It had been years since the death of the woman those in the surrounding villages of the castle called Queen. James had mourned her nearly every day but kept to his promise of raising their daughter with love and treating her like the princess she had become known as. He had also kept to his promise of letting her live out her life as a human unless she wished to be turned. Although he was against the idea he could never bring himself to break a promise he had made to his beloved wife in Kate. Although she had also made him promise to protect their daughter at all costs, he knew that meant turning her if the time called for it. Paige was now eighteen years old, she had grown in to a beautiful young woman and one who spoke her mind, there had been many times where she had asked why her father, uncle Mason or Chris never aged each time she received an odd answer from her father in James, her uncle would just smile weirdly at her as his eyes would turn the electric blue where as Chris had happily took the time to explain it to her.

"What do you mean she's missing?" asked Chris unsure of how the guards James had hired to keep an eye on his daughter had lost her, she was a precious beauty in the eyes of her father and also one most men in the surrounding areas wished to marry, although it was obvious she didn't want that herself. Chris waited for an answer knowing they would most likely explain what happened as best they could and hope it was enough to save them from the punishment. They knew it could be anything from becoming dinner to spending a few nights in the cells. "You had one job, protect her. How the bloody hell did you lose her?" added Chris waiting for one of the two to begin explaining, he knew Konnor and Viktor were supposed to be highly trained and almost feared especially since they were still human, hence why James had bestowed them with the job of protecting the princess, although it now appeared as if he had made a mistake choosing human's when vampires would have done a more sufficient job.

"She was walking around the market of the near by village, at one of the dress stores when someone went up to her. By the time we got over to where she was both the hooded figure and the Princess were gone. We were only two stalls down, but judging by how fast they had disappeared I would say whomever took her was a vampire" responded Konnor, he knew they had to explain what happened and hoped to god they didn't have to repeat it to the king, both men were aware they were working with the Children of the Night, hence why they couldn't go anywhere in the day light hours but were free to roam during the night, that being when they were at their most dangerous. "We will try and find her" added Konnor hoping their willingness to help would spare their lives since they had failed at protecting the king's only child.

"No" come the booming voice of James, the stone walls of the castle making it echo and sound more intimidating than it already was. The man behind the voice soon appeared, quickly standing by his close friend in Chris and looking at the two he had trusted with his daughter's safety. "You did your jobs and you are right when you said a vampire took her. Mason has also gone missing although he did leave a note behind" added James giving them both a sense of security once they realised they wouldn't be punished for losing her, instead they had gotten it right when they said a vampire had taken her although they were slightly surprised to hear the brother of the king mentioned, as it appeared Chris was too. "Go and gather the soldiers, search all castles with in our borders" finished James giving an order to the two men and giving them another job to do. He watched as they left quickly before turning his attention to Chris and giving him the piece of parchment he had found in Mason's room.

"Mason kidnapped your daughter in order to marry her" spoke Chris his voice full of uncertainty and confusion, he knew Mason was close with Paige but he had never thought the man would take his own niece in order to make her his bride. As he read over the note his confusion turned to disgust upon seeing how obsessed the other man had become with the princess, with his own niece. "What are we going to do?" asked Chris knowing James wouldn't give up until he found Paige, he also knew what that meant when they did find her, he knew James wouldn't risk his daughter being taken again, he knew James would most likely turn her in order to protect her and so she could keep herself safe without the need of constant protection. It was at that point James's eye shone the electric blue, the sun was beginning to set so that meant they were once again free from the stone walls of the castle they had called home for almost eighteen years. The people in the surrounding villages didn't see them as the monsters their kind was supposed to be, but as protectors of the land, and their royal family in the case of James and Paige.

"We do whatever we have to, to find Paige and bring her home" responded James watching with the others as the shadows began to take over the land, a smile coming to his lips as it meant the search would begin. "I'm coming Paige" whispered James before disappearing from the room and the castle. Starting the search for his only daughter and the last reminder of his queen he had, besides the paintings hung around the castle. He would do whatever it took to find her and bring her home safely. James could at least have comfort Paige would be alive when he found her, he knew Mason wouldn't do anything to hurt her, unless he was given no other choice. The obsession the man processed for her gave some reassurance that she would be kept alive.

Elsewhere in an unknown location a man with black hair and a single red streak waited in a cave, he was dressed in the clothes of a nobleman the same ones in which he had stolen from an unsuspecting man with the help of Mason. Mason at this moment was out looking for a place where he could settle, he had been planning to take his niece away from the kingdom she called home for some time, waiting for the right opportunity to arise, although he had admitted he would preferred to have everything set and ready for when he took her. The mysterious man had been left in charge of Paige, he had tempted her to the shadows where Mason had gotten her and taken her away, coming back for him and giving him the duty of keeping her safe and out of the way until he returned.

