Sasha in the lair of blood

All my pieces are copyrighted so don't mind sharing them this one is a fantasy/vampire love story.

Chapter 1

It was a dark night and the wind was shrieking through
The narrow pass in the woods. It was bitter and cold, piercing through the long dark cape. Sasha Moretti pulled the hood over her head as she continued to walk through the woods alone. She began to shiver as the harsh winds continued to brush against her body. Sasha looked ahead the road looked like it went on forever and the trees looked like towers reaching toward the sky.

As Sasha looked around she had a feeling that she was in danger. There seemed to be a shadow lurking in the distance. After a few moments she began to have this sensation that something or someone was watching her which made her even more nervous. Yet she continued to walk but even faster at this point hoping to soon reach the end of the woods just outside of where the castle was at. But then she started hearing strange noises unlike any she had ever heard before. These strange noises began to make her worry even more she started to wonder if she would ever reach the castle safely.
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Sasha began to think of the stories that she had been told as a child of a night beast that would take off with those who wandered the woods alone at night, these were warnings of danger in the area that the local towns folks would tell others so they wouldn’t travel the woods alone or at night. Yet Sasha didn’t listen to the warning and was traveling the road alone at night.
But Sasha had no choice somewhere up ahead was the only man that could help her save her father. She had sacrificed all she had to get here, and wasn’t going to turn back now. She sold everything she had of value to find this man. Nothing mattered but that she find Ashkan for she knew that he was the only one who could help her now.
She had no where else to go; she had to find him and be granted an audience with him, no matter how elusive, no matter how dangerous and powerful he was. Many of the towns people refused to help her and warned her to stay away. Her love for her father was stronger then the fear of the night beast. Villages and townships whispered of him, for he was the one they feared him above all others.
His reputation was legend, and lethal. Some even said he was untouchable and bared the mark of the night beast himself. Sasha had persisted despite all warnings, all accidents, the weather, and every obstacles she has had to face. She wouldn’t and couldn’t turn back now no matter how the voices in the wind howled at her, no matter how icy the storm, she just had to see him.
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Sasha stopped for just a few moments to glare up at the night sky, “I will find you, I will see you” she declared firmly, a challenge of her own. “I am a Moretti. We never turn back!” Just then a noise captured her attention, and frowning, she swung her head around to look. And off in the far distance she seen the shadows of a small wolf pack. She knew if they was to pick up on her smell then she would never be able to survive. So Sasha began to run as fast as she could to make it through the pass. It was desperation more then fear that kept her from turning back.
Soon the wind lashed at her face, and tears were torn out of the corner of her eyes. She could feel winter was fast approaching, and with it would come heavier snowfall which would make her return trip even worse then she could handle. Shivering, teeth chattering, she urged herself along the harsh trail. Once she was out of the pass, she felt an oddly disorienting sensation, as if the earth began to shimmer and twist. She had a eerie feeling as if something better left alone had been awakened upon her entrance into the valley.
With renewed fury the wind slashed and tore at her, ice crystals burning her face and it felt like every part of her skin was exposed. She continued for another hour while the winds came at her from all directions. It blew fiercely, viciously, seemingly directing itself toward her. Overhead, storm clouds gathered rather then move swiftly away with the wind. Her felling of being watched had also gotten greater, yet she still wondered why.
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There had been a hundred delays, small incidents, accidents, and strange sounds on her journey that had tried to keep her away. She couldn’t help but wonder why such things had tried to prevent her from reaching her destination. Sasha then began to believe the evil things said about the night beast could very well be true, yet she wondered what could such a beast look like.
Then she began thinking of how mysterious, elusive, dark and dangerous the towns folk had told her Ashkan was. Some even said he could command the night beast to do his bidding. Could Ashkan been trying to prevent her from seeing him she had wondered. But it didn’t matter. She had to reach him, she had to throw herself at his mercy if that’s what it would take to save her father from deaths door.
As she rounded the next bend, Sasha felt the breath leave her body. She was there. She had made it. The castle was real, not a figment of someone’s imagination. It was off a winding mountain road just past the forbidden forest. It rose up out of the mountainside, part rock, part marble, it was huge, impossibly large and sprawling.
It looked evil in the gathering dusk, the rows of windows looked like black eyes piercing down at her frightening her as she stood in the lashing winds. The structure was several stories high, with rounded turrets, and great towers. She could make out large stone bats guarding the towers their mouths were open with razor-sharp teeth piercing through the dark night. It seemed empty but all-seeing eyes stared at her from every direction, watching silently.
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As Sasha walked closer she began to feel her heart pounding loudly as if it was thunder in her ears. She had made it, she should have been relieved but she couldn’t suppress the terror welling up inside of her. She had done what was said to be impossible. She was in sheer wilderness, and whatever manner of man lived here was as untamed as the land he clamed dominion over.
As she walked up to the castle she felt her feet were numb, her legs wobbly, refusing to support her. She stood still for several moments, breathing deeply, waiting to regain her strength. She started up at the castle, her teeth worrying her lower lip. Now that she was actually here, now that she had found him, she had no idea what she was going to do. White wisps of fog wound around the columns at the top of the stairs by the great double doors, creating a eerie effect. The fog stayed in place, seemingly anchored there despite the ferocious wind ripping at her.
She walked closer to the castle’s entrance way she had expected from the stories that the castle would be in worse shape then it was in, she was certain the castle would be in a state of disrepair. I made it she whispered softly. “Gazing”, and hunching deeper into her cape, she pulled the hood up around her head once more and was swallowed by the garment.
Stumbling in the vicious wind, she made her way to the steep steps. She gazes up at the double doors, and seen that even on the double doors there was carved heads of bats and they were staring fiercely, with open mouths, revealing their fangs. The knocker was inside one mouth, and she was forced to put her hand in past the teeth. Taking a deep breath, she reached in, carefully so not to cut her flesh on the sharpened fangs of the bats.
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She let the knocker fall, and the sound seemed to vibrate through the air as the wind lashed at the windows, furiously that she had escaped into the comparative shelter of rows of columns and buttresses. Shaking with cold, her legs weak, she leaned against the wall and tucked her hands inside her cape. He was within the walls of the castle. She knew he was for she could feel him.
She felt eyes on her malicious, and venomous eyes. Something evil lurked in the bowels of the castle, and with peculiar sensitivity, she it was like a fist around her heart. The compulsion to run back into the fury of the storm was strong. Self-preservation told her to stay in the shelter of the large castle, but yet everything inside of her rose up in rebellion for her spirit was strong. She couldn’t make herself knock again.
Even her tremendous will power seemed to desert her, and she actually turned toward the lashing wind, ready to take her chances there. Then Sasha clamped down on the door on her wayward imagination. She actually grasped the heavy door frame, digging her fingernails into the door to hold herself in place.
Just then she began to hear the warning sounds of the door cranking open slowly. The interior beyond was still and dark. A elderly man stood before her dressed in all black he was looking at her with sad eyes. He then said “the master will not see anyone”.
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Sasha froze where she stood. Just seconds earlier she had wanted nothing more then to run back into the storm as fast as she could. Yet now she was very much annoyed. The storm was growing into a frenzy, sheets of ice slamming to the earth, with white crystals covering the ground almost intensely. As the old man began to close the door, she trusted her foot into the crack, jamming it open. She took a deep breath to calm her trembling body. “Well we will have to change his mind won’t we” she exclaimed. For I shall see him, he has no choice.
The old man stood impassively, staring at her. He neither moved out of her way nor opened the door wider as to allow her entry. Sasha refused to look away from him, she also refused to give into the terrible warnings shrieking at her to run while she still had the chance. The storm was full-forced now, the howling wind hurling pieces of ice that felt like shards of glass cutting through her cape. “I must see him please direct me immediately” she lifted her chin and stared the man down.
The man hesitated, then looked down the darkened interior of the castle, then slowly slipped out, closing the door behind him. “You must leave this place. Go now, while you have the chance” he whispered to her, his eyes were restless and his hands were shaking. He again said “ Go while you still can.” There seemed to be desperation in his eyes, as he pleaded with her. His voice was a mere sound, almost unheard in the bitter shrieking of the wind.
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Sasha could tell his warning was genuine, which made her heart stutter with fear. What was so terrible within the castle that this man would send her back out into a icy blizzard to take her chances with nature rather then have her enter the castle. Where his eyes were blank before they were now filled with trepidation. She studied him for a moment, trying to judge his motives. He had a quiet dignity about him, a fierce pride, but she could smell his fear. For it seemed to ooze out of his pores like sweat.
The door opened a crack, once more. The man stiffened, as a woman poked her head out. “Baldassario, the master said she should come in.” The man then said “please do enter” his voice was flat, revealing no emotion at all. Sasha looked up at the high castle walls, for it seemed to be a fortress, never the less. The great doors were large, heavy, and thick. She then rose her chin, and nodded at the man as she entered into the main hall of the castle. “Thank you for going through so much trouble for me.” To warn me. The unspoken word hung between them.
The man lifted an eyebrow as he stood there in silence. He could see she clearly was a Ashkezarian, and that there had to be something of great importance to her that would have her to face such great danger. He shook his head as he realized that she did understand he was desperately attempting to help her, to save her. He bowed again, hesitated slightly before turning toward the next room and disappearing.
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Sasha stepped across the threshold. Then a alarm triggered inside her heart causing it to thud wildly. She smelt a thick stench of evil that permeated the castle. It was a cloud, gray and somber and edged with malice. She then took a deep calming breath and looked around. The entranceway was quite spacious, tapered with burning candles which was used to light up the great hall. As she stepped into the great hall, a wind whipped down the corridor, and the flames leaped in a mesmerizing dance. Just then a hiss of hatred accompanied the wind. Whatever it was recognized her just as surely she recognized it.
The interior of castle was immaculately clean. Wide-open spaces and high, vaulted ceilings gave the impression of a grand cathedral. There seemed to be a series of colums that rose to the ceilings, each covered with carvings of winged creatures. Sahsa can see the apparitions winding there way upward. The castle seemed to be in riched with artwork, but very impressive. Yet it was a trap for the unwary.
Everything was beautiful, but Sasha could not shake the felling that something unearthly was watching her with terrifying eyes. “Fallow me. The master wishes you be given a room. For the storm is expected to last a few days.” The woman smiled at her, the smile was genuine, but yet her eyes held a hint of worry to them. “I am Darakhshan”. She stood there a moment waiting.
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Sasha opened her mouth to introduce himself, but no sound emerged. All at once she was aware of the utter silence in the hall. No creaking of timbers, not even a footstep. It was as if the castle were waiting for her to utter her name aloud. She wouldn’t give her name to this hideous place, a living, breathing enity of evil. Her legs gave away, and she sat down abruptly on the marble tiles, close to tears, swaying with dark dread that was a stone in her heart. “Oh poor dear you must be tired.”

