forum The Rose and Flame // One On One // Closed // Stalkers Are Hella Cool

Started November 20, 2018 by Deleted user

tune

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Lorelei eyes widened as she listened to his words, felt his breath tickle the skin of her cheek.

How did he know? Worry, fear, and anger mingled within her, fighting for dominance of her emotions. She braced a hand on his chest and pushed him away. "That is none of your concern." she answered through gritted teeth. She let her power flare, watching as it filled the space of the room in a suffocating manner. The fire was snuffed out, casting them in utter darkness. Her eyes glowed like a dangerous fire of their own. Apparently, she'd let the anger take over.

All these years, I've been running and hiding. Spending every breath planning to survive the next. And this fledgling could easily deduce that I was innocent, but you couldn't!? Her thoughts were livid and bitter, churning with such sick, thick emotion.

She stood. "Since your keen on learning," she spat, "We start training tonight." And with that, she turned on her heels, back ramrod straight, chin held high. But her mind was filled with memories of sleepless nights and thoughts of a home she had once know. She retreated to one of the bedrooms and slammed the door behind her, causing the house to tremble.

And she cried.

Wet.

Silent.

Tears.

Taran stared at the door that Lorelei had disappeared behind. The room suddenly ice cold without her and the fire she had doused with her power. He'd touched a nerve he knew that, but he couldn't figure out why she had felt the need to lie about her crimes. Why not just tell him from the start that she was wrongly accused? Who was she trying to protect? Or rather, who was she trying to convince that she indeed was a criminal?

He leaned forward to brace his elbows on his knees, dropping his head into his hands a near quiet snarl ripped past his lips. The anger that flowed through him was white hot and volatile. He knew somewhere in his mind that becoming this upset was counter productive, but he was suddenly so tired of the control that he had held over his entire life. The power within him roiled in response. Since he was a child, after his brother's accident, his anxiety and stress had caused him to learn to control every aspect of life so nothing would take him by surprise. So nothing like that would ever happen again. So he could protect Rebecca… But now, he hated it. He wanted to let it all go. The power within him flexed, hard, lashing out, cracking the floor beneath his feet and up the wall where the fireplace was. Another flex had the fire springing back into life. Taran sighed, shoulders drooping, the tension he had been holding back released for a brief moment.

He leaned back until he was laying flat out on the couch again. He was about to get dragged into the intrigue of the Vampire Court. The thought was insane, something out of a horror movie. But he had promised Lorelei that he would help her, and he still meant it. Deeply. He didn't know how he was going to be of help. It probably wasn't the smartest idea to have a untrained, uncontrolled fledgling on your side, but he would. He was just that kind of man. He couldn't turn away from someone who was so obviously hurting.

Hurting… He yanked his phone out of his pocket. How did it get turned off? He knew that he didn't do it. He cut a quick glance to Lorelei's door, shaking his head. Very nice of you master. Flicking it back on, he stared at the screen, waiting. He was prepared for what was coming. According to the date and time on his phone he had been out of it for about a day and a half. Missing for a day and a half…

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

He had so many messages and missed calls that the phone just buzzed for a minute straight. He couldn't even open it to make it stop, it was overloading so much. "Goddammit" he muttered. Most were from his sister, but a few spaced here and there were from his parents. A hundred and twenty texts and forty-four missed calls. He opened up the text folder under his sisters name:

«T, where are you? Mom is unusually anxious tonight. She said she felt you needed help?»
«Is it your car? I told you dude. Get rid of it. I'll come get you. Send me your location.»
«Little brother answer your phone. You supposed to be here an HOUR ago.»
«Don't make me call you. I SWEAR»
«Taran. Now I'm worried…»
«TARAN»

The messages progressed into a full freak out from his sister. He scrolled through, his dead heart giving a twinge that made him ill. "Fuck Bec…" He whispered. He didn't bother to open the texts from his parents. Sliding over to voicemails, he just started deleting them. There was one at least every ten minutes. He couldn't stand to listen to his sister's growing panic. He didn't even realize he was silently sobbing until his finger slipped and pressed 'call back' instead of 'delete'. He stared at it, immobile as it rang. He was caught between terror and a want so desperate it had him flinging the phone up to his ear just as his sister's voice came though.

