**SIDE STORY OF: The Rachel’s Secrets Uncovered **

One hundred and fifty-two years ago Helwing’s son had finally caught up with Rachel and Ariel. The year was January 24, 1848, where they were mining at night. While the humans were sleeping he saw them working through the darkness. Mother and daughter dressed as men, while they were kept to themselves. Though they knew they were being watched; Rachel and her daughter kept a steady pace. He wouldn’t approach them together because he knew Ariel was still learning about herself. He left them and went straight into the caves where rebel vampires were waiting on him.

“Master, have you found them?”

“Yes, I did.”

“What are you orders master?”

“Kill Rachel but bring me Ariel. She is the one I need; that we need.”

“The young girl is strong; how will we catch her?”

“Kill her mother and she will follow you to hell for vengeance.”

They left with haste for the sun would be up soon; they some vampires were immune to the sunlight there were still a few species that could not be out in the light. Those are the ones who sold their souls to come back; they swore to serve the La Diablesse. Vampires that served under a witch or demon were not as strong as a pure blood. And they knew Rachel’s daughter was more than an ancient vampire. 

❧

By sunlight, the rebel vampires buried themselves deep into the ground; where they would be protected from hunters. Humans were out and about searching for gold. Already a cave was bought and protected. Ariel dressed in leather pants and shirt was on the hunt. Because they did not kill just anyone; her mother taught her how to track down criminals. Depending on their crimes she would drink from them or let the courts deal with them. Her mother was already back working deep in the mines waiting for her daughter to return. They had bought a few cattle for food and would quench their thirst. Every now and then human blood was needed to keep them from losing their minds. Today Ariel was hunting down a man who murdered a family and raped the man’s wife in front of the children. Only one child survived and he was in the camp. There were no law men so justice was coming with fangs. Once Ariel got the scent she was on the move. Two days ride before she came to lawless town. She found the man in bed with a hooker who much too young to be working as a show girl. She stormed into the room knocking the man off the girl. The girl screaming when Ariel drag the man out. On her hips were her side arms. Three men came out and they had their hands on their pistols; ready to fire.

❧

“This does not concern you all; leave and live another day.”

They drew but were not quick enough when Ariel fired her pistols. Each one had been shot in their shoulders. 

“You don’t have to die so move along; I’m not after you.”

She lifted the man on her second horse and she got up on her horse.

“We will hunt you down bitch!”

She road back to the mines where she and her mother mesmerized the man. For three days they fed on him till their thirst was over. He was nearly dead as Ariel removed three bite marks. By the fourth day the child confirmed that the man she brought back was him. They strung him up and he was still twitching; Ariel loaded her gun with silver bullets and shot him in the heart and in between the eyes. Ariel again went on the hunt for bandits had attacked a camp; she already had found one guy who told her where to find the others. Rachel by herself knew something was on the hunt for her; she got out her sword and had on her armor. She left the cave and headed for cover. Her daughter had never seen her armor but one day she would; but hopefully not a for a long time. Out from mortal eyes there were the rebel vampires. They encircled her keeping her in the middle. Rachel taught very young to fight with blades as they came at her. 

❧

Her hands were fast as she moved with lightning speed. Only one was kept alive and not for very long.

“What do you want heathen?”

“You.”

“This is the army that is hunting my child down; why?”

“Our master wants your daughter.”

“I do not know; we were to kill you and he would go after Ariel.”

“Who is your master?”

“I cannot reveal his name.”

“Then I have no use for you.”

She chopped off the female vampire’s head and burning her body and her followers bodies. Soon, Ariel would be home; and  again, they had to be on the move. The mine she had bought plus two others mines were legal. She hired trusted men who knew not to cross her; they had a share but her share was kept for her until she came back. They managed to go up north to Alaska. Rachel went through school and learned business and soon she came back to invest in saloons; then she invested in the military. Rachel and Ariel left for Maine; they headed for a remote area where there was hardly anyone there. They built a very small cabin with a basement. There she put all of their treasures they had accumulated along with chest that she dared not open in front of Ariel. They had more wealth but still she dared not touch any of it.

