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  They watched me call upon the creatures of the forest one by one, filling the surrounding with life. Their amazement for me was so great that time went by and they never left my side throughout the entire day. When night arrived with the setting sun, they escorted me home where my brothers greeted them with intimidating attitudes, but everyone soon got along.

  Unfortunately, Frigga punished me for being late and for forgetting the mushrooms. Even though I had to suffer the consequences for the day, it was the best I had experienced since coming here.

  Thank the ninth heavens for my two new friends.

  CHAPTER II

  Friends Forever

  EVER SINCE THAT DAY, Alucard and Edon had always met up with me in the forest to play. My brothers and Frigga at first were insecure with me leaving the hut every day to see them, but soon enough it became a habit for the Wolf-boy and Elf to be around our territory to escort me into the forest instead of trying to find them alone. Even my mother, Frigga, would sense them nearby and would tell me to go meet them.

  I believed the friendship we had was special with every day that passed. It gave me relief since I no longer had to rely on the company of my brothers’ and mother to have fun in the forest of the cold mountains. Now, going out with my two new best friends gave me more personal knowledge about the creatures of the forest Frigga couldn't teach.

  Alucard had met many types of beings with his father and the clan; such as Western Witches. They were knowledgeable just as Shamans, but they had split into two factions; the white and the black. Edon said the Witches were once Sorceresses that practiced the balance between white and black magic. They had the ability to manipulate energy to their will and manifested things through certain rituals. Some rituals were so powerful they opened doorways into the Underworld to either enter or to send someone through. It was most commonly used to exorcise a spirit back into the Underworld if they were causing a ruckus in the mundane world.

  Alucard told a story about one Sorceress who believed the mundane didn’t have the sincere heart to help. She believed they didn’t understand the consequences of desiring things such as power, things from the beyond, manipulate love, and greed. He explained that the tale was to teach a moral lesson about the natural law and the understanding that actions come at a price with a tainted heart.

  In the story, a ruler who had just lost his son to illness approached the Sorceress. The mother begged with jewels and gold to bring back her boy. She even pleaded on her knees, wanting to see her son again.

  The Sorceress explained that she had the power to bring back people from the dead. She asked the royal couple, “Do you understand that this is against the natural law?” There will be a great consequence that will fall on their family line, and their son will not be the boy they remembered.

  “What he will become and what he will do in this world, are you willing to live with the burden and suffer the consequence?”

  The Sorceress believed even if she explained well it would not sway the heart from wanting what it desired above all else. The mother agreed to all, so their wish was granted. Once the ritual was complete, and it brought their son back into this world. As the Sorceress said, the boy wasn’t their son in spirit, but a Demon; a Vampire who pillaged the night, bringing terror among the land.

  Due to this nightmare brought upon by the Sorceress actions and going against the natural order, it caused a controversy fate couldn't reverse. It created witches of the left and right hand and continued to extend their coven throughout the ages, trying to forget the disgrace of the past. And the coven exiled the Sorceress with an everlasting curse. Fate cursed her with immortality; to never die and her bloodline would suffer from misfortune or death.

  After Alucard told the story, I thought about magic more than a source of miracles, but as a root to destruction, depending on the intentions. Knowing this, I reflected on what my heart might choose if I had to face a similar circumstance. Will I heed the words of warning or will I still continue forward, knowing the consequences? Am I willing to go that far to get what I want? I understood why this became a popular story among most beings. It helped the youth realize the weight in certain choices and just try to be mindful of them.

  Other than telling life lessons, Alucard spent some of his free time away from training to teach me how to use a bow and arrow. I learned Dark Elves were skilled in archery and swordsmanship, which made them agile warriors on the battlefield. They are disciplined in the art of protecting the forest, just as a Wood Elf, but they are less merciful on their victims at war. Their thirst for blood overshadowed their good intentions. That’s why the Wood Elves created an agreement with the Dark Elves to not raise their sword until they’re called forth for a worthy cause.

  When I first used a wooden sword in a spar match with Edon, I was a klutz and bruised my fingers from getting smacked by the wood. Edon was skilled with daggers and had speed when he ran the trails in the forest. His aim was always precise when he threw his sharp knives at a target off in the distance. I would stand far against a tree and the dagger would hit the bark near my face without a scratch on my fair, clean skin.

  My friends had become patient with me due to my lack of warrior strength, but I did become skilled at archery more than the sword. I enjoyed the blood-rush of targeting an object from afar. The silence of the string, releasing the arrow in harmony with hitting my mark gave me a sense of accomplishment; even though I never dared to harm an animal.

  With us getting to know each other, Edon opened-up and shared with me his skill for tracking. Even though I had my gift to cheat, his skill was precise, and he tracked creatures of the forest I didn’t realize were there. He had a love for the wolves of the mountain. He introduced me to a gray wolf that didn’t run with any pack. Its eyes iridescent orange that appeared to glow in contrast to his dark fur. He walked alone in the forest for most of his life; however, I realized the creature was content with being by itself and had no fear of the future. I too became friends with the lone wolf after that day.

