A/N- I must remind you all again, so that you do not think me lazy: this is a very very rough draft of my story. Everything that I have posted thus far is. I post it here so that I can recieve either praise or criticism for the storyline, characters, ect. But I know it's not perfect, so I do apologize for all the hiccups in it. I plan to go back over it and add at least 20k words to it, and revise it completely when I am finished with this :) Also, I expected this chapter to be much longer than it was... o well. :) Enjoy, I hope.

Chapter 11

Zuriel and Celine sat on one of the sofas in the library. A book, written on the subject of science, lay open in Celine's lap. Zuriel had prompted her to read the thing, at least his favorite parts. Though she was hardly a woman of science, Celine agreed, more for interest in Zuriel than for interest in the subject.

She had always imagined that men of science would be crazy, animated little characters. It was strange seeing the darkly handsome, aristocratic Zuriel informing her in a slow, steady voice, about the anatomy of a flower.

Then again, it was not so strange a thing. She had come to terms with his confession a week ago. She had contemplated it, obsessed over it, lost sleep over it, and in the end she found herself feeling just as peaceful about it as she had the first day he had told her. It was a terrifying secret at first glance, but now, thrown in the midst of a world where magics she never knew existed were bound to flourish, she found herself believing in almost anything. The world was not so scary when you knew that most anything was possible, both good and bad. It seemed more beautiful this way.

This was why she found it perfectly reasonable for such a stately man as Zuriel to be well taught on the subject of something such as science. Three hundred years to do nothing but soak in your surroundings… What a precious gift.

"How much do you know about science, Celine?" asked Zuriel suddenly. He must have realized that her thoughts were drifting off.

He sat across from her on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other and one arm propped up on the sofa back in a highly relaxed position. Celine sat beside him, her hands folded in her lap and her glossy eyes staring off into nothing.

She looked up at him, startled. "Ahhh… I have been thoroughly trained in the art of seducing men, and in the beauty of poetry. I know little beyond that." It was true, too.

Zuriel nodded and rose, planning to search for another book. The opening of the main library doors stopped him.

"Yes, Rhys?" he said promptly, turning to look straight into the eyes of a man that Celine could not see.

"Roland is still in bed, though he is almost fully recovered. It seems my original suspicions were wrong. He is hardly a threat, and I very much doubt now that it was he that was here before" said the man. His voice was slightly melodic for a male. It was fascinating to listen to.

Celine smiled to herself as the two men talked. It must be strange for Rhys, addressing Zuriel about matters of importance in front of a woman. This was rarely done in present days, but given that they were both used to a medieval atmosphere… very strange indeed.

She was honored that Zuriel chose to speak freely in front of her. It made her feel rather important.

Their conversation finished, with Celine not hearing the rest. She had been too lost in her own ponderings. Zuriel walked over to her, hands behind his back, which was straight as a board, and stopped just in front of the sofa.

"I am glad that that is settled. I am still uneasy about being watched in my own castle, but seeing as no harm was done, I suppose we can all get on with our lives now." A small, sly smile played on his lips. Celine felt the same relief.

"Now then. The sun is setting, and I suggest we both ready ourselves for dinner. Amara is planning a surprise for us both, I think… Even Emily is taking part in whatever it is. So be prepared."

Zuriel's announcement caught Celine off guard. A surprise? For what purpose? She voiced her questions aloud.

"I believe it is to hurry along our feelings for each other. Amara is quite the matchmaker, you see… Never mind that I found you on my own." He shook his head in slight amusement. "She is a mystery, that woman."

Celine blushed and smiled. Zuriel accompanied her along the halls until they reached the hall leading to his bedchamber. It was there that the two parted ways. Celine walked a little further, down a few other twists and turns, until she reached her own bedroom.

"Hello milady!" Fiona's greeted caused Celine to jump. When would the girl learn how nerve-wracking it was to not see her coming?

"Good evening, Fiona," replied Celine, ever patient. Realizing her hand was over her heart, something she must have done in the midst of her shock, she swept a fallen curl out of her face and turned to face Fiona, wherever she was.

It was no use trying to locate her, however, because the girl took her usual position beside the vanity before Celine could place her original location.

