1st Rose: Secret Garden

"A trinity of roses would now…"

The sun gently ruled the blue skies with its warm radiance. Birds flew across the wide heavens with cheer in their songs. The slight cool morning breeze blew around the lively forest filled with life. In one particular place, there lay a splendid creature that had been dubbed as a heretical being among the humans and a precious prey for vampires. Underneath the shade of a tree, a maiden with long teal blue tresses slumbered. She wore a simple pink summer dress with her hair tied in twin pigtails. Petals of flowers were on her dress and leaves on her hair. Her face was so peaceful making her image sleeping so solemn. She had simply fallen asleep without a care with the aid of nature's lullaby, the wind's caress, and the light of the sun. This was certainly a peculiar thing for a nocturnal creature that she is known to be. However, she had always find comfort in the glow of the day.

Someone had come upon her. This person looked at her and then lay comfortably beside her. "Sleeping wherever you like…" It was a voice of a man followed by a soft sigh. He rolled to his side to look at her as he propped up his face to look at her closely. "Well, I don't mind seeing you like this." His words were spoken with gentleness, and it was reflected within his deep amethyst eyes. The breeze tenderly passed them as his dark blue hair swayed slightly. He was truly a handsome man in his own right without doubt. Soon enough, the maiden stirred from her sleep. Those eyes slowly opened revealing drowsy beautiful silver hued orbs. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you dream about me, love?"

The proximity of their faces didn't bother her until she heard his sweet-coated words. It was enough to fully rouse her from the sleepy haze. Her cheeks became rosy pink. "Kaos!" She moved away from him to reclaim some of her personal space. The man called Kaos simply had a carefree smile. "I'm only saying what I want you to do, Calista." His reply earned him a glare from the maiden now known as Calista. "You look more adorable when you're angry." The pinkish blush turned into a darker shade. "Ah! You- You're-" Her words were completed by Kaos in his own confident understanding. "So handsome. I know." Calista stood from her position in a huff. "You wish!" She said in annoyance and walked away in an angry manner. Kaos returned to his feet quickly and followed Calista. "Slow down, princess… Don't want us to get into trouble, right?"

Taking a deep breath, Calista slowed down letting Kaos catch up with her. "Why did you become my guardian?" Kaos placed his hands inside his pockets and shrugged. "You should ask yourself." Upset silver eyes glared at him. Kaos simply gave his signature smile which further infuriated Calista. "You're impossible!" She stated while grumbling to herself in her walk. Kaos sighed and then reached for a leaf that was stuck on her hair. This took her attention as he showed her the leaf. "Basking and walking underneath the sun without an umbrella, you are a weird pureblood." Calista looked away. "You're one to talk." Kaos winked at her and then remembered something. "Oh, did you do your homework?" Calista froze at those words and had an awkward smile. "About that…"

"Please take a break and have some tea, Lady Eirene." This was the polite suggestion from a man donning a swallowtail coat attire meant for butlers. His eyes of crimson gazed at the maiden he had offered tea to with much sincere tenderness. It was even more attractive for it contrasted his ebony black hair. The said tea was gently placed on the table. Its scent was sweet and soothing to the senses as it filled the library lounge. The lady being addressed was reading some documents with such a pristine expression. Looking at him, Eirene had a welcoming smile. Beautiful silver eyes gleamed with gentleness behind those reading glasses. She donned a simple brown cardigan shirt and white skirt. Her rose pink locks were adorned by a distinctive headband. Despite the simplicity, Eirene still radiates grace and charm that are irrefutable. Thank you for your kind gesture. I appreciate it, Aeron." Her voice was pleasant to the ears for it was akin to a sweet melody accompanied by a grateful smile.

"It is my pleasure." This was Aeron's humble reply. Taking the cup of tea, she placed it near her nose and let the scent fill her senses. "The lovely scent of Jasmine is truly calming." Eirene took a sip and that was when Aeron proceeded to show his curiosity about the documents. "Is that for the school festival?" He asked while also placing upon the table a serving of madeleines as a complementary snack. This had been an everyday routine ever since he had become Eirene's guardian. Honestly, he preferred this kind of life than the previous one he had. He finds it entertaining and comfortable. "Yes, they are for the school festival. There are other classes that requested additional booths. It seems everyone is doing their best." She answered with a gentle yet cheerful manner. Aeron smiled at this. He was glad that Eirene was happy about her normal school life. Although, he is still reluctant at this idea of allowing the ladies roam the outside world through the attendance of a human school.

