The pale light of the full moon shone on the cold walls of the royal palace. It had been built to withstand attacks and lacked any sort of aesthetic appeal, built from hard gray stone and having only small windows and high walls it was a bleak outpost. Normally some color was streamed out of windows, but during this time of mourning all was left bare. Surrounding the castle was a city, surrounded itself by a large stone wall. The town had a few lit torches, but most were dark and embraced by a somber slumber.

A bitter wind howled into the night as a youth stared up through an opened hall window into the starless sky. The wind's malicious chill didn't seem to bother his contemplative stare. Dressed in a black silk shirt and pants with a silver cape made of feathers he was clearly a noble. Running a hand through his jet black hair he moved his bangs out of the way so that his silver eyes could stare up at the moon. It was the symbol of his people, of his legacy, of his kingdom and of him. He had been told all his life that humans were like the moon, meant to be born a sliver, then grow into an adult only to fade into and elder who would eventually make way for a new moon to replace him. This was fine, because they were the light who shone in the darkness, to bring peace to people with each generation.

The youth, Luke Luna, was the crown prince. Soon to be king, though not under pleasant circumstances. His father was cut down in his prime. He didn't fade, didn't pass on anything, he was killed by some evil trick of fate. Now Luke was left without his Father, a guiding force, a light in this bleak and dark world. Already his scouts and men were scouring the lands for information, scholars and medics studying the scene for clues, and everything that could be done was being done. Tomorrow the various lords of the realms were to come and console him in his grief, as well as to prepare for his ascension to the position of King.

Luke let out an angry scream, piercing the silence of the night even if only a little with a hoarse and crude yell. He didn't want comforting, he didn't want the position of King or fake sympathies of a bunch of sycophants, he wanted revenge. He wanted to rip the throat of whoever did this out and watch them bleed all of his floor. Yet he had no leads, and it frustrated him so much. His cry died down as he took a few steps back, until his back touched the wall. His legs gave way and he fell, staring with a mixture of turbulent emotions at the uncaring moon.

There went that disconsolate scream again... piercing through the night air. Lili grabbed a nearby pillow and covered her face hoping, that if she was lucky, she could suffocate herself into unconsciousness. However, acrimonious cries followed after the scream like lost puppies. Sleep was going to evade Lili tonight, wasn't it? She would look horrible tomorrow and have to hear her parents' nagging. 'There were bags under your eyes!' 'You looked unsympathetic!'. Tossing the pillow to the end of her bed, she swung her legs over the side... feet meeting cold floor. "If no one else will..." Was the Lili really the only person who dared to tell the sad little prince to shut up?

Briefly, she glanced down at her pajamas: Baggy silk pants that ended right before her ankles and a matching silk spaghetti-string top. Oh well, appearances were inconsequential. Maybe, with a little luck, Luke would find her pajamas so distasteful he would immediately call of the marriage. After all, the young prince was going through a difficult time... Who would blame him?

Lili prowled through the castle until she stumbled across the grieving prince. To think... Luke would soon be declared kingg. That gave her less time to plan, didn't it? Now she would end up staying up all night anyway... just to over think a plan to wheedle herself out of the marriage. "You're making racket." Lili commented to Luke, a seething frown on her face. As red eyes trailed over to the prince's, locking on the waterfall of grieving tears, she felt a tiny pang of guilt. Without the hypocritical marriage to sustain an oxymoron of peace, Lili could have possibly gotten along with Luke.

Lili strolled over to the prince, sitting down in front of him. "We could do it, if you wanted," She started seriously, although a dancing glint in her eyes betrayed her tone. "Avenge him." Revenge... What could ever taste sweeter? If Luke avenged his father, he could find closure. Besides.... a wild goose chase would give Lili enough time to plan. Procrastination would surely be the death of her... "Knights. Medics. Sure... they can find the murderer, but... would you not rather avenge him yourself? To look the sadist, which murdered your father, in the eyes?" Revenge, as Lili was concerned, was something only Luke could achieve. Allowing others to do the work and, well, he'd have a break down every time he saw the moon.

Reynard gazed up at the moon. His chest heaved back and forth as he collected his breath. He worked up a sweat, and his hair was frazzled from the countless hours of training. He did not want to put Azure down. He wanted to keep on training. He picked up his sword again, and gave it a mighty cleave downward on to the test dummy. It was cleanly split in half. The wood of the base splintered and disintegrated under the weight of the claymore's blade. He gave one more upward motion on the dummy shouting to the sky, "AZURE SKIES" unleashing a flurry of wind knocking the halved dummy pieces across the grass field. He panted again, feeling his soul and body struggling to keep up with his body. He again gripped the sword, but he could feel his arm strain. The muscles in his body started to give out and he let the sword go. He dropped to the ground on his hands and knees, and then knelt with one hand on his knee. He looked up again and saw a two figures running towards him from a lit cabin. His siblings came running at him with big grins. Sieghard and Mariana. He smiled and stood up from his genuflect as they got closer. Sieghard was 13 but proving to be a strong warrior in training, and Mariana was only 10 and was a kind soul.

"NARDY!!! Mom and Dad said it's time for dinner!" They said as they kept running towards him.

They finally closed in on his location and jumped on him. Although he was tired, he was always capable of lifting the two. He gave them a giant hug and set the both back down. Sieghard looked around and ran towards Azure. Mariana clung to his leg affectionately.

"I'll carry Azure back for you brother!" Sieghard yelled as he grabbed the weapon and started walking back towards the two briskly.

"You're such a show-off Sieg!" Mariana taunted with her tongue out.

"Now, now Mari, you be good. He's just being helpful. Be careful Sieg, don't fall down when you're carrying swords around!" Reynard said as he picked up Mari and put her on his shoulders and patted Sieg on the head.

The happy family started walking back to see their parents standing at the dimly lit door. These were happy times right now. After supper Reynard cleaned up in the bath and sat in his room wearing a cloth tanktop and cloth shorts. He looked up at the moon again. This time, it wasn't pleasant. He kept flashing back to that day. His blue eye looked saddened and filled with grief. He failed to protect the royal family. They lost a great man. He felt that it was his fault even though his patrol unit was nowhere near the battlefield.

