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Chapter Text

Karlach had known about vampires for far longer than she could remember. Her parents were in the service of one, after all. It was a simple trade really, they provided him with gold, and he provided protection from the werewolf packs that lurked about. 

But apparently, his protection only lasted so long.

Her dad lost his job, and the gold started to dwindle until they couldn’t pay the fees…

The vampire coven came that night. 

Karlach tried as she might to fight back with her father’s ax that he used to chop firewood, but it wasn’t enough as fangs sank into her parents’ necks and drained them of their blood. 

She remembered being forced to her knees, a pretty impeccable feat considering she was almost six inches taller than the vampires surrounding her, and waiting for the feeling of the blood slowly being drained from her body.

She felt the two sharp stabbing pain of fangs sliding into her neck, but that was it until the fire. 

It felt like fire was burning in her veins, the ‘venom’ working its way through her, and changing her. The fire was all she knew for two days, as she was brought to the coven and isolated in a room until she emerged a full fledged vampire. 

Vampire Lord Gortash, the same vampire her parents were in service of, was waiting for her in his chambers that she was dragged to. 

“Ahh darling Karlach, it’s good to see you back in action,” His sleazy voice washed over her, turning her stomach. “You must be hungry, or rather, Thirsty. But that will come soon, first we must get you up to date on everything.”
“You fucker!” Karlach charged forward, ready to rip his head off, only to find herself being held back by other vampires. “You killed my parents! I’m going to kill you!” 

“And that’s the exact thing we’re going to have to discuss. You see, I sired you. If you kill me, you’ll be signing your own death certificate.” He spoke as if he was discussing the weather outside, which only further angered her.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Karlach bristled. That was a load of bullshit that she had never heard before. She thought vampires killed their sires all the time. 

“It’s exactly as I said. If you kill me, you die too, as does everyone else I’ve sired.” Gortash had his back turned to her now, facing the window as the metallic shudders started to close, signaling the rise of the sun. “It is a fact, vampires cannot kill their sires, and if they do, they die.” 

Karlach couldn’t believe him. She didn’t want to believe him… but… she had no evidence to the contrary. 

“Besides, you are in my debt now. You were already such a powerful fighter, Karlach. You will learn to hone your abilities here and aid us in the fight against those wretched werewolves.” 

“And why the fuck would I do that?” Karlach snapped, her limited patience finally running out. “How are you going to stop me if I just walked out that door right now?”

“Well that’s really quite simple. I’m your sire, I own you. Besides, if you walk out that door now, you’ll be ash in a matter of seconds. You’ll stay here with me, in the coven, and join in the fight against the werewolves. If you do, once the war is over and we kill every last mongrel, I’ll let you go.” Karlach saw the twitch of his brow, the way his lips curled into a disgusting smirk… he was lying. Of course he was, a war between vampires and werewolves had no end. The species would be more likely to wipe each other out than one side end up victorious. 

But right now, she didn’t have a choice. 

“Fine,” Her arms crossed.

“Very good, I’m glad you’ve decided to see reason.” Gortash turned to face her. “You’ll be serving under Lady Zariel alongside her vampire warriors. They’re a particularly violent bunch so you’ll fit right in. You’ll speak to them tomorrow evening, for now, you are dismissed.” 

Karlach wanted to say something else, to fight back, but Gortash had turned away again and she knew that any further discussion wouldn’t bode well. She glared at the back of his head before stalking away, not sure where she was going to go, but she knew she wanted to be far away from him. 

It was only then that she noticed just how much sharper her senses had become. She could hear sounds through the floors of the building; gunfire from what she assumed was a training ground. She could smell something that made her stomach rumble, and she followed the smell until she found the kitchen, only to feel the hunger fade in an instant when she realized what was making her mouth water. 

Goblets of blood sat on a tray that servants would bring out to the ‘higher class’ vampires that visited the coven. She couldn’t even wrap her mind around the fact that she even wanted to taste it. Perhaps soon she’d cave, but not now. Not yet. 

