The end in sight.

[Dane]

The vampire nearly scoffed at Alena's sorry attempt to injure his pride. She was only grasping at straws. The woman had known nothing of him before he claimed the throne. He was even at the time an enigma to most of the vampires, having only seen him in passing and occasionally by Raven's side. In some way she was right, he had lived Raven's shadow, but that was as a watchful eye. An assassin or body guard hidden from the world. Her words felt hollow. Legacy was nothing to him, an immortal that would live until the world's perished. As for Raven's legacy, in a thousand years it would amount to no more than a vague memory in Dane's mind of Viktor tearing out the former King's throat. He wanted nothing more than to mouth that to Alena, but he had an image to maintain.

Dane returned Alena's icy gaze. His eyes blue like her's but darker never strayed, remaining focused. Nor did they betray any sign of emotion, even as his facial expression changed to match her smirk."Now Alena, that's not quite fair of you. Everything I've done has been in the name of Raven's legacy." He held her against the wall tighter with one hand while the other reached out briefly to brush her hair away from her eyes. Her stare bore no affect on him. "Your daughter now rules. I abdicated the throne to her. She is after all the rightful heir, it's what Raven would have wanted." He studied her reaction to the announcement. "And Alena, you are in no position to call me a coward. You know better than most, I'm a man of honor. I keep to my word. Viktor felled Raven in single combat, it was not my place to interferon. " Dane paused for a moment, cocking his head to the side. As I recall, When I tore out your lover's heart you fled like a frightened child. Tell me which one of us is the coward? And is there truly nothing left of you for me to have?" He had trouble believing this was the lycan he'd battle. The adrenaline he felt while locked in mortal combat was riveting. Dane could not recall a single moment in his unlife that he'd felt so alive. This experience was quite the opposite. In defeating Alena he had taken the single greatest thrill from his life. The cost was steep, but worth it. Now there was nothing in this world that could threaten him.

Maybe she would show some bite if he hurt her. She did not need all her fingers to be functional, and they would heal in time. Dane thought to himself. Lucia was not aware of this encounter. There was a chance hurting Alena now would not sit well with her. He was not unaware of how much time the two would have alone. Besides, she seemed to already be in great pain. He doubted she could even stand on her own. Testing that theory he let go of her.

[Alena Wulf]

As Dane brought a hand up to brush away her hair, Alena snapped at him, her fangs coming out to bite at the Vampyre's fingers. The effort sent pained chills up the Werewolf's spine, but her stare never wavered. At the news that Lucia was now Queen, Alena laughed, wanting to believe the Vampyre was joking; yet his expression remained flat and his eyes told her what he said was truth. What was he doing? She watched him carefully, scrutinizing his features. His stare was raw, fixed and emotionless, though there was a smile on his face. While carefully practiced, Dane's facade seemed a little unnatural. It felt like he was smiling for her sake; pretending to feel when there was nothing there. He claimed to be honoring his late King's wishes, but there was no conviction behind his words. No passion, just empty gestures. And what was life without passion? "You play a dangerous game."

Bringing both arms up, Alena pushed Dane violently when he asked who the coward truly was. She could still see so vividly the image of Szandor reverting back to his Human form as Dane pulled his arm out of her lover's chest, holding his heart. "You have taken nothing from me!" Alena insisted. Curling one hand into a fist, the Lycan hauled back and hit Dane hard. The act probably hurt her more than it did the Vampyre, but she wouldn't stand to hear more from him. "How could you when you fear getting your hands dirty? You send others to do your work."

Not anticipating the Vampyre letting go, Alena's knees gave out slightly, and she started to go down. Reaching out, the Werewolf Queen grabbed Dane's shirt with both hands, stabilizing herself so she wouldn't fall down before the Vampyre. "I really must commend you on the work you did on Pablo." The silver chains were starting to burn their way into her flesh, irritating her and leaving hateful marks around her wrists and ankles. Pushing herself back against the wall, Alena stood stubbornly despite her legs wanting to give way. "I never once questioned his loyalty, yet he faithfully carried out your wishes. How did you do it?"

