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Chapter Text

Jan had taken fae out before. Jan had taken out werewolves before. Jan had taken out vampires before. So why was he hesitating?

His target was right under the stake. He just needed to lean in and pierce the man's inhuman heart. But why was it so difficult?

The vampire carefully brought his hand up to Jan's cheek, "Do it, ljubavi. It's alright. It'll be okay once this is over,"

"Oh, Luka.." Jan closed his eyes. He couldn't look at him whilst he did this.

When Jan saw an advertisement posted in the town square offering more money than he could ever need to 'dispose' of a certain client, he immediately took it up.

The ad lead him to a building in the woodlands and on the outskirts of town. He was lead to talk to a woman with long dark hair. He instantly recognised her as Lorine, a leader of a sort of infamous 'wolfpack' he had definitely slaughtered members of before. Lorine didn't need to know that.

"Jan Rozmanowski," he offered out his gloved hand to the wolf, which she accepted with a clawed hand, "I'm here about your advertisement,"

"Ah, good. Sit down," Lorine pulled her hand back and took out some papers and spread them out on the table in front of her.

Jan took a seat, "I need information about the client. Name, location-"

"We have it all. Here, your client's portrait. His name is Luka Ivanović,"

He knew that name, "The Vampires' Prince," he laughed, "You want me to take out the Vampires' Prince?"

"You've killed vampires before, no?" she tilted her head, "Ivanović will be easy. You get to him and will severely weaken the Queen. Soon, all of them will be gone,"

"You want to kill all of the vampires?" Jan laughed once more, "I can do Ivanović if you pay,"

"You're a hunter, surely you want the vile creatures gone as well,"

"Sure,"

"Here's your map. You will take the outlined route - I'll have some of my finest escort you. They will pick you up at this waypoint at the seventh hour

sharp tonight. You will, as quick as possible, dispose of the prince. Deal?"

"Deal. Then, you pay me,"

Jan took the map and the rest of the documents. He thanked the wolf, something he never thought he would do, and began to head out of the building.

Lorine outstretched her arms, growing weary after Jan left. She shook off rapidly.

"Thank you, Iru. You can let the illusion down," she called into a corner of the room where the fae appeared from invisibility.

Iru looked exhausted, "Of course,"

The glow of illusion magic overwhelmed Lorine. Her real identity slowly came into view, the facade of the wolf dissapearing. It was a good illusion, convincing enough. Jan believed it.

Her identity could stay hidden until Ivanović was dead. For now, Lorine could be framed.

Jan prepared a single satchel bag for the journey, filled with his work tools and a single change of clothes. He didn't plan to stay too long.

He met with three wolves at the waypoint at exactly the time he was told. One of them offered to shake his hand, which he ignored.

"Jan Rozmanowski. You are?" he said instead. He didn't feel like being friendly with wolves, especially not since he was already planning hits on them after he took out the vampire.

One of the three tried to smile at him, "I'm Jure Maček, this is Andrew Lambrou and Selina-Maria Edbauer,"

The last one, Selina-Maria, waved, "Call me Salena-"

"No thanks. Let's get going," Jan turned, "Are we walking or is there transportation?"

"Walking. The village isn't too far away," the one who hadn't spoken yet, Andrew, had said, "Wait.. can he handle it? He's only huma-"

Jan snapped his head around, "I kill vampires for a living. I can handle a fucking walk,"

"Okay, wow, no need to get angry, pal.."

"I'm not working with you three, I hope you know. I am working by myself and you are escorting me. We are not friends, nor are we even work companions. I'm not your 'pal'. Address me as Jan or don't address me at all,"

That shut them up quickly.

The path was short but lonely. It only took about an hour to get to the town, which was loomed over by a manor house. Surely that was where the client lived, way to make it obvious.

The night was growing too dark by the time they arrived in the town's square. Jan was thanking whatever god was watching him that they had set off the day after a new moon. The three wolves had the money to grab a room at an inn. Whatever, Jan could go to a bar and hope there was someone cute he could go home with.

In the first bar he found, there were a few pretty girls and cute boys. He saw a nice enough looking girl and sat beside her.

"Hey, beautiful. Can I buy you a drink?" Jan asked, admiring her outfit. She looked lovely despite the jacket she was seemingly wearing was only sleeves, without the actual jacket part.

"Go ahead," she smiled at him, "I'm Mia,"

"Jan," he smiled briefly and then turned to the barmaid and ordered a few drinks.

"I haven't seen you around here before, Jan. What brings you?" Mia asked.

"Oh, work," Jan shrugged. He wasn't lying, to be fair, "Just got in, so I'm taking a night to rest,"

"What kind o-"

"Mia?" a voice came from behind Jan, "Who's this?"

