17September

"Why are you here?" Zeke hissed angrily, he radiated anger from head to toe. If I was Loren, I would've pissed my pants.

However, Loren remained infuriatingly calm. "I didn't mean to interrupt you and your little human," he sneered at me, "just to remind you that I will be attending the Winter Ball, and mother has invited me to stay as a guest. And please do not worry; I won't harm your little human. There's no need." He gave us a mock bow then retreated with a smirk on his lips. So did his mother minus the smirk.

"So, what happens now?" I asked casually, trying to lighten the tense mood.

He turned and I saw that one corner of his mouth lifted up lightly, "Now, we find you a tailor and design a ball dress for you."

I gaped in horror, and then I realized I had one last defence. "I'm a slave, or so everyone believes I am, and I'm sure there are no pets in this ball."

"Is going to be a mask ball, you'll be in disguise. They won't recognize you." He raised a hand to block off my argument, "I know I won't be there with you but I'm not letting you out of my sight while Loren is in the mansion. You head what he said. Rix will be off to Switzerland to settle some business in the next week but he will be back before the Ball. So, he can accompany you."

"I just hope my dress isn't pink." Was the only thing I said.

He laughed softly, shaking his head. "Then I will make it bright pink!"

"Yeah, I totally believe that."

21 September

"I can't believe you snuck in again!" I glowered at Jace, who was crouching by the window side. I didn't expect him to come to me so soon, after his visit two nights ago.

He shrugged, and then turned to me. "I heard there is going to be a ball."

I nodded slowly, "Yes."

"Will you be there?"

"Why would you ask?"

He fidgeted uncomfortably; it had only been two days ago when he told me exactly how he ended up being a member of the elite vampire hunting society. They contacted him as soon as his sister was dead and offered him the chance to take revenge on her murderer. He accepted because there was no better alternative, he then underwent two years of intensive training all over the globe. Because of his natural athletic ability, he went on his first mission about a year later. He then later killed a vampire noble up in North Scotland thus earning the trust of the entire organization. But I could tell he was still being unease about me, about not telling them about me, and this mission from what they called 'The Invisible Tempest' involves high risk and is a top secret. He was risking everything for me, for which I'm entirely grateful to him.

"They plan to act on that night."

"What!" I gasped; shocked but then the reason slowly came to me. It was the perfect opportunity; everyone would be in the one place, including some of the most important vampire leaders. Why not just throw a bomb and killed them all? But I can't accept that, not when I'm so close to finding out who I am, how my parents died, who they were? Don't forget Zeke. A little traitorous voice whispered at the back of my mind.

"You won't be hurt, just run to me as soon as you hear the first bullet. They will know you're human and they won't hurt you." He measured his words carefully; I could see that in his eyes.

But I'm not, I want to tell him. My mind played back the conversation I had with Zeke yesterday.

"Carmen, I want to tell you something about yourself." He begun, his voice was calm and cool as usual. We were walking in the lush green garden, surrounded by tall tower of pine trees so that no one could hear us.

"What is it?" I asked, trailing my finger over one of the coarse leaf to calm my tingling nerves.

"You're not entirely human." He stopped walking and turned to me, his eyes searching my face for an expression.

I kept my face carefully neutral. "I know, I've always suspected."

"How?"

I smiled ruefully, "One time when I cutting up pieces of paper for a school project, I accidentally jabbed myself but there was no blood at all, not ever a wound. I tried cutting myself a bit deeper, a small stream of blood flowed out for about two seconds and the skin healed itself again." I freaked out for a whole term, wondering what was wrong with me. But I guess there was something abnormal about me, I could sometimes run for a very long time and I won't even puff. Sometimes I could jump higher than anyone without trying, or sometimes, even hearing strange sounds.

"Yes." He nodded, steel-black eyes revealing nothing, "Your abilities will begin to emerge as you grow older. Have you read the letters from your mother?"

"Not yet, Mr Jenson keeps ringing me up at night to tell me about the gown. Is driving me nuts."

A brief smile played across his lips, "I would imagine."

"Just remember, try not to show too much of your abilities in front of others. In their eyes you're just a slave. But in my eyes," He leaned in closely, a strand of his dark hair brushed my cheek lightly, "you're amazing."

The inevitable blush slowly crept over my face; I stared up into his dark pools of mystery, wondering what is going on inside his head. His emotions confuses me, caring and alluring one moment, hostile and cold the next. He's an ever changing storm that perhaps I will never understand

"Carmen, Carmen!" Someone was shaking me hard; I blinked several times, coming back to reality to find Jace looking at me with concern on his angled face.