"Where am I?" asked Paige with a shaky voice, she quickly looked around her surroundings, the rock walls of the cave, the water pouring at the entrance suggested it was raining outside, there was a fire burning in the middle of the ground, just as some comfortable fabrics had been lain across the floor in the form of make shift beds although only two. Paige soon looked to the cave entrance seeing the same man who had asked her for help in finding something earlier on in the day or at least she thought it was the same day. "Who are you?" added Paige, the fear in her voice becoming more prominent than it was before, she stood up quickly and backed away into the furthest part of the cave when the man turned and come towards her.

"My name is Kevin Thorn, I was hired by your uncle to keep you hidden until he had finished with what he is doing" responded Kevin brushing his hair to the side slightly, revealing his normal brown eyes and a curious expression. He looked at her like she was something he had never seen before. "I'm not going to hurt you and yes I'm human just like you" continued Kevin giving her some reassurance that she wouldn't be hurt and that he was still human like she was. Although he would admit he was curious to know why her father hadn't turned her yet, he must have known the dangers of having a daughter that was human, especially when he was James the Vampire King in the shadows. "My payment is being your uncles apprentice, his right hand man if you will. I will be there with you every step of the way, even helping you prepare for your wedding day next year" finished Kevin, knowing by becoming Mason's apprentice that would also mean becoming a vampire just like his master is.

"I'm not marrying anyone. My dad wont allow it" replied Paige slowly sliding down the wall, and sitting on the stone ground, her fear getting up upon realising she had been taken by her uncle so he could marry her off to someone, probably to create an alliance with a near by kingdom. It wasn't long before water could be heard splashing at which both Paige and Kevin looked up, both seeing Mason stood there his hair dripping as the rain water fell to the stone ground. He looked around the cave seeing his new follower near the fire in the middle of the cave and Paige at the far side almost like the shadows would protect her and hide the fear she was no doubt feeling. Especially since she didn't know the full extent of the situation she was now in.

"You're father doesn't know what I have planned for you Paige. By the time he does find you it will be too late to do anything about it" spoke Mason, walking over to Paige, he could see her fear just as he knew she would never willingly agree to what he had planned for her. "I'm not sending you off to marry some random prince from another kingdom, nor am I going to turn you yet" added Mason upon reaching her, moving some of her stray raven hair from her face, as he did so he spotted the cut on her head just above her ear. He knew it was probably from the struggle Kevin had to get her. He had watched as she put up a fight when she realised what was happening, whacking her head off the near by wooden beam of one of the cottages and knocking herself out at the same time. He had also noticed Kevin had done his best to patch it up.

~12 months Later~

"Chris you're with me, the rest of you surround the church and make sure neither Kevin Thorn or Mason get away. One way or another Paige will be coming home. Their fates will be sealed by their actions" spoke James, to the small group of vampires around him, there were seven others including Chris, each one knew what they had to do and the entire plan. Each of them nodded before heading to the place they would be waiting for the signal, and when to strike, just as they knew to James it was an urgent matter due to this being the day his daughter would be forced to marry.

"Care to clarify why we are waiting until the minister asks if anyone knows why they shouldn't be married?" asked Chris knowing it was probably to give Mason a false sense of security. "Other than for dramatic purposes" added Chris guessing it was also for a dramatic entrance, he knew Paige would be hoping her father would come for her, just as James would never give up until he found her and took her back to the place where she belonged and at her happiest. Storm's Landing as the place had become known as. James soon looked over to his oldest friend and most trusted advisor a small smile coming to his lips at being able to see and rescue his daughter although that began to fade upon remember the cost of making sure she wasn't going to be a victim again. "She'll understand eventually, even if she isn't too happy about it to begin with" finished Chris knowing more than anything James worried about the happiness of his daughter and her well being like any good father would.

"I'm just happy we found her. And I know she's going to be angry about being turned but its the only way to make sure no one else uses her to further their own gain against me or us" responded James, he knew what he was about to say next would show Chris his loving fatherly side rather than the vampire king in the shadows mode. "I spent the last year without her around, I don't think I could live my immortal life as a vampire without her there. I already have to live it without Kate, I couldn't bare the suffering without Paige too" continued James seeing Chris just nod to him, he was one of the few followers who had seen this side of him, who had seen his fatherly side rather than the leader he had become known as. "There's our cue" finished James hearing the minster ask the question he had been waiting for.

"I object and I'm pretty sure so does the father of the bride" spoke Chris from the entrance seeing the relief come to the features of Paige when she realised someone had come for her, he like James could see she was beginning to give up hope of someone coming for her. Chris soon stepped aside revealing James to be there, how Paige picked up the front of her dress and ran towards the only remaining parent she had left. Both men could see the faint bruises as well as scratches here and there from where Mason had no doubt attempted to get her to submit to his wishes, it was also incredible clear she had put up a fight against him. "Come on Paige lets get you home while your dad deals with Mason" whispered Chris quickly wrapping a blanket around her shoulders before securely taking hold of her and leaving the church, heading back to the castle they both called home. As soon as James was sure they were gone he turned his attention to the man who had taken his daughter from him, a stern look mixing with his anger, as well as the over all concern of his only child.