Images flashed in his head as he looked up to the moon. Countless bodies lie across the ground. A tattered flag of the Empire stood on a mound of soldiers. The smell of blood lingered in the air. The strong and the weak were dead. There were no survivors except for the monsters that ravaged the area. He remembered the grass stained with blood. The scars on the earth from where magic and Soul Cries struck. He saw the broken armor, swords, and tattered cloth strewn across the ground. All he could do was stand there in shock as the rest of his unit tended to the dead. He looked up in the sky, and could see it blackened and covered with clouds from the fires that burned the grassland. He walked towards the prominent bodies of the King and Riot Silverbane. His king was dead, and the his captain was dead. He called for help from the unit. They rushed over and started tending to their bodies. They were gone. They had departed this plane long before they got there. They collected their belongings and gathered their bodies to be buried. There was no hope for those lost here. All he could do was swear to protect the successor. Luke Luna.

Reynard snapped back into reality. His father knocked on the door.

"Rey...May I come in?" His father solemnly asked as he cracked the door open.

"Yes father, please enter." Rey said quietly back.

His father came in. His hair was pulled back and stood up slightly spiked and was black but started to become gray. It was longer than Rey's. His body was still strong and built, but the age could be shown in his face. He was 57, and had retired as a member of the royal guard and insisted on helping train anyone new. He walked over and took a seat on the chair at Rey's desk, as Rey took a seat on his bed. Rey's hands were folded and he looked down at the ground with thought.

"Rey, you did what you could. But, I know how you feel. There are times where lives can't be saved and it wasn't your fault. You tried your best. The best move would be to set out to the Capital tomorrow and talk to the successor Luke Luna. He is the next King after all."

"I know father, it's fine, I understand. The feeling is still settling in me. I'll leave early in the morning, so tell Sieg I'll help train later when I come back," Rey responded with a melancholy tone.

"It's fine, I'll help Sieg tomorrow. Take as much time as you need in the capital. The guard must be disorganized with the fall of Riot. So just make sure everything's at least in good hands for me will you?"

"Of course father," Rey responded diligently.

"Very well, get some rest good night," Richard said as he left the room quietly.

Rey put out his lantern and looked at the moon one more time. The air had an eerie silence. And the moon punctured the night sky as if it was crying. Miles away the cry of a royal successor could be heard, but in the peaceful country of Amaranth village nothing pierced the night except for the droning sounds of cows and other livestock.

It was comforting. To look up at that bright, round sphere and feel the power just soak into his body. To look up at that sphere and just remember the many days he spent under it's sovereign protection and excited by it's enthusiastic energy. To look up at it and to just feel the mystical energy it radiated was enough to calm his mind and sooth his body.

Of all the things that had gone on lately, he needed this time to himself. Here he was, out here all alone in the courtyard leaned against a the railing of a gazebo that was rarely used by anyone. Sitting there, his eyes were locked on the moon high in the sky. He came out here to think, but he couldn't find the will too. He just fell into looking into the moon, unable to really think about anything. Maybe he was avoiding it? He sort of realized it, but didn't think about it. Every time that name came up, he found somewhere else to be, something else to do, or just got through it so fast that he didn't have time to focus. The heavy responsibility he took almost thoughtlessly and did what he always had. He sort of knew he was avoiding it, but that didn't' stop him from thoughtlessly looking up at the sky for this moment of tranquility. Right now...Nothing could matter.

Loki Silverbane. Current Captain of the Royal Guard and said to be one of the most talented men therein. Held with high regard as a man that never missed his mark and, by accounts from just about all in the guard, a respectable, professional, talented man that knows how to get the job done. He had the blood, the power, and the skills to be Captain of the Guard, but some questioned. Was he just a pale comparison to Riot Silverbane? Loki's entire life was surrounded around the castle and being a warrior. He was raised and molded to become a great champion of the knight-clan and was one of the most capable when it came to Lycanism. A 24 year old Lycan himself, the young man had been given the responsibility that others would have killed for and all almost at the turn of a dime. There was so much wrong and right about it, but he never focused on any of it.

Leaning back against the cool stone at his back, Loki was dressed in a black as many of the castle staff were. He wore a black long sleeved shirt, ruffled at the front, and had a sharp collar, smooth black cotton pants. It was simple wear and he wore nothing on his feet. There was a knife at his belt, a short one, and another strapped on his arm. It was a short supply of what he normally carried, but he wasn't preparing for war here. No. No more fighting would happen in the castle.

Loki closed his eyes slowly, breaking their mesmerized contest with the moon, as a cry broke the silent night. He knew who's it was. He had a feeling he knew why it was. That boy would find a way to move on through this. Loki had no intention of babying him. The best option for that boy was to use this to grow up. He would get through this with his own strength. It was because of that, Loki seemed to almost have been avoiding the Prince as of late...Perhaps there was another reason however? A reason that Loki was hiding or hadn't realized himself. Avoiding. Loki was doing a lot of that lately.

Sighing, he opened his eyes again. Using his large, meaty hand, Loki pushed off the hard supporting pillar of the gazebo and decided to make sure that the Prince wasn't being bothered by someone or something. That was his responsibility, right? Really...Loki didn't like that thought. But, that is what he used to do. For some reason, now there was this...Almost tension. When he thought of the Prince he only thought of not speaking and not associating. Loki looked at the moon once more, realizing that he had to leave it and let it go for now. He reluctantly turned and started to walk, his flat heavy feet slapping the ground as he was practically forcing himself to go back into the castle.

Walking through the dark, quiet halls was uncomfortable. All were asleep or tending to business for the morrow, yet here was Loki strolling casually as if he had nothing to do. He felt like he were being immature just strolling about, without any shoes on even. Looking down, he pushed back the uncomfortable feeling of walking around in someone else's home in the middle of the night. That's right. Even though he stayed here, it was not his. It would never be his. He wouldn't ever feel right even if it were. This was not a place he could be at ease in. These dark...Lonely halls.

Walking up the stairs he saw the prince's door was...Already opened?
Loki stepped closer and he caught the last few words of a dangerous statement:
"Knights. Medics. Sure... they can find the murderer, but... would you not rather avenge him yourself? To look the sadist, which murdered your father, in the eyes?"

The voice and the tone gave away exactly who it was. Loki paused there, curiously waiting for just what the Prince would respond with. He hadn't yet shown himself beyond the door. It was just the two of them in conversation.

Luke's relation with Lili was simple, he trusted her about as much as he would a rabid dog with a gerbil. She was crazy, no, cunning was a better way to describe it. Since he was ten years old he had been trying to figure out whether she was seriously trying to kill him or not, and for the most part kept a safe distance. Still he didn't have the energy to play her games right now, he was too distraught to figure out what her angle was. For once he just wanted to believe that she wanted to comfort him.

