Chapter 09:

Lunar Ball

Part

II

The lights of the grand ballroom started to dim directing everyone’s attention toward the stage. Lord Grimm and Lord Alexander both took their places at center stage. “It’s time,” Raven took a deep breath to settle her nerves. The singing competition was just about to start. She needed to head backstage to prepare. Just as she was about to leave she felt Lycan’s hand take hold of her arm.

“Be sure to bring us that trophy Raven.” Lycan ran his finger down the side of her cheek. Her eyes followed the direction of his. His view was centered on the trophy that rested on a table in front of the stage.

The trophy was made entirely out of platinum. On the left side was the sculpting of a vicious vampire, on the right, a gruesome werewolf. The two of them were glaring at each other with their fangs bared. The vampire had a ruby heart in his hand, the werewolf held a sapphire heart. Both hearts appeared to be cracked as if it had been crushed. It was quite the trophy, a perfect representation of the war.

“Don’t worry,” Jayson placed his hand on Raven’s shoulder. “Those leeches don’t stand a chance against our girl Raven.” He encouraged her. “Just get out there and show them how it’s done.” He punched her arm lightly.

“Yeah, you got this.” Jay gave her thumbs up. “Claire told me that you used to be a famous singer. So, this should be a piece of cake for you.”

Raven wasn't about to be foolish enough to dismiss her competition. She had to compete holding nothing back but to be honest. It wasn’t the trophy she was interested in. She just wanted to be onstage again to feel closer to the person she used to be. She missed the life she had as a human. As sad as it was to admit. That stage was as close as she was ever going to get to having that life back.

“Is everything okay?” Claire placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Don’t tell me you’re getting stage fright.” She laughed. “This is your thing. This is what you are good at, remember?” Claire smiled.

“It has nothing to do with nerves,” Raven’s eyes remained on the stage. “I should go, I wouldn’t want to keep Lord Grimm wanting for his champion.” She walked through the crowd making her way toward the back of the stage…

“The competition must be starting,” Ziek's eyes shifted toward the stage. “I’d better get backstage.” He started to leave but stopped himself. “Before I forget,” He walked up to his date, Selene. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips. “A kiss for luck.” Selene turned her head. “Oh, come on, you know I had to.”

“Yeah, well,” Selene crossed her arms. “Just be sure to get out there, kick that werewolf’s ass and bring back that trophy. So that way when you get back,” She traced a line down his chest. “We can celebrate.”

“Celebrate huh?” Ziek pulled her to his side. “I’m always down for a little celebration but what I’d really like.” He smirked. “I’ll tell you later. I wouldn’t want to upset your brother.” He kissed her cheek.

“Oh no,” Brandon laughed. “I don’t care what you guys do at this point. Sis,” He draped his arm on Selene’s shoulder. “If Ziek wins this trophy. You gotta give him a present. That’s just how it goes. Right bro,” He held his fist out. Ziek pounded his fist. “So, get that trophy and get that reward. By reward I mean,” He winked at Ziek, Selene kicked Brandon in the shin.

“Damn it,” Selene yelled. “That hurt,” Ziek laughed. Brandon smirked. Diamond armor does have its advantages. “You are so lucky I’m in no mood to kick your ass. Otherwise,” She pointed at Brandon. “You know what I’d do.” She shot him an evil glare.

“Yeah, I know.” Brandon patted her head. “I love you too sis.” He smiled. “Ziek, what are you waiting for? Get out there and win us that trophy.” He replied with a nod heading backstage with his guitar case in hand…

Raven watched as her competitor walked backstage. The man had a guitar case placed at his feet. She watched in amazement as the man went from suit and tie to full on Rockstar in a matter of seconds. He pulled eyeliner out of his pocket and started to do his make-up. “Make up?” She asked. “I thought guys didn’t do make up.”

