Dawning Horizons

I woke up the next morning my head throbbing mildly. “Ugh..” I turned slowly to my side and in a blur last nights events came crashing back to me. I sat up quickly regretting it after I had because my head went from a mild throb to a heavy pounding. “That bastard bit me..” I didn't care that I was still in the dress from the night before or that my hair was a complete mess. I stormed out of my room and down the hall towards Ravyns room. I thought of storming in but figured that it might be a bad idea so instead I politely knocked praying either he or Darvis would open the door. I was in luck, Ravyn himself answered the door.

“Good morning Ari..” He started.

“Good morning yourself. ” I cut him off, before sending a punch square into his nose, causing it to bleed. “You son of a bitch!” I cried before being tackled to the ground by Darvis a blade at my throat. “Get off me you prick! I'll give you the same treatment!”

“Silence bitch” He growled at me pressing the blade up enough to where I could feel it bite into my skin.

“Let her up.”

“P-Pardon?” Darvis stuttered his head turning to stare at Ravyn. “But she.”

“I am aware Darvis.” He snarled pressing a handkerchief to his nose. “Let her up..and leave us.”

Darvis shot me a death glare that basically said 'You try to hurt him again and I'll be back in here to murder your ass' before standing off of me and walking out. “I'll be within ear shot.” He said as he closed the door behind him

I stood to my feet glaring at Ravyn. “You bastard...” I hissed at him my eyes narrowing.

“My dear Ariyana, whatever is the matter with you?”

“Don't take that false innocent tone with me!” I shouted my hands clenching into fists at my side. “I've killed plenty of your kind!”

“Is that supposed to frighten me dear? You can't hurt me, we both know it. You got lucky with your sucker punch but it won't happen again. Besides, you could kill me but then you would die too.”

“I don't care! I spent my whole life praying each sick blood sucker I killed was you. And finally when you're in my reach you..you..” I paused in my ranting, not by choice but because my head had suddenly started to hurt so badly I was seeing spots in front of my eyes.

“I..?” He pressed in a humored tone.

I tried to force my lips to move but they didn't want to. I let out a feeble groan as my stomach felt like it dropped down and my blood began to run cold. “You..” I breathed out, barely above a whisper as I felt my knees wanting to give. 'NO! Dammit not again!' My mind cried as I forced myself to intake a deep breath, locking my knees in as I focused on him. My eyes were squinting, but even that brought on such pain that it made me want to cry. “You go and parade me around like some vampyre noblewoman and then you have the nerve to bite me!” I growled out, my tone not nearly as harsh as I would have wanted.

He said nothing for a moment as he studied me. “You don't look well.”

I balked, flabbergasted by his response. “I'm fine” I hissed, standing up straighter as I glared at him. “And don't think you're false concern for me will change last night.” My stomach felt like it was doing flip flops as I could feel each beat of my heart in my head. That would definitely be the last time I drink alcohol for a while.

“It is not false concern. You have paled considerably since you walked in here, your body is shaking and your breathing is labored. Too much alcohol last night perhaps?” He said to me in a chiding yet teasing tone.

“What the fuck is your problem!?” I growled rage filling my body to the point I was hot behind the ears. All that did was succeed in making my head pound even more which I didn't think was possible. On top of it I was starting to feel lightheaded, I was certain that was from the tackle I received. “I don't give a shit who you are! But you come into my home and you insult me and you tell me I'm someone different from who I am. Then you take me out and you..you bite me!”

“Is that what has you in such a huff? Would you prefer to bite me back?” He asked in a even tone tilting his head slightly.

“What!? No..ugh! You're disgusting.” I grunted, staring at him. I was getting no place, he wasn't even acknowledging what I was saying. Merely picking and choosing things to respond to.

“Suit yourself, but you were sweet..nice and sweet..” He said as he stepped towards me. “Though I really think you should sit down..”

I stepped back from him. “I don't care what you think.”

“When was the last time you had any alcohol Ariyana?”

“That was my first..” I said taking another step back as he continued to walk towards me, realizing my back would soon be to the door. I would not run however, I would not give him the upper hand.

