A young guard of mixed blood had guarded the royal family. As you know tradition dictated that Sylvian children be placed in pairing ceremonies allowing them to choose a life mate. This was the first time the thought of mixing with the other four races came to light as did the reason that we, as a race should do the world a kindness of remain to our own blood.

Many opposed the boy at first, saying that he wasn't pure enough to guard the Royal family. His skill in combat won them over and soon he became the first of what is now known as the White Guard. The highly skilled personal guards for the king, known widely for their skill stealth and hand-to-hand combat.

The young guard served the Royal family well, until he was taken with a fever. This was the first sign of what is now known as the Blood Madness. The young guard recovered from the fever, but something was missing. The changes came quickly much to the family's shock. The youngest prince, our beloved king, was close to the guard and had begun to noticed the guards odd behavior.

Then one night the guard finally lost his mind. The screams of the Royal family could be heard echoing through the halls of the castle. One by one he cut his way through one royal family member and servant after another.

 

It took the courage of our beloved King and twelve arrows to bring the monster down. Ever since then the mixing of blood has been considered treason. Anyone caught harboring or caught conversing with one of mixed blood shall be killed along with the monster. No one is exempt from his law, not even those of royal blood. Such monsters are to be hunted down and killed along with their traitorous parents and any who aid them in a public execution.

 

                Micha's eyes lingered on the last paragraph. He could tell there was a hidden warning, but his father had always been paranoid. He knew his father had been scarred by the fact he had lived through such a monstrous occurrence, but sending him the same excerpt once a week was beginning to wear on the princes nerves.

                "Prince Micha," a guard called through the doors, opening one just far enough to reveal an eye, "There’s been a dusa sighting."

Micha attention snapped to the man—or what he could see of him—and furrowed his brows neatly:

"Why are you telling me this? Kalian is more than capable of taking care of that,"

                                "Yes but My prince she wishes to see you,"

                His ears perked with interest, eyes widening. Why would a thief want to see him, other than pleading for their life? Micha had dealt with minor trials for thievery before, but most had involved his father watching over his shoulder.

                "Bring her in." Micha sighed.

                The guard shuffled away and moments later, the oak double-doors opened fully. A young woman, her hands bound by rope and was gagged with a dirty piece of cloth. She shot the guard an evil look as she stumbled forward. She seemed rather calm, her cold gaze swept the room— Micha noticed her eyes were an odd shade; a mixture of a dusty pink and a ancient gold.

Micha walked over and stood in front of her, pulling the cloth from her mouth. Meanwhile, the previous guard and a second just entering gave a warning yelp. The girl stared into Micha's dark eyes with hateful disgust for a moment then flicked away hurriedly. He suddenly felt confused as to why such a beauty would become a thief. He could easily see her on the arm of lord, or even a prince.

2: The Commander

    

"That guard is going to wish he never did that,” She growled her eyes narrowing at the guard.

Her outburst was followed by a stream of curses that made the guards shift uncomfortably. Micha looked to the guards in question, although he felt he knew the reason why they had gagged her.

“Well,” one said defensively, “she kept cursing at us.”

The other nodded in agreement as he stared at the girl angrily.

“She also kept trying to bite us. She has fangs!” The guard yelped as he lifted his hands, bloody and marred with several semi-circle indentations.

“You make me sound like a monster..” The girl chuckled throwing a small smile toward the guard, “Besides you should have been more wary of where you put your hands when you were carrying me.” The girl moved a strand of hair out of her eyes, causing the guards to draw their swords much to the girls amusement. She gave a short meldolic laugh as she eyed the men.

The prince's eyebrow arched he had thought she would be a little more timid, perhaps terrified. She was facing the prince of one of the most power countries in Ashtia. Thievery within the city limits is punishable by death. In fact she didn't seem terrified at all, she seemed as if she was enjoying herself to no end. Still, before he could be certain what her exact crime was he would have to conduct a proper interrogation. He decided the two guards would be too large a distraction for him— with them jumping at every move the girl made —and he commanded them to go:

"Leave and lock the doors."

"But Prince Mic—" one of the guards started to say but Micha held up a hand silencing them. “If you're that worried about my safety then send Kalian in before you lock the doors.” Micha said turning away from them, signaling the end of the conversation. He studied the girl. She had an air of confidence that rivals even his fathers. She acted as if she ruled the country; as if she wasn't but a mere criminal but something more.

