Thank you for those who are waiting patiently for my story to evolve. I appreciate you! I also want to think those special people who messaged me (you know who you are!). Although, Victoria will not be meeting her new master in this chapter there are a few important things in here. I think the pace is a little slow but that might just be me because I'm the one writing the story. I don't like to rush things and I try to be somewhat realistic.

I want to think my faithful reviewers =) You guys are the best.

Andrea: Glad you like my writing style, I kinda hate writing in 1st person sometimes.

Nashvillona: Thank you!

I know there were more of you and I would LOVE to respond to all your reviews, but unfortunately I can't always do that. Every time I update though, I do take the time to do so.

Hope you decide to review. Enjoy the chapter =)

~Dearcupcake~

"Careful," I growled, shooting a distasteful look at Laurent.

His grip didn't loosen as he continued to drag me nonchalantly through the open door. We entered a dark hall and he quickly stopped, pulling me close to him.

"Once you're through this door you get that smug little look off your face and act appropriately," he warned. "I have no time to deal with someone childish and unwilling to listen."

"Childish? I have a right to be."

Not paying attention, he roughly pulled me forward and grabbed the handle of the iron door. He pulled the door open easily with a swift movement of his strong hand. Sunshine hit my eyes angrily the moment he did. I could feel the cool breeze whip my face softly. Shielding my eyes, I turned to him.

"This is underground?" I asked.

"It sure is. Look," he pointed.

I didn't really expect what I saw. Lush tress, green grass, thick clouds and a heavy population of people carelessly roamed the streets. Small shops and food stands stood at every corner I could see. People lined up eagerly buying and scanning. I could also see advertisements and decent-sized shops up ahead. I mean the place was nothing short of ordinary. It looked like a normal living environment, like Earth, but underground. Everything seemed so routine.

"Looks normal," I commented.

"Aside from the vampires, yes."

"I kinda expected medieval times and a dark underground chamber with no sunshine," I admitted.

"You mortals are so uneducated. You haven't even seen the city," He scowled.

"Hey!" I snapped, "We are more accomplished than you think."

"Oh really? I'm sure you know absolutely nothing about vampires."

"Oh please," I sighed, "We've all read it in books. You're smart, fast, a blood sucker, incapable of eating real food, can smell miles away, have perfect scenes, naturally don't sleep, read minds...blah blah blah."

"Smart?" He countered. "I guess that depends on what vampire you meet. Those who put the effort to be educated are considered intelligent in our world. Most of us do. However, humans are lazy, vile creatures that find nothing better to do than entertain themselves."

"Well that's just a misconception you vampires have of us. At least I was able to tell you what I knew about them."

"I wasn't done," he interrupted. "We can eat real food. However, that will not sustain us alone, our strength will be limited, leaving us weak. Without blood, a vampire is not himself. He looses control of all senses and fights to get what his body hungers for, no matter the cost. We don't read minds but we do hold special abilities. Oh, and I have no idea where you came up with the idea that we don't sleep. In fact, we do. You humans require several hours while we only require at least three hours a week."

"Lifespan?" I asked.

"Plenty. Nothing more. Nothing less."

"Sunlight?"

"We wouldn't be standing out here if it harmed me."

"Well then...that's a lot of information."

"Well I'll just let that marinate in that tiny little brain of yours then."

"Excuse me?" I spat.

"You heard me. Stop talking and move."

"Humph."

People stared at me curiously, gaze fixed entirely on me.

"Rude," I muttered.

"It's you face."

"Real mature," I gawked.

"I'm serious. Your cheeks look inflamed."

"Oh..." I muttered looking back at them wearily.

We continued walking as more people stopped to watch. Some whispered, others laughed, some even pointed. It was annoying. I often observed each of my spectators eyes, noticing those unnatural irises that gave them such exquisiteness. No doubt they were vampires. They were beautiful creatures. Perfect posture, beautiful porcelain faces, and striking features. I even found myself admiring these immortal monsters. How could something so dark be so beautiful?

They hunted humans to survive, yet we've never done anything to them. Nothing at all. Of course, could I blame them? We were their only means of survival. They were cursed to live, to feed. Was there no other way though?

No. Stop.

They're monsters. They're ruthless killers that trod their feet upon us. The only value they found in us is our blood. We are nothing more to them.

I never dreamed that I would be coming here. I was always somewhat superstitious, but never did vampires cross my mind. Yes, we have read about them in books, but all that seemed to be myth, unreal and too incapable to be true. Yet here I was, in a community full of them.

However, some of them caught my eyes, some that appeared to be normal. Humans perhaps?

"Are these all vampires?" I asked suddenly.

"No."