Now, she figured she’d go find a place to rest, not the room she had been cooped up in while she underwent the transformation though. It didn’t take her long to find what she assumed were barracks for the vampire warriors. There was a single bed tucked into the corner, isolated from the rest, and upon investigating, her blood ran cold to see her name etched into the wood of the bed frame, as if he knew she was going to be here eventually. 

But that was a thought for another day, for now she needed to rest because tomorrow would bring the start of her new life as a vampire warrior. 

Chapter Text

Shadowheart had served Shar for as long as she could remember. Viconia, second in command to Lady Shar, had found her as a child after vampires had supposedly killed her parents. According to Viconia, she was born into her lycanthropy to werewolves loyal to Lady Shar, and their one wish before they died was for Viconia to take her in and raise her in service of Shar. Shadowheart, who had very little memories of her past, not even her name, followed Viconia’s will with ease. She was given the name ‘Shadowheart’ and put into work as a loyal warrior against the vampires and the werewolves loyal to Lady Shar’s traitorous sister, Selûne. 

Tonight was different though, for the one who called her was not the leader of her particular pack, but the first werewolf, Lady Shar herself. 

“You wished to see me, My Lady.” Shadowheart knelt before Lady Shar, her head bowing. 

“We have a very important mission for you, Shadowheart.” Shar’s voice seemed to echo in the den. “You have shown much promise over the last few decades, and it’s time for you to prove yourself ready for the next step.”

Shadowheart’s heart leapt at the thought. 

This had been what she was working towards. Her focus had mostly been on the Selûnite’s, as were most newer warriors. Vampires were for those who were deemed worthy, for they were a werewolf’s greatest foe. 

“We will be intercepting a group of vampires as they pick up what we believe is a new shipment of silver infused arrow tips, bullets and swords.” Viconia De Vir, who Shadowheart didn’t even see at first, spoke up now. “We will be sending you with a few other specifically selected individuals to intercept them, kill the vampires, and take the supply. The weapons will be of much use in our battles against the traitorous Selûne’s wolves. Succeed in this, and you will be made a Dark Justiciar.” 

There it was. Lady Shar’s elite warriors. Those that she trusted beyond everything. They were infused with Lady Shar’s blood to enhance their abilities and aid in their battles against the vampires. 

“I won’t let you down, Lady Shar.” Shadowheart arose from her kneeling position. “When do we depart?” 

“As soon as you are prepared. Go speak with our Quartermasters, they will give you what you may need for the battle. You are dismissed” 

Shadowheart had to hide her smile as she nodded, turning on her heel to leave. She knew the perfect one for her to go visit. One of her only friends in her pack. 

“Nocturne!” She called out once she had arrived in the armory. 

A mess of purple hair poked out from around the corner, and she was greeted by a wolf-like grin and a bear hug. 

“Shadowheart!” Nocturne squeezed her before pulling back. “What do you need from me?” 

“I’m being sent on a very important mission,” Shadowheart replied, stepping away from the hug. “I was told to report here to obtain whatever I’ll be armed with.” 

“Right…” Nocturne stepped away, going to the detailed log that Viconia demanded that they keep in the armory, which weapons were loaned out to which wolves, and for what mission. It kept things in check… but felt a lot like she was hovering over their shoulders a bit too much. “You’re set for a longbow with… oh.” 

“What?” 

“You seem to be primed to test out our newest weapon creation, brought to us by an outside source.” Nocturne disappeared for a few moments before returning with a quiver full of arrows. “UV arrows.” 

“What?” 

“The arrow tips have been… infused with a strange liquid UV, designed to kill vampires on the spot. It’s a prototype. We don’t even know if it works.” Nocturne frowned. “Apparently you’re the one who’s going to be trying them out.” 

“Quite an honor.” Shadowheart adjusted the quiver on her back. “I suppose this will make it hard for me to shift if I’m tasked with this weapon.” 

“Well, haven’t you been having some… trouble shifting?” Nocturne’s voice dropped to a whisper, and Shadowheart’s cheeks burned. 