“You're not a pushover after all,” The girl noted mockingly as she watched contentedly from her place as the two guards trudged out the door, their own pride lost. A small sly smile spread across her face.

 

As the doors shut, the Sylvain prince turned to face the girl. She looked like a frail young woman, her black hair done in an mock Alyara style of saving one side of her hair a palms width from her ear then leaving the rest to flow down over one of her slender shoulders. She wore a high collar tunic the color of the night which disappeared into a brown leather corset. Several leather belts draped themselves over her hips. Micha felt his throat tighten as he noticed she was wearing a pair of black wool trousers. Sylvian women hadn't adopted the look of the other countries, but he recognized the style from his trips to the Dove Citadel on the island of Alyara. He found himself staring at her wondering if his father would allow her to stay. Finally he spoke.

“You won't try to kill me if I untie you, will you?”

“I'll try to resist the urge,” she rolled her eyes as she spoke. Micha had to give the girl some credit, she was talking back to a prince. He was becoming more and more uncertain about her being a thief. With an uneasy smile he removed the ropes from her wrists.

The sound of the door opening made both of them look. A tall man stood in the doorway, his skin was just barely lighter than the white marble around him. He froze as soon as he saw the girl. A slight frown tugged the corner of his mouth down.

“If your father finds out she's here he'll kill us all.” He said turning his attention to the prince. Micha gave him a look of confusion at his words. “Why would my father do that?” He asked. Kalain stopped and turned to look at prince, “She's a half blood, Micha,” He said with a sharp glance at the girl his gaze softening slightly. “Even if she is, don't think one should say it out loud.” Micha snapped glaring at him angrily. Kalian cast his gaze to the floor as he spoke, “Micha you shou-”

 

“This girl is guilty in only one crime,” Micha interrupted walking toward his desk and moving the chair to face the pair. He sat, drumming his fingers on the arms of his chair. He was lost in his mind, so much so that he didn't notice the girl move closer to the window over looking the city. He was thinking about how he would be able to hide her from his father.

“Oh and tell me Prince, what would that crime be?” She scoffed. Her voice brought Micha from his thoughts, he gave Kalian a quick uncertain glance. His friends face was blank as a marble statue. He heaved a sigh, Kalian was never any help when it came to these matters. “You're a thief from what the guard told me, What were you trying to steal?” Micha spoke clearly and slowly as he was taught to when at trial. The girl snorted moving away from the window towards them. “I didn't steal anything, yet,” She paused to give them a sly grin as she stopped in front of them, “but that could change, right Kalian?”

3: The Theif

    

“I thoug-”

“Its none of your business.” She stated giving Micha a pointed glare. Micha felt the heat rise in his cheeks as he turned to Kalian. It was the first time in quite some time that a woman had managed to make him flustered.

 

“I have no intention of leaving this castle with her. I made an oath to you and I don't plan to break it Micha.” Kalian spoke as he turned to face the prince his face void of emotion. His voice wavered slightly as he glanced at the girl. Micha frowned, his brows coming together neatly as he brought his gaze back to the girl. He wasn't sure what they were talking about, she hadn't mentioned anything about making Kalian leave, yet he brought it up as if it was a concern.

 

The girl puffed her cheeks out shaking her head slightly in displeasure turning on her heels to leave. Micha turned to look at the girl, feeling a moment of panic when he realized the girl was heading for the window.

 

“Wait!” Micha said as he lunged after her, catching her arm before she could reach the window. Her skin felt cold under his palm, even through the course fabric of her tunic before she jerked it out of his grasp turning to face him. “What?” She asked giving him a look of disgust. Micha stared at the girl like a fish out of water. “I don't have time for your staring,” She spit angrily at him, turning again to leave. All he could think about was the way her eyes had caught the light. They reminded him of some exotic jewel.

 

The prince had regained his ability to speak just as the girls head disappeared out the window. Micha stared blankly at the window and began to wonder if she was even real, maybe she had been a sign that he had been working too hard. The gods did like to play tricks. He wouldn't mind as much if all their tricks looked like her.

