Ninja is back! Chapter eleven is finally up! After the late-night write-a-thon I had I hope y'all enjoy it!

Ninja owns only Rose/Kayla/Lizzie.

BriarX my beta is awesome. Thank you for your help.

Chapter Eleven

After slipping my clothes off, I carefully slid into the tub, the warm water a welcome comfort despite Reaver's presence nearby. I shuddered again, the creepiness of the entire scenario making me feel sick. If he tries to break in I'll kill him. Simple as that… Right? I shook my head, not really knowing what was right anymore. In one day I went from an innocent teenager to a killing machine. An experience like that can really change your perspective…

I felt a single tear slide down my cheek, the cool droplet falling into the waters below. I was a bit surprised, confused as to what may have upset me. Why should I be sad? I mean, I haven't been killed or nothin'… Besides which, I'm sure the others are doing fine… I wasn't sure whether I meant Page and John or my family, but the thought brought memories to the surface, those which I have long since forgotten now fresh in my mind. Me when I was like five, my brother and parents all playing on the playground... Me at age ten when my brother Chase was born…And now sixteen year-old me, running for my life after the bus, entering this world, meeting the people, killing…

Suddenly, it all became so clear, and I felt like the worst person in the entire world. I would have killed Reaver. I really would have. Another tear fell, ripples forming on the still surface. I forgot who I was. I forgot my Mom, Dad, brothers, friends… A deluge of tears broke loose, my eyes blurry and heart pounding. When did I become a murderer? How can this person be Kayla? Am I really turning into… Elizabeth… ?

I was unaware of a knocking sound nearby, my sobs louder than I realized. After a while longer, I heard the undeniable voice of Reaver coming from behind the door, making me break from my lament in shock and worry.

"Rose? Is something the matter?"

I quickly shouted back, my voice unexpectedly hoarse. "Nah, Reaver. I'm fine…"

I heard a sigh, followed by a metallic clang. "Well, I don't believe you… Perhaps I should check on you, just in case…"

I felt my blood run cold, and I scrambled about, trying to direct him away from the bathroom. If he comes in here now… I felt my cheeks run red, and I retorted in a desperate tone. "No Reaver, I'm really alright. You don't have to come and check on me. Really…"

Despite this I heard the rattle of keys, the click of them sliding into the keyhole unmistakable. I felt dread rise up within me, gripping my heart with suffocating claws. Oh my gosh… I didn't secure it properly… And now-

The thought was cut short by a low creaking noise, followed by several slow, heavy footsteps. I saw a top hat pop out from behind the doorway, and I immediately tried to cover myself, albeit unsuccessfully. As he turned around I grabbed the nearest object, which was a huge bar of soap, and tossed it over, hitting him smack in the jaw.

"That was quite rude…" He rubbed his injured jaw tenderly, and I smiled inwardly, knowing I at least did something. However, my moment of happiness dropped when he caught sight of me, and a smile of triumph and undeniable satisfaction creep onto his face. "Well, Rose… Now this is how I would have pictured it!"

At that superbly perverted comment I grabbed another soap bar, chucking it at him. "Get out! Now!" I saw him dodge it with ease, his hands raised defensively.

"Rose… No need to be hasty… I'm sure we can arrange something…"I threw another item, a bottle of perfume, which shattered by his feet with a deafening crash.

"And I said, get OUT! Unless of course you have a death wish!" Another crash and I saw his smug form retreating, a final threat called out in a feverish manner.

"If you try to do so, I will call the guards. That is a promise!"

I threw one final item, this one hitting the wood door with a great thud. "And I don't care! Leave!"

With that he was gone, and I sat there in utter silence, the awkwardness of the situation making me feel all the more ill. The sooner I get outta here, the better. And hopefully he won't come with me.

Unable to concentrate anymore, I began to bathe properly, the now cooling water failing to mask that ghastly, dirty feeling against my skin, the filth a headache compared to the troubles I was amassing on a daily basis.

After finishing up, I managed to sneak out of the bathroom, quickly getting dressed. Sadly, all that was left were a few maid outfits, and they weren't exactly modest. However, with no sign of my other clothing, I was forced to reluctantly put these on, grimacing slightly.

Eventually, now in the 'proper' attire, I made my way to the dining hall, feeling a bit lonely without Barry standing by. My heart panged, the sight of his mangled corpse fresh in my mind. Clawed to bits by Balverines… His eyes lifeless and gray… The creature turning to me with hunger in its gaze…

I shook myself, eradicating all thoughts of death and decay. I opened the doors to the hall, groaning as I caught sight of Reaver's amorous gaze, and I quickly averted mine. Sitting as far away from him as possible helped little, as his gaze permeated my now trembling form. As I picked at my food I heard his arrogant voice call to me, slowly becoming louder.

"Well, Rose, after an eventful morning such as this, I suppose you are ready to begin your duties. Am I correct?"

I shook my head, my voice unwavering despite my nervous interior. "That depends on what you mean by 'duties'…" I saw him eye me with a bemused look, and I quickly added something more, returning to my food in haste. "I mean, the last time you sent me out ended in… well, disaster."

I heard him rise, making his way to my chair. I felt a small tremor run down my spine, and I tried to focus my food, but it was hard when Albion's top 'Casanova' was right behind me. "Not to worry, my sweet. This time you will be charged with much simpler tasks to be done around the estate. Cooking, cleaning, entertaining, whatever tickles my fancy." I shuddered, and his dark laughter made me do so again. I felt his breath next to my ear, a foreboding whisper, "I cannot allow another escape attempt, can I?"

I felt my heart stop, and I began to choke on my food. I heard him go on, leaning away and feigning ignorance of my impending doom. "Your outfit is quite exquisite… It really suites you, my Rose." I felt his languid fingers grasp my shoulders, but I still struggled with my blockage. His cool voice was only adding to the hopelessness I felt.

"Perhaps this is all for the best, hmm?" I grasped my throat in agony, hoping beyond hope he would notice. Eventually, I felt cold relief in the form of water reach my lips, the substance heavenly on my rough throat. I gasped, breathing deeply. I turned to Reaver as he placed the goblet back on the table whilst unabashedly admiring my exposed, if somewhat lacking, cleavage.

I pushed him away, glaring. "I should be getting to work."

Before I made it out I heard his voice ring out, the sound like a bell tolling. "Oh, by the way Rose, you now owe me three months of service."

I stopped in my tracks and spun towards him, shocked. "What? Why?"

"Well, primarily for your… assistance with my rowdy workers. Secondly for your little escape attempt, and in turn shafting your duties. And thirdly because, well, I just can."

I wanted to punch the smug smirk right off his face, hard, but held back the urge, memories of my loved ones at the forefront of my mind. And through gritted teeth I spoke, "Fine. Goodbye."

I walked out, all hopes for happiness dashed from existence. His voice was echoing in my ears, and I felt like I was going to cry, but stopped short of doing so as fear made its way into my heart. "Farewell my beloved Rose. Tatty-bye."

Chapter Twelve may be a while away, especially with so much work to do. I hope to update soon though!

I appreciate all of the reviews this has gotten, and I hope you all continue your support. Muchos gracias!

Ninja is out; Peace!