I sighed frustrated with his short answer, "Explanation please?"

"You ask too many questions."

"I want to know though. I mean, if I'm going to stay here, I might as well learn," I paused, "Educate me."

He looked at me hesitantly before responding. "Those are humans. They are free to live among us. Some masters are considerate enough to let their slaves go and live a normal life, while others perform deeds to earn their freedom from their masters. Some you see here are just lucky slaves living under a good master's roof," he explained.

"Oh, doesn't that cause conflict with the whole blood lust thing?" I asked.

"Not necessarily. At one point, all these humans were someone's possession and still hold the mark of their master. In other words, each slave gets an imperishable ownership mark on their right ankle that lets others know who he or she is owned by. Even if slaves are now at liberty, they will always have a mark forbidding any vampire to feed on them."

"Or what?" I asked.

"They are put to death."

"So you protect our kind?" I asked.

"In this case, yes. It was decided long ago. Elders were against it but many masters advised that slaves be left alone after release. They agreed that humans would still help our community thrive with their labor."

"Oh, so who are Elders?"

"Vampires who have lived ages become Elders. Their wisdom is much and they make the final decisions with the exception of the king of course."

"I see. So you're telling me there is a good chance I can be free?"

"I highly doubt it. These slaves are just lucky. Not many masters ever do that. Even so, you would still be working for us. Besides, your master may not even mark you, meaning that you are the perfect prey to us."

"Well thank you for your comforting words," I muttered sarcastically.

"Anytime," He smirked.

As we continued forward, we came to a busy building where multitudes gathered in large lines. Many ran in and out of it, busily making their way back to the busy streets. It looked like a place that obviously held importance, considering the large amounts of people spewing out of it. An evident sign that I couldn't miss stood in front of it reading, "Slave trade."

"This needs to be outlawed," I frowned.

Ignoring me, Laurent pushed his way through the busy crowd, pulling my chains rather savagely. I stumbled behind him as he reached the entrance where a guard stood. Edging me closer to him, he presented me to the guard.

"New slave from Ethan's quarters," Laurent told him.

"She's young."

"Fresh bloods get the best money," He responded with a mischievous grin.

The guard smiled darkly and looked at me, his eyes lingering a little longer than they should.

"Pretty little thing," he observed.

"I could have done better," Laurent responded.

"You little-" I started.

"Shut up," his attention focused on the guard, "So you letting us in or not?"

I couldn't believe this guy! One night he texts me saying how good I look naked and now he's saying he could have done better?

"Ah, yes why not," he motioned for us to come inside, "Richard is waiting."

The building was rather large and it seemed to hold many compartments and rooms. Despite it's size, it smelled musty and humid. I heard outbursts of angry complaints as guards shoved new slaves into large transparent glass cells. Many bystanders watched curiously, pointing with thoughtful looks on their faces. I could hear many of them discussing what slaves to purchase. It was sickening.

"Ah. Laurent!" A voice spoke behind us, "Who is this? A new slave I presume?"

I turned to see a tall blonde young man that looked to be in about his early thirties. His emerald green eyes glistened brightly, focusing on me. For the most part, he didn't look very dangerous.

"Richard, let me introduce you to Victoria," he smiled.

"Ah, Victoria. A new slave. How much money will you make us today?" He asked.

"I'm worth more than anyone could pay for..." I growled.

"Stubborn. Well, lets get her settled then," he motioned for one of the guards. "Take her," he said, "An empty one."

"You don't want me to put her with the others?" The guard asked.

"No no! They are days old, put her in a clean cell."

The guard nodded and firmly grabbed my arms. "Come," he demanded.

"Well, I have more work to do. Ethan's waiting."

I shot a menacing glare at Laurent.

"So that's it? No goodbye?"

"Not any nice ones anyways," he answered. "Have fun," he said with a wave of his hand before turning around. I growled as I watched him leave.

'I hope I never see your little ass again anyways,' I thought.

Onlookers watched me carefully as the guard shoved me into an empty cell.

"Behave," he warned leaving me there.

From across the room I could see Richard grinning at me, eyes dark and deranged.

'Creepy,' I shuddered.

There I stood alone and isolated, mad at the world. People now encircled my cell. Now what? Just stay here till someone picks me up? I think not. I would give them a hard time.

"You vampires are pretty pointless," I said. "I mean, can't any of you do your own dirty work?"

Many of them shot hateful glares at me, hissing as they did so. I smiled quite satisfied with their reaction.

The guard gave me a warning glance. I knew this would end up being a loosing battle and I was too tired to argue anyways. Hesitantly, I sat down in the cell corner giving those vampires the dirtiest look I could manage. Childish? Yes. Effective? Definitely.