Wiping his face Luke rose to his feet. Amidst the cool night he listened to the tempting words of a demon. It was comical how enticing her proposition was, though there was no smile on his face. She had managed to hit the nail on the head with her understanding. Letting someone else kill that bastard was indeed the last thing he wanted, Luke wished to dart out the castle and spend all of his energy doing nothing but hunting the killer down and ripping him to shreds with his bare hands.

He didn't need her to tell him that though. She was just telling him what he wanted to hear, for a reason he didn't really care about at the moment. Maybe she was just hoping that the assassin would kill him too. Honestly if he had any lead he would charge headfirst into any amount of danger to find and kill the person who took so very much from him. But even if he were to depart now where would he go, even if he were to run rampant now what would he attack, even if he wanted his revenge who was he supposed to kill!? It was frustrating, no, it was infuriating, an indignant truth that grated as his patience and tore at his soul.

"Of course I would rather kill him myself," Luke muttered angrily. "Of course I want to end his wretched life with my own hands, but even if I say that... Dammit! Why haven't they found anything!?"

What had Lili even come here for? Some sort of scheme to rid him of his life or kingdom? Or was it just to laugh at his misery? After he thought it he was glad that his mouth hadn't launched the accusations. Partly because arguing with her and suspecting her of malicious intent was exhausting, but mostly because arguing with her was much more exhausting. Somehow she would twist his words and make him out to be wrong no matter what they were talking about, and he never felt as though he won. In short it was never worth it.

Seething in this wretched castle, stagnating in a pool of unwanted ignorance, it was enough to make him explode. He would have to start assuming the responsibilities of a King soon and dealing with the various affairs of the kingdom would only slow down his search, eventually it would become a formality or have to be disbanded all together if nothing was found. He had to find this guy, he had to hurry up and find him, but there wasn't any foreseeable way. Everything that could be done was being done, and yet Luke feared it wasn't enough, he needed more.

Sighing a frustrated sigh he walked over to the edge of his bed where the sacred sword sat propped against a wall. The sword had been passed down from to his Father from his Father and so on. Now the sword remained in his custody, though he was not technically meant to claim it until he became king. Its pure flawless silver blade calmed Luke down, somewhat. The way it seemed to shimmer even though there was no apparent source of light touching it, the serene reflection that could be seen perfectly in the blade's surface even in this dim lightning, and the sort of calm aura that radiated off it were all things Luke admired.

Of course he had been told by a few others that the blade was not as well received as a holy weapon by some of the others within the kingdom, but the funny thing about that was that he didn't really care.

"If you've got any leads I'd be happy to hear them." Luke asked sarcastically, not really expecting her to have anything.

Lili grew silent, allowing the prince to taste her words. Books, elders, plays... they all treated revenge like it was some leech... Feeding off the life source of others until they were a hallow shell of their old selves. Lili understood what revenge actually was; a form of closure. The only proper form of closure. Her father had not been mercilessly slaughtered for no apparent reason; however, her life had been snatched away from her. In years to come she would no longer be herself. No... she'd be a human... A human married to a human! What sort of peace was that? What sort of understanding between races..? If humans could never accept them, there was no reason to bother.

Lili stood up after the prince. She walked behind him, placing her hand on his mid-back. There was no way to comfort him. Luke was far too distraught. Maybe she should just... Lili glanced over her shoulder towards Loki's direction. His footsteps were far too loud. Why did he even bother sneaking around? "They have none because they were not his family. None of them share the same drive as you except for..." Luka. Loki and Luke. "We both know you do not have long to decide. Your advisers will drown you in paperwork until you forget the tragedy that happened here." Her voice was airy, light. Floating and matter-of-fact.

The sword. Lili scoffed. The brainwashed prince would never understand the hypocritical peace his forefathers had manufactured. "Loki and I will both follow you. You are the king now, Luke. You are allowed to make your own decisions. If you want to hunt down the assassin... rip him limb-from-limb, you can. You have the power to decide: Do you want to sit on the beautiful throne minding the kingdom or hunt down the man that wronged not only Loki and you... but this whole kingdom?" If he refused, Lili could easily stage a kidnapping. Of course the kidnapping would be real at first and... ,Lili glanced over her shoulder, Luke's beloved would follow right after.

"..." Wordlessly, Loki listened. He was leaned against the wall, his left shoulder on the cool wall and his head lightly laid against it as well. His eyes were closed and he didn't show that he had any objection or agreement to the words said. He didn't make himself known, even if he had already been found out, and just stood there listening. He wasn't really hiding. He was just listening. The manner of the conversation was interesting.

To leave? To just grab up his things and run along, throwing away all responsibility, in the Kingdom's period of morning? It would bring about chaos and discord. It would be, above all else, disrespectful. The people, Luke's people, would feel as if he abandoned them for his own desires. What would the advisers think and do should they arrive to an empty castle? They could very well take advantage of that sort of situation and, possibly, Luke could lose everything. But, really, that may as well be an exaggeration. Perhaps, none of that was likely or plasible, however, Loki knew at least to distrust the words of a demon.

The Devil's Advocate leading one towards their impending demise and their own infinite gain and glory; it was by such simple, tempting, empathic words such as Lili's that many King's threw away rationality and sanity for a passionate death. Everything she had said may as well have been for her own benefit and not Luke's and Loki was absolutely sure that none of it was the right thing to do. A demon was a demon. Loki ordinarily wasn't one to judge other races, considering his own, however a demon wasn't just anything humane or moralistic. They were foul, selfish, dangerous creatures that caused strife, death, and corruption as easily as humans could blink or lift a finger.

Lili was the worst thing to trust, but Loki wasn't going to share this thought. It was Luke's life. He could decide to live it however he wished. It was his own responsibility to see through deception and comprehend honesty. If he could trust her words, for whatever reason, then the consequences that came with his decision would be his own path to growing. It was no Loki's place to tell what Luke to do or how to think. That was Luke's own job.

Spending every waking moment scouring the edges of the map looking for vengeance certainly sounded tempting, appealing even. But Luke hesitated, it wasn't like he knew why really, he just didn't want to abandon his post. Lingering sense of duty, a solemn responsibility, or was it just that he didn't want to end up failing to find anything himself. If one looked at it logically there was no need for him to personally go around sniffing for clues, after all it wasn't like he was more qualified than the next guy.

Tearing his gaze away from the sacred sword he turned it to the floor. It was also true that soon the mundane yet complex mechanisms of running a kingdom would engulf his life. Certainly they would be a large distraction. Was it also not the responsibility of the king to merit justice out on to those that transgressed the King's law? Was allowing a criminal who all thought should die to continue to roam free really what was best for the kingdom?