Darakhshan immediately wrapped her arm around Sasha’s waist. “Allow me to help you dear.” Sasha shook her head quickly. She was shaking from the cold, and weak from hunger from the terrible journy, yet truth be told, she was slowly being filled with dread, that caused her already shaking legs to collapse beneath her. The feeling was strong. Carefully she looked around, trying to appear composed when all she really wanted to do was run.

Without warning, from somewhere close by a scream filled the silence. It was answered by a second, and a third. The horrifying noises erupted from every direction, near and far. For one terrifying moment the sounds blended and felt like they were surrounded by them.

The screams reverberated throughout the castle, filling the valted spaces and all distant cornors of the castle. A strange series of moanes fallowed the screams. Sasha standing next to Darakhshan, felt the woman stiffen as they heard the terrifying sounds. She could almost hear the womans heart beat in tune with her own.





10
Come Darakhshan, “we must get you to your room.” The woman put a troubling hand on Sasha’s arm to guide her. “What was that?” Sasha’s crysital blue eyes searched the womans face. She saw dread there, a fear of betrayed by the the womans slightly trembling mouth.

The woman attempted the shrug casually. “The master has pets. You must not leave your room at night. I will have to lock your door for your own safty.” Sasha could fell terror welling up inside her, sharp and strong, but she forced herself to breathe through it. She was a Moretti. She would not panic, she would not run away. She had come here for a purpose, risking everything to get to this place, to see Ashkan.

For many weeks she had sent others to talk to Ashkan for her, but all had failed and one by one had turned back. Some even come back face down on the back of their horses, with hideous wounds much like a wild animal would inflict. Yet still others had never returned at all. Time and time again her inquiries had been met with silence. Sasha had took the journey because she had no other choice.

Now she had found what the towns folks called the lair of blood, and had entered it. She knew she couldn’t let fear defeat her now, for she had made it so far. She had succeed were many before had failed. And she knew she couldn’t fail her father. “I must speak with him tonight. My time is running out. For it took me far to long to get to this place. And really, I must see him, and if I don’t leave soon, the pass will be closed, and then I wouldn’t be able to get out. And I have to leave immediately,” Sasha explained in her most authoritative voice.