“Some don’t.” He replied. “Most of the time I don’t either. But, tonight, I’m going to perform a rock song. If you’re going to perform a rock song,” He attached a spiked bracelet to his right wrist. “You might as well dress as a Rockstar.” His hands trailed down his outfit. “Don’t half ass it,” He held his hand out. “The name’s Ziek,”

“Raven,” She shook his hand. “I suppose you do have a point.” She acknowledged. “Guitar and a nice outfit. You really aren’t making this easy for me.” Seriously, Raven didn’t have a back up outfit. How could she? That could take several minutes for her to prepare. They were only given five of them. Luckily for her, her instrument of choice was already onstage.

“Good Luck to you,” Ziek patted her on the shoulder. “Oh and, don’t let my trash talk get to you. It’s all part of the performance.”

“Wait, trash talk,” Raven went to speak but the crowd’s cheering blocked her out.

“Let’s get this competition under way shall we brother?” Lord Alexander asked. “Afterall, I know you get tired of losing.” He smirked. The vampires started to cheer, Werewolves started to boo him. “You werewolves can be such sore losers.”

“Oh really,” Lord Grimm countered. “The only thing I get tired of is that Vampire of yours.” He yawned. “Is Scythe going to lure us to sleep with another ballad?” Scythe’s pale green eyes formed a menacing glare. “Sing us a new song would you?”

“Perhaps,” Lord Alexander grinned. “You should have those twins rap for us again.” He busted out laughing. “What a weak performance that turned out to be.” Jayson went to approach the stage, Jay put his arm in the way to stop him. “No, this time, I thought it would be best to change things up. After all, I’m sure Scythe does get tired of winning so please welcome. Our new champion,” He smirked. “Ziek,” The vampires let out a loud cheer as Ziek came onstage. Lord Alexander handed him the microphone.

“You guys ready to rock!” Ziek raised his fist in the air. “Don’t worry Lord Alexander, I got this.” He boasted setting his guitar case by his feet. “So you must be Lord Grimm,” He held his hand out. Lord Grimm shook it. “Lord Alexander tells me that you guys, never win this thing. Does this mean I don’t even have to try to win. Better yet,” He smirked. “You could just go ahead and give me that trophy right now.”

“Confident,” Lord Grimm hitched a laugh. “That’s good, it’ll make it that much more satisfying when you lose. I will get to watch that as my champion grinds your confidence into dust. After all, you’re not the only one who decided to change things up brother.” He turned toward Lord Alexander. “I’d like you to meet my champion, Raven, please show him how to make an entrance.”

Raven came on stage unleashing a haunting melody, she was hitting every note flailing her fist in the air. The tune was so beautiful and dark even as her octaves struck higher and higher. She was rallying the wolves. It didn’t take long for their howls to fill the entire ballroom. Every one of them were shooting their fist up and banging their heads. Ziek stood there in complete shock. Even Lord Alexander himself was left speechless.

“Hear that,” Raven fixed her hair. She pointed at the werewolves who were now cheering for her. “That’s the sound of your winning streak fading away.” She started clapping, the werewolves were copying her. “That’s right, let’s hear it.” She head banged with the claps soaking all their high energy. It was nice to receive some praise for once.

“Careful,” Ziek warned. “She has fleas.” Raven gasped. This must be that trash talk he was talking about earlier. Well, he’s not the only one capable of tossing around a few insults. She was about to put him in his place.

“Tell me Ziek,” Raven put her hand on her hip. “Have you gotten any sunburns lately?” The werewolves busted out laughing. “What’s the matter?” She raised her brow. “You look a bit pale.” Lord Grimm started laughing. “I’m sure that’ll buff right out, here, let me get my mirror. Oh wait,” Ziek shook his head at her as the werewolves laughed at him. “Well, Ziek, it appears to me that your ass just got burned.” She flipped him off.

“Isn’t she adorable?” Ziek clapped for her. “She’s trying to insult me.” He placed his hand on his chest. “But I got, one question for ya.” He held up one finger. “When’s the last time you shaved princess?” This bitch, Raven cheeks flared red. “Oh man, look at this floor,” Ziek’s eyes trailed down to the floor. “You’re shedding.” She gasped. “I’m going to need a lint roller up here stat.” The vampires busted out laughing. “I just want you to know something, Raven.” He placed his hand firmly on her shoulder. “You smell like a wet dog and you’ve got a really bad case of dog breath.” He patted her shoulder. “Now go stand over there,” He pointed to the far end of the stage. “You stink.”

