Eris stood at the edge of the forest on the west side, Selene at his side, with a sour expression as she twirled Nuri’s Shadow in her hand. Her eyes were blood red, reflecting her rage. She was not happy that they were coming or that they had asked for her. Eris had not anticipated that.

Reaching out, he clasped her hand tightly, looking at her, giving her a reassuring smile. He watched Selene stare at his hand, a confused expression on her face, before finally smiling at him. She looked like her old, confident self. The one who was always serious but always smiling. There was light in her eyes that hadn’t been there for quite some time. He tightened his grip, and she returned the gesture with her hand.

“Remember when we were kids?”

“Which instance?”

“When you took a knife and cut your hair.”

Selene laughed. “I was trying to look more like you. Mother got so furious. She yelled at you first until I, as always, spoke up and got you out of trouble.”

“Ever the caretaker.”

“Well, someone must watch over you and keep you in line. You don’t listen to anyone else. It’s a fault, dear brother.”

“I disagree, little sister darling.”

“Disagree all you want; it’s the truth.” She laughed and smiled, her laughing lines brightening up her face, until a twig broke in the darkness. Her face went still, her eyes wide and red, and much like a cat, her ears twitched, searching for sound.

Eris looked into the forest’s darkness through the fog left behind by the day’s rain. Gabrielle emerged, her bright green eyes lit up by the red, while her shoulder-length auburn hair made her pale face glow in the dim moonlight. They were Touched Born Vampyres, almost as old as the King, his most valiant soldiers, those who had never succumbed to the Blood Hunger. Gabrielle stopped and stared at him coldly, hands on her hips, highlighting her thinness. An amused smile betrayed her indifference.

“My, my, if it isn’t the Great Coven Master Eris Sintas and his murderous sister, Selene Sintas.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Gabrielle,” mocked Selene.

Gabrielle’s green eyes flashed red. “I should have killed you the instant I saw you. Would have saved my King from making the mistake of keeping you alive.”

“A pity I never met his majesty or his Queen. I hear she fancies me.”

“Don’t be cocky, Selene, I still need a private word with you.”

“Not that private if the entire Garrison is going to be there, Gabrielle.”

“Okay, enough,” said Eris. “You came to find a killer, to assist where we have failed. Selene is in charge. You are not. Do not trifle with us.”

“You should watch what you say, Eris,” said Gabrielle. “We are Touched Born’s as well and older. Even with magic, you two could not kill us.”

Eris almost lost it when he saw Selene lunge and grip Gabrielle’s throat, dagger poised over her heart. But what took his breath away were her runes, lit with a dark light.

“Selene!”

“I have something to say. I have studied you, all of you. I know your abilities and how to handle you, so trust me when I say I can kill all of you. I do not need Eris’ help for that.”

Eris pulled his sister back, and Nivette took her by the shoulder and held her close. “Gabrielle,” he began cautiously, “I would say forgive her, but we all know you wouldn’t. But if you’re going to interrogate her, you can leave.”

“Even if I wanted to, I can’t, and trust me, I don’t want to be here. Four murders have been committed; therefore, we are here to assist with our skills.” He watched as Gabrielle glared at his sister and was glad when Selene returned it with an obnoxious smirk.

“I’ll show you to your chambers,” began Nivette, letting Selene go from her motherly embrace.

“No need, we should begin now, gather the Hunters.”

“They’re already gathered,” said Selene, turning away. “You should follow me if you’re in such a hurry.” She walked off, twirling her dagger in her hand. Eris shared a smile with Nivette as the Garrison walked on past them. He would feel their anger with every step they took, and their heads held high arrogantly. Hunters always formed a bond with one another and an even stronger bond with their leader, regardless of the Coven Master. He knew the Hunters Chamber would become a war zone if Selene and Gabrielle did not control their anger.

“Well, this should be interesting,” said Nivette, walking after them. Eris agreed and stared after his sister, wondering when she had learned to tap into the Darkness. He wondered if it was good or bad.

She is the Light Eris, whispered a gentle voice in the wind. Don’t let her lose it. She is the one who will save the souls touched by Darkness. She is the light. She can touch the dark and not be tainted. Watch over her. She can save you. The voice vanished, and the wind stopped, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He knew I was the Goddess. Selene was the Light.