Annabelle and I were walking as her figure guided me to our destination. "Where are you actually taking me?" I asked nervously as I was still being led blind by her cold hands.

"Now now...You really need to practice trust young one. We're almost there." Within seconds we came to a halt. "Ready?" Annabelle spoke close as I could feel her smile into me. I breathed in deeply, fearing what was going to appear once my eyes were uncovered. I just nodded then Annabelle unveiled my eyes. I looked not in horror, but in absolute astonishment at the sight of a grand piano right beside the staircase. A small smile on my face quickly turned into a baffled stare, Annabelle hugging me from behind.

"Happy Birthday Liza. Do you like it?" She spoke as her head was hovered over my shoulder.

"How did you...?" I asked in disbelief.

"Evelyn told me. Heard you have quite a gift." As Annabelle said this I couldn't hold back the tears. After mother and father died I thought I would never want to touch the piano again, for it would only bring back the grief. Immediately Annabelle came in front of me, yet I put my head down to hide my weakness. Annabelle put a finger under my chin, gently pulling me up to look at her.

"Darling what is it? Did I do something wrong?" I simply shook my head, still trying to avoid her eye contact in my overwhelming state of weakness.

"No it's beautiful it's just I...my mother gave me a love for the piano ever since I can remember. All my parents wanted was for me to continue in it, to see me happy. With them gone playing again would just hurt too much." I finally looked at Annabelle as she was wiping the tears from my eyes, both hands cupping my face.

"I hate seeing you cry Liza. I didn't intend for this to spark back the pain for you. Your family wouldn't have wanted to see you like this either. They would want to see you smile, to continue doing what you love. Can you try to do that for them? For me?" I let off a small weak grin, Annabelle pulling away to head towards the piano. "Now come, play something for me." She said as she sat on the piano stool, patting for me to join her. I was reluctant for a moment, wondering why Annabelle was going to such great lengths for me.

"Liza c'mere. I promise this isn't some trap, unless you want it to be." Annabelle winked, putting a deep pit in my stomach again. Still I went to sit beside her. I took a deep breath as my hands touched the keys of the piano.

"I haven't played in awhile." I spoke shyly. It was true however. When father started to work more I gave up time to help my mother, not worrying about my dreams or passions. Even then I knew the piano would always be something that was important to me, something that was mine. I realize now that I have been playing for awhile, performing the first professional song I was taught as a child. It felt like my father was with me, watching me play from behind while my mother sat by my side, leading my small fingers along the keys learning as a little girl. Annabelle was watching me intensely, leaning herself with her hand on the side of the piano as I continued to play. I felt the tears starting to fall again as I neared the end. When I stopped I put my head down again, only to look over to Annabelle as she now was slightly leaning forward, one of her hands resting on my knee.

"Your playing was beautiful, and so are you." Instantly my face went rigid as a tense silence now filled the room.

"What is happening..."

Annabelle gazed deeply into my eyes, her own darkening in hue as her other hand ran down my cheek. "So beautiful..." My body was locked in place as she inched closer and closer, as if I didn't want to pull away.

"Is she advancing on me? But...she is a woman."

Her lips were almost touching mine when I quickly pulled back. I was very confused at what was occurring. I surely felt something. This was new and different than anything I'd ever felt before. Yet I knew that whatever I was feeling was just preposterous, this vampire's endless mind games. I would not let Annabelle get to me. I surely wouldn't allow her to use Evelyn in this way.

"Annabelle thank you for your gift, and everything you have done for me and my sister in our time of need. Yet I do not fancy women. You also need to know I am not willing to give you what you truly desire. So whatever you are trying to accomplish here is a waste of your time." Although Annabelle was still close her hand had been removed from my leg. She chuckled to herself for a moment, as if she saw me squirming from this conversation.

"You truly are a delicate one Liza. I've never been so mindful with a human before. How unlike me..." Her now red eyes looked to my neck with longing as her fingers delicately wrapped around it. They were shining with purpose, her lustful gaze unfaltered as she tilted my head to the side. My immediate thought was to pull away and get myself as far from the vampire as I could. Yet even in my frightened state I didn't move. I just couldn't. My body remained dead still as she spoke in her dark trance.

"You know, if I wished I could take what you are implying without a single gesture of kindness..." She then released me, back to herself as her eyes returned to normal. In that moment it felt like a heavy weight on my entire body was lifted, like I could finally breathe for air. Annabelle reached out to place a gentle thumb to my quivering bottom lip. "Yet I admire you and honor your boundaries. None of this is a waste of time my love, for I would waste all of mine in moments like these." With these tender words Annabelle took her finger away only to put a light hand on my shoulder. I just looked to her in maddening confusion. Even then the woman kept her perfect composure.

"Allow me to get to know you and Evelyn better, treating you both to everything I can give you. No commitments, no expectations. And if you wish to leave I will not stop you from doing so. Okay?" Annabelle watched me closely, waiting for my answer. I nodded simply to escape, getting up to exit yet she was faster than I could imagine. Her arms wrapped tightly around me from behind. I tried to hold in a gasp from her close touch as she nuzzled into me. I knew the vampire sensed I was on edge as she let out a grunt of amusement upon the back of my throat.