Rachel having her daughter help her bring in wood; Ariel knew they could have a huge place but she looked at the tiny cabin, they living well below their means.

“Momma why are we living like poor humans?”

“There will be a day that we will have a haven for monsters like us who just want peace. Till that day we will live like this so that we are never to be discovered. We have wealth spread out because it’s not natural for women especially in our situation to be exposed. For now daughter let us be put on a front for that is our way of life. We are hunters and vagrants.”

❧

“When do we go back out west?”

“We won’t be. I have a few men who are doing my business and they are friends from my past. They know my father and grandfather so they are sworn to assist me in any way.”

“Why are we always on the move?”

“I have enemies that want you, just you. Inside you is something that vampires haven’t seen before and your bloodline has powers that vampires are afraid of but fascinated by. You must understand within you is something so great;  that if our enemies ever captured you that it could be deadly. That is why I’m teaching you to live amongst humans with understanding of life. We have the ability to destroy but I don’t want that; life is worth fighting for even if it’s not your own.”

“I understand momma; I guess I’m tired of being on the move so much. Dressing in cheap clothing.”

“It’s humbling though. One day we will live in luxury but you’re going to hate it. In my home country my father had castles and great halls; but I actually like the freedom now. Your daddy and I tried living luxury and being on the go but we drew too much attention. I made arrangements for you to meet up with Alexander; I hear he has some work for you and take it. It will keep you busy for a few months.”

“Do you really have to go for a few months?”

❧

“Yes but it is good for you to find yourself without me. Just keep your head low and stay within the shadows. I need to lose some enemies because they already came too close.”

“Who are they?”

“They are rebels, no coven or sire or hold on to our laws. They believe if they get me out of the picture; it will be easy to get to you.”

“Isn’t uncle Rayburn supposed to be with Alexander also?”

“Yes darling, they have a few jobs for you and they are going to train you to do some assassin’s jobs. Come back here when you are done and if I haven’t came back yet then go to Canada. I have a few friends who are Sasquatches; tell them that you come in my place. The contracts are in the case on top of my chest. They’ll keep you busy. I’ll meet you there if not here.”

By dawn Rachel left by ship heading to the old country. Vlad was waiting on her as well as the counsel. She had business to attend to; for her daughter did not know exactly what was going on, Rachel knew her daughter didn’t need to know about the Order of the Dragon just yet. Her daughter knew little about the past history but not fully. She remembered her parents keeping many secrets not out of cruelty. They had trained her  to fight and they taught her about nobility. She remembered being dutiful, obedient daughter. She was to be part of the counsel and to marry the Elder’s eldest son. She was all for the marriage because it was what her parents had ordered. She then met Lachlan both of them had locked eyes. 

❧

She remembered how they danced at the ball as if no one else mattered. Days passed and they spent those moments like each moment was the last. One night they shared a kiss as the moonlight shined down upon them. Blessing them as they professed their love. Rayburn felt the rejection but he found solace in another. He would later tell Rachel; he had forgiven her and because of hers and his brother’s decision; he found his true love. It was Irina who was scorned; she too loved Lachlan. Irina was brought up as a noble woman; while Rachel was taught to be a warrior. Irina had caught Rachel and Lachlan in the middle of passion; envious eyes couldn’t unsee the treachery. She remembered they left without word or care; and one night Rachel remembered all to well that horrible night. They had been on the run for over a hundred years before she found out she was pregnant. They had believed they finally were lost; in Spain, they had lived quietly. They were around human nobles and no knew, they had believed, who or what they were except rich citizens. 