Was the king leaving to pursue his vengeance what was best though? He didn't want to allow this murderer to continue to draw breath, nor did he want the kingdom his father had served over as king to perish. Was fate truly cruel enough to force him to choose between slaying his Father's killer or upholding his kingdom? Two gears that didn't quite mesh creating a racket in the depths of his soul, with each turn turning his entirety into more and more chaos, that was what the frustration Luke felt was like. Confusion that threatened to paralyze him in a time when he couldn't afford it, hatred that wanted blood and duty that demanded patience. There was one thing that was starting to bug him though.

Lilli was playing with him, or trying to use him, he suddenly realized."Enough!" Luke finally snapped. Her whispers were likely part of some larger machination that he couldn't quite see yet, and even if they weren't he wasn't in the mood to discuss this. "I just want to be alone!"

It wasn't anything in particular that Lili said that sent him over the top. He hardly trusted her from the beginning, and so listening to her this long had been a sign of his grief. It was that very same grief that made him unable to bear having to deal with this at the moment. This being her somewhat obvious method of manipulation, well obvious might be a bit too much. If he had to express it then it would be something more like Lili was being too nice to him, at first he had thought it was only grief, but now she was promising to follow him forever? If not for that she probably would have succeeded. Well there was the chance that she was sincerely being nice, but that thought only made her words only more confounding, because that would have meant she was being sincere.

Lili stood against the wall, impatiently awaiting Luke's decision. Would he not understand that avenging his father and Loki's would be the only way he could run the kingdom with a clear mind..? That if he just repressed his blazing desire for revenge, it would bottle up and eventually become an awful liability. And who would suffer? Everyone. Every single person living in this kingdom: From proud Luke to an innocent baby. That scream... meant Lili had won. He knew she was right, or he would have answered calmer. But no. The king became defensive. "No you do not." Lili said brusquely about Luke's second demand. Who would truly wish to be alone after such a tragedy..?

Glancing over her shoulder at the taunting moon, Lili let out a small sigh. "You know I speak the truth. If you allow you hatred to be bottle up, what would the outcomes be? You could lead your kingdom to ruins." She stated with a serious expression lying upon her face. "Do what you wish, Luke. However, if you allow your desire for avenge to wait... to nestle itself inside of you... Nothing good will come of it." Lili shrugged and strolled to the door. Honestly, Lili doubted Luke wanted to be left alone. She did reason that from Luke's point-of-view being alone was better then Lili's company. There were no acrimonious feelings; the feeling -as far as Lili was concerned- was mutual.

"If you do decide to avenge them, I will be right beside you." She said impassively. Tonight... with all this mayhem going on, not even Lili could find it in herself to be vivacious. She did know, that in the bedlam that would unfold when Luke killed the assassin, she would be able to vanish. To simply disappear and find someone she actually loved. To live a life with someone who loved her for her. "Good night, Luke." With that, she strolled out of his room... making sure to shut the door on her way out.

Silent steps headed in Loki's direction. Instead of passing the lover guy, Lili stopped. "Your footsteps are too loud~ Were you attempting to be sneaky?" She asked with a forged lively, taunting tone. Lili looked up, locking her eyes with Loki's. [color=hotpink.]"He needs you; go comfort him?"[/color]. Lili suggested, forcing herself to hold in another sigh. Would Luke never realize..? No one cared for him as much as Loki did.

Loki didn't respond to Lili's question, instead his eyes were still in the direction of Luke's room as if she hadn't just walked over to him and spoken. Loki was like that. Often cold and with his own head held high. Though, she moved in a little closer and Loki, his eyes slowly drifting her way, were caught in a strangely enthused energy in her eyes. Motivated. That was never good coming from a demon.

Loki closed his eyes a moment and, almost as if in a daze, removed himself from leaning against the wall. Loki wasn't stupid. It was very clear that Lili was miserable here, however, it was fairly clear that she was at least going through the extra effort to try and make the Prince feel better. Loki couldn't feel any malicious intentions behind her drive and he didn't think that she had all that much to gain either way. Loki figured that if any harm came to the prince, Lili would be without a benefactor and her family would be disappointed in her or they would simply appropriate her to other potential resources. Such was the life of a tool. You are handed from hand to hand, with no say on where you are implemented, and are restricted to your own natural design.

"It's is growing late. You should be in your quarters for the 'morrow" He would say, his eyes slowly closing almost completely. He walked passed her and paused at the door. Her words resounded in his head and Loki looked at the door, slowly gracing a hand over it. His hand started at the center and fell down to the knob.

Loki didn't hide his own frustrated, unnerved sigh. Loki looked at Lili a moment, his eyes looking as if they had just aged an entire decade in a moment. Looking straight ahead just then he would open the door and slowly walk in.

Luke was obviously frustrated. Loki could practically feel the emotions radiating off him. Anger. Rage. It was something many of Loki's kind suffered from. They were drowned in it, lost control, and embellished the blindness that it caused. His own father had a weakness towards it as well. Out of all the emotions, feelings, and thoughts out there, those were the ones Loki too was the most sensitive too. Not in that Loki usually grew angry, but he was highly perceptive of it. Despite that, it still didn't mean that Loki was here to rock Luke to sleep. In fact...Loki didn't even know why he came in and took it this far.

Loki, wordlessly, entered Luke's room. He looked at the Prince for only a short moment before walking towards the window to look upon the moon and take in it's full luminance. He seemed caught by it, staring at the bright body high in the dark night. It wasn't as intense here. Not inside a building and behind a glass. Loki closed his eyes, inhaled slowly, and exhaled silently.

"A calm mind thinks clearer," The words were said in a way that it almost sounded as if Loki were speaking to himself about himself. His hands slipped into his simple dark pants and his eyes still closed, he just stood there a moment. He didn't know why he thought that was a good idea or that it was even appropriate, but he did it. Strangely, it felt like it made sense. It made sense to be here right now.

Luke scoffed as Loki entered the room. Honestly he was somewhat relieved to see Loki, the werewolf was by far easier to deal with. Loki was distant to the point of fault, apathetic to those around him. Honestly Luke could hardly ever tell what he was thinking. That was what made him so easy to deal with. As a prince Luke had some respect for the man who was so very apathetic towards his titles and rights, though sometimes it made him frustrated. But more than that he liked Loki because Loki seemed to have some measure of trust in him without outright having expectations.

Where as everyone else had been telling Luke what needed to be done or how pitiable his situation was Loki had been nowhere to be found. From an outsider's perspective that would make him a bad friend, and if someone actually examined the situation a bit closer then they would think that this was just Loki's way of coping with his own loss, but the sentiment was at times helpful. Sitting on his bed he wondered if Loki was going to open up now, tell him what he needed to be doing and how he should be doing it. Logically Loki would understand the situation, but Luke really didn't want to hear other people's advice for tonight.

