A/N So I've been writing this for like a while, and I was hoping to finish the story, but like I've only written like 12% of the story. And I got distracted by like school and life and vines and my cat. Sorry, if this is like totally OOC. Also, like I haven't finished War Storm. Everytime I mention like how houses are choosing people I like think of Harry Potter. Like ah, yes I'm a servant for the Gryffindors. Also Unbetaed... listennn I'm tryin my best but there's def mistakes in here. It's also probably choppy as hell lol gl getting through this. Also, Calamari.

Chapter 1

July 1st. Everybody knows what that means. It's the biannual Moon Socialite. Surrounding me are gleeful people, excited people, unlike me. Maybe because I was the only one in my family to be drafted into this.

The purpose of the Socialite was to find new workers for the elite. The families socialized with the invitees, and decided who they wanted to serve. I wasn't very fond of the idea of working for a family, though. Most people don't make it back to their homes. People were expected to stay in the elites' care until their unfortunate or untimely death. There are rumors, though. Some say people die from overexertion, others are kinder, saying that workers are treated so nicely that they don't want to come home, but who would never want to see their loved ones again?

A few weeks ago, a letter was addressed to me. A peculiar letter, something I wouldn't get under normal circumstances. It was Gina's turn to go get the mail and she was gone for one second and out of breath by the next, waving a crimson envelope. I reached for the letter, anxious and fearful of what would it would hold. It was made out of paper you would never find in the Stilts. In fancy calligraphy, I was barely able to make out my name, my full name. The only time I heard my full name was when Mom yelled at me for skipping school again.

My mom snatched the letter out of my hands, and as she read the contents of the letter, I felt dread creep up on me. Some words flew by me, though: "invited to Socialite" and "dress properly". I was supposed to learn how to curtsy, ballroom dance, be respectful.

Gisa designed a dress for me. A deep purple dress, which clung to my body, not tight enough that it was squeezing the life out of me, but tight enough to show what curves I have. It had an elongated torso and ended mid thigh with tassels. My mom got me her old wedding shoes. They were barely worn, with a thick strap and thick heels. When I first put them on, it was like watching a toddler trying to walk for the first time. The amount of bruises I got that day was unreal. I've made a lot of progress since then, and Kilorn has been there laughing every step of the way.

Mom is excited and hopeful. She thinks I'll have the opportunity to serve one of the princes. Serving either is a prestigious position, but I'm pretty sure the chances of that were one in a million chance. I'm sure the only families that have served the royal family have served them for generations. Not to mention the rumors surrounding Queen Elara; they're a little off putting. Some say that she killed the late Queen. Not only that, but I've also heard that she's overly cruel and unjust to the lower class. They were just rumors, though. I'm really hoping for the Samos family. They seem to be the most interesting out of all the families.

July 1st came by. Gisa and Mom helped me get ready. Gisa made sure the dress was perfect while Mom went off to her room to find her diamond necklace. It's been handed down for generations. It was simplistic and gorgeous, two connected gold chain with a diamond on each row. I had nothing on my wrists, and I kept my mismatched earrings on. I don't care how silly they looked. There was too much sentimental value with them, and if I were to be chosen for a position, I wouldn't be able to come back for them.

When working at the royal palace, the staff were given uniforms and pajamas with a crest to show which house they belonged to. None of the upper class wanted their servants wearing low quality clothes, so the Houses didn't let their servants return to their homes. They were to stay within the walls of the upper class until they died or were let go. Servants are paid a measly amount to save up for their families or for themselves. Whatever I make will go to my family.

Then the carriage arrived, and by an open door stood a stoic footman. Anxiousness washed away any other feelings, as I took the step into the carriage. I looked out the window at my Mom, Dad, Gisa, and Kilorn, hoping this wouldn't be the last time I saw them. I waved to them and gave a small smile, and they all waved back. Kilorn gave me a thumbs up, too.

It took 30 minutes to get to the Palace, and when I stepped out, I saw there were already some people here, while others were still arriving. Everyone was conversing with each other, and everyone seemed out of place, which gave me a bit of relief.

The party was being hosted in the garden where we were surrounded by 8 ft tall hedges. As I walked through the leafy arch, a myriad of flowers surrounded me. Roses, begonias, dahlias, hydrangeas, and others I couldn't name highlighted the garden with hues of purple, pink, blue, and orange. The moonlight reflected on the beads of the freshly watered flowers. It reminded me of a sunset, the way it seemed to glow. The perfectly sculpted hedges gated around the party.