“You promised me you wouldn’t bring that up.” She growled. “That’s a secret between you and me.” 

“Of course, I’m sorry.” Nocturne turned away. “No armor though. Will you be alright?” 

“Lady Shar wouldn’t have trusted me with this mission if she didn’t believe I could do it. And, if she insists there’s no armor, I will not wear armor.” 

“Just be careful out there, and promise me that you’ll come home.” 

“Don’t I always?” Shadowheart adjusted her hold on her bow before turning around. “I’ll see you when I get back, and then maybe we can re-dye your hair, the colors starting to fade at the roots a bit.” 

Nocturne flipped her off with a smile and laugh. Shadowheart rolled her eyes before heading out towards the exit of the den where the rest of her team was waiting. 

This mission would go well. It had to. It was her dream to become a Dark Justiciar, and tonight would be the night that she achieved it. 

Chapter Text

Karlach groaned as she was given her mission. Helping guard Zariel as she received a new shipment of weapons, supposedly more dangerous against the werewolves. Hopefully those that would bring her one step closer to eventually earning her freedom.

This was a waste of her abilities, and everyone knew it. She had quickly risen up the ranks to become Zariel’s third in command, just under Mizora, who took great pleasure in making sure Karach stayed right there. No chances to look good in Zariel’s eyes if you were stuck picking up shipments or guarding Gortash or the two other coven leaders as they went out hunting. 

At least on those nights, she could slip away for a few hours and pretend she was still normal, still human. 

Nights like this, though, she prayed for some action. She felt like she was falling asleep on her feet, and she found herself dancing in place to pass the time. 

“You need to stop doing that,” One of the other vampires under Zariel’s command whispered in her ear. “Show some decorum. You’re a vampire, not one of those flea-ridden curs.” 

“How about you mind your fucking business before my ax becomes part of it,” Karlach hissed. 

“If you both are done bickering,” Zariel turned to face them, baring her fangs at them. “Our contact is here.” 

The two of them straightened up, unwilling to face Zariel’s wrath as a cloaked figure appeared, talking to her in a hushed voice. 

Even with Karlach’s enhanced hearing, she couldn’t make out the words being said. 

But, she could hear the wolf howl and she readied her weapon. 

“Werewolves coming in hot.” 

Two blurs came charging at her, and she swung her ax down, slicing into the back of one of them as the other pounced on the vampire she had just been arguing with, tearing his throat out in one move. 

Not like Karlach was going to miss him very much. 

She turned and brought her ax back around towards the one she had hit in the back, taking off their head with a grin. She hated needless violence, but damn if she wasn’t good at it. 

“Fuckers,” She spat, as Flo, one of the only vampires she had a tendency to get along with ended up at her side. 

“Tally up how many of these curs we can take down? Loser takes the other’s dog den duty for the week?” She suggested with a maniacal grin. 

“You’re on. Hope you like cleaning up dog shit.” Karlach darted forward, aiming to take down the one that seemed to be tearing at the vampire, Raphael she thought his name was, and feasting on his flesh. 

Gross. 

She glanced behind her for a moment, swearing that she felt eyes on the back of her skull, but she shook it off. She was imagining things. 

She was too late to get the one feasting on Raphael, though, as Flo fired her crossbow right through the temple of the wolf.
“Better keep up, Cliffgate.” With that, she was off in search of another werewolf to slaughter. But she didn’t get far. 

It was sheer chance that Karlach moved as an arrow whizzed by her head. She dropped down and watched as the arrow embedded itself in Flo’s chest, though not close enough to her heart to kill… 

But it didn’t need to be.

Flo screamed in agony, causing a temporary pause on the battlefield as both lycan and vampire turned their heads to watch as she crumpled to the ground. Her skin sizzled and burned as if she had gone out in the sun with no form of protection… And while the moon was setting, there was still likely an hour or two until daylight. Whatever was doing this was burning her from the inside out.

