The end in sight.

[Alena Wulf]

She met Dane's eyes as he grabbed the muzzle. My, he was angry. So many secrets this leech kept, so many lies.

His punches dazed her; and if that hadn't been enough, having her head cracked into the wall did the trick. Dane! She narrowed her eyes between blows, trying to focus and reach out hard enough to give him pause.

Bowing her head forward, Alena closed her eyes shut tight. Her head throbbed, and white clouded her vision; searing pain racing through her skull. In the moments her vision began to slowly clear, the mother of lycanthropy reached out to Pablo. If you can, you need to take Lucia and leave. Now. If she could, she would do everything in her power to keep Dane down here for as long as possible.

"Nngh--" Alena winced as a second needle was driven into her. She brought her head up, staring hard into the vampire's eyes. Gods, her head hurt. Why would I tell the girl? Your secret is safe. I grow weary of her visits, however; so I gave her incentive to stay away. Resting her head back, gently against the wall, the wolf mother grimaced; it wasn't gentle enough. Though she did not gaze away from Dane. If she continues her damnable visits, it will be sooner, rather than later, that she learns your little secret. Hybrids grow fast.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

"Pablo...." The hybrid looked over to her pet, pleadingly as he spoke quietly to her. No, she really did not want to believe that Dane would hurt her. Yet he already had, it seemed; her chest felt like a sinkhole had opened up, swallowing everything and leaving naught but a cavity in its place.

Something warm and wet stung her eyes; more tears. When Catherine spoke, Lucia wiped away this fresh batch of tears. This wasn't how a lady should present herself, but in her grief, the girl was beginning to grow angry. "Occupied with what, Catherine? Surely he can make time for his queen." She was clenching her fists; her words sounded cold, yet her voice remained a little shaky, despite her best efforts.

Lucia was caught off guard when Pablo grabbed her hand, trying to pull her close, and she stumbled back, into the lycan. As she fell into Pablo and his warmth greeted her, the girl could feel some small part of her ease. She squeezed Pablo's hand; she wasn't going to leave him.

"Forgive me, Catherine. I did not mean to snap at you." Still holding Pablo's hand, Lucia walked to the cell door, unlocking and opening it to step outside toward the vampire. "Our prisoner below has taken it upon herself to flood my mind with most disgusting images. I'm afraid I have not reacted to this intrusion with tact." Her gaze fell to the floor; she could feel her lip begin to quiver, and when she met the vampire's eyes again, more tears clouded her vision. Letting go of Pablo's hand, Lucia stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Catherine's waist and falling into her, crying.

[Pablo]

It was difficult to stay a smile, but Catherine managed. The girl’s show of anger, the tears in her eyes, they were precious, it tickled the vampire. “Lucia, you know I don’t track his every action.” She said, watching as Lucia stumbled back into the lycan. The vampiress had half a mind to tear down the cell door herself, however, Pablo’s presence seemed to calm the girl. Lucia was apologizing, she was about to let Catherine in. Meeting Lucia’s gaze as she spoke and opened the door, as more tears began to form, something stung deep within her chest. It was momentary, but the sadness in Lucia’s eyes, the girl was heartbroken. A feeling she’d known, once long ago. “There, there, my dear.” She said, embracing Lucia as the girl collapsed against her. Catherine held the girl’s head tight to her chest. Glancing down she ran a hand through Lucia’s hair. She was torn, the girl’s vulnerability, her tears, there were flashes from a night ago. But then she had only wanted one thing, now with Lucia, she felt pity. Dane could be so cruel. “Lucia, the prisoner, you cannot heed her words. She wishes to tear us apart.” Catherine spoke softly. Her gaze met the lycan’s besides them. She stared at him, a cold gaze, a warning to try a thing. “But you wouldn’t cry unless you thought them to be true.” The vampire gently stepped forward, into the cell, still holding Lucia close, less she budged. One they were within the room; she allowed the cell door to close shut behind them. “Lucia, tell me everything.”

