The mist in the fall night air was still young. It hadn't even been two hours dark, and the creatures were already stirring from their homes. The cities were more than likely alive with the dead, and the humans who were still brave enough walked among them. Near the forest was a small graveyard and a church which had been long abandoned by the people of Dusk. Because this place had been left alone for some many years, it had become home to one of the most powerful vampires that roamed the streets. He was not a fan of the city though, it was going on the age of the modern, and people loved to party loud in the taverns and inns, which caused this man to stay out of sight. Though it was not his only problem, he also had problems with the local packs that took quadrants through the city. He may have been stronger than most of the men, but he did not want to start trouble with any of them less they take action by sending for the local hunters. Honestly, he would rather keep his people safe at the edge of Dusk then deep in the clutches of his enemies.

The room around her was too familiar, boring even. Sighing, the thin figure made its way to the closed window, trapping out all the fresh air. The clear glass gave a both perfect and beautiful sight of the bright white moon that just had taken rest high in the star-dotted sky. Pushing open the window, she took a deep breath in before turning back around, looking at the rather dark room, the three small candles placed around the room not giving off too much light. Her gaze turned back to the world outside, the night dead-silent. She wondered what laid outside the city, if the rumors of the dead creature that roamed the night were true at all

Aislinn opened her bedroom window and silently jumped out, landing on the ground she sprinted off into the woods. Of course it would only be a matter of time when her father realizes that she's gone. So not wanting to waste any time Aislinn ran as far as she could with a smile on her face. She was wasn't a bad daughter per say, Aislinn just really loved going anywhere. Slowing down her pace Aislinn found the lake she always came to and sat down at the edge. The reflection of the moon shimmered in the water and Aislinn looked up at the sky. "Night time is truly beautiful." Laying down on her stomach Aislinn began to run her fingers through the water, watching the ripples work their way towards the center.

"Are you going out?" the elder man asked, his hands down to his side and his eyes showing no fear of the fiery-red creature before him. Emerald eyes that matched a beautiful forest turned to the butler and smiled lightly before running his long thing fingers through his beautiful red waved hair. He nodded. "Do be careful, Velcar, I hope to see you before sunrise." Jeeves, the elderly human, stated before turning away and walking deeper into the abandoned church. Velcar just took in a deep breath and sighed, it wasn't often that his compelled friend worried about his whereabouts at night, perhaps his magic was running a little dry as of lately.

The cool Hallow-eve's air filtered into the house, and the man just stared out at the lights of the city. Electricity was starting to take control, few candles still lit homes, but in the companies were small bulbs that flickered on and off with a simple touch on a switch. He swayed into the graveyard, the mist wrapping around him like a cloak sent by God, but he those who knew him better would tell you off his own manipulation on nature around him. With a deep whiff, he could smell burning candle in the distance with a woman standing at a window sill, and yet in another area surrounded by pine and oak was a woman playing with what sounded like ripples of water. Though because of his new law, his people were only to feed on the willing or the dying. He sighed and put his hand in his pockets before heading to the closest tavern to find a willing victim.

Aislinn stood up and dusted off her clothes. Sighing she turned around and slowly started to make her way back to her home. She started to hum then it turned into a soft song. "You, You call out to me
you're just out of reach but I'm closing in I'm still going, still believing in your word" Aislinn knew that it was the end of the song she started with but it had meaning. She knew something better was out there and she was determined to find it.

As she was walking she failed to notice that everything around her went silent expect her voice. Slowly her pace till she stopped Aislinn looked around, she couldn't see anything but couldn't shake the feeling that someone or something was watching her every move. Taking one more looked around Aislinn continued to walk again but went back to humming. Hearing footsteps behind her Aislinn tried to pull it off as if she didn't know. Waiting for the steps to get closer she spun around trying to punch whoever it was. Seeing that the man grabbed her hand before she hit him, Aislinn glared, "If you think I'm going to be willing to someone who thinks that they can take it whenever they like you're wrong." Still glaring at the man Aislinn tried to free her hand, "What's a rogue like you doing here anyway?"

The smirk on his face said it all and Aislinn grimaced when his grip tightened and jerked her forward causing her to lose balance. Feeling the other hand grab her neck Aislinn realized her weapons were at home, Nice going Ais! Just had to leave them at home! Hearing him say that it would only hurt for a second Aislinn started to struggle trying to get him to loosen his grip, "Get off me!"

Even though the parties in the tavern's and the no-no's in the allies were over powering most of Velcar's hearing, he was still able to hear the faint word's of 'let go' and a struggle. He was no hero though, never wars. In fact he much enjoyed hearing someone in desperate need of help due to the fact he would be able to feed on them without a worry. Most people would rule out his extra small bite on the neck as a romantic mark from the killer. Mostly it was ruled out though, considering that the body was never missing too much blood, it was a good way to keep the spot light off his vampires. Though the club in town often had vampires and willing customers that went inside. He didn't like the clubs though and often went to a private bar to find his pickings, though it was much harder to find the willing in bars that had not already tainted their blood with alcohol.