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Darakhshan, you must understand, its not safe now, for dark has fallen. Nothing really is safe when night falls. The warmth of compassion in the woman’s eyes only increased Sasha’s terror. The woman knew things that she did not and the woman obviously was in fear for Sasha’s safety. “There is nothing to be done but make you comfortable. You are shivering for the cold, and we have a nice fire burning in the fire place in your room to warm you up. And the cook is preparing a warm meal for you. The master wants you to be comfortable.” her voice was very persuasive.

Now she couldn’t help but think of the screams she heard they sounded dreadful and were ear piercing. I must really leave I can’t stay I really must see him so I can go. Darakhsahn, shook her head. “No you must stay in your room. If the master says you must, you can not disobey, for its for your own safety.” This time there was a distinct warning note in her sweet voice.

Sasha lifted her chin defiantly, but she felt that silence would serve her better then the angry words could. She couldn’t help but think master she don’t have a master, and she had no intention of ever having a master. Pulling her cloak close to her shivering body she fallowed the woman down through what felt like a maze of coradoors, and up a winding staircase, were there was large portraites hanging on the walls, they seemed to make her fell like she was being watched, It left a eerie weight on her.






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The castle was beautiful, more so then anything she had ever seen, but it was a cold kind of beauty that felt like a heavy weight on her heart. Every were she looked she seen carvings of enormous men with bat like wings sharp fangs and ferocious eyes. Small icons and large sculptures of the creatures were scattered through out the halls. In one corner of one of the halls there was what looked like a shrine with a dozen candles burning brightly. A sudden thought sent shivers down her spine.

Darakhshan stopped beside a door and pushed it open, stepping back to wave Sasha through. Glancing at the woman almost for reassurance, Sasha stepped across th threshold into the bedchamber. The room was large, the fireplace was roaring with the warmth of red and orange flames. She was too tired and drained to do more then offer a murmur of appreciation for the beauty of the large stained-glass windows and carved furniture. Even the huge bed with the thick quilt only penetrated the edge of her awareness.

She poured her every ounce of her courage and strangth into getting to this place, into seeing Ashkan. “Are you certain he will not see me tonight?” Sasha asked. “Please, if you would let him know the urgency of my visit, I am certain he change his mind. Would you try?” She stripped off her cape and draped it over the back of a chair in the room then took of her gloves and tossed them onto the ornate dresser.







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“Just by you coming to this forbidden place, the master knows that what you seek is that of great importance to you. But you must understand, its not of importance to him. He has his own problems to deal with.” Darakhsha’s voice was gentle even kind. She moved out of the bedchamber but turned back and smiled. She looked around the room, out into the hall, and the back at Sasha. “You are very young, didn’t anyone warn you of this place? Weren’t you told to stay away?” Her voice held a scolding note to it, yet gentle but reprimand all the same. “Where are your parents?”

Sasha crossed the room keeping her face turned away, afraid the sympathetic note in the woman’s voice would be her undoing. She wanted to crumble into a pathetic heap and weep for the loss of her family, for the terrible burdens that had fallen on her shoulders. Instead, she clutched at one beautifully carved post of the giant bed until her knuckles turned white.

“My mother died along time ago and my father is dieing as we speak.” her voice was unemotional, but the hand gripping the post tightened even more. “I have to speak to him. “Please, if you have any way to get world to him, it is very urgent, and my time is very short.”

Slowly the woman moved back into the room, firmly closing the door behind her. At once the terrible, smell that had permeated the air of the castle seemed to disappear. Sasha found that she was able to breathe more freely, and the tightness in her chest had eased. She noticed a strong yet strange scent rising from the surface of the hot water in the tub. It was a clean and fresh, floral scent, one she had never encountered before. She inhaled deeply and was grateful for the tea the woman had given her.
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“You must drink this immediately,” Darakhshan encouraged. “You are so cold, it will warm you up. She was shacking uncontrollably. She looked up at Darkhashan. “I really can manage. I really don’t want you to go through such trouble. The room is beautiful, and there isn’t anything else that I could possibly want. By the way my name is Sasha Moretti.” The bed looked ever so comfortable, and the fire was eliminating with such warmth and cheerfulness.

Despite the inviting steaming water in the tub all Sasha could think of was how heavy her eyes were felling. For all she wanted was to lay down and rest. Yet Darakhshan persisted that Sasha take the hot steam bath she told her it will warm you up and help you to sleep better my dear child. “I’m so tired .” The words just slipped out of Sasha mouth before she could stop herself. “I just want to sleep.” Sasha could not believe her own ears she had sounded so young and defenseless even to herself.

But yet Darakhshan still urged Sasha into the steaming hot bath water. Sasha slowly slid into the steaming water as she knew that Darakhshan wouldn’t take no for an answer. Then slowly Darakhshan loosen Sasha’s braids as to let her soft silk hair fall to her shoulders. Very gently she massaged Sasha’s head with her fingertips, rubbing the homemade soap through the strands of her hair.

Gradually, as the warm water began to seep into her skin, Sasha ‘s terrible shaking started to lessen. Sasha knew she was so tired that she was starting to drift asleep as the woman rinsed her hair, then wrapped her into a heavy robe. She slowly stumbled to the bed as if she was in a dream state, only half aware of her surroundings.


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Sasha lay quietly on the bed her eyelids began to drop slowly no matter how hard she tried to keep them open. Slowly her long lashes drifted down, as she lay passively on the bed, the robe still wrapped around her tight.

A knock at the door had even failed to rouse her interest. Even the delightful smells of the food couldn’t capture her attention. For she was exhausted and all she wanted was sleep even all her worries and fears seemed to have left her for now.

From far away, insulted in her dreamlike state, Sasha heard Darakhshan gasp. She tried to open her eyes and managed to peek out from beneath her lashes. The shadows in the room had lengthened alarmingly. The rows of candles near the wall had been snuffed out, and the flames of the fire had died down, leaving the bedchamber dark and very unfamiliar to Sasha.

Off to one corner of the room she could make out a shadowy figure of a man, at least she had thought it was human. Just then a eerie feeling come across her for she could feel the weight of his burning gaze upon her skin. She could tell he was watching her from the shadows.

Sasha started feeling exposed, and vulnerable, but no matter how hard she tried she could not manage to arouse herself from her dream like state. She lay facedown on the bed, staring apprehensively into the dark corner of the room, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. “She is much younger then I had imagined. And much more beautiful.” Were the words she heard spoken softly, as merely mused aloud as not for anyone to hear. The voice was a little deep and husky,” his voice had a bit of seduction with in it.