"Oh.. hey, Dion," she laughed nervously, "This is my.. um.. acquaintance. He was just buying me a drink. Jan.. this is my boyfriend,"

Shit, she had a boyfriend. This was his time to excuse himself and find someone else. The next two people he tried to chat to also went absolutely nowhere. Nobody in the bar except for them were too cute.

He almost gave up and migrated to another bar. Just as he was about to leave, someone entered and walked past him straight to the bar. And he was the most beautiful man Jan had ever seen.

Jan turned on his heel and immediately stood by him at the bar. The man had beautiful dark hair and was very dressed up, a cute black ribbon tied around his neck with a silver pin. He glanced and Jan and gave him a pretty smile.

"Hey there," Jan grinned, leaning on the bar, "Can I buy you a drink, babyboy?"

"Happily," the man looked flustered, yet didn't blush, "Thank you, my love,"

Jan pulled out the few coins he did have. If he could, he would've wasted everything for this gorgeous man.

"Jan. My name is Jan," he introduced himself.

"Pretty name for a pretty boy," the man smiled again.

They had a few drinks with eachother, sitting and talking for the rest of the night. Eventually they got up to dance to the slow music of the bar with eachother.

"How about you take me home, babyboy?" Jan asked, drunkenly nuzzling his face into the man's neck.

"You want to come home with me?"

"Mhm.."

"Then, let's go, my love. I'll harbour you,"

They walked together in silence towards the man's home. Jan didn't realise something was wrong until he noticed where they were going.

The manor house he had noticed before was right in front of him at this point. The man opened the gate to the garden and ushered Jan inside.

"Hey, uh.." Jan laughed nervously, "I don't think you ever told me your name,"

"Oh, didn't I?" he laughed too, "Luka. I'm Luka,"

Oh, shit.

Jan had just fallen for the vampire he was out to kill.

Chapter Text

"Oh my, Luka, are you fucking serious?" he was immediately cornered by Teodora when he left his room at around the third hour in the morning.

"Hello, Teodora-" Luka tried to walk right past her.

"No, you don't," she huffed, and grabbed his shoulder, "What were you thinking bringing a human here? It's bad enough Kris having his lover here all the time, but at least Cvjetićanin is still a vampire!"

"The human'll be gone by the morning, Teodora,"

"If your mother finds out about this, she'll kill you, Luka," she dug her nails properly into him now, "How did he even charm you? Call you darling and buy you a drink?"

"...He called me babyboy, actually,"

"Luka- You are such an idiot!"

"Oooh, the prince is in trouble!" another voice came from down the hall.

The other two turned to see Kris leant against a pillar.

"Guštin," Teodora sneered, "Where's loverboy?"

"Out gallivanting, probably drunk," Kris shrugged, "What did Luka do this time?"

"Did you just say gallivanting..?" Luka raised an eyebrow.

"Luka brought a fucking human into the house," Teodora grabbed Kris' arm and pulled him to Luka's bedroom door, opening it and pointing at the sleeping body in Luka's bed.

"Oh my. Are you gonna tell Ana?" Kris laughed a little.

"Don't call her that," Luka huffed, hitting his arm, "She's the Queen to you,"

Kris scoffed, "Okay. Teodora, are you gonna tell Luka's mommy dearest?"

Luka groaned and headed back into his room. He locked the door and for extra measure shoved his desk chair in front of it. He considered climbing into bed with Jan but shook his head. It was third hour, he was most active then, usually. He sat down on his piano stool and mindlessly began to play. If Ana heard it, she would assume Luka was safe and at home and definitely not trying to distract himself from the beautiful man in his bed.

"Beautiful music, babyboy," a sleepy voice sounded, "What hour is it?"

"Third, ljubavi. Back to sleep,"

"Come back to bed,"

"Can't,"

"Just for five minutes,"

"I can't,"

Luka walked over and opened his window and sat on the sill, facing the outside. His room was on the second floor, so not too far from ground. Easy to hop out from when he hungered.

Jan studied Luka's back from afar. The silk of his blouse looked easy enough to pierce. He slipped out of bed and readied his weapon behind him. He crept up behind Luka, taking a deep breath. He gripped his dagger tightly.

Until he heard cries.

Jan's eyes widened and he swiftly shoved his dagger into its sheath again, then into his pocket. He carefully placed his hand on Luka's back.

"Hey.. What's up, babyboy?" he asked, watching the vampire startle a bit.

"Nothing. Please, just.. go back to bed," Luka tried to shake him off, "You can't see this,"

"Talk to me. You're upset,"

"Oh, Jan," he closed his eyes, "I wanted to kill you. If I got into bed with you, I would have. I'm a-"

"Vampire. I know," Jan awkwardly sat beside him, "I wanted to kill you, too. In all honesty, I was just about to do it,"

Luka fell silent, then began laughing. Jan laughed too until Luka's became worryingly manic.