[Dane]

Smiling, Dane pulled his hand away from Alena, leaving her to snap at the air. He could see the pain surged through her eyes, even the slightest of movements were a struggle to her. That pleased him, knowing the lycan that had nearly taken his life was in a state of physical misery. It was poetic justice. Her laughter was met by a even wider smile on his end. Alena wasn't a dunce, at least not a complete one A few thousand years of life was bound to leave even her with some wisdom. Once she realized he was not joking the gears in her mind began to turn, she was trying to understand him, that too he could see through her eyes. He did not expect to completely fool her, Lucia would make a terrible Queen. Spending even a few minutes with the girl would make that obvious to anyone. Nobody in their right mind would want her to rule. "I know the game I play." And she did not, how could she? His mind worked on a level far higher than she could ever comprehend. To rule over a coven of vampires, to call himself king ,those were the aspirations of a small minded man. He wanted nothing less than everything. There were risk in his means, Lucia was stubborn and haughty, but her eagerness to please him made her easy to control. And worse come to worse he could end her easily, and reclaim the throne. It would stall his plans, but with Alena his prisoner he was unstoppable. All would be his in time.

Dane took the brunt of her attacks without the slightest budge or flinch. She was little more than a child striking at a grown man. She was broken, but not shattered, her actions showed there was still some fight left. The question was whether she would ever fully mend. He almost wanted that, for his greatest enemy to be whole again. To feel the thrill one last time before sending her to the afterlife. "Alena my friend," The lycan was in denial. He had taken everything from her, or rather what was left. Viktor was responsible for ridding the world of Raven. He could give the usurper at least that much credit. "you know that's not true. You watched as I soaked my hands with blood. But, perhaps I am wrong. Maybe Szandor was truly nothing to you. I would not hold someone who fell so quickly in high esteem either."

The moment was brief, but as Alena caught herself on Dane's shirt a surge of heat emitted through her hands into his chest. Spreading through his body and warming his bones. He stood straighter, his eyes gleaming if only for a second. Was that the appeal to werewolf blood? The warmth? Last night while carrying her he had not noticed, but then she was on the verge of death. Yet now the slightest of touches had.. "Pablo?" Stepping closer to her, he said the name as if it was unfamiliar. "Oh, you mean Lucia's pet, the boy. I did nothing to him." He stood, but inches away from her. Yes, the air did feel warmer by her. Or was it just another side effect of the time he spent underneath the beaming sun? "The things he said about you." Dane grinned, amused. "Personally I was appalled at the filth that spread from his mouth, such hatred, but he was eager to trade his life for yours. Lucia and I were happy to comply. He brought us you, and in return his safety and freedom are guaranteed in the upcoming days." To hold someone's trust in such high regards, to be befuddled by their betrayal. The boy, she cared about him. There was something left for him to take from her. He flashed a smile for her, revealing his fangs. "I'm just kidding Alena. I had help from some old friends of yours."

[Alena Wulf]

Alena found herself not fully paying attention to the Vampyre's words; most of her focus was spent managing the pain coarsing through her body. Every breath, every heartbeat sent more currents of agony up her spine and across her shoulders. Snarling as Dane called her 'friend', anger quickly rose in her chest. She could still see Szandor's blood coating the Vampyre's arm up to his elbow. Her heart ached and red seemed to cloud her vision. Pulling an arm back, Alena sent an uppercut into Dane's stomach. The force disappointed her; she was so weak. The punch didn't do her passion justice. Glaring at the man, Alena spoke through clenched teeth, "In the end, I will use what is left of your bones to pick my teeth."

