Author note: Thanks for the supportive reviews, it means a lot.

I held her until her sobs turned to silent tears, slowly running down her face. Eventually, she stopped and turned towards me. I felt a pang of sadness looking into her broken, violet eyes. How could such a lovely woman harbor such sorrowful feelings? All I wanted was to take away the pain and make her feel whole and happy. I wanted to kiss away all her troubles. Although, I dare not make such a move again, I had to remind myself that even though I wanted as much from her, she did not know me and may not accept such a gesture again. I gently pushed back a long, dark, strand of hair away from her tear streaked face and slid my hand from her cheek down to her slender shoulder instead.

I felt myself shiver as he ran his hand down to my bare shoulder. His touch sent waves of heat coursing through my skin, which had felt numb from the freezing temperatures. I closed my eyes for just a moment and leaned into his strong body, enjoying the feel of his touch. "I'm sorry about...this", I said while gesturing to my surely swollen, tear stained face. "Forgive me for such childish actions" I pulled back from him and tried to stand. Once I was on my feet, I straightened my gown and turned to leave but instead I took a step closer "Thank you…Jason, was it?" He gave me a small smile and took my hand, "Yes, Jason." Then he placed a gentle kiss on my cold hand. I shivered, but not from the freezing temperature.

I felt her give a slight shutter, it's freezing out here what am I doing keeping her out here just so I can enjoy her company. She turned to go and I saw her hesitate before the two separate paths. I smiled to myself. "May I escort you back to the ball Raven? It's the least I could do." She stayed silently still for a few heartbeats and then gave me a slight nod. I walked up beside her and offered my arm; she shyly slid her slender arm through mine and stepped close to me. I couldn't help feeling like the luckiest man in the world.

We walked slowly, despite the biting cold, and I began to understand a little more of this dark beauty as we talked. We conversed about simple things first, where we came from and such. It was nice and then we began to hold intelligent conversations concerning government, the economy, and several other topics of the same nature. I quickly learned that she was well educated and strongly opinionated, and I began to really enjoy the fact that I could have an actual conversation with a woman about things that mattered. Shortly after we finished discussing issues in the country, we arrived to the front of Sir Grayson's manor.

The clock signaled that it was eleven, the ball would surely continue on until well past midnight. "Would… would you care to stay with me?" I looked up at him and held my breath, hoping I could spend the rest of the night with him. After all, he was probably planning to leave soon, seeing that he only came to visit a cousin and would probably be returning to America for work, but if only for one night I was able to feel what might be the beginnings of love then I fully intended to seize that moment and make it last for as long as I could.

He smiled at me, a bright and joking smile. "You could not get rid of me even if you tried." I smirked, "Oh really now?" Then I felt my face fall and felt a sudden pang of sadness, "I am certainly positive that the witch of Bloodhaven… could turn you away faster than lightening strikes."

I felt my smile melt away at the sight of Rachel's violet eyes turn dark, as if the light inside of her was snuffed out as easily as a tiny candle flame. "Is that how others see you?" I tilted her chin up to look her in the eye and could see the same broken creature as I had in the dark maze. I felt my heart ache for her. "Raven, you are strong, independent, beautiful, and intelligent. Do not let the petty jealousies of others stop you from being who you really are, because if I may be so bold, you are incredibly of much more worth than the whole lot of them. You are special Raven, I know you are and so does everyone else. I know I hardly know you, I only met you tonight, and I know not of your life and the things you hold close in your heart but…If you would be willing to give me a chance, I would be more than happy to show you how important you are. If you give me the chance, I would do anything to show you that you are wanted for you and not your father's assets. Raven… I feel something for you, and though I do not know what it is myself, I am asking you give me the opportunity to show you. " I could not believe what words came flowing from my mouth. I must sound like a complete desperate fool, confessing these feelings to her like some love sick boy. What was I doing, I am twenty-two years of age, I shouldn't be acting in such a pathetic way. I inwardly groaned and kicked myself for my rash and silly actions. Never the less, I waited for her reply and hoped she would accept. I do not know what I would do if she turned me away, I couldn't bear the thought.

I couldn't believe what I had just heard. Someone wanted me for me? Jason wanted me? I could not think straight, my emotions were out of control. I could feel part of me rejoicing at the sound of Jason asking me to give him a chance, I could feel part of me retreat into myself for fearing what could happen if I went down this path, but I could also feel the dark part of myself sneer and laugh mockingly at my insecurities and at the idea of any man being able to completely love me. I could feel the self resentment and doubt that was residing in the deepest parts of my heart rise to the surface and almost choke me. I didn't know what to do except stare at Jason, I was frozen in place and words seemed to fail me when I needed them most.

As I remained silent, I saw Jason's hopeful and somewhat shy expression fall. He stepped away from me and nodded to himself it seemed. "Right" he said in a voice that conveyed an almost sorrowful feeling. "I am truly sorry for over stepping my boundaries and I apologize for putting you in such an awkward position. If you will excuse me I will be leaving now." He said in a cold voice as he bowed to me and took my hand to place a kiss upon my fingers. He turned to go and took several long strides before I was able to finally pull myself together. "Wait", I said in such a quiet voice that I thought he would not hear me and continue to distance himself, but he paused at the sound of my voice.

I felt my heart begin to pound at the thought of her telling me to stay with her. I hoped she would call me to her; I did not want to leave my beautiful angel of darkness. I turned to face her, she was still frozen in place up on the top of the steps that led to the huge front double doors of Grayson's home, but her face was turned to me and her eyes were pleading. She opened her mouth to speak but no words came. She looked down and tried to regain her composure; I went to her.

She watched me as I came towards her. "Yes?" I asked as I gently took her hands in mine. She closed her eyes and stepped closer to me, "Don't go… please". She looked up at me with a mixture of uncertainty, wanting, and hope in her violet orbs. I pulled her against me and gently placed a light kiss on her perfectly shaped lips.

I gave in to the longing; I would give him a chance. I did not know how this would end but all I was certain of was that with him I felt whole and it felt right. I must be crazy for thinking I could fall in love with a man I just met but perhaps this little story would turn out all right in the end. I sighed in contentment. It felt almost heavenly, the feeling that this man gave me. It couldn't be more perfect.

I touched my forehead against hers and felt a wave of happiness wash over me, something I had not felt in a very very long time. We stood there together, entrapped in our own world it seemed, and it was perfect. "Would you care to accompany me into that outrageously extravagant ball taking place inside?" I asked with a smile. She returned my smile with one of her own and it was like an angel granting me the greatest vision of all. "Yes, I would love to accompany such an air head, much like yourself." I looked at her with a mock expression of dismay and hurt, "Well you have seriously wounded my pride; I just might have to reconsider extending my invitation to you if you plan on crushing my manly ego".

I simply gave him a look which he returned and for the first time in a long time, I laughed, a good and true laugh. It was amazing, I knew this man for only a few hours and he had already infiltrated my secluded and defended heart.

She was already more beautiful than anything or anyone, but when she laughed she was breath taking. She really did seem to be an angel of darkness. I couldn't do much except to smile back and admire the beauty before me.

End of Chapter 2