 

“She's probably the single most infuriating person in the entire kingdom,” Kalian's voice said moving closer until he stood beside him. Micha gave his friend a suspicious glare. Kalian wasn't Sylvian, he had been found along the border of Baelthea. His pale skin and amber eyes told him he was at least part Baelthean but the similarities with the High-race ended there. He didn't even possess the races defining feature, stones set into the skin that swirled with magic. He was a good two heads taller than Micha who was tall by Sylvian standards. Micha could see how most of the women of the castle adored him, but his cold demeanor and temper instantly killed any feelings they had. He suddenly felt sick at the thought of him and her together. In a way the two would be prefect for each other, the couple would be an unstoppable force of anger and sass. Micha shivered involuntarily at his thought.

 

“Her name is Alwyn by the way.” Kalian's words snapped Micha out of his thoughts. A smile lit up his face as he repeated her name slowly in his mind. At least he knew her name now.

 

“So how do you know her?” The words slipped out before Micha could comprehend the words. A frown knitted Kalian's brows together before disappearing completely. Micha knew from experience that he wasn't going to get anything from him now. “Micha, you don't want to get involved with anything that girl does,” There was a tone to Kalian's words that Micha couldn't quite place. He noticed the look of sadness in his eyes with a pang of guilt. He remembered the half starved young man that had arrived at the castle. Even then his amber eyes were full of anger and pain. The anger still lingered in his eyes.

 

Micha shrugged at Kalian's words as he walked to the window. “She doesn't seem that bad, just a bit violent,” Micha said as he scanned the roof of the lower buildings, his gaze sailing over the small figure on one of the lower roofs. He searched for the figure again. His heart sunk when he couldn't find the figure, he turned and began to walk back to his chair.

 

“A bit violent is an understatement.” Kalian snorted then mumbled something under his breath. Micha moved to sit down in the chair with a heavy sigh. He couldn't make out what he had said but he knew Kalian well enough to know it was probably not a compliment.

 

The door flew open hitting the marble walls with a loud crack. Standing in the doorway was a tall slender man with graying hair, dressed in a gold and deep blue robe embroidered with silver stars and various animals. Micha jumped up, his eyes widening with a mixture of shock and fear. “Father I-” he managed to sputter before his father held up a hand silencing him. His eyes landed on Kalian with a look of disgust as he spoke, “Where is she? I expected this kind of behavior from this filth, but from my own son. I want him gone before sundown and I want the guards to scour the city for that monster. Half Bloods are monsters that should be killed. All of them.” He spit the word like it was poison. The King shot Kalian a pointed glare before turning to leave.

4: Aftermath

    

 

“Looks like I'll be helping her after all.” Kalian spat angrily as he stormed out of the room. Leaving Kalain in a shocked silence. He wasn't sure what Kalian had been talking about but he needed to warn Alwyn.

 

 

Alwyn peered at the buildings sprawling below. The breeze sent chaotic ruffles through the many banners that flew from the tops of houses, marking the families and what rank they were. She closed her eyes and took in the scent of the city. This was probably one of the more fragrant cities she had ever been too. It smelled more like Cypress blooms than sewage, a welcome change for her sensitive nose. She was only here for a few days, any longer and she could be caught and killed by the king's guards. She opened her eyes and made her way down to the streets in search of her companions. She knew Rheasa would be in the market buying new clothes and Leyra would most likely be with her. The two never strayed far from each others' side. The only one of her companions she couldn't place was the Ispian, Seyl. Her best guess was that Seyl would be near water, his people were drawn to water like a moth to a flame.

 

Alwyn had no desire to watch Rheasa and Leyra pick out clothes only because they would try to convince her to join in. She had been forced by them to play dress up on more than one occasion. Alwyn grimaced at the thought of having to listen to pair giggle as they tried on clothing. She almost considered being captured by the guards to avoid the experience. She contemplated the choices, neither of them seemed appealing. By now the king would have heard she was in the city and would send guards out looking for her. She grimaced when she realized that she would have to find her companions then leave, with or without Kalian.

She reached the market just as sun reached its highest point in the sky. People surged into the square in waves, only to thin out moments later. It reminded her of the sea, only considerably louder, and both had a way of making Alwyn sick.

 

“Alwyn,”

 

She turned her head toward the voice, even though she knew exactly who it was. A young woman with red hair piled on top of her head stood within an arms length, towering over the her like some angry god. Rheasa crossed her arms over her chest as Lerya appeared beside her, giving Alwyn a bright smile and a wave. The girl only stood to Rheasa's shoulders with straight lavender hair down her back. She looked like the exact opposite of the towering muscular girl beside her. Alwyn gave a small nod as she glanced warily at the people around them.