As the Vampyre stepped closer, Alena shifted her weight uncomfortably; there was nowhere else for her to go, her back was to the wall and Dane stood before her. The Mother of Lycanthropy was not one to find proximity with anyone awkward, but there was something about the look in this Vampyre's eyes, if only for a moment, that made her feel even more vulnerable. Her face remained cold but for her eyes burning fire into Dane's skull; but she couldn't help but wonder what was going on in this Leech's mind.

She didn't believe for a minute that Pablo had spoken ill of her, and had just about accepted that Dane wouldn't divulge his tactic when the Vampyre admitted to jesting and mentioned old friends. Suddenly she understood what had happened. But, if he knew about them, what else could he know? Did he understand just how important they could be? Over two thousand years ago, in Veii, Annia and her parents and extended family had celebrated her coming of age. For many decades prior to her birth, her family had practiced dark arts and worshiped what many would call demons. It was a very little known fact that Alena still had distant Human relatives, descendants of her mother's sisters, witches who still practiced the ancient ways and communed with Devils. The number of beings who'd had such knowledge were counted on one hand, and of those, none remained living any longer. Szandor had been the last to know, although Raven had been privy to such knowledge as well. Dane had mentioned he'd watched his late King's interactions with her; perhaps he had been lurking in the shadows during their rendezvous.

Alena smiled, tucking her thoughts away from Dane's prying eyes. She would have to send someone to deal with those loose ends if she were not able to get out and do it herself.

[Dane]

Dane braced against her next attack, once again not moving in the slightest. There was no pain from the hit, but it was beginning to be a nuisance. He felt a strong urge to strike back at her, but now was not the time. Once Lucia was aware that Alena had regained consciousness he would tell the girl of her mother's poor behavior. There was little doubt she would not wish to see her disciplined, and Dane would be more than willing to offer his services. Ignoring her empty threat he spoke. "Alena, your current accommodations are afforded out of my respect for you. Know your place mutt, strike me again and you'll find your stay here to be far less pleasant. I can easily see you into tighter restraints. Would you like your sitting privileges revoked? Perhaps a muzzle for that bite of yours?" He smirked, Lucia would enjoy that. She would not need to hear a word from her mother's mouth.

He yearned to sink his teeth into Alena's throat and take her warmth for his own. It would be easy, his only restraint was Lucia's reaction, and to that he could easily claim that she perked his interest in lycan blood. Dane slowly lifted his hand again to Alena's chin, grabbing it and twisting her head to the side. Yes, she did feel particularly warm. Pulling his hand away he could still feel his finger tips tingling. There was so much he could do to her. Her scent once again filled his nostrils, the putrid sour smell immediately dissuading him. If he were human he would gag. Perhaps is she were bathed, or rather soaked with buckets of warm water. The odor was not just her smell, but that of other lycans. He picked up traces of the boy.

Dane matched Alena's smile with one of his own. Would she still be smiling once he presented Alena Pablo's head, his eye sockets empty, the skin peeled from his face. He thought not. Without another word he turned away from Alena. He was done with her, for now. Closing the cell door behind him he felt a slight chill in the air. It seemed that his appetite needed quenching, but first he would send for someone to retrieve the boy for him.

In the foyer Dane was approached by the vampire he was looking for. Isaac, the den's steward a vampire of a few decades old; he was dressed as always in a tidied suit, and wore a purple tie. In his hands he carried a saddle bag. "My King,I found something of note within the lycan's vehicle. I believe you may wish to see it."

"I am no longer King." He said reaching for the bag, and glancing at the contents within. A couple bloodied knives, a handgun, some frag grenades, wooden stakes, and a few contraptions he was not familiar with.

"Of course, I still have not adjusted to the change in leadership." Isaac flashed a knowing smirk. To him there was no question in who still ruled.