With a smug smile on his face, he started to amble over in the direction that the struggling amplified from. If he stayed at his rather human slow pace, he would make it there just in time to witness the victims last breath. He was not sure though.

~*~*~*~

Meanwhile, in town, a young man with beautiful golden hair, stepped into a busy tavern. He was excited to see so many people playing poker, drinking and singing along to the piano in the far back corner. He was the type of person who enjoyed a good time more than anything else. Though he was in Dusk for one reason, to find the creatures that were biting his victims. He knew that it was not the local werewolves, being a friend to the clan, he had already ruled them out with questioning. It was also a process of keeping them secret to the humans. It also wasn't the tigers to the west. One of the journalists he worked with assured him of this, being the second in command to their own alpha.

Perhaps it was the legendary dark walkers then, which he had not been able to locate just yet. He took in a deep breath and ordered himself a drink. Bourbon on the rocks, just the way he liked it. He took it in one swig and scanned the place over with her deep ocean blue eyes. He could smell all the rot that surrounded him, being the human spectra that was slowly dying and killing their livers with the over use of alcohol. It was a shame people did that to themselves. Being a werefox though, Jonathan was able to take a lot of alcohol at one time without destroying his organs like those around him. Though he often did not do this.

Feeling the vampire tighten his grip Aislinn kneed him in the stomach causing him to let go and step back. Taking the opportunity Aislinn spun around kicking him on the left side of his cheek and watched him fly a few feet to the left. Getting into a defensive stance Aislinn never took her eyes off him, "I told you that I won't be willing to someone who thinks they can just take whatever they want." Seeing the man stand up and hiss Aislinn waited for him to make a move. Not having to wait long the vampire charged at her and gave her a cut on her arm. Grabbing her arm Aislinn didn't let him get the upper hand. She jumped away and took in her surroundings, The main road isn't that far but still a good distance away...He could catch up easily. Running down a dirt path Aislinn could hear him tracking her, the warm blood running down her arm was basically a beacon to him.

Hearing water running Aislinn could almost smack herself, The stream leading away from the lake! God I'm an idiot! Bursting through the tree line Aislinn jumped into the water and held her breath as it pulled her away. Holding her breath for as long as she could Aislinn resurfaced and saw that she was near a graveyard. "Charming..." Climbing out Aislinn walked towards it, "I know it ends up near my house so I guess I have to go through..." Knowing that the vampire wouldn't be finding her anytime soon Aislinn relaxed and slightly shivered from being wet. "Not my brightest ideas....but it worked." Mumbling to herself she walked through the cemetery.

Velcar was disappointed to hear that the struggle had subsided, and that the vampire was cursing rather loudly. He could smell the thick salty iron of blood hit the air and realized it was the victim's. He listened to the water as it claimed her heartbeat and scent for a short time before she arrived to a territory he knew all too well. If she thought a small cut on her arm would be completely sealed over once she was out of water she was dearly mistaken. She basically stepped right into a large trap.

Two vampires came around the church with their noses in the air. They were twins, though one had a nasty scar from its human life going down its right cheek, while the other just looked perfect. Their hair was beautiful, golden like the sun rays, and their eyes the softest of blues. "Look at what we have her, Deacon," the one with the scar said, stalking Aislinn as if she were his prey. "A little birdie has come out to play."

"Come now, Dray, no reason to frighten the birdie away," Deacon stated, crossing his arms over his broad chest and smirking. "You're hurt dear... can I lick it?"

Aislinn glared, "No." She was mentally cursing herself for taking this route. I really am trouble prone! Still holding her arm she slightly turned so it was facing the away from the vampires. "Just go find someone else to terrorize. I'm not in the mood tonight." She started to walk again not wanting them to think that she'll back down. Aislinn already made a mental note NOT to come this way again even if her life depended on it. Changing her course, Aislinn went right going near where one of her family members was buried. How about a quick visit? She laughed at her thought, "Oh this is such a wonderful night..."

Deacon and Dray followed her with their gleaming eyes, making sure to watch her every move. The twins then seemed to have a mental connection of some type of agreement before Dray appeared behind Aislinn. His arms went for her quickly before a color of beautiful red spun through the area at first, until both vampires were slammed up against the side of the church by a red-headed man of a handsome nature. His body looked strong, not weak like some vampires, and his skin was the softest white that it seemed like wintered had touched him briefly. His hair was almost like a beacon of red in the night, but not too strong to make him look unreal.

