"It is who I am.
It is who I will always be."
~ Katrina
*****
Luciano's body broke into awareness. His body jerked forward, gasping for breath. He groaned as a splitting headache assaulted him. For a moment he didn't know where he was. There was a strange ache in his body, the sudden feeling of satisfaction and equal parts nausea. Sunlight blinded him momentarily running his fingers through his hair as he forced himself to recall what happened. It all came rushing back to him, his eyes blazed silver and his vision cleared.
'Katrina!'
'What the—' Luciano looked around bewildered at the destruction. His gaze landed on the shreds of black lace lingering throughout his rooms and swallowed. The memories of the night before bombarded him. Every sound, every sensation, pierced his memories as he sat frozen in awe. He'd never experienced anything quite like last night. No female had ever gotten under his skin this way.
He recalled hitting that hard edge, Cumming so hard his vision swarmed with black spots, dimly hearing her roar into his kiss and for a moment something shifted inside him. Then, darkness, the rug taken from under him... Had he passed out? Something was definitely wrong. There's no way he could have just blacked out and fallen to a death sleep because he'd cum too hard. Given, he had cum harder than he ever had. His body tingled at the memory, his mouth water at the thought.
'What happened?' Luciano cleared his throat, his head throbbing painfully. He pulled himself off the bed, grimacing as he heard the bed frame collapse in on itself once he was off it. 'What the fuck happened here? Where's Katrina?' Luciano pulled out whatever clothes didn't look half destroyed and dressed quickly.
He was out of his rooms, down the stairs, and into the main hall in a heartbeat. Noting the servants cleaning up avoiding his gaze reminded him of where he was and why. He cursed, he was late for the claiming. 'Fuck.' He was out the patio doors before he finished the thought, his body exploding and rearranging miles down the gardens as he moved. His brother would have his ass for being late.
'Where is she?'
He looked around as he passed several others who were on their way to the coliseum. He stumbled as a familiar essence wrapped around him and he felt his body materialize against his will. 'Well, Fuck.'
***
Raven leaned back against his chair, his finger tapping his chin gently, his eyes narrowed as Luciano materialized before him his body tense and coiled tight. "I hate when you do that, brother." Luciano seethed. He glared at his older brother, who sat back innocently as if he hadn't just used great deal of energy in materializing him halfway across the estate. "I couldn't afford your tardiness at this event. You know, as well as I do. Our presence is imminent in these affairs."
"I was on my way." Luciano growled, brushing off his suit. His eyes were moved through the crowd, seeking her. From the corner of his eyes Raven watched his younger brother. He kept the perfectly calculated expression of boredom on his face but beneath the surface he was on guard for the scene his brother would no doubt make. Raven would be here to support him come what may. Luciano looked wildly out of sorts, something had set his brother on edge before his arrival. If his tardiness was any indication-
"Have you seen the Morvant family?"
"I'm sure they'll turn up sooner or later. It's about to begin. You've missed the entire preliminary." Raven's tone left no room for argument. When he used his Elder 'tone,' Luciano straightened and conceded, his body dropping down to the seat beside his brother.
The Coliseum was an elliptical amphitheater, hidden in the maze gardens of the council's estate, shielded from foreign eyes by some of the most powerful vampire power known to their kind. Ironically enough, it was an exact replica to the one built in Rome. Vampires sure liked to stick to tradition. It was built of concrete and stone, stood high, the large flat center served as their stage. Roughly ten thousand spectators could fit but it was probably only filled by hundreds today. Some of the worlds more elite vampire families were asked to attend. Their entire vampire society witnessed the claiming of the Maidens. It'd been a tradition from the beginning of time, the highest honor to be invited.
Several rows below them were tents for the families of the Maidens that would be claimed, they would appear as the females names were called.
Luciano leaned back as the seats around them filled, unused to sitting so close to the event. He wasn't too interested in these things, Raven usually respected that. More often than not families would sit together as a show of power and unity, but as of late they were mixed and all eager for it to start. After all, there wouldn't be another one for another hundred or so years, they had to enjoy this one while it happened. Even so, he could barely recall much from the last one he'd come to. He recalled Katrina had forced him to sneak out while they raided the pantry for food. The memory brought a smile to his face, and his body buzzed. The image of her naked and withering beneath him forever engraved into his mind, caused him to let out a shaky breath.
It wasn't long before the rows around them were filled. He recognized Thayne and Zane sitting on the row below them. Elvira must be sitting somewhere with her mother. Kynox and his cousin Draven tumbled into the rows behind them. Luciano tapped his fingers uncomfortably, something in his gut simmering in awareness. Many of the families were still filtering in so he didn't let it concern him. He opened his palm as he materialized his phone into it. He shot Katrina a quick text.
An unfamiliar energy filled the stadium. Everyone in attendance sat forward, the electrifying energy growing with each passing second. From the center of the stadium, a mist spiraled outwards until it hit the stadium wall and rebounded upon itself. Immediately a rift between dimensions exploded, the backlash of power rocking them.
This part was always interesting. Nobody knew what lay beyond the rippling portal, no vampires went in and no Maiden ever came back. The spacial rift grew to epic proportions, growing several feet before it stabilized and turned a strange hue of blue.
The six current council members stood facing the portal, their stance tense in apprehension. All in attendance edged on their seats as they watched three white hooded figures appear.
"It has begun." Raven whispered. Something about his brothers words made Luciano narrow his gaze in suspicion.
"Welcome! It's been a long time, Matrone." Milton Coh spoke, his voice carrying through the entire Coliseum. The hooded figures stood before the portal, as if shielding it from their gaze, impossible to miss really. The female in the center stepped forward, pushing her hood back and giving the council a formal bow in respect. The female's odd white hair was startling, even more so were the signs of aging around her brown eyes. Most vampire females rarely aged, it was strange seeing it on such an unfamiliar face. He wondered who she used to be and what life she had left behind. The two women behind her followed her example, bowing deeply to the council. Their expressions were empty, almost robotic.
"It has been much too long, Council. Once again, that time comes upon us and we are happy to be here. Do you have our candidates prepared?" The woman's voice was calming but emotionally detached. Something about it rubbed Luciano the wrong way. He checked his phone, disappointed.
"They are ready for your inspection, Matrone." General Kendrick, of the current council spoke, giving the Matrone, a bow of respect. The Matrone's strange white hair glowed as she nodded in understand. "Then we will begin." The council vanished and reappeared in their sectioned tent.
**
The Matrone stepped forward, drawing a breath before addressing their whole race. Her brown eyes took in the countless faces she didn't recognize and those she did.
"For centuries, you have built an empire of power and strength.
And for centuries we have built you vessels of power.
You prepare for the future and we, we prepare for your wars!
If a time shall ever come, it is our duty to bear you young, worthy of your race.