“I hate you,” Raven glared at him.

“Back at you,” Ziek laughed. “Alright, I’m nothing if not a gentleman so with that said.” He handed her his mic. “Ladies first.” Before she could take his mic from him. He brought his lips to her ear. “Good luck,” She took the mic and he walked off stage giving her a thumbs up. Lord Alexander and Lord Grimm took their places at the judges table with Ziek placed in between them giving Ziek the front row seat to her performance.

The ballroom turned pitch black as the spotlight was directed at Raven. The stage was pitch black minus the one light that was on her. The werewolves’ cheers grew quiet that was until Raven walked over to the Grand Piano onstage. She smirked slightly as she hooked her microphone to the piano so she could sing and play at the same time. After a deep breath, Raven placed her fingertips on the keys.

While Raven sat there at the piano. Her navy blue eyes lingered on the crowd and she stared at one person in particular. Lycan, the second her eyes saw him. Her heart sank in her chest overwhelmed by a sadness that she realized would be there forever. She would come to love that sadness for it was proof that deep inside her. There was a part of her fighting to be free from Lycan, free from sorrow. Her fingers began to key the notes and her beautiful angelic voice filled the room…

“That voice,” Angel’s pale hazel eyes were caught onstage. This werewolf, He couldn’t begin to understand it even if he tried. This pain she felt, this sorrow she spoke of. “This woman, she-,” He placed his hand over his heart. How this is possible, How could one woman, he never met before. Understand him in a way he never thought possible. He thought he was facing this pain all by himself but he wasn’t, not anymore. This werewolf, this one werewolf, understood. Her voice was like a siren calling to him and no matter how hard he tried to fight it. It was there, her sweet voice calling him, captivating his every thought. “Who is she?”

“What are you looking at?” Blaire glared at him. “Don’t tell me you’re actually interested in this garbage.” She took his arm. “Come, join the others. I’m about to offer a toast to our inevitable victory.” She pulled Angel away from her. Even as she pulled him, his eyes remained on the beautiful wolf onstage.

“It can’t be,” Ziek’s pale blue eyes were trapped in shock. Her dark angelic voice, her style of music, the way she performed. The more he thought about it, the more became clear to him. This woman he was competing against, it was none other than...his sister. “Erika, you’re alive and you’re a-,” He didn’t understand. How could he have not seen the chemistry before? This stage presence and how well it bonded with his own. There’s no mistaking it, this woman is his sister and she’s a-.

“I ugh,” Ziek rose from his chair. “I need to excuse myself.” He raced to the bathroom splashing water on his face. This was a lot for him to take in, his sister is a werewolf. He’s a vampire. They are sworn enemies and they’re at war. Which means if this war carries out as planned. He would have to kill his sister. How could he kill someone that he practically raised? To mark someone like her off as an enemy just because she’s a werewolf. It was unthinkable, he couldn’t fight her let alone kill her.

“Pull yourself together Ziek,” He encouraged. At this moment, she has no idea that he’s her brother. Nobody knew that but him. It had to stay that way, if Lord Alexander knew he would use that to his advantage. If she knew, it would break her heart. He had to keep this a secret for her sake but could he?

Loud cheers could be heard from inside the bathroom. Raven’s performance must be over. Ziek dried his face with a towel and walked outside. The wolves were howling for her as she bowed to the audience. Roses flying at her, landing at her feet. It was a stunning performance, Ziek had to admit. She tugged at the audience’s heart strings as they were the strings of a harp. It wasn’t going to be easy to compete with that. He’d expect no less from his dear sister. She even had some of the vampires cheering for her, Scythe being one of them.

“Thank you,” Raven blew a kiss at the crowd. She picked up a rose and sniffed it. The howls got louder and louder. Even as she walked off stage. Ziek made his way onstage walking past her. “Good luck,” She encouraged.