Karlach turned her head in the direction that the arrow was fired, and saw her. The werewolf who fired the shot. Rage built up in her and she took off in chase of the damned wolf who took the only person who made her immortal life at least somewhat enjoyable. 

Shadowheart wanted to retch. The smell of the burning corpse, the sight of the woman going down in such a brutal fashion was almost too much, even for a Sharran like herself. But she had no time for it. No time to react because someone saw her, a vampire saw her, and was hunting her. 

So she ran. 

She wanted to toss the bow and arrows to the side so she could shift, but with just how effective that weapon was against the vampires, Viconia would have her head if she lost them. 

She could hear the vampire’s feet on the pavement, closing in on her. No. She would not die today. She would stand and fight.

She would achieve her dream. 

Shadowheart stopped in her tracks, drawing the bow and readying an arrow. Her gaze was on the person closing in but as she went to take the shot, something pulled in her chest and she ended up going wide, the arrow hitting a building and clattering to the ground.

And then the air was knocked out of her lungs as she was shoved to the ground. 

The woman, a tiefling vampire, Shadowheart realized, had her pinned to the ground. At some point the ax she had been using had been tossed aside for a dagger to be pressed against her throat. 

Shadowheart had to ignore the way her heart betrayed her as she gazed into orange eyes that swiftly turned blue. 

Fuck, this vampire was hot. 

“If you’re going to kill me, do it,” Shadowheart taunted as she subtly searched at her hip for the dagger she had taken from the shelves in the armory. 

Nocturne would kill her when she realized what she had done. 

“You killed my only friend,” The woman pressed the dagger against her throat and Shadowheart winced as the silver burned her skin. “You’re a werewolf, why shouldn’t I just kill you?” 

“You’re hesitating, which means you really don’t want to have to kill me.” Shadowheart noticed the tremble in her hand, which gave her ample opportunity to pull the dagger out of its sheath and plunge it into her side. 

The vampire yelped in pain, and despite the size difference between the two of them, Shadowheart was able to knock her off of her and get back to her feet. The spot where the knife had been pressed to her neck still burned, but she could feel the regeneration process begin. Much like she could see happening on the vampire as her red skin began to knit back together. 

“You’re tougher than you look, soldier.” The woman commented, her stance changing just a little bit. 

“Shadowheart,” She said without thinking and then winced. What was she doing, sharing her name on the battlefield? 

“Pleasure, name’s Karlach. Kind of nice to put a name to the face of the woman who killed Flo.” 

What the fuck was happening? 

“I’m sorry, back up a second, weren’t you just trying to kill me a few minutes ago?” Shadowheart commented, picking up the bow that had fallen out of her hand when Karlach had tackled her. 

“I mean, yeah. You did kill my friend, but she was also a bit of a dick if you know what I mean.” Karlach shrugged and leaned up against the building behind her. “And what about you? You definitely don’t seem to be Selûnite.” Shadowheart’s nose wrinkled at that and she almost cursed Karlach out before she continued. “You must be Sharran. Why aren’t you coming at me with those arrows now that I’ve got my guard down? I thought all Sharrans were killing machines when it came to vampires.” 

Shadowheart opened her mouth, but she stopped herself. Why wasn’t she attacking? She had this vampire right where she wanted her, right? But, she couldn’t bring herself to. 

“Hmph, wolf got your tongue?” Karlach grinned, her fangs peeking out from behind her lips. 

“Just be glad I’m choosing to spare you,” Shadowheart finally commented back, turning her head away. Her gaze caught the night sky, or what should have been the night sky. The black and stars were starting to fade as the light pinks and oranges of the sunrise began to peek out over the horizon. 

She could just avoid pointing it out. Let the sun do her dirty work and then head back to the den, but…

“Hey Karlach,” Shadowheart glanced up at the sky, as the sun began to come out. 

“Fuck!” Karlach yelped as her skin began to sizzle. “I need cover, now!” 

Shadowheart should have let her burn, but instead she grabbed Karlach by the wrist and pulled her into a nearby building, one that looked relatively abandoned. The door closed behind them, and they became surrounded by darkness.