Pablo felt Alena’s voice reach into his mind, weak and cloudy as it had been, but the few important words registered in his mind. Lucia, leave, now. Holding onto Lucia as the girl stumbled back to him, he tried to meet her eyes. Why was Alena asking this of him? Of all times, why wait, show them what she had, before telling them to leave, without warning too. He looked up at Catherine, looming at the doorway. How was he supposed to get pass that? Fight her? He wasn’t sure if he’d win, and it would only attract more attention. Come on Lucia, we need to go, now. If you can’t trust Dane, how can you trust her? Another vampire, Lucia, please. He held tight to her hand, till the moment she let it go. His heart sunk as the cell door opened, and Lucia embraced the vampire. “Lucia,” He spoke quietly, resting his hand on the girl’s back, Catherine spoke over him, slowly inching back into the cell. What was he to do? He eyed the vampire; a shiver ran down his spine. “Pablo, your Queen, needs your comfort.” He heard, the vampire speak after addressing Lucia. She wasn’t wrong, seeing Lucia so distressed he wanted nothing more than to embrace her. But every fiber in his body said to stay away from Catherine’s clutches.

“Alena.” Dane said, still holding Alena’s gaze. “You’ve overplayed your hand.” He said, slamming his fist into her gut once more, knocking the air clean out of her. His hand reached for a third needle. She was babbling. Her intent could not be to lure Dane down, while also keeping Lucia away. For what purpose? To warn Dane that if he kept visiting Alena, Lucia would grow suspicious? It was the very thing she’d wanted. “The silver must be getting to your head.” He said, sliding the third needle into her side. His practiced touch careful to avoid any vital organs. That would limit any interference. “Let’s see what Lucia has to say on the matter.” Dane said, flashing a smirk to the lycan. Now where was that blasted girl? He wagered she was likely with her pet.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

*Guest-starring Alena*

Biting down hard on the bit inside her mouth as Dane threw another punch into her, Alena lunged forward as far as her chains would allow. White stars filled her vision again, and she gasped fruitlessly for air. It felt like she was suffocating for the longest few moments of her life, the muzzle in no way helping as she attempted to fill her lungs with precious air. When, finally, she was able to take a full breath, her chest still felt like it was on fire; pain shot across her body with every inhale.

She began muttering incoherently through the muzzle as Dane pulled out another needle, glaring at him. The silver, itself, had little to do with the ringing in her ears, and the likely broken rib or two Dane's fists had granted her. The mumbling turned into an audible growl as another of the vampire's silver needles began piercing her, sinking easily into her flesh.

Alena pulled at the chains around her wrists, which inadvertently agitated the needle behind her shoulder blade; yet still the queen of lycanthropy tried to lunge forward at Dane. Idiot. Do us both a favor and use another needle to kill the bastard you put inside me!

She could feel herself begin to sweat; the silver searing fire throughout her body. Over the last few nights, she'd made such progress healing; even had a full meal the night prior. All that, wasted. But it wouldn't matter as long as Pablo was able to get free with her daughter. With the look on Dane's face, however, it seemed their window of opportunity was closing.



As Catherine returned the embrace, Lucia relaxed fully into the woman, sobbing. She held tight to the vampire as she ran her fingers through her hair, speaking softly to her. Pablo's hand between her shoulder blades felt soothing, somehow, easing any anger for the time being.

The girl put up no resistance as Catherine seemed to shift her weight; unaware that she'd stepped back into the cell. Yet she shook her head insistently, sniffling. "It wasn't simply her words... It..." Lucia pulled away slightly to meet the woman's eyes. "Catherine, these were memories. In my youth, there were times Mum would share with me a memory or two. She'd let me see my father as he was so long ago; even before the war." Frowning, the hybrid looked away; did she understand? "What I was shown just now; it felt like a memory. But these... Were not of my father. These make my heart ache, and I feel on the verge of becoming physically ill. These are of Dane."

Stepping back to take in Catherine's reaction, the girl wiped tears away, trying, poorly, to compose herself. Reaching for Pablo, she pulled him close, looping an arm around his, and looking at her feet. "Mother has been in my room, Catherine. On my bed."

