Chapter One: Origins

OSHA

When you think of your life, your mind tries to go to the earliest memory you have. They usually begin with the people that raised you, your loved ones, your mother, your father. You think of all the little things that made you what you are whether it be the stern teachings from your mother or discipline from your father. A tree you fell out of, that taught you to climb, a rusted nail that pierced your foot so you now tread more carefully your lands. You think of your home, that special scent that fills it; reminding you even in old age, of the beginning. I can't fully recall a time before, when I did it was in broken pieces like shattered glass, only in shards. My most prevalent memory was the fire, my mother's anguished screams, they heavy smoke stagnant in the air, carrying the distinct smell of her searing flesh. The cheers from onlookers who not once, crossed our threshold. I remember the beautiful boy with silver eyes and obsidian hair, how his hands were so cold in mine. Being led away I remember the sensation of the same flame that had eradicated my mother's life, giving birth to something unnatural in my heart.

PASHA

The night I met her, I had spurned my father, which I took the opportunity in his anger, to wander aimlessly through the village, the castle loomed over it many miles away. My brother, my twin, Misha was silently chaperoning me with weary eyes. The castle being so contradictory in size, felt suffocating. The free breeze, boisterous laughter booming from the many houses that made the sum of the village. The diverse smells of meals being made. I felt at peace. "Surely loitering the streets with these heathens isn't our ultimate goal here is it?" Misha muttered from behind. His onyx hair fell rather neatly down his back, his face betraying his lineage. His mannerisms further proving his aristocracy. He exuded a haughtiness, making it difficult for any to approach him. I believe he relished it this way. As his twin, I was the exact opposite. My hair was absent of color, the polar to his noir, it waved down to my shoulders. By simple glance, one would assume I was a soldier or someone's guard. I certainly wasn't one for the hierarchy I was born into.

We made our way through the veins of the village until we reached the more destitute side. In the short time I had to contemplate my thoughts, a woman bravely approached us. She was clearly with child. Her chestnut hair was in a mad twirl slung over her shoulder. She even with child, was small in frame, she obviously lacked nutrients from a good meal. Her lips moved but no sound was registering. I quickly snapped back into myself. "- Related to Lord Ishavek?" I glanced at Misha. WHAT SHOULD WE DO? His eyes met mine. I'LL HANDLE IT. Moving from beside me, he smoothly ushered me aside. "My lady," His voice was crisp with what to anyone else as proper, but to my ears it was dripping with disdain and annoyance. "What is your purpose with us?" Her face instantly flushed as most women who cross our paths do. " I was just inquiring if you were related to him because you both resemble him greatly." The disgust was becoming apparent in Misha's facial features. "And what reason have you to inquire about Lord Ishavek? You are but a peasant. What is your business here My Lady?" His face was stern. BROTHER CALM, DON'T SCARE HER OFF. He snapped his head in my direction, authority ringing in my ears. "My sincerest apologies," Her voice was soft, tinged with embarrassment and shame. "The good Lord assisted me a while ago, I wished to pay my respects." Her eyes gleaming with loneliness and sorrow. Her hand moved to her belly, as she was no doubt in thought. "I see, what's your name woman?" Misha demanded as he surveyed her curiously. " Meera My Lord." She smiled then bowed her head. " I will inform him of your words." Misha motioned his hand in dismissal, turning his heels. "My Lords?" She grasped out for Misha's forearm gently. BROTHER! One would be struck dead in the castle if they dared lay a hand on Misha, this was going to be an ordeal if I didn't step in. It was no secret, I had no love for the heathens but I also didn't take any joy in hurting them and this one, was in a precarious state as is. I pushed past him just in time. DO NOT MAKE A SCENE, YOU KNOW WELL THE CONSEQUENCES. My brother's face contorted with fury. " My Lords, my apologies, may I please have your names as well?" This woman not only perplexed Misha but myself as well. Her hand once again reached out, this time for mine. " I only wish to know you." Her hand was exceedingly warm. I had forgotten how soft their hands were. "My Lady, forgive me but we do not know you, nor your exact connection to our father." At that moment I felt the painful jab of my brother's elbow. Her eyes widened with tears, her hand squeezing mine, it was almost like I SHOULD know her. ENOUGH WE NEED TO GET BACK AT ONCE, WE HAVE BEEN OUT FAR TOO LONG. Uncertainty hung between us. "You're clearly not well My Lady, get yourself looked at." Misha tossed a single coin in her direction and abruptly walked in the opposite direction. Misha's mind reached out to mine. MAKE HASTE BEFORE I LEAVE, YOU BLABBERED ENOUGH. COME. Sweeping down low in front of her, I bowed. " I deeply apologize My Lady, but I must go, I wish you and the babe good fortune." I turned rather hastily myself, leaving her with her coin as she regarded it mournfully.