11 years had passed since the incident that further isolated this pureblood family from the clutches of their kind and the humans. "You are still concerned about this, Aeron." Placing down the cup of tea and removing her glasses, Eirene had sensed an air of concern from him. She looked at her guardian with understanding. "I know the perils of this choice." There was a slight pause in her sentence as she gently touched a page of the documents. "However, I want the wish of Father and Mother to be realized even just a bit." Aeron closed his eyes briefly understanding what she meant. "I do understand. However, this world will never change to please you. It would always disappoint you." These words came out of his lips in a matter of a fact tone.

Eirene touched the rim of her cup and circled her fingertip around it. "Yes, it does. Life is a constant struggle, and so I will continue to do so." Lifting her fingertip from the rim, she gazed at Aeron warmly. "Tell me, Aeron. Are you disappointed with your life?" He was slightly stunned by the question as he slowly smiled. "No." Eirene smiled and then glanced at the documents in hand. "Please do not worry. Brother ensured that even outside of this manor. We are still a protected secret." Aeron nodded in understanding. "His priority had always been you and Lady Calista." Eirene took a madeleine from the plate. "Yes, I know. I find it very adorable of him but also worrisome…"

"Lord Xenith, a letter has arrived." It was stated by, Claudius Faustus. He had been serving the Rozeneria for over 200 years now. He had served the previous Lord and Lady of this family, and now he is serving their children. He had already decided to dedicate his entire life to the Rozeneria. "It was sent from one of our sentries." He approached the desk and handed the letter to the young Lord that was the spitting image of his father. It was like looking at a reflection of the late Lord Rozeneria. Despite the physical similarities, the two men were terribly different in their temperaments. It goes to show that there are no two persons alike in this world. They may have resemblance but at the core they are not the same.

Impassive silver eyes met with Claudius' gaze before taking the letter. Claudius waited patiently for other instructions from Xenith while a woman wearing a black gothic Lolita style dress served a cup of Black Eye to Xenith. She placed it with much finesse on the desk while Xenith read the contents of the letter which was actually a detailed report. There was an understandable silence within the study. However, the letter was soon burned into ashes before their very eyes. "Is something wrong, my Lord?" Claudius asked with an inquiring gaze. The question was not answered immediately as Xenith spoke his own inquiry without even a change in his calm demeanor. "Where are Eirene and Calista?" It was answered by Claudius with much respect. "Lady Eirene is currently at the library with Aeron and Lady Calista is taking her usual stroll with Kaos."

"Claudius, inform Eirene and Calista that I wish to speak with them." The elderly butler humbly bowed. "As you wish, my Lord." After saying that, Claudius took his leave. "Did something happen, Lord Xenith?" The question came from the woman who had served him a cup of coffee. Her golden yellow hair complemented those curious emerald green eyes that gazed at Xenith. He didn't answer and closed his eyes instead while leaning onto his chair. "It's definitely a bad news." Xenith did not show any response as he remained undisturbed in the slightest; although, the content was truly a source of something troublesome.

"It involves the purebloods correct?"The woman further inquired with an assuming tone. Xenith remained silent. She released a soft sigh. "Do you intend to just watch again?" This time Xenith opened his eyes and then took his cup of coffee as she continued on. "Kuran Kaname intends to eliminate all purebloods, he will come here eventually." At the end of her statement, Xenith drank his coffee with complete calmness. "You know, it's true. He was the one who killed the corrupt Senate members, became the Formal Head of the Vampire Society, a Founder nonetheless, Now an executioner of the purebloods." He placed down his cup of coffee gently on the desk. "Secrets are meant to be revealed at some point." She added as she looked at Xenith who finally looked and met her eyes but his eyes held a cold and piercing promise that brought her severe chills. "I will end his existence without a trace, Verdandi."