Instead of facing him Loki went to the window that he was musing out of just moments ago and stared at the moon. Calm minds think clearer, wasn't that just common sense? He certainly didn't think that a chaotic mind would have clear thoughts. Was that his idea of a profound statement, something that sounded like a mantra spoken while sitting naked under a waterfall? Honestly Luke pondered if the emotionless Loki was just saying something to try and cheer him up, which actually made him feel a bit irritated. How depressed had he gotten if he needed the humorless Loki to brighten his day.

"Profound messages are also better if profound. Jeez," Sighing Luke leaned back against the head of his bed. "This is the first time you've spoke to me in forever and that is your deep phrase, what have you been thinking all this time. Come up with something more profound next time."

Still Loki did have a point, in the obvious way that telling a thirsty person that they needed water had a point. Honestly Lili's presence and her discussion had made him quite frantic and he had been trying to rush to a decision. There was no need to run off in the middle of the night just yet, he should calm down and think things through. Loki was smart sometimes, emotionally detached to the point he would let his best friend sink in proverbial and probably literal quicksand until a royal decree was issued, but he was the type able to calmly assess things.

"You are totally hopeless." Luke said with a smirk. Whether she had his best interests in mind Lili did have some very good points, but making a frenzied decision based off her words could very well lead to ruin. "What are you two even doing up?" Luke finally asked, wondering why they were visiting his room this late in the first place.

"It was an opinion," Loki amended, his attention back to the window. "I didn't come here to make you feel better or anyone. I just thought to say whatever it was that I felt like. Truly, that was how it was. It was cold sounding, almost to the point that it sounded like a defensive lie. Loki wasn't necessarily saying that Luke should just forget everything and just relax. Anger, sadness, even insanity all had their advantages. An insane perception saw things a sane would miss. There were strengths in emotions, though Loki himself never dabbled.
Again, this period in Luke's life was his own. Loki was not here to craddle him and hold his hand. The emotions and the thoughts and all the pressure is what would eventually determine Luke's worth and his strength. He would walk with that burden and Loki was not here to take it away or necessarily lessen it, as Lili assumed. A man became a man in a way no other mans could relate. All are different and Luke's steps in life would shape him towards his own future and off his own strength.
"There was yelling..." Loki said, stating the obvious. "And there is a fullmoon. It is not something I care to waste away," He said, his words a icy cool. There seemed to be no readable emotions coming from Loki at all. He held it all in, deep within himself, and appeared only like this steel wall. Loki turned away from the window, giving the moon one last glance, before starting towards the door as well.

"I can last a lot longer than you can with little sleep..." So...You should get some rest? That was probably what Loki meant, though it wasn't how it sounded. It probably wasn't someone said unless they were implying something like that though, right? Loki slid a hand through his hair as he paused just before the door. A short, soft sigh escaped and he finally realized what it was that he wanted to say. "I'm going hunting tomorrow." With that, Loki planned to just walk out.

Hunting for Loki at this time was usual. The day after the fullmoon he used hunting as he was on the border of mortality and his lycan bloodline. It was almost a ritual that he almost always participated with his father...But, this time, his father was not here. This would be the first hunt he hever had without his father living. Loki could count the number of times his father missed a hunt with both hands and that was all.

Luke had a strange string of dreams that night, full of shadowy figures acting out scenes of some twisted play in front of a strange castle surrounded by laughing mouths. Their annoying cackles rose and fell during certain parts of the play. It was all very ambiguous and vague, though, and by morning he couldn't remember what the play was about. Nor did he much care, since his warm blanket had been ripped away from him and he was forced to face the cool morning chill without any protection.

With that his peaceful slumber reluctantly ended, and his senses started to slowly return to him. As rational thought replaced sleepy delirium his priorities began to fall into place, and he sat up and yawned. There was no time for sleeping, and even though he had been too restless to sleep much and the sleep he did have was far from restful he had rested enough to function. Looking at the person who had woken him up his complex desire to curse the person to eternal torment and reward the person with a rare display of gratitude vanished completely.

The person standing before him, holding the blanket with both of his bony hands, was his loyal adviser Nyx. Nyx was an old man with a short beard and full head off combed back white hair. His eyes were barely open slits, and were completely black with white pupils -something attributed to some disease he had contracted in his old age. He wore a black robe that looked too big on him, and sagged around his shoulders and arms. It had several white 'vine' decorations coming up the sleeves and up the bottom of it as well.

Nyx wore an amused smile as he dropped the blanket. "It is time for my lord to rise." He said in a matter of fact way.

Luke stared at the old man, wondering just how long he was going to stand in his presence before excusing himself. After Loki had left last night Luke decided to sleep, so naturally he had stripped and threw his clothes on the floor around him. It had been some time since someone had actually come in to wake him, and even if then it had been years since someone had tried something as juvenile as taking his blanket. Was this what his Father had put up with from the ancient adviser.

Nyx showed no signs of leaving, and even spoke up. "With all due respect, young prince, you do have a busy day ahead of you. You don't have all morning to slouch around in your bed."

If this where later in the day he would have said something about the fault, but since it was so early he didn't have the energy. "Pass me some pants then." Luke said sleepily.

"Ah, right, I have lain out your outfit for the day over there. Unlike some royal pains I am a rather busy man, so I trust you shall not complain if I go tend to other business, namely checking on your lovely fiancee."

"By all means please remove yourself from my sight." Luke's reply held no humor. Shortly after the old man left his room Luke adorned the black shirt and pants that had been laid out for him. Since his father had just died most of his subjects today would be wearing black as well, as a sign of mourning. Black boots had been a bit harder to find, since they were still in his closet, and he had to look in two drawers to find his black leather gloves. Finally he fastened his leather belt around his waist, on it was Moonlight, the sacred sword.

Without making a sound the old man was already inside Lili's room. Regardless of whether she was awake or asleep he would speak in a soft voice, "The guests will start to arrive soon, please prepare yourself for the ceremony." If she was asleep and his voice didn't manage to wake her she could expect the same method of awakening Luke had received. Otherwise he would likely just calmly stand there.

Though Luke had not said anything to him about it Lili might point out how there was no need to wake up at 7 am for a ceremony that wouldn't start until 3pm. Outside of basic preparation there was really nothing for them to do but greet a few guests as they arrived. Since many were nocturnal though some had arrived early in the morning or were going to arrive soon, and greeting them was the young prince's -and by extension Lili's- duty. She was more likely going to wonder just when he had procured the long black dress that was hanging from a hangar in his right hand.