“Thanks,” Ziek half smiled. He walked onstage clapping for her. “Wasn’t she amazing, I mean wow. Like, the pipes on that wolf. Perfection, absolute perfection. It’s going to be tough to compete with that.” He admitted, “It’s a good thing,” He opened his guitar case and took out his guitar. “I like a challenge,” He pulled out his guitar pick. “Alright, guys, let’s show these wolves how it’s done.” The vampires cheered as Ziek brought his lips close to the microphone.

Ziek was undoubtedly ready to compete. However, not against his sister. The song he intended to play was for show. A surefire crowd pleaser but his heart wasn’t in it. He couldn’t do the song justice. Not under these circumstances, his heart was caught in conflict. He thought he could hide who he was from his sister. But as Ziek looked at her being praised by the other werewolves for her performance. His heart continued to ache, knowing that this could be the last time he saw his sister. Soon, the war would start and he could lose her forever. If that’s the case then, at least, he could send her one last message.

“This song is,” Ziek spoke. “For someone,” He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “Very precious to me.” He added. “I hope this message reaches her and if not, I tried.” His eyes remained Raven as he began to play on the cords of his guitar.

“Wait,” Raven settled down the wolves. She turned to face Ziek as he performed. She didn’t understand it. Why was he looking at her, this message he was trying to send. It couldn’t be for her, he barely knew her. So, why would he-?

The moment his sweet voice entered her ears, it became clear. Ziek was not just some vampire. He’s her brother, she recognized his voice and the song that he was playing. He played this for her whenever she was sad, it always made her feel better. So that was his message to her, he wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. There’s no mistake, Ziek is-

“Eric,” Raven’s eyes began to fill with tears. She couldn’t believe it, her brother is a vampire. No, that can’t be right, he can’t be a vampire. If he is then, she is expected to fight and kill him. She couldn’t do that, that’s her brother. “This can’t be happening, my brother he is a-,” She tried her best to fight the tears. His song, his message. He wanted her to know how much he cared about her. She thought he was angry with her for how she acted when they parted ways. But he wasn’t, he still-. “I have to see him,” She tried to break through the crowd of wolves.

“Just where do you think you’re going.” Lycan blocked her path. “That man is a vampire, he is not your friend.” Raven’s eyes formed a menacing glare at him. She bawled her hand into fist as her anger began to build.

“You’re right,” Raven agreed. “He’s not a friend.” Her nails turned to claws. “He’s family.” She tried to slash him with her claws. Lycan quickly caught her hand and forced her against one of the pillars holding up the second floor.

“Listen well,” Lycan’s hand grabbed her by her throat. “That man is your enemy.” He lifted her into the air using one arm. “You are not to go near him. Do you understand me?” He warned. “Perhaps,” Lycan glared at her. “I’m not making myself clear.” He gripped tighter on her throat. Raven gripped tight on his arm as he nearly choked the life out of her. He released letting her fall to the floor. She coughed trying to catch her breath.

“You can’t keep me away from him.” Raven glared at him. “He’s not just some vampire. He’s my brother. He raised me, he took care of me. He has always been there for me even when I didn’t deserve it. The least I can do is be there for him. So move.” She warned. “Unless, you want to make a scene.” Lycan grinned as the entire Nightshade pack minus Claire and Jay surrounded her. “So this is a pack rule is it? Well, he’s my family and we have our rules.”

“Raven listen, this is for your own good.” Jayson reasoned. “Like it or not he is a vampire. Werewolves don’t associate with Vampires. We are at war,” He reminded her. Not that she needed any reminders. “If we were to let you speak to him knowing he’s an enemy. That would be reckless of us.” He explained. “I know it sucks but it was the only way we could get back at them.” Lycan glared at him. “Whoops,” He quickly put his hand over his mouth. Lycan snarled. He tightened his hand into a tight fist. “I wasn’t supposed to say that.” Lycan punched Jayson so hard it knocked him on his ass. “Sorry, Lycan, it slipped.” He spit blood from his now busted lip.