❧

That night Lachlan found out he was going to be a dad but soon they smelled smoke. Vampire hunters were setting fire to their home. Their servants killed and everything lost. Lachlan saw his wife being cornered as she had fought but he sacrificed himself to give her the opportunity to escape. He turned to her only for her to see them take his head. As she left she caught the scent of Irina. They stared at each other until the hunters were coming for Rachel. She stole one of their horses and rode hard into the night. She disappeared in Germany. Lachlan has prepared for a day if anything was to happen to him she could go. She stayed hidden; Lachlan’s family hunted her because they blamed her for his death. She took what she needed and left everything for her daughter if ever she needed to escape. She left for Normandy where her grandfather still lived. He did not disowned her; he was upset but could not let her stay. She had faked her death and went to an unknown part where she thought living in seclusion. She was giving birth to her daughter when Lachlan found her and he saw his niece. He did not kill them but instead sent Rachel with Ariel to the new world. While she was in the Americas; he pleaded her case. 

❧

He showed her emblem which led to the promise of her safety. The right the wrong, Rachel daughter was promised to the Krüger family. Friedrich Krüger has promised Rachel he wouldn’t force himself but allow Ariel to choose for herself. However because of the contract to appease the families; he would be around Ariel but not let himself be known until Ariel was over three hundred. Ariel was kept busy and on the go so she would never have the opportunity to love. Ariel had her own plan; she had seen her mother’s heart ache and being on the run, she wouldn’t want anyone. She loved the freedom however she wanted to go her own way. 

Rachel finally after a month at sea and heading to Romania finally met her half brother. She was dressed in the Dragon Order armor and greeted her brother with a bow. She was there to give an account of her daughter and her understanding of the decree. 

“My daughter knows nothing of the contract; she is always in training or on missions. She isn’t around our kind; those that she knows of are her uncle’s men and his family. Friedrich has been close by and can give an account.”

❧

“He has; he says she dresses as a servant at parties or dressed as a hunter. She has been in show downs to bounty hunting. She needs to be here and learn our ways.”

“The decree is when she reaches three hundred she will be here to live and have children. Till then let her train; the rebels are still multiplying and we don’t know who or what is behind this whole thing. Werewolves are having the same issue from what I was informed.”

Vlad looking at his half sister, “I will go to America soon. I want to see for myself. I hear you’re planning to make a haven for the crypt-ids and for our kind. You’re raising Ariel to be a fierce warrior having her meet different species. She knows not to crossbreed?”

“Yes brother; she knows our customs. I do not want history to repeat itself; she is already paying for my sins.”

“We just want to know if she understands the circumstances and what this means.”

“After I came back and swore to uphold the laws and orders of our Elders. Ariel is being trained for what she will step into. If she stays here then all of her training would be for nothing. Out there she is learning real world training and here she will only be subjected to the bare minimum. Brother, your highness, understand as a commoner she is forced to push herself and not rely on a title. She is earning respect and that is something money cannot buy. You of all vampires and as once a mortal knows that it’s important to be thrown out to the wolves.”

❧

Vlad smiled, “Yes sister, I remember being taught at a young age to fight and bringing fear to my enemies. When you go back I will see my niece. If she impresses; then I will come back to Transylvania. Then we will wait till she is three hundred which is hundred and fifty years; but the counsel will want to see her in Europe soon. See what she can do here; that is the least you can agree to. Let her come overseas and see what she is capable of; sink or swim without interferences from anyone.”

“She will be ready; after she is done in Canada; I’ll send her on missions. I’ll have her stay in Scotland; because I’ll be setting up a township in Maine. Send her missions through Rayburn and I’ll not interfere. One year of missions.”

“I believe that is fair. Counsel, do any of you object?”

Ian stood up, “Send her to Bulgaria. We have some missions for her to deal with. Irina is in Spain; and none of my men or family shall interfere. I want to see the one who is promised to my son deal with enemies.”

Rachel felt eyes on her as she bowed. She wasn’t keen on the idea but she had orders to attend to and her daughter’s well being was at the top. Going outside on the balcony as the discussed serious matters that did not pertain to her. She knew her daughter would be tested by fire. 

❧

“If you wasn’t my sister I would be thrilled to pursue you as a lover.”