“Perhaps you should take it easy..and if the bite is really what has you so upset I barely took any blood.”

“I don't care how much blood you took! It's the fact you bit me in the first place..no one has ever done that to me!”

“Are you upset then that I was not only your first kiss, but the first to bite you?”

My mouth opened, but no words came out. “I..no..I don't care if you were the last..it's the fact you bit me!”

“Yes, we've established that, but come on even human couples nibble on one another occasionally, would it have been better if I hadn't taken blood? Maybe just a light nibble?”

My back was to the door now and I was thankful, it meant I could relax just a little now. Holding my body up was hard work when my head felt like it would crack open any second. It didn't help I had to force myself to focus on him, and even when his voice was soft it sounded as if he were screaming. “No..it would NOT have been better. It would have been the same. But that doesn't change the fact you pierced skin!”

“I think, what is really at heart here is the fact that you enjoyed it..the kiss..the bite..the taste of your own blood in your mouth..” His voice had dropped and he stopped just inches from me, but he was close enough to me I could smell him.

“I..no..I..” My mind suddenly stopped functioning and I fell to my knees, cradling my head in my hands. The tears slid down my cheeks now, I could no longer hold them in as my head all but exploded in pain. Breathing hurt like someone driving a nail into my skull as I cradled my head in my hands. “nnn..ah..what..” I breathed each out, barely above a whisper.

“I told you to sit.” Ravyn said softly as he knelt in front of me. “This is what happens to little girls who drink too much alcohol, and then go rushing around like fools instead of resting. But..it could also be a by product of the fact that your body tasted fresh blood for the first time.”

I tried to squirm back from him and up to my feet. “Nnn..get away..” I moved my arm like a drunkard as I tried to swat at him, he instead took it in his.

“I can make this pain go away right now” He said softly.

“how..” I asked moving my head to look at him, but stopping when my eyes opened; the light causing my head to explode with pain once more.

“You can bite me..”

“No!” I exclaimed jerking back, only to regret it when my head collided with the door, my head exploding in pain yet again.

“Then you can stay in pain for the next 24 hours at least...” He said evenly standing up.

“You did this on purpose..” It came out more like a whine than an angry statement.

“No..I merely proved my point..I didn't intend on kissing you again..but you tasted so sweet I couldn't stop myself, and it wasn't like you didn't enjoy it.”

I clenched my eyes shut, ignoring the pain it caused as I forced myself to my feet.

“That's what I like about you Ariyana. Even when it's time to give up, when you've lost and you don't stand a chance of winning. When everyone else would have backed down you fight. Look at you now in such immeasurable pain you would rather cry you stand to your feet instead. While insanely stupid it is quite admirable, and rather...enticing.” He spoke softly to me, a grin on his lips.

'Great...and here I am trying to make you lose interest in me' I thought to myself as I shot him a death glare. “Go to hell, and take your stupid puppy dog bitch with you.” I hissed turning to the door.

“I haven't dismissed you my dear” he said in that mock polite tone again.

“Neither did you allow me entrance to your room.” I said as I pulled the door open an act that took every ounce of strength I had, walking out into the hall.

“Now who is the rude one.” He called after me, humor in his voice. “It can get worse you know..”

I lifted my hand up and flipped him off, using every last ounce of strength I had to walk back to my room. His words worried me though; 'next 24 hours at least', just how long could this last. It would seem fate was not on my side because when I was halfway down the hall my head erupted in pain causing me to lose my footing and put all my weight on my bad ankle. That in turn caused me to fall, and right into the arms of Darvis. I looked up at him and he looked down to me, while I expected a smirk what I got was a look of great concern. “Are you..” Were the last words I heard before I lost consciousness.

“Stubborn one she is..” Ravyn said walking out of his room and towards his first in command who was now picking the female up.

“Indeed..you seem to have taken a fancy to her.” He spoke moving towards the master bedroom as Ravyn motioned him to. “She won't like waking up in here again..”

“I know.”

“You really shouldn't have bitten her..”

“Probably not, but I want her.”

