It was a few days after I had stayed at Alexander's and I found out Mina was engaged to Jonathan Harker. Lucy and I had agreed to plan the engagement party and the wedding. I had kept any details about my staying the night to myself but now Alexander's beautiful face and startling blue eyes were begining to haunt my dreams each night.

Lucy noticed I was distracted while I was looking at the flowers and she walked over to me. "Skyla? Skyla, what's going on" she asked, noting my vacant expression.

I blinked a few times and finally whispered to her "I'll tell you tonight, I promise." With that, we went back to selecting the final things needed for the party but every so often I felt Alexander's presence.

We finally finished all our planning details and thanked Alexander for opening his home for tomorrow night's party. Lucy and I finally got back to the flat, heading straight for her room so we could talk without interruption "Alright Skyla, tell me what had you so distraced today while we were planning" she urged.

"Remember when I had dinner with Alexander and it happened to storm that night" I asked.

"Yes, did something happen" she asked in reply with curiousity.

"I can't explain it Lucy but there was an intense, dare I admit, passionate feeling. His eyes can hold me captive like no one else can" I confessed.

"You had mentioned that same feeling at the ball after you danced with him. I stand by what I told you before. He is interested in you Skyla" Lucy answered.

The very next day, we headed into town to get our dresses for tonight. I desperately wished not to atttend but I would make a poor showing in society and be considered a terrible friend. I faked my best smile and that evening, I found myself back in the mansion of Alexander Grayson. Right at the hour of 7pm, the party began.

Alexander's P.O.V

After having rescued Renfield from a mad woman who had been paid to find my weak point, I made sure he was properly tended to by Van Helsing before changing and joining the party. I immediatly spotted Skyla and she looked postively as raidant as ever. I first congratulated Jonathan and Mina before making my way over to Skyla, who had tried desperately to slip away unnoticed.

Careful not to startle her, I slipped on to the deck and walked over to her. "Skyla, why aren't you inside enjoying the evening" I asked gently.

"I am really not in the mood for a party tonight Mr. Grayson. In truth, I think there is hurt or something Lucy is trying to conceal by going all out on this" she admitted.

"Seems to me that she is not the only one with something to hide" I commented. That's when she stared at me, cold as ice.

Skyla's P.O.V

I turned to him in a flash of anger and replied "I have nothing to hide Mr. Grayson! Now, I am taking my leave. Good evening." With that, I made my way back in and through the crowd before going out the front. I took a sharp breath of the cold night air and started the long and lonely walk home.

A few times I felt as though I was being watched and it only made me pick up the pace. I moved more swiftly and got to the door. Quickly, I got in the door. Just as I was about to shut the door, a very sudden and violent gust of wind blew in. I didn't think anything of it as I locked the door and headed upstairs to change.

I was in the midst of sliding my nightgown on when I heard voices or at least, I thought I was hearing voices. I knew it wasn't Lucy as she was still at the party, flirting with plenty of rich single gentlemen. I had just tied my robe on and was about to start down for a glass of water when I felt a hand on my throat. "Let me go" I pleaded between tears.

"Oh no, I can't possibly do that my dear. You smell so lovely. I imagine you taste just as divine" a deep voice told me.

"Let me go" I pleaded once again.

I felt the stranger start to drag me back into my room. "Please, don't kill me" I whimpered.

"I suggest you take your hands off Lady Everwood" came Alexander's voice. Now I was surprised to hear him as I was still bothered by his comment. What made it worse was that he was right. I had been hiding a lot. What bothered me more right now was why he had followed me.

"Why don't we just share her? Just like all those years ago? She would so make a lovely meal" the stranger commented.

"If you remember anything of how to treat a lady, this isn't the way. Now, release her" Grayson commanded. The stranger released me and before I could blink or breathe; Grayson snapped the guy's neck and the stranger turned to dust.

"I apologize that you had to see that Lady Everwood but I had to speak with you or at least, apologize for my comment this evening. I realize that it was completely out of line" Alexander told me, kissing my hands in apology. He finally swept up the ashes and excused himself.

Once he had disposed of the ashesl he came back to sit beside me and checked that I was alrght before asking "I owe you an explanation for showing up and what you just witnessed but would you rather wait until morning?"

"Actually, that would be most wise. I am sure all are getting suspicious that the host who so graciously opened his home has disappeared" I answered.

"Then please, will you join me for luncheon and I will explain everything" Alexander offered.

"I would be delighted to join you" I answered.

"Shall we say around 1pm" he asked.

"That will be fine" I told him and he bade me a good night. I watched from my window and then collapsed upon my bed. Would tomorrow be worth everything?