"Luka..?" Jan blinked, "Hey- babyb-"

Before Jan knew what was happening, he had fallen out onto the ground below. Shit.

"Of course!" Luka looked genuinely manic, "You're the one Marisa warned me of! I knew I should've killed you!"

"Hey- Luka-"

Somehow, Luka was already on top of him. His boot was digging into Jan's chest, "I don't know how it didn't add up. Cold gray eyes, loving nicknames, being payed to kill me! You're exactly how she described. You're lucky I don't snap your neck right now,"

"Luka, baby.." he pleaded, using one hand to try and move Luka's leg, "C'mon.. I thought we'd-"

"Don't even try. You're a brilliant manipulator, ljubavi," he almost snarled, and Jan felt the pressure on hid chest dangerously getting too much.

"You're still calling me that, though," Jan managed, "Admit, you fell for me too,"

"I barely just met you. You're charming, you are, but-" Luka stumbled back. Jan had managed to grab his dagger back and had stabbed Luka in the leg. It gave him the time to procure a second weapon from his pockets and ran to kill the vampire. Get it done.

Before Jan could do anything, Luka managed to grab his arm, "Stop, ljubavi. You've done enough,"

"Don't call me that if you don't mean it, babyboy," he huffed, trying to pull his arm back.

"Don't call me that, then,"

Luka could've broken Jan's wrist right there, but took too long hesitating. Jan had him on the ground again, hands holding both Luka's arms down.

"Let me tell you something, Luka Ivanović," his face was sweaty, and he looked as manic as Luka had previously, "I was paid to take you out, I am gonna be paid handsomely for this job. And I need that money. I saw you in that bar and fell hard, but now I know who you are. You're just as disgusting as all the other things I've killed-"

Luka kicked his chest, then pinned Jan to the ground in return, "You're lucky I let you into my home. You are lucky you're not dead and drained already. When I was young, a.. friend told me I had to worry. I had to worry about a hunter, a wolf in sheep's clothing, someone who'll charm me in order to kill me. Marisa was right. If you were dead, I.."

"Luka?" Jan asked.

"I know you're going to kill me eventually," Luka sighed, looking like he was about to give up and fell to lying beside Jan, "Just not now,"

"I could. I could very well," Jan looked at him.

"I could too, but that would..." he sighed, "I don't know,"

Jan nervously sat up and procured his dagger from out of Luka's leg. Luka winced a bit but other than that, made no reaction. Before Jan could even consider hurting him again, Luka had sat up and was genuinely, like some sort of cliche, biting Jan's neck.

"Ow- Ow!" he shoved him off, "What the fuck?!"

Luka shook his head, "Worth a shot. Go before I do it again, ljubavi. I know I'll see you again,"

Jan dropped his dagger and ran. And ran. And ran. He wiped his mouth, presumably covered with a mix of his and Luka's blood, with the back of his hand. He curiously tasted it. Coppery, like it should be.

"Jan? Hey, man, you okay?"

He looked up, "Oh, Jure. Morning,"

"You look like you've... Ooh.. vampire dead already?!"

"Uh, no. It's a long story,"

"Oh, good. I don't think you're supposed to kill him. We have something to tell you,"

"Wait, what..?"

Chapter Text

"Not.. Lorine?" Jan tilted his head, "What do you mean? I saw her, I talked to her. It was Lorine,"

"No, no way," Selina-Maria frowned, "It can't be. How did she describe vampires?"

"Disgusting creatures..?"

The wolves exchanged a glance.

"Not Lorine," Andrew bit his lip, "She would never. She's entirely for species unity,"

"Woah- Okay, slow down. You think someone perfected mimicked Lorine to trick me into killing Lu- the vampire?"

"A fae, probably," Selina-Maria nodded, "Do you know any fae who might want to try that?"

Jan thought, then his blood ran cold, "Oh. Oh, I do. I just hope to God it isn't her,"

The night was growing lighter. Luka lay on the grass for what felt like hours. He should have gotten up and headed back in ages ago. It was dangerous to be outside before dawn broke.

"Luka? Oh, chéri, what happened?" he heard a voice from where the front door was.

Luka whimpered a bit and sat himself up, "Fatima,"

"Are you hurt? Did someone hurt you?" Fatima-Zahra rushed over to him as best as she could in her gown, "Come here, let's get you inside,"

She carefully lifted him. Luka pressed his face into his friend's shoulder and wept. Fatima-Zahra had been around for much longer than he had and when he was growing up she always took care of him. Of course, that nevet stopped. She was always the most protective over the prince.

"Marisa was right," he sniffled, "There was this boy.."