"It was going to happen sooner or later brother. There isn't anything you can do to prevent it happening again either" spoke Mason turning his attention to his younger brother, seeing the way James looked at him along with the anger that was obvious to see. "She's would be a prize for any man, you can't keep her locked away forever. If not me then someone else will take her from you" quickly added Mason, almost like he thought his words would persuade his brother to see things the same way he himself did. It was almost like he believed he was untouchable or would go unscathed for the crime like actions he had committed. Kevin Thorn however noticing something wrong tapped his master on the shoulder and pointed to the expression the king held rather than the way the king walked. The man was still yet to utter a word to his older brother and kidnapper of his daughter.

"No one will take her away against her will, nor will they be able to victimise her again" calmly spoke James although the anger was burning in his eyes and almost radiating from his body, hints of it could be heard in his voice. "Paige is my daughter, my only child not something you can use to your own means. She trusted you, I trusted you and instead of protecting her, you rip her away from everything she knows, hurt her and attempt to force her into a marriage" added James his voice slowly getting louder the more he spoke and with every step he took towards the two men, he could see that Kevin was a vampire, the way his eyes shone the electric blue when he was fearful of something gave it away. The man was still yet to control his emotions.

"You don't have what it takes to stop me. There isn't anything you can do to prevent me trying again. We both know eventually I will get what I want and there isn't anything you or anyone can do about it" replied Mason, a smug smile on his lips as he took of the jacket he had been wearing, his gaze soon turned to the now empty almost abandoned church, the seats empty some being turned over from the panic of those in attendance upon seeing vampires there, the decorations still in place where as the cloth ones blew slightly in the wind. Once again Kevin seeing there was something off about James, the way he looked to Mason gave it away. His eyes appeared to be absent of all emotions. "I will eventually win and Paige will be mine" finished Mason, holding his arms out as if to motion to what would eventually happen, to what James wouldn't be able to stop although he crashed this particular attempt.

"I will do whatever it takes to protect my daughter" quietly responded James, his voice barely above a whisper. He soon used the vampire speed to get over to Mason within a blink of an eye, quickly pulling the curtain that obstructed the sunlight and exposing his brother to it, while remaining in the shade as the man who blindly followed his brother got to the shaded area fast enough to save himself. The screams of Mason echoing around the empty wooden structure and ringing in the ears of both men, the steam coming from the grown man was soon replaced by the burning flames as his eyes turned to the electric blue of the vampires. James no longer able to bare the screams quickly left, knowing the sun set would only last a few more minutes. He knew if Mason survived then he would once again target Paige.

Back at Storms Landing, Chris had gotten Paige back to the castle having carried her to her room, the room James had left untouched since he had so much hope she would come back. He knew James would be back soon, more than likely making his decision on what to do and weighing up the pro and cons of what he had planned on his way home. Chris could now see the extent of her injuries caused at the hand of Mason or his apprentice in Kevin Thorn. The healed broken bones, the painful bruising to several areas and the scratches on her arms that appeared as defensive wounds, he could see she had been in hell for her duration as a captive to her uncle, just as he seen the surprise that they had gone to get her in the first place. It wasn't long before he turned to the door, just in time to see James walking through, an unreadable expression on his features along with one of anguish over something he had no doubt done to protect his precious daughter.

"I'm going to turn her" spoke James before taking hold of her hand, rubbing his thumb over her fingers, remembering the happier times they had spent together. Remembering just how much she reminded him of Kate and how lost he was without either of his special girls around. He couldn't bare to lose his princess in any way, especially not in the same way he had lost her mother, he couldn't bare to lose her to death. "Forgive me Paige, but its the only way to keep you safe and save my own heart from the pain of losing you" whispered James before biting down on her wrist, hearing her scream out in pain and most likely shock of the sudden feeling of teeth clapping down on her wrist and breaking the skin there, he soon let go when he was sure she would turn. He knew a single bite could turn a normal human in to a vampire. After al it was a single bite from the creature in the night that had turned both Chris and himself near enough two decades before hand.

"She'll sleep through the transformation, although you might want to train her to control her vampire side" spoke Chris knowing the castle would no longer be home to vampires and human's. Instead it would only be home to those who lived in the shadows and shied away from the sunlight. He knew once Paige woke up she would no longer be the beauty in the shadows but a vampire princess, both men could only guess how powerful she would be as a vampire although they knew she wouldn't be easily victimised again. Chris had by now guess what happened with James, the burn marks on his clothes from where he was no doubt caught by the sun giving it away, he knew Mason was likely to be nothing more than ashes now, his apprentice even joining him or running for his own life, afraid of what the King in the Shadows would do if he should even catch him.