Chapter II

"We're not going to give up without a fight," Ariel said. "Seba brought up a very valid point to the Princes and I, an old rule."

I look at the vampire with hope, and he nodded in agreement. "All is far from lost. As soon as I caught news of Darren's trials, I hurried to the Hall of Princes and explained to them the ancient and almost forgotten Period of Preparation clause."

"The what?" Gavner asked, confused.

"Vampires who take the trials are given the opportunity to have a night and a day to prepare before hand. Most would prefer to just tackle the task immediately, but the choice is not dishonorable."

"Does it still apply, though? I heard it hasn't been used in over a thousand years."

There Kurda goes again, with his pessimistic bullshit.

Seba chuckled. "Just because it is unfashionable, that does not make it null. The Princess objected at first, but seeing as how Darren's situation is peculiar, Ariel was able to reason with them."

"Therefore, Darren has a forty-eight hour break in between each test." Mr. Crepsley added. "Twenty-four hours to prepare, then twenty-four hours to rest afterwards."

"That's great news," Gavner said with a bright smile.

"We also ruled out some of the most difficult trials," Ariel pointed out. "They're all hard, but we don't have to worry about drawing ones that are clearly out of Darren's ability."

"I still say it's unfair." Kurda mumbled. "Aren't there any other laws we can use? Like children can't be killed or something?"

"We've stretched the rules enough." Ariel replied. "There is nothing else we can do, besides pray. And wait."

The vampire just sighed and shook his head.

Mr. Crepsley stood to his feet with a yawn. "Come, Darren, I am tired and it is best you turn in for the day now."

"I doubt I'll be able to get a minute of sleep."

"You must get as much sleep as possible, Darren. You are going to need it."

"Alright," I sighed, although I still doubted I'd get much sleep." Harkat stood to join Mr. Crepsley and I before we left. "See you all tomorrow."

They nodded in reply, expressions gloomy.

We began to walk away, and I had fallen back a couple feet behind Mr. Crepsley and Harkat when someone pulled on my arm.

I turned around, to see Ariel with her hand around my wrist. Her blue eyes were big and full with concern, comparable to moons.

"Goodnight, Darren." She said with a small, weak voice, begging to be embraced. It was strange, coming from her.

I answered her plea, wrapping my arms around her tightly. She buried her face into my shoulder.

"Goodnight," I said softly.

"We've always been there for each other and we always make it through, and nothing can change that." She lifted her face away from my shoulder. "I'll be there for you every step of the way, alright?"

I nodded, finding myself fighting back the tears that were coming.

"No matter what, you'll always have somebody here for you. I'm never gonna leave you," She said, shaking her head. "I'm never gonna leave you."

Ariel pressed her soft lips against mine. "I love you, Darren."

"I love you too, Ariel. Just hang in there with me, alright?"

"I will."

---

Back in my cell, I lay silently in my hammock, staring off at the ceiling. Thousand of thoughts were running in and out of my mind. Harkat had already climbed into his hammock and had fallen asleep awhile ago. It took hours of tossing and turning before I finally drifted into sleep. Although I wasn't able to get in a full day's sleep, I was feeling reasonably refreshed at nightfall.

Mr. Crepsley and Arra were waiting for me outside the Hall of Princes, where I was to report to find out what my first trial would be.

"How are you?" The vampiress asked, shaking my hand.

"I'm okay," I shrugged, although I'm sure I'm far from it.

"Nervous?"

"Yes."

"I was, too, before my trials. It's completely normal. The most important thing is to not panic."

"I'll do my best not to."

She cleared her throat. "I hope you weren't offended by what I had said in the Hall of Princes. I don't believe in going easy on anyone, no matter what, even if they are children. Our life is a hard one, and not for the weak. Personally, I think you'll pass the trials, but if you don't, I won't plead for your mercy."

"I understand."

"We're still friends?"

"Of course, Arra."

"If you need any help preparing, just let me know. I've been through the trials three times, just to prove to myself that I am a worthy vampire. There's very little that I don't know about them."

"We will keep that in mind," Mr. Crepsley said, bowing to her.

Arra laid her eyes on Mr. Crepsley, with a small smile. "Gracious as ever, Larten," She noted. "And as handsome."

I bit my lip to avoid breaking out in hysterical laughter. Mr. Crepsley took the compliment as if people told him that all the time, and bowed again.

"And you are as beautiful as usual," He returned.

"I know," She said with a smile before leaving. His golden eyes followed her as she walked away.

"And you're as beautiful as usual, cupcake," I teased, my voice high pitched.

"What was that?" He snapped.

"Nothing," I said quickly, with fake innocence. "...Is she your old girlfriend or something?"

"If you must know, she was once my mate."

"You got a divorce?"

"Vampires neither marry nor divorce as humans do. We simply make temporary mating commitments instead."

I frowned, completely confused.

"Besides, you are not one to talk. Do not think for a second that I did not see that moment you and Ariel shared last night."

I felt my cheeks begin to burn. "Say what?"

"I know it was not you're fault, but it was silly of her to do such a thing, let alone in public. I'm sure the both of you realized from the last meeting in the Hall of Princes that the other vampires do not approve of her affection for you. It is simply a distraction from her duties. Did I not tell you a long time ago, not to fall in love with her?"

My face was as red as ever. "Mr. Crepsley, it's time to present ourselves. I don't want to be late." I took off quickly to avoid more scolding, or anything further on the subject.