“You marked her..” Darvis said as he placed Ariyana down on the bed. “You did it with the damned choker you had on her. I had to fight tooth and nail to keep Gyra from socking you.”

“I thank you for that, but I had to do the choker and you know it..it wasn't as a form of ownership either.”

“I had a hell of a time explaining that to Gyra. Not to mention the fact that you drugged her friends drinks.”

Rayvn chuckled deeply, watching the unconscious female. “You saw that huh?”

“No..Gyra did..and she's got a right mind to tell her about it.” He said nodding towards Ariyana.

“That won't do...I didn't do it to take advantage of her I did it so she would keep her mouth shut. And as it turns out I didn't need it in the first place. That's irony for ya.”

“I still can't believe you bit her...if she doesn't bite you back within the next two weeks you know that mark will wear off right?”

“Of course I know it..” Ravyn growled. “I was hoping that if I prodded at her mind enough she'd just take my word on the blood thing and bite me.”

“That's a lame way to win a female. You may have her body but you won't win her heart that way. And you of all people should know the damage of a man forcing himself on a woman.” Darvis said eying him carefully.

“I wouldn't have to force myself onto her. She may be a virgin but her body gives in with little prodding.”

“You don't use..” Darvis starts to interrupt.

“Of course I don't.” Ravyn replied cutting him off. “I can smell her desire for me, it's a desire she doesn't even realize she has.

“You aren't trying to replace..” Darvis stops short, unable to finish the sentence.

“No..”

“Just..be sure..she may act strong and stubborn but from what Gyra tells me she's a very sensitive woman and I don't think she'd ever forgive you if you kept on like this. And especially if she found out she was a substitute.”

“You may leave. I am certain you have matters to attend to.” Ravyn said curtly.

“Indeed M'lord” He bows gracefully before stepping out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Ravyn sighs as he sits back in the desk chair watching the sleeping female in his bed. Never before had he been so intrigued by a female; that is not since 'her'. Yet this female resembled her so much that it made him wonder if perhaps Darvis' words weren't true. “Resemble her yes, but Ariyana is so much more strong willed..” His mind said to him. Darvis was right, when she did wake up she'd be pissed and her head would still be bothering her so he'd have to get Gyra to make her a tea. “Speaking of Gyra..” He said softly to himself as he stood to his feet and headed over towards the door.

His hands were slowly drifting up my body, small moans escaping my lips as he covered my throat and my breasts with kisses. “Ravyn...” His name slips off my lips breathlessly as he begins to slide a hand up my skirt of my dress. My eyes shoot open and I wake with a start covered in sweat. I look around to see I'm in 'his' room once again. “Oh God..” I mutter shaking my head, trying to rid myself of the images in the dream. “That's just..too much..” I say softly as I move to stand to my feet. My head was still hurting, but not nearly as bad as it was before. Wondering where everyone could be I walk out of the room and down the hall following the soft chatter of voices. I stop just outside the kitchen doorway as I see Gyra talking to his royal pain in the ass.

“I can't believe you expect me to keep it from her.”

“I only did it for her own good.” Ravyn says as he watches her pour the hot water over the tea leaves and into a small pot.

“No, more like you did it for your own. You drugged her drinks, then you have the nerve to bite her. Are you insane?”

“I drugged her drinks in fear of her making a spectacle of herself and me having to reprimand her in public. Something I didn't want to have to do. And secondly how do you know I bit her?”

Gyra scoffs giving him a dirty look. “One, I heard it this house isn't so big you can't hear someone shouting, especially when she flies off the handle. Secondly, you never even gave her a chance. And it would have served you right if she had called you out in front of everyone. Parading her around, and that damn collar you put on her!”

“Choker. And I did it so if she happened to get separated from me she wouldn't be claimed. It also would have kept suspicions from arising when she didn't feed.”

“I'm not keeping it from her Lord Ravyn. Either you tell her or I will, but she's my best friend. Someone who has stuck by my side through hell and high water...she spared my life..” Gyra said her voice dropping off at that point. “I was going to kill her...and she could have easily killed me..but she took me in instead..Ariyana is too good for you to be toying with her like this..”