“Yeah well, my fist slipped.” Lycan popped his knuckles. “Raven,” He smirked. “Let’s pretend you didn’t hear that.” He went to grab her, she quickly stepped away from him. She held her hand out keeping him at a distance.

“Get back at them, Is that what you said?” Raven repeated. Jayson nodded. “You mean you guys knew about my brother. This whole time, even before I was bitten.” She growled. “You turned me just so you could get even with the vampires. My whole life changed just so you could get back at them. What am I, some kind of pawn?” She glared at Lycan.

“I think you’re finally starting to understand your role in this war.” Lycan put his hands in his pockets. “You see,” He walked circles around her. “We had got wind of Lord Alexander’s plan to turn your brother.” He walked over to the punch bowl on the table. He took a cup that was next to it and filled it with some fruit punch.“We needed a countermeasure.” Lycan took a drink from his glass. “So,” He handed Alejandro his glass to hold. “We sent a werewolf to look into the matter. They discovered that he had two sisters. One of which,” Lycan smirked. “He adored. We weren’t sure which one he favored so we sent someone to turn you both. The vampires were recruiting so we thought we’d do the same.”

“I have news for you,” Raven’s voice filled with anger. “I’m not going to fight my brother. Not for the sake of your stupid war.” She slapped Lycan across the face. Lycan smirked as if it barely phased him. Before Alejandro could step forward, he quickly backhanded her, the impact so great it knocked her to the floor. She wiped the blood from her lip and forced herself to get back on her feet.

“Don’t forget your place Raven.” Lycan took his glass from Alejandro. “Now then,” He took a drink from his glass. “I’ve got to make preparations for our wedding after the ball.” He smiled at her. “So try to behave yourself.” He handed her his empty glass and walked away.

“Fuck you,” Raven threw his glass at the wall. The glass shattered leaving shards all over the floor. She turned her focus back to the stage. To hear her brother’s words, it was like being torn two seperate ways. It didn’t matter which side won the war. She was going to lose either way whether it be her life or her brother’s.

Ziek’s performance was over and by the end of it. The ballroom was caught in a huge uproar. Vampires were cheering and clapping for him. Even some of the werewolves were impressed. Rightfully so, her brother, she could never beat him at anything. This would be no different. Raven started clapping for him. She watched his lips before he walked away from the microphone. They mimed the words, “I love you sis.” She smiled and continued to clap for him. This had to be one of his best solo performances.

“Thanks, you guys rock.” Ziek raised his fist in the air. He packed up his guitar draping it on his shoulder. Just as he was about to leave, Lord Alexander walked on stage. The crowd was still cheering for him.

“I believe you’re forgetting something.” Lord Alexander held out the trophy. “I think it’s fair to say that the vampires have won yet again.” He smirked at Lord Grimm who by this point had accepted defeat. “Well do you have anything you’d like to say?” He handed Ziek the microphone and he accepted it.

“Actually,” Ziek’s eyes remained on his sister. “I do, I know I’ve said a lot during my song but,” He let out a sigh. “Sometimes lyrics aren’t enough.” He smiled at her. “My performance was great and I’m glad you guys liked it but,” He shrugged. “Honestly, there’s another person who deserves credit and I don’t want to take that credit from her.” She was confused. She had no idea what her brother was up to. Was he trying to gloat? “Raven, is it?” She pointed at herself. “Yes, you, could you come on stage?” She walked on stage as the werewolves once again started to cheer for her. “This is yours,” Ziek handed her the trophy.

“What no,” Raven spoke silently so the audience couldn’t hear her. “I can’t accept this. You earned it.” She pushed it toward him. “You beat me, that’s all there is to it. There’s no way I’m accepting that.” Ziek pushed back to her, she pushed it back to him. “Forget it, no you won, they chose you.”

“Could you ugh,” Ziek forced a smile. “Give us a second.” He took Raven backstage for a chat. “Why are you being so hard headed?” He asked. “I’m trying to give this to you.” He pointed at the trophy.