"You know my laws..." he growled up at the boys, who struggled under his pressured grip. They too should have had enough power to pull the man off them, but for some reason Velcar had the upper hand. "I only took the two of you in because you blood oathed, don't make me regret helping you twerps." His voice was low, like a growl from a wolf, but with a more human tone. He didn't have a French accident, or even a European accident.

"Velcar... we..." Deacon began, his hands were wrapped around the snowy-white man's wrists, and he was actually tan in comparison, as if the man had just feasted. "We're sorry. We are not use to having visitors go through your territory. We lost control." Deacon squirmed until Velcar released the two of them. They grabbed their throats, which looked like it had been crushed before disappearing into the darkness.

The man slowly turned around, his grassy green eyes staring the woman down. "My apologies," formality took hold of his voice. He had been taught to be polite to women, even as a vampire he held that virtue close at heart. "You have my word that my men won't touch you unless willing the rest of your travels..." He said softly, both his hands behind his back, another gentleman act.

Aislinn couldn't take her eyes off the man named Velcar. Slowly nodding her head Aislinn wanted to just walk away but her body wouldn't let her, "It's alright, you don't need to apologize for someone who can't be a gentleman like yourself." Glaring over at the twins she smiled at Velcar, "I'm Aislinn by the way, thank you for the help." She made a gesture to her arm, "That rogue sure knows how to cut deep." Her hand was still covering the wound and it seemed that the blood stopped, but she didn't want to risk moving her hand away. Thinking for a moment Aislinn felt safe with the man even though she just met him, "Um...Mr. Velcar would be trouble to escort me home? It might make it an easier trip if someone like you were there to deter others."

Deacon and Dray peaked their heads out around the church. They were surprised that the woman was so hypnotized by Velcar to even invite him to walk her back to her house, but they were almost sure that the master vampire would tell her that walking in these woods would be her own doing since he had not fed yet that night. Instead they were surprised when Velcar stepped a little closer to her.

"I could walk you home, but it may not be best for you, smelling like a sweet iron treat." He stated, but then he was at her side in a blur motion. "You see, you already know what I am, and it could be your last night walking in the woods with a man like myself, but like you said, I could keep other's from harming you as well, if that is what you truly wish." He said, his breath on the back of her neck with his last couple of words. "What do you say, Miss Linn?"

Breath caught in her throat Aislinn could only nod her head. Taking a moment to find her voice, she finally spoke, "Im willing to take the risk." Aislinn knew what he said was true, but she lived for taking risks and the thrill of wondering what could happen. Looking over her shoulder at Velcar then lifted her hand that was covered in blood, "Life is no fun if you don't take risk." Lightly placing the tip of her finger on his lips and seeing a red spot she began walking towards her house.

I watched them through the trees, as I usually do when I hear something interesting. Apperently this Velcar, was a leader or Alpha of some sort. He was going to escort this girl named Aislinn. The wind had a slight chill to it, rustling the leaves. My stomach made out a loud growl of hunger. Almost as the wind stopped blowing so it made a huge sound around the forest. I clutched it, hoping none of the other vampires or human below heard it.

Velcar nodded his head in agreement, "Indeed." He placed his pale hand on the mid of her back then paused when he heard a rumbling. It was far enough that the human would not have heard it, but he could. His eyes scanned the forest until they fell upon the unwanted guest. He smiled briefly and turned to face the girl hiding in his territory. "I can smell you like a rat in a wolf's den, my sweet. You're not one of mine..." He added. Then he pulled the human girl slightly closer to him, it was a way of protecting her from a vampire he was unsure of. "May as well make yourself known to the Master of these lands."

I slightly bit my lip, contemplating whether I should flee or reveal myself. My pulse was pounding and I almost wanted to rip out my own stomach for making such a noise. My mind told me to run but my body told me to jump. I jumped off the branch, crunching dead leaves as I landed. That would of broken most people's bones. Not mine. I stood up straight, making eye contact with Velcar. He unnerved me, I usually unnerve most people. My white hair usually did it the best, but his red hair made me want to shrink away from him. To hide. I was mentally yelling at my body for jumping and not running. "So your the Master of these lands." I spat a little more venomiously then I intended. Slightly scolding myself at being snappy, I hadn't eatin in three days and I was starving.

Aislinn slightly tensed up at the newcomer, when she felt Velcar pull her towards him she couldn't help but relax. She kept her eyes on the woman and by how Velcar was talking Aislinn figured she was a vampire as well. Gee, I keep running into vampires tonight. Is the moon full? Glancing up at the sky Aislinn held in her laughter, the moon was indeed full. Now all we need are the werewolves and that will be the icing on the cake. Mentally cursing herself for going off into her own world, Aislinn focused back on the vampire, "What's your name?"