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“She has much courage.” Darakhshan’s voice came from the other side of her, quite close, as if she were hovering over her protectively, but Sasha dare not check, afraid to take her very eyes of the shadowy figure which was watching her intensely, as if he were a predator. At this time Sasha’s imagination began to run away with her, mixing reality with her dreams, and she wasn’t really sure what was real and what wasn’t. Or if he was even real at all. “She was foolish to come here.” The voice deepened as he spoke this time, which sent chills down Sasha’s spine.

Sasha tried to force her body to move this time, but it seemed impossible. Could there had been something in the tea she drank, or perhaps in the scented bathwater, that could of left her in this state. She laid still with great confusion and fear, yet in a dreamy and hazy state.

“It took great courage and endurance, for she has came along way.” Darakhshan pointed out gently. “It my been foolish, but it was also courageous, and nothing short of a miracle that she could accomplish such a journey with such dangers awaiting her.”

“I know what you are thinking, Darakhshan.” This time the voice had a bit of weariness in it. “You know there is no such thing as miracles. For I know better, and there is to be no such nonsense in my presence.” He moved closer, leaning over Sasha so that his shadow fell upon her, engulfing her completely.





17

She couldn’t see his face. Gently he picked her up into his arms, all she could do was lay there horrified at the thought of her not being able to move, she couldn’t even lift her eyes open enough to see his face. She just lied there helplessly in his arms, her heart pounding loudly. He then tucked her beneath the quilts, robe and all, his move were sure and efficient.

The palm of his hand cuffed the side of her face, his thumb gently stroking her check. “So very soft,” he mumbled to himself. His fingers slowly slid down her chin to push her thick silky hair from her neck. There was unexpected heat in the tips of his fingers yet his hands were very cold.

Then out of no were the strange screams began again, the castle began to fill with the sounds of pain and agony. “They seem to be restless tonight master,” Darakhshan observed. Her hand tightened around Sasha’s, and this time there was no doubt she was being protective. “They have been very thirsty for some reason tonight, I will have to calm them down.” With a deep sigh, the dark figure walked out of the room in silence. There seemed to be no whisper of clothing, no footsteps, just absolute silence.

Sasha felt Darakhshan touch her again, and then she drifted back to sleep. She had dreams of a dark unknown figure stalking her as if she was some kind of pray, she imagined she was running from this dark figure through a maze of many corridors. All while she was being watched from above by these half man half bat creatures. Slowly sounds penetrated her strange dreams. Strange sounds to go with her very strange dream. Soon she began to hear chains rattling, the rising of wails, and several types of screams mixed with moans.
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Restlessly Sasha snuggled deeply into the quilt. The fire died down to orange embers glittering brightly. She just could make out the pinpoints of light in the darkened room. She lay staring at the colors as an occasional draft of air that breathed life into the tiny flames.

It was several moments before she realized she wasn’t alone in the room. Sasha turned over, peering through the darkness to what like to be another shadowy figure sitting on the edge of her bed. As she got her eyes to adjust she could make out a young woman rocking herself back and forth, her long hair fell gracefully around her body.

She was dressed simply, but elegantly, it was obvious she wasn’t one of the servants of the castle. In the darkness the gown looked to a unusual color, it was a brilliant green with a strange silver star-burst pattern illuminating down the dress, something she had never seen before. At the movement of the bed as Sasha turned, the woman turned and looked at her, smiling serenely.

“Hello I thought you would wake up. I just wanted to see you.” Sasha fought the fog surrounding her. Carefully she looked around the room, searching the shadows for the man. She couldn’t help but think could she had dreamed him? She didn’t know, still she felt the brush of his fingers against her skin. She reached up the side of her face to recapture the sensation of his touch.








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“I’m Melicia,” the young woman said, a hint of haughtiness in her voice. “You must not be afraid of me, I know we are going to be good friends.” Sasha made a effort to sit up. Her body didn’t want to cooperate. “I think there was something in the tea,” she said aloud, testing the idea. The young woman let a tinkling laugh escape her covered mouth. “Well of course silly, he couldn’t have you running around the castle discovering all his long-kept secrets.”

Sasha was still feeling a little hazy, but was determined to overcome her terrible drowsiness. She pushed herself into a sitting position, clutching the slipping robe, suddenly aware she had no other clothes. But for the moment it didn’t matter, she was warm clean and out of the storm. And she reached her destination. “But what secrets could this place hold?”

Again the chains rattled, the wails rose to a shrieking, the screams and the moans stared as if to answer her question. After hearing the sounds it scared Sasha she couldn’t help but pull the covers closer around her body. The woman laughed merrily. “It is a secret how I was able get into your room when your door is locked securely. There are many, many secrets here, all so deliciously wicked. “So have you come here to see Ashkan? Have you come to wed Ashkan?”

Sasha’s eyes widened with shock. She pulled the heavy robe even tighter around her body. “No, of course not! Why would you think such? Where did you get such an idea?” Melicia gave another snicker. Every one is talking about it, whispering in the halls, in their rooms. The entire castle is speculating. It was shocking yet left Sasha’s mouth trembling a little.

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“Of course others thought that you may not had been able to live through the journey or that you may even turn back.” Melicia told her. “So Ashkan was aware I was coming and didn’t send a escort to meet me?” “How is it he even knew though?” Sasha asked.

The woman shrugged carelessly. “He has eyes every where and they tell him everything.” “He also never sees those he don’t wish to see.” Sasha studied the young woman. She was approximately Sasha’s age but seemed a little childlike and mischievous as well. In spite of the circumstances, Sasha found herself smiling. There was something that was contagious in Melicia’s saucy grin.

“What are those terrible noises?” The woman laughed again. “You will get used to it.” She rolled her eyes. “Silly, really. Sometimes it goes on for hours.” Melicia leaned forward. “How did you get here? No one can come here without an invitation and an escort. So everyone is wondering just how you did it.” As she lowered her voice.

“Did you use some kind of spell?” I know several spells but none that are strong enough to protect someone from the perils of this valley and they beast that have been unleashed upon it. Was it difficult to get through the pass? Everyone says that you did it all on your own. Is that true?” Melicia asked with rapid successions.

Sasha chose her words wisely for she didn’t know these people at all. And she didn’t think that it sounded good that Melicia was talking about spells, but what was worse was that she spoke of it aloud. All Sasha had heard about those that used spells wasn’t good and that all of them would use the spells for evil and not good.


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“I did come through the pass,” she admitted. Her mouth was dry. Besides the bed was an ornate pitcher filled with water, along with a delicate fluted glass. Sasha stared at the glass afraid that if she did drink it that it would fall back to sleep. Her fingers twisted the covers around them, as she thought carefully of her trip, and how difficult it had been, how she felt as she over came all obstacles that was put before her.

