Unfortunately, I could not get the Zombie Novel I'm working on to upload. I did, however, recover my vampire house Series. So here is the Introduction, and Chapter One. A teaser of what is to come.
Introduction
Let me tell you a story of honor, betrayal, and death. It's a story of a house divided, by rules and obligations. I am Rein Mia Rogue, a watcher, and soon-to-be leader and protector of these realms. I run a house with over 200 members, including informants, teachers, scholars, archivists, warriors, guards, and watchers like myself. There are also relatively new blood who were turned by outsiders and sought shelter among us. However, there is a traitor among us causing chaos, and it's my job to figure out who it could be.
This house is not your average house. It has been around for eons, and mortals call us bloodsuckers, demons, or those who feast upon flesh. However, we are vampires. There is an uprising happening, a power struggle, and I am stuck proving my worth to be the leader by birthright. Some say I do not deserve this position, but my skills and lineage say otherwise. My lineage goes back to the first of us, Lilith, who birthed Elizabeth Bathory, the queen of blood. Then, there was Vlad, whom I wish never to hear of again. He was a disgrace to our kind, and my father put an end to that.
Now let me tell you about the ones who are tasked with being my guards. Currently, there are four: Fury, a strong, short-tempered woman skilled in close combat, known for her fiery red hair; Aurora, the lighthearted wise one, known for her bladed fan and sight skills, is also my trusted friend; Luna, quiet and stealthy, known only as the blue terror, is my informant, skilled in staying hidden and unnoticed, and a variety of martial arts and ranged weapons when needed for combat; and then there is Dart, skilled in everything, a master of all types, who's been around longer than I. He is calm, patient, and honorable, and the only other one I would allow in my chambers. The fifth guard will be determined in the next clan tournament; which you will be in, Dante. You are the first fledgling to have proven yourself as a protector and deserving to be in this tournament.
Now, I beg you to rest, Dante, for tomorrow you will partake in the battle.
Chapter One: The Doubt
"I am growing tired of the snide comments that my housemates make when I walk by. They seem to think that I am not capable of leading this place. But I beg to differ. After all, I played a crucial role in the war against the Demon Hunters. My mother's failure almost cost us the entire platoon, but I stepped in and got the job done with minimal casualties. Yes, I may have a quick temper, and my actions may be brash at times, but I am an effective leader."
Rein sighed as she looked out of the window of her mother's old room, which was decorated with maroon-covered walls and towering bookcases filled with books written by thousands of Archivists. This was where she used to come before every war meeting to study the weaknesses of each creature that posed a threat to humanity. Unlike her housemates, Rein took her responsibilities seriously and made sure she was always prepared as a tactician.
Dart looked at Rein with concern. He sensed her losing herself. He stood next to her, with arm around her shoulders. “Rein, you can’t let them get to you. They are confused, the death of your mother was sudden. No one was prepared for this. Not even you. Their whispers will stop, after the tournament.” Dart said with a comforting tone. Rein turned to Dart, and buried her head in his chest. This soothed her, as he wrapped his arms around her. Rein began to cry; she needed this. She had yet to mourn the loss of her mother. “Let it out, let it all out. You need to grieve.” Dart said sympathetically. “Thank you. Thank you for understanding, thank you for always being here for me.” Rein stated with sorrow.
Dart had a secret, a secret he dare not reveal, and it was killing him. He cared very deeply for Rein. More than a guard should. There are rules for this and he must follow them. Otherwise the consequences will be grim.
“Rein, I need to excuse myself, from your company. I need to feed. I shall be with you in the marrow.” Dart stated and quickly left The room. When Dart entered the hall, Aurora was there; smiling almost vindictively like. “I can see your thoughts, remember?” Aurora stated snidely. Dart glared angrily at her, and was about to go off on one. Yet, he envisioned it for her to see, instead. “Well, you can do that Ooor you could listen to me. I know of a way for you to be together. It’s happened before in the past.” Aurora cockily said. He looked at her with surprise, yet, he already knew the way. “I’m listening.” Dart said melancholy like.
Aurora motioned for him to follow. She couldn’t speak of what she knew where there could be prying eyes. They walked down the hallway and turned toward the rooftop entrance. They climbed the two flights of steps and exited out onto the roof. There she sat him down and began to explain the ways.
“You only knew of one. That being the fight to the death. Yet there’s other ways. Prove your lineage noble, and pure. Or she will need to claim you. Then there’s entering the tournament and fighting us.” Aurora stated with caution. “Well seeing as she has no male relatives, fighting to the death is not an option. Can’t prove nobility or purity, since no one can read my blood memory’s. Only option left is fighting the rest of the guards. Yet I refuse, due to my strength. As for her claiming me. She can’t with the house so divided.” Dart said regretfully.
