Chapter Text
Three weeks before Elizabeth's 10th birthday, she had decided to run away from home. The young girl had been pondering this for years, something she had dreamt about under the cupboard under the stairs, surrounded by cobwebs and insects.
There was nothing Elizabeth could take of her own, because she had nothing, no gifts, no necklaces or pretty dresses. No, she was given clothes from the charity shop. Clothes that were for boys.
This was something the girls at school made fun of her for, especially Megan Garley. She would say things like, ''Why is your name Elizabeth, you're obviously a boy!'' She also had very short hair, which did not help.
Once she had asked her aunt for suitable clothes. Not a fancy dress, just something that was for girls. Her response was, ''You ungrateful little lady. We give you clothes, a roof over your head, yet you're still ungrateful? Scram, get out of my sight. Why can't you be more like Dudley?''
It wasn't as if Elizabeth wanted short hair. She wanted it long, long and silky like movie stars and pop stars, but Petunia had forbidden it.
Of course, there was Vernon, but she'd never dare ask him for anything. She avoided him like the plague. When he got mad, he would loom over her and ask, ''Do you want the hand, girl?''
The day when Elizabeth decided to run away, she was bubbling with excitement. Dudley, her cousin, who was already 10 and fat like a pig, seemed to sense it.
''Oi, why are you smiling, what's funny?''
Elizabeth's smile vanished. ''Nothing.'' Her voice was quiet.
''Liar, you never smile, what's funny?''
''I said nothing.'' She said without raising her voice.
Dudley shoved her hard. Her head struck against wood. ''Well, stop it, you look funny smiling, doesn't look good.''
Elizabeth rubbed her head. She watched Dudley walking away, her eyes narrowing.
When darkness fell overhead and rain thudded against the window, like a rhythmic beat, Elizabeth snuck up the stairs and crept into her aunt and uncle's bedroom. They were huddled together under a blanket. She spotted a purse on the desk and took 200 pounds from it.
And then, she found Dudley, who was snoring so loudly that the whole neighbourhood must have heard. She scribbled on his face with a permanent marker, writing out, I am an idiot, Elizabeth rules! In bold red ink. She had to stop herself from giggling as she left his room, went down the stairs and put on Petunia's cardigan, which was about three sizes too big.
The first week went rather smoothly. Elizabeth had enough money to eat and drink, though she avoided public transport. It would have made things faster, but it would drain her money too quickly. Even on foot she had made her way to Manchester.
The days were warm and sticky, because it was July, and she made sure to explore. When night arrived, it was freezing and quite often rained, and those were the times when shady people appeared. She avoided them for the most part, as she slept in abandoned houses and schools and forests. There was still the threat of meeting someone dangerous in those abandoned buildings though.
Elizabeth was young, but she wasn't stupid. She always heard stories about bad men kidnapping young girls and boys.
Even with all that, she didn't regret a thing, it still beat living with the Dursleys.
When a week and a bit had passed, Elizabeth had run out of money. No, she still did not regret it. This was something that was going to happen eventually, but she never thought about what to do after. To her, 200 pounds seemed like a lot of money. For a short time, she felt rich.
For two days, she did not eat or drink. She asked for some money, but nobody cared to give any. She was just a nuisance, a street urchin. She wasn't just hungry, or thirsty, but tired too.
How long could someone go without eating? She didn't know, but she felt as if she were on death's door.
There was just one thing which Elizabeth could do now; steal. She did steal from her aunt, but that was different, she was asleep. Stealing from a shop would be so much riskier.
But what choice did she have?
Listening to her belly, Elizabeth walked into a local Tesco with her hood up. She stuffed sweets into her pockets until they were lumpy, and began to make for the exit. Her heart thumped with anxiety as she did.
The shopkeeper walked around the counter. ''Stop right there.''
Stupidly, she listened and stopped. ''What?'' Her voice trembled.
The man shook his head. He had the same look as Vernon, angry and disappointed. ''Empty your pockets.''
Elizabeth froze in fear, then whirled and ran. The man chased after her, but he was rather old, and could not keep up. She fell into an alleyway and devoured the sweets.
