lycan in the stomach and pulling her arm free.

More punches came flying at the girl as she slapped the collar around the man's neck, locking it in place while taking the brunt of his attacks. Strapped in silver, the Werewolf's assault was nowhere near as strong as it would normally have been, and his hits felt like mere mosquito bites to the Hybrid. Sweeping her leg across, Lucia knocked the man's legs out from under him, making him kneel while she held the chain taut. Placing her left foot on the Werewolf's shoulder, the girl held him firm to the ground. "You're mine, now." Baring her fangs, she smiled arrogantly, flicking the chains free from his wrists and ankles. Lucia grabbed one of the man's wrists, wrenching his arm behind his back and pulling the chain and collar close to her to lead him out of the cell and down the hall up the stairs.

[Dane]

His eyes followed Lucia, studying her as she approached to grab the collar and shirt from him. She seemed to be enjoying herself even though she bled from a gash by her eyebrow. It almost appeared as if she didn't realize she'd been injured. Though considering the amount of blood she was soaked in, it may not have even been hers. "Have fun dearest." Dane said also noting that the young girl gave Alena no heed. At some point she would need to acknowledge and confront her mother. A notion she did not seem to appreciate. He on the other hand was looking forward to the encounter.

The vampire waited patiently for Lucia to collar her new pet. Dane stood by idly, feigning interest. For now It was important for Lucia to believe he had little interest in her mother. That was not the case. Smiling as the hybrid dragged away the lycan, Dane returned to Alena's cell. For a moment he watched silently, expecting some sort of action from Alena. She did little more than stir in her sleep. He reached for the key in his pocket, unlocked the door to her cell, stepped inside and left the door ajar. He moved towards her, each step slow and deliberate. His eyes never straying from the Lycan Queen's crumpled form on the floor.

"Alena," His voice broke the silence in the room, showing little emotion. She looked pathetic and weak. Even considering her state, he expected her to be standing by now, angry and spewing hatred at him or Lucia. Where was that rage and pride that so was often associated with her. He had to an extent feared Alena at some point.No he was not afraid to fight her. He had shown quiete the opposite. But looking at her now, it was impossible for him to muster any form of respect or imagine her as the force of nature she was. Once she was a god. Now she was nothing more than a pitiful wretch. The pungent smell of her blood filled his nostrils. It would have been nauseating, if he was not accustomed to the smell of lycan blood. He had spilled much of it through his life, but still he wondered. How could anybody, Lucia, Raven bring themselves to taste such a thing. They both spoke of werewolf blood as if it was intoxicating. Kneeling by her side, he pulled his handkerchief from his pocket, wetting it with some saliva he wiped a bit of the dry blood from her face and neck. "what is there left for me to take from you?" Dane said, grabbing her by the shoulders, standing, forcing her onto her feet and slamming her against the wall. "I took your daughter, your lover, and now your people. Tell me, what do you have left?"

[Alena Wulf]

Thick drops of rain fell heavily on the roof of the black limousine as Alena was chauffeured through Sparta. The city passed by in a grey haze. Except for the sound of the rain falling down, the cab was quiet. If this had been any other event, Szandor would have been sitting beside his Mistress in the backseat of the limousine, conversing jovially at the Vampyres' expense. Not this day, though. This was his funeral. The Mother of Lycans sat alone, lost in her thoughts of days past. She watched idly as the rain trickled down the tinted windows. Gods, today was dark and depressing. She'd gone over the events of his last days in her mind a few times; his last moments a few hundred times. What she felt was hard to say. Szandor died securing a way out for herself and her pack mates. He died serving the Pack ad his Queen. Hell, his whole life had been a service.

Resting her back against the seat, Alena sat with her arms crossed, staring through the window, beyond the city. Buildings and monuments passed with no consequence. The Werewolf Queen had seen all the sights before; she'd seen the city before many of the 'sights' had been created.