"I would ask that you please hurry up and get dressed, we are rather busy today." Of course by 'we' he meant Luke, since Lili and himself had no pressing responsibilities to attend to other than basic greeting and advising.

No. Lili refused. She refused to believe that the clock had already ticked three times. Surely, she still had time to lie in sleep's embrace. Ever since Lili had returned to her room, sleep had avoided her like a mouse to a cat. Or maybe a mouse to a trap? Either way, Lili had spent the last few hours laying on her side... pleading with sleep to drown her in its warm embrace. "It is not time to get up yet." She stated, not looking at that old sack of bones standing rudely in her doorway. Maybe, if she was silent for a few minutes, he would simply decompose.

But... the old man didn't plan on leaving, did he? Oh well, Lili could throw on an outfit and stand by Luke's side like a doll someone forgot to paint a mouth on. After all, gluing herself to Luke's side could prove useful. If he knew he could trust in her help, then maybe... Lili tossed her blanket and her eyes scanned over the black dress. There was really nothing wrong with it. Modest but beautiful. And black was always a flattering color. However, everyone was treating today like a funeral. Today Luke became king. His coronation. "Oh, is that for the sister? She will look lovely." With that, Lili hopped off her bed and strolled to her door. "I will be down in a few minutes." That having been said, the door was kindly slammed in the old man's face.

"What to wear..? What to wear..?" Lili softly sang as her fingers skimmed over the clothes nestled in her wardrobe. "Perfect." Around ten minutes later, Lili walked out of her room in a teal taffeta dress. The top had three inch long sleeves going around her shoulder, skimming her neck. The skirt swooshed outwards. Instead of acceptable shoes, she wore black combat boots... that peeked at the outside world from the skirt. There. Now Luke's coronation would have one less grisly reminder of his father's death. Lili found her way to the stairs, hoping Luke would be easy to find. Probably greeting his guests with a phony smile masochistically on his face.

Luke's mother was a frail and slim figure, so delicate looking one would assume she were a doll. Even as a human she held the small and dainty figure of the fairies. Even now though her slim form held beauty. Her luxurious silver hair shone with an almost unnatural luster, her haunting gray eyes stared outward into the souls of men. Her face held an attractive dignity, and even in the midst of grieving she kept a calm air about her. Normally she was doted on by the castle help, since she seemed like a statue of glass that would break from the slightest impact. Their attention was rewarded by kindness, not once had the queen ever seemed ill tempered or conceited. If anything she was described as being reserved, as if she was out of place. Except in the presence of the late King, it was only then that she seemed to come alive, only then that others felt they could leave her be.

Rachel was the opposite in so many ways. Though she had her mother's long silver hair her eyes were a dark green color, the same as her Father's. She was a bundle of energy and exuberance on any other day, usually acting not only relaxed but even entitled around the castle and town proper. She was the sort to walk into a shop and demand an order expecting it to be filled immediately, part of that was mere ignorance at how the world worked, but part of it was that she literally prioritized her own needs above those of others. Rachel was only fourteen though so she was still too young to understand all the machinations of the common world.

Both wore somber black dresses as they came to greet Luke outside of his door, it irked the young prince that his sister looked perfectly fine being up that early. She didn't deserve to be that energetic in the morning, although she devoted that extra energy to pouting. His mother wore a kind sympathetic smile, though she was trying to put up a front. She looked well but she had spent the past few days crying. The funeral would be in two days, the coronation taking precedent in this case, so they would lay the body to rest then. Luckily the affairs were being taken care of by Nyx, the insufferable old man who always seemed to be planning something. In this case they were forced to go along with the old fart's insane schedules and agendas.

The three exchanged only a few words as they walked together towards the dining hall. All the other representatives and guests of importance who had arrived waited in the dining hall. More than one of them were caught yawning and stretching, the old man really hadn't taken time into account considering that many of them had arrived late into the night. At the head of the table were two chairs that were somewhat nicer than the others, though several other people were sitting in a variety of chairs around the long table. Luke fought back a yawn as he walked to one of the chairs and faced everyone that was already seated at the table.

"I thank you all for coming during these trying times. I, Luke Luna, the soon to be king welcome you all to witness my ascension to the throne. May my phase be just."

Disappointment ran across the faces of almost all those present, they were expecting something more. Luke ignored them, he didn't know what they had wanted in the first place. His statement had been the bare minimum for a greeting, he had just changed the word 'joyous' with 'trying' for the official greeting of the Luna family. Most used that as a mere opening or closing, and considering the circumstances his guests were expecting something more to reassure their concerns or honor the late king. Luke wasn't in the mood to play the childish game of politics and he had much more on his mind than petty speeches however.

Nyx had, shortly after being clearly dismissed by Lili, made his way to the main chamber as Luke seated himself. He wanted the young prince to wait until everyone arrived to say anything, but just like Lili's outfit it wasn't worth getting into. Such paltry matters were so far from important in the face of the main event that Nyx didn't bother to concern himself. He just gave a calm smirk to the youth's foolishness and continued to adjust things back onto the track he wanted. Today was a big day, a monumental one at that. Adjusting his robe he walked up to Luke, he was leaning back in his chair. That was an insufferable offense to common sense and courtesy alike, he should have been mingling with all those present, greeting them individually and discussing various affairs with them. He should have been the last one to sit down, only after having had everyone there introduce themselves to him and told him their region and given him condolences. The young prince was far too irresponsible when it came to things like this.

"Several more guests will be arriving soon," Nyx whispered as Rachel to her seat to Luke's left, on the side of the table. Kirsten herself had been doing what was supposed to be Luke's job, walking around and talking to the various guests, greeting them and listening to their various requests, concerns and comforts. "You should have waited until Lili arrived before seating yourself, and spoke to your guests. I shall direct her here, you try to come up with a better speech."

"There is no need to wait on her. More importantly is there any news from the scouts? Bring the physician Xeoth here too, I want to hear his report." Luke commanded with no doubt in his authority, not even bothering to keep his voice hushed. Finding his Father's murderer was more important than playing host.

"As you command, my liege." Nyx said with a bow. He was more than willing to assist in Luke's obsession for revenge after all, and so very few in the castle would stand against it. It would consume him like a flame consumes parchment.

Looking over he saw Lili descend into the hall dressed in something far too flashy for the occasion. He could not say that he approved, and for a moment wished that he had forced her down and shoved the appropriate dress on her. None of the guests seemed to mind, nor did Luke or the others in the royal family though. Nyx resigned that it was just himself, and decided not to make a big deal out of it. Honestly these kids had no clue how to stand on ceremony.