 

“Where's Iagan?” she asked finally taking a step closer to avoid being bumped by a passerby. She shot a glare to the back of his head as he continued down the street. “How am I supposed to know?  It wasn't long after you left that everyone disappeared.” Rheasa said shrugging. Alwyn sighed in aggravation as another person bumped into her soaking her sleeve in a blue liquid. She hated crowds and it was taking most of her control not to lash out in a mixture of anger and fear.

 

“Why don't you meet us back at the Inn before you go on a murdering spree,” Rheasa said grabbing Leyra's hand and disappearing into the crowd. Alwyn muttered a curse then shoved her way through the crowd grumbling to herself. She lost Rheasa in a matter of moments, and with a sigh of relief she darted for a side street. The alley was cooler than the sunlight square. Alwyn felt the anxiety slip away, leaving an uneasy feeling that sent a prickling throughout her body. The prickling then turned to pain, it felt as if the skin was being flayed off her entire body. From her head to her tow, every bone in her body ached with pain. Alwyn clenched her fists, her nails biting into the skin of her palm. It felt as she was being overwhelmed with every pain imaginable. When the attacks had started as a child the pain was so unbearable that she would black out, and it had taken her this long to just remain standing during one. She felt herself disconnect from all her senses. Alwyn felt like time had slowed to a standstill as the pain continued to course through her body. Suddenly the pain disappeared leaving only an overwhelming chill behind. This was all she needed right now, she hadn't expected that an attack would happen, least of all here.

 

Rubbing her arms she stepped into sunlight to warm up, her gaze drifting to the sky. Just as she lifted her head, the rest of her body crashed into something unusually sturdy, knocking her back to the ground. The fall was hard, but she sat up quickly and began rubbing the back of her head, cursing under her breath.

 

“Hey.” A strong hand latched onto her forearm. “Oh, its you,”

 

Looking up, Alwyn's gaze was met by a pair of familiar blue, almond-shaped eyes that returned her glare with the same amount of annoyance. “That's a great way to apologize Seyl.” She snapped as he pulled her up. He had tagged along on with her until they reached the city, and since they entered she hadn't seen him.

                 “You ran into me,” he said with a small frown. She felt his eyes burning into her as she dusted herself off. “What is it?” She said finally meeting his gaze. His algae green hair was tied back in a ponytail and hidden under a hood, she didn't blame him. Even in a city as large as Blisila he stood out.

 

“Everyone is waiting,” He said grabbing her arm and pulling her along behind him. Wrinkling her nose in frustration, she tried to free herself from his grasp unsuccessfully. “Everyone can wait,” She muttered under her breath before trying to free her arm again. “We're leaving the city.” She stopped struggling and fell in step with him with some difficulty.

                Alwyn gave him a pointed glare as they neared the end of the square. She noticed a scar that ran from just under his eye to this jawline it was wider than her pinkie finger and gave him the look of someone that should be avoided. “I got it when my home was attacked. I thought my face was going to fall off.” he said quietly, his pace slowing slightly. Alwyn stared at him for a moment, trying to judge whether he was being serious. She hadn't heard him talk very much and when he did it wasn't to her. "Wait, what do you mean 'we're' leaving the city?" she questioned him, he didn't respond just keep walking.

 

                She rolled her eyes and scoffed as she turned her attention back to the street ahead. She saw his head snap towards her out of the corner of her eye. She could see the gate looming ahead of her, and the dozen of guards that had begun checking everyone who tried to leave the city. Seyl let go of her arm while a frown wrinkled his brow. Even from this distance she could hear the people protesting as the guards searched them. There was no way they were going to make it through there without her getting caught.

5: Escape the City

    

 

“I have an idea. Take off your hood.” Alwyn whispered turning to Seyl with a slight smile. He glared his mouth pursed into a thin line as he took a step away from her. “Those guards were specially trained to protect the city from half-bloods I'm not sure we can get past them,” He said, still glaring at her. She scoffed, “those specially trained guards couldn't tell me from the kitchen staff this morning.” She smirked pulling him to the side of street pretending to look at the bright colored glass beads. “Is this the only way?” He asked moving his body to block her view of the gate. She glared at him as she spoke through gritted teeth, “No, its not.” “Well what's the other way then, if we can get out of the city without facing the guards is great. I'm not great in a fight.” Seyl said his face turning red. “Trust me when I say that if we don't go through the gate the chances of fighting go up.” She said casting a wary glance around them, her hand going instinctively to the dagger at the small of her back. Seyl rolled his eyes and sighed, “It can't be that bad. Whatever it is.” “Elra is the last person I would go to for help.” Keria hissed the name as she spoke. Seyl gave her a look of confusion before shaking his head, giving up.