"Taran?! Oh my god. Taran. Talk to me little brother. Where are you? Are you okay? Are you stuck? The cops found your car. Where are you baby brother?" He didn't speak. Couldn't. Couldn't even breathe, which he found didn't bother him in the slightest. Why would a dead guy need to breathe? "T–Taran…? Please don't leave me here… I can't be without you little brother. Pleas-se." She hiccuped, sobbing on her end. "Don't die…I can help. just tell me where you are." Taran reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, squeezing his eyes tight he could almost see her. His big sister. His best friend. "Come home, Taran…"

"Bec…" He whispered, "Don't cry."

Whipping the phone from his ear, he crushed it in his hand. The strength was satisfying, the pain in his cursed soul… was not.

(I'm so stalking this.

And crying. A lot. This is lit my dudes.)

Anytime! Ack this is giving me shivers I’m rereading it for the billionth time

Lorelei tried her best to stop the sobs as she slid down the side of the door. She gripped her chest as pain wracked through her, though she knew it was just her mind, there was nothing in her chest anymore. Nothing living, anyway.

Wiping the streams of tears from her cheeks, her body finally calming, but her mind was still racing, anger fueling thoughts towards a being whom she'd never see again. A being that condemned her to a life of running and shame.

It was all for love…. She thought with a bitter sniffle. All for the love I thought was true. Naive and stupid girl…. she growled. What had she expected to happen? Did she really, so blindly, believe his words of love and adoration. Of a life better than what she had once had? She was such a fool.

Lorelei stood, her hand still on her chest.

I can hear your heart beating, love…. He would say, kissing along her collar bones and trailing down to her chest, linger above the carcass of her heart. You're so much better than the rest, you are so much more. I need you by my side… His words had meant the world to her, they were the anthem she lived her life upon. But now…. she could see he had wanted her allegiance… not her love. No, he ran the Vampires with the "love of his life" by his side, while his scape-goat ran.

Lorelei had made such a dire mistake. She had taken the throne from one leader…. and handed it to a monster.

Taran had no recollection of time as he lay on that couch staring at the ceiling. He could have been there for hours, days, but he couldn't find it in him to care. If he was a worse man he would let the true death come for him while he lay there, but he had made a promise. The carcass of his phone was in a crumpled heap on his stomach and every few seconds he would glance down at it. He had butchered saying goodbye to his sister, but maybe it was for the best. They were mortal, he was vampire. If he had to watch them grow old and die… He shuddered.

He lifted a hand before him, as he had repeatedly done for the past…however long, Turning it left and right. The shock of the smooth pale skin had worn off but now, but it was still unnerving to think that his entire body, mind, very soul had changed into something he wasn't familiar with. Dismissing the thought, he focused, allowing the mass of dark energy within him to expand, filling his entire being. It felt more comfortable this way, like the two halves of his split soul were coming to together. His control was still shaky though, as the couch trembled beneath him. He frowned focusing harder. He was going to do this, master his power alone, so he could show Lorelei that he was strong. Capable of helping her, protecting her. He wouldn't let anyone else down.

Taran allowed a tiny sliver of the power out, forming it, controlling it. A slender shadow leaked from the palm of his hand, twisting elegantly around his fingers before it solidified into a vicious looking blade in his palm. This was all he was able to do at the moment. A tiny little blade, barely longer than his hand. The strain to release all of the energy would grow to be too much in a moment, but he held firm. He could do this. The couch trembled harder beneath him. "Fuck." He muttered as he grit his teeth, fangs slicing into his bottom lip. I can hold it. I can…

A soft sound came from behind Lorelei's door, breaking his focus. The slim blade turned back into shadow, sliding back into his skin. He thrashed the energy back into it's frigid ball in his core, as he sat up. He wanted to see her. He had heard her moving about for time, but hadn't plucked up the courage to go to her. If he was honest, they still didn't know each other at all, how would the comfort of a stranger help her? He sighed looking at the door still. Just because I'm a stranger now doesn't mean I always want to be.