As Lili walked in Nyx gave Luke a nudge. Not bothering with the signal Luke ignored it, only to receive another. Shooting a glare at his antique of an adviser he was about to remind the old man that the KING had just given the old fart an order, but before he could speak the man spoke. "Introducing Princess Lilith Baal of the demon family."

Gesturing towards Lili he directed everyone's attention to the young demoness as she entered the room. With everyone looking that way he mouthed the word's 'stand up' to Luke, who gave a reluctant sigh and did so. Pointless ceremony and manners were getting on his early morning nerves, and the old man was so very uppity to him. Probably just a hard time adjusting to the change in dynamic, when he was a kid the old man had been allowed to direct his social behavior to some degree. Turning his head to face the old man he intended to whisper 'are you happy now', but Nyx was nowhere to be seen. No doubt he was attending to some other trivial matter or plotting some stupid event.

Oh, she got an introduction? How silly of that old man to even bring attention to her. How vicious of him... As the word of Luke and her engagement spread, running away would only dishonor her family that much more... Lili put on a faux smile and waved to their guests. "Thank you, everyone, for coming to my fiance's coronation." Lili scanned over the mournful outfits and let out a small, nervous laugh. "Was I the only one who dress appropriately for this occasion~?" She joked. Of course, the joke was out-of-place and way-to-soon, but... She hated talking in front of people, but -after being introduced- she felt the need to say something, anything.

As Lili sat down beside Luke, she caught an undesired glimpse of his mother. Did she ever regret not fleeing? Had she ever tried? Did she miss being herself? How had she felt, being forced to change herself for an oxymoron of an alliance. The Queen and Lili... they were both epitomes of the human's hypocrisy. Quickly as demonically possible, Lili's eyes looked away. Their fates would be different. Even if Lili had nothing but the clothes on her back and dirt beneath her shoes, she could get by.

Family honor, hypocritical alliance, and phony love was something she could do without. Happiness. Someway, somehow, Lili would snatch herself a peace of happiness. Of real love. After seeing such magic, marrying Luke was an impossibility. "So... have you made a decision..?" Lili whispered to Luke. Because, if you need help, I am fine with deciding for you." A coy smirk danced in her eyes. Lili would have no problem standing up and announcing the future king's manhunt. Everyone would cheer in blissful happiness; Lili was sure.

Rey woke up early in the morning to make his trek to the castle. He was up before the sun even rose, and gathered his things. He packed clothing and other things in a leather knapsack. He also gathered supplies in a second. Both of these were added to Argo's load on the backs of the horse's saddle. He gathered up the rest of his weapons, and was set to go. He slung his sword on to his back, as well as the ominous ax. He donned his cape over his armor set, and set off for the castle. His mother left him breakfast, as well as food in a pouch that he took with him on the road.

As he was exiting the stable, his father came along. He looked up at his son, and gave him a stern look. One that was not of anger, but of urgency. He knew the kingdom was approaching difficult times. But, he did not know how soon that was. All he knew was that his son had to do his part. He handed Rey a small medallion. It was passed down from his Grandfather, and was more of a personal item, than a lineage item.

"Father, why are you giving this to me?" Rey said confusedly as he looked down at the sapphire medallion gleaming in his hand under the stable fires still going on from the previous night.

"Because it will protect you. It kept me alive, and kept your grandfather alive. Things will be different at the castle. Since Riot is now deceased, you should look to his son, Loki. He is the person probably taking charge of the army, or at least has some say in it now that his father is gone. Check in on your troop as well, since you have been on leave since the incident. Be careful on the way there," Richard gave his son a hearty hug.

"I will. Thank you father," Rey said as he slipped the medallion over his neck, leaving it to rest on his chest plate. He then mounted Argo and left for the castle.

He arrived by mid-morning, and left Argo at the local stables. He checked in at the local inn, and unloaded his items. He would be staying there for a while, but since he was there on military duties, his room was free for his duration. He made his way to the castle only with his sword in tow. As he approached the gates, he saw hundreds of citizens dressed in black. They were all mourning their loss. Rey climbed the stairs and present himself to the guards. They allowed him in, and he entered. He waited in the dining hall along with other noblemen, citizens, and important personnel. While he was not of high rank, he was considered a representative of the Amaranth clan, whom was an important lineage to the kingdom. Luke had entered and gave a rather frail speech before taking a seat. He noticed the Queen making her rounds talking to the guests. At that moment, Luke's fiance entered, and was introduced. While she was pretty, the air around her did not suit the situation, nor did her combat boots. But, he paid no attention to those things, but something was off. He shrugged away the feelings, and waited to hear more words from the newly appointed King. But instead all he heard was a rather interesting attempt at a joke from Lilith.

Luke sighed at the pestering Lili. He had no intention of letting the culprit go but she was really on his case about this one. Well it was probably beneficial for her, then again maybe it was customary for a demon to drop everything to complete their revenge. The concept certainly was tempting, but he wasn't going to run off looking in the corners without any leads. Even he had enough of a head on him to know when it was a waste of time. Soon he would know which way the killer had went and would go hunt them down, there was no need for interlopers to intervene.

"Don't do anything unnecessary, I'll handle this on my own." Luke bit back at Lili in a hushed voice. "Its not like I need your help."

Luke leaned back in his cushioned seat, resenting it as he did. Its luxury might sap his resolve, its position his aim, its splendor his drive. He knew more than anyone the dangers of assuming the throne, of how vast this kingdom was and how many dealings and issues would be thrown on him. Luke was also painfully aware of how unprepared he was to assume these responsibilities, of how early it was and how little he had done to earn the right to rule. Such was the nature of this tragedy, all others before him had been slaughtered.

Even in the large hall, decorated for joyous occasions and filled with warm light, he could not help but feel the hollowness of this event. There was no joy in those around him, no celebration or song. Nobody -except Lili- wore bright and cheerful clothes. Indeed not a person in the room seemed capable of a sincere smile. Luke's impudence was born of misery, and everyone seemed to be weary of upsetting the soon to be king. This room had seen countless celebrations, many belonging to Luke and his siblings, yet now it seemed to be a place devoid of the possibility of joy. A cursed realm in which happiness would forever be and had forever been triumphed by sorrow. Indeed all happy memories had become sick and painful sarcasm for this horrid parody of a party.

