The alpha of the pair looked back with a look of satisfaction and approval - he adored her support throughout the years and loved her dearly, even if he wasn't the alpha of the pack, but he was okay with that. Not every lupine was meant to be leader and guide and everyone had a role, which Victor clearly enjoyed as a hunter and provider. His sister was so attached to him that she would train right alongside him and become huntress herself, something that was uncommon, but not unheard of.

Taking in one last long inhale of the rotting blood, he shifted into a full sprint, having full faith in his siblings ability to keep up. If everyone had a strength they could lean into, then tracking was probably one of their best traits, and even though the smell was disgusting he and his sister could push through the gut wrenching and focus on their prey. Trees and bushes whizzing past him, pumping those massively legs to propel him forward, he could tell the scent was getting stronger - that meant they were gaining on the vampire.

He barked a laugh, [b]"she probably wore herself out!"[/b]

[hr]
Lyselle had been completely locked into her task, like turning on a light switch, and there was little room in her mind for fear or worry. So when the wave of comfort rippled across their bond, she was a little shocked to feel it, but swung her head around to give Ren a genuine smile.

[i]”Great idea, Lys.”[/i] A glow of relief illuminated her from within, causing her grin to widen. She always loved the praise of course, as it validated that she was doing well, something she always felt the pressure of doing, but hearing it from the vampire was something wholly new and yet strangely familiar. Only a brief pause existed inbetween this and what Renaissance said next, but she basked in its glow none-the-less.

[i]“If I’d have known one of my idiot offspring would beg for deliverance, I would’ve made time for some Blood Magic. But for the enchantment to have a strong hold, I’d need time-”[/i] the ancient vampire hissed air through her teeth. [i]“And that, as we know, is not a commodity we possess in this moment. So I’ll have to mostly fight in the good old-fashioned way.”[/i]

It wasn't difficult to tell that her vampiress was still on edge by the suddenness of the change, but in an effort to reassure her guardian, she interjected lightly with, [color=#9BA7C3][b]"and I can't cast [i]many[/i] Scripts, but I can write them quickly if we get in a tight spot...[/b][/color] Though in truth, Lyselle was no stranger to fighting in close-combat, her reflexes so fine they came as natural as breathing to her - though she still had more to learn. It helped her feel confidence, letting it surge across their connection, but she wasn't making sure not to overestimate her abilities.

Following the haunting beauty that was the vampire, she drew in a slow inhale of breath as the fresh air, closing her eyes lightly. A brief moment past before she took mental note that dawn was coming soon. It was an understated talent of hers that while any human probably could tell generally what time it was, even without the stars, moon, or sun to guide her, she could feel the weight of time on her skin. Early morning had a particular glow to it, like she could imagine the birds just beginning to wake up, crickets finding shelters for the day, and the switch from moths to butterflies. This was a good thing... usually, as Lyselle could fight effectively at anytime of the day (though she only told a select few that she preferred the night, especially during storms), but it also meant the strength of her companion would wane somewhat - though she had no doubt she could fight her own battles regardless.

Her world seemed to tilt then, feeling arms hook under her form and lift her, drawing an amusingly cute squeak from the young woman. She had never actually been carried like this before and blinked, looking up to find Ren's eyes, quickly biting at her lower lip. The view of watching the vampiress wings spring forth was even more amazing close up and as their fated thread hummed in delight, it forced a rosey color to spread across her cheeks. 

[i]“Hold on tight please, m’lady.”[/i] The playful take on giving Lyselle a title only made the blush flare moreso, though she rolled her eyes a little with a small grin lined across her mouth. [i]“This is your Captain speaking. Welcome aboard Vamp Airlines. Our flight time today is estimated to be circa 20 minutes. Our cabin crew will now begin your safety announcements which include keeping your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Please enjoy the view as we fly at altitude to an ominous forest filled with unknown danger and potential death. Once again, thank you for choosing to fly Vamp Airlines. Wishing you a wonderful flight.”[/i]

The whole thing made her giggle and instinctively wiggle in an attempt to get closer to Ren or at least as a show of affection, even being so bold as to place a shy kiss at the edge of the vampire's jawline. As the pair jolted off towards the clouds, she gasped softly, noting that actually feeling the wind in her hair was much different than having experienced it in her sleep. She had to admit her honed reactions were trying to kick in - screaming that she was in danger, being held captive by the enemy, but she chose to be brave. Emotionally, she turned inward along their cord for reassurance, soaking in it like it was a hot spring, letting it melt away her worries. Afterall, she needed to be present and focused, not distracted by voices echoing in her ears.

After an adjustment period, she turned to remove the silver dagger in her possession and closed her eyes, murmuring a prayer she had said many times over.

[color=#9BA7C3][b]“Goddess of a thousand names,
She who wears the faces of warrior, mother, huntress, and storm —
Bless this silver by your light.
Let it hold the memory of moonfire,
The clarity of truth,
And the strength to cut through shadow.
Guide my hand to protect the living,
And temper my heart,
That I strike only where I must.
By your many forms, watch me.”[/b][/color]

As she said her prayer, the silver dagger would begin shining a dull blue, like a pond lit by moonlight. Of course such a thing was dangerous to her if Lyselle would to suddenly drive it in, but despite that, the blessing seemed to wash around the vampiress and left her completely untouched - was it the chain that shackled them together or simply Lyselle's intent to kept Ren from harm? As they traveled, the huntress was able to say it three times before reopening her eyes, giving the ancient room to speak once more.

[i]“Let’s establish some ground rules before we head into battle,”[/i] Ren said loudly above the sound of beating wings and whipping winds. [i]“First and foremost, you mustn’t die. Seriously. I want you to be careful. Put yourself first, always. If you are overpowered at any moment or you come close to lethal harm, you let me handle it. If they harm a single hair on your head, I will eradicate them immediately.”[/i]

The hunter's face swirled with pleasant surprise before simply nodding obediently, feeling the thrum of her vampire's protective nature over her, even though her default nature was to charge into battle.

[i]“We are to stay together. Close. Do not go idle, do not leave my sight. I want you within my reach until we establish what we’re up against… Okay?”[/i]

Another small nod was offered as Lys replied with a simple, [color=#9BA7C3][b]"yes, your [i]grace[/i]..."[/b][/color] The urge to give this winged creature a title was a strange and new one for Lyselle, but it also was part of her nature on some level, having always referred to her mentors as 'master' followed by their name. She enjoyed the protocol of it and especially in moments like this, where even in her confidence she could feel submissive, it felt more strange [i]not[/i] to properly respect Renaissance - though now wasn't really the time to be searching for what that title should or would be.