The bag smelt like the boy, but the blood within reeked of Alena. He ignored the vampire's smile. "Bring me Marcus immediately." As Isaac turned to walk away Dane spoke again. "And see to fitting a couple more silver collars." The steward nodded and quickly left to carry out his orders. The bag would make another fine gift for Lucia, her fondness for the young lycan still perplexed him, but he would never claim to completely understand the mind of a teenage girl.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Marching the Lycan up the first flight of stairs, he fought tirelessly. Though Lucia held one of the Werewolf's arms behind his back and kept the collar's leash taut, he still tried to grab at the girl with his free arm and halt their progress by straightening his legs and digging his heels into the warehouse floor. "Is this any way to act, Petite Woof?" Without a moment's notice, Lucia kicked her prisoner's feet out from under him, letting him fall to his knees. Wrenching his arm back harder, the Hybrid forced the Werewolf's back up straight, pulling the leach back so she could whisper in his ear, "You think you've lost everything, don't you? Your Den, your packmates. Yet there is still so much to be taken from you. Your life-Alena's life, they're in my hands now. I can either protect you and your precious Queen, or I can destroy Everything."

Letting go of his arm, Lucia pushed the Werewolf forward. He caught himself on his hands, seething visibly. Trying to walk himself back up on his knees, the Lycan spat profanities at the Hybrid, switching from English to Norwegian in his fevered state.

Grabbing the man's left wrist and pulling his arm out straight while still holding the leash tight, Lucia sighed mentally. "Have you learned nothing yet?" Lifting a leg, the girl kicked his elbow, breaking his arm at the joint. The Lycan howled out in pain, doubling over himself as much as the chain would allow.

Standing the Werewolf up, Lucia looped her left arm in the crook of his right elbow, helping to steady the beast on his feet, and climbing the last two staircases. As they came upon the third floor, it was clear that construction had been going on up here, and was just wrapping up as the Hybrid led her pet to his new cell. A handful of Vampires left the room carrying various tools and acknowledging the girl with a lowered head. One servant approached Lucia, bowing low, "My Lady Queen Lucia," he managed to save himself tactfully enough by using her new title. "As requested, one of the third floor rooms has been fortified and fitted to support a prisoner of Lycan proportions." Leading the girl and the Wolf into the makeshift prison cell, the servant continued, "As you can see, we've taken out any luxury that might have been available and laboriously affixed steel bars into the ceiling and floor to create a cell in the middle of the room. The cell bars, themselves, are cut with the purest silver, ensuring that the... Lycan will suffer intense pain if he tried to escape." The Vampire smiled, looking from the Werewolf, to the cell, to Lucia. "I hope this meets your approval, my Queen."

Applying pressure to the Werewolf's wrist and pushing down so he slumped to his knees, Lucia looked into the room, observing all the features. It looked like the walls, floor and ceiling had all been reinforced in someway as well, to prevent the prisoner from trying to dig or claw his way out. Although, the girl suspected that with time the Lycan's fight would dwindle, especially after wearing the silver collar for a prolonged period of time. "I believe this will do just fine. You and your team have done well to accommodate in such short time. Now, leave us."

Handing over the keys to the room and cell, the servants took their leave.

"Stand." Lucia commanded, waiting for the Werewolf to obey of his own volition. When he ignored her, the Hybrid cranked her hold on his right arm and pulled up on the leash, letting the collar sear into his throat. Shaking, the man stood finally, stepping into the confines of the cage. Letting go of her hold on the Werewolf's arm, Lucia fastened the chain to the floor, securing it tight.

"You think this will hold me!?" The man lunged at the girl, trying to take a chunk out of her neck or shoulder or arm; anywhere he could reach.

His attack was met with a palm to the face, breaking his nose again, "I do, yes." As the Lycan crumpled to the ground, Lucia looked down at his broken form. There was still so much fight in him; it seemed as though seeing Alena in such a state had struck a chord with the beast. Oh well, Lucia thought, whatever the case was, they both belonged to her, now.