"You're always drifting off when I'm talking to you, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." I directed my full attention to him, "so the attack will happen on the night of the ball?"

"Yes."

"That's only three nights away!" I protested, I can't make up my mind in three night's time!

He gave me a bitter smile, "We've spent three years preparing for this night. You seem nervous about it; I hope you're not falling for the vampire."

"They're not all that bad." The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. I knew I had crossed a line when I saw the look of betrayal and hurt on Jace's face. To him, the vampires killed his sister, they're merciless and evil. But to me, perhaps there was a different side, it occurred to me maybe there was reason behind those killings. Though still, shame ate away my heart slowly.

"I'm sorry, Jace." I mumbled, not daring to meet his disappointed gaze.

"I'm fine, I should get going." His usually eager voice sounded so dull that I ducked my head even lower, pinpointing my gaze at the snowy-white carpet. I only looked up long after he had vanished through the opened window, then a few minutes later, the salty tears finally slid down my cheek. It seems that, I have lost another friend, another part of my old life.

23 September

The air was humid today, though I caught a faint aroma of lavender as the cool wind meandered through the trees. I could feel Zeke pacing behind me slowly, dressed in a tailored dark suit that made him look too attractive.

"I don't see how that is going to work, you can't just object and say, 'Hey mum, sorry that I can't marry the daughter of an extremely important vampire and that I would like to elope with my slave.'" I said sardonically after five minutes of silence, turning around to face him.

He stormed into my room like a raging tornado yesterday when he found out that it was both his coronation and wedding day tomorrow. He growled on and on for a whole two hours about how ridiculous everything is, and how stupid and vapid Aislin is, and why Rix wasn't back yet and why this has to happen to him when we're so close to finding out the truth. The whole time, I was just trying really hard not to burst out laughing because I have never seen Zeke so out of control and angry.

"Do you have a better solution, miss?" He asked in the same sarcastic manner.

"Well, at least I'm not walking straight into my death bed."

"You're certainly being very helpful lately." He scowled at me, cold amusement marring his tone.

"Life's too short for me." I grinned, leaning against the cold window. "Tell me, how is Barbie?"

"Fine, she went shopping with one of the maids, complaining how there were not enough jewellery. It will be the death of me if I marry her!" He growled, punching the bed as if punching could solve his problem. I know what would, if I could tell him about the attack, Jace, Lupa, Richard. Suddenly, I'm wishing Rix is here, because he would understand. I don't about Zeke, whose mood is so unpredictable. So instead I just gave a soft sigh and peered over the window ledge, wondering where Rix or Zeke is right now. Suddenly a pair of arms entwined themselves around my waist, my heart rate quickened when I felt Zeke's warm body pressed up against my back.

"What are you hiding from me, little star?" He whispered into my hair, great, I have a new nickname.

"Nothing." There was the faintest tremble and I'm sure he caught it.

"Have I ever told you you're a terrible liar?"

"Yes, many times."

"Then why are you lying to me?" He leaned down and rested his head on top of mine; the smell of mint and leather enveloped me and took control of my senses. It took all my will power not to lean closer to him.

"I'm not, really."

"She's lying." An amused voice accompanied by the creak of a door, we both turned to see Rix standing in the doorway, dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans.

"My princess, I'm so honoured to act as your escort to the ball and Zeke, stop swearing, I can hear every word you're saying." He sauntered over lazily and stopped in front of us.

"That was my intention." Zeke mumbled and let go of me.

"Hey, crazy man." I gave him a high-five and accepted a hug from him.

"Hey, crazy is part of my charm. You see your dress yet?"

"No, and I don't want to."

Rix raised an eyebrow then smacked his forehead as if remembering something. "Zeke, your sweetheart is screeching her head off about you."

Rix and I were wearing mirrored expression and smirks, Zeke glowered then let out a litany of curses and walked out of the room swiftly, I picture steam coming out of his head and ears.

"So, anything interesting happened while I was gone?"

"Um, Rix. Think you can keep a secret?"

"Yes. I can." He answered solemnly, all traces of humour gone.

"Look, there is going to be an attack from Guns and Crosses tomorrow night. Don't ask where I got the information but there is, and some people will die. I just want you to evacuate everyone as quickly as possible."

Rix nodded as soon as I finished, not even doubting a word. "We know, the queen has been suspecting that for weeks. That's why I was sent to Scotland, we had to open some 'doors'. Most of the vampires are informed; however, she didn't inform Zeke or Aislin."