That wouldn't be the last store she stole from, but it would have certainly been the stupidest way she shoplifted. She learned how to avoid getting caught. Not stealing too much at one time. Buying something cheap, while shoving some stuff in your pocket that you didn't pay for, then leaving.
At first, it was just food and drink, but one evening Elizabeth decided to steal a silver necklace. It was one from a charity shop, so nothing amazing or expensive. Nobody cared when someone stole from charity shops or the local Tesco, but it would be different with high-end jewellery shops.
The necklace looked pretty on her, Elizabeth thought as she looked herself over in the bathroom mirror. Her black hair only fell just by her jaw, but it had grown a little bit. Her eyes, large and expressive were bright green. She still wore the very same cardigan that was once Petunia's. Under that, was a baggy shirt and some trousers. Maybe it was time for a new wardrobe.
When Elizabeth exited the bathroom and ventured down the busy streets of London, a hand tapped her shoulder. An electric shock ran through her. She whirled about and locked eyes with her. An elderly woman with wrinkled hands and chocolate brown eyes, but there was something off. Her smile was wide, showcasing a set of pearly white teeth. She had never seen someone so old with such perfect teeth, and her eyes were bulging.
''Hello dear.'' The woman's voice was sweet as syrup. ''Are you alright?''
She nodded with haste. ''I'm alright.''
''Where are your parents? It worries my old heart to see such a young girl all alone.''
''Near…''
Her bulging eyes were glued to Elizabeth. They had not shifted an inch. ''I'd love to help you. Why don't we find your parents together? A little girl shouldn't be walking the streets without an adult…''
''I'm fine,'' Elizabeth said, as quickly as she could. She rushed down the street, feeling those eyes on her.
Over the next few days, she saw the old woman multiple times. The woman stood in the corner of her vision, but whenever she looked, the woman was gone. Because of that, she walked endlessly, rarely slept, always in public, even when it was very dark and drunks sauntered around.
It was just her imagination, she had told herself. People didn't vanish into thin air, they just didn't. But those eyes, those bulging, haunted eyes. She could feel those eyes. Always.
Maybe running away was silly. She had no room back at Privet Drive, only a dirty mattress and little more, but that was better than this. It was too late. She knew. This was her life now.
A cold, rainy night marked her tenth birthday. The clock struck 12. She sat on the curb, shivering in Petunia's cardigan. Rain sank through the fur and into her bones and strands of black hair stuck to her forehead. The street thinned until only she remained.
Then a voice said. ''Are you lost, dearie?''
Such cold fear gripped Elizabeth, that she had frozen. The blood drained from her. ''Let me help you. We can find your parents together.''
She slowly began to cock her head, and standing over her, was a creature, half-woman, half-snake. She had no legs, but a snake tail. Her face was deathly pale and she had slitted, ruby eyes.
Elizabeth shot to her feet and backed away, on trembling legs. ''W-what are you?'' She stammered.
The thing slithered closer towards her. ''Run, run as fast as you can. I love the hunt.'' Her voice was a low, serpentine hiss.
So she ran as fast as her legs would carry her. She didn't look behind her, but she knew the creature was not far. She ran by a man, who seemed not to see the creature. He was either stupid or blind. She rushed into the road. A car skirted past her, so close that a puddle of dirty water splashed her face. She paid it little mind. The only thing that ran through her mind was survival. She made it to the other side of the road, into an empty park with a rusted slide.
When she looked over her shoulder, the creature was there, a few paces behind. A shudder went through her. And she went even quicker.
There were some more people on the next street, but they didn't notice, or care. Elizabeth began to breathe haggardly, the strain of sleepless nights and the pursuit she was in, emerging.
The thing, the creature, whatever it was, simply followed, as if this were a game.
They eventually entered a stretch of woods, and by the time Elizabeth had realised, it was too late for her to turn back. The forest was never-ending, and it felt like a maze. Tall, dark trees surrounded her
A pair of webbed, spiked hands took Elizabeth, and she was forced down upon a bed of red leaves. The webbed hands held onto her throat, drawing a thin trail of blood. She struggled in the creature's grasp, but could do nothing.