MISHA

That woman looked too familiar. I wonder what the old man is hiding and what business did that peasant have with him? My mind flashing back to her cradling her belly and then her face, staring down at the coin I tossed her, guilt reared it's annoying head. Enough of that. I make my way down the extravagant corridors leading to the throne room. Pushing through the doors I was immediately immersed in the moonlight that shone through the floor to ceiling windows. The throne was adorned with skulls of those past and of course, my father, Ivan Ishavek. There he sat, in all his pathetic sense of glory. He was from older times, having devoured countless souls of those he slain, he became impervious. All the court feared him, giving him reign to act on his desire to demolish society and create his own empire. We were at war currently for this reason, he cared nothing for his people, let alone his family. I did not especially care for the humans, but even I knew the way they lived was lower than a dog. Instead of utilizing them he simply wanted to crush them, as well as other species that could threaten his reign. I could overlook it all, the mutual hate he held for me, the pain, the way he treated others around him, however, the torture of my brother, I could not. He took special delight in tormenting him, his son and heir who having but only loved him. Human sentiments such as love evaded him. As for myself Father preferred other ways in getting me to submit, he often used my brother as a pawn for me to whore myself in court. I knew how to play the game, to charm the masses of men and women vying for my company to gain favor, this was a talent he desperately needed for his vision to become reality. For years I've known once he's used me to sway the members of court, he'd dispatch me for he could not have his own son surpass him. "Why is Pasha not present?" His icy voice filling the halls, slicing through my thoughts. "I'm sufficient enough." I replied flatly. His gray eyes were almost electric with rage. I held his gaze, the same electric gray eyes staring back at him. His age was finally appearing on his face, his hair was kept short and peppered with turning of time. It was once black like mine, I resented the fact I favored him so. He was of course in black plaited leather, adorned with a flashy crest symbolizing his status as King. A thin silver crown graced the top of his head. The train of his thick black cloak splayed on the ground around the throne. "Are you challenging me?" He snapped. "Wouldn't dream of it." I bit back, my mouth was dry. "Your Queen will arrive home tonight." He refused to refer to the Queen as my own mother, devoid of any paternal. "I expect you BOTH present to greet her." "Of course we-" He flicked his wrist as one his spies entered the room briskly. "Your Grace." He procured a small scroll of parchment from the cuff of his wrist. My father's eyes scanned the scroll, as they did his face fell even more. He crumpled up the scroll, rising from his seat and walking over to the nearby fireplace. Hastily he tossed it in the fire, any key details being burned away. "I have urgent business I must attend." He disappeared almost instantly. I decided to hold onto the matter of the peasant, I sought out to investigate the matter further.

OSHA

I was a child of six when I first arrived at Castle Ishavek. I was taken as a slave, along with many others, our purpose being to serve the lords and ladies of the castle. The steep hill it was placed on was surprisingly flush with a thick sea of green, giant trees stretched up to the heavens, strategically placed to provide shade amongst the grounds. The surroundings were breathtaking however the castle itself, was made up of cold stone and steel. It's presence, out of place with its background. I must say it was an oddity given what hell lied inside of the structure.

The slaves were split up into two factions, male and female. It was forbidden for us to ever interact with the opposite sex, that helped with population. We were seized of our base human rights. It was not long before we discovered the masters of the castle were Devils, often referred to by the slaves as "vampyrs". It seemed at first, a tall tale to instill fear into us. It was when we started to dropping like flies that the we were spun into a different reality. I know not how they came to be, logical reason could not explain these creatures. We simply lived in fear and ignorance, obeying every order for fear of what fate awaited us. I quickly found my situation to be precarious, with every rise of the sun, there was one less body. Whether it be from suicide or by the hand of our captors, our numbers steadily dwindled. One night an older woman whose name I did not know, chewed at her wrists until great pools of her blood came gushing forth. The sound of her gnawing at her flesh curled my insides. I soon realized sleep would be something of rarity, for this place held many evils within its walls.