"Why is that?"

He gave a tiny shrug, staring off into the distance. "I don't know, was that Loren I saw walking down the hallway like he owned the place?"

I smiled bitterly, "Yes, that's him. But he hasn't bothered me so far."

"I wouldn't go near him; he's up to no good." Rix warned.

"I'm not planning to."

"Miss? The dress is here." We turned out heads to see Kayla holding a white bag; she gave us a small nod and carefully placed the bag inside then closed the doors.

"Well, go on. Have a look." He waved me forward.

I gave him an exasperated look and walked over and picked the dress up carefully, even though I hate gowns, dresses I couldn't say this wasn't the most extraordinary dress I've ever seen. It was a shimmering floor-length dress made with some kind of fabric I can't fathom, colours blurred beautifully into each other, it had a tight waist and a low neckline. There was something else at the bottom; it was made from pure white leather in the shape of a cat, with silver wire for whiskers with a pair of silver string to tie with.

"Looks like the belle of the night will be you, princess." I could hear the smile in his voice even though I couldn't see him.

"It will be a fine disguise." I mused as I putted it back into the bag.

Winter Ball

I was right for once in my life, no one recognize me as Rix escorted me into the ornate hall. Several people even stopped by to congratulate what a beautiful mistress he have, in turn I just smile and hide behind my cascade of dark hair.

"You look amazing, you know." We walked to a quiet corner of the room, and sat down.

I smiled, looking at him. "Speak for yourself." The tailor dark suit he wore with a white vest underneath contrasted the paleness of his skin, the sharp angles of his face. He wore an eagle mask made from the finest leather, mixed in with the tiniest flick of gold. This heavenly creature created an atmosphere of intimidation.

"Have you seen Zeke or Aislin?" He whispered, lowering his voice.

My eyes swept across the hall filled with glimmering gowns, it was like searching for a needle in a whole ace of hay. I shook my head in defeat, wondering what they were doing now. Rix eyed the two ornate thrones sitting high on the marbled stage, anxiousness crept into his dark brown eyes but then he suddenly brightened and pulled me up, "His majesty has finally decide to grace us with his appearance."

He was right, there was tall figure dressed in a dark-blue suit, wearing the mask of two wings approaching us, there was no doubt it was Zeke. From his scowl to the confident but slightly nervous way he walked.

'Your majesty." Rix dipped his body into a low body, since he was holding my hand. I was forced into a small curtsey.

"Cut the art off, Rix."

Rix chuckled and straightened up, releasing my hand.

"Hello Zeke, welcome to your funeral." I smiled sweetly

He directed his glare at me, though the effect was ruined by the two wings on the side.

"You would best go, your mother is sending daggers throughout the room looking at you." Rix stage-whisper and pointed at the thrones, where a figure was dressed in a bright pink gown, stomping her feet and shouting something at an elderly woman. We all winced simintonuesly and I turned my head to muffle a giggle, that's when caught the glimpse of metal beside one of the windows.

Rix and I exchanged a look while Zeke narrowed his eyes dangerously, a growl rising in his throat. "What is that?"

Either of us said anything, even if we did there wasn't a chance to be heard. Not over the exploding glass, the screams that filled the world. I looked up just in time to see a huge pillar falling over me; a wail erupted from my mouth. But it never hit me because Zeke had pushed me several feet away, and the pillar missed him by an inch.

"Carmen!" Someone shouted about six feet away, I craned my neck around to see Jace, holding his hand out for me.

In the instant, I wish the pillar had crushed me, where should I go? I looked at Zeke, fierce and protective waiting by my side. His dark eyes darting between Jace and me, I could see the clogs in his mind were already turning. Then I looked at Jace, his face streaked with ashes and his eyes burning with both rage and an intense heat, and turned to face Zeke. I need to find out the truth about my family and me, a life of rage is not mine.

"Let's get out of here."

He took hold of my hand and we scrambled hastily after Rix, I couldn't resist throwing one last look behind me shoulder. Jace was looking straight at me, and I knew in his eyes what I had done was unforgivable.

"Who was that?" Zeke asked as we ran down a flight of stairs that led to the hidden tunnels.

"Nobody." I replied, giving his hand a firm squeeze as we descend into the darkness.

Author's Note

Thank you, thank you, and thank you to all those readers who reviewed last chapter! Can we aim for 16 reviews till next time, I can't make many promises, but I will try my best to update within the week if it reaches 16. I will also be starting a new point of view, with a new character soon.

Love you.

-Alexe