Chapter 2
My eyes snapped open to the complete darkness of gardens. I had fallen asleep. I turned suddenly, finding the lights and music still playing as strongly as it had been playing only moments before. Shivering slightly, I walked quickly towards the doors, reaching my hand out to take the small clasp of the lock. But, for some reason or other, I couldn't open the door.
Looking up into the night sky, I found the moon shining as brightly as ever. Small wisps of clouds barely dotted the night sky, every once in a great while obscuring the moon and dimming the natural light it emitted. It was a perfect night. The breeze was as refreshing as ever, clearing my senses and revitalizing my body. I slowly took my hand away from the small nob of the glass doors and turned away, heading towards the railing that separated myself from the gardens.
I took a seat on that railing, looking up into the sky, mesmerized with the moon and stars. I hadn't even realized that Clara had discovered my new hiding place. She opened the door silently, smirking quietly to herself as she hurried to my side. Suddenly, she reached out hugging me tightly.
"Please, Clara!" I whispered in surprise, smiling. Clara released me, taking a seat beside me on the railing. She remained silent for some moments, looking into the distance. It took a moment before she said anything at all.
"Naiara, you know we shouldn't be out here." Clara said suddenly, breaking the silence. I shifted my gaze towards her, a small smirk on my face. She remained staring off into the distance.
"I know, but we should, shouldn't we?" I asked. Clara turned towards me, her eyes twinkling in delight. "It isn't fair that we can't enjoy the night as well as the day. Why do these things have to exist?" Clara's eyes darkened somewhat as she moved her eyes away.
"Come. Let us go inside. It's much to cold out here." Clara said suddenly, ignoring my question.
I allowed her to lead me towards the doors and push me inside. Once again I found myself in the happy scene I had left of smiling faces and jovial talk. I wandered through the crowds, Clara by my side, until I found my cousin William. He smiled as he recognized my face, calling to me and reaching his hand out to take mine as I approached.
"Naiara!" he said happily, squeezing my shoulder reassuringly. He had been talking to some of his acquaintances, and as I examined the small group. I found Anna Valerious to be among them. As my gaze met hers, I shied away. "Miss Valerious, my friends," William said, looking around himself. "This is my cousin, Naiara Aveire." The group smiled and greeted me.
"A pleasure to meet you Naiara." Anna said, when her turn finally came to greet me. I smiled, bowing my head in reverance. In her voice I detected the strong accents of a gypsy woman. In her gaze I saw only strength.
"Miss Anna, it is an honor to make your acquaintance." I answered. "I have heard much of your kin. I am truly grateful. Your brother and you have done much to help us in this time of crisis." I continued. She nodded in understanding. I looked past her for just a moment and found her brother not far away, his gaze resting steadily on his sister. He turned away suddenly finding me looking at him. I smiled and looked once again at Anna.
"Well." I said after a moment. "I think I must go now, it seems my mother is calling." Anna smiled and allowed me to pass. I walked to the other end of the room yet again, towards the large doors leading outside. I stepped outside, wanting so much to be alone, but I soon found I wasn't. Someone else had also felt the need to come here. As I stepped out, I found another man out as well, his back to me, staring of into the distance. He turned suddenly and smiled, finding me gazing back at him.
"I'm sorry." I said. "I didn't mean to bother you." He smirked and once again turned his back to me.
"It's no bother at all. I needed some air." He answered simply. "You can join me, if you'd like."
"I'll leave you alone." I said simply. I turned to leave but he called out to me.
"I would recommend you leave a bit quicker." He said suddenly, turning to face me. Panic had risen in his eyes. "They're coming." My eyes widened in surprise, looking past him.
He rushed me immediately, his hands pressing firmly on my back, pushing me into the building ahead of him. In moments we were inside. "Find Anna…Velkan… somebody!" he said suddenly, rushing through the crowds leaving me alone. I looked back only once to see the sky darken with shapes and forms.
A small ball of panic soon rose as those forms slowly became shapes: shapes of vampires. My eyes widened in panic as I quickly began to run through the crowds, trying desperately to find someone, anyone, that would be able to help.