My first week there was when I met the twins. I was exhausted, still reeling from my mother's death, sleep did not come easily. I was in the grand hall dusting an ancient-looking vase. It was simple, but strange designs in odd patterns were carved into it. It was unsettling to me for some reason. As I dusted I removed the vase to dust it's resting place as I was placing it back i felt it slip from my fingers, shattering on the ground around me with a defeating echo. Sudden fear washed over me, I longed for my mother. What will they do to me? I crouched down and waited for someone to punish me. My muscles froze in crippling terror, I started to feel lightheaded.

In my petrified state I lost all sense of time, only my breathing and racing heartbeat kept me company. I was snapped out of my daze with a stout kick to the abdomen. Gasping as I gained my sight I felt fingernails piercing my skin. "What have you done?! I'll not take the blame for this! Get up, you're going to answer for your incompetence!" Oh, it's Maud. She was the overseer for the women. She enjoyed to twist the proverbial knife being our status as slaves. She was human however, she was held in esteem over us. Perhaps because she too, preyed on us. Many women have went missing, when Maud has her eyes on you, you might as well assume death will soon follow.

I rose to my feet, tears burning my eyelids. My feet moved one in front of the other, I don't know how but they moved all the same. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. I'm going to die... "Keep up. " I had no idea as to where we were going, it was a labyrinth of stairs, corridors, and doors. This was done purposely, should one of us escape we would be wandering in circles for hours. The sudden burst of cold air shook me from my thoughts along with a putrid smell. It was much darker, we descended into what I didn't know at the time was "The Pits". Emerging from the bottom step, we pressed forward to an opening leading to a larger room. It was dank with wet, the stone walls had moss growing in odd patterns and there by my right were cages. Cages, with fellow slaves line the walls, evident terror brimming from their eyes, my stomach dropped. Blood was in a pool near a strange contraption. I felt Mauds hand pull me towards the cages. What was going on? What was going happen to me? "No! Please!" I begged hysterically. Maud's response was a punch to my face, crushing my cheek, cold steel greeted me with a slam and lock. "Meet your new home dog." Maud chuckled. She eyed me once more before kicking the cage and departing, leaving me to whatever fate had in store for me. A stray piece of flesh laid within my sights, I curled into a ball, trying my best not to weep, the grunts and protests from the others made me even more terrified.

Screams erupting around me startled me awake, it must be time. A man wrinkled with age stood in front of a slave that was in the contraption, his back to me. He was shrouded in black fabric, his hair grey in wisps barely covering his head. The slave screamed once more, the gut wrenching sound piercing my ears. My scalp started to prickle with anxiousness, my palms grew sweaty and breath erratic. The old man moved slightly giving me view of a young man, stripped completely naked, he couldn't have been more than 17. The contraption help his head in place with leather strapping, curved iron rods held his extremities in place. A strange tube was inserted in his groin, it was red with what I gathered was his blood. Incisions were made all over, some part of fleshed ripped from his body. During my examination of this I had come to realize I had urinated on myself. The old man began his work again after sharpening his knife. He resumed, starting at the boy's head who erupted in screams once more, bile rose in my mouth. The man expertly swayed his knife over his scalp, slicing until he was satisfied, placing the utensil back on his tray. He returned to his subject, pulling the skin on his forehead back. An unearthly cry unfurling from the boy. "Don't ruin my work or I'll prolong this." The old man wheezed into laughter. An unfathomable terror locked me in it's iron grip. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, I couldn't even close my eyes or look away.

The boy had long been unconscious after being relieved of his scalp, blood pooled on the stone floors around him. His skin was gone, he was flayed, he was nothing but mere meat. My limbs were stiff and screaming with pain, I couldn't move for the old man was still there removing what was left of the boy. I didn't want his attention on me, I wasn't ready, a beheading, hanging, any death over this. I couldn't face being in that contraption, being cut away piece by piece. Tears welled in my eyes, I stifled a sob from escaping my lips. Dear God, please, please, help me! The breaking of the boys bones sent waves of nausea over me, he was being torn apart in literal pieces. The old man whistled, finishing up, scrapes of nails against the stone caught my ear. Seven hounds emerged from all corners, mouthes foaming with hunger, the man began to toss the bones of the boy to each of the dogs. Two began fighting over his leg, as I retched in my mouth again. "Good beasts! Watch them while I'm away." The man walked out of view, his work appearing to be done, I carefully shifted my body trying my best not to make a sound, I didn't want the old man coming back. I pushed myself to the furthest corner of the steel cage, it's bars biting my back. Dear God, please help me.

