We had been traveling for a few hours, it seemed. I didn't know exactly how many passed. But I was more than glad when I felt Eddie slow to a stop and set me down. I could hear the gentle roar of a waterfall in the distance. I slowly opened my eyes after having closed them for hours, and the sight, which greeted me, took my breath away. We were standing in dense foliage, but a few yards a head of us was, indeed, a magnificent waterfall. I could see Shadow and Starlight already at the waters edge, lapping it up greedily. Eddie took my hand and headed towards them. As we approached, the beauty of the waterfall was overwhelming. It towered over us, and the force of the water sent mist spraying on us. We stopped momentarily to admire this natural beauty, when Eddie started to lead me around to the side of the waterfall, where the water met the rock.

"Eddie, are we going to have to go through the water?" my voice leaked a hint of my nervousness.

"No, not exactly."

That still left me a little confused, but I didn't have time to ponder his answer when he dug his nails into the rock and scraping it, making a sound that was like nails to a chalkboard. I hated it! Immediately, I brought both of my hands to ears in an attempt to block out the sound.

Thankfully, he stopped. As I took my hands down again, the wall of rock he scraped moved, revealing a dark, hallway. Without a word, Eddie took my hand and entered, pulling me with him. No sooner had we entered did the door close behind us, plunging us into complete darkness.

I held onto Eddie's hand tightly, for I couldn't see anything. I had to trust him to lead me. We weren't in that darkness long though, for soon I could see a feint flickering light coming up ahead of us. I could soon see two torches, accompanied by two bulky men, who seemed to be standing guard.

One look at Eddie, and they immediately bowed their heads.

"Welcome back, Young Count" They answered in unison.

Swiftly, they turned and pressed their claws in five holes, one for each of their hands. Suddenly, light flooded into the hallway, as a door I did not see before opened in front of us.

I looked to Eddie, as to see what he wanted us to do next. He simply smiled, and offered me his arm in a gentlemanly way. I smiled when I realized that he was going to escort me in the old fashioned way. I placed my hand on the inside of his arm as we walked into the light.

What my eyes beheld was beyond all imaginings. It was a huge hallway, lit with dozens of brightly blazing torches, and an arched ceiling. There were elaborate decorations adorning the walls, from portraits and paintings, to a long carpet that was on the floor, which was the walkway. Its design was captivating. Deep reds, golds, and blacks swirled together in perfect harmony in the heavy fabric. A few small wooden tables and chairs stood on the sides, some plain, whereas others had small silver vases with red roses in them. Strangely though, there wasn't another soul to be seen.

That didn't last long, for as soon as we rounded a corner, the hallway had dozens of people in it, all socializing. Some chatting, others laughing, and a few arguing. I could sense Eddie quicken his pace as we walked through all of these people, who I assumed to be vampires, due to their pale skin and fine attire. I could see the ones closest to us stop talking or whatever they happened to be doing at that moment, and watch us pass them by. It unnerved me how much their gaze could frighten me, and I placed my other hand on Eddie's arm. He patted my hand with his, to show that I was fine. All I wanted was to get to wherever it was we were going to, and quick. I didn't like being stared at by so many people, human or not.

Luckily, we didn't have far to go, and before I knew it, we were in an empty hallway, at the foot of a grand staircase, with a large carpet flowing down its steps. I was so caught up in the splendor of this place; I had to remind myself to breath.

"We're in the royal halls of the castle. No one besides the royal families and chosen guests may enter here. You can release your death grip on my arm now." He said the last part in a joking tone.

I jumped when I realized how hard I had been holding onto his arm. I didn't realize they had frightened me that much.

"Oh, Eddie, I'm sorry! I didn't realize…"

"No, it's alright. I don't like dozens of people staring at me either, but for you being human, it must have been creepier for you."

I smiled back, somehow relieved that he understood how I felt just then. He seemed as if he was about to add something else, when suddenly we heard a shrill cry come from the top of the staircase.

Both our heads jerked toward the sound, and I saw a shape run down the stairs.

"EDDIE, YOUR BACK!!!"

I watched as a girl with black hair run up and hug Eddie so tight I didn't think it was possible.

"Eddie, you're back home! I've missed you so much!"

She took a step back and faced me, allowing me to take a good look at her. She had neck length black hair, and brown eyes which glowed with an amber intensity that rivaled Eddie's. She was shorter than me, but still of decent height. She wore a sleeveless black lace dress that fell to the floor, and black silk arm gloves to match it.

She looked at me for a moment, then to Eddie, then back to me again.

"Eddie, is this the girl you've told us about?"

"Yes."

He turned back to face me again.

"Kelly, this is my sister Selene." He gestured toward the girl. "Selene, this is Kelly."

"Pleased to meet you"

"How do you do?"

We exchanged polite greetings, and Selene opened her mouth to say something to me, when another voice came from the top of the stairs again.

"Selene, have you seen…OH MY GOSH EDDIE! Again, this new girl ran down the steps, but slowed down as she approached Eddie, and gave him a huge bear hug.

"Eddie, you really mustn't stay away for quite as long! Do you realize how much we've missed you?"

"About as much as I've missed you, sis?"

"More!"

She turned and stood next to Selene, and turned to look at me. Again, I used this to see what she looked like. Unlike Selene, she had dirty blond hair, which was angled toward the back, and glowing green eyes. She was slightly taller than Selene, but not as tall as me. She wore a short sleeved green silk dress that fell to the floor, but had a small v-shaped incision at the bottom, which showed her green slippers.

She looked at me with a curious expression on her face.

"Who is this?"

Eddie quickly did introductions.

" Roseline, this is Kelly. Kelly, this is Roseline, my second sister.

I smiled, becoming more comfortable with the situation with each passing second.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"And you."

I instantly liked them. Their eyes didn't creep me out like the vampires in the hallways did. Theirs seemed friendly, and welcoming.

I felt as if I should say something, but luckily, Selene broke the silence for me.

"You do realize that you can't wear clothes like that here, or did Eddie not tell you?"

My cheeks flushed as I realized what I must look like. Uncombed hair, a messy black t-shirt and dirt stained pants. I must've looked like a beggar to them! I could feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. But Eddie already knew how to handle this situation.

"Selene, I'm sure you would have few pieces of proper attire that she could borrow?" He smiled at the outcome he knew he provoked.

"Do I?! Come on, I've got the perfect outfits for you to try on!"

"And I've got a few accessories that you might like."

They both interlocked their arms with mine and started walking down a nearby hallway. I quickly shot a glance back at Eddie. He nodded his head, saying to go. I turned back and observed this new hallway, while trying to make sense of Selene's flurry of words. She talked a mile a minute!