The room around me was unfamiliar and dark. Of course that was most likely because it was night-time. There was a small window and I could see the small crescent of the moon. I had always loved the moon, it remained indifferent to everything but it affected everything. When I was younger and yearning for my biological family I wanted to be like them moon. Gingerly pulling back the blankets I got out of the bed and walked over to the window.

There was no way that this was real; breathing in the cool night air only confirmed the fact. The night could not be like this again, it had been tainted by the torture, as had everything else in my life. I turned away from the window and looked around the room again. It was then that I noticed that I wasn't alone in this room, there were seven other single beds in the room and I noticed the steady rise and fall that signified breathing.

Suddenly the room felt claustrophobic, I had to get out. My legs were uneasy but I managed to make it all the way across the room. It was hard to find the door in the dark but after a minute of probing I found the handle. I opened the door and had to shield my eyes when the light assaulted my senses. When I was used to the light I turned around to check on the other occupants of the room. No one had stirred.

The room was off from a deserted hallway, with plain walls stretching on past what I could see. I headed to the left groping the wall for support, I had come too far to fall and make a fool of myself. The minutes passed slowly and after a while my legs ached but I couldn't stop. That would mean going back to the darkness and whatever this was I knew that it was the better alternative.

I don't know what I was looking for, well I suppose I do; answers. The only problem was finding them. There was something important at the end of this corridor, I just didn't know what and it seemed like it was too far away for me to even reach. Eventually I found my way to a room that appeared to be the kitchen but it didn't look like the manor's kitchen so the only thing this told me was that I wasn't on Brazell's property.

The cook usually starts cooking at four in the morning so it was either very late or incredibly early as there was no one else here. I moved around the kitchen looking at the familiar equipment that had been used to cook my favourite foods. Speaking of food, my stomach rumbled loudly and I became aware of intense hunger pains in my gut. I had to eat but, unfortunately for me, I had no idea how to cook.

I briefly contemplated the possibility of finding someone to cook for me but I knew that I would get lost and then I would most likely die of starvation. It seemed that the only solution was for me to attempt cooking for the first time. To say that I was terrified was an understatement. I moved towards the pantry with trepidation, hoping that a miracle would occur and I would be spared having to cook. I didn't know who owned these kitchens but they probably wouldn't look kindly on me destroying everything.

Thankfully just as I was about to enter a man walked in. He was dressed in a crumpled guard uniform and his curls hung around his head in a dejected fashion. Overall he looked like someone who had fallen asleep while on watch. I was afraid at first but my need for food outweighed my doubts. With luck I could convince him I was a maid or another average fixture in a wealthy household. Besides, he seemed completely out of it, he wouldn't be able to tell me from a servant.

"Thank goodness you're here. I missed dinner and am positively starving but I can't cook anything to save my life. Would you mind assisting me?" I sounded perfect, a mixture of innocent and pleading.

He looked at me suspiciously before nodding his head. His lack of words surprised me; shouldn't he be asking me questions about things to do with the life of a servant? What kind of guard was he?

We spent the next few minutes in an uncomfortable silence. I didn't want to say something that might compromise my story and he just didn't want to speak to me. A part of me wanted him to say something; I hated it when I was missing things about someone's character and I couldn't figure him out unless he spoke. But he just kept mixing a batter, then he proceeded to cooked the batter and cut the final product into delicious, golden sweet cakes. They were Yelena's favourite food; a thought that brought the beginnings of tears to my eyes.

In an attempt to vanquish the tears I decided to draw the mysterious man into a conversation with me. "Did you just finish sentry duty?"

"No, I was doing some research in the library and fell asleep." The hint of a smile occurred on his face. The first I had seen.

"It must not have been very exciting, if you fell asleep."

"It's just a project that my boss wants done. Most people would be honoured but I think it's just a pain in the ass." He said it so bluntly I let out a laugh. My doubt receded and I decided to trust this man with my name.

"I'm Carra."

"Ari"

AN: I know I said I wasn't going to update until I had five reviews but I was struck with the inspiration stick and had to go with it. Congratulations to anyone that recognised Ari for the description (I had to look up what he looked like). I don't have a schedule for updating so please don't pressure me. Again, if you liked this story review (millions of times if you have to) it makes me feel appreciated and puts me in a better mood for writing. So in short, the more reviews I get, the faster I can write.