Serenity didn't know what to expect when she and her group traversed through the tunnels of a vampire lair. So far they had encountered mainly men vampires, many of which were shocked to see three unfamiliar females walking with one of their princes. They were led to what looked like a mess hall when the scariest vampire she had ever seen approached them.

"Cassiera, what is the meaning of this?!" The bald vampire sounded angry and Cassiera winced. It took all of Serenity's will power not to run in the opposite direction from this tattooed vampire. "Why are there humans following you and Prince Skyle? In Vampire Mountain of all places?"

"Arrow," Paris spoke calmly, "do not frighten your apprentice so. You know she is practically bound by her ability to help travelers in need, even if they are not human like the three she has found."

"Not human?" Arrow walked closer to the three strangers and sniffed the air around them. "Indeed, you three are not human, but neither are you vampires or vampaneze! What are you and why do you seek shelter among us?"

"Sire Arrow," Cassiera touched the massive vampire's shoulder. "Please, let them rest. When they are ready, they will explain their situation to the entire clan." There was a silent understanding between master and apprentice that Serenity couldn't identify. Arrow looked directly into his apprentice's eyes, silently beginning to understand whatever reason it was for Cassiera to protect these girls.

"Very well, this matter will be dealt with tomorrow. Have Seba find a room for them with hammocks; I doubt they'd like sleeping in coffins. Paris, I shall see you in the Hall of Princes." With that he stalked out of the hall.

"Forgive him; the journey every vampire takes to attend the Council weathers even the heartiest of veterans." Paris smiled at the girls. "Cassiera, when you are done with your charges, I will be expecting you in the Hall of Princes."

Being left with the young vampire, Serenity and her group were introduced to Vampire Mountain's Quartermaster, Seba Nile, a kind, elderly vampire that dotted on Cassiera. He guided them to a spare cell in a different part of the mountain and even gave them a short history of the clan's home. Soon he was needed elsewhere, but he promised to have food brought up to them before he left.

"I'll see you girls tomorrow evening," said Cassiera before leaving them to rest. "Do not leave this room without an escort; you could get lost in the massive place fairly easy."

"Thank you for everything, Cassiera-chan," Serenity said as she sat on one of the hammocks. The vampire gave them a slight smile.

"Sleep well," and with that she left.

Cassiera made her way through the mountain to the Hall of Princes, not looking forward to explaining this to the clan. It was her first time to attend a Council—or even set foot on Vampire Mountain for that matter—and already she was stirring up trouble. She had given Arrow enough grief over the years since he first took her under his wing, she didn't want to bring any more drama to the clan.

"Cassiera?" The voice of another Prince brought her out of her musings. Clad in all black was Mika Ver Leth, the youngest of the Princes.

"Sire Mika, shouldn't you be in the Hall of Princes right now?"

"I wanted to confirm the rumor going around about three human females following you and Sire Paris."

"The rumors are partially true; our guests are not human, however. Tomorrow, everything will be explained at the Council, for it is not my place to elaborate on the girls' situation."

"I trust you, Cassiera," he draped his arm over her shoulders and began to lead her to the Hall of Princes. "I'm sure Arrow will trust you on this as well; your intuition has never failed you, even before you became a half-vampire."

"I hope so…" It was common knowledge that the terror of all things purple didn't hand out his trust easily, but with his apprentice it was different story—the robust giant had a soft spot for Cassiera even though she refused to see it.

"He will," Mika ruffled her hair making her smile. "Whether you wish to believe it or not, you have the fiercest prince wrapped around your finger."

"Why do you say that?"

"I think I'll let you figure that out and the reason why he keeps the men away from you." He let her go and raced ahead of her. "Come on, we'll be even later if you don't hurry up!"

"It's on now, old geezer!"

"Hey! I'm young! Paris is the old geezer!"

"Not when he can spank your behind in a race!" Cassiera zoomed past him. They both laughed and raced their way to the Hall of Princes. Cassiera had to make a stop to take her shoes off, giving Mika time to catch up a bit, but she was still in the lead.

Princes Paris and Arrow were waiting for the younger prince to show up when they saw a familiar blur of brown approaching them at high speeds.

"That's her," said an amused Paris.

"Meaning a certain black blob is not too far behind," Arrow chuckled before his apprentice came to a screeching halt before them while leaving tread marks in the stone path. "Cassiera, one these days you'll fall flat on your face and I will be too busy laughing to help you up."

"Arrow, you're so mean," she gave him an exaggerated pout face.

"We appreciate you finally showing up, Mika," Paris deadpanned to the younger prince coming up behind Cassiera. "If you're done playing around with your girlfriend we would like to get started with the meeting."

"Sire Mika has a girlfriend?" Cassiera asked, honestly surprised. Arrow sighed, Paris shook his head chuckling, and Mika looked somewhat crestfallen. "What? Did I miss something?"

"Oh, child," Paris patted her head, "stay naïve. Enjoy your blissful ignorance while you can." That just left her even more confused, and all three princes entered the Hall before she could ask any more questions.