Thread: To Defend And Protect (Master Raven & darkangel76)

Bodies shuffled past in a daze, their gazes in a trance as the lights of the shadowy cement slabs called buildings blazed in bright neon shades. The air was stifling in its heat, the ripples coming up in waves from the black pavement while flying cars and hover bikes zipped by. Starla heaved a sigh, her hand reaching up to brush her dark hair away from her face, which had managed to plaster itself against her porcelain pale skin. It was hot, stiflingly so as she sucked in a sharp breath as she approached the seedy club she'd been tipped off on going to. 'Phantasmagoria'. Rumor had it that occultists frequented the dive, a place known for its dangerous patrons where more than a few fights ensued. Despite the heat, Starla shivered as a chill ran down along the length of her spine. As she stared at the flashing pink sign, the weight of the air suddenly felt heavy against her chest. Don't get jittery now, Starla, Starla scolded herself as she raked a hand through her dark tangled mane. Her nerves were soaring, her knees beginning to wobble as they weakened making it difficult to stand. She rubbed her hands against her jean-clad thighs and took a deep breath trying to ready herself. It was now or nothing. Starla shook her head, her dark hair whipping against her pale cheeks before she finally flicked it over her slender shoulders and pulled it up, revealing a tattoo on the back of her neck. She then adjusted her top, her bare midriff starkly pale against the black material she donned, but it allowed her to show off more of her 'art', a hand moving from her dark tresses to trace one of the tatted patterns on her flawless flesh as she stretched. Her eyes shifted and she glanced at the colors swirling about her left arm. Looking up, she stared at that flashing signPhantasmagoria. She could do this. She had to. Starla knew that this was for Chris and she owed it to him after all that he'd done for her while growing up... and afterward. He'd sacrificed everything for her. Everything! Somehow she knew this and she was tired of feeling alone and frightened and in the dark. And she was tired of seeing the media tarnishing what she felt in her gut was a lie. It had to be a lie! Starla gulped, her mouth suddenly dry. She blinked her blue eyes and finally took those reluctant steps forward into the club. Pushing the door open, she walked inside, immediately feeling the air shift and change the moment she crossed the entrance way. Somehow it became harder to breathe, colder. To think only a week or so ago, she probably wouldn't have noticed the subtle shift. But now, she could feel it with every fiber of her being, to the very depths of her soul. She had to wonder if Chris felt this way every day and every where... As Starla pushed her way in, she could feel the weight of eyes, so many staring, their gazes boring holes as if trying to penetrate her soul. She gasped as a tiny whimper erupted from her lips, goose bumps forming over her skin as she trembled. Without thinking, she rubbed at her bare arm, her pale eyes scanning the area for something... anything. The further Starla made her way into the club, the more her body tensed. Her hands balled into fists at her sides and she suddenly remembered the knife she had concealed in her back pocket. She just hoped she wouldn't have to use it, though the strange looks she was receiving as the crowd seemed to grow, she found herself worrying she might. Biting down on her lower lip, she eyed the various patrons, some of them looking at her with hungry eyes causing her to flinch and wince. Turning to look at the floor, she wondered if it had been a bad idea coming to the club, especially alone. But... this was for Chris. She owed it to him. She was tired of running, of not knowing. Chris' final words had been so cryptic, his death so sudden and abrupt. Starla knew that her brother wouldn't leave her for no reason wouldn't die willingly without a fight. She needed to know why he left her alone... or did he? 'Defenders protect all. Defenders protect Starla. Just what did that mean? Suddenly an icy caress played against the back of Starla's neck, the touch feather-light against her skin. She shivered, her blue eyes fluttering shut as a wave of fear coursed through her veins. She heard what she could only assume was a chuckle, a soft hiss through lips that undoubtedly quirked up into a sinister smile. Darting out her tongue to lick at her lips, she dared to glance behind herself. But when she did, she was met with nothing but shadow and the kiss of a breeze causing her hands to shake, her body to tense. Something was wrong, off. Again, Starla felt the touch against her neck, firmer, determined. I remember you, came a whisper, a breath against her flesh causing her skin to prickle. She could hear the distinct sound of a breath being drawn in from behind and against her ear. Your scent is not easily forgotten. That chuckle again! She felt her breath hitch as the room began spin. D-do I know you? Starla whispered, her voice barely there. Her heart pounded as a knot formed in her tummy. Her instincts went on full alert though her body seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move. It was as if she was frozen in time while all eyes watchedmocking, laughingand she was helpless to do anything but stand there. She longed to reach for the knifeChris' knifebut what good would it do her now? She wouldn't know what to do. And could she draw blood? Just then Starla heard that chuckle, that sound that made her insides twist. I know your scent, came a hiss. Luscious, enticing... She felt a tongue flick against the shell of her ear, her body shaking at the sensation as her eyes clamped shut. I saw you while I fed, the voicemalebecame husky, more forceful. Your heart sung while you watched, he said, his words dripping from his mouth against her ear. Tell me, did you like what you saw? Starla swallowed hard, her knees ready to give out as she felt what she was certain were teeth grazing her ear. She shook her head, her eyes shut tight. No, she said. No. No, no, no...