[Pablo]

Alena’s voice ringing out in his head was enough to give Dane pause, or at least the message itself was. Looking over his shoulder, he turned, and stepped towards Alena, grinning. “Now why would I do that?” A child, a means of controlling Alena. The Pack Mother cared quite deeply for her children. “Perhaps, this is what I’ve always wanted.” He said, resting a hand on the lycan’s belly. Did she lie? Alena appeared desperate to keep him to stay. She would say anything, but then there was nothing more convincing than the truth. “And why, Alena, would I give you what you desire?” He said, pulling his hand back and turning away. It never occurred to him, that he would father a child. The ways he could use it to hurt Alena. It tickled him more than it ought to. He glanced back, as he closed the cell door, holding Alena’s gaze, smiling. “One to replace the other. How appropriate.”

Catherine frowned at the mention of Dane’s name. It was enough for the girl to believe then she’d make the connection. “Lucia, I’m so sorry.” She said, reaching out to the girl’s shoulder. “Love can be so cruel, and men, so thoughtless.” The vampire stepped towards Lucia, pulling the hybrid and in close. For a second, she found herself suppressing the shiver. So close to Lucia and her pet, the beast warmth radiated prominently through the wound in her leg. A moment of composure was needed. Soon she could have them whenever she pleased. Cupping, Lucia’s chin, she made the girl look up to her. While her other hand strayed to the lycan, resting on his bare shoulder. “I wish I could tell you that he wouldn’t, Lucia. But I could not comfort you with lies. Still I must ask you to be strong, stay your tears, and not act rashly. It could be far worse, and we still need him.” Cather spoke calmly. “Ask yourself, Lucia, why would Dane hide the truth? He must still love you, wanted to spare you pain. And why would your mother wait till now? She wants to cause discord among us. Regardless of what she said, it could not be the entire truth. Lucia, you mother is a manipulator. It’s how she escaped your father time and time again. It was foolish for him to think; he could not fall victim. I warned him on many occasions we should have put her down.” Catherine sighed. A hint of frustration in her voice. “Imagine the temptation. The prospect of hurting his most hated enemy. The allure of their warmth. You know of what I speak. It does not forgive him, Lucia, but you can imagine how it may have happened. How your lover was led astray.” The vampire was quiet for a moment. “Stay with me, tonight. Let him know you’re upset. Take a night, to decide whether to forgive him or not.” She smiled weakly. “There’s a matter of which I wish to speak with you.”

Pablo glanced between the hybrid and the vampire. It was like Lucia wasn’t even listening to him, how could she listen to her? Come on, Lucia. We can’t trust her. I don’t think she wants to hurt you, but she lying for Dane, and he will. She’s a vampire, Lucia… They, lie, it’s what they do. Pablo watched Catherine for a moment. Lying came so easily to her, so convincing, he was almost ready to believe it was a mistake. Lucia – He froze for a moment, feeling the vampire’s cold hand on his bare shoulder, softly caressing him. That touch, the primal part of him knew what it could do, he shook it off. He’d just been with Lucia. Returning his attention to the girl. How many times did he make that mistake? Come on, it couldn’t have always been an accident. I- I don’t know why Alena waited till now. I don’t know who to trust, just stay with me. We can go hunting, come on.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

*Guest-starring Alena*

The grin that covered Dane's face as he turned back around to face her, looked far too smug. Alena stared hard at the vampire, her jaw clenching as he placed a hand on her stomach and spoke. She remained silent as he stepped away; but as he closed the cell door, threatening Lucia, Alena could not stop herself from attempting to throw her body toward the leech. The silver, every last bit of it, strained against her vein struggle, biting into her skin. Seething, the queen of werewolves screamed after Dane, the muzzle distorting her words, making them unintelligible. She would make him pay with every last bone in his body.

Conjuring up whatever strength and concentration she could, Alena reached out to Pablo a last time. A vampire Lucia knows as Marcus will come for her, to bring her to me, when the pack draws near. Go with him. She prayed Reece would return soon.


