Chapter 1

It was a nice day. Sunny, with only a few measly clouds floating lazily. The kind of day you expect everyone to be out in the park or something.

Keller didn't feel like going out anywhere at all (which was really saying something). She just wanted to hide in the darkest corner Thierry's mansion could offer her and stay there for the rest of the century.

The world wasn't sympathizing with her at the moment. Birds chirping, children laughing, lovers' kisses...

That made her throat dry and her eyes were slightly wet at the corners.

Maybe it was her fault. If it weren't for her, Galen and Iliana would be promised to each other by now.

Galen and Iliana.

Her heart stopped and she felt a teardrop slide against her cheek.

Keller was running.

She loved running. Loved feeling the wind, the rush of adrenaline that only running could satisfy.

She purred happily.

And then she saw them. Galen and Iliana.

Iliana on top of Galen, lips pressed against each other, and obviously not noticing her at all.

Keller let out a small whimper and turned her back to them.

Keller didn't blame them. After all, it was obvious – even from the start – that they were perfect for each other.

She didn't bawl her eyes out like a baby – that was for later – she just sat on her bed, staring blankly at...something. She focused and noticed it was a picture of her and Galen.

She slammed it down immediately.

Knock, knock.

Whoever just knocked had better have something that was good news.

"Come in," she whispered. Her voice was hoarse, she noticed, and it sounded terribly like she had just cried – which was true, but still.

"Keller? Keller! What's wrong?"

Ugh.

"Nothing," she said defensively, wiping away her tears hastily. "Why would you care?"

Silence.

"You saw."

Just as simple as that.

"Yes."

Silence...again.

"I'm sorry, Keller. It didn't mean anything. Honest. I'm so, so, so sorry. Please tell me you'll forgive me."

"I forgive you." It sounded dead.

"I forgive Iliana, too. It's my fault."

"What? Why would you think that?" Galen's eyes were huge now, and concerned, but who was noticing?

"It's pretty obvious. I shouldn't exist. If I didn't, you would've been happily promised to her now. I'm sorry." Still sounding very dead. "Forgive me, please."

"It's not your fault, Keller! It's mine, all mine! I'm ready to beg for forgiveness, Keller."

She couldn't stand it anymore. She didn't want him to grovel at his feet for someone who was obviously not good enough for him.

"I'm sorry." And she ran out.

That night, when Galen went back to their bedroom – after looking for Keller for the entire day – he saw a note lying on the bed.

Dear Galen,

I'm sorry for putting this off for so long. Please forgive me for everything I did.

I'm going away now, Galen. I don't want to be the third wheel among us. I don't want to see Iliana upset because of me. She's my sister and I don't want to see her hurt. Ever.

Sorry for doing that to you. I shouldn't have held you back. And now that I'm gone, you can be happy with Iliana. Please tell her I'm sorry.

I love you and I'm sorry.

Love,

Keller.

He stared at it for a few moments, rereading it to make sure and then he yelled, "LORD THIERRY!"