The moon also spilled light onto the grand fountain in the middle of the garden. The stone angel pouring water out made the light reflect. Pathways were made out of stone, as if made by fairies with small bushes in between them. All around were pristine alabaster benches for people to rest or sit while conversing, but I saw most awkwardly standing around, not yet knowing what to do. It was so clean, so opposite from the district I grew up in, and organized- as expected from a royal family- that I couldn't help but stare and admire everything as I walked.

Then, I felt a body collide hard against mine, and I was on the ground. I couldn't say the same for the other person, though.

Not the first impression I wanted to make.

Standing up as gracefully as I could- which was not graceful at all- I brushed off my dress, "Oh, I'm sorry, I'm not really this clumsy, I promise," I apologized and I stretched out a hand.

"I'm Mare." He stared at me blankly for a second, not batting an eye.

"Mare Barrow," I said. He seemed to snap out of his trance at that and his hand met mine in a uncharacteristically strong handshake.

"Mare Barrow," He said, testing the name out.

"I'm Maven," He smiled softly at me.

"Would you like anything to drink, Mare?" He asked, as he spotted a wandering server with glasses on her plate.

"Sure," I smiled inwardly. I hope if I get chosen, then Maven would get chosen for the same house. He put his hand on my back and gently pushed me in the direction of a bench.

"So, Mare, what should I know about you?"

"Well, I'm 18. I live in the Stilts."

"What about your family? What are they like?"

"Well, my mom is like any mom. She cares for me however she can. My dad fought in the Choke and it really messed him up. I have basically five siblings. Bree is the oldest and Tramy is a year younger than him. Shade is the youngest brother, and he's the best writer. They're all fighting in the Choke right now." I grimaced at the thought, and the bitterness it left.

"Gisa is the youngest out of all us, and she's my only sister and a great seamstress. She even made the dress I'm wearing tonight"

"I can tell she's very talented. I thought that dress was bought."

"How about you?"

"I'm also 18, and I am an apprentice. I have a mom and she's just like other moms. My dad is a hard worker. My brother takes after him a lot."

"What house do you want to get chosen for?"

"Well, I'm really hoping for a prince. I've heard they're easy to deal with." I wanted to scoff at that. A royal being easy? Doubtful.

I looked around and saw there were more people populating the garden, and the entrance gate had been closed. A man in the center was tapping a spoon against a champagne glass. I could hear a faint ringing, but somehow it got everyone's attention.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be moving into the ballroom momentarily, so if you would go ahead and move towards the entrance, that would be splendid.

Maven dusted off his pants and stood up, then lent a hand for me. I put my hand in his, and he pulled me up. We approached the glass doors, and I could hear some classical music being played. As I stepped into the ballroom, I was met with cold air. There were tables with bouquets and chairs up against the wall, I supposed so people could rest. People were finding partners, and Maven found me.

"Would you allow me a dance, Miss Barrow?" I smiled politely at the request and declined.

"I'm afraid I'm not that good of a dancer, I'm sorry, Maven."

However, he did not take no for an answer, and dragged me out to the ballroom floor by my hand. I didn't really have a choice to not go, so I reluctantly followed him.

"Just follow my lead," He lead me around the dance floor, spinning me, dipping me, the works. It made me a bit dizzy being moved around the place, but soon we stopped dancing. I doubted that I was the only one relieved. My feet ached, and I was ready for the Houses to choose their new servants.

Maven moved away from me, and went to go talk to someone when the music stopped.

My attention was directed towards the man standing in front of the orchestra, projecting his voice out towards the crowd, "Hello, everyone, and welcome to our 128th Moon Socialite. I'm incredibly disheartened to say that this night is coming to and end, but I am pleased to announce that it is time for dinner."

I saw a blur rush past me, sharp agonizing scream was released into the air. Searching for the source. My eyes landed on a man ravaging a girl's neck. A stream of blood from her neck trailed onto her blue dress. More screams sounded throughout the room. I wanted to cover my ears and throw up. A platinum blonde girl ran up to me with insane speed, and I stumbled back, desperate to not end up like the one I saw earlier. I walked back I felt something poking at me..

"Oh, honey, I wouldn't keep walking back if I were you," She grinned with elongated fangs. Her eyes were pitch black. I looked back, and saw small metal needles floating right behind me, ready to skewer me if I kept moving. One was almost about to draw blood. Another blur, and I saw the blonde thrown across the room.

"Oh my god, thank you, Maven, I don't kno-" I faded off. His eyes were black, too. He grinned at me, showing his fangs. The needle was no longer prodding at my back, and I walked back until I hit a table. My hands went behind me and felt around for something to defend myself with, anything. I felt cold glass against my fingertips, and I grabbed the edge of the top and swung my arm around to smash the glass on his head. The water that was in the vase splashed against my feet, and the flowers fell on the hardwood floor, but Maven was still standing, unfazed.