“It was exhilarating and at the same time frightening,” she answered truthfully. Now that she knew that Ashkan had been aware of her journey all along, she was even more pleased that she had done what so many others had failed to do. Melicia bounced on the bed, laughed softly. “Oh, that is too rich. Wait until the others hear what you said. ‘Exhilarating’! That is too perfect!”

In spite of the strangeness of the conversation, Sasha found herself smiling, because of Melicia’s laughter was so infectious. All of a sudden an extremely harsh scream shook the castle, a hideous, high pitched scream of agony and terrier mingled throughout the corridors. Sasha clutched the robe close to her, staring in frozen horror at her closed door. The scream was cut off abruptly, but fallowed by a deep moan. Sasha couldn’t help but cover her ears to block out the sounds.










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Her heart was pounding so loudly it sounded like thunder, mixing with the chaos. She turned her head toward Melicia, yet she had disappeared. The bed was smooth, the quilt with out a crease where she was sitting. Sasha turned her gaze wildly around the room, searching out every dark corner, trying desperately to find the young woman. Just as abruptly as the terrible noises had started, they had stopped, now there is only pure silence. Sasha sat very still, afraid to move. Yet she thought to herself had she dreamed Melicia up, or was she real.

Sasha sat silently in the bed, with the robe wrapped tight around her, staring at the close door until dawns light began to shine the long rows of stained-glass windows in the room. She watched the sun set begin to rise, as the suns rays hit the windows she seen colors leap into life bringing to animation the images portrayed in each window.

She slowly stood up and paced across the room, drawn to all the different colorful panels. She had been in many of the great castle when she was a child, and all of them were awe-inspiring. Yet this one seemed more ornate, more intricate, more everything. In her room alone, which was a mere guest room, was small fortune of furniture lined in arts of gold. It was no wonder armies of the English and French kings sought out entrance to the valley.

Sasha took her time as she walked the room thinking in her mind each argument she would use to persuade Ashkan Kalil to aid her in saving her father. How his name was whispered as to be a powerful man. It was said that he had the ear of the most influential rules in the world, and that those who did not heed his words ended up disappearing.

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Very few had saw him, but those that had said that he was only half human, and that in his valley strange, demonic apparitions aided him. The gossip included everything from ghost to a army of the undead. Sasha began to recall the stories her father use to tell her and how he use to laugh over the absurd rumors that the towns people were so willing to believe.

She looked around the room carefully admiring all the beauty within the bedchamber. Then she noticed there were carvings on the door, she inched in closer to examine them. The carvings on the door were the same as she had saw the night before as she fallowed Darkhshan to the bedchamber, they were men with wings like bats and had red glowing eyes.

She couldn’t help but frown when she see what the carvings were, and it seemed that the stories that her and her father laughed at when she was a child, could be more closer to the reality of things. The room itself was large and rift with ornate carvings, the fireplace had two large bats guarding it.

Sasha could not find her clothes anywhere and with a great sigh of frustration opened the enormous wardrobe. It was packed with beautiful gowns, gowns that looked as if they were new, made just for her. She pulled one out, her hand trembling as she smoothed the full skirt. The dresses all looked liked they were made with her in mind, all were just her size. They were all so beautiful she had never had such fine dresses not even when her mother was alive. Her fingers caressed the fabric, slowly rubbing down the tiny seams in reverse.



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I the dresser she discovered intimate items carefully folded, with lilac flower petals strewn throughout each drawer as to keep them freshly scented. Sasha sat on the edge of the bed, holding the garments in her hands. Had they been made for her? How could such things be? Perhaps this was some other young woman’s room. She looked around once more, but she noticed it didn’t contain any personal accessories that she would expect for someone’s private bedchamber.

She found herself shivering again. All at once she felt like the gowns were a bit sinister, as if Askhan Kalil, had known she was coming, just as Melicia had told her, she did say that news of her imminent arrival had traveled well ahead of her, yet she still wondered why the elusive Askhan had not sent her a escort. None of this had made any sense to her.

Sitting puzzled Sasha couldn’t help but wonder just how did Melicia mange to make it into her room with the door locked. Slowly Sasha got dressed in the plainest gown she could find, feeling as if she had no other choice. She knew very well she couldn’t go meet Ashkan without a stitch of clothing on. She wondered if this great castle had secret passageways and hidden rooms for she had heard many of the greats castles held such wonders.

She knew that had to be the answer to how Melicia had arrived and disappeared with out her knowing. She took a few moment to examine the walls. She could find no evidence of an opening any were. She even examined the fireplace all seemed solid enough to her.




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Suddenly her breath felt like it was caught in her throat when she hear the sound of a key turning in the lock of the door. Shortly after the door pushed open, and Darakhshan came in smiling at her, carrying a tray. “I thought you would be awake and quite hungry by now, my dear. You didn’t eat at all last night.”

Sasha glared at the her. “You put something in the tea.” She backed away from the woman until a wall brought her to a halt. “The master wanted you to sleep through the night. His pets can be quite frightening if you are use to the noises. Besides, you were so tired from your journey, I think you would have fallen asleep even without aid. And I explained last night you couldn’t hear the screams freely throughout the castle. It’s not always safe,” Darakhshan said, repeating her warnings of the night before. She didn’t seem in the least bit remorseful.

The food smelled wonderful, and Sasha’s stomach was rumbling, but she couldn’t help but stared at the tray suspiciously. “I told you last night that my request was urgent. I must see Ashkan immediately. Has he agreed to an audience?” “Later today. He never sees anyone in the daylight hours,” Darakhshan answered calmly. She placed the small table in front of the fireplace.

“But this is an emergency,” Sasha said desperately. Why is he nocturnal? She tried to figure out the concept to why over and over in her mind, but yet couldn’t make sense of it. “That is just him,” Darakhshan pointed out. “He will not change, my dear, so you may as eat now you have the chance. The food is excellent and without any herb to aid you to sleep. ”Then Sasha continued to stare at her, she sighed softly. ’Come, my dear, you’ll need your strength for what lies ahead for you.”

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Sasha walked across the room reluctantly to stand next to the chair. ’I couldn’t find my clothes, so I put on one of the gowns in the wardrobe, Darakhshan. I hope I didn’t do anything wrong.” “No, the master provided clothes for you, he knew yours had been ruined while you was on your journey. Sit my dear, and eat. I’ll tend to your hair. You have such beautiful hair. You remind me of my little sister she would of been about your age. We lost her in an accident.” There was a tightness in her voice, with sadness to it. Sasha sighed, “I am sorry for your loss, my dear, I know how terrible it is I loss my brother when I was seven, and my twin sister died at birth, along with my mother, so all I have left is my father. And I don’t wish to lose him, too.”