  Alucard and Edon had been loyal friends since before me. I learned that most dark creatures of the Underworld allied together more than others. Werewolves and Dark Elves are the closest of allies, making them strong enough to protect the forest creatures from any imbalance against nature.

  While talking to Edon, I learned he was the firstborn of two other siblings, and one was yet to come from a vampire companion his father chose as a new mate to replace Edon’s real mother. He never mentioned much about her except that she was the true alpha queen. She was even stronger than his father and was the pack leader until she gave birth to his twin sisters, Phyla and Pharah, who were the same age as me now.

  After that, she left and never came back. His mother gave up her original title as the supreme alpha. Edon’s father took the title in her place. They found out later; she left out of duty to Hades to serve under a queen in the south, which was a high honor for a wolf to receive an assignment degreed by another dimensional God.

  Even though Edon had a hard-egotistical exterior, I only expressed sadness and empathy for him. I knew what it was like not to have a birth mother. I never knew my real mother or what she was like. The emptiness in his heart was from missing his mother and wanting the affection she took with her the day she left the pack.

  I also hoped to know who I was and where I came from, but I contradicted myself by being insecure about knowing the truth. It terrified me losing my family for the sake of asking about my birth mother. I loved Frigga and my brothers too much to have it all change. So, I hesitated to ask about her even though I was old enough to handle the truth.

  Between Edon and me, Alucard was the best of both of us. He believed in honor and loyalty as a theme to his journey through life. He was strong, fearless, and had no regret in the choices he made and how he lived.

  I admired Alucard in a way that eased my insecurities about the future because I relied on him to give me strength to prevail on my path. He trained me to be
better at protecting myself against the unforeseen world. My times with him in training, I saw why Edon had admiration for him. He had grace in his movements with a sword. It was like water gliding and twirling to the wind.

  Alucard was trained to be the next leader of the Dark Elf army after his father chooses the time to pass on the family sword, Valora. It was known as the mighty sword of the Dark Elf clan, forged with a light enchanted metal to cut through stone. It remains weightless in its wielder's hand during battle. Its name meant courage and the full power of the weapon can only release in the hands of someone with an earnest heart. The spirit of every Dark Elf that wielded Valora, ingrained their soul into the blade to grant the owner the skill of their ancestors. They would describe it as letting the spirit of the warrior aid in battle to an honorable victory.

  Alucard made himself worthy of the privilege with his kindness towards others. I saw the gentleness in his eyes for the things he loved so much and cared for. His friendship with Edon was loyal to a fault; however, that loyalty swayed as we grew older together and they noticed me with different eyes.

  CHAPTER III

  Silence

  THE TIME HAD PASSED QUICKLY for the three of us. Alucard and Edon had matured into their bodies; chests and shoulders broader and lean with muscle. Their faces became more handsome and less child-like with strong chiseled jaws and narrow cheeks.

  Edon’s coming of age was given the marking of an adult which was a branded mark on his chest with the crossed daggers. From what I learned through our time together, the symbol was of his pack that specialized fighting with daggers and had versatility. Alucard became more agile with his lean body stretching back the bowstring as he released arrows one after the other at the targets I set up for him throughout the forest. Edon’s legs carried him as fast as the wind through the snow and he flitted through the trees without breaking a sweat.

  Our days together were exciting and full of life until it became more noticeable that they saw me as a potential companion for them. It was earth-shattering knowing this change was happening before my eyes, I felt sadness etched into my heart, since I loved them both as friends. I didn’t want to lose either of them because their love for me grew into something deeper beyond control.

  I dozed off, chopping firewood to keep the fires burning in the shop. I sensed Loki behind me, snickering. He had shape-shifted himself to look like Alucard.

  “Good evening, milady! Will you be my companion?”

  I swung the axe; frightening him to the point of falling back on his behind in the snow. “Loki!!! What have I told you about your tricks?”

  “Oh, my dear sister.” He struggled to get back up on his feet and wiped the snow from his behind. “You have become a beautiful young lady.” He took my hand and kissed it like a fool.

  “Stop it.” I pulled my hand away in embarrassment.

  “Dear sister! You have so much on your mind.” He shape-shifted into Edon. “What a confusing scenario you have put yourself in.” He gave a devious grin. “You’ve noticed it right, sister. The change?”

  I rolled my eyes. “What are you talking about?”

  “You know…. Oh, you know.” His smile became larger and his voice became more kiddy. “You are now sixteen and have bloomed into such a gorgeous flower. The two boys are now men. What shall you do my young sister? I know you have noticed the change…” He came close to my ear and whispered. “They see you now not as their adorable childhood friend, but as a flower ready to pluck!”

  I elbowed him in the stomach, and he gasped for air in pain. “They are my dearest friends. And yes, I’ve noticed them acting different. I’m not blind.”

  “Well then m’dear sister, what are your going to do about your two suitors jostling for your affection? Will you choose?”

  “No,” I groaned. “I cannot choose between them.”