I looked at the girl, half forgetting she was there. "My name is Allana." I said, my muscles were tensed and hurt. "And you are in my hunting ground." I darted my eyes at her then at Velcar. My stomach felt like it was going to cave in and I felt my fangs slide in and out. No. I can't drink her. I have to hunt animals. I relaxed a little, letting my muscles unrevel.

Velcar narrowed his eyes as the girl landed before them. He was not exactly happy that someone would disrespect him in the way she had, but he was about to address it when the girl he held to his chest asked the woman for her name. It was not often that human's cared for vampire's identities due to the fact that they often lost their lives to the beast of the night. He shook his head when the vampire even responded, then she pulled another sentence that unnerved him enough to bring his harsh gaze upon her.

"Your hunting grounds?" he cocked his head to one side, his hair falling around him in a wave of fire as if to light the night or burn its victims. "I think not," he added, narrowing his eyes. "I'm master of these lands, and thus you are invading on already owned turf. Which means, that I can have you killed for trespassing without asking the master of the lands first if you may hunt his people." His voice darkened, becoming harsh like the deep cold ice waters and it drew a power through him that threatened not only the human in his arms, but the vampire before him, showing that he was not someone to mess with.

I wanted to take a step back and run ffor it. But I couldn't show weakness. I can't. "I meant no disrespect." I started. Keeping my head held high and voice full. "I do not hunt humans, but animals." I finished. He was pissed and the last thing I wanted to do was make him more mad. "I didn't even know these lands had a master." I kept my eyes locked on his. I never thought someone had a more unreal haircolor than mine. But his looked like they were bleeding. I was suddenily ready to run.

Aislinn kept quiet as Velcar spoke, his voice held power and she knew better than to put her two sense in. Glancing over her shoulder to look at him Aislinn knew he could easily end her life right here and now, but she couldn't fear him for the moment. He was after all escorting her home to make sure others kept away and after that, well Aislinn would just have to find out for herself. His hair was like fire and Aislinn couldn't help to compare it to hers. Her hair was more dark and to her it seemed to resemble blood when in the light. To clear all random thoughts running through her head Aislinn began to mentally play Moonlight Sonata mvt. 1 in her head. Giving one last look at Velcar, Aislinn looked back over to Allana.

"The first of conduct is to find information about a vampire living in the territory, you don't want a vampire who is powerful enough to sense your passing then put a death warrant on your head." Velcar's voice was still thin smooth with the little crackles of anger that made him icy cold. He was using a different type of voice against this vampire than he had against the twins earlier, only because they were part of his coven, and it was not often that he had to use force to make them understand the laws of the vampires. "It does not matter if you are hunting human or animal, it is still a violation." He noticed the look the human had given him as he was finishing his thoughts. She was comparing his hair to her blood auburn, this he could tell by the flickering in her eyes and the curiosity that swept over her disgruntled features for a moment.

Then he noticed that she was paying attention to the vampire before them named Allana once more, which brought his attention back to the intruder. "I suggest you ask now, before I send word to my men to take in your scent and hunt you to your grave, Allana." When he said her name a small surge of power left him that would make any vampire go down to their knees and beg for forgiveness. It was a special gift he had, making vampires obey his wishes. Something only few master vampires really could do.

Why couldn't I turn tail and flee? My knees gave way and I was on my knees, breking twigs and cracking dead leaves. My entire body wanted to flee, hide away. I've done it before, but why couldn't I do it know? Before I knew what I was saying it all came out. "I ask for your forgiveness Velcar, I am just a lone vampire needing a meal. I pass trhough forest and forest in search of my next meal. And when I was sleeping this tree, I heard you all talking." I started not even knowing what I was saying. How was he doing this? I tried my best to control my muscles but the were limp as wattered down fur. "I ask for your forgiveness once more Velcar." I said and lifted my head back to expose my neck. A way to express orgivness to elder vampires.

Finishing the song in her mind Aislinn slightly shifted when the wind blew causing her to lightly shake but it wasn't really noticeable. Well Velcar will noticed considering he has his arms around me... Once the wind stopped she relaxed once more. Watching Allana go to the ground and ask for forgiveness Aislinn became more surprised at Velcar. She was debating if she should look at him again because even though he displayed great power Aislinn couldn't be afraid.

Velcar sighed, his arms relaxing around the human and then letting her go all together. He stepped around her, knowing that the vampires of his clan would not harm her. His soft steps took him toward the vampire on her knees. The man towered over her, then he bent down, putting his finger tips on her chin for a moment. "You may feed, then you'll go into town and find a bed to sleep in for the night. Come back tomorrow night and we will discuss your fate." He released her face then turned back to Aislinn.

"Now, to get you home, my sweet..." he offered his hand to the young human and waited for her to take his offer before escorting her to her destination.