Aurora looked at him confused like. “You really don’t know do you?” She asked perplexed. “You really don’t, and neither does she. Perfect!” Aurora exclaimed. “What are you on about?” Dart asked. Aurora giggled and ran off to inform Rein. There’s a reason the house is so divided as it is. They don’t think Rein is qualified due to the lack of a mate. The old bloods believe that Queens rule better with a companion. Although Rein wasn’t really looking for one this would solve a lot of issues amongst the elders.
Yet the moment Aurora stepped in front of Reins door, something was off. Aurora immediately telepathically called for Dart and in an instant he was there. Dart slammed the door open and rushed to Reins side.
Rein was slumped over on her desk, crying as if someone stabbed her in the chest. “They informed you…” before Aurora could finish that sentence Rein looked at Dart with sadness. “If I don’t find a mate, they threatened war.” Rein somberly stated. Aurora grinned, even chuckled a bit. “ Why is this funny to you!?” Rein stated in a demanding tone. “Because you have one right next to you.” Aurora said whilst pointing at Dart. Rein shook her head and cried a bit more. “They want the fledgling Dante to be my companion. I don’t get to choose.” Rein sobbed. Dart grew angry, he knew Dante was a bad choice. He’s too young and inexperienced. “I’ll fight him in the tournament!” Dart exclaimed, while grabbing Rein holding her close to him. “I would do anything for you, I truly love you, Rein.” He declared his love, in front of Aurora. The worst possible thing to do in front of a median watcher. “The elders accept your challenge, however, if you lose; you are banished from here.” Aurora stated with a voice not of her own. Aurora then fell to the floor, and Rein rushed over to her. Rein grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes. “You shits, how dare you try to usurp me? How dare you threaten my guard and use my sister for your service! How dare you make decisions for me!?” Rein screamed and Aurora replied. “They will be doing a lot more if Dart loses. I need to lay down Rein. They’ve done something to me.” Aurora said weakly and immediately collapsed.
“Take her to the medic. I’ll deal with these Elders the only way I can.” Rein stated. Dart complied, yet didn’t know what she would do or say to these Elders.
Aurora opened her eyes, and jokingly yet weakly said “My knight and shinning armor.” Dart looked at her with a slight smile, yet, he had concerns. Aurora could sense those concerns, and tried to pinpoint where Rein was at this point. Dart arrived at the medics office, which was several flights down into the basement. Yet, it didn’t look like a basement, it was redone, to model a high-end hospital. Earthen tone walls, and state of the art equipment. With paintings of famous mid-century Italy and French artists. Dart was impressed by the sight, he has never been to this area. He got lost in one of the paintings, created by Edvard Munch. The medic snapped him out of his trance, with a worrisome look. “I’ve never seen a case like this, in Vampire history. The elders really did a number on her. They drained Auroras life energy, and severed nerves. She cannot regenerate with her life essence being drained like this.” The medic stated. Dart grew angrier then before. He pounded his fist to his other hand, shaking his head with disgust. “How do we help her?” Dart questioned. Before the medic could say anything, Aurora interrupted them.
“Don’t worry about me, worry about Rein. Without her the house is lost. The Elders are planning to destroy her; by any means necessary. They are the traitors, and Dante is the plant.” Dart went to Aurora and stood at her bedside. Aurora was like a sister to him; yet he never expressed his feelings.
“For Flipping Sakes, Dart. I knew what I was getting myself into. I’ll be fine. This is a consequence for doing a deep Dive on the Elders; when they hijacked my body. I hijacked their memories. Look, Rein is with Fury right now, and you know what that means. GO before its too late.” Aurora weakly stated. Dart shook his head, and left, whilst also reminding the medic of what could happen if he harmed Aurora in any way. The medic simply stated, that he is not with the elders. For he was rescued by Rein. He owed Rein everything.
Fury was the head of the warrior caste. She is the one who you go to when you need the big guns. The Calvary, more a long the lines, there’s a reason she is called Fury. Hell hath no Fury, because she’s here. Fury hates the Elder caste, absolutely loathes them. She’s made that stance clear several times over by disobeying them and cutting her link.
Rein stands outside of Fury’s mansion door, waiting patiently to be welcomed in. Dart arrives, and pulls Rein towards him. “What the hell are you thinking? You know what Fury is like. Would you just let me fight in the Tournament.” Dart strongly stated. Rein pulled away from him, and glared her icy stare.
“I cannot allow it.” Rein stated angrily, and looked back at the door. Where Fury was standing, quietly awaiting her guests to finish. Fury looked at Dart and then back at Rein. “Dart, I don’t know why you have an issue with me, and I really don’t care. Leave it out here, and come in.” Fury stated. Dart and Rein entered her home, walked down the entrance corridor to the living room. Decked in Maroon and red tone colors, with towering bookcases just like Reins dwelling. They immediately sat down on the red plush couch. While Fury sat across from them in her plush maroon recliner. Waiting for them to speak of their plight.
©2024 Mary Robbins