Vlad would never hesitate or beat around the bush when it came to speaking; as he was in the past as he was now, commanding both in speech and personality. 

“You wouldn’t want me as a bride my brother; our personalities would clash.”

“If you ever decide to love me like I have loved you; then maybe one day we shall test our personalities.”

“I don’t know if I ever could get over Lachlan’s death, my lord. I will ask you a favor; if anything ever happens to me, watch over Ariel. She has our father’s gift and she will need to embrace it one day. I don’t think I will live long enough to see her children.”

He held her close, “If only we had grew up together; a lot of the madness wouldn’t have happened.”

“Father knew we had different destinies... maybe I would’ve fought by your side.”

She did love her brother but her heart was forever belonging to Lachlan. She knew if she mated with Vlad; her daughter would be living in Transylvania and would not have to be on the move. Her feelings for her dead husband still felt fresh.

“Vlad if by the time Ariel first child is born and my premonition hasn’t come true; then I’ll be yours.”

“You’re going to make the Impaler wait?”

His smile was cunning like a predator eyeing his prey, “Let us go to the soirée they are having downstairs. Just save a dance for me.”

❧

She went into her room and changed into her evening gown. She missed these social events but her daughter needed to learn her duties and responsibilities. Rachel was dressed as a queen but she was princess although many remembered her scandalous act. Her half brother wasn’t ashamed if anything he was impressed that she and Lachlan just left. Rachel took Vlad’s hand and they danced and laughed. He was alluring her with his smiles and seductive dancing. She could feel her flesh tingling under his fingers and his eyes charming her until they left the room to go to his chambers. It had been too long since she had been with anyone and now here she was in Vlad’s arms allowing him to kiss her all over. His dark hair sweeping over her bare skin. Their eyes met and there was no turning back now; as she kissed his fangs, and then feeling his tongue inside her mouth. 

❧

She sucked on his tongue while her hand slid down his back. He gripped her waist and lifting her body up moving whatever clothing on off of her. Her body felt every inch being explored with his finger tips. He wanted her for a long time. He pinned her hands down as his other hand explored her secret place. She was quivering as his fingers were stroking her and rubbing as her moaning was pleasing to his ears. When she couldn’t take the teasing anymore Vlad couldn’t resist any longer as he entered her pleasure erupted between them. Every move inside her was getting deeper and deeper. Her thighs hugged his hips when he wrapped his arms around her; Vlad going faster and harder into her. She was writhing under him as her nails dug deep which excited him; he could no longer hold back. She had surrendered herself and he  had flooded inside Rachel. That night she slept no nightmares of Lachlan being killed or premonitions or anything. Vlad looked at the moon but it was not a full moon. By the next day she had left by horseback and he promised to wait a month before leaving for she would send Ariel to Scotland with Rayburn; it would be best for her daughter to further her training. 

❧

Ariel down in Mexico for Alexander. He had shipments coming through that rogue werewolves were trying to attack his convoy. She was dressed in her black leather pants and shirt. Her army revolvers were in their holsters. She had updated the field Snider Rotating Block Conversion Rifle to fit her needs. War was starting and Alexander was trading for both sides. His sons were trading to other countries and bringing back supplies. Alexander ran the largest pack on the Eastern border; and a few packs were trying to start war by using rogues. Ariel was better on her own. The night Tony and a few others we’re moving supplies when they heard rogues moving towards them. The diversion needed to work. Ariel had a wagon as they were heading towards her. He signal the others to move. Ariel had came up with an idea that they were going to try. The wagon moved as she steadied herself and soon rogues were on her trail. Ariel shot one with a silver bullet before leaping onto the horse. She cut wood connecting them to the wagon. She turned around with her crossbows and had started shooting the bolts. When the rogues went after the wagon they saw that it was a trap but it was too late as the explosion killed many of them. Those left went after Ariel; she turned around on her horse and kicked to go faster. She smiled as she reached her destination point. Ariel leaped off her horse and got out her whip swords. She hardly used them in combat but these were remade with silver and they useful when it came to surprise attacks. Up in the tower there was supposed to be her backer. 