"In my opinion, gold would be a pretty color for tonight," she stated.

Celine shrugged delicately in response. "Alright."

She watched as Fiona pulled a gown in the said color off the bed. Given that it was not in Celine's wardrobe, she assumed it had been freshly made for her. A gasp was drawn from her lips as she took in the beauty that was the dress.

It shimmered in the light of the setting sun, who's rays poured through the open window behind where Fiona was holding up the gown. It was cream colored through and through, but a sheer gold overlay caused it to glimmer in every place imaginable. Fiona spun the thing around excitedly so that Celine could see the back. The fabric gathered over a very full bustle, and was seemingly held in place by three golden fabric flowers.

"What is the occasion, Fiona?" It took Celine a moment to find her voice. An unusual woman or not, she, like any other female, had an eye for beauty and fashion. It was not hard to recognize the hours of work that had gone into making this gown.

"Occasion? There is no occasion," replied Fiona. Her tone was mysterious- which was no small feat, given how apt Fiona was to gossip.

She happily helped Celine out of her old gown and into the new one, giggling excitedly all the while.

"You are frightening me, Fiona," said Celine after a few minutes of this.

"Am I?"

Celine sighed, giving up. Whatever it was that had the girl in such a state, it was bound to reveal itself soon.

With her hair properly twisted and curled and pinned up, Celine made her way to dinner. The dining room was lit with candles as usual, but this time there were more than Celine could count. Candlesticks glimmered over the entire expanse of the table, setting the crystal chandelier aglow from below. Zuriel was not, for once, facing the opposite direction of the approaching Celine. Instead he was waiting, with one hand laid casually on the back of his chair, facing towards her. One of his eyebrows was raised so high it nearly disappeared into his hairline.

He, too, was overdressed given that dinner was their only plan tonight. He wore a black velvet frockcoat, the arms of which were covered in gold threaded designs. He looked more the part of the prince he once was than Celine had ever seen. His boots were buffed to a high shine, and the sides of his breeches shone with the same gold color as his frockcoat.

"I think, by now, Celine, I have discovered what it is everyone is planning. But given that it is so much more fun when you do not know, I believe I will keep the secret for everyone." He pulled out Celine's chair as he spoke. Celine looked up at him, bewildered.

"Zuriel… that is hardly fair," she complained. She wished he could understand how frightening it was not seeing everyone, and knowing that they were up to something she could not know about.

"Just finish dinner and accompany me downstairs. If I am correct, everything will be revealed within the hour." He looked confident as ever. Celine groaned slightly, too softly for anyone to hear.

Amara did not serve them this night. Instead two males – as far as Celine could gather from the sound of their voices- ladled creamy soups and decadent vegetable dishes onto their plates. Celine ate quietly, both nervous and excited all at once. Zuriel commented to both of the servants, stating that they were dressed very nicely on this night. The statement made Celine wonder if the entire castle was dressed as they were.

They finished their meal with sweet desserts. Celine felt grateful that she had grow at least a little accustomed to the luxurious flavors her meals here had to offer. If not, she would have eaten her way to being a larger woman than even Zuriel could handle.

The entirety of dinner was a silent affair. It was not awkward, but the excitement felt throughout the castle made it hard to think of a sufficient subject to discuss. Celine was relieved when it was over.

"Now," said Zuriel, rising and helping her out of her seat. "If you will come with me, my dear Celine, I believe we will find out what all the fuss is about."

Celine giggled as she took his arm, sensing the mild annoyance her host felt at being outwitted in his own domain. He led her to the grand staircase. She felt confused, having thought there was little to explore on the first floor. When they reached the bottom of the staircase, he turned to the right and led her down a short hallway. Yet another right turn, and there were double doors to their left. He gave her a reassuring glance and pushed the doors open.

Immediately, music from another time began to play. It was medieval, if Celine could guess right. Cheers and clapping greeted Zuriel. Celine held her place a few paces from the door, anxious over the sudden commotion.

"Stop fretting, my love. They have only thrown us a ball," Zuriel explained patiently. Her questioning glance turned into a pretty smile. She took his outstretched hand and entered the ballroom with him.