(gasp Is he a DARK-WIELDER!?!?! Like Edith??? fangirl squealing)
Her thoughts were cut off as she felt it….or more accurately felt him. Turning towards the door, she closed her eyes and felt him through the wall, the darkness within flowed with a freedom that seemed to be what they both had wanted. Maybe he is as extraordinary as he seems…

She heard him curse ad couldn't stop the smile spreading across her lips. Maybe….not And as if she was hypnotized, she walked back to door and opened it, returning to the living room. She migrated towards Taran, her mind shifting on another path, from the past, to the present. Her present. Taran himself. She gestured to the fire that she was surprised to see lit. "You did that?" she asked thought it was hardly a question. He was a skillful fledgling.

"I think it's time we start training, wasting moonlight now…" She said with a mischievous smirk. This was the distraction they both needed. Her eyes drifted down to the crumbled phone on his stomach and she knew she was right. I wonder if he's upset I turned it off…. Lorelei decided she wasn't going to find out. Turning to the door, she threw it open and crooked a finger at him, tossing her earlier thoughts and concerns to the wind. There would be a time to mourn her former life.

It just wasn't now.

((beams :D I hope you don't mind that I borrowed the idea! I loved it so much!))

Taran shrugged as he followed her out of the door. "It was nothing. A lucky shot." He murmured, praising whatever deity that she hadn't noticed the cracks in the floor and wall from his failed attempts. He reached back behind her to shut the door, his hand brushing her side accidentally. He pulled away quickly, not sure why he felt suddenly uncomfortable that she was so close.

Clearing his throat he turned towards the woods around them and stopped dead. "This–Holy shit. This is what the world looks like?!" He'd never seen anything so beautiful as these woods under the moonlight. Actually, everything looked more alive, more beautiful under this light. He dared a glance at Lorelei. Wow

Lorelei smiled as she watched Taran, his eyes wide like a child's on Christmas. Her brown eyes were dark, almost black in the moonlight, her lips darker, her skin flawless and almost glistening. She was at home; under the moon and in the wild. Her eyes went to his, mischief reflecting in them. "I told you it would get better."

She began to back away from him, farther towards the tree lining. That smirk never left her lips. "Now, let's first test your hunting skills, via tracking…." She slipped towards the darkness of the trees. "Your first objective is to find me. Your second – Use your speed and agility to take me down." She laughed as her form melted in the shadows, those brown eyes flashing purple. "Don't think I'm going easy on you. It's time to find out what you're made of."

Taran watched Lorelei melt into the shadows of the trees. Even though he could see much better than he ever could as a human, he blinked only once and she was gone. "Track you? But…how?" He muttered to the empty space around him. There was so much stimulus out here in the open night. Taran could barely focus on his thought. The gentle wind sounded like a howling storm, the creaking trees sounds like booms of thunder. There was a river somewhere nearby, he couldn't see it but he heard it. He groaned, pushing the heels of his palms into his temples. "Goddammit. Focus. Focus." He forced himself to relax, pushing down his shoulders and slowly, slowly opening his eyes. The world quieted, the scents of the forest dimmed to the back of his mind–

Scent. He took a deep breath through his nose taking in everything around him. There. A lingering ribbon of Lorelei's sweet perfumed skin. Taran took off after it. His body and mind quickly adapting to his new speed. Exhilarating. He smiled. Maybe being a vampire isn't so bad. Lorelei's scent had him taking twists and turns as breakneck speeds, but he could tell by the way her scent clung to the air instead of to the trees or boulders, that she was still on the move.