“Yeah, I noticed.” Raven crossed her arms. “I’m saying no, you beat me. You always beat me and I’m okay with that.” Ziek started laughing like she told a joke. “Okay so it does bug me a little,” She gestured. “but it’s no big deal.” She shrugged. “I’ve learned to accept defeat gracefully.” She added. “So please just take the trophy.”

“I can’t,” Ziek confessed. “Erika, listen, I’ve beaten you so many times. I know it’s not easy being in my shadow. The truth is,” He let out a sigh. “I need to learn to step back just like I did when I faked having a sore throat so you could sing in my place.” Raven was well aware of the night she ended up going from a song writer to a performer. Thanks to him, she was able to live her dream. “I’m tired of always being that thing that stops people from seeing how great you really are. I mean, I only got where I was because you wrote my songs.”

“Yeah,” Raven chuckled. “You weren’t very good at writing lyrics.” She patted him on the shoulder. “You tried though and that’s all that matters.”

“The point is,” Ziek took a deep breath. “I’m only as great as I am because I’ve had you as a sister. I won this trophy with a song I performed just for you.” He held the trophy out to her. “I want you to have this. You’ve earned it.”

“Okay,” Raven took the trophy from him. “You know that speech works both ways.” She pointed out. “By being my brother you challenged me. You’re right it wasn’t easy being in your shadow. Which means I had to work twice as hard to get out of it.” She smiled at him. “So about that fight we had, are you-,”

“No, I’m not mad.” Ziek answered. “I’m just glad you’re okay.” He pulled her in for a hug. “So, you’re a werewolf now.” He crossed his arms. “What’s that like?” Raven moved her long black hair to the side.

“Hell,” Raven answered. “It’s been nothing but hell.” She added. “Claire is a werewolf too by the way.” Like usual, he had no response to that. “You know she is your sister too, you could care a little.”

“No,” Ziek pouted. “She’s a guitar destroying menace.” Raven laughed. “She broke my very first guitar and she still hasn’t replaced it.” He pointed out. “You know, a man’s first guitar is a sacred object. You can’t just go around swinging the thing like it’s a bat.” He ranted. “That’s precisely why,” He smirked, “I was the one who ripped up her first teddy bear.”

“I knew that was you,” Raven pointed at him. “I took the blame for that by the way so you’re an ass.” He busted out laughing. “Father made me clean the bathroom, I hate cleaning the toilet, you know this. That being said, you sir are again a real pain in the ass.” He laughed harder, she glared at him.

“Sorry about that,” Ziek confessed. “I couldn’t help it, it was a two for one sale. I had to take it. You understand right.” He shrugged, Raven rolled her eyes at him. “So, what’s new with you aside from being a werewolf?”

“Well ugh,” Raven blushed. “I’m not really sure if I should be telling you this but.” She moved the strands of her black hair to the side. “I, ugh, killed my first vampire.” Ziek’s face the moment she told him. It was like. Something was bothering him. “What’s wrong, please tell me I didn’t fuck up.”

“Before we jump to conclusions,” Ziek took another deep breath. “Let me ask you a few questions.” She nodded. “This vampire, you killed, male or female?”

“Female,” Raven answered. “She had blonde hair,” She motioned. “She wore pink and she had the ability to heal.” She snapped her fingers. “She said her name was Patience, does that ring a bell?”

“Yeaaah,” Ziek rubbed the back of his neck. “You fucked up.” He bit his lip. “Of course, of fucking course, my sister killed my girlfriend’s sister. That’s just great, fan fucking tastic, congradulations. You ruined my love life. Son of a bitch, I just got her to date me too.” He took a deep breath. “It’s cool, it’s cool, as long as she doesn’t find out we’re fine.”

“Your girlfriend,” Raven chuckled. “It’s nice to know that you’re dating. Too bad about her sis-,” Ziek grabbed her and pulled the curtain to the side. “What are you doing?” She whispered. Ziek pointed toward a woman wearing a purple dress. She had slightly pale skin, pale blue eyes, and blonde hair. She almost looked identical to Patience. Though, Raven could tell just by looking at her. She was a lot stronger than her sister. “That’s your-,” She pointed at him.

