From now on until the darkness claims us

The only reason Rhaegar liked coming to these things is to mainly piss people off. Being a marked one meant half the college hated you, half feared you; and only a select few were like you — in this case, Rhaegar enjoyed being hated and feared; it definitely made his time here a bit more interesting. “You know I enjoy being late- all eyes on me when i walk in” words spoke through his usual cheeky grin, a grin that spread to his eyes which made contact with almost everyone in here. Sorcha was no where to be found, yet, but the night had only just begun. “Give it time my friend, at least offer me a drink first, you know how I like to get my lips wet before we get into the really good stuff. Don’t look so grumpy, the night is young and so are we”

Lips twisted quickly into a smirk that his oldest friend knew well, one in which Harrow wanted to both laugh at Rhaegar’s words while also punching his perfectly placed nose. Menacing gaze had swept the room, averting the stare of Harrow’s uncle, the general, as tonight wasn’t the time for family history or orders that the towering, silver haired man wouldn’t obey. No, tonight was for drinking, and the company of one other. “You’re a traitor, of course all eyes would be on you. Disappointment of the realm, Rhaegar.” Oversized hand reached for two pints of ale as gaze didn’t acknowledge the one he’d taken them from, while Harrow wet his lips, shoving the pint into his friend’s hand as the two began to stalk the room. At being called grumpy, the dragon rider smirked into his glass, eyeing his friend with mocking as he spoke. “You like to charm those around you, thinking they can change you. I’m merely being honest with this face of mine.” Quipped the male, one hand firmly resting on the hilt of his famous sword that never left his side. “Besides, my uncle is going to summon us and there’s not enough pints, or blood in the world to, as they say, turn this frown upside down, brother.”

“Your uncle always summons us, and do we listen?” The laugh that blurted out echoed around the room, eyes surely enough landing on them both as if shocked that Rhaegar laughs. The politics that were going on inside these walls were nothing compared to what was happening outside and sometimes it took all Rhaegar strength to keep himself from spilling everything, to open everyone’s eyes to the truth .. not yet. “You know, I think she likes you” mouth full of food as one of the professors walked past, her eyes giving Harrow to usual death stare that made Rhaegar giggle like a little school kid. “Should go for it my friend, give her a night she’ll never forget” all around them the music got louder and the people of the party made their way to the dance floor, the General first with the general of the school, then everyone else followed suit. With the music being so loud, Rhaegar turned to his brother, his best friend, leaning in just a little. “If you wish to see Ravenna then now is your time, they’ll dance for a while before your uncle will make a toast, I’ll go keep our little Sorcha company; just tell Ravenna we’ll get her out soon — five minutes brother that’s all you need”

Marked one’s usually weren’t advised to show up whenever the general threw one of his ‘look at me, look at me.’ Shindigs, given that all marked ones were considered traitors who couldn’t be trusted, and instead were now caged animals. However, that unfortunately didn’t apply to Ellery and a handful of others, as they were deemed useful because of their signets. This wasn’t anything Ellery wasn’t used to, being told what to do, who to trust, what her opinions were, though that didn’t mean she enjoyed it, so, here she was, in the corner, planning on remembering none of the evening when the enormous headache woke her up in the morning. “I’ve created a drinking game.” The raven haired beauty announced towards her friend as Valeria stalked closer, ever on edge as they always were. “Whenever Harrow or Rhaegar grunt or swear, I drink.” Words followed by another drink as the brutes could be heard over the crowd, scaring a first year who thought it a good idea to approach them. “Might as well join me, seeing as you look as uncomfortable being here than I do.”

