War With In

Lord Syndril’s POV

The walls of my chamber echoed with the silence of my solitude, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning within me. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I had lost control. A slip of the reins that governed my composure, and it gnawed at me with relentless ferocity. If I had stayed any longer there is no telling what would have happened.

I paced the length of the room, each step a thunderous beat in the quiet. It was Deaken, that insufferable guard, who had ignited this unfamiliar blaze of jealousy within me. His casual familiarity with Caroline, the way she responded to his touch. It was more than I could bear. She should want me that way, I am her husband, her forever.

My hands clenched into fists; the knuckles white with the effort to contain the fury. I was the lord of this land, a figure of unyielding strength and power. What does he have that I don’t? Yet, in that moment, I was nothing but a man. A man inflamed by the green-eyed monster that whispered doubts and insecurities into my ear. I am slowly losing my grip on reality.

I must regain my composure. I cannot allow Deaken, or anyone else, to see this crack in my armor. Caroline must never know the effect she has on me. I will not be bested by my own emotions. The control I’ve maintained for so long must be restored, for the sake of my position, my people, and my own sanity. If anyone knew what she was to me then all hell would break lose. They would use her to get to me at every chance. I know it will come out eventually, but I need to prolong it for as long as I can.

The last person to invoke such feelings has long since been gone. Once my father knew how I felt about her she became the tool he used to win his war. If you can call it a win, she is the reason it ended. I could never let that happen to Caroline. I won’t let it happen to her, It's the only reason that wolf still breaths. He will do everything he can to keep her safe and I plan to use that to my advantage.

As the moon hung low, casting a silver glow over the ancient grove, I couldn't help but recall the night I first met Seraphina. The air had been thick with the scent of pine and magic, a sign that a witch of considerable power was near.

I had been tracking a rogue vampire that was working with the hunters through the forest when I stumbled upon her. Seraphina, with eyes like the twilight sky, was chanting in a tongue that was both ancient and otherworldly.


Our eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between us. She needed no introduction; her reputation as a formidable witch preceded her. I had heard stories about her for a long time and she surpassed every expectation. Yet, there was something more than a flicker of recognition, a hint of a shared past.

That night, we spoke of many things, but not once did we mention the palpable tension that seemed to weave around us like a spell. Maybe that was her doing then, a trap laying the groundwork for my future. We agreed to join forces against a common enemy, all the while dancing around the truth of our connection. I never told her how I felt, maybe if I had things would have been different. She might have left when I told her to if she had known.


Now, as I stand here watching the shadows play among the trees, I couldn't shake the memory of Seraphina's enigmatic smile. It was a smile that promised secrets and stories untold, a smile that I found myself both drawn to and wary of. If only I could go back in time and tell myself to run, then maybe I could have avoided this life all together.

I need to apologies to Caroline for my actions. “May, are you nearby?”

She appeared from the shadows, “yes my lord.”

“Can you bring me a glass please?” I never let Caroline feed; I can only imagine how hungry she must be after today's training.

She did far better than I expected. We have a lot of work to do before I believe she can be on her own, but it’s a start. She has no idea how much danger she is currently in. I chose to kill her before anyone else can but that doesn’t mean she can’t die again as a vampire. I would hate to see a repeat of her aunt. My brother has no self-control and treats them like endless blood bags. Lucky for me I got to Caroline first. I wonder if she has any idea about her aunt. The control we have on that family only goes so far. If we aren’t careful, they won’t live much longer and once they are gone, we won’t either. The blood store will only last for so long.

“Your glass my lord,” May said handing me the object.

I ripped open a wound in my wrist pouring the blood into the glass. I filled it to the top, I know it won't be enough to say sorry, but it is a start. “May please take this to lady Caroline,” I placed it on the tray she was holding.

She blinked out of my presents in a flash. I just hope Caroline understands the gesture I am trying to convey. There is far too much going on for us to be at odds with each other. My father is already requesting a visit. Word of me turning a human has already made its way to him. She is the first I have turned in five hundred years, so it is only natural he wants to know why. No good will come of his visit, it never dose but I can’t turn him away either, so I have no other choice.