His power flexed within him stretching out and for once he didn't try to stop it. The shadows of the forest seemed to reached towards him, bending and moving as if enthralled by him. Although they still appeared to be untamed as they shattered branches and cut through the boulders. He cursed, slowing to see what he had just done, when he stepped into a shadow. It was surprisingly warm and comforting, wrapped in the darkness as he was. He could still see the world around him it just appeared different in a way he couldn't yet describe. He took another step and froze.

Lorelei was standing just a bit away, her back to him. She was searching the trees in the opposite direction. Taran ducked behind a tree to his left, silent as could be. How the hell? I was no where near her….unless…? He looked to the shadow still pooled at his feet like a cat. It stretched towards his outstretched palm, sinking into his skin. *Huh. It had teleported him here? Knowing he was looking for her? He grinned. This was going to be fun.

He stepped out from behind the tree, darting to Lorelei's side. "Nice view of the trees you've got Lorelei."

"Mmm…yes. I love being under the moon, hidden within the trees." Her voice echoed, laughter in it. She was obviously enjoying herself.

Her form melted away before him, traveling like fog amidst the air before diffusing. "That was to easy. Try again." She told him. Her lips curled into a smile as she watched him from the shadows. She waited until he saw her. Look at me

And he did. She winked at him and began to run once more. The wind flowed through her hair and she let her laugh carry. Freedom…, that's what she felt. Absolute freedom. No retrains, no chains, no traps… just the forest and the open world before her. She closed her eyes and felt her body release. She winnowed to a new part of the forest, her power unfurling through the forest. She had to fight Taran if she truly wanted to challenge him.

You're much better than I thought, good…. She thought as she closed her eyes and reached out for Taran. She found him and opened her eyes once more, seeing through his eyes. He was already on her trail. She smiled, fangs visible and gleaming. "Come and get me…" she whispered, crouching into a fighting stance.

Taran didn't fight the instincts that seemed to take over in a mere blink of an eye. He was letting go of everything, all the pain and sorrow that had filled his days of late. This was his life now. This speed. This power. This…life. Because how could he be dead and feel like this? How could Lorelei be dead, yet look so free, so unearthly beautiful, so strong? Taran let go of all his humanity, he didn't really need it. Didn't he?

He mimicked Lorelei's stance, giving her a wicked grin. That strange shadowy power unfurling withing him. Challenging her. Come play, Master. But neither of them moved. Two statutes staring each other down, the air between them practically crackling with the intensity. Taran felt his eyes shift and wondered momentarily what color his eyes were shining. Did they match the searing violet of Lorelei's? He was about to ask her, when he saw her shift her position ever so slightly. She was about to strike. He bared his fangs at her, a low growl escaping his lips. He wondered quietly in the back of his mind how she would feel underneath him. Writhing with passion–

"Fuck."

((Oooh Naughty Taran~ giggles))

Red…

The color of fine wine, precious rubies, and beds of scandal and sin…

His eyes were red. They bewitched her as they flashed bright and hungry. If Lorelei were modest she would have blushed. But instead, she strengthened her stance and attacked. A well placed punch to the jaw, followed by a roundhouse kick to the ribs. She stood once more and jumped back, her smile still intact. "I'm glad you can track me in case you get lost, little puppy." she snickered.

"But let us see if your Wolf material…" She licked her canines. She knew they'd share a few bruises tonight, but it was important that he learn what his body was capable of in all aspects. Her eyes ran along his body with something akin to desire glistening in them. All that strength and so many possibilities for- She shook strands of hair from her view and grunted. This was not the time, she reminded herself, for such thoughts.
She focused back on him. "Don't worry, you'll heal nicely."

Taran massaged his jaw where she had punched him, maniacal glee glinting in his ruby eyes. Something about the sharp pain made him want to laugh. He was high on being alive. He loved it. More though, he was impressed by Lorelei's strength and confidence in herself. Her vampiric body was no stranger to her, instead she wielded it like a blade. He only hoped he lived up to her expectations.