It had not occurred to her just how many bodies there were in the castle until this moment. She could feel their heat, but her eyes saw none of them. It was enough to almost cancel her equilibrium completely. Zuriel steadied her.

Celine took in the room around her, which, according to common logic, must make up half of the first level of the castle. It was as vast as it was grand. Everything was bathed in gold light. A chandelier, so large it was a marvel it did not fall from the ceiling, sparkled softly up above. Not all of its candles were lit, so that the tone of the room was just lively enough to keep everything feeling bright.

The walls were painted with pictures of roses and sunsets and every beautiful thing Celine could think of. The tiles were a pure, pristine white. Marble pillars reached from ceiling to floor in a perfect circle around the room.

If ever Zuriel had somehow felt unworthy of Celine, she now wondered how such a feeling could have come about. Cursed man or not, he had truly outdone himself.

"Lovely," she breathed. He did not look at her, but flashed his ever cocky smile and stared straight again, to the middle of the dance floor.

Amazed as she was by the scenery around her, it still seems somehow unnecessary to hold a ball so grand. Surely all the servants saw each other every day anyway? But then, perhaps she was just being selfish. They had done this for her and Zuriel, after all, and she was not about to ruin the beautiful mood with her mundane questions.

The pace of the music changed to a slower, romantic melody. Flutes and violins could be heard, as well as instruments so old she could not name them. Zuriel took Celine by her hand and spun her away from and back to him.

Celine grinned at him, thankful now for her never-ending dancing lessons. She had not put them to use in so long. Even at her engagement party, she had spent so much of the night meeting and greeting those around her, she had not had the time to partake in the dancing that had gone on that night.

The shuffling sound of feet let Celine know that many others in the room were dancing around them. It was almost magical feeling, truth be told. She had always imagined that when she found the man she loved, it would feel like there was no one else in the room. Here and now, the feeling was literal.

Zuriel took Celine by her waist and lifted her from the ground while spinning both of them once around. She gasped in delight, and giggled, feeling truly carefree. He smirked at this. Such a lovely creature, his little captive was…

After a few dances, wine was brought to the couple. They sipped it slowly, off to the side of the dance floor, before finishing and returning to the festivities. The room was louder now, happy voices mixed in with clapping and music. It was marvelous.

Roland stared at the vile in his hands. The cork which had kept it sealed had been cast off somewhere in the forest. He was standing not far from the castle he had visited only a week ago. He could hear some sort of merry-making coming from within. It was disgusting; the thought of this positively medieval-looking place being the birthing ground to a party such as what was going on…

He had cast off the vile's seal only moments ago, as a way to prevent him from not taking it. He knew that if he did not have the top, he would not be able to keep the contents from spilling out on the way home. This way, he had to take it... there was no alternative.

The smell of blood entered his nostrils in a way that brought bile to his throat. He swallowed it back down, refusing to let it get the best of him.

He had to take this. He had been contemplating doing it all day. He needed Celine back. She was his property, and the thought of his property being stolen from him brought more anger to Roland that he could bare.

Celine's father had been no help since that day in the forest. He had returned to his usual routine of bothering every member of the high class that he happened upon. His other two daughters were no different. He was a marvel, that man. One moment he could not think or breathe without his beautiful daughter... The next, money had poisoned any righteous disposition he had left, and he could care less if he found Celine again. That was how it appeared to Roland, at least.

Without thinking, without breathing, without moving anything but his hand, that he may raise the vile to his lips, he downed the entirety of its contents. The first swallow was enough to make him vomit, but after that, it became easier… almost intoxicating.

It was not until he had drunk the last drop that he felt any sort of change. His stomach burned, and it was not from the acid that had been almost causing him to wretch. It was something else.

The burning sensation increased at a rapid pace, and then was replaced by a sort of soreness that he could not name. It was as if his skin was too small for his body. It felt too tight. He longed to burst out of it.

He felt to his knees, hitting the ground beneath him with his fists. He whimpered, stifling the scream that threatened to burst from his throat. Moments later, it was impossible to stay silent. He could not tell if he was he, or someone else who's cry could be heard. What he did know was he could not stop it, just the same as he could not stop the incredible pain that was pulsating through his body.