❧

Ariel started looking;  and then she saw his eyes glowing. Now all she had to do was wait for the rogues attack to come. And come they did hurling themselves as they felt the cutting of silver in their flesh. She kicked one creature in the chest and with her other hand she sent the whip blade through her attacker. She jumped on the beam causing the rogue to hang as the blade sliced through him. Others saw and growled; when one leaped out a silver bullet was fired; striking it’s target. She looked to see her backer smiling but he left before he introduced himself to her. He had to wait till she hit three hundred years. For vampires a hundred years was like a year passing by. Tony made it to his destination and Ariel would ride to meet them in North Carolina. She earned her share and went back to Maine. Her mom not yet back so she headed to Canada. The next few days travel was mainly boring except a few kills she made along the way. 

❧

Ariel really hated bullies and seeing a man beat a child had her blood boiling; but finally reaching the Sasquatch family and tribe. She handed their leader her mother’s scroll. They would be the second family to move to her mother’s village. An alliance was made along with others who was willing to put aside ancient feuds and live peacefully. This was a start to her mother’s vision. Over a month had passed and Ariel was growing restless. She left the village and headed home to meet unexpectedly her uncle Rayburn and her mother and a few others.

“Was I forgotten mother?”

“No. I just came yesterday. Your uncle needs you in Scotland; other vampires and lycans have heard about you and want you to go and help them.”

“Are we no longer hunted, then?”

“Treaties are being made now and they see you as an ally and no longer a threat. It could mean a brand new start to get things back into balance.”

“Are you forgiven and daddy also given a proper burial?”

❧

“Yes dear. No more running and now it’s time for you to take your place. Rayburn and his sons will be taking over you training and a whole year of bringing the covens together.”

She hated to lie to her daughter for she was already forgiven the day the counsel made arrangements for Ariel marital status. Her father Lachlan buried on his family lands; then the night she and Vlad has made love made sure she and Ariel were protected at all cost. She couldn’t tell her daughter this because it would unraveled everything. The only ones that were hunting them were rebel forces and even that had to be hidden. If Ariel found out it was Irina Krüger hunting them; Ariel would never want to marry Irina’s brother Friedrich. The Krüger family needed to be rectified; and by marrying a direct descendant of the Vlad II was status they couldn’t object or denied. She and Rayburn had talked with Friedrich about the plans and he had agreed to be a distant pursuer. Irina already stated she would never give up her revenge against Rachel; but had promised never to go after Ariel. She knew she didn’t have to because Ariel would come to her. It was a win win in her eyes. 

❧

Rachel spent the night sharing stories from her trip and then listening as Ariel talked about her own adventure. She showed her mother the new weapons she had made and using what the humans had created them adding her own personal touch. Ariel was excited and yet nervous for her skills were going to be put to the test. A whole year of going on adventures and seeing he old country; the last time she was overseas was when she was five. They didn’t stay long for again they were heading back to the America. Up in the captain’s quarters Friedrich saw the young Ariel. She again was not dressed in noble clothing if anything she looked more like a female pirate. Her trousers were black leather with a waistcoat of rich velvet and her satin sash was tied diagonally around her torso. She wore a red tunic underneath her waist coat. He had to admit she was beautiful and her black knee high boots that were had 4 inch heels suited her as she walked in them with all a breeze. She wasn’t dressed for a soirée or social event. She was dressed for a hunt or better yet pure adventure. He resented to be handed this trivial deal. He wanted to be home in his own castle not on the front lines making sure his bride was safe. They should’ve let her marry another battle brute or someone who craved assassin missions. He didn’t mind the battlefield but not the grunt work. 