''You're mine.'' The creature hissed. ''All mine. Nowhere to run.''
''Stop.'' she pleaded. ''I didn't do anything. Why are you doing this?''
''You have the Gods to thank for this. Because of them, I feast on children like you.''
It was as if she became mute. No sound would escape from her lips.
The creature opened her mouth, and her teeth were longer and sharper than any snake's.
This was the end. There was no future, she was taking her last breath, and as she did, she realised one thing. Nobody would shed a tear for her.
At the last moment, a silvery arrow pierced into the back of the creature's head, and a pile of ashes fell over Elizabeth. The rain swept it away.
A teenage girl approached her, one prettier than any Elizabeth had seen in her life. Raven black hair fell down to her shoulders, and she had a face of such dignity and beauty that she looked like a princess from the fairy tales. The girl approached Elizabeth, returning the bow to her quiver.
''You are safe.'' The girl bent down and offered Elizabeth her hand. ''The Lamia is dead.''
Elizabeth took her hand and rose to her feet. The girl's hands were cold, but she felt safe.
''What is your name, young maiden?''
Elizabeth diverted her eyes. ''Elizabeth.''
''A pretty name for a pretty maiden.''
''I'm not pretty.'' She said under her breath. ''What was that?''
''A lamia.'' The girl said steely. ''A monster that feasts on children.''
''I don't get it.'' She mumbled. ''I don't get any of this.''
''There is only one thing you must understand, and that is that you're safe.'' The girl studied her face closely, as if she were trying to see something. ''Would you care to feast with us?''
It was only then, did Elizabeth notice a herd of other girls watching them. They wore light, but sturdy-looking armour. Their belts gleamed with swords and daggers, and there was not one without a bow. None looked older than 15. ''Er - yes please.'' She finally said.
The girl, who she learned to be Artemis, had half of the girls go hunt for food. The others started a fire over a spit roast. Artemis did not help. Instead, the girl kept an eye on Elizabeth.
''Are you far from home?'' Artemis queried.
She faltered. ''I don't have a home.''
''Runaway?'' Phoebe asked, who was tending to the fire. A stocky, mean-looking girl with ginger hair shaved at the sides.
''There are times to be candid, this is not one of them.''
Artemis had not raised her voice, but Phoebe looked down. ''Sorry,'' she mumbled.
''It's fine,'' Elizabeth said, then went on. ''I used to live with my aunt and uncle, but I ran away.''
Zoe, who had to have been the second most beautiful girl Elizabeth had ever seen, said. ''We are sorry, for why would a young girl need to run away from their flesh and blood?'' A silvery tiara sat amidst long dark curls.
Elizabeth did not respond to that, though she finally felt comfortable enough to voice a question of her own. ''Who are you people – soldier girls?''
Artemis smiled slightly. Even then, she looked dignified as a queen. Zoe was the one who answered. ''We are hunters who serve Lady Artemis. We venture from city to city, country to country, from Europe to America, from America to Asia, around the globe, hunting monsters.'' Zoe's old eyes did not match her smooth, young face.
She could only say, ''Wow.''
''You are taking this well, that is peculiar,'' Artemis noted. ''Was the Lamia your first encounter with a monster?''
''I think so.'' She mumbled. ''But I've always been weird – my aunt and uncle said so. I used to talk to snakes.''
Zoe turned to Artemis. ''Is she a demi-goddess?''
''No, I believe not.'' Artemis' eyes fit her face, worse than even Zoe's. They were silvery and ancient. ''I have met wizards and witches with the ability to speak to snakes.''
Zoe said. ''From what I recall, witches are either blessed or descended from Hecate, and as monsters only hunt those with Ichor in their veins, even a trace from generations ago, it adds up.''
''I'm a… witch?'' Elizabeth trailed off.
''It is a possibility,'' Artemis said. ''Tell me, have you done anything else, that may be considered magical?''
''Well, yes…my hair has regrown because I told it to, I made my cousin grow a tail. Oh, I accidentally started a fire once too.''