Back in the middle of the ball room, Zuriel and Celine glided between the couples around them, laughing all the while. Celine was sure that despite his constant smiles, she had not often see Zuriel laugh. And if she had, it was surely not like this. He seemed jubilant, though his sophisticated air never faltered.

Yet another song ended, and they both stopped to clap. Both were breathless, and from the sound of it, so were many of the couples in the room.

Though another song began, Celine was sure that no one was dancing. Zuriel had one hand around her waist, and the other was stroking a lock of her hair. She fought to calm her breathing, wondering what was the cause for the sudden stillness in the room.

Hesitantly, she looked up into his eyes. His laughter and smile had faded, and he looked very serious. He dropped the lock of her hair and reached for her chin. The action caused Celine's eyes to widen in shock. Her lips parted slightly, and she looked at him questioningly.

He pulled her by her waist so that she was even closer to him. Her chest pressed against his stomach, and she felt trapped. The feeling was somehow positive, however. She liked it, she found. He began pulling her chin towards his face, until their lips were only a hair's width apart.

No one in the room was breathing. If anyone was even there any longer… It did not matter. What did matter was that he was kissing her now. His lips were warmer than she'd expected, and the temperature burned her in the most blessed way possible.

The tenseness in her body faded into complete relaxation. She felt Zuriel grasp her more firmly by her waist, so that she would not fall. She sighed into his mouth, and the tiny sound seemed to bring the rest of the room around them back to life. Every human in the room erupted into applause. Celine felt Zuriel smile against her lips. She pressed hers back against his, completing the kiss.

Suddenly, she was giggling. Her lips still did not leave his. Zuriel lifted her so that she was pressed completely against his body, and her feet were no longer touching the floor. Finally, the kiss ended, with both of them breathless with passion and excitement.

When she opened her eyes, Celine found herself wishing she had not. The shock of the kiss combined with what she saw was enough to leave her feeling light-headed.

Every member of the castle's staff was visible. Every single one of them. They were all cheering, though if it was for happiness that the spell was over, or if it was because their master had just shared the first physical act of love with his new mistress, she was unsure.

She recognized a few of the faces immediately. Fiona was a red-headed young lady, with freckles and a mischievous smile. She was only feet away from Celine and Zuriel, and, like the rest of the people in the room, she was dressed far above her station, but in a way that suited her.

Amara was more beautiful that Celine could have imagined. She was older; at least thrice times the age of Celine, but her aged, silver hair and wrinkle suited her. She had aged gracefully, and her eyes were the liveliest in the room. Her hair was as long as Celine's, and curled delicately and prettily. She was elegant.

The man that could only be Rhys was almost as beautiful as Zuriel. His perfectly waved blond hair fell past the middle of his back. His eyes twinkled in a way that Celine was sure she liked, and he was dressed in the brightest shade of purple Celine had ever seen.

She was still in Zuriel's arms, lifted up to his height. Her feet dangled above the ground, and she wrapped her arms around him in a loving embrace.

Just when Celine was sure her happiness would never be more complete, a sound reverberated throughout the room. It took her a moment to register what it was… The castle doors, at the entrance. They had opened loudly, but why.

Zuriel did not let go of Celine, nor did he put her down. Instead he, like every other person in the room, turned to the main entrance to the ballroom, wondering what lay beyond.

A scuffling sound, loud and echoing, reached their ears. It sounded like some sort of a bear or wolf had entered the castle. But surely it was not large enough to open the doors.

The seconds passed and no one moved. Everyone stared dead ahead at the doors, waiting for them to open.

With the sound of a thud, they burst open. Everything happened very quickly then.

A creature that Celine could not name entered the ballroom at the same time. It was twice the height of anyone standing in the ballroom. It's eyes were bright yellow, and saliva dripped from its teethe, which were sharper than any dagger Celine had ever seen. It was dark brown, and it's form could only be described as half man, half wolf.

A werewolf.

Screams erupted around her. Zuriel slid Celine silently to the floor, and ordered Rhys to get her to safety.

Celine fell to the ground, fear freezing her body and mind.