“I’m not uncomfortable” Valeria countered, lying through her teeth but tying her best to smile through it. “I’m just enjoying the music” liar. “And while we’ve been talking, they’ve both sworn and grunted three more times so, drink” Valeria held up her own cup in response, the liquid soon making its way down her throat, bright blue eyes landed on Harrow, the man who hated her and everyone else. She couldn’t help but stare, everyone always stared at them, how could you not? They were legends, scary, angry - and hot as hell; you’d be a fool if you didn’t think otherwise. “Why do we come to these things? What’s happening out there isn’t going to stop for a night so we can have a fucking party” Valeria had anger buried in her since she could remember, this place seemed to be a great outlet for said anger, mainly on the mat or in the air —- drinking and dancing was never her thing. “You look nice, at least”

Without hesitation, Ellery threw back two drinks, savouring the taste, that gentle buzz that came from the brew they’d been offered for the nights festivities; one giant game, as with everything. As near purple eyes followed Valeria’s gaze, soft lips smirked into Ellery’s goblet, not envying having a dragon that was bonded to Harrow’s, or the plain fact that the woman whom she’d grown to respect and actually like as a friend had watchers, with Ellery being one of them. “It’ll never stop.” Spoken softer than intended, smile faltering as glass was lowered, gaze settling on the beauty before her. “It’s just a game, political aligning and making sure the animals know they’re stuck in the cage. Might as well drink as much as you can.” It wasn’t much, Ellery knew that, but what else was to be said? Nothing was in their control, they were puppets, trained and sent to die for a cause that wasn’t just; she wished right there and then she could tell her friend the truth, despite knowing the dangers that would put them both in. “Yeah, didn’t have much choice in that either. All smoke and mirrors.”

“The way you say it sounds fucking horrible, like we should all run for our fucking lives and find somewhere quiet to live out the rest of our days —“ a small pause and a glance at her friend. “But we wont” then a smile masked her lips before she shook her head just slightly. They were puppets, and none of them even cared who died, as long as they did as they were told, but something about this life kept them here, they all fucking loved and would die for it .. she knew they were all idiots, herself included; but hey, what else was there to bloody do. “But enough about that, at least for tonight we can pretend everything is normal and just get drunk and talk about boys” as quickly as the words made it past her lips. Harrow and Rhaegar walked past them, both eyes on the girls before heading out of sight. “I need another drink - you?”

The last thing Staring wanted for this fine evening was war, considering their world was surrounded by it, nights like these were for fun and to forget everything that was going on — well, that’s what the General wanted anyway; but it was hard to forget completely. Star considered Amos a dear friend, one she’d known since she could remember, and although she didn’t exactly like the marked ones, she couldn’t be so sure in what to believe anymore, thanks to her brother .. a secret she kept locked up within herself; after all - college was a dangerous place. “Not entire, just one” she said in a friendly tone, though no smile spread across freshly painted lips. “How about you forget about them for the night” words heard by none other than Rhaegar Clegane himself, who simply winked in her direction as he and the other brute walked in the centre of the room. “And tell me why I haven’t seen you lately hm? Don’t tell me you’ve found another blonde to keep you company?”

Teeth grated across bottom lip, as masked smirk hung between the pair of old friends at her retort, one she damn well knew wasn’t called for; grief for the dead and those bastards who still lived were always hanging above their heads. “Couldn’t help yourself, could ya?” A sigh escaped passed his lips as the distance between them closed while Amos so casually threw his large arm over delicate, yet dangerous shoulders. The wink thrown her way wasn’t lost on the fire welder, though he was wise enough to know when to not lose his head; especially not in front of the general. It wasn’t until Star’s insinuation that Amos turned his attention back towards the petite blonde, eyebrow quirking down at her as arm remained draped, protective as always. “You thinking’ I’ve replaced you? How could I, especially when you’d cut my balls off for trying.” Amos reminded her, offering a softened gaze that these days, were reserved for her and her alone. “You good?” A simple question to anyone else, except the pair weren’t just anyone, and though Amos’ hatred ran rampant at the traitors and all things lost, he wasn’t above empathy for his lifelong friend who had lost her brother, nor the fact that the general who ordered the act was only a few feet away.