"Shh, shh. I understand. I can speak with Marisa again soon," she hushed him, "Rest up. We will take it easy today. Maybe Teodora will be nice enough to fetch you something to eat,"

"Thank you,"

"Do you want to talk to your mother?"

"Please,"

Luka was safe in bed with his wounds patched in a matter of minutes. He couldn't sleep until he had spoken with his mother. But it wouldn't hurt if he rested his eyes a little, right..? He woke to the sound of a door opening.

"Are you awake, Luka?"

"Mama?" Luka shuffled up in bed, rubbing his eyes a little, "Please don't be mad with me-"

"I'm not mad. I'm worried about you," Ana sat on the side of his bed and held his hand tight.

"I thought I could trust him, I-"

"I know. I'm not mad,"

"Mama-"

"Calm down, Luka. You're okay. Rest. Fatima and I will keep you safe from that monster,"

Luka felt something sting in his chest when Ana called Jan that. He knew Jan was trying to kill him, he knew he just met Jan but... He shook himself a little.

"Are you alright, Luka?" Ana asked gently, squeezing his hand.

"Mm, samo mi se spava," he whimpered and pulled his bedsheets over himself again.

"Okay. Sleep well,"

The house was shockingly quiet for once. Luka was fast asleep in bed, Fatima-Zahra and Ana talking with eachother quietly outside his door. Downstairs, Teodora was sat quietly with Marco, playing cards. Kris was collapsed on the sofa opposite the other two with a slightly tipsy Bojan on his chest. Around fifth hour, before dawn, Mia came strolling into the house.

"Mia," Teodora smiled at her as she walked in, "How was date night?"

Mia smiled nervously, "Embarrassing. I almost let another man buy me a drink. He was lovely though.. Jan, his name was," she sat down on one of the armchairs, "Oh, Kris, you look terrible. Are you alright?"

"Not feeling too good today," he shrugged a bit. Bojan turned and looked up at him.

"Katrina getting to you?" he asked, to which Kris laughed softly.

"Mhm, yeah,"

The other three turned to them. "Who the hell is Katrina?" Teodora asked.

"Oh, our metaphorical baby," Kris replied like it was nothing, "Do you guys remember when I tried to drain a guinea pig once? Terrible, made me really ill. Bojči joked that it must've been morning sickness - y'know, impossible - so now every time either of us are unwell we have something to blame. Katrina,"

"Hm,"

"What?"

"Nothing, I'm not judging you,"

"Teodora, that is your judgy look," Kris raised an eyebrow, "Don't blame us for having inside jokes,"

She huffed and turned away from them. She silently moved one of her cards in the elaborate game she was playing with Marco. He moved one as well and made Teodora scowl. She gathered more cards from one of the piles on the table. It seemed she had to skip a turn, so Marco moved another one of his, grinning.

"Oh, come on," Teodora huffed and finally placed one of the ones she had.

"Just the rules of the game, Teodora," Marco laughed and placed one of his cards down too.

"Teodora," they all heard a voice and turned, "Do us all a favour and fetch Luka something to eat,"

Teodora's eyes widened as she stared at Fatima-Zahra who had walked into the room with a cigarette, "Ma'am.. it's almost dawn,"

"And you're our quickest. Go out and get something for Luka,"

"Ma'am-"

"Teodora, you will listen to me,"

"Okay, fine, sorry,"

Just after dawn, Luka regained consciousness again. He woke to the sound of banging. He sat up, looking over at his door.

"Come in," he called, wiping his eyes. Nobody opened his door and there was only more banging. He blinked. Shrugged and turned back over, only to see a figure banging on his window. His face paled (more than usual) and he raced over to the window to open it.

"Jan- You shouldn't be here," he whispered, "You can't kill me here,"

"Luka, I'm not going to kill you. I need to tell you something," Jan looked frantic, "Please. I know you hate me and I know you can't trust me but-"

Luka pulled Jan into the room, "I'm sorry I bit you, I am," he closed the window, safe from direct sunlight now, and closed his curtains, "You didn't injest any of my blood, so you're fine. What did you need to talk about?"

Jan paused, and just looked at Luka, "...May have tasted your blood but that's not importa-"

"You what?!" Luka's eyes widened, "Oh, ljubavi, you're such an idiot. You're a hunter! You know not to do that!"

"I didn't think it could be too harmless-"

"It can. Oh, it can,"

"Oh, b- Luka, don't cry, you'll be fine," Jan tried softly.

"Yeah but, will you? I don't even care that you're going to kill me, I don't want you turning,"

"Luka, we just met, you can't care for me that mu-"

There was a knock on Luka's door at the same moment Jan was struck with deja-vu.