❧

He wondered if she could handle taking orders and fight on the battle field. He was dressed in noble clothing as he ventured up on deck. He was far enough for Ariel had to blend in with those around her. Each man on board  were turned because of their station as new borns; they were not allow to breed for a hundred years or else their masters would drain them and kill them. If they did not die then they would become slayers or knights. Which is why they were allowed to be around Ariel. She knew she was of nobility but her position was never revealed. She believed herself to be a noble’s knight like her uncle Rayburn. Her position in the courts were actually higher; a Dragon Order warrior but until she took the oath she was in training. He actually felt sorry for Ariel; she was living on half truths. He wanted to tell her but he too was sworn to keep his fangs together. She felt eyes on her and turned she saw the nobleman looking at her and walked away. 

❧

Her uncle walked beside Friedrich, “She thinks you are her captain or someone of higher position then her own.”

“Yes, why is she dressed in those garbs? Couldn’t she dressed at least in her knight’s armor.”

“Once we reach shore she stays on board and is heading to Greece.”

“Why Greece?”

“Her mother was ordered to  have  Ariel sent there for three months. I can’t divulge any more than that. Everyone is ordered to switch and she will remain. Her talents will be tested once she gets to Greece.”

He knew why because Rachel had told him; but it was sworn obligation to keep what he knew hidden. The Amazons wanted to meet Rachel’s daughter for a long time. And now for three months, she will live there and train her as their own. The Amazons were all women warriors but only one male. An immortal who had already proven worthy to keep for breeding. He was the only one who has defeated and killed an Amazonian. They knew Ariel’s abilities and gifts and it was a great honor for her to learn There are not that many Amazons left; and for them to bring an outsider in, she had much to learn.

❧

Rachel sitting at the table writing in her journal; she read the letter from Rayburn, he had wrote her many letters about the conversation he had with Friedrich. No one had heard from Ariel during those three months. Already Rachel began to show; she would soon give birth and knew another secret she must keep. She hated herself because all she was were secret and lies. She had never told Ariel how her uncle nearly killed her at birth. She had so many secrets that her tears told spoke them all for her. She knew now her daughter was going to be back and forth from the United States to Europe. Soon it was six months and she had given birth; and she had to think of what to do with her son, Damien. He was not like Ariel which meant Ariel gifts were from Lachlan’s family; and not from Vlad’s family. She also knew her grandfather had possessed great powers. She hadn’t told Vlad about his son or anyone at that matter. It was grandfather who had found out but by accident.

❧

“Daughter when did you have this little boy? Who is the father?”

“Vlad III is his father.”

“Your half brother! Are you trying to kill me?”

“No. You must promise me that you will never tell Ariel especially Vlad about Damien.”

“Is he true a creature like his sister?”

“No. He is just vampire; which mean Lachlan had secrets too.”

“What will you do now?”

“I will raise him but he won’t meet his sister.”

“Why? Speak daughter.”

“Ariel has already a lot on her plate. Damien won’t have to go through what she had to endure. He can at least have a normal life; and that’s something that Ariel had craved. Maybe one day they will meet but not on a battlefield. He can learn and go through schooling; be a businessman or be diplomatic. I could never given that to Ariel and she would hate that. At least this way he will never feel unloved and she would never feel neglected. As for Vlad, he would have his son learn war and be fierce leader. Ariel has already taken that role.”

“So he will learn to make money and grow business; find his own wife and etc.”

“Yes father. I will tell him one day; but for now let the cards fall where they may. If Ariel will hate me then she has every right to; but it’s a risk I will take.”

“When he turns sixteen; we will send him to the best school then... under our fake name, Warrier.”

“I’m sorry I have put our family through so much.”

“You are my blood; no one is perfect, I know I’m not. Your daughter is my main focus because there is much at stake. I will make sure Damien isn’t on the back burner.”

❧

Ariel coming back from a Greece she arrived in Bulgaria. She just went directly there. She wore her armor that was given to her by her uncle. She bowed before Ian’s brother, Andrei. He represented the Krüger family. 

“Come Ariel we have a war between us and Serbia; we got word rebel vampires are trying to injured Serbians and we cannot let this country fall. Hunt down these rebels and prevent them from turning injured soldiers. You go alone and you cannot be seen by mortals.”