Catherine's apology did nothing to comfort her; it only confirmed the girl's fears. Casting her gaze to the floor, Lucia could feel heat rising in her chest again; anger. Yet she looked into the vampiress' eyes when she lifted her chin. Incredulity colored her features and she tried to step back slightly, into Pablo. "How could it possibly be worse!?" However, as the woman continued, Lucia grew quiet.

Frowning, the girl sighed. Perhaps Catherine was right; Dane kept the incident secret to spare her feelings. She wouldn't put it passed her mother to trick Dane, somehow. Alena seemed to enjoy taking away the girl's happiness. Her heart sank. "Perhaps..." The hybrid bit her lip, considering Catherine's counsel.

However, when Pablo spoke into her mind, the girl turned to face him, concern written across her face. "But why would---? Catherine." The girl turned to face the vampire, but stepped back to stand beside her pet, "Did you know?" Looking up at the woman with pleading eyes, Lucia shook her head, reaching for Pablo's hand and entwining their fingers. "I think Pablo's right." She spoke sadly, "This wasn't just one time. I, I don't think this was all accidental." Tears began to form anew, but the hybrid turned to meet Pablo's eyes, nodding slightly, "A hunt is perhaps what I need. Fresh air, and fresh meat."

[Pablo]

The vampire broke her gaze from Lucia, the look in her eye, so desperate from the truth. She could lie so easily to the girl, she had, but in that moment, something resonated with Catherine. Dane’s betrayals, his lies, he cared for nothing but himself, she’d known Lucia’s pain once. “Would you have believed me, Lucia?” She said, resting a hand on the hybrid’s shoulder, not allowing her to step away, she met her crimson stare once more. “I wanted so desperately to tell you. I tried to make you see. Lucia, I know what it’s like to be blinded by his love. You would have trusted his word over mind. It wasn’t worth earning your anger and crossing Dane.” She said, it was truthful as she could be at that moment. Catherine’s gently ran over Lucia’s bare shoulder. “Lucia, regardless of what happened you can’t leave now. Your mother, she’s planning something, why would she wait until now to reveal the truth? Stay with me, now and tonight. I have a matter of which I wish to discuss with you.” She reluctantly pulled her hand away from the lycan, reaching for Lucia’s. She glanced at Pablo, smiling coyly before looking back at Lucia. “I was unable to obtain her, but I found the girl. I found Addy.”

Pablo audibly sighed as Lucia questioned Catherine. At least she wasn’t accepting the vampire for her every word. The lycan felt bold enough to interject verbally when he felt Alena’s presence in his head once more. He heard her words more clearly, they sounded almost desperate. Was he to believe Alena now? Why had she waited so long, after they’d hurt him, and Geir. He couldn’t believe he was agreeing with the vampire on that part. He shook his head. Marcus was Catherine’s lover though, was that right? They were something. The lycan scratched his head. Was Catherine in on this with Alena? If they were left with her, they were bound to run into Marcus. We should go with her. He thought, quietly into Lucia’s mind, a bit of uncertainty. It could not have been pure coincidence. Catherine presence, Alena’s message.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

"Oh." Lucia felt her heart drop as the vampire's words began to make sense. "Oh, Catherine." Sorrow seemed to sink into her chest; its weight a burden of the like she'd only ever experienced after losing her father. "Is..." The hybrid brought a hand up to her mouth. "Is that what you meant? When you said the passion died...?"

She wasn't sure what to think; what to say. Keeping the vampire's gaze, the girl listened quietly. Catherine was right, she likely wouldn't have believed her if she confessed to Dane's missteps; and that confession would most certainly not have pleased Dane. Knowing, now, that Dane had sired Catherine, Lucia could understand the woman's silence. Her eyes dropped to the floor; perhaps Catherine was correct, too, that Dane had wished to spare her pain by keeping the incident a secret.