"Luka? Open up, it's Teodora,"

"Um- give me a second," Luka called back, "Get in my closet,"

"What?" Jan looked confused.

"Jan. Closet,"

So he complied and watched Luka converse with the other vampire from inside Luka's closet. Jan closed his eyes during a bit, because he didn't particularly feel like watching Luka being an actual vampire. Gross. Jan did enjoy the gossip though, apparently Teodora saw a gorgeous girl while she was out, the description of which sounded eerily similar to Selina-Maria.

As soon as the other vampire left, Jan pushed his way out of the closet and over to Luka.

"You okay? You look pretty shaken up," Jan asked, sitting on the end of Luka's bed.

Luka nodded a bit, "Before she left, she whispered to me that if she ever.. saw you again she'd kill you,"

"Oh," Jan's face dropped, "She won't see me, then, okay? If you want me alive, Luka, I will stay alive,"

"No, don't call me that," Luka's voice was shaky, "And come here,"

"You don't want me to call you your name?" he asked as he sat properly next to Luka.

"No. Use that.. nickname, please,"

Jan smiled softly, "Okay, babyboy,"

"Mhm, good- anyway, what exactly did you come here to talk about again?"

"Oh, yeah. Right,"

Chapter Text

"No- no!" Luka shook his head rapidly, "No, you have to be the one, Marisa-"

"Your friend must be wrong. Luka, I can't kill you now-" Jan stood and headed to leave.

"Whenever Marisa is wrong about a prophecy, something ten times worse happens. You need to kill me,"

"Luka, no!"

"Do it now. Kill me, take me out," Luka shakily stood too, "Kill me, Jan,"

"You keep changing your mind, do you want me to kill you or not?"

"I do now! Jan, if you loved me, you'd-"

"Oh, shut up, Luka,"

"What?"

"I don't love you-" he gestured between them both, "You don't love me. Whatever this is.. we just met, we're overcome with lust, and you're obsessed with me, as I with you. If you let me protect you, maybe we could love eachother,"

"No- no, you don't get it, Jan-"

Jan blinked. Luka was saying something but none of it Jan could understand. The wave of deja vu that came over him was immense, something about Luka in that moment reminded him of when he was young, when he had his family, and his two childhood friends. Until that one day, the day Jan swore he'd become a hunter to avenge them, the day his friend Blanka went off the deep end and started obsessively hating vampires and the day his other friend Luke went missing. Then it all came to him.

He stopped Luka from talking any more, "It's you,"

"Jan?" Luka looked confused, "Jan, are you okay, you don't look too good-"

"Luke. Luke Black," Jan's voice was shaking, "It's you, of course it's you! Why did you lie to me?"

"Jan, you're-"

"Don't lie to me. Oh, Luke, why didn't I realise? You look just as you did when we were kids,"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Jan,"

"Luke, it's me. Janek. Janek Rozmanowski,"

Luka's face paled, "No.. Janek Rozmanowski is dead. Who are you?"

"Luke, I thought you were dead!"

"You can't be telling the truth, I saw Janek Rozmanowski get murdered right in front of me,"

Jan looked just as pale now, "No, I- You didn't. I'm not dead, Luke,"

\\\

"Please, mama! I'll be back before sunset!" Janek pleaded, tugging on his mother's skirt.

"..Alright, serce. Be back before sunset," she smiled sweetly at him, "I love you, Janek,"

"I love you too, mama!" he hugged her quickly before dashing off. Blanka and Luke were standing outside of his front door already.

"Janek!" Luke hugged him quickly, "C'mon, we need to show you something!"

The trio ran down to their spot beside the river. There was a tree which had a crevice they hid a few little trinkets in, and upon arrival Blanka pulled something out of it.

"Look! Matching necklaces!" she showed Janek, "One for each of us,"

Each necklace had a different coloured gemstone embedded in the silver pendant. Blanka took the white one, Luke the blue and Janek the red.

"Promise we'll always be friends?" Janek asked after they'd all put the necklaces on.

"Course we will, silly!" Luke laughed, "None of us are EVER gonna break that promise, okay?"

"Duh! Nothing could come between us," Blanka laughed too.

///

Jan snapped back to reality, "The necklaces! Do you still have your necklace, Luke?"

"My wh-" Luka paused, then gasped and covered his mouth, "Yes, oh, I do-"

Luka pulled off the pin - which seemed to be more like a locket - that tied his ribbon and flicked open the lid. The blue pendant. Jan quickly reached under his shirt and pulled his out. Luka gasped again.

"Oh, Janek. It is you," Luka hugged him, "You're alive,"

"I'm alive?! You're alive, Luke!" Jan hugged him back, "I missed you,"

"How's- How's Blanka? Is she alright?" Luka asked, pulling back and gently holding one of Jan's hands.