"Still hurt like a bitch." Taran laughed as he relaxed his stance, but kept his eyes trained on her. "I feel kind of bad, attacking a little girl." He goaded. His shadows roiled under his skin, ready to strike, but Taran kept them lashed tight to him. He wouldn't lose control and hurt Lorelei. He just wouldn't.

His focus seemed to sharpen as he readied his attack. Her eyes locked onto his subtle movement so he had no choice but to go for it. He feinted coming at her from the left, instead diving for her unprotected legs. Wrapping his arms around the back of her knees, he lifted her only to slam her back down on the ground. He couldn't help the growled laugh that escaped his lips. Pining her hips with his thighs and her arms with his knees, he looked down at her for a moment. She was struggling and paying his face no mind, so she didn't see the dangerous shadow that crossed his eyes.

Oh god– "Lorelei–!" He snapped. The shadows took over, filling him completely. Blood! They screamed, forcing him to lunge for her exposed neck, his fangs glistening in the moonlight.

Lorelei gasped as she hit the ground, choking as the air was knocked out of her. She tried to rise but he pinned her down quick. She fought and struggled for a way out, any signed of escape that was possible, but his hold on her was tight.

She couldn't ignore the pressure that built inside of her with the weight of him crushing her. She loved in a way she'd never admit aloud but something eery ate at the feeling. She could feel it again, his powers seeking hers out, wrapping itself about hers like a snake before the strike. She tensed.

"Lorelei-!" she heard him and snapped her gaze to him to see him lunging for her, fangs protruded and glistening, ready to sink into her flesh. And in moments time, she dissolved beneath him. Rematerializing behind him, she stumbled back on her feet before bracing herself. She locked eyes with him. "This is the moment to work on it. Don't leet it control you, you control it, Taran." She instructed. "I know you hear me Taran. I don't want to have to do it for you." Her being unfurled, her power rising within before spreading. She couldn't shake the fear and dread that rose in her core. She didn't want to hurt him, but she'd be damned if she let him hurt her.

It was taking all of his will just to stay kneeling on the ground and not let that deadly wild force use him to attack her. It hurt. Not like the blows they had been trading, but more like a deep soul crushing hurt. He wanted to howl in pain but kept his teeth clenched. "Goddammit. Just stay away!" He barked at her. He heard her take several steps back, but firmly planted herself within his line of sight. Something like pain flashed in her own eyes, before a look of determination settled over her.

Let us go. The shadows hissed at him. We are not yoursssss, you are ours. Give in. Let us have you. We can truly be free if you let us go, Taran. Blood. Power. It can all be ours.

Taran shook his head. He didn't want that. Didn't really want any of this, but he knew he had to accept it. Become one with his new life. He was holding himself back. That damn human heart. He was so lost. Try as he might this new world was so alien to him. He was hanging on too much to his old life. His humanity. Taran needed to let go. But, he couldn't be just a creature, uncontrolled and wild. Lorelei would surely kill him.

Lorelei. He stared deep into her eyes. She seemed to be saying something to him, but he couldn't hear. What had she said yesterday? That he needed to give it purpose or else it would take over him. Purpose. Right. But what was his purpose? His entire life he had just been "Taran", and now he needed to be something more? Fuck. His entire life he had done nothing but fight for the people he cared about. To protect them. Rebecca used to tease him, saying that he was a big brother to everyone, even her. One man trying to protect the world.

He could do that still right? That's all he knew. Protect. He could protect his family from afar. He could protect himself in this world that was vicious and bloody and violent. He could protect Lorelei as he promised. The shadows calmed. Their wild temper only reflected his inner turmoil. Calmed further still as his settled his resolve. I am a protector. He looked up at his maker, who had come closer while he fought. Something about her was so comforting, gentle, loving. Unlocking his hands from around his sides he reached towards her, yanking her into a rough hug. SOmething he realized he needed desperately.

