Lena's father continued to hold her arm as he guided her to where the celebrations were going to be held, and Lena allowed him to continue forward.

The overwhelming feelings that she experienced just before had long disappeared, leaving her with nothing but dread. It crushed her and hunched her shoulders, as though there was an invisible weight bearing down on them.

She didn't want to be here anymore and just wanted to go back home.

Uta's home...

But the feeling of betrayal still lingered round her like a bad smell. Even though she somehow knew he hadn't really betrayed her, just the thought of it left a bad taste in her mouth.

As they drew nearer to the dining hall, the sounds of many ghouls chattering filled their ears. This was the last thing Lena wanted - for others to see her wallowing in her own sadness.

She inwardly sighed and stole a glance at the male ghoul who was closely sticking to them from behind.

He locked eyes with her and gave a reassuring nod. In that moment her nerves calmed down a little, but not a lot.

They were still frayed at the edges and she just hoped that she didn't make a fool out of herself.

She put on her best smile and donned her Bloody Red facade.

No one would notice her actual feelings just by looking at her.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my precious daughter!" Her father made his presence known as all three of them entered the dining hall. They were greeted by silence as each ghoul looked in awe at the notorious, beautiful Lena, who stood next to their leader.

Everyone who was everyone knew the name Bloody Red. This only reinforced just how famous she really was and it was the first time anyone had actually been this close to her. The auction didn't really count, seeing as she was wearing her mask and was on the stage.

Her beauty was unparalleled and her methods of feasting on humans was second to none.

It was no wonder why her father was constantly bragging about her and the potential she possessed. One day she could be one of the top amongst the ghouls, and they were happy that they would be around to witness it.

Her face was like a mask, without a mask, and it was just her eyes that showed a little of her true feelings, but you would have to be close to her to distinguish it. Something Uta was and she hated that fact.

But it wasn't the ideal time for them to get out of there.

The timing had to be perfect...