Jan's face fell, "Right, Blanka.."

"Is she okay..?"

"Alive, well. We don't talk," he bit his lip, "I think she was the one who ordered the hit on you,"

"What?"

\\\

Janek woke to the smell of smoke and the sensation of being surrounded by dry grass. He panicked and sat up, seeing once again his house in flames.

"Janek, you're awake," he felt a tug on his arm, and looked over at Blanka, "We need to go after them!"

"After... who?"

"The.. the vampires! The freaks that took Luke!"

"Blanka, we can't.. they'd hurt us too.."

"Get over yourself, serce," she said the nickname to mock him, the nickname only his mother called him, "Come on,"

"No!"

///

Luka looked frightened, "No, she'd.. never,"

"Luke," he sighed, "Please believe me. I promise I'll keep you safe,"

"You promise?"

"I do. I promise you, serce,"

"Jan- Janek..? Can I... call you Janek again?"

"Of course- Do you prefer Luka, or..?"

"That is my real name, yeah," he shook his head, "Serce?"

"Do you... not like it?"

"I do- Isn't it what your mother used to.."

"Let's not talk about that," Jan shook his head, "I should go. I'll meet you here just after nightfall, alright?"

Jan hopped out of the window after sharing a brief goodbye kiss with Luka. What were they? Friends, enemies, Lovers? Whatever, it didn't matter. Luka was apparently fated to die by his hand, anyway.

Walking back through the brief patch of woods back into town, Jan heard soft whimpers and cries from a tree in the distance. Looking over, he saw a figure slumped against said tree. He walked over and saw a tearful - but cute - young man, with long, dark hair, wearing a white shirt and a soft dark cardigan. He was bleeding out, and sobbing.

"Oh shit- hey," Jan knelt next to him, "Are you alright? What happened?"

"There were these men-" the boy cried, and Jan could see familiar vampiric fangs in his mouth, "And- And-"

"Alright, hey, what's your name?"

"Kristian," he managed.

"Kristian. I know someone who can fix you right up," Jan lied, but he was sure one of the three wolves who accompanied him could do something. He carefully scooped the vampire up, and began carrying him with him. Jan didn't know where all his newfound sympathy had come from, especially considering vampires were the creatures who murdered his family, but he knew it had something to do with Luka.

The wolves were waiting for Jan outside the inn in which they were staying. They all looked extremely confused at the sight of Jan with an injured stranger in his arms.

"Hi guys, not much time to talk, can you three possibly help my friend Kristian here?" Jan asked, sort of generally shoving Kristian's body at them.

Andrew grabbed the vampire and held him carefully before Jan could drop him or anything, "Sure, we can- Where'd you find this guy?"

"In the woods, not important-" Jan waved his hands wildly, "Make him not dead. Or on the brink of death, I have my past, a hot vampire and apparently more hunters to deal with,"

"Ooh, I like this new Jan," Selina-Maria giggled a little, "Did the Vampire's Prince get to you? I hear he is very charming,"

"..Long story. Having all sorts of mood swings," Jan shrugged, "How about you three get my pal fixed up and drinks are on me today?"

"Pal? Are we pals now?!" Jure looked like an excited puppy- well...

"Sure, we're pals," he made another weird gesture with his hand and eventually just placed it on Andrew's shoulder, causing Kristian to shudder and nuzzle into Andrew's other shoulder.

"Wow, Ivanović has really got to you," Jure laughed.

"Oh, yeah, uhuh, wow- I think I need a lie down, do you guys have the key to your r..." Jan paused, "Oh, fuck,"

"Jan?" Selina-Maria cocked her head in confusion.

Jan's eyes were fixated on two men well behind the group. They were familiar, too familiar. And heading away from the direction of the manor, where Luka was - of where he found Kristian in the forest.

"Oh, shit, shit-" Jan blinked, "Yeah, hold that thought, I have got to go,"

The wolves didn't even get to say goodbye before Jan was off. He had to check in on Luka.

"Huh, I wonder what's gotten into him," Jure raised an eyebrow at the hunter's figure in the distance.

"Did anyone else notice the puncture wounds on his neck or..?" Andrew asked.

"Oh. Oh no,"

By the time Jan got there, Luka's room was empty. He, worriedly, searched the entire thing. Nothing.

But surely he was okay? Probably just in another room. He was relieved for a second when he heard the door click open, but then a wave of fear overtook him.

A figure stood in the doorway.

"What did you do with my son?" she asked calmly.

Chapter Text

"What did you do with my son, Rozmanowski?" she repeated, Jan felt a chill run down his spine.

"I didn't do anything- How do you know my name?"

"I know you very well, Janek. Do you not think my son talks? Where is he?"