Sinister eyes looked at me hatefully.

"Look at her wounds," a woman spoke, "She's defiant."

The man next to her nodded without taking his eyes off me, "Good for nothing."

How dare they say I was good for nothing. I fought and this is what I got. It had nothing to do with not being good enough.

"Oh you'll get used to it," said a voice beside me. To my surprise it was a young girl in a cell next to mine. Her soft brown eyes looked into mine kindly. Her soft cherry curls hung lifelessly past her shoulders, matted with dirt and her face caked with filth. She appeared drained and completely burned out. Her posture displayed her discomfort. I looked at her with pitiful eyes. Is that what I would become?

"Don't look at me like that," She laughed half heartily. "You'll give me a heart attack."

I blinked and quickly shifted my expression to a less concerned one. I was unsure of what to say. I decided I would introduce myself.

"I'm Victoria."

"Ami," She smiled.

"How long have you been here?" I asked.

"Oh days, maybe months. I've lost track."

I looked at her with an astonished expression, "What have they done to you? I mean, I don't want to be rude but you look, well-"

"Appalling? Oh I know. My master didn't want me anymore so he sent me here. I've been waiting to be purchased, if that's even possible looking like this."

"Why does he not want you?" I questioned.

"I'm an old toy..." she smiled slightly. "I'm not fun anymore. I no longer fight. I no longer scream. Nor do I care what he does to me. He lost interest."

Rage burned within me. That poor girl was mistreated and given away all because she was no longer fun? Why would someone do that? Why would someone enjoy to see someone suffer?

"Don't give up..."

"What?" she asked looking at me with perplexed eyes.

"Keep fighting."

She looked at me like she had never heard it before. So brainwashed. So dead.

People seemed to be listening in on our conversation.

There was a long pause between us.

"I...I just don't see the point," she finally said.

I clenched my fist.

"Why?" I cried. "You can't let people walk all over you like that!"

She didn't speak. Her emotionless gaze held mine.

I stood up, "Listen to me Ami, you can't just assume that it's all over." I pressed my hand on the cold hard glass, looking at her with burning eyes. "We fight because we want to live,"

She looked down as tears trickled from her face. "Just look at you," she whimpered. "Do you not see what they have done to you too? Your face...that's the price you pay when you fight."

"No no no! Damn it! Ami," I said slamming my fist against the glass, "Wouldn't you rather live?"

"No..."

"Huh?"

Without warning powerful hands grabbed my hair and yanked me to the ground.

'What the hell?'

I looked up to see Richard who was now in my cell.

"I'm receiving complaints," He snarled. "I never gave you permission to talk to anybody."

Before I could speak he gave me a hard kick to the stomach. My body arched in pain and I grabbed it in agony. The breath had been knocked out of me.

"What are you waiting for? Fight..." he whispered in my ear. "Come on Victoria. Fight."

I struggled to speak "G-g-go...t-to...he-hell," I breathed.

Grabbing me forcefully by the hair again, he jolted me to my knees and pulled my head up to face him.

"Fight!" He yelled before spitting on my face.

Others watched from outside the cell with bewildered looks in their eyes.

I said nothing, utterly in shock.

"FIGHT!" He barked.

I looked over to see Ami watching helplessly with tears in her eyes. Her small fingers scraping the glass in sheer frustration.

"Just submit," she cried.

"Shut up Ami, you're next!" he snapped before turning his attention to me again. I didn't have to look at the poor girls face to know that she was petrified. I had gotten her in trouble.

"Well?" he asked, "What are you waiting for?"

"I...hate you," I muttered.

Smack.

I felt the familiar burn on my cheek again. That would leave another mark.

"Come again?" he asked.

I smirked, slowly turning my head painfully toward him, "You heard me. I hate you."

"You little bitch!" his grip remained firm on my hair and with a swift movement of his hand slammed me against the cell's concrete floor. My ears felt hot as ringing filled them. My vision became blurred and I gasped for breath.

"You done fighting?"

"N-no."

"Then what are you waiting for?" he said getting closer to me. "Do it. Hit me."

My knuckles were white. I couldn't get up. I was to weak and I knew I was loosing consciousness.

"I...I don't know," I finally said.

"Well then, Victoria?" he spat, "Why is fighting useless? Tell me."

Warm tears gushed from my eyes. I could hardly whisper the words as fatigue took over me.

"Because, you'll never win," I whispered.

Well that's it! What do you think? I will post up the next chapter A.S.A.P. ;) I'm sure you are all curious to see who the new master is. Again thank you for your patience. Oh, and I might do something different with the other chapter. You guys can give me your input on what you think.