Lucia wanted to wave aside the vampire's concerns about her mother's plots; but that seemed the most believable thing out of this entire situation. "Mum's bitter. She's having trouble accepting defeat; ignore her and eventually she'll give up."

When Pablo reached out to her again, the hybrid looked over at him, trying to offer him a soft smile. What had changed his mind?

How attention was quickly returned to Catherine, however, when the woman grabbed her hand and spoke of her news. She'd found Addy? "Forgive me, Catherine." The girl spoke quietly, trying to dry her eyes. "I was so upset, I'm afraid I was quite inconsiderate to you. Dane told me he'd seen you looking a little rough returning last night." She reached to hold both of Catherine's hands in hers. "You were injured; tell me what happened. It lifts my spirits that you were able to find Addy."

[Pablo]

Catherine frowned, nodding her head. That was not in fact, what she had meant, the passion had died after his lies. It was the mention of her age, his sweet words, but she had not the will to correct Lucia. The hybrid was taking this far better than the vampire could have ever hoped. She seemed calm enough that a confrontation with Dane wouldn’t end in harm. She’d have to remind him, of their arrangement. Lucia was hers, safe and sound. Again, she held her tongue. It felt like more than bitterness. If Dane learned what Alena had done, it would only end with punishment at her end. Alena would have sent these images to her daughter long ago. Marcus would like to know, he’d come to the same conclusion, prepare for any lycan activity.
The vampire smiled softly as Lucia held her hands. “It was bittersweet, Lucia. I found her in the halls, or rather she found me.” Catherine said, glancing down at the lycan momentarily. “Addy tried to fight, back, to resist me. It was all for naught, I cut her down a size, I had her at my mercy. Still she wouldn’t shift, until I mentioned him.” She said, her voice smooth. “All it took was a little threat, a promise to see her friend again, and she was in my arms. It was beautiful. She was. A little thing like your pet, with golden hair, and the eyes to match. Like his.” She said, sighing, leaning slightly against the hybrid. “There were tears, Lucia. It was everything I had wanted.”


Alena would work with vampires, when there was nobody else to, what was left? It didn’t seem off; they would betray their master. Still something felt off. Catherine wasn’t Marcus, but they were close. And he knew that she’d wanted Dane dead. He was lost in his thoughts, when his ears perked. “Wait, what about Addy?” Why, how could they be discussing her. His head snapped in their direction. No, that was right, Lucia had told her, he was remembering Catherine’s visit from a night ago. The way they’d entangled, she was beautiful for a vampire, and then there was Addy’s scent. He blushed furiously for a moment, before clenching his fist. The way they said her name, Addy, like they were her friends, like they knew her. It was all wrong. “No, stop it.” Pablo grit his teeth, grabbing Lucia by the arm. Trying to make the hybrid turn and face her. “Stop looking for her, Lucia, please.” He said, pleading with his eyes. “Tell her to stop.” He said, turning at Catherine, his gaze accusatory. “Why do you want her, Lucia you have me?” The things they would do to her, Pablo tried not to focus on the imagery. Addy flinched from his hugs sometimes. “Lucia, I told you she’s shy, she doesn’t like being touched.” He said softly.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Lucia listened with interest as Catherine recalled how her mission at the den had gone. Of course Addy fought back; the majority of her kind seemed almost as stubborn as their queen. Stubborn up to the point Pablo was mentioned. But she did sound lovely. "You had her? What happened?"

As Pablo spoke, grabbing her arm, the hybrid turned slightly to meet the man's eyes. Some slight amount of color rosied her pet's cheeks, and Lucia looked at him with slight confusion. "Pablo...?" He appeared on the verge of begging. Yet she found herself trying to repress a soft giggle when Pablo insisted his friend didn't like being touched. "You also said we should be friends." She smiled, bringing a hand up to the werewolf's cheek, caressing his face. "Pablo, you said you missed her, and the way you've spoken of her... I was hoping to obtain Addy, for you."

"Yet it seems she managed to slip away." Looking back to Catherine, concern in her eyes, Lucia licked her lips.