"I don't have him, I swear- I came here to protect him,"

"Then where is he?" the woman walked over to Jan and seized the front of his shirt, "Janek, I am not afraid to hurt you,"

"Let me go and I will bring Luka back safely,"

She dropped his shirt, "If you bring my son back to me as a corpse I will have you ripped to shreds, Rozmanowski,"

"I have promised to protect him, I am going to protect him,"

"But you were payed to kill him,"

"By a lying bastard who knowingly sent me out to kill my childhood best friend. I could care less for the money,"

"..Bring my son back and I will spare you,"

Jan was about to go before he was stopped again.

"If you are not back before the next hour I will follow you and if my son is not alive I will kill you,"

Then he ran. He ran the direction of the hunters' boots footprints and found a clearing in the woods. The rising moonlight pooled into it, lighting the four figures Jan found there.

The two hunters had Luka restrained and whimpering - oh, how Jan's heart broke - and behind them was a very familiar fae woman.

"Blanka Stajkow," Jan almost growled as he saw her, she laughed softly and Jan watched Luka's eyes light up, "Just.. give me Luka back and I'll leave you unharmed,"

"You can't touch me, I have bodyguards now," Blanka laughed a little, "You're going to fight your little boyfriend, you're going to kill him and I'm going to pay you to fuck off! It's that, or they kill both of you," Blanka pointed to the two hunters.

That's when Jan blacked out. He remembered drawing a stake and a few weak, pathetic attacks from Luka. It was clear neither of them wanted to die that night.

Soon enough, Jan had managed to kick Luka to the floor and clamber on top of him. Luka gave him a little weak smile. Jan picked the stake up, hands shaking as he smiled back at Luka.

"Don't be pathetic, Janek," Blanka spat at him, "Kill it,"

Jan had taken fae out before. Jan had taken out werewolves before. Jan had taken out vampires before. So why was he hesitating?

His target was right under the stake. He just needed to lean in and pierce the man's inhuman heart. But why was it so difficult?

The vampire carefully brought his hand up to Jan's cheek, "Do it, ljubavi. It's alright. It'll be okay once this is over,"

"Oh, Luka.." Jan closed his eyes. He couldn't look at him whilst he did this.

Before he could move a little more, he collapsed, and fell to Luka's side. The weapon fell out of his hands. Luka sat up and brushed the blood off of his cheek, and leant over. Jan had been shot with an arrow from a crossbow. Luka's vision blacked out. He could hear some sort of chaos from the direction of their tormentors but couldn't see anything but Jan.

"Janek?" Luka's eyes already welled up with tears, "Janek, ljubavi? Talk to me,"

"Shit.. 'm sorry, Luka," Jan's eyes were weak and could barely keep themselves open. Luka took note of their colour for the last time, a beautiful grey.

"Don't apologise, don't.." Luka gently pulled Jan's head into his lap, "I'm here, ljubavi. You're okay,"

"Shh," Jan smiled slightly, "Luka, serce? Hey.. Take my necklace, okay?"

"What..?"

"We've known eachother since we were so young. I want a piece of me with you always,"

"No, Janek, you're gonna be okay-"

"Shh, shhh.. I love you, Luka,"

"Janek?"

The hunter's eyes fluttered closed. His chest slowed and stopped rising. It was over. Luka paused, then let out a gut-wrenching sob, cradling Jan's body. His childhood best friend, his lover, his enemy. Gone.

"Blanka Stajkow, you fucking monster!" he screamed, "He was your friend!"

The fae walked over to him, her white heeled boots splattered in mud, "He was getting in my way. And me? The monster? Which one of us is the monster here? Your species murdered my family!"

"They murdered all of our families and kidnapped me!"

"But you've become rather fond, haven't you, your royal highness?"

"They only trained me to be a worthy heir because I was the only child,"

"You're just as disgusting and freakish as the others," Blanka hissed. She knelt down and gently caressed Jan's face, "Sorry, Janek. I always liked you-"

"Don't touch him!" Luka sobbed again, pulling Jan's body closer, "I'm here, Janek, I'm here.. I've got you, ljubavi.."

"He's dead, he can't hear you,"

"Sshhh, I'm here, I love you so much,"

"Ivanović, you delusional idiot!"

"My Janek.. you promised you wouldn't leave before me.."

"He's never coming back,"

Luka stared at Blanka, "I'm going to kill you,"

"You can't, my men..." she looked back to the other two hunters. Both were currently staring wide-eyed at her, in shock, "What? Boys, come on! Seize him?!"

"They can't," Luka muttered, "Wolves..?"

Five figures stood in the mist. Luka recognised two, the Wolf Queen Lorine, and strangely, a fellow vampire, Kristian.

Before Luka could blink, Blanka's men were down and the wolves dashed to Luka.