“Yes,” Ziek answered. “Selene, she’s second in command and a lot stronger than Patience. If she finds out that you killed her sister. She’ll analate you.” There he goes again, underestimating her. Raven was sure she could take her. After all, she knows her brother could take her. “Listen to me, Selene is no joke. I can barely take her in a fight. She’s bested me more times than I can count. All it takes is one screw up and it’s over. She’s that good,”

“Well, that changes things.” Raven gulped. “So what would you suggest? Do I just lie down and let her kick my ass or what?” She asked. “Because, we both know that’s not going to happen if this girl is going down.” She pointed at herself. “She’s going down swinging. There’s got to be something I can do.”

“There is, I can’t believe I’m selling her out but what choice do I have?” Ziek shut his eyes. “She’s going to be so pissed if she finds out I told you this. Okay here it goes.” He let out a deep sigh. “First and foremost, avoid her, I’d rather my sister and my girlfriend not get into a fight. However, if you’re in a situation where you have to fight her and it’s life or death. Remember this,” He cautioned. “Selene’s blood is explosive, so avoid getting any of her blood on you. Second, like Patience, she can heal but she’s not as good at it as her sister. She trained Patience so their fighting styles are similar. The only difference is that Selene’s is more aggressive. So you must take the defense role. Do not go on offense. You can’t out fight her. But you can counter her. Just use everything I taught you and stay on defense, got it?”

“Got it, explosive blood, healing, and stay on defense.” Raven listed. “I’ll try not to kill your girlfriend but if it comes down to it. Just, don’t be mad at me. Thanks for the heads up, I know it can’t be easy selling out your girlfriend.”

“It’s not, I wish I didn’t have to but it’s the only way to ensure your safety. One more thing,” Ziek opened the curtain. “See the guy next to her,” He pointed at the guy with spiky brown hair. “That’s Brandon, he’s Patience’s brother. So watch out for him. He has diamond armor so there’s nothing you can do to counter it. Never go werewolf, it doesn’t matter if it’s your only option, don’t do it. He excels at fighting werewolves in their natural form.”

“Got it, so my best bet is to avoid him.” Raven noted.

“Yeah," Ziek agreed. "The good news is that he’s easily provoked so you might want to consider trapping him if it comes down to it. Lure him into it and run. That’s your best bet.” Strange as it sounds, Claire was better suited to fight him than she was. Raven was never one for setting traps. “Those are only two you have to worry about. Other than that, you should be just another werewolf that they want dead. Plus, to make sure you’re okay.” He reached into his pocket taking out a napkin and black marker. He wrote his number down. “Take it, in case you need it.” Raven took the napkin from him. “We may be on opposite sides but you’re still my sister and I’m always going to protect you. That’s the price of being the big brother.”

“Thanks, I’ll be sure to pass it on to Claire.” Raven offered. Ziek groaned. “Look, she is your sister too and you two have got to start getting along.” She scolded. “Promise me you’ll at least try.” Ziek pulled her close to his chest.

“I’ll give it a shot,” Ziek wrapped his arms around her. “Now we’d better get back onstage.” He pulled the curtain letting her enter first. “Sorry about the wait guys, this wolf can be a little stubborn.” He teased, “Congrats Raven.” He clapped for her. She held up the trophy as the werewolves cheered for her.

“Ziek, a word,” Lord Alexander grabbed him by the arm and took him off stage. It was easy to tell that the vampire king wasn't too happy about Ziek's decision to pass the win to the werewolves. Regardless, there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Raven walked off stage and placed the trophy on the table in front of Lord Grimm. He smirked, his eyes gazing at his prize, a keepsake for the castle. It was only a prize to him. But to her, it was a representation of the war. It served as a reminder of what would happen if the war carried on. Raven vs. Ziek to the death. She never wanted to see it again.