Away from the modern buildings, what would constitute the city to any normal Human these days, the decrepit remains of stone fortresses lingered as the shell of old Sparta, lying in the hills. This was the city Alena had traveled all this way to see once more. This had been the birth country of her consort Szandor Colden, born Atreus. Though she had not managed to salvage any physical remains of the late Lycan Lord, Alena had come to pay her respects and to leave a memorial for Szandor.

Ages ago, Alena had come to Sparta with the other leaders of the Pack, still alive then, to seek refuge from the Vampyres' assault. The warriors of Sparta, at the time, were caught up with the revolt of the Messenians and the people of Argos. The King of Lycans took advantage of the cover of war to obtain fighters from both sides of the battle to train and ultimately turn to Lycanthropy. Atreus had been among the Spartans captured that day. The day Mikael had presented Szandor to Alena as her personal bodyguard had been a beautiful day, quite unlike today. The Wolf Queen had been tickled at the notion of requiring a personal bodyguard; but at the start of the war between Vampyres and Werewolves, she needed one.

The limousine came to a slow stop, while the rain fell ever on. Gazing through the window, the remains of a small, ancient building lay meters away among lush green grass. Renn came around the vehicle from the driver's seat, opening Alena's door and holding a black umbrella over her as she stepped out.

Alena brought a hand up, caressing the young Lycan's cheek as he held the umbrella out for her, but she paid little attention to him otherwise. She looked straight ahead at the ruins, contemplating her late lover.

Dressed in black, the Mother of Werewolves wore no veil to cover her face. It was important for her race to see the composure of her features, her reaction and respect for the fallen. The death of a Lycan such as Szandor was a heavy blow to a Pack still mourning the tragedy of the recent Den in Rome; but Szandor's death was a great personal loss for Alena, as well. Most of her tears for her dead lover had been shed the night he died, so her eyes were dry this day. A deep sadness colored her eyes, however, and her features were soft but fixed as she walked into the ruins. Alena found it hard to convey compassion on her face when her heart bled its remorse and all she wanted was to destroy something. The amount of restraint the Lycan Queen was exhibiting right now was extraordinary and it made the emotion on her face seem a little calloused.
-
Somewhere in the distance, the Mother of Lycanthropy could hear the crying death moans of two Werewolves, and the pleas of a third. They seemed to come from so far away, yet she heard their voices crystal clear in her mind. She stirred physically and something seemed to suggest that she wasn't really in Sparta. There was too much pain filling her body, so much more than she remembered enduring in London. Something soft and moist seemed to be tickling her face, and she recoiled at the touch.

"Alena."

Her eyes shot open as her body was lifted off the ground and thrown into the wall, held there firmly by cold, strong arms. The wounds from Pablo's silver knife still ran deep in her back, and felt like a thousand tiny fires blazing relentlessly, but Alena glared at her assailant from under dark hair. Her icy blue eyes seemed to bore holes through the Vampyre, although with little obvious effect. Her legs felt weak and if it were not for Dane holding her up, she doubted whether or not she'd remain standing so easily.

She felt alone. Before, she could have sworn she'd talked with other Lycans in the room; now there was no one but Dane here with her. His words, while more true than he would ever know, seemed to brush right off the Lycan Queen. "Many lovers, and many and more children, I have lost. The damage you've done is inconsequential. You are nothing but a shadow in Raven's legacy, as you have always been. The fact that you remain 'living' while my King does not shows only your cowardice." Alena's voice came out with a slight rasp to it, and she found breathing hurt more than it should have.

The loss of Szandor had been the most painful thing she'd endured in almost a decade. Not since Raven's death had Alena felt such pain that seemed to leave no physical marks on her. Her soul felt like it was being suffocated. After being with her lover for so long, having to learn to live without him felt unbearable. But she would not show such weakness to Dane. He did not deserve the satisfaction. Her cold eyes stared into his, a slight smile curving her lips.