Locking first the cell door, and then the apartment door behind her, Lucia licked her lips of any last traces of the Werewolf's blood; bringing her fingers up to clean away any remnants of the man's flesh from under her nails. She felt energized now; not only riding the high from the day's announcement that she was now Queen, but floating off the vibes the Lycan's blood had given her. It was tough to restrain herself, but she'd left the beast with enough blood that he would survive and start to heal. She did plan on tapping his energy on at least a weekly basis; she couldn't go wasting her bloodbag on the first night.

Still wearing the blood-stained yellow dress, Lucia made her way casually down the three flights of stairs to the main room of the warehouse that now served as their headquarters. The place was lacking in much of any decorum, but there would always be time to fix such things. For now, she sought after her lover, a smile on her face.

[Dane]

Marcus descended from the staircase in a hasty manner knowing Dane and his penchant for timeliness. . The matter was likely one of great importance, it was not so often Dane called upon him solely. He approached him, in the far corner of the main hall away from prying ears. "You called for me, friend?" Dane seemed to barely acknowledge him, save for a quick glance before the former vampire King shoved a bag into his hands. It reeked of lycan.

"This belonged to Lucia's pet. Follow the scent, track his whereabouts, and then report back to me." Dane ordered sternly. He admitted it was difficult to see the young lycan as a threat to him, but Alena seemed to hold him in high regards. That alone was worth something. There must have been a level of competence within the young lycan he had not considered. He was known to be a fierce warrior, but there must have been more if he was capable of subduing Alena. Judging from the contents within the bag the boy used subterfuge, one proficient in such a way could not roam freely.He was a loose end that needed to be seen to, and he could not trust the lycans to see to it themselves. Never one to underestimate his enemies Dane would address the matter personally. Of course the prospect of tearing someone else from Alena's life was appealing, and that alone would make it worthwhile, but he could not lose sigh of the bigger picture. There was more to this than dealing pain to Alena.

"Does the Queen know of this endeavor? If not, I apologize but I must refuse." Marcus said with an amused smile as if he'd told a great joke. Dane did little more than glare, it was enough to dissuade him from continuing his antics, but he still smiled. Should he have expected any more? Dane was always such a bore. "Fine, I will let loose the hounds, or in this case am I the hound ?" Marcus brought the bag to his noise and inhaled deeply, the scent was strong it would be easy to follow.

"Marcus, I'm expecting you to be discreet." Dane said his voice bearing no hint of threat. The need to do so was long gone. At this Marcus was aware if his orders were not followed to a tee it would not bode well for the elder vampire. Marcus nodded, returning the bag to Dane hand's and clamping the former King's shoulder in an overly friendly manner. "I've always done as you've asked. Why would I dare stop now?" Before Dane could respond in any manner Marcus pulled away, quickly turning to go about his business. Dane watched Marcus take his leave, heading up the stairway. The vampire's eccentric nature was at times testing, but he proved to be a valuable asset, and was quick to follow orders. For that Dane tolerated his behavior.

"My Queen!" Marcus proclaimed loudly and excitedly, bowing needlessly deep before stepping aside to allow Lucia to pass. It was little more than an effort to signal Lucia's approach. Unnecessary at the moment, but the sentiment was appreciated. He was after all about to seek out the newly appointed Queen. "Lucia." Dane said stepping towards her. "Somebody seems pleased with themselves." He noted the smile on her face. She was drenched in blood and appeared to not care. It was not how he thought a Queen should go about, but in a way that was hers to decide. "I take it you're new pet is treating you well?" He help up Pablo's bag to her. Ready to pull it away teasingly if she reached for it. "Your last one was gracious enough to leave us with memorabilia."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Smiling wide as Marcus swept low in a bow and allowed her to pass, Lucia floated happily toward Dane. The girl was covered in blood and completely oblivious to the fact. Little did she realize that she was displaying a tendency much like her mother to stride about the place drenched in the blood of her enemies. If anyone were to point out to her that she was, indeed, covered in bio-hazard, Lucia would have blushed openly, rushing to change into cleaner attire. In no way did she wish to resemble her mother's habits. For now, at least, she remained blissfully unaware as to the impression she was imposing on the Vampire populace.