"You must be Luka," the tallest one said, "Is Jan.."

"Janek is.." Luka held his body close again.

The blond guy wolf tilted his head, "Jan? Buddy..?"

"He's not..." Luka whimpered, "He's dead,"

The three surrounding him gasped a little.

"We only knew him a little while," the blond girl looked sad, "He was.. he was lovely,"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't protect him," he sniffled, "Can you three keep him safe for a second..? I have something to deal with,"

They all nodded and Luka gently passed Jan's body over. He then stood up and looked at the now cowering Blanka.

"You're just lucky you didn't kill me first. Jan would have destroyed you,"

"Wait- Hey, Luke, can't we resolve this?" she asked, using that name he called himself as a child.

"Either you run now and I kill you later, or I kill you now and get it over with,"

She took up the first option and bolted. Luka paused before falling to his knees and sobbing again.

The wolves silently gave Jan's body back to the sobbing vampire. Luka clutched him close and cried.

"Prince Ivanović?" Luka looked up to see Lorine in front of him.

"It's.. it's just Luka. You don't need to say anything if you still disrespect us,"

"You've just suffered a loss, and you're a prince," she smiled at him, "My lack of respect for your mother doesn't mean anything right now,"

"He needs a burial," he whimpered.

"But you don't want to let him go,"

"I don't,"

"If you come with us, we ca-"

"What are you doing with my son, Lorine?" a cool, calm and very familiar voice came from behind them.

Luka whimpered and held Jan's body.

He glanced behind them and saw just his mother without backup. Unusual, he thought.

"Nothing, Ana. Your son-"

"That's the prince to you,"

"He's not my prince,"

"Lorine, you and your puppies run along now. Take the.. weak one of ours. He's no use to us,"

Lorine bared her teeth at Ana. Ana did the same to Lorine. Luka never understood the hatred.

As soon as the wolves had cleared the area, Ana laid her hand in Luka's hair and ruffled a little, something she had done since Luka was little.

"Oh, Luka, dear," Ana looked at him with gentle eyes, "Are you hurt?"

"He's dead," Luka mumbled in response, gently stroking Jan's hair, "I.."

"Shh, shh.. it's fine. Dear, he was only going to kill you. It's for the best,"

"What..? Mama- I loved him,"

"A silly distraction. You have more important matters, Luka,"

"I want to die,"

"No, no, you don't, dear. Come on, leave it, let's go home and get you rested-" Ana tried to pull the body out of Luka's arms.

"No!" Luka began to bawl, clutching Jan tight, "Don't touch him, he's mine-"

"Luka, it's a corpse. Let go,"

Luka managed to stand with Jan tight in his arms. He didn't say anything before sprinting off in the opposite direction. He ran, and ran. He could barely hear his mother's screams when he stopped, right outside a place he hadn't touched since he turned.

He shouldered the church's door open. It was empty, considering how late at night it was. Luka's sobs echoed through the chamber, as he carried Jan's body to the altar.

"I love you so much," Luka cried once more, gently resting the body down against it, "Sleep well, Janek,"

He pulled himself away and walked home slowly. He recieved a night full of berating.

Luka returned a few nights later. A service would have taken place, so Luka figured Jan's body would have been found and properly buried. He dressed in mourning-clothes, a black shawl draped over his shoulders and tied at his waist with a belt and a dark veil covering his face.

Pushing open the door to the church, instead of the silence he expected, he heard beautiful singing, almost like an angel.

Luka was a little confused but listened to the gorgeous voice as he walked through the church to the back, where the graveyard would be. He hoped Jan would have been given a proper burial. Behind the altar, there was a wall and behind that wall was the pool used for baptisms. Standing at the edge of that pool was the vocalist.

"Oh my god, Janek?" Luka's heart stopped, staring at the figure.

He turned around, "Luka. You came back for me,"

"You're alive. Oh, Janek, you're alive,"

Jan rushed over and swept Luka up, picking him up by the waist and spinning him, "I'm here, babyboy, I'm alive,"

Luka giggled, and clung to him, "God, how? You weren't breathing!"

Jan put him down softly then grinned, "Look. See?"

Two glistening white fangs.

"There are three steps to turning," Jan smiled.

"Oh.. Getting bitten.. ingesting blood and.."

"Dying,"

Luka teared up a little, "I turned you. You're a vampire.."

"You turned me, serce. Hey.. don't cry.." Jan lifted the veil and slowly leant in to press a kiss to Luka's lips, "I don't care what species I am. I have you,"

"You're supposed to kill me, Janek," Luka kept crying, "The prophecy.."

"Serce.. I'm not going to. I'm going to keep you so safe.." Jan's face softened, "Run away with me,"

"What..?"