"Isabelle!" I heard a voice say through my flashback of old memories. Slowly, I began to regain consciousness as my voice was repeated over and over. My eyes flew open as I realized that it was just a memory, an illusion. I couldn't think of anything besides that day. I will never forget it, November 6th, 2005. My Gift had just awakened the night before and I was telling Vanessa about them. I still didn't know what exactly my Gift was or how it worked, I just knew how to access it. When Vanessa asked me to show her my Gift, I stood up and began to use my power, but what I didn't realize, was that my Gift was sucking the energy out of her instead of her Gift. I had drained her life force in a mere 10 seconds.

"Isabelle." Evander whispered, his voice echoing with pain...for me. My arms flew around his neck and I dug my face in his shoulders. Sobs shook my body as tears ran down my cheeks and then absorbed into Evander's shirt.

"I didn't mean too. I swear, I didn't mean to kill her." I whispered to myself, "She want-wanted me to show her and I didn't mean to, it just happened-" Evander's arms tightened around me,

"Shh..." he cooed lightly, "It was just an illusion, it's the past, whatever it is...it's the past now." After my sobs finally ended, Evander gently placed me on my feet and walked us down to his car. Vanessa's face kept popping up in my head, her eyes as her last tear ran down her face. I shook my head, it's just the past. She's probably forgiven me, I can't revel in the past any longer. It's just...not right. It took me years upon years to not think about it, to forget it. And now it's back in a flash, every single detail of the memory. I glanced at Evander's whose eyes were focused on the road.

He wasn't playing any music, in fact, I don't even know if he owns any music besides his violin. Suddenly, I felt guilty. Not only for what I did in the past, but how easily I was taken down. How easily that man got into my mind, to play my worst memory. I had left Evander to fend off six men, by himself.

"I'm sorry." I mumbled.

Evander raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me?"

"I said, I'm sorry."

"What do you apologize for, Isabelle?"

"I'm sorry that I had allowed that man into my head so easily. I'm sorry that I'm not stronger. I'm sorry that I couldn't help you."

To my surprise, Evander started laughing. It started off as a small chuckle then he threw his head back and started laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"Do you honestly think that those 6 pathetic boys could really injure me or even hold me off? Madam, please realize that I can defeat an army of those children with a flick of my wrist."

I laughed, "Alright, Mr. Cocky." but becoming serious, I turned to look at him, "I'll try harder during training. I'll learn how to fight like a true Goddess."

"Ah, so you are now coming to realize your responsibilities?"

I shook my head, "Not even close. I just don't want to be a burden."

The rest of the ride was silent, my thoughts constantly drifted back to Vanessa but as soon as they entered, I tried my best to lock them away. But I just couldn't shake the feeling that she was still watching me. And I didn't know how I felt about it. I try to forget, I've always tried to forget it but it's something I just can't "forget" that easily. It just never felt right. Like it all happened to fast.

Before I knew it, Kendall was gently shaking my shoulder to wake me up, "Isabelle, you have to get up, you're home."

Home. This was now home. I don't know if I could accept this place as home yet. I sure didn't feel like it. I opened my eyes and got out of the car,

I heard Kendall gasp, "Dear Gods! What happened?"

"We were ambushed."

"Are you hurt anywhere?"

I shook my head, "I'm not. But go make sure Evander is fine."

"I cannot just leave you!"

I smiled, "Just go. I'll be fine. See, I'm walking perfectly." I said, demonstrating for her. Kendall sighed,

"I'll be back quickly."

I was walking towards my bedroom, trying not to think about what went down today when I felt a sudden rush of... happiness. A random smile found it's way to my lips and I actually felt like skipping. I was grateful to be here, I was grateful to be in this giant home and be treated so kindly. You know, maybe I could do this and be happy!

Wait... this doesn't seem right. I thought to myself as my sudden happiness slowly melted away. There was only one person who had the Gift to do this, and that was Darak.

"I hope that helped you, even a little bit." his voice said from behind me. I turned around and met his brown eyes that were staring me down.

"Thank you." I whispered, realizing that I couldn't be mad about that wonderful feeling.

"Do not feel as if I did that for the sole purpose of pleasing you. You just seemed so down that something had to be done. I could feel your depression from across the whole castle."

"Even if it wasn't just for me, it had helped me so thank you." as I was about to turn and walk away, his voice stopped me once again.

"If you do not mind me asking, why were you so sad?"

I couldn't bare to tell him, or anyone for that matter. "A past memory I had remembered again."

"Whatever it was, you will be ok." funny, that's what Evander said.

"How can you all know for sure?" I whispered to myself, but when I turned around again...he was gone.