Approaching Dane, the girl smiled as he spoke her name, commenting on her demeanor. She was quite pleased with herself. "He will suffice for now." Petite Woof had fought to the very end, but the moment her fangs pierced his skin, he slowly sank into the embrace, calmly noticeably.

Her thoughts returned once more to Pablo; regret filled her thinking about her sword piercing through his collar. She realized she could smell him, and noticed the object Dane was holding in his hands. As he held it out to her, she nearly pounced the Vampire, only to have him snatch it away. Her eyes narrowed playfully and she sidled in closer to Dane. "What's inside?" Her excitement was palpable; yet as she neared the bag, she scrunched up her nose, it smelled like her mother's blood as well as her pet. Breaking her eye contact from the bag for a moment, Lucia looked up into Dane's face, smiling with her eyes. He seemed to be in a good mood as well.

[Dane]

Watching Lucia approach him, Dane mused whether or not to tell the girl that her mother had awaken, or rather that he had awaken Alena. It would certainly dampen her mood, at times Lucia's enthusiasm and energy could be a bother to him. Who would have thought this abomination at the night could be so bubbly at times. He supposed it was appropriate that carnage seemed to make her that way. Smirking, he imagined the look that would form on her face, at the thought of confronting her. The fact Lucia could barely look at Alena did not go unnoticed. It was probably best not to inform her, he decided. This was her first night as Queen, it was meant to be a momentous occasion, and of course she was easier to manipulate when she was happy.

"If need be we can always find you another, Lucia, and of course the space to hold it. Your needs are of the utmost importance, my dear." Dane said returning her smile. Like Lucia, his noise wrinkled. The bag may have smelt of dog, but Lucia covered in werewolf blood reeked of it, almost as bad if not worse than her mother. He inched subtly away from her. Not wishing to bloody his clothes. " Just the hell the boy intended to rain down upon us, and the knives he used to quell your mother. He is rather resourceful, I cannot say I'm not impressed." Dane still held the bag close to him. "You could see for yourself, but I suppose you would not wish to further stain your new gift." He said diverting his gaze to the blood that soaked her arm.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Leaning over to peer inside the bag as Dane held it, the girl did not noticed his subtle inching away. She could not conceal the grin on her face as the Vampire admitted he was impressed by the young Werewolf. She knew there was a reason her mother had talked so fondly of Pablo, and she knew there was a reason she, herself, was so fond of the young man.

Lucia was midway about to reach into the bag with her left hand when Dane mentioned her not wanting to soil the object further. She noticed her bloodied hand as if for the first time and retracted it quickly. Giving the Vampire an appreciative look, Lucia nodded her head, "How right you are. I admit, I had overlooked my appearance-a silly thing to do, yet I was so excited." Licking her lips, the girl prepared to return to the third floor to clean up. "If you'll excuse me; I do have much interest in the bag. Thank you, Dane, for having it retrieved."

Restraining herself from skipping away, Lucia strode with dignity back to the staircase, climbing the levels to the third floor and to the room she and Dane were sharing. She was physically buzzing with energy and joy; it felt like nothing could bring her down this night. Something briefly felt warm and fuzzy inside her chest at the thought of owning a keepsake of Pablo's. She realized she was grinning like an idiot as she discarded her dress and stepped into the hot shower.

Closing her eyes as the brick-red liquid washed from her skin, the Hybrid scrubbed herself thoroughly of any traces of blood. It was then that she noticed the slight gash near her eyebrow and realized not only had she smelled of Werewolf blood, but also, perhaps, of Vampire blood. Pressing her forehead against the cold shower wall, Lucia laughed beside herself. That was a foolish mistake; one she would have to take care never to repeat. At least the wound near her eye had already started to heal.

Finishing her shower, the girl walked over to the wardrobe, debating what to wear.