i was boredd...

Third Person's Point of View

Her footsteps echoed throughout the corridor, bouncing across the walls.

The skirts of her dress trailed along the polished marble, and she ran a hand through her waist-length tresses.

"Your majesty." A young man in uniform bowed to her, and she nodded.

She liked to think of herself as a kind Queen, one who took the time to speak with her subjects.

But at this particular moment there was not time, more pressing matters weighed heavily on her mind.

As she neared the Great Hall she passed more and more people, servants, guards, and maids, each of them greeting her with a polite bow.

The huge oak double doors swung open at her presence, and she strode inside.

"Ah, my Queen! How gracious of you to join us." Charles stood from his place at the long table, bowing as did the others.

Will a roll of her eyes she motioned for the gathered to sit, taking her seat at the head of the table.

"I apologize, I was a bit preoccupied." She smiled, fixing her dress as she gazed at her guests. "On to the issues at hand. Firstly, I would like to welcome you all to Cuplare, I trust you found your way alright?"

"Yes your grace. We would sincerely like to thank you for your invitation, as well as give you our thanks for sending Charles to ensure our journey's safety."

Serena Black was a small girl, barely eighteen, with blonde curls and eyes as dark as her name.

It wasn't tradition for someone so young to be a pack leader, but after her parents recent and sudden death she hadn't had much of a choice but to take up the position of alpha.

In the other lands she had more family, but they weren't aware of her world.

"Of course. Charles was more than pleased to assist. Now, have you received word from your sister pack?"

Serena cleared her throat and nodded, her fingers running over a groove in the table.

"They sent word not long ago. There was another attack from the vampires." There was a joined gasp, and a hushed layer of murmuring fell over the room.

"Silence!" Isabella's voice boomed, and she turned to Serena. "Go on."

"Raoul reported nearly six deaths, maybe more."

She nodded, writing in her elegant cursive on a piece of paper before gesturing to a young man who'd been lingering in the shadows of the room.

"Would you have the kitchen staff serve us some wine?" she pulled him close and slipped a folded piece of paper into his hand. "Deliver this to Cole, and make sure he sees to its urgency."

He slipped from the room and not a moment later the wait staff appeared at everyone's elbow, a wine glass in hand.

"Onto another matter, the full moon is fast approaching. Would it be rude of me to assume you'll all be joining us?" she took a slow sip from the jewel-encrusted goblet.

"Not at all your grace, we would be honored to join you in the full moon festivities." Serena exclaimed, taking an uncertain sip of her wine.

"Excellent. I look forward to your participation. Max, would you be so kind as to show our guests to their rooms?"

The tall, strong-jawed man stood and bowed.

"Thank you your grace." Serena murmured, following the lead of her soldier.

As soon as they were gone she allowed the smile to drop from her face, swallowing the remaining contents of her drink.

"Sister? Are you alright?" Charles stood and came to her side, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.

"That's the third reported attack this month." She muttered, leaning her head on her hand. "What am I meant to do?"

Charles shrugged, taking a seat beside her at the table.

He placed his hand atop hers, smiling reassuringly. "What would father do?"

She looked up, startled.

"I hadn't thought of that. What would he have done?" Bella mused, gratefully accepting a refill on the rich red wine.

"Well while you contemplate I'm going to accompany Cole and the team to the Northern pack."

She looked up with a glare, fisting her hand under the table. "You know how I hate the idea of you going off with the teams. It's dangerous."

He laughed, standing and placing a kiss on her forehead. "You worry too much sister."

"You're my little brother. How can I not?" he simply smiled, his hand slipping from her shoulder as he left the room.

With a deep sigh Isabella dropped her head into her hands, "Sir Andrew. What do you think father would do?"

There was a brief silence. "Your father was a wise man. He ruled with his heart, and he followed his beliefs. But in all of his time as our king he never had to deal with such a threat as the vampires. Perhaps you should seek your help from a new source." She looked up, her confusion evident.

"New source? I don't follow."

"Who better to destroy a vampire than another vampire?"

"That's ridiculous! Going to my enemies and asking them to kill their own kind? And who is to say that they wouldn't turn on me?"

"You are absolutely correct milady. But perhaps you should consider it nonetheless. Vampires have often been known to be full of greed and want; perhaps you could use a bribe?"

Isabella was silent, her nails tapping rhythmically.

"You may be right, but where could I possibly find any?"

Sir Andrew cleared his throat, appearing beside her.

"My brother sent word to me not long ago that he had a run in with a rather large group of vampires who claimed to be, different."

She looked up, "Different how?"

"They said they only fed from animals, and that the proof was in their eyes, gold rather than red. Perhaps they would be willing to assist you." He waited with bated breath, watching her eyes flicker.

"You may be right."

She stood, padding towards the double doors with Sir Andrew at her side.

As they opened she turned to him, taking his hand in hers. "I want to thank you for being so helpful and loyal to me. I know it is custom for new Kings or Queens to take on a new advisor at the start of their reign, and I know you disapprove of many of my decisions, but it makes me glad to have you here." She squeezed his hand, and he followed her as she started for her chambers.