"And just so you're aware young one, although I may not be so instrumentally inclined myself I've become rather good at playing a woman, swinging many the other way throughout the centuries. And if you haven't noticed I have grown quite a liking to you." The woman neared even closer to speak ever so softly into my ear, her words lethal as they bounded my rapid heart.

"I'm also one who doesn't give up so easily, so I would advise you to be careful."

"Are you ready for your bath Miss Liza?" I quickly looked to the top of the staircase as a firm female voice came from it, only for it to be Gale. I turned back to Annabelle who just smirked.

"Just thought I'd give you one last sense of comfort before I go out for a moment. Rather famished after this day's festivities." She then tilted her head towards the maid to speak to her. "My maids will take good care of you girls while I'm gone, won't you Gale?" Gale simply bowed to her master as Annabelle returned to hover closely by my ear.

"Enjoy the rest of your night dear." Without another word Annabelle pulled away, ghosting a chilling hand along my shoulder as she made her way to the door. When she left I still hadn't moved from my place in the foyer. Annabelle's words were like a deep smooth satin just as they were like sharp knives piercing into me. And moments ago, this woman made me feel like she had just touched me all over. I put my fingers to my lips, Annabelle so close to kissing me earlier. She surely knew what she wanted, yet she would not have me. I refused to be some girl she could just take in and buy things to win over my affection.

"That's all this was, wasn't it? She is a vampire. That's all she could be... "

I didn't have any doubt to Annabelle's words, that she could make any woman submit to her seductions and give themselves fully to her without turning back.

"This will not be me. I am the same Liza. I can't be attracted to women..Right?..."

"AHEM!"

I had finally come out of my perplexed thoughts, quickly looking to Gale who was now shooting me a deadly stare. I had bet if Annabelle wasn't still closely lingering, the maid would have killed me herself with her own bare hands, or to my fear her fangs. I snapped out of it as I went up to meet the maid. I nodded to Gale in thanks, forcing a grin. Yet the other female's face barely moved. She just grunted as we head into the bathroom. In silence, Gale immediately began the removal of my clothing.

"Thank you, but I can remove it myself." Gale chuckled in response to my request, not in kind but more irate.

"While I'm well aware, I am only doing my duty Miss Liza. What Miss Annabelle wants she gets, evidently." The last word to come from Gale's mouth was so bitter I knew she was making sure I had been aware of her disdain of my very presence. I couldn't help myself but to respond in my immediate frustration.

"Do you have something against me Miss Gale? I'm sorry if my presence bothers you but that isn't my intention. I have no feelings for your master if that's what you're so worked up about." Gale just stayed silent, making me realize too late that I should have held back my own hot tempered mouth.

"Your bath is ready." As I nervously got in the tub, without warning Gale pushed my head down into the water with harsh force. It was for a few seconds that felt like forever. I came back up in panted breaths. "Had to get your hair wet." Gale spoke with a stone cold face. I wanted to show my rage. Yet I didn't retaliate back, not even a glare, for I remembered that Gale was a vampire, much more powerful and could drown me right in this tub or make the water a bloody red if she wished. She begins to wash my hair, her hands although cold, smooth yet rough, along every inch of my head. To my surprise the maid spoke again, still cold in her tone.

"Annabelle I know well, one my family has served for over a century. And If I were you, I would take her heed of warning and proceed her with caution." I began to grow anxious, yet kept my hard walls up as I responded to Gale.

"This coming from you is laughable don't you think? Why should I listen to you?"

Before Gale could retaliate a sudden knock came to the door, Demetria stepping in. She looked to her daughter furiously then to me rather frantic, as if I had just suffered a serious illness. I started to feel worried.

"I'm sorry Miss Liza, but I must talk to my daughter for a moment." Demetria spoke as she regained her usual composer again.

Gale just looked away as she washed my shoulders with bitter cold hands

"I'm rather busy following master Annabelle's orders mother. She'd indeed be mad if her new guests weren't satisfied to their absolute liking." The tension was vivid in the air, Demetria taking a steady breath as she stared dead straight at her daughter.

"I'm afraid this is an immediate matter Gale. I'm sure Liza will be fine to excuse us for a moment. Now if you will meet me outside" Without a single word I nod my head, not daring to get involved in two vampires' business. As the two maids leave the room, I hear loud whispers being spoken in German in the hallway.

Are you out of your mind Gale?!She is just a girl!

After everything we have lost, everything we have given to her. Still our mistress wants this ungrateful human?

Annabelle chose her. You must accept that and leave this be.

I will never accept it!

This is not up to you!

Not up to me?! You bringing Annabelle into our lives only for her to perverse us both into her manipulating affections wasn't up to me either!

"I'm sorry...Gale. You know I will be forever. But this...we cannot get involved in this..."