"It's always fun when the food starts fighting, but I'm starving,"

He looked me in the eyes, and with a velvet voice I heard him say, "Stay still." I wanted to run . but none of my muscles budged. Maven lifted my chin up, and tilted it up to reveal my neck. With swift action, I felt a searing pain brand into my skin as his teeth pierced my skin. Tears fell from my eyes from the unbearable pain.

My head started spinning and my fingers tingled. My instinct was to grab onto the nearby table to keep myself stable, but my hands stayed put. Black pixelated my vision. Everything was becoming a bit blurry. My legs gave out, and I would've fell, but Maven gripped my shoulders, holding me up and sucking the life out of me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw another shadow of a man rushing over, maybe he was Maven's friend. My vision was deluded, so I couldn't be sure if he was actually coming, but he was the last thing I saw until my vision went black.

(Cal)

I wasn't much for drinking blood straight from the source. Just the potential to kill humans was repulsive. Others like it because it's fresh or warm, but to me it's just disgusting. I don't care if it's part of my nature. It's revolting, that's why when I went to the party, I didn't participate in the dinner. I was halfway out the door, when I saw someone I thought I knew. Not like a vampire, but a human. Her dark curls weren't familiar, nor was she ever so cleaned up, but I knew her face.

Her neck was being mauled by my step-brother, and he was almost done with her, judging by the color in her face, or the lack of. Her face was drained, and I feared that my brother would drain her to the point of death. It wasn't really a rare occurrence for Maven to completely kill his victims when drinking. I saw her eyes drooping, about to close, and she had already collapsed, only being held up now.

I grabbed one of the tables, flipped it over, and ripped off one of the legs, so I would have something to incapacitate him with. I sprinted over, not willing to lose a second. I got the stake and stabbed it in his lower back. It wasn't in his heart, so it wouldn't kill him, but it would sure occupy him for some time. Lifting her bridal style in my arms, I went into the garden to set her down on a bench.

I bit into my arm and opened her mouth, and I forced some blood into her mouth, since vampiric blood was quicker with healing, it would help her body restore blood more quickly. It wasn't like she would instantly be ok, but it would definitely help. About 15 minutes later, color started fading back in her cheeks. I sat on the cobblestone near her, keeping watch over her recovery, and making sure that another person didn't want another snack.

Another five minutes, and her breathing was starting to regulate, and the bites were only scars now. Only dried blood was left to remind her of what happened. I doubted that she would wake up anytime soon, but I thought she would've wanted to be left alone, so I got up to look for somewhere safer she could sleep, but as soon as I did, I felt someone else pass by me. I turned around, and saw Maven holding her up by her neck.

"Do you know how easy it would be for me to just snap her neck right now? Such a pretty thing, too. Such a shame she has to die. She spoke with me all night, all happy and whatnot. It was disgusting. You feel something for her, don't you?" I opened my mouth to reply, but was too late, "Too bad." And I heard the sickening crack of a snapped neck. She collapsed and caught her before she hit the floor. I kneeled with her in my arms, scowling at Maven.

"You didn't have to kill her!"

"Too bad, I was enjoying my dinner. You had no right to butt in," he seethed.

"You were going to kill her. What was I supposed to do, just stand by and watch it happen?" Scolding him, I got up and faced him.

"Most people would have."

"Well, I am not most people, Maven. I'm your brother, in case you forgot."

"Why are you so angry? I always suck my victims dry, this one wasn't supposed to be any different," he motioned to the girl lying dead on the ground.

"You can't just go around killing humans, Maven, people will start to notice. How do you think these people's families feel. These are children, Maven. If you keep killing, you will feel the consequences maybe not from me or Dad, but from the families."

"Spare me the lecture, brother,"

"Maven, none of the other vamp-" I was interrupted by a gasp, as if she were drowning and finally came up to the surface. Her eyes flew open and flitted around. She tried pushing herself up off the ground, but there was no strength behind it.

Maven and I looked at each other straight in the eyes, then at her, then back at each other.

The crack of her neck popping back into place made me grimace, "Where am I?" Her eyes were directed at Maven and me.

"Cal?"

Well, I hope this was enjoyable. I'm literally the worst updater. Don't even expect an update for another two years... Sorry. Anyway, not just a one shot. Also, really open to feedback and criticism, so yeah. Don't hesitate to message or something... yeah... Thanks for reading :)