Dalena

Dalena was the 18th-ranked churiphim (half-angel, half-human warrior) within The Order of the Sons of Light and longtime hunting partner of Andrus Kallian. A superb warrior and outcast from The Order's politics, she died tragically in West Texas at the hands of Zephyr, a first-generation vampire.

Physical Description

• Rank: XVIII (18th in churiphim hierarchy)
• Height: Tall and imposing warrior build
• Appearance: Athletic churiphim physique suited for combat
• Medallion: Wore silver necklace with Roman numeral XVIII pendant marking her rank
• Combat Gear: Wielded machaira (curved sword) enchanted with magical runes

Background & History

Origin & Training

• One of 40 churiphim warriors created by angelic blessing
• Originally sentenced to death by The Order for unknown political infractions
• Rescued and given a "second chance" by Andrus Kallian, who saw her potential
• Trained in both churiphim combat techniques and magical spellcasting
• Became an outcast from The Order's internal politics, making her partnership with Andrus natural

Partnership with Andrus

• Duration: Years of hunting together across rural America
• Role: Constant companion on lonely roads, cleansing towns of vampire infestations
• Relationship: More than just a hunting partner - described as Andrus's closest friend
• Respect: Earned Andrus's deep respect, which he gave to very few people
• Trust: One of the only beings Andrus ever truly trusted after his brother's betrayal

Powers & Abilities

Churiphim Abilities

• Supernatural Strength: Enhanced physical power beyond human limits
• Enhanced Senses: Ability to track and detect vampires and other undead
• Regeneration: Rapid healing of wounds, including reattaching severed limbs
• Combat Mastery: Expert in various weapons and fighting techniques
• Magical Resistance: Natural protection against vampire powers and dark magic

Magical Abilities

• Spell Casting: Proficient in various magical disciplines
• Enchantment Magic: Could enhance weapons with magical properties
• Blue Fire Magic: Signature magical fire that burned vampires
  • "IGNIS MUNDARET" - Incantation for purifying black flames
  • Created walls of hissing blue fire for defense and area control
• Tracking Spells: Specialized magic for hunting undead creatures
• Detection Magic: Could sense vampire presence and magical auras

Combat Skills

• Machaira Mastery: Expert with the churiphim's signature curved sword
• Dual Combat: Could fight effectively alongside Andrus in coordinated attacks
• Tactical Fighting: Skilled at setting vampires ablaze while maintaining sword combat
• Weapon Enhancement: Enchanted her machaira with "small greenish runes" for increased effectiveness

Major Events & Battles

West Texas Blood (Final Mission)

Setting: Rural Texas vampire investigation with Andrus

Mission Objectives:

• Track and eliminate vampire nest activity
• Investigate reports of elder vampire presence
• Protect innocent civilians from undead threats

Key Encounters:

• Fought against Raven Walker (before alliance was formed)
• Battled fledgling vampires in abandoned locations
• Tracked supernatural activity across Texas countryside

Final Battle:

• Faced three elite vampires: Zephyr, Zane, and Damien Kell
• Demonstrated exceptional combat skill against multiple opponents
• Used blue fire magic to create defensive barriers against Zane's attacks
• Set multiple vampires ablaze with her signature fire magic

Tragic Death:

• Killed by Zephyr during intense battle
• "Dalena let out a blood-freezing scream. She stopped as if frozen in place."
• Zephyr used his blood manipulation power to drain every drop of blood from her body
• "Blood ripped out of Dalena's body, shredding her skin. Her front looked as if a bomb had exploded inside of her and blasted out."
• Zephyr consumed her blood, calling it "Witch blood, the ultimate high"
• Face left "unrecognizable, bone and flesh. Shreds of skin and meat twisted together"

Legacy & Impact

Effect on Andrus

• Her death devastated Andrus, triggering berserker rage against Zephyr
• Andrus performed churiphim funeral rites, setting her body ablaze with magical flames
• "She'd been a good partner. Loyal. More than a partner, a friend and companion in this lonely path."
• Andrus kept her silver XVIII medallion as remembrance, wearing it under his shirt
• Her loss reinforced his trust issues and pushed him toward greater isolation

Professional Recognition

• Considered a "superb warrior" by Andrus's high standards
• Respected by other members of The Order despite being an outcast
• One of the few churiphim to work effectively with a former Aeon
• Her loyalty and skill set the standard for what Andrus valued in a partner

Friendship with Sia

• Formed strong bond with Sia, a witch in New York
• Fought alongside Sia in various supernatural conflicts
• Sia helped Dalena explore her human side, teaching her normalcy
• Their friendship bridged the gap between different supernatural communities

Personality & Character

Core Traits

• Loyal: Unwavering dedication to Andrus and their mission
• Professional: Maintained focus on hunting objectives
• Brave: Faced elder vampires without hesitation
• Growing Humanity: Beginning to explore her human side before death
• Trustworthy: One of the few beings to earn Andrus's complete trust

Character Development

• Started as outcast sentenced to death by The Order
• Grew into respected warrior through partnership with Andrus
• Began embracing human experiences through friendship with Sia
• Was learning to balance churiphim duties with personal connections

Relationships

• Andrus: Closest friend, trusted partner, mutual respect
• Sia: Female friend who taught her human customs and normalcy
• The Order: Complicated relationship due to outcast status
• Other Churiphim: Professional recognition despite political issues

Combat Philosophy

Fighting Style

• Coordinated Combat: Worked seamlessly with Andrus in battle
• Magic Integration: Combined swordplay with spell casting
• Area Control: Used fire magic to manage multiple opponents
• Tactical Thinking: Strategic approach to vampire elimination

Signature Techniques

• Blue Fire Walls: Defensive barriers that burned approaching vampires
• Enhanced Weapon Combat: Rune-enchanted machaira strikes
• Purification Magic: "IGNIS MUNDARET" for cleansing vampire remains
• Tracking Spells: Magical detection of undead presence

Death & Memorial

Final Moments

• Died protecting innocents during vampire elimination mission
• Faced overwhelming odds against three elder vampires
• Maintained combat effectiveness until fatal attack
• Death was instantaneous and brutal, showing Zephyr's sadistic nature

Funeral Rites

• Body burned according to churiphim tradition
• Andrus performed the ritual personally despite his grief
• Medallion preserved as memorial to their partnership
• Memory honored through Andrus's continued protection of innocents

Lasting Impact

• Her death marked end of Andrus's partnership era
• Influenced his reluctance to work with others for years afterward
• Memorial medallion serves as reminder of trust and loyalty
• Her values continue to influence Andrus's moral code

Current Status

Deceased - Killed by Zephyr in West Texas. Her XVIII medallion is kept by Andrus as a remembrance of their years together fighting supernatural threats. Her death remains a defining tragedy in Andrus's life and a primary motivation for his quest for vengeance against Zephyr.