“Cut your balls off? I would never” a mocking tone laced her voice as her hands raised to her chest, her mouth opened and brows furrowed as to act shocked her would ever suggest such a thing. It was always fun talking with Amos, he never failed to make Star smile, and in a place like this, everyone needed to smile once in a while. “We’re at a party with booze and food, how could I not be good” Star always attended these events, she had to; keeping up appearances and all that other shit her mother would tell her. Being the sister of a traitor didn’t look good for their family, but thankfully they didn’t lose their heads for his mistake … or was it, a mistake? The same fucking question Star asked herself very single day. “Dare I say how handsome you look tonight my friend? And don’t let it go to your head or I’ll never at it again”

Lorcan never wanted to attend this stupid party, never cared about dressing up and having small talk with people who might end up killing you tomorrow- but someone else did want to come and for fuck sakes she’d already got her hands around someone’s neck. A deep seeded sigh pushed past his lips as he approached his sister, hand coming up to rub his already tired eyes, tired from the day that had slowly turned to night, and already tired of this party and his sister who he loved so deeply despite wanting to strangle her himself. “Save it for the mat, Vae” backing up to stand behind her, the nearest wall instantly becoming his spot for the night, or for as long as his sister decided to wreak havoc upon the party goers. “Why are we here? And if we’re staying then where’s the fucking food?”

Vaelin laughed loudly at her brothers remark, arms opening wide as she spun around a few times, before declaring. “Brother, this is the mat! This whole damn place is one, giant mat.” Teeth were bared as smile widened, a light punch to her brothers arm concluded Vaelin’s point as she dragged him to the table that was secluded enough from prying eyes, but close enough to a food source so Lorcan could stuff his face while pretending their parents wouldn’t seek them out. “Mummy and daddy ordered, and good soldiers follow orders, Lory.” Food had already been stuffed into the blondes mouth, uncaring if she looked like an animal, as the one’s who wanted revenge for certain aspects of her personality, weren’t going to catch Vaelin in a weak moment. “Plus, not all of us are leaders of entire quadrants, some of us have the threshing coming up and need to eliminate the weaklings.”

“You’ll be fine” he muttered through his teeth before taking a sip of whatever drink was placed in front of him. He knew his sister would survive the threshing, not. Single doubt filled his unusually filled mind. If anything, these two were meant to be here, this was their life all along before they even knew it; dragon riding was in their blood. He placed his free hand atop hers, a small reassurance toward his sister on the off chance she was a little nervous. “Don’t start anything tonight alright, they’re always watching us and remember, they can and will make your life a living hell if they want” Their parents, not exactly the loving type, but they pushed their children to be the best they can be, taught them right from wrong and made sure they grew up head strong; but they didn’t get to where they are now by being the type of parents who hugged and kissed their children at night - they were cold, calculated, driven by their own desire for power .. Lorcan not only tried to protect his sister from any threat inside our out, but from their own parents “So, which ones are the weaklings then, point ‘em out to me; just make sure you swallow whatever’s in your bloody mouth first”

“Breathe, breathe, for the love of god just breaaaathe” whispering as though a mouse could hear her, sliding through the crowd unseen over to where the majority of the food was being served, because healing people all day every damn day wasn’t easy and at the rate Sorcha was being used she’d like be as big as a house come the end of the year. Hungry hands reached for anything that looked good, which left a lot of options, some of said options were stuffed into her pockets (yes, she made damn sure the dress she wore had pockets) while a few conversations died within ear shot, as the hairs on the back of her neck alerted the mender to a presence that she desperately wanted to avoid. “Nothing to see hear, move along.” Sorcha squeaked out, attempting to hide that her hips were suddenly three sizes bigger due to the pastries. “Plenty of people who I’m sure enjoy your company. I mean, not everyone can dislike you, right? Though that does seem the case because you’re so, well, you.”