“You meet my husband, Baldassario, last night upon your arrival. He is a good man, and if you should need anything he shall aid you.” Darakhshan lowered her voice as if the walls had ears. She sounded almost like she was a conspirator. Sasha wrapped her hands around the hot cup of tea. She inhaled deeply but found no trace of herbs that she could identify as medical. “He seemed very nice, and he was kind to me.” She looked up at Darakhshan. “Did Askhan enter my room last night while I was sleeping.

Darakhshan stiffened, her hand were still as she was placing the dishes closer to Sasha’s chair. “Why would you ask such a question?” “I had a strange dream, that you was here in my room and he came in.” “Are you certain, my dear?” What did he look like?” Darakhshan turned to tidy the bed, keeping her back to Sasha. It looked like Darakhshan’s hands were trembling. Sasha took a cautious sip of tea. It was sweet, hot, and tasted perfect. ’I couldn’t see his face. But he seemed…….large. Is he a big man?”
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Darkhshan fluffed the quilt, then smoothed it out carefully. “He is some what tall and enormously strong. But he moves………..” She trailed off.

“In silence,” Sasha supplied thoughtfully, almost to herself. “he was here last night, in this room, wasn’t he?” “He wished to make certain you had suffered no injury on your journey.” Darakhshan prompted her to eat once more. “Our cook becomes very upset when we don’t eat what she provides. We already sent you meal from last night back. She has prepared this especially for you. Please try it.”

Sasha was hungry and hadn’t eaten a real meal in so long, she was almost afraid to take a bite. Her stomach protested at first, but the sweet smell of the roast beef, just called out to her, soon she found herself indulging in the savory taste of the meal. “It is good,” she praised in answer to Darakhshan’s expectant expression. “What was that terrible scream I heard? That was no dream, but someone mortally wounded.” She was reluctant to tell even Darkhshan about Meclicia’s visit, uncertain whether it would make trouble for the young woman. For she liked Melicia and needed at least one ally in the castle.

Darakhshan was sweet, and very good to her but her loyalty was to Ashkan. Sasha knew that everything she did everything that she said would be dutifully reported. And Sasha accepted that as Darakhshan’s duties. Sasha’s father had been Duke and she knew that loyalty was a title commanded.





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“These things happen. Someone was incautious.” Darakhshan shrugged her thin shoulders almost carelessly, but as she turned and walked away, Sasha saw her face was pale and her lips trembling. “I must go. I will return for you when it is time.” She was already half way to the door, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation. Before Sasha could protest, she had closed the door firmly, and she heard the key turn in the lock.

Sasha spent most of the day napping. For she was still tired and drained from the long journey, it even seemed as if every muscle in her body seemed to ache. She searched the whole room over for any hidden passageways, then threw her self onto the bed. Soon she was fast asleep. As dusk fell Darakhshan had returned, and they had to hurry, Sasha had to take care of her rumpled appearance, As Darakhshan fixed her hair as she was nagging.

“You must hurry, my dear. You really don’t want to keep him waiting too long. He has many of appointments, you are but one.” “I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” Sasha apologized. The woman opened the door for her, but Sasha was suddenly reluctant to step out into the corridor, remembering the terrible, overwhelming smell of evil that she had encountered the previous evening.

Sasha was “different.” And her father had told her to keep her strange premonitions and oddities to herself, never to let anyone know that she was “sensitive” to the things from beyond what the eyes could see. But her father had relied on her feelings when he was looking for allies, when they sought others to join he’s secret society that he use to protect the lands of the people.


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“My dear,” Darakhshan said softly. “We mustn’t be late for your appointment. For he will not grant you another, my dear.” Sasha took a deep breath and then began to fallow Darkhshan out the door into the hall. All of a sudden Sasha came to a complete stop for there was young child in front of her holding a golden goblet, all of a sudden the child splashed her in the face with water that was in the goblet.

Sasha stood with a look of shock on her face as the water ran down her neckline and down her gown, the water dripped down like beads of sweat between her breasts. “Astera!” Darakhshan scolded as the young child frowned, yet laughter was evident in her sparkling eyes. Sasha my dear she is young and impulsive, and doesn’t listen well. “I do apologize for her actions.” The holy water was just for your protection.

Astera dropped a slight curtsey in Sasha’s direction, gaping up at her in fear, her face ashen, with tears in her eyes. “Miss, Miss! Please don’t tell the master.” Sasha looked at young Astera, and told her “I am grateful for the protection, my dear child. Now I shall go meet my destiny with no trepidation in my heart. Assuredly I now have extra protection from those who would wish to do me harm.” Sasha had to fight her urge to laugh. Darakhshan shook her head as she carefully helped Sasha wipe her face.








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“It is good of you to be so understanding, most would of demanded her to be beat. “I have no more status then you, my dear,” Sasha confessed, unashamed. “And I do not believe in beating a child. Well,” she muttered under her breath, “perhaps Ashkan Kalil could use a good beating.” Darakhshan’s mouth twitched, but she did not smile. “Come, we mustn’t be late. Ashkan has a busy schedule. And be certain you are properly respectful.”

Sasha looked at the woman, certain she was laughing at her, bur Darakhshan was leading the way through all the wide corridors. As they got closer Sasha cleared her throat. “Miss is Ashkan anything like the rumors and the stories that are said about him.” Darakhshan did not answer her, instead she walked quickly ahead of her, leading the way into a large open court with winding staircases rising off into several different directions.

In the center of the court yard was a fountain that soared nearly to the second story. Staring at the fountain Sasha seen that it was toped with a very large bat like most that she had seen through out the castle. At the base was the man like bats that she had seen on the bedchamber door, yet the sound of the water splashing was soothing. Sasha wanted to linger and examine the large sculpture, but Darkhshan was halfway up one of the winding staircases.









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Sasha had to hurry up the seemingly endless stairs, she gazed at the array of portraits on the wall. One, of the faces of one of the men, was so beautiful it made her heart ache inside. His eyes held pain, and deep sorrow in them. She was mesmerized by his eyes, wanting to hold him close in and comfort him. The feeling that she knew him was strong, she couldn’t help but recognized those beautiful brown eyes.

