"Aria?" M. Luc Marcí calls.

"What, Luc?" I call back.

"There is a boy at the door. He wishes to visit you."

"Send him in."

I stand in the shadows, given away by my amber-hued eyes. He wonders where I am. I must admit he is rather handsome. Compared to me, he would be said to be short. But then again, I would be considered a giant stick or skeleton. I would say he's a little less than six feet. He has grey eyes that flash pale blue in the shifting light. He has raven black hair and pale skin. Very adorable. I think it may be love at first sight, I think to myself. I know my soul wants to protest, claiming no one would love a monster, yet a part wants to love him.

He speaks. "Hello? Is there anybody there?"

I reply, and my nervousness quickly becomes apparent: "Right here. I-I am sorry if I confuse you. I will come out of the shadows."

I step out of the shadows of the foyer. "What is your age, monsieur?" I ask curiously, my nervousness dissipating, being replaced by excitement and curiosity.

"I am 22, mademoiselle. And my name is Christoph. Christoph Leon. And yours?"

"I, I am Aria Guirre, Lord of Shadowlocke, Comtess de Guirre. And I welcome you to my home. Would you like a drink? Perhaps some water or soda?"

"Some water will do."

"Marabelle!" I cry out. A mousy, plain woman who looks to be a little under five feet enters the foyer.

"Yes, master?" Marabelle queries.

"Please fetch a glass of water for the guest. Bring it to the living room." She bows and hurries out. Christoph looks anxious. I tell him to follow me. We walk in silence; me, just because, and Christoph, out of fear, I believe. I invite him to sit; he declines, saying that he wasn't planning on staying very long. He may be bright and cheerful, but he seems to be very shy.

I decide to break the silence first. "So, Monsieur Leon, what brings you to Shadowlocke Estate?"

"Umm… Well… I heard that you were leaving on a trip, and everyone says you've never left before, so…"

"Yes, go on," I encourage him.

"I thought I would give you a gift to take with you. And a kiss goodbye."

"Why a kiss?" I wonder aloud, as my soul says, it is not my birthday, and I haven't been all that good...

"Because you have no-one to give you one. And I come from a family that believes everyone deserves to be kissed. Here's my gift, I did not know if you had any of these or not, so I got them anyway." He hands me a box covered in pretty paper and topped with a bow. "And you wouldn't mind a kiss, would you?"

I was shocked. He wanted to kiss me? He obviously doesn't know what I look like or doesn't care… But should I really deny him what I want so badly? "I will…allow it," I whisper. He steps towards me. I can feel fear rising inside me. And then he kisses me. Right on my twisted, all-too-thin lips. A most unexpected, pleasurable sensation floods my mind. He releases me and steps back. I am confused with all the conflicting emotions running through me.

"What was that for?" I ask him.

"Because you seemed so lonely." And then he whispers, "I think I love you, Erik."

My mind clicks. Why does he think I am who I used to be? Not many know about my truly ancient soul, for my soul once belonged to a man named Erik. But how would Christoph Leon know about it?

"Open you gift, I'm sure you'll like it," he states cheerfully.

I carefully unwrap the package. Inside are several books. Many I have never read. There is mystery, science fiction, poetry, short stories, horror, and regular fiction, all sorts—except romance. How did he know I dislike romance so much?

"How did you know I disliked Romance novels?" I ask Christoph.

"Well, one day I was out looking for something to do because I was bored. I often like to go to the nearest library on days like that. Well I headed there, and who should I meet? Madame Sonet! Well, Madam Sonet is very good friends with Andre Marcí, who is the son of your butler, yes? Well, she said that you would be leaving for the winter, and seeing that I was infatuated with you, she said I should get you something for a going-away present. She suggested books—anything but romance. So I did. You don't mind, do you?"

"Of-of course not, monsieur," I manage to say to the young man. "Thank you. I shall enjoy reading these."

"You're welcome," he quips. "I have to go now, I hope you don't mind."

"Oh not at all. Come, I'll show you the way out." I stand up and walk back to the foyer. He follows. Before he leaves, he kisses me again.

"Goodbye," he says.

"Au revior," I respond. Finally, I am free….