“Don’t worry about it love, everyone knows bears hibernate in the winter” Rhaegar delivers a slight smile, having noticed her stuffing her pockets with food only moments ago. The healer who did her duty to the wounded, and whose dragon just so happened to be mated with his; no they weren’t friends, but Rhaegar enjoyed the banter. “I wanted to have a little discussion about our friend who can’t be here tonight” Words spoken slightly quieter than the ones before - the prisoner somewhere in this fucking place wasn’t common knowledge; but dragons don’t care for human secrets. “How is she?” Although his smile was still present, and his eyes were kind while looking into hers, Rhaegar had a way about him that put people on edge, especially when he took a step closer to her, the smell of her perfume masking them both.

”……. Thank you?” Tilted head accompanied the confused look upon her face at Rhaegar’s words which Sorcha assumed were an insult, because everything the man before her said was in fact meant to either intimidate, scare, or cause tears; apparently she could add confuse to the never ending list. As fast as the confusion came on, it faded immediately as he stepped towards her, voice lowering just for the redheads ears, while Sorcha instinctively took a step backwards, only to find the small of her back pressed up against the table; she mentally cursed her hunger at that point. Gritted teeth couldn’t hide the gulp that was taken at his question, one he should never have been informed about but oh, of course, their dragons were mated and told each other everything. In another lifetime, Sorcha would admire the honesty between them, how much they shared and communicated, but alas, this wasn’t one of those times and the information that had been shared, could get her killed. “Fine.” One word slipped passed pursed lips, as blue eyes darted around them, unable to force her mind from the heat that radiated from the marked one who appeared before her. “This isn’t the time, nor the place and you bloody well know that. So stop it.”

“Now I know you didn’t just tell me what to do, Sorcha. No no, that would be beyond silly, wouldn’t it?” As close as the two were, Rhaegar seemed to inch even closer, towering over the redhead he enjoyed tormenting so much. The people in this place filled him with rage, and if he could burn everything to the ground, people included, he would. The look on Harrow’s face across the hall told him he was thinking the exact same fucking thing. Parties and sex and drinking were beneath him, especially when beyond these fucking walls lay so many problems that half of these people wouldn’t survive. “Half of these people are two bloody drunk to care what we’re talking about, and the other half are too scared to listen in, so I think its the perfect place” the dragon rider shrugged, still standing only an inch from her, so close their lips could touch. “If you were locked up against your will in a foreign place treated like a criminal would you be okay?”

Marked one’s usually weren’t advised to show up whenever the general threw one of his ‘look at me, look at me.’ Shindigs, given that all marked ones were considered traitors who couldn’t be trusted, and instead were now caged animals. However, that unfortunately didn’t apply to Ellery and a handful of others, as they were deemed useful because of their signets. This wasn’t anything Ellery wasn’t used to, being told what to do, who to trust, what her opinions were, though that didn’t mean she enjoyed it, so, here she was, in the corner, planning on remembering none of the evening when the enormous headache woke her up in the morning. “I’ve created a drinking game.” The raven haired beauty announced towards her friend as Valeria stalked closer, ever on edge as they always were. “Whenever Harrow or Rhaegar grunt or swear, I drink.” Words followed by another drink as the brutes could be heard over the crowd, scaring a first year who thought it a good idea to approach them. “Might as well join me, seeing as you look as uncomfortable being here than I do.”

“I’m not uncomfortable” Valeria countered, lying through her teeth but tying her best to smile through it. “I’m just enjoying the music” liar. “And while we’ve been talking, they’ve both sworn and grunted three more times so, drink” Valeria held up her own cup in response, the liquid soon making its way down her throat, bright blue eyes landed on Harrow, the man who hated her and everyone else. She couldn’t help but stare, everyone always stared at them, how could you not? They were legends, scary, angry - and hot as hell; you’d be a fool if you didn’t think otherwise. “Why do we come to these things? What’s happening out there isn’t going to stop for a night so we can have a fucking party” Valeria had anger buried in her since she could remember, this place seemed to be a great outlet for said anger, mainly on the mat or in the air —- drinking and dancing was never her thing. “You look nice, at least”