Artemis crooked a brow. ''I see.'' She said, not unkindly. ''Where shall you go now?''
She fidgeted on the stump. ''I don't know.''
Zoe seemed to know something that Elizabeth didn't. ''Are you truly considering it, my lady?'' Her voice was tight.
''Indeed I am,'' Artemis said. ''Elizabeth, I am offering you to join us.''
''I would never question you, my lady…'' Zoe said hesitantly. ''But she is young, she can only be 9 or 10.''
''She would not be the youngest.'' Artemis retorted. ''Though a maiden under the age of 11, has not joined us in three hundred years.'' She looked Elizabeth up and down. ''How old are you?''
''10….I just turned 10.'' She said, ''What do you mean three hundred years?''
''Lady Artemis is a goddess, one of the 12 Olympians of Mount Olympus.''
The words took a moment to sink in. When they did, she asked. ''Is everyone here a God too?''
''No,'' Artemis said. ''Maidens who have sworn their loyalty to me, join me in the hunt for an eternity. Zoe has been my right hand, for 2000 years.''
Elizabeth was always used to odd things happening, talking snakes, levitating chairs, dandelions rising to life, but she wasn't sure what to say now.
''It is your decision,'' Artemis said. ''What shall it be?''
She looked up at her. ''I - I'll do it.''
''That was quick,'' Artemis noted.
''I know,'' she muttered. ''But I've got no home. I've got nothing…''
Artemis' expression softened for a moment. Only for a moment. ''There is more you must understand. You will be stronger and quicker than any mortal, and you will live for an eternity, but my hunters are forbidden from falling in love with men.''
She wrinkled her nose. ''I don't like boys. I want to come with you. Please.''
''This is a day to be remembered,'' Zoe said. ''There has not been a new hunter, in many years.''
''Indeed,'' Artemis said. ''I have been searching for a replacement, ever since Iphigenia left us. There will be 20 hunters once more.'' She faced Elizabeth. ''When you have joined us, there will be no turning back.''
''I know.''
''Then repeat after me. I, Elizabeth Evans, pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept, and join the hunt.''
''I, Elizabeth Evans, pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back on the company of men, accept, and join the hunt.''
''I accept,'' Artemis said.
A silvery aura began to surround Elizabeth. Strength coursed through her body. She felt as if she could take on the world.
''Welcome sister,'' Zoe said warmly. ''This is where your new life begins…''
''Come,'' Artemis said. ''The others are returning.''
The fire was larger than any Elizabeth had ever seen. She and the other girl sat around it; the fire was also warmer than any she had felt. There were 19 wolves, sitting by all the girls but Elizabeth. They had fierce, silvery eyes.
''You shall have one of your own one day. All hunters have a wolf by their side, they are the most loyal companion there is.'' Zoe said, who had been keeping a close eye on Elizabeth. She ran a hand through a very large wolf, its fur a dark brown. ''This is Dusk. He has saved me many times.''
Plates of red venison were shared among the 20 huntresses. Elizabeth had almost forgotten how hungry she was, with all that had happened, but she ate the venison so quickly that she almost choked.
Then Artemis began to speak, in a voice that got everyone's attention. ''Quite down, hunters. I have something to say.'' She waited a moment before going on. ''As all of you know, there are only 19 of us. But tonight there are 20, as it always should be. Elizabeth, whom we saved from the lamia, has joined the hunt. Treat her as if she were blood.''
Elizabeth suddenly felt their eyes on her, weighing her down. She waved awkwardly. There was a stream of light-hearted laughter. Another girl leaned forward, lips curving into a smile. ''You're so cute.'' She was dark skinned with kind eyes. ''I'm Naomi. I was the youngest one here before you…..guess I'll be showing you the ropes.''
''Thanks,'' Elizabeth said. ''I'm Elizabeth.''
Naomi giggled. ''I know. Can I call you Eli?''
''Sure.'' She said, ''I like it.''
Though Elizabeth had just met the hunters, they treated her better than the Dursleys had in ten years. They laughed and told stories, under a glowing, pale moon….