PASHA

Growing up Misha and I always enjoyed reading these old books. 'Books of False' as we liked to call them. In their pages were stories of dragons, sorcery, and fairies. Misha wanted to be a dragon, he claimed he would be able to fly anywhere he wished, nothing tying him down, he could lay siege to any castle, set fire to any village, ruling over the insignificant ants that made up the world's populace. I on the other hand, wanted to be a sorcerer, with that I could make anyone obey me. My powers would be limitless, I could free us. One evening after my regular beating, Misha went through the effort of trying to surprise me. He did this often after I was beaten, guilt was always written on his face. I reassured him every time that it was not his fault yet every time, his face was the same.

"I'm taking you to see a sorcerer." He stated jabbing me in the direction of his destination. "Misha, you don't have to-" "Hush now, don't spoil my efforts." He huffed. I let him lead me to a part of the castle I've never been, it was dank, smelt of death and decay. "Ugh Brother, what's that smell?" "Quiet!" He hissed. He held my wrist firm as he led me down a set of stairs as my eyes adjusted. I saw many different jars with foreign life forms in them, none of them looked natural. Several jars of what looked like potions like the wall. "Sorcery!" I gasped. A smug little smile faintly on his lips Misha replied, "Yes my brother, let's wander." He motioned me forward leading us deeper into the lair. "Can you imagine? If I could become sorcerer, I can shift you into a dragon." My voice echoed back at us. "As long as you make sure not to turn me into a frog." He mused. We both chucked together ourselves. Animals growling caught our attention, the dim candlelight did not help us any in locating the source. Almost as if out of thin air, hounds emerged from the darkest corners of the room. They formed a circle around us, teeth dripping with foam and flesh. Misha stood in front of me, he glared at what appeared to be the alpha. He bore down his gaze on the dog whose body formed into a submissive stance, whimpers escaping from the animal. With that, as quick as they came, they retreated. We examined the room we were now in, the light making it barely visible, as we focused, we could see...humans. They were in cages, their fear piercing my nostrils. "That's the putrid stench of their fear." Misha observing almost as if he was reading my thoughts. It was the little girl huddled in one of the cages that caught my eye, I quickly realized this was not sorcery, but torture.

MISHA

Pasha has always been soft hearted towards the down trodden. I couldn't care less but then again, the surprise was spoiled now that he's seen this. The child was covered in piss and feces, her red hair wild and dirty. Heathen. She cowered in the cage, quaking with fear. "Come, let's go elsewhere." I tugged my brothers arm only to have it snatched away in protest. "Misha... we can't leave her like this, I mean she is but a tot." His eyes regarding the heathen child with worry. Hearing this caused an uproar with the other captives, soon the room was filled with their pleas and threats for release. "Fret not brother, she will see her end quickly, it's a kindness towards her race." I dismissed her. My foolish brother took it upon himself to approach her. He was careful and calculated in his footing careful not to further startle her. "Free me! Not this little bitch!" One of the slaves swatted at him, I was instantly in front of the swine, breaking the arm that dared touch my sibling. That was something we could not abide for it could spell mutiny for the rest. He let out a howl and string of profanities. "Hurry if you must." I groaned. Great, a pet for us to have to care for, I rolled my eyes. The heathen child couldn't even comprehend we were freeing her for she stayed in the cage even after it's opening. "Forget it let's go." I rushed. "Go ahead brother, I'll stay here." He replied, reaching in for it. Bloody nonsense. "If you wish to live, you must come with me little one." Moments passed before she finally allowed him to touch her, in response to this, he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her like a babe. "Satisfied?" Annoyance filling my voice. The child gazed at me, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion, her frail little body slung over his arms, her skin clutching to her bones where her muscle should be. I hate these little pests. Strangely, just as that woman with the child, I felt the slightest sense of pity for her. As if struck by a lightening bolt it hit me. It's her... but how? The stain of guilt forever smeared across me, fate once again dangling my failings in front of me. Blinded by my own agendas I had unknowingly led this child's mother to the flame. Once my father caught on to my attempts to undermine him, he tied up the loose ends that would otherwise snare him. Almost as if she sensed my distress, she reached for me. "Away dog. You're filthy." She had no force left in her, her hand fell in defeat. "Come." I called back as I walked on biting my lip in panic.