“Breathe, breathe, for the love of god just breaaaathe” whispering as though a mouse could hear her, sliding through the crowd unseen over to where the majority of the food was being served, because healing people all day every damn day wasn’t easy and at the rate Sorcha was being used she’d like be as big as a house come the end of the year. Hungry hands reached for anything that looked good, which left a lot of options, some of said options were stuffed into her pockets (yes, she made damn sure the dress she wore had pockets) while a few conversations died within ear shot, as the hairs on the back of her neck alerted the mender to a presence that she desperately wanted to avoid. “Nothing to see hear, move along.” Sorcha squeaked out, attempting to hide that her hips were suddenly three sizes bigger due to the pastries. “Plenty of people who I’m sure enjoy your company. I mean, not everyone can dislike you, right? Though that does seem the case because you’re so, well, you.”

“Don’t worry about it love, everyone knows bears hibernate in the winter” Rhaegar delivers a slight smile, having noticed her stuffing her pockets with food only moments ago. The healer who did her duty to the wounded, and whose dragon just so happened to be mated with his; no they weren’t friends, but Rhaegar enjoyed the banter. “I wanted to have a little discussion about our friend who can’t be here tonight” Words spoken slightly quieter than the ones before - the prisoner somewhere in this fucking place wasn’t common knowledge; but dragons don’t care for human secrets. “How is she?” Although his smile was still present, and his eyes were kind while looking into hers, Rhaegar had a way about him that put people on edge, especially when he took a step closer to her, the smell of her perfume masking them both.

“C’mon, people! Bold voice echoed loudly around the ears of those crowded amongst themselves, whispering at a pair of marked ones who were clearly too stupid to realise that this celebration and recognition of this great nation didn’t extend to traitors. “We ain’t gonna let a handful of rats spoil this night, now are we?” Not a glimpse was spared in the direction of those who Amos would see wiped from existence, instead, chocolate hues drifted towards whom Amos Colt deemed worth his time; for now. “General Voss wants us to have fun tonight, and right now, you kinda look like someone killed your entire family. How bout we change that?”

The last thing Staring wanted for this fine evening was war, considering their world was surrounded by it, nights like these were for fun and to forget everything that was going on — well, that’s what the General wanted anyway; but it was hard to forget completely. Star considered Amos a dear friend, one she’d known since she could remember, and although she didn’t exactly like the marked ones, she couldn’t be so sure in what to believe anymore, thanks to her brother .. a secret she kept locked up within herself; after all - college was a dangerous place. “Not entire, just one” she said in a friendly tone, though no smile spread across freshly painted lips. “How about you forget about them for the night” words heard by none other than Rhaegar Clegane himself, who simply winked in her direction as he and the other brute walked in the centre of the room. “And tell me why I haven’t seen you lately hm? Don’t tell me you’ve found another blonde to keep you company?”

”There’s always tomorrow.” Tightened grip around the pussy’s neck loosened slowly as the general began to pass by, right as Vaelin was showcasing justified malice towards the idiot who had foolishly attempted and failed to beat her in the ring earlier that day. Failures who thought themselves king's, all because of a shrivelled piece of meat that dangled between weak legs. “Don’t give me that look and not expect an angry retort.” Wry smile reserved for her brother only, crept upon sinful lips as the eldest Vanguard approached from behind, as Vae’s feet remained planted where she stood, only her head turning slightly to catch those eyes she knew too well. “You would have done the same thing if you’d seen his pathetic attempt on me earlier. Pity the general is such a stuck up cunt. Could have made this whole fiasco entertaining.”