As I was walking back to my room, I realized that was the first time Darak was actually talking to me like I was an equal. Like I wasn't just a woman he can easily make aroused with his Gift.

Right when I got back to my room, I immediately changed into my father's old oversized shirt that he would wear everytime he was going to bed. It always made me feel at ease, to still be able to smell his scent in this old t-shirt. Whenever I was angry or sad, I would wear this and go to bed, waking up to feel refreshed. It was as if my father was still in this shirt, still watching out for me.

I fell asleep as soon as my body touched the heavenly mattress. That night, I had a dreamed a blank dream, as far as I can remember. And strangely, it was comforting. To have something bland and ordinary. When I woke up, there was a note on my bedstand that was written in beautiful cursive that could only be Evander's.

Your training has been canceled today, please meet me at the Terrace for breakfast. I hope you had a good night's sleep.

-E

I made my way to the bathroom and washed my face. Wearing my father's shirt always helps me. I stripped off the shirt and put it in the laundry shoot. My clothes were already layed out on the couch. I was supposed to wear tight jeans and a red tank-top with a leather jacket. I shook my head and walked to my closet, I settled for a long skirt and a black tank-top. Slipping on flip-flops, I pulled half of my hair behind my head and made my way to the terrace...wherever that was. Maybe he was talking about the terrace in his bedroom.

Wouldn't that look kind of scandoulous? I guess not...since I was his fiancee. When I left my bedroom, everyone was out working around. Someone was doing something. Men were carrying heavy boxes back and forth, women were up putting decorations. I wonder what's going on tonight.

"Lady Isabelle?" I heard the voice of someone say. I turned around and a saw a young woman who was dressed as a maid. "This way please, Sire Evander awaits you." I haven't met her yet. I watched her short red hair move as she walked, she seemed about 20? But by the way she talked, she was probably working here for awhile. This girl lead me away from Evander's room and towards the main dining hall that I still haven't been too. Maybe that would change tonight? Excitement seemed to be in the air but instead of being excited, I felt as though I had thousands of butterfly's swarming around in my stomach.

"We are here." she said with a bow, then left. I watched her go, and then walked through the double doors. A warm wind brushed by me as I opened the door. The first thing I saw were rows and rows of pine tree's, but I could only see their tips. The terrace overlooked mountains and the bird's soft chirps were as clear as a bell. Then I noticed the beautiful marble terrace that looked as if it was from an old Greek movie.

"Good morning," Evander said with a soft smile that was quickly replaced by a poker-face,

"How was your night?" I sat in the seat across from him,

"As good as it could get on a night like we had."

Evander scowled, "I did not have an enjoyable night either."

I raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"Because I worried for you." he said, while staring at the scenery.

"There's nothing to be worried about.." I mumbled, not quite relying on the truth.

Our breakfast was then brought out to us, for me a plate of french toast with a side of hashbrowns and a choice of coffee, tea, juice, water or milk. I settled with my favorite, chamomile tea. Evander had a simple cup of tea.

"Why aren't you eating?" I asked.

"I do not usually eat in the mornings. A cup of tea, will do." Evander was still staring off into the distance, wrapped up in his own thoughts.

I couldn't remove my eyes from him. He was just so mesmerizing. His hair, the way it swayed with the wind, his sharp features and strong jaw. His flawless skin, but...none of that mattered. It was his eyes that always seemed to get my attention. They always seemed to be...pained, like he had seen to much in his life. Whenever he looked at me, I feel as if he sees me in a way that no one else does. Like he sees the 'me' that's been locked away. His tall frame only emphasized his broad shoulders. It made me think back to when I had hugged him, how it made me feel so safe, as if nothing could ever harm me.

"Enjoying the view?" Evander asked with his silky voice and a sly smirk, but he was still not looking at me. How did he know...I was looking at him?

I felt my face heat up, oh Gods. I was blushing, this was going to give it away! "I wasn't even looking at you! Don't get ahead of yourself just because you're a God and I decided to get married to you! That means nothing!"

Evander laughed, with froze me, because it was the first time I heard his actual laugh. It made my heart feel light, "I was talking about the scenery." he said, motioning to the trees, the mountains, and birds.

I shut my eyes tightly, "I knew that..."

Thankfully, he changed the topic, though a smile still remained on his face. "I hope you do not feel forced into this. Tonight is a big night for us."

Us. He said tonight is a big night for us... suddenly, everything clicked. The working maids, the beautiful and private breakfast, the stranger maid... Tonight was the Engagement Ceremony. And I had completely forgotten...

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks for everyone whose been reviewing, it really means a lot to me and gives me the encouragement to keep going.

So since I write you these chapters, don't you think I deserve a little love? One review from everyone who reads is alllll I'm askin' :) again, thanks for those who have!

-Hira!