We? You of all people think you can stop me?

Gale please...listen to me. I did what I had to try to give us a better life...you a better life. I never meant for...

I know...yet I refuse to be seen as worthless to Annabelle, just another one of her precious toys she can use then get bored of. I forbid it mother. And for what's left of your dignity concerning her I would do the same. Either way, the girl deserves to know.

Gale don't. You will get us both killed.

...She at least deserves the truth of who she really is.

It was made clear the consequences. You know the risk.

Well maybe it's one I'm willing to take. We have selflessly served Annabelle for years. She needs to realize that everything is not all about her.

There was a long pause before I heard Demetria's voice again.

Fine...but no more being rough with the human, or I will take over your duties. This is a dangerous game you're playing, Gale."

"As much as that would devastate me mother I'm well aware of the risk...yet Annabelle has played her own selfish games far too long..."

Gale entered back into the bathroom, a little less angered than before. She simply went to take a seat next to me, two clenched hands relaxing as she took a deep breath.

"I apologize Miss Liza. It isn't fair to take out on a young girl as you what you are not in control of, nor what you do not know...about Miss Annabelle."

"And what is that?" There was another long pause before Gale spoke again.

"My mother and I, our history with her indeed is long...and complicated. In the 1800s, My mother was married to an abusive man in Germany. Annabelle had met my mother at the peek of the abuse, when I was just the age of two. Her and my mother had started their own affair.

Annabelle had offered her a sense of escape, protection with my deadbeat of a father never gave her. Yet my mother needed more protection, for the both of us. She and I would have died if it wasn't for Annabelle. Annabelle offered to give us a home, to escape for good. Yet my father was relentless. Annabelle was set to do the most heinous of all crimes. She had known murder, better than any killer. Yet this kill in particular was not an uncomplicated task, for my father was a head army official in Germany. So this was not some careless kill for Annabelle.

So mother in return was convinced to make the most drastic decision , to be turned into a vampire. After Annabelle had killed my father mother promised to become her loyal companion. She vowed to serve and stand by the vampire's side for the rest of eternity for giving her and I our freedom and power back, a life beyond what we knew. Shortly following father's death mother had been turned. I would make the decision for myself when I became of proper age. As I got older I saw my mother never aging, never changing. At sixteen It was revealed to me my mother's ties to Annabelle and what she had become to save our lives. Although in the dark, Annabelle had always been kind to me as I grew up in her home, like with you being extra tender and careful. I always knew my mother and Annabelle's relationship was an intimate one as much as it was an occupation. Mother had fallen into love with her."

"And you?" Gale looks away coldly

"As a teenager I became more curious of Annabelle, more curious of the love her and my mother had, the love she had also shown to me. So Annabelle answered to my curiosities behind my mother's back, younger than yourself. She did to me just as she did with many young, naive yet willing women of the time period. I had been turned a few years after, secretly caught in her seduction. My mother was furious when she had found out Annabelle had been the one to take her daughter's innocence, as well as my mortality without her permission. Not to mention there were the multitudes of women Annabelle had fucked with when mother thought she was something more to our master. She soon found Annabelle hadn't loved her with the same devotion. Although mother was forever devoted she quickly began to resent Annabelle for her actions, refusing to bed with her."

"I'm guessing Annabelle wasn't too happy about that." Gale remained stone faced.

"Annabelle has always done whatever necessary to get the last laugh. She used the guilt card as well as our weaknesses against us, replacing me with my mother's more...intimate services...knowing it would hurt her. My mother and I thought we had done the right thing to become immortal servants to Annabelle, yet I've seen Annabelle hurt countless people to get what she wants, including my mother and myself. I realize now Annabelle didn't turn my mother for us, but for herself. We were not free, nothing more than slaves seduced by the ultimate seducer. She's a taker Liza. As much as she gives she will take everything from you if you let her. As she said she has an interest in you, far more than any human I've seen her encounter." I just took a heavy swallow as Gale continued.

"So as her and I both have said, you should be careful, of how much trust you put into your humble host. For you and your young sister's sake, you must heed to my warning. Annabelle is much more, more deceptive and dangerous than she has revealed to you thus far. Yet...from all these years, she's never treated anyone the way she treats you..." I tried to change the subject off me as Gale's last sentence was the end to what my mind could handle.

"So if she's as terrible as you say, why do you and your mother still serve her then?"

" I ask myself that a lot. Is it fear, or is it the countless years of stability...loyalty...her." Gale paused, taking a heavy breath.

"I truly wonder if Annabelle cares about me or my mother. Yet I know the true reason why Annabelle took us in in the first place, because she didn't wanna be alone anymore...after what happened with..." A heavy silence set, but I needed answers.

"What? With who?" Gale rapidly stood up with a towel in hand. From her face I knew she had said too much.

"N...nothing...forget..."

"I think we are done here."

I heard Demetria yet again beside the door.

With no other word I was clothed and went immediately to bed, my conversation with Gale keeping me awake for hours as it baffled me and my thoughts.