Lorcan never wanted to attend this stupid party, never cared about dressing up and having small talk with people who might end up killing you tomorrow- but someone else did want to come and for fuck sakes she’d already got her hands around someone’s neck. A deep seeded sigh pushed past his lips as he approached his sister, hand coming up to rub his already tired eyes, tired from the day that had slowly turned to night, and already tired of this party and his sister who he loved so deeply despite wanting to strangle her himself. “Save it for the mat, Vae” backing up to stand behind her, the nearest wall instantly becoming his spot for the night, or for as long as his sister decided to wreak havoc upon the party goers. “Why are we here? And if we’re staying then where’s the fucking food?”

Tonight was going to be a blood bath. Why? Because Harrow FUCKING said so. There was no tie around his neck, despite the ‘invitation’ (which was more of an order without the option of saying no) clearly stating the intended dress code, nor were his swords left at the entrance, as two puny men quickly discovered that once Harrow growls the word ‘no.’ There isn’t a person alive that could change his mind. “About fucking time.” Barked the dragon rider as perhaps the only person that could change his mind pushed through adoring idiots that still hadn’t learned not to stare when either of them were around. “Ready to start killing when you are. “

The only reason Rhaegar liked coming to these things is to mainly piss people off. Being a marked one meant half the college hated you, half feared you; and only a select few were like you — in this case, Rhaegar enjoyed being hated and feared; it definitely made his time here a bit more interesting. “You know I enjoy being late- all eyes on me when i walk in” words spoke through his usual cheeky grin, a grin that spread to his eyes which made contact with almost everyone in here. Sorcha was no where to be found, yet, but the night had only just begun. “Give it time my friend, at least offer me a drink first, you know how I like to get my lips wet before we get into the really good stuff. Don’t look so grumpy, the night is young and so are we”

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Silence engulfed the bloody scene as the newly weds screamed in horror at their open wounds that seemed to be both bleeding profusely yet suspended by some unforeseen force as they wrapped themselves around one another, unable to digest what was happening as Harrow towered over his victims, necromancy preparing the main course. "Our guest isn't far, any moment now." Harrow whispered menacingly, lowering himself into a crouching position, all the while his magic reached out towards her, leaving breadcrumbs knowing she'd follow, entering their private meal for the evening. "She's here." another whisper, next words directed towards the figure who'd surely fest alongside him, after-all, Harrow had chosen the bloody pair for Asher and himself. "Will you be dining with us this evening?"

Oh if only August could see her now ... the thought quickly crossed Asher's mind, green eyes moving from one figure to the more dead and bloody one that lay before her. Sometimes she caught herself in a daydream of how her life used to be before she triggered the curse and the universe laughed in her face by playing a cruel joke that would now last a lifetime; although she'd come to terms with said joke and actually enjoyed what she was -- still, the internal struggle she had with herself was never too far away. "Would you believe me if I said I already ate?"

The year had been draining, rife with threats and conspiracies that had even the strongest among them on edge, and as much as August hated to admit it, even the beta felt the unfamiliar weight of exhaustion. "When was the last time we rode just for the hell of it?" August huffed while trying to remember exactly when as skilled hands fitted their horses who nuzzled into August's warm coat excitedly. While the estate was stirring with early morning weariness, the pair set off onto a familiar path, one that had been trodded on numerous times since they were young. "Think the place will still be standing by the time we get back? Could put some money on it." jested the wolf, half smirking as the sun started to beam through the trees, warming the ground as the sounds of the woods lulled August into calm.

So much had been going on, yet it felt as if life had stood still at the same time; something Gray wasn't too worried about since their life had been a series of go, go, go almost since the moment he was born. His lips turned up in a small smile, his best friend and Beta taking a stroll beside him through the Estate which stretched for miles and miles. "Fuck knows" he merely replied, although Grey's voice always sounded like he was somewhat angry, in this moment that wasn't at all the case. "The place, yeah - the people" alcoholics, some people called them. "maybe not" that same small smile widened while a slight chuckle pushed its way out into the crisp morning air. "Nothings happening and we should be grateful, for all we know the place is burning down and their all dead"