That evening when the sun was setting perfectly in the sky, I waited downstairs for Takuma to meet me. It would've been better to go out alone, but I understand why Kaname insists I have an escort. The amount of Level E's I've heard him talk about is above average as of recently and with my healing still not replenishing quickly enough, a bodyguard of sorts is my best bet to come back in one piece. As I waited, I played with my hair a little, twirling it around my finger as my thoughts on the matter shifted ever so slightly.

Not long after my thoughts shifted I saw Takuma walking down the stairs towards me. I smiled softly and followed him out the doors and began our way to the town. It was a quiet and comfortable walk there, but even in the evening, I could hear the people enjoying the light weather. I didn't care where we went, I just needed to stretch out and be away from the dorm.

"If you wish, we could take a stroll down to the older part of the town where the bell tower is or we could visit a few of the shops that tend to be open later than others. Does any of that sound pleasing to you, Lady Suki?" Takuma asked as I cut back to listening.

"Perhaps we could walk to the bell tower? I've heard from Rima that it is rather empty over there." I said looking up at him.

He nodded and led the way to the bell tower. Just as Rima had noted to me, the closer we got to the tower, the less people there were. It was serene and reminded me of a story one of my nannies would often tell about an old town and the vampire princess who haunted it. It was just a made-up story, but it was still my favorite. As we reached the I sighed softly as a breeze blew, it smelled like home. Which was odd. I glanced around for the source. No one.

"Is something wrong, Lady Suki?" Takuma asked upon noticing my slight confusion.

"There was a scent just now…" I started. "It smelled like home, but maybe I'm imagining things," I said softly and looked back up to the tower. There was nothing incredible about the look of it, but something or someone nearby had me confused. "Perhaps I just thought I knew the scent."

"What do you mean by that it smelled like home?" He asked. "Perhaps it was…" He tried to reassure me that I hadn't imagined the whole ordeal.

"It smelled like one of the Aristocrats who would visit but it couldn't be him. He was slain years ago by the hunters." I remembered that far too well, no wonder I was still afraid of the hunters.

I grabbed his hand in mine gently, "Let's explore more." I said as I started to walk away from the tower and into the older part of the town. However, I didn't get far before I heard a vaguely familiar voice.

"Lady Suki Misora." The voice said. It was crisp and elegant but had a bite to his words. It stopped me and caused me to look back at the voice.

"Who are you?" I asked, not afraid but unsure of his reason to appear suddenly. Takuma sensed my almost hesitation from my voice and moved to be in front of me.

"Forgive me. My name is Ozaki Eisen. You knew my father. I did not mean to startle you like that. I only come with an invitation. Your presence is requested at the soiree next week." He said as he attempted to look at me holding out an invitation just as he claimed. "As I understand it, your family's ability is needed and perhaps the ritual will help with your health." He said calmly.

I tapped Takuma on the shoulder and moved around him before carefully taking it and looking back at him. "Thank you, Eisen. I did know him very well. It's unfortunate how his time ended."

He nodded and before I could say anything else, he disappeared into smoke. I looked back to Takuma. "Let's walk a little more then head back." He nodded and we did. Before midnight we returned to the dorms. However, who else should greet us but Kaname. I sent Takuma back inside so that I could talk to Kaname alone.

"Kaname," I said as I looked at him. "I know why you are out here upon my return. It's no coincidence that I'm sure of." I said, attempting to hold myself back.

"Suki. Of all the invitations, do you need to attend this one? Surely it would be okay to skip this one as well?" He asked and yet he was one of the few who knew the importance of the date for me.

"So that I can be a doll and slowly become like a human mortal?" I asked. "Kaname I cannot run from these any longer. If I do…I fear I will become a shell of myself." There were so many of these that I missed and now the effects were causing me to be vulnerable to my kind.

He knew I was right, the full moon was upon us and my family's deep secret needed to be performed so that I wouldn't wither away. I watched his eyes as he wanted to push for me to stay, but ultimately his eyes focused on me. "There's no talking you out of this is there?" He asked.

"There never was, Kaname," I stated.

"Then I suppose I cannot stop you, but you will be guarded throughout the whole party. I don't wish to see any of those vampires attempting to taste you or harm you." He stated.

"Oh Kaname. It's starting to sound as if I am some lover of yours. Best be careful with your choice of words." I stated but tried so hard to not let him treat me like a child at the moment. With those words, I left him standing there and walked into the dorm.

He couldn't keep treating me like I was lesser, like a child. It's as if he forgets that I am his equal in blood.