Hunter's Chorus: Ashley 1

"Did she escape you or you let her escape?" Dan growled.

He loathed Scott. Hated him. But of course there was no place for love amongst the Nadirs. You couldn't even feel pity if your own mother had to die by your hands for a crime she committed. Yes, Dan was that ruthless. It was the Nadir's code. But still Scott surpassed him in everything.

Scott was weak, fragile, too delicate and not even a full Nadir. Their mother's unforgivable affair with a human had begotten Scott, her only punishment was death and Dan hadn't even batted an eyelid when he was offered "the honor of erasing sin from amongst them."

He had seen the downfall of Angels, killing his own mother was nothing to be compared.

Or maybe it was because of jealousy. Jealous of his mother's constant support for his half-brother. To him, Scott was an outsider, killing her was to establish that fact.

"I told them you weren't capable." He scoffed.

Scott remained silent, a smirk plastered on his face. According to the elders, he was "Leadership material". Half Nadir or not, he had earned his respect. It was he who opted that Angels be transformed and not killed as they made a wonderful and submissive pet. It was he who discovered the transformation process. He who was made fourth in command. Dan was no where near his accomplishments, so they placed him under Scott to learn. He didn't take it like sweet honey but he dared not protest.

"She's a fine specimen, you know? She would make my collections more valuable." Scott spoke, taking a swing from the liquor in his glass.

"She would be your downfall."

"And you would like that? No?" Scott glanced at the man who was his half brother. The hatred in his eyes gave answer to his question.

"Killing you would be my greatest achievement. Mother was nothing...." He didn't complete his words, Scott had him pinned on the wall by this throat. In human form they were of the same build, making it easy for Scott to bully him. He transformed, something Scott couldn't do since he wasn't a full Nadir, so Scott let go of his grip.

Dan snapped at Scott, revealing his sharp long fangs. How he would love to bite his head off but he just couldn't. It was the code that protected all Nadirs from each other unless authority was given by the elders.

"One scratch on my skin and you'd go down the food chain, half brother or not!" Scott yelled. After a rather long pause with both brothers staring daggers at each other, Dan calmed down to his human self.

"Whatever sinful feeling you have towards her should be dealt with. Mother was weak. No surprise if you turned out the same. You're already half human. I'm sure the elders would throw a feast in your honor if they heard that you have fallen for an Angel. Let me know when the wedding bells ring." He had a hearty laugh as he adjusted his suit, leaving Scott standing by the window staring outside.

Scott drained his glass, Dan was gone. He sat down on the only arm chair in the study and closed his eyes. One thought kept revibrating in his head.

"Ashely..."