Burying his head in her short hair he muttered with a small chuckle, "This is so fucked up."

Lorelei stiffened as she was held. It wasn't something that happened very often. But it felt nice, being held in his arms, feeling the need within him. She wrapped her arms around him and buried a hand in his hair. She sighed. "You did it, though." she pointed out to him. "You gave it purpose, my Wolf…" *My protector. She could feel it inside him, the settling. It called to her and wrapped itself about her like a blanket of security. She closed her eyes and let her spirits relish the feeling.

When was the last time she had let someone hold her? When had she stopped fighting and let love wash over her-

She stopped.

Love? This….this wasn't love. Friendship maybe, but not love. It would never be love. Stepping away, she closed her heart to him, she should've never opened it in the first place. "You are such a strong male. As I knew." She smirked, pride dance in her eyes only because she put it on stage. Inside, something retracted. The desire for being with another, she had hidden away so well such a long time ago. It wasn't about to rear it's ugly head now.

"C'mon," she dropped her hands, "Let's go back to the cabin. If we have time tomorrow, we can come back."

Taran frowned, he certainly felt better now that he was settled and calm, but the storm in Lorelei's eyes was concerning. Learning to read her was becoming easier and easier. He wondered if she knew she had a lot of tells. So many secrets, the female has, a shadow whispered into his ear. Beware the ones coming to silence her… He stood, shaking out his limbs as he did so. Taran almost snorted, know that he tamed his power it seemed that he had an abundance of chatty companions now. Oddly, he felt a little tired. Well, mentally exhausted was a more apt description of how he felt. It had been a rough few days.

He cut a glance at Lorelei as they walked. "Are they coming for you?" he asked softly.

Lorelei walked in silence, her arms wrapped about herself to ward off a chill she couldn't really feel. Her mind raced. Taran coped better than she had expected, maybe they could start covering ground tonight. She didn't like sitting duck until the Hunters came for her. But maybe it would be best for Taran.

"Are they coming for you?" he asked, hiss voice so soft in her ears. He must be thinking about the last time he asked a question about her, how she exploded on him like a grenade. She tried not to do the same thing now.

Breathe deep, Lorelei. He cares, that's why he asks… Slowly she looked at him. "Yes, but I've run from them before. It's not very hard. Some of them can even be paid off a time or two. Ya'know vampires are just like humans, greedy and lustful. They'll do just about anything to get their tiny desires…" Lorelei shrugged though she felt as though something had broken inside of her.

But she hardly addressed it, she just kept moving as though on a nature walk, humming softly as she twirled about trees and vines, picking flowers from bushes without a care in the world. Yet, she did care. She wasn't proud of the things she'd done. But they had be done out of necessity and nothing more. Sacrifices had to be made. So what she had to swallow her pride a few times and lay down with a couple of dogs. She was alive, wasn't she?

Wasn't she?

Taran's frown only deepened. He wasn't particularly a fan of how she seemed to be able to brush aside the situation she was in. That they were both in, now that he had unwittingly joined the party. He couldn't ignore the fact that a storm cloud of intense maliciousness seemed to be hovering on the horizon for them. If they were truly in danger, then they needed a plan right? Lorelei had said the crime was regicide for christ's sake. That usually wasn't something some could just run away from.

She looked beautiful as she walked around, as graceful as a ballerina, but there was a hardness to her eyes that Taran could see plain as day. He wasn't going to walk into anything blind, nor was he a runner. Besides, she had lied about committing the crime. So she is innocent. Why isn't she fighting for it? What is stopping her from being free. Or rather, who? Taran's own eyes hardened and flashed red, Lorelei had a history of people hurting her, that he knew and he wasn't going to let it continue. But first…

"Regardless, Lorelei, I think you need to tell me the truth here. All of it." He reached out to gently grasp her wrist as she fluttered past him again. "Whether we like it or not, I'm in this now. I can't help you or protect you if I don't know what I am up against." Trust in me…