Chapter 4

Eren's Pov

I ran to my room, feeling slightly guilty for what I was about to do. After coming home the night of our little argument, Mikasa seemed to be under the impression that I was no longer planning on attending the Brachen Ball. She had even made plans for the night to meet up at a restaurant during the time of the Ball, to make sure I wouldn't be going. She was going to go straight to the restaurant from work, and I was supposed to meet her there. However, it was just a lie to get her out of the house so I could get to the Ball. I know she would be extremely pissed off when I got back, and worried when I don't show up, but I know she will forgive me in time. For now I needed to get to that Ball.

I know we aren't the richest of families, but I still wanted to look presentable for the Ball, because I was definitely going. I went to my closet, pulling out the worn box from the top shelf. Opening the box, I pulled out the nicest robes I had, the formal attire worn at such events. The robes had been passed on to the first son born to each new generation, and now it belonged to me. I'd never had a reason to wear it before, but now I took it out of it's box, praying it would fit. Thankfully the robes fit me well, the tail coats curling about me in a way that outlined my body, saying "hey look at me."

The robes were completely black, made out of a material that was possibly satin, but I couldn't be sure, for I had never felt such materials before. The bottom of the outer robe came just around my ankles, splaying out around me like it wanted to wrap around to my front. The material clung to me showing off my slim figure; I hoped I didn't look unappealing. It wouldn't do to make a fool of myself at my very first Ball. Once everything was finished and I was ready to go, I unwrapped my new mask I had bought for this event. I would probably have to return it after, for it was pretty expensive, but it would be nice to feel special, for just one night. The mask was a simple black that only covered my eyes. The pattern looked lace, but the mask was a heavy metal that tied around in the back.

Once tied on, I looked at myself in the mirror, admiring myself for once. The mask made my big eyes appear sharper, and they burst with color, intertwining blue and green. I looked tall and sophisticated in my sleek attire, perhaps even mysterious.

Giving myself one last glance, I hurried out the door and saddled up my horse.

I knew Mikasa would worry for me, and I regret lying to her, but she can't control me forever. I am not a child anymore, and she needs to learn to give me some breathing room.

Sorry Mikasa.

Levi's Pov

Despite having already sent out my letter notifying the council of my inability to come due to "pressing matters," I still found myself riding to the Ball in my carriage. They had replied displeased with my continuous denial to attend, but asked that if I could not come to attend, that I at least bring a family heirloom to borrow for the display room, or else they would come retrieve it from me.

I couldn't have those buffoons roaming my mansion, so I begrudgingly had an all-too-pleased Petra dress me in my formal wear, and threw on my silver silk mask before being seated in my ride. I would show up, give them the chosen heirloom with a threat not to sully it with their dirty hands, and I would leave with a promise to return to the next Ball to retrieve the artifact, while also appeasing the fools with my "attendance." I would not waste one moment of my time in that dreadful place; I would be in and out in less than ten minutes. Just heading there was bringing back memories that are better left untouched.

When I arrived I could see that the area was already littered with humans. Some looked elegant and some had apparently not gotten the memo, for their masks were overdone, and hideously ugly. I shuddered in disgust, exiting my carriage and smoothly making my way to the entrance hall. My name was taken down on the guest list and my invitation stamped before I was let into the Ballroom.

I winced as I entered the bright room.

It had not changed one bit since I last attended over hundreds of years ago.

The room was vast and farther than a normal human could see. The ceiling was glass and was littered with gorgeous chandeliers made out of the finest cut diamonds. The floor was a beautifully polished golden granite. Within the center of the room was one large staircase that I remember well. It split at the top floor leading to two different corridors within the large building.

I grunted before making my way up to the staircase and taking the left hall, knowing it led to the display room. Once I was there I pulled the small box out of my pocket. It contained my father's pocketwatch, one of the last things I had left of his. I pulled out the old watch, setting it down on the table where my family's name was labeled. Each well known old family was asked this year to bring one item to display, as a sort of museum for the guests to enjoy.

I stood for one last moment staring down at all the items, before deciding it was time I take my leave. I left the room and made my way back down the stairs. I was just reaching the entryway to make my departure before I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to snarl at the human who dared put their filthy hands on me, before seeing it was the head of the council himself.

"Aha Lord Ackerman! I am delighted you could join us for this joyous occasion!" The large man chortled happily.

I restrained myself from tearing his limbs off, simply shrugging off the hand still resting on my shoulder.

"Yes, well thank you sir, but I was just taking my leave. Good day."

I turned to leave but the persistent man reached out once more this time latching onto my forearm.

"Nonsense, my lord! We haven't gotten the pleasure of seeing you in years! We would be delighted if you could-."

"Thanks for the offer but I'm not interested. I must be going now, goodbye s-."

I paused before I could finish my parting sentence. There was something different about the air.

Something...smelled different. But also, familiar?

I looked round trying to figure out what the alluring scent was. It almost smelled like..No, that was impossible. I turned away from the door, looking back into the crowd of people, facing towards the staircase.

My eyes stopped their search. There at the top of the staircase stood a boy.

A boy hauntingly familiar. He was tall and looked elegant in his black robes that swirled around his body, accenting his lean form. His hair looked soft as feathers, dark as chocolate. He looked young, couldn't be older than twenty. I couldn't exactly see his face as he was conversing with someone else. I strained to hear them, but even my vampire hearing couldn't distinguish what they were saying from such a distance.

I don't know what came over me, but I was filled with an urgent need. A need for something. I tore my arm away from the man, completely forgetting about him, and I walked with a swift pace to the stairs.

I never once took my eyes off the boy.

Once I reached the bottom of the stairs I could finally hear them. The man the boy was talking to had made a comment about the interesting facial wear of the guests, and the boy burst out with laughter. Hearing his voice made me flinch, but also at the same time made me even more desperate to reach him. It was a soft melodious sound that made you want to smile and laugh along with it.

There was only one other being with that voice. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be.

I now threw all demeanor out the door, racing up the stairs at this point. The only thing going through my head was a single chant over and over.

It can't be. It can't be. It can't be. It can't be. It can't be.

Please.

I finally reached the top, using more air than I had in years, and leaving all manners aside, I reached out grabbing the boy's shoulder and facing him towards me.

I was met with the biggest, most beautiful ocean colored eyes I had only ever seen once in my existence.

"Eren?"