Title: Dark Waltz

TV Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Author: Beloved Slayer

Rating: T

Summary: Curious to accept a mysterious invitation to a masquerade ball, Buffy, as the Slayer of the Hellmouth, tries to resist the affections of its' vampire king, Angelus, who is determined to make her his forever.

Author's Notes: This is a rewrite of my Dancer in the Dark story that I posted a few months back. I reread it earlier today and decided that I wasn't satisfied with how it was written, so I decided to tweak it and start anew with a fresh summary and rewrite; only this time, it is not based on the movie Labyrinth. This story revolves around your average vampire or two. It's alternate universe; one in which Angelus rules the Hellmouth and not the Master himself. This story will play upon the idea of Buffy and Angelus being the predator and prey, but it will also involve the idea of how powerful seduction and desire can be, so there may be a few adult moments in between. Dancer in the Dark will not be deleted, so no worries. There's probably going to be at least two or three more chapters for this. As for Pretty In Black, the next chapter should be posted sometime on Friday or Saturday, I hope. All feedback is encouraged. Enjoy guys!

Chapter One

When her eyes caught the shape of an intricately laced envelope nestling near the edge of her bed, suspicions and Slayer senses rose in an almost immediate fashion. Leaping gracefully into the open window of her bedroom, her eyebrows narrowed, and despite the humidity of the night air, goose bumps were blossoming on her bare arms and legs, causing shivers to course through her body.

Regardless of being alone, she could feel the thumping of her heart picking up speed against her chest as she trotted carefully towards her made bed, her arms outstretched to pick up the untouched white ivory envelope, noticing her name written across in a beautiful calligraphy font.

Don't open it, her mind whispered in a crystal voice. It's a trick.

"A trick? You gotta be kidding, right?" she asked the mental voice in a exasperated sigh, as if they have had a similar conversation before. Do not be defiant, Slayer. The envelope is merely a ruse for the dangers that lie ahead. Listen to your instincts. They are screaming in warning.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "And what if I decide to open it? C'mon, it's just an envelope. What harm could it do?" She feigned carelessness, the tips of her fingers tugging underneath the thick parchment, tearing the single piece of ribbon tape with a polished nail.

"Would you look at that? It's an invitation. For me," Buffy stated in a sarcastic tone, all five fingers tracing the delicate mahogany lettering as a trace of excitement replaced the tension in her eyes. An invitation perhaps, but it is not what you think. There is more to it, the crystal voice pressed on, clearly indicating that it was about to give up patience in convincing the Slayer of the invitation's devious intentions.

The crystal voice was about to continue when it sensed a malevolent presence lurking in the quieting room.

He's here.

Shoulders and body frozen, Buffy demanded in a stern voice, "Who?"

The newest Vampire King. He is here…behind you. Keep your eyes and senses alert.

"I don't see anyone here, Cryptic Girl. I know you and me are only hanging out because of this new vampiric power in town and 'cause of those pesky Powers That Be, but it's not necessary to lie you know. I'm like one of those lie detection thingies." Before the crystal voice could respond to her accusation, Buffy felt a sensation penetrating her skin, sending her senses reeling to heights she had never felt nor reached before.

It was as if her skin was being electrified by the gentlest touch imaginable. Not too long after, she felt a void developing in the pit of her stomach, intermixing with a growing desire for the presence that hovered from behind. "Please…stop," the Slayer pleaded curtly, her voice wavering as she felt an invincible hand gliding through the upper part of her leg, caressing her thigh. The fingers were cold to the touch.

He is using the power of seduction. You must break yourself free from his thrall, Slayer.

"I…I can't," Buffy cried, as she felt a trail of fiery kisses pressing against her neck and in between her shoulder blades, the touch threatening to send her into an emotional overdrive. You must. Break his power over you while there is still time.

"You know you don't want to. You want this, don't you, Slayer?" an angelic sound signaled in her ear, his voice smooth as water over a creek of pebble stones. "Make it stop, damnit," Buffy demanded, feeling powerless against the unforeseen vampire who was attempting to cradle her against his arms. It was a hold that even herself could not break.

Concentrate. He will dull your power.

The Slayer nodded weakly, shutting her eyes against his mesmerizing touch, steeling her resolve as his voice continued to whisper in her ear. "Don't you want to feel my kiss? Don't you want to know what I look like? Not curious, are you? Not even a little?"

Break his hold, Slayer. Do not give him any more control over you. That is what he wants.

"Rubbish. Don't pay her any mind," the angelic voice cooed. In spite of her growing strength, a single tear brimmed in the corner of the Slayer's eye. Fear was beginning to take hold, shattering her newly formed determination as she struggled to disengage herself.

"What do you want?" her voice called, eyes searching the room for the mysterious vampire.

Only loneliness remained.

"You. All I want is you."

"Why?"

A kiss could be felt to her temple, then to her lips, taking her breath away. An impulse of wanting to hurt him raced through her mind, in spite of the impossibility of bringing it to reality. In spite of her unwillingness.

"Why not? A Slayer as powerful and beautiful such as yourself; how can I deny such a rare gift? I've searched the world for you."

Buffy chose to ignore his words, replacing her welled up tear with anger. "Show yourself. Now."

Careful, Slayer. You don't know what he is capable of.

"In time, my love. In time. For now, I must take my leave. I sincerely hope you come to a decision of my invitation. I am looking forward in seeing your presence there, and meeting face to face. A good night to you." In a nanosecond, the angelic, soothing voice vanished from the room, leaving the Slayer motionless in place. Inexplicably, she couldn't help the disappointment that marred her features.

"What in the hell was that?"

Hellmouth's Vampire King. Say hello to Angelus, Slayer.