 

                “I don't understand how one tiny woman could have so many enemies,” He muttered more to himself than to Alwyn who heard him anyway. She moved to look at the gate when a hand grabbed the back of her neck. Alwyn heard Seyl grunt from outside her vision as she was jerked backwards.

 

“Last person huh? I didn't think I meant that little to you.” A familiar breathy voice said into her ear. She gave a small surprised gasp as a voice chuckled behind her releasing his hold on her neck. “I don't think I've ever seen you surprised, but as usual you're utterly adorable.”

 

                Alwyn spun to face a tall man in a bright blue tunic. Sandy brown hair fell over a crooked nose and dull green eyes. Alwyn gave a groan of annoyance as soon as she realized who it was. “How the hell did you know I was here?” She demanded seeing someone on the ground to her right. It took her moment to realize it was Seyl. Seyl held his stomach as he laid on the ground. “And what the hell did you do to him?” She groaned moving to help him to his feet. The smell of burning flesh and clothing answered her question before Elra could. “I thought he was kidnapping you.” Elra purred pausing to study Seyl, “You do like them exotic.” Alwyn rolled her eyes in annoyance as she struggled to get Seyl to his feet. After a few more moments of trying to get Seyl to his feet Alwyn gave up. "The effects will wear off in a few more minutes I'm sure." Elra choked back a laugh as Alwyn shot him an evil glare.

                When she finally got Seyl to his feet, the crowd had started to take notice. People rushed over to stare at them. Alwyn shot the crowd a cold glare causing some to leave.

 "It appears you two are drawing a lot of attention. Follow me I'll get you out of the city tonight, for the usual fee Alwyn," Elra grinned wickedly as he walked away leaving Alwyn no choice but to follow him. She shoved Seyl forward just as a guard began to walk their way.

"This is your fault." She's hissed at him. Elra had lead them down narrow alley ways and streets so crowded Alwyn was forced to grab the back of Seyl's tunic like a small child to avoid getting separated. She glared at bright blue figure guiding them. She kept her hands on her knife at all times, She didn’t need Seyl to see that she was nervous, perhaps even a bit scared.

                "What did he do to me?” Seyl groaned falling back to walk beside her as they cut through a side street. “He focused his magic through your body to make your muscles spasm, and also burnt you.” Alwyn explained in a low whisper, her voice getting lost in the noise of the crowd. She glanced at Seyl to make sure he had heard her, his shadowed brows knitted together in pain. “What will he have you do? He said something about his usual fee, your not going to have to...you know..” Seyl stuttered the last part his cheeks turning pink as he spoke. Alwyn watched in amusement as his face turned to a darker shade of pink. “He's going to make me fight in an arena, not a bedroom. Don't talk about things you can't say aloud.” Alwyn chuckled as Seyl quickly looked away from her. Warm hands landed on her waist and she choked back a shriek of surprise. The hand slid down to curl over her hips. Hot breath bathed her ear.

“Not to say that-,” Alwyn flung her elbow back hoping to break his rib or worse. Chuckling, he slid away with ease allowing his fingers to trail across the small of her back.

“Elra,” Alwyn growled, her eyes flickering dangerously in the light as she glared at him. Seyl jumped away as Elra gaze moved from Alwyn to him. “You never did introduce me to you friend. My name is Elra Thenra, lord of the city under the city and maester of the Arena.” Elra gave a low bow before turning back to Alwyn, “My dear, I hope you can still hold your own,”

Elra brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. Alwyn jerked away from his hand with a look of disgust, leaving it hovering in the air. “Our new champion has suddenly developed a conscious, threatening to expose us to the city guard. I think he may have been bribed or worse.” Elra dropped his hand with a sigh.

“Elra,” Alwyn’s voice had an edge that bordered on dangerous tone she gave to her targets as she glared at him. “I don’t have time for this. Where is he?” A smile parted Elra’s lips again as he pointed to a large building with a polished dome roof. Alwyn let out a frustrated sigh rubbing her temples. “That place is as guarded as the king himself,” Alwyn growled not bothering to look at him, instead she focused the slight pricking on her neck.