  He shifted into Alucard once again. “Will it be the gallant Dark Elf?” He shifted back into Edon. “Or will it be the rugged wolf?” He twirled around me. “Which will she choose? I wonder…”

  “I don’t know.” Loki’s silly game depressed me. Despite his childish nature he uttered honesty I must no longer ignore. “I don’t feel what they feel for me. I love them both, but my heart doesn’t want the same. I don’t want to hurt them, yet I don’t want to lose them either since I love them just as friends only.”

  “Tsk-tsk, my sister...” He shifted back into his true form. Tall and skinny with dark hair and eyes like the night sky. “How long will you play this game of hearts?” He walked away, leaving me to my thoughts.

  The nausea built in the pit of my stomach. “How long will I?” I whispered into the wind.

  After listening to my brother’s rant, I disappeared into the woods to hike away my racing thoughts. In a moment of unawareness, Edon leaped from a branch above and landed in front of me.

  My heart slammed against my chest in fright. “What are you doing?” I held my chest, panting. “You scared the life out of me.”

  “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.” He laughed.

  I smacked him on the arm which was like hitting a rock on the palm of my hand. “Ugh… You will be the death of me one day.” I slumped away.

  Alucard revealed himself from behind the tree trunk, chuckling. I punched him in the arm too. “You knew… Ugh” I walked away from them both.

  “Sorry,” they both said as they became concerned if I was angry with them. I turned back with a deceitful wide grin. “Got you! You both are so gullible,” I laughed, walking deeper into the forest. “You forget, I have a trickster of a brother. Remember that before you scheme again.”

  We ended up at the stream where we first met so long ago. It now covered in ice and snow from the long, frigid winter. Icicles hung on the branches above like an ice garden of crystals glimmering in the light.

  “Why did you bring us here?” Edon asked. They both held curious expressions.

  “What’s wrong, Alphard?” Alucard asked while tugging at my arm. “You seem different lately.”

  I took a deep breath. “You two think I haven’t noticed you, treating me different since we’re older now.”

  They both looked off to the side avoiding eye contact.

  “I talked to my brother a while ago,” I confessed. “For once I have taken his honesty to heart.” I stood closer to them both and placed my hands on their cheeks to force them to look at me. “I love you. I'm well-aware you have feelings for me. And I understand you two are trying hard to impress me lately. We have been together for so long—you know I can’t just choose when my feelings for you both are the same.”

  Edon grabbed my hand. “I know you love us both. We know that. But can you at least give us a chance to prove ourselves to you?”

  I could see the pain in Edon’s eyes as he looked into mine like a puppy. He genuinely wanted me to be his. Alucard had a similar look but with more ease like he would respect whatever decision I make.

  “I don’t want this to end. It would wound me if you felt hatred towards each other because of me.” My throat felt tight. I cleared my throat, trying to settle my voice. “Am I worth the trouble?”

  “I don’t know if we'll hate each other,” Alucard answered. “But we both know you are worth it, and we love you enough to respect your decision. Edon’s right, though, give us a chance.”

  I wrapped my arms around them and hugged them. The sickness builds in my stomach again as my heart fell into sin. Things just wouldn’t stay the same between us, but I have no control nor the power to stop the change from this point on. “So how are we going to do this?” I asked with my voice shaky.

  “Maybe we should try to find out who you like more. Feeling-wise,” Alucard suggested. “I remember my mother explaining it’s a feeling that can make things clearer if you're meant to be with that person. Your souls will spark and connect, and you would know by your first kiss with that person if it’s meant to be.”

  “A kiss.” My head lighten. The air left my lungs fo
r a moment at when I imagined kissing them. I took a deep breath. “Well, if you think it will help… Ok.”

  “Really?” Edon’s face flushed red. I smirked. “Don’t just look at me—you two have to figure out who’s getting my lips first.” My blood rushed through my veins, my heart pounded as if it would burst out of my chest; my hands shook. It didn’t seem right, but it’s what they wanted, and my brother was right. I can't have them linger and wonder about it for too long. I don’t even understand my own feelings. I’ve loved no one intimately before, so how do I consider anyone as my opposite. I wouldn’t know what it’s like even if I kissed them both. How would I know? The question clouded my mind.

  It was cold; the breeze rustling the waves of my long, dark hair. Alucard suggested Edon should go first since he cared for him and he understood that he loved me. They acted like gentlemen towards me, so why couldn’t I imagine myself with either of them?

  Edon approached me with less confidence than usual. He appeared nervous as was I since he’d be the one to take my first kiss. He stood close, and I realized how tall he was compared to my height. It was hard to reach his face. His arms went around my waist; gentle as he pulled me closer. I put my hand to his neck and pulled him downward where our lips touched. The warmth of his strong arms and the softness of his lips, it was a wonderful experience for a first time. However, it wasn’t there. That feeling that was supposed to be, it wasn’t there in my heart. My hand rubbed its way through his hair as we stopped. I gazed deep into his gray eyes and saw how happy he was to touch me. My heart sank even further. He let go of me and Alucard moved over next.