Seeing another of these strange sad mocking of a man walk in Luke wondered if his report had come in. Indeed the solder was just that, a solder, but several of his more prominent knights had been called to the ceremony. Objecting was his first reaction, but Nyx insisted that he keep some knights around to protect the guests and be on hand. The old man seemed to be expecting another attack, which was likely since the assassin had gone after all the other potential heads. Luke didn't think he could get so lucky as to have the damned cur stroll right into his own court. Nyx had won the argument by reminding Luke that his family consisted of more than just himself. Well even if they hadn't the Amaranth family was somewhat special, so Reynard would have been pulled out of the search parties to make an appearance anyways. Luke doubted he had anything to report so he merely passed the knight over.

Somewhere besides the hall, in a place too dark to make out any figure, a cold voice intruded upon the silence. His voice was overlapped with countless others speaking in a strange harmony that did not seem out of place in the otherwise soundless zone. In fact it seemed to fit perfectly, as if its myriad of sound was a soft whisper that belonged on the edge of absolute quietness. It spoke, though the one listening would have had to wait a moment for the words to actually materialize as actual speech instead of just noise.

"Your tasks have planted many seeds, young one." Something moved within the darkness, a dark black figure that was able to be distinguished from even the deep shadows that covered the areas. "Soon it will be time to cultivate those seeds. Rejoice young one, for soon you will once again witness death.

Bright eyes narrowed acrimoniously, forcing her disgust to target the table instead of Luke. No, he had gone too far. Not only was he taking her very race away, he was even pushing her to the side like some useless nic-nac. The glare finally settled on Luke. "So, we are planning that game..?" She muttered under her breath. Of course, Luke might not have complete understood what she was talking about. He lived in a society where it was smiled upon to steal someone's species... acting like such an act was truly intermarriage between the species.

So, in an act of defiance, Lili stood up... a sly smile dancing on her face... contrasting perfectly with her acrimonious eyes. Without a word, she grabbed the closest drink, not caring whom it belonged to. If Luke sat there, being his spoiled little self, Lili would simply dump the contents of the glass onto his head. Like a lovely lady, she gently sat the glass back down and smiled ruefully at the guests. "If you will excuse me...~" She chimed before rampaging out of the castle.

Luke sighed as he diverted attention from the now assumed to be cowed Lili back to the various guests of the table. That was probably a mistake, as he soon found out. She mumbled something he didn't bother paying attention to and then seconds later doused him with a drink. Spilling the red wine all over his black hair and very nice clothes. Rampaging off her stunt sent the table abuzz with whispers and commentary. Already one might see some of the more daring guests thinking up jokes that they would unleash after they knew it was alright to jest. A few others tried to sink away just in case Luke ended up being an off with your head kind of guy.

Luke looked at the red liquid as it dripped down his now wet right sleeve. An exasperated stare for a clueless prince, he was left to ponder what the hell was wrong with Lili. Dismissing it as her oh so predictable ounce of unpredictable chaos was the sound thing to do, probably just mad that she wasn't going along with her random plots. She was such a difficult woman to deal with. Getting mad over strange things, freaking out of minor things, and blowing off major things like it was nothing, he just couldn't understand what was going on in her head. It was irrelevant though, this blowup was minor considering it was her.

"A towel would be much appreciated." Luke finally spoke up, amazed that the servants had waited so long to start moving. "Unless you would like to continue gawking."

It wasn't ha-ha that was funny but it was relaxed enough for a few of the guests to start laughing or telling jokes at his expense. Luke silently endured for a minute or two before one of his ever so capable staff brought him something to clean himself with. Wiping his head and clothes he sighed at the stain. It wasn't like he was peculiar about clothing but formal events such as this did have to maintain a certain amount of...formality. Revenge against Lili seldom worked out, anyone else he would have publicly dumped in a vat of wine, or better yet held over it until one of the commoners in the square hit a target then dumped, repeatedly until the townsfolk grew bored of the game. Since Lili performed the act though he would simply go change.

Finishing wiping the back of his neck he tossed the cloth into the hands of the servant who had brought it and stood up. "If you will all excuse me I think a change of clothes is in order."

A few admirably funny jokes earned their makers a cold stare before Luke departed for his room. It was a simple plan, get in, grab a shirt, and come back to endure this ridiculous feast. Reaching his room he quickly entered and threw open his closet. Selecting a black shirt much like the one he wore he placed it out on the bed before lifting the tainted one over his head and throwing it lazily onto the floor by the closet. By chance he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, and while not especially vain he was a prince and they weren't known for their humility.

Looking at it for a few moment he moved closer as he started to mess with his hair a little, it was all off and a bit sticky now. Taking a bath sounded unreasonably long at the moment so he ran his hand through it and tried to fiddle with it so that it looked somewhat more presentable. As he did a stream of dark red liquid ran down from his hair, quickly making its way down the side of his face before falling onto the dresser. How much wine had been soaked into my hair was Luke's first though as a drop of the red liquid splashed against the furnished wood.

A warm wet feeling flooded over his hair, as if someone was pouring warm water on it. Pulling his hands back he let his hair fall free as a few more streams began to pour down his face. A towel, he had to find something to dry himself with. His hands were already stained red with the warm wine. So very much that it dripped from his palms, splattering onto the wood and floor below. So very dark, so very thick, it was almost like blood. No, it was exactly like blood, Luke realized that very quickly. Morbid sensation pulled his attention towards his hands, which were now entirely covered in the red substance and seemed to have more coming from nowhere. Whose blood was this, why was this happening, these types of questions were miles away. Rather Luke seemed to be slightly amazed and strangely entranced by the phenomena. The texture, the smell, the warmth as it ran along his fingers all affirmed the visual experience.

Finally looking back up at the mirror what he was a horrid reflection of himself covered in so much blood that one could not see a speck of skin. Anything and everything else in the reflection, and the room itself, had faded away into shadows leaving only the figure in the mirror to be seen, but Luke didn't realize that. A strange sensation crept into his chest, something he had never felt before and couldn't quite conceptualize. It wasn't fear, but having this unknown feeling made him worried, anxious and frightened. Raising his left hand, which now had so much blood dripping from it that it looked like he had been submerged into a pit of red mud, he slowly brought it towards the mirror. A sudden fright came over him as his hand came only a sliver away from the glass and he pulled back. In that instance it was all gone, the blood, the feeling, the shadows that had consumed the room without him even knowing. He was still a bit dirty but with nothing but wine. A single now mostly dried trail remained on his cheek but there was no sign of anything else. While his hands were a bit moist they weren't covered in anything.

"What...was that?" Luke muttered before grabbing his clean shirt and pulling it over his head. Now functionally dressed he left the room to go reunite with his guests.