"Where can I find your brother?"

He frowned, worry etched into his face.

She may have been a Queen, but Sir Andrew had known Isabella since she was just a babe, and her desire for adventure had not waned with age.

"Your grace?"

"Do not worry yourself Sir Andrew. I will be safe." She looped her arm through his, patting his hand as she laughed.

"He has been residing in the Southern districts, close to the Phantom's Kingdom."

She remembered the castle well, a beautiful place home to the ghosts and spirits of their early ancestors.

It had been uninhabited for some time, a resting place for travelers and outlaws.

Her flat suede shoes tapped against the stone floors as they walked, her skirts skimming along behind her.

"Will he still be there by the time I arrive?"

Sir Andrew nodded, "He seems to like it there."

"Good."

As they arrived at her chambers she paused, biting her lip. "Do you think I am a good Queen?"

The older man gazed at her, "Why do you ask such a thing?"

"You said my father never had to deal with such a threat as the vampires. What if it's because they feared him? And now that I rule, they're no longer afraid?" she turned to him with sorrow in her eyes.

"Perhaps you are right. Now you need to prove them wrong." He kissed the back of her hand and patted it gently, bidding her goodnight.

Puzzled Isabella stepped into her chambers, latching the double doors behind her.

She turned and looked to the flames in her fireplace, striding towards it where she began to pace.

The skirts of her gown swirled around her ankles and she bit her lip, hands clasped at her chest.

Perhaps Sir Andrew was right, maybe if she could destroy the vampires the rest would see that she was more than just a woman, she was a Queen.

A maid appeared by her bed then, "Your grace." She gave a bow and Bella sighed.

"Would you help me undress?"

As the kindly woman helped her out of her gown she continued to think, to ponder the matter of her honor.

To go and find Sir Andrew's brother on her own would be foolish, she would be leaving her people without a ruler should something happen.

But then again, Charles was capable, not that she really thought anything would come to happen.

With a hum she dismissed her maids, wandering to the large stained glass window at her bedside.

Pushing out she leaned into the night air, breathing in the scents of the forest beyond the walls.

Her decision was made.

Isabella's black velvet cloak shrouded her in darkness as she approached the gates on horseback, smiling at the keeper.

"Sir Rowan, how are you fairing?"

"My Queen." He bowed, "I am well. May I be of assistance to you your grace?"

She shook her head, placing a soft hand on his arm.

"I am leaving for a short time; do not alert anyone of my travels. Understand?" he gave a curt nod and pushed open the gate.

"Be safe my Queen."

His words stayed with her as she disappeared into the shadows of the forest, her mount flawlessly delving into a gallop.

The Phantom's Kingdom wasn't far; she could reach it by daybreak if she rode hard enough.

With that thought in mind she leaned forward on the stallion's neck, her cloak rippling behind her.

"Slow." Bella murmured, easing up on the reins.

The dark horse gave a whinny but slowed to a trot as they approached the castle, his hooves clacking against the stone pathway.

"Sir Aaron, I come to speak with you." She announced, pulling down the hood of her cloak.

There was silence, and she turned to the east. "I mean you know harm, I am here on behalf of your brother, Sir Andrew."

Her horse spooked suddenly, shying from a bush across the way.

Cautiously a man stepped from the trees, a sword held at his side.

"My brother you say." He squinted up at her, a hand above his brow.

He was a small man, shriveled looking with scraggly hair but with kind eyes.

"Yes. My name is Isabella. He told me where to find you, I need your help."

He chuckled, "Me? How could I possibly help a pretty lady like yourself?"

"Perhaps I should properly introduce myself. I am Queen Isabella, of the Highlands and of the South. Your brother is my advisor, and he told me of your meeting with the golden eyed vampires. I need you to lead me to them."

The man was instantly on his knees, bowing his loyalty to her.

"My Queen. I did not know, forgive me."

She laughed, "You do not need my forgiveness. But if you would like it, you have it. Now come, show me where I can find these beings."

He nodded, hopping to his feet in an agile manner she would have thought escaped him.

"I was hunting a few weeks ago, for rabbits and such. Usually I scavenge the berries, but they're few and far between lately. So now I've been sticking to squirrel and rabbits, like I said. Anyway, I was making a move for the rabbit and one of the golden-eyes jumped in my way." He rambled on as they walked, using wild hand gestures.

Isabella nearly laughed; it was refreshing to be with someone so comfortable with themselves.

"He was just about as scared as I was I think, 'specially when he saw the sword in my hand. Then he got real calm, pretended like he hadn't been hunting. Asked me where I got the sword. I got angry real quick, yelled that I was old but not dumb! He only laughed, that's when the others got there. A real weird bunch, all paired up 'cept for this one lad. Anyway, I shouted that if they was gonna kill me, they better do it before I had a chance to run. That's when the lone boy asked why I thought they wanted to kill me. I only laughed, said that I had seen and killed my fair share of vampires, and I couldn't be fooled just because their eyes were a different color."

"Do you remember how many they were?" she interjected.