OSHA

I woke in darkness, beneath me was soft, could it be? A bed? I quickly sat up and checked my surroundings. In the corner of the dim lit room sat two very beautiful men, one with black hair down his back, his silver eyes piercing through me. He had a narrow squared jaw, a strong but delicate nose, his brows set in a thick arch. Wait.... My mind shot back to that day, the young man and his cold hands, it was him. I don't know if he recognized me but I did in fact remember him. His face haunted my dreams along with the face of my mother, the flames.

The silver-haired one standing next to him, his eyes being the same as his brothers, stared back at me. He favored his brother in many ways, squared jaw, strong nose, but as he was a little larger, so were his features. "You're awake." The silver man addressed, cutting through the thick silence. Startled, I rushed off the bed to my knees. "My Lords, I apologize for acting so freely, I will accept any punishment." The world flew out of my mouth before I could even comprehend what I was saying. Please don't send me back there. Please. "Rise child, we intend no harm." Silver commanded, doing as I was bid, I stood. "From now on Heathen, you'll report as his attendant, I'm sure you'll dutifully serve him as he saved your worthless life for whatever reason. You will attend him day and night. Is that understandable Dog?" The crow haired man spat. "Yes My Lord!" I blurted out. Glancing at Silver it was evident he was uncomfortable, perhaps it was because contradictory to their matured nature, they still looked rather young themselves. I wondered their age, being a vampyr it was impossible to gauge. Were there others my age in this place? Was I to be their friend? Clearing his throat he spoke. "You may... wash the linens and prepare my chambers for rest AFTER, you've had a bath. "Yes My Lord." Rising I stood before them unsure, the crow haired man scoffed, leaving the room instantaneously. Taking no more than a few heartbeats he returned, his face contorted in haughty disgust, he handed me new dressings, placing a pin on top. "This means you're not a common slave girl, do not take it off. EVER." He called me girl. Not Dog. "Now wash yourself and make yourself presentable." He spat, his nose crinkling with disgust. "She's your responsibility, I suggest you get your pet cleaned before someone notices." He directed towards Silver. Crow had promptly exited the room leaving Silver and I alone. He crouched in front of the door where we stood. "What is your name?" I bore my stare towards his feet. "O-Osha, Master." I stammered. With a tsk he placed a gentle touch to my chin, tipping my head up. My eyes met his, they were an intense gray, that of a newly forged steel blade, they swept through me. "When in private there's no need for such formalities, you may call me Pasha." He placed my hand in his.

The bathing room was absolutely breath taking. The concept was open, a tub of water centered in the middle, from it you could see the trees looming on the land lazily. "Hurry and bathe, it's dangerous for a child to be here. I'll be over here, get to it." He awkwardly instructed. He stood in the opening leading outside, his back to me. I was quick to rid myself of my soiled clothes, gratefully submerging myself into hot water. My body ached in response to the warmth, as my muscles released days worth of tension. Guilt wracked my mind knowing those slaves down below will never receive this chance, tears stung my eyes again. What is going to happen to me? To them? This vampyr was kind to me, could he not extend this to the others? Why did they hate us so? "Best get used to your world now little one. You have to be strong to survive here." Silver whispered. I washed efficiently, making sure I rid myself of last night and wiping my tears away as I did. "But master I do not wish to be here..." I mumbled, his head turning slightly. "You have no choice now, you cannot go back. I'm sorry it has to be this way, you are far too young for this world, rest assured I will do my best to protect you." Master guarded dutifully as I dressed. Positioning the pin upon my breast, I took in my appearance, the dress was simple, dark material, nothing fancy, but I was grateful for it. It was the nicest piece of clothing I've ever received. I presented myself to Master, trying to get the approval to start my tasks. " Good. Now tend to your duties, should you need anything, you come find me. Understand girl?" "Yes Master." I bowed. He held up his hand. "No need for all that." Striding past me he cleared his throat.