She moved her fisted hand against the her chest and left. She put on her light armor and headed out. She had studied the map where they believed the rebels were holding out. She quickly moved in; there were newly turned vampires and she quickly dispatched them. With the rebels they stumbled onto their dead. Ariel smiled at them as she threw in some explosives. She made sure none of the rebels survived. She had found an escape tunnel has set it up as another explosion was set off. She quickly hunted down any newly turned vampires and by daylight they were turned to ashes. Word had spread and rebel vampires left before she had killed any more. 

❧

She was only supposed to stay a year but that year became two years; she lost track of time, but had sent letters to her uncle Rayburn to send to her mother. Rachel had started building the village and had everything moved into her new home. Her son now two years old was learning quickly. He was taught to hunt and fish. He spent a lot of time with his grandfather when Rachel was managing the village. Ariel sent word that she was going back to Scotland then would come home at the beginning of January 1888. Ariel finally in Scotland as she met her cousins. She was tired as she finally got to their home. Vlad was there but he was there to watch along with Friedrich. Ariel was dirty after having traveled from fighting in a war. The Ottoman Empire was causing havoc but she had to leave because she already had been gone for too long. She dropped her stuff in her room and went for a swim. She did not smell; however she was covered in blood and mud. 

“That is my niece Rayburn; she isn’t dressed appropriately. She is nobility at least she should wear the knight’s armor.”

“That’s Ariel, our rebel. The armor I gave her got destroyed.”

“How did she destroy her armor?”

“I have no idea. This is what I found out. She can absorb her enemies powers. And apparently she has more of you then we expected.”

“What do you mean?”

“We have testimonies that she put her enemies heads on spikes. The bodies of her enemies bodies were skinned and the skins were sent back to their leaders.”

“That’s why she was covered in blood. Who was she sent to fight?”

“She went after the Ottoman. Some of their men captured a village she was hunting in; some of the men were raping and she went off on them. The women would not say what they saw; however one man although skinned before he died was repeating monster. He had claw marks but were too big to be a vampire almost like a gargoyle. Ariel doesn’t remember exactly what happened after she sent a message. We think she was hunting down a gargoyle.”

❧

Ariel dressed in shirt and leather pants and had already fed. Her uncle briefed her on a new mission that she would not be alone. He would accompany her because he needed to see what she could do. What they were hunting was a bodach. A Bodach was a boogeyman type creature that went after the children in Scotland. They finally came to the caves where rumors of children being taken; she spotted children clothing and then she turned in disgust after seeing a child’s body half eaten. She got the scent and heard a woman crying. She raced down with great speed. The bodach was trying to get a child but the mother was bleeding trying to protect her child. Ariel tackled the creature. She didn’t let the woman see her face; Ariel’s eyes glowed, she quickly grabbed her dagger and struck the creature in the head before decapitating him.Ariel absorbed his powers; she then burned the creature’s body. She went back to the child that was killed; she wrapped the body up and brought the body back to the mother. Sadly the mother had hung herself; that night she buried the small family. The creature’s cave was also destroyed. 

❧

She wanted to be left alone as she processed everything she had seen. It was that night she wanted to bring justice for them that could not fight back. The woman she had saved cake up to Ariel, “I want to thank you.”

Ariel looked at the woman, “You are welcome.”

“I know what you are but your secret is safe. I don’t have money but we slaughtered a lamb for you. Please we offer this to you.”

She smiled and took the lamb. She left in her horse back to join her uncle. She shared the carcass of the lamb with her uncle.

“My dear, your cover was blown.”

“Worth it. I saw that child and I lost it.”

“You must never lose it too much or else our identity will be blown.”

“That woman won’t say anything but I understand. Control my rage.”

“Aye my bonnie, control it or it will poison you. You can use anger to benefit you in battle. You will never stop learning to fight; you will always improve yourself, as time goes on."