"Six or seven of 'em I think. Yeah, seven! Because of the lone boy! Anyway, we got to talking and they asked what I was. I told 'em I was a wolf. And they asked if I meant a shape shifter, but I straightened 'em out. Told them I was a lycanthrope. No such things as shape shifters. I asked about 'em and their eyes, and they explained that they chose to feed on animals 'stead of humans, that's why their eyes were different. Then the first one asked about my sword again, all confused. That's when I realized they must be from the other world, and I clammed up real quick. Didn't tell 'em much else, and they let me leave. Even gave me the rabbit they'd cost me!" he laughed.

Isabella hummed at him, her mind already working out the pieces.

They were from the other worlds, which explained why they asked about the sword.

It would definitely make things more complicated, but perhaps she could make it work to her advantage.

"Here's where we had the run in." they stopped in a small clearing, and he sniffed the air as did she.

"The scent is old, but I think it goes north. What do you think?"

"Same here. I'll run ahead!" he took a running start and leaped forward, his body rippling from his head to his toes.

It was as if a light was shone from within, and in less than a second a grey wolf replaced his human form.

Kicking up dirt he darted into the trees, and she was quick on his heels.

Her horse cantered smoothly through the thicket, the winter winds whipping at her cheeks.

The wolf before her ran with abandon, howling into the sky as he went.

Suddenly the scent was strong, stronger than she would have thought.

Her horse slowed as they approached the tree line, Sir Aaron having stopped beside her.

Before them stood a monumental home, white with the lush green of plants and flowers surrounding at all sides.

The door creaked as a woman stepped outside, followed closely by a young man.

Their eyes were gold.

As the rest of their group joined she realized they were all staring into the forest, as if waiting for her.

The intimidation she had expected to feel at being presented with these people was explosive, but she raised her chin and nodded to Sir Aaron.

With a quick motion he stood tall once again in his pants and suspenders, clearing his throat before walking out in front of her.

With her head high she rode out slowly, peering at each member of their… clan.

The first two seemed older somehow, but young as well with equally refined manner.

She skipped through the rest, too impatient to stay focused on one thing for long.

The older man stepped forward to greet her, smiling kindly though she could see the confusion behind it.

"Hello. My name is Carlisle, and this is my family. Hello, Aaron."

Aaron smiled and took the horses reins in his hand, steadying him as she slid from her perch.

Rounding towards Carlisle Isabella looked him up and down, startled at how normal he appeared.

He looked nothing like the savage red-eyed monsters she'd been confronted with before.

"Sir Aaron was right, you are quite interesting." She murmured, peering into his eyes.

"Excuse you?" a girl standing on the porch snapped, and she flinched, stepping back.

"Rosalie." He said the name quietly, but there was a firm edge to his voice, and the girl quieted.

"My name is Isabella. I've come to ask for your help." She paused, lowering her eyes. "Your kind is murdering my people, and I haven't the power to stop them."

Her voice wavered, and she could feel the shame in her body run hot.

"Why don't we speak inside?" he gestured to the house and she swallowed, narrowing her eyes.

"Very well. Sir Aaron, would you tie him to the rail?" she gestured to her horse and he nodded, tugging the stallion forward.

When she looked to the house the rest of them had already disappeared inside, and she was left with the older man.

Holding her skirts above her ankles she walked up the steps and into the house, where she was astounded by the high ceilings and obvious display of wealth.

"Your home is quite beautiful." She murmured, following his lead into the sitting room.

Each one of his group were seated and she followed suit, lowering herself into a chair that looked out on the whole room.

"I'm afraid my family and I don't quite understand what you mean when you say 'your people'." The older man sat beside who she assumed was his wife, holding her hand.

"Sir Aaron alerted me earlier to the fact that you do not know of our world. Correct?"

He exchanged glances with the rest of them but nodded.

"Your lives have been lived in this modern world with technology and much different means of transportation. You are unaware that right beside you is a whole other world of people and magic."

"Magic?" a large man laughed, his curly hair falling into his eyes.

"Why do you find it funny? You are a vampire, who is to say there is no such thing as magic?"

He quieted, and she gestured for Sir Aaron.

"This man here told you when you previously met that he was a lycanthrope, and I am sure you did not believe him. But it is true, as am I. We can transform our bodies to take the shape of a wolf, whether it be the height of the day or night. Our birthright gives us this ability, and during every full moon we have a celebration. I am the Queen of these people, the lycanthrope. And since my father's death not long ago we have been plagued by you vampires, murdering and destroying every one of us you find."

There was silence and the group seemed to be having a silent discussion.

"So you're saying that you come from a place where you are the Queen of these, lycanthrope. And you need our help to destroy the vampires that threaten your existence." This came from a small girl with black hair, her eyes bright.

"Yes. My world is more of, how has it been said, medieval? We use swords and steel as our weapons and stay away from the modern world; we have found it brings nothing but destruction. For many years we have been without danger but now, somehow the vampires have found us, and they will not stop until we are all dead."

"How have the humans not found you yet?" Carlisle asked.

"The witches who have sworn loyalty to us gave us a charm that seals us away, if we wanted to we could leave and live in the modern world, but many of us choose to stay in our world. Because you are not human, vampires are not affected by it." She explained.