Sasha looked past the portrait to the next one. She knew she had recognized the face immediately. Melicia’s laughing eyes gazed back at her, mischievous and happy. She thought the painting had to been done recently, as Melicia seemed nearly the same age as she was now. “Who, exactly, was she,” Sasha asked aloud. Darakhshan turned and looked at Sasha, “That Ashkan’s sister she disappeared fifteen years ago.”

Sasha stood for a few moment with a shocked look on her face, she wondered to herself just how she could see Melicia in her room last night and how she didn’t seem to change any in fifteen years just how could this have been. Again Darakhshan said, “we must hurry my dear.”

They took many twist and turns through a number of hallways and darkened alcoves, passing more stained-glass windows and intricately carved arches. Sasha wanted to explore everything, yet the castle still had a great feeling of evil to it which she feared a great deal.







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Finally they reached the far end of the castle, a good distance from all the main rooms. They passed a room filled with many sculptures, and portraits which Sasha would of really liked to have stopped to examine, but Darakhshan continued to hurry through the maze of corridors. Sasha was truly lost as they made their way up to the third flight of wide, curving steps to a balcony and a double door straight ahead of them. Sasha stopped abruptly knowing that Ashkan was just on the other side of the doors.

“This entire wing of the castle is the master’s. No one is allowed entrance unless he issues them an invitation. “What about the servants?” Sasha asked, curiously. She was staring at the huge double doors that had two large bats on them. Sasha couldn’t help but wonder why every were she looked there was large bats. Yet she dare not ask out of fear. But there was something very different about these bats, something very different from all the others.

These bats looked very intelligent, cunning, and menacing. It was almost like the portrait of men were made into the carvings of the bats. She could almost see the human beneath the frightful masks. “You must go,” Darakhshan prompted her. Sasha seemed to almost be in a trance as she stared at the carvings that she scarcely heard the woman. She reached out and touched the doorknob with a gentle grip almost caressing it, as she started to turn the doorknob she had this feeling to look into the eyes of one of the bats.





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“My dear, you must go insides he is awaiting you.” Darakhshan softly urged her. Sasha’s heart began to pound as she gazed in horror at the door. She was afraid, now that she was actually here, afraid that Askhan would turn her away and she’d have no where else to go.

“Come with me,” she whispered softly to Darkhshan a plea that cost her a great deal in pride. “You must go alone, my dear.” Darakhshan patted her shoulder encouragingly. He is expecting you. “Have courage my child.” Sasha began to walk away.

Sasha reached out to her before she could stop herself, she clutched the woman’s dress desperately. “Is he as they whisper of him?” “He is both terrible and kind,” Darakhshan answered. “We are accustomed to his ways, others are not. Just try to be one he can be kind to, my dear, for he has very little patience, so go on quickly. You look beautiful and shown much courage.” She reached past Sasha a pushed the door open a little.

Sasha had no choice, she entered the room slowly. Her heart was beating loudly, she feared he might hear it. She tried not to look intimidated or stiffened in fear, she needed to be humble, she repeated to herself. She had to be humble, and not to speak her mind, or to even allow her wayward tongue to run away with her.

She held onto the memories of her father as she walked slowly into the room, memories of the love he had gave her. She knew that she had to show him the love she had for him as well. Even when they were desperate for money, he never once thought of selling her to a suitor like some of the other had done to their daughters. She wouldn’t abandon her father in his time of need.

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Sasha had lifted her chin, for her father had taught her courage, and she wasn’t about to fail him now. She moved into the darkened interior of the room. A fire was a blaze in the fireplace, but it couldn’t compete with the heavy draperies that were blocking out every inch of light from the windows. She saw two high-backed green velvet chairs in front of the fire, but the room was huge, with high vaulted ceilings, with many archways.

Even the blaze in the fireplace had no hope of shedding light into the shadowy recesses. For the moment she thought that she was alone as the heavy door swung close, locking her in the room. That was when she felt a presence, she knew it was him. She sensed him in the darkness, the weight of his stair was intense, it felt almost like a burning sensation. Sasha was afraid to cross the wide expansion of the elegant yet beautiful floral designed marble floor to one of the chairs. Sasha shivered in spite of her determination not to show fear.

Then she froze, standing perfectly still, her gaze reverted to the deepest shadows, a darkened alcove where she made out the shape of a man. He stood tall, yet not to tall, but she could not quite make out his face, no matter how hard she tried to pierce the darkness to see him clearly. When he turned slightly he appeared to have some what short hair. Yet the cloak of darkness shielded most of him from her, she couldn’t quite tell what he looked like.







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It seemed like shadows completely hidden his face, so she had no idea of his age or features. But as she continued to stare the flames from the fireplace seemed to leap into his eyes and for a split moment she could see the reflection shimmering, through the darkness. His eyes were soft and loving. As she gazed into his eyes she couldn’t help but feel like she wanted to run, yet she also felt as if she could melt into his arms.

“You are Sasha Moretti,” he said from the darkness. “Please be seated. Darakhshan had brought some tea to calm your nerves.” his voice was quite pleasant and sweet. She swept across the room regally, a woman of great stature, and importance, she walked with her head hung high. “I do not recall having unsteady nerves, sir Ashkan. However if you would feel nervous, I shall be happy to pour a cup for you. I trust the tea is free of any herbs that might cause you to become………. Drowsy.” Sasha sat in one of the chairs, taking time to arrange the long skirt over her legs and ankles. She cursed herself silently.

Her pride might lose her the hard won audience with Ashkan. What was wrong with her that she bristled in his company? What did it matter what he said, or what he thought of her? Let him think she was nervous and weak if that was what he wanted, she thought as long as she got her way.








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Ashkan Kalil allowed the silence between them to lengthen. She could feel the weight of his disapproval, his stare weighed heavily from the shadows. “Trying to salvage the situation, Sasha looked down at her hands.” “Thank you for the lovely garments. I had very little in the way of proper clothing with me. The room you offered is beautiful and the bed is comfortable. I couldn’t of asked for better care. Darakhshan took excellent care of me.”

“I am happy to see that the gowns fit you. Are you rested from your journey?” “Yes, sir” she said demurely. “It was foolish of you to venture into such danger, and if your father was well, I am certain he would see to it that you were punished for such foolishness. I am inclined to take the responsibility myself.” his voice was soft, as he played her nerves like he was brushing them with his fingertips, sending a warming sensation down her skin, yet she was thankful for the heat of the fire to explain the blushing upon her face.

He was scolding her, yet his voice was merely a physical caress, and for some odd reason, Sasha found him simply irresistible for it. “You was warned repeatedly not to come to this place. What kind of woman are you that you would risk your reputation, and your life, by making such a journey?” Her fingertips curled into two tight fist, her fingernail dug deep into her palms. She had the felling he was watching her closely from the shadows, and that his eyes caught the tiny bit of rebellion in her.







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Surreptitiously she pushed her hands out of sight so that he couldn’t see the fury he had pushed on her. “I am desperate,” she admitted. “I was told that you could possibly be the only one that could help me. I had to see you. To plead for your help to save my fathers life, for he is sick and has been in prisoned with out medical attention. I sent many messengers‘, but they was unable to reach you. I know you can help.”

She choked back her tear’s, trying not to show sadness. “He is in the dungeons of prince Henricus, that’s where he had been sentenced to death. My father, Salice Moretti, has been imprisoned for nearly three years, and the conditions are appalling. I have heard that he is ill now, and I came here to plead with you to save his life. I know you have the power to have him pardoned. One word from you and prince Henricus would release him.
“If you don’t wish to openly ask for such a favor, then maybe if possible you could arrange for his escape.” she blurted out the words desperately as she learned forward toward the dark corner. “Please do this, Ashkan, for my father is a good man, don’t allow him to die.”

There was long silence in the room. Then Ashkan Kalil, sighed softly. “What is he charged with?” She should of known he would ask. How would he not? “Treason, it is said he had conspired against the king.” She knew it was only fair to answer him truthfully. “Is he guilty? Did he conspire against the king?” He asked, his voice sounded ever so soft. And her heart jumped wildly, her teeth bite her lower lip. “Yes.” she answered him with a low voice. “My father believed we should over throw all the other countries seeking to rule us, that no foreign government would care about our people. But what harm can he do now? He is ill, our land, all our properties, and everything we have, has been confiscated and given to prince Henricus.
The prince wishes my father dead, so that there would be no questions of him retaining our properties. In truth Prince Henricus had my father arrested for reasons of his own, and he has proven it greatly. It is to his advantage to dishonor our name and to dispose of my father. “At least you are honest and able to trust me enough to tell me the truth of your fathers crime.” She lifted her chin. “Our name is a honored one.” “It wasn’t until my father became too loud one day when he was in the local tavern that they decided to pick him up.”

Sasha hung her head. Her father had been adamant about his group gaining ground, with a small hand full of men amassing the power to defeat outsiders. They refused to bow down to any government, distrusting the motives of the foreigners pledging alliances. They swore an oath to the death.

“There was no proof!” She said. “Prince Henricus paid those men to say what they did. My father never talked. Prince Henricus wanted others to believe he had so that those in the group might assassinate him. He was then charged with treason and sentenced to death.” Her gaze was hot with suppressed fury against the Prince. “My father was tortured, but he gave no names, incriminated no others. He never talked.”










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“Has it occurred to you that by coming her you might have put yourself in the same untenable position? I might be allied with Prince Henricus.” His voice had deepened a bit, after hearing his voice she started to shiver despite the warmth of the fire. She lifted her chin defiantly. I am well aware of the risk I’m taking.” “Are you?” The two words were low, almost a whisper of sound. “In truth I do not think you have any idea.” The silence stretched between them until Sasha wanted to scream. “What kind of father would send his daughter to plead for his life? He must of known you was risking your own by coming here.”

She bite her lower lip once more. “In truth he would be angry at me if he knew. But I felt like I had no other choice.” “Did you plead so eloquently with Prince Henricus?” This time his voice conveyed something else, something nameless, yet it stirred a terrible dread in her heart. She also seen his teeth flash as if out of mere anger.

Sasha wanted to give him what ever answer he needed to hear to encourage him to help he, but she had no idea what it was he wanted to hear, so she just settled with the truth. “No, I could not force myself to do such a thing. Are you going to help me?” She could not stem the impatience in her voice. “What are your intentions if I do not?” At least he hadn’t dismissed her immediately. “If you do not help then I shall have to attempt to rescue him myself.”







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He flashed his teeth at her once more, his white teeth gleaming like fangs through the darkness at her. As if he was mocking her in amusement. “I see. And if I do agree to aid you in this plan to free your guilty father, what is in it for me? You have no land to give me. You have no money. Yet the loyalty you have toward your father is commendable, yet I doubt I would elicit the same from you. So how did you plan to repay me? Or did you expect me to do it for nothing?”

“Of course not.” She was shocked he would think such a thing. “I am a Moretti. We pay our debts, I have fine jewelry. Its worth a small fortune. And I myself am a hard worker. You may not believe it, but I will give you the same loyalty, but for exchange for my fathers life. I will work hard for you. I ran our home, so I’ll have no trouble becoming a domestic, as I know what is expected.”

She stared into the darken alcove, her heart beating out a wild rhythm. “I do not wear jewelry, and I have many domestics, all quite loyal and very capable doing there jobs.” Her shoulders started to sag, as she hunched in the chair, trying desperately not to cry. She continued to stare into the darkness were ashcan was standing, trying not to break contact with her only hope of saving her father.

“What else are you willing to do in exchange for your fathers life?” the words he spoke were soft. “Will you trade your life for that of his?” At that moment her mouth went dry, and her heart felt like it nearly stopped. Then the thoughts of the unearthly screams of agony she had heard in the middle of the night. She wondered if he tortured and sacrificed women.



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For she knew there were many in power who committed terrible atrocities. “I think you know I would do anything to save him,” she answered, suddenly very scared. “Once you give me your agreement, there would be no going back on your word,” he cautioned. “You would have him pardoned?” She tilted her head a little showing bravery. “Will you trade your life for that of your fathers? Have I got your word of honor?”

She stood up quickly; she couldn’t stay still. “Gladly,” she said defiantly, proudly with every inch of Moretti blood in her. Even her father would of been proud of her in the moment. “And I can trust the word of a woman?” His voice was soft, even as he insulted her with his question.

Her eyes flashed at him in a small flame of temper. “My word is not given lightly, sir. I assure you, it is every bit as good as yours.” “Then its done. You will remain here, and the moment we are wed, the moment our souls unite together, then shall your father be free. Her eyes widened as she tried to peer into the darkened alcove, to see him, to see his face. She had this feeling she just had to see him. “I don’t think it is necessary for us to wed, we don’t know each other, sir. I assure you I am a very hard worker and would remain here in the castle till my debt is paid. “I am in no need for another domestic. I have need for a wife, so you shall wed me. You have given your word and I shall not release you from it.” Sasha’s heart stuttered, as she gripped the back of her chair trying to steady herself, but she gazed intently into the darkened alcove, refusing to be intimidated. “I did not ask to be released Askhan Kalil. I merely attempted to point out that I wasn’t expecting you to want to marry me.



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