I stand in the door way, my temper fuming as I listen to him speak. Though furious at first Gyra knew he had drugged me, hearing her say she would tell me makes it easier. What Ravyn says next however, completely throws me off.

“I'm not toying with her I want her!” He growled his fist clenching.

“Well she doesn't want you buddy, so I suggest you fess up and let her be. Finish off your time here and then go back where you came from”

I jump slightly as I feel a hand on my shoulder, turning to see Darvis. He doesn't say anything to me, he merely pushes me gently aside and motions for me to go upstairs. I open my mouth to protest, but he shakes his head and mouths for me to 'go on'. Mouth agape I comply with his words simply because it's the first time we've been around one another where we haven't been at each others throats. I walk in a daze up the steps, Ravyns words and Gyra's playing out in my mind. Instead of returning to his room I instead go to my own and draw myself a nice warm bath. Once out of the clothes from the night before I slide down into it my headache all but gone as each of my muscles relaxes in the hot water. I want to be mad at him for drugging my drink, but if what he says is true then he did it for my own good I guess. It doesn't make sense to me in honesty but if he had wanted to try something he would have and he would have gone further. “Plus he did tell me not drink much” my mind reasoned with me. What plagued me though is what she had meant by him marking me, I could only assume she meant the collar. He had expressed that was not what it meant but then Gyra did only have the older books to go by, we had not yet been issued the latest of vampyre customs as they were changing and we were only small town folk.

“I see you are feeling better”

I nearly jump out of my skin, grabbing the towel and hugging it my chest as I glare at Ravyn. “Get the hell out of my bathroom you pervert!”

“I was merely concerned is all.”

“Go away.” I say hotly turning my attention away from him.

“That's not very polite..”

“And neither are you for entering a ladies bathing chambers uninvited. You're from nobility you should have been bred better than that.” I say venomously doing my best to keep the lump in my throat from rising. I felt like crying because of the damn dream and what I over heard and it pissed me off.

“You are right, I do apologize. I simply wanted to see how your head was doing.”

“Fine. Now go.”I barely get the words out as tears are sliding down my cheeks. Once again I'm confused and I don't understand it.

“By the way..I drugged your drink..” He says casually before walking out of my bathroom.

I let out a sob I was holding in as I hear the bedroom door close. “I know..” I whisper softly as I hug the now wet towel to my chest.

“'Yana..” Gyras voice is soft, and I hear her set down the tray with the tea.

“...yea..” I manage to get out, wiping the tears away and hoping she will think it's just water.

“I tried to stop him..”

“It's fine” I cut her off, looking over to her. “How was your date with Darvis..?”

She flushes momentarily before looking at me with a serious face. “Did he..tell you..”

“That he drugged my drink..yea..”I say softly, the tears starting to fall again. In the 3 years that we've known each other she had never seen me cry.

“I..that is..I saw..” She starts before I cut her off.

“It's okay. I know you couldn't do much so don't worry. He had good reason I'm sure. But..I'd like some privacy if you don't mind..” I force a smile as I look to her, holding in the tears that want to start falling again.

“Ariyana..just..maybe you should go..”

“Go where?”

“Away..from him that is..” She gives me a look of genuine concern.

“This is my home. And no, I won't. I still have to keep him from wanting me remember.” I say with a choked sob that I try to turn into a chuckle and cover with a awkward sounding laugh.

“Yea but..just be careful okay..please..just stay away from him as much as you can..I'll take care of things around here..I know you don't want to be stuck in your room..but it might be best..I made you some tea for your head..” She gives me a small smile before standing and walking out of the bathroom.

“Gyra..thanks..” I call after her, hearing her 'your welcome' as she walks out of my bedroom.

I get out of my bath, throwing on my robe as I pick up a cup of the tea and sip it. I let out a small content sigh as I walk to my bed and sit on the side staring at the choker that is now on my nightstand. I set the tea down and pick the choker up and stand to my feet. Not caring that I'm still in my robe I walk out of my room and towards Ravyns. Darvis is standing outside the door so that tells me I can't give it to Ravyn personally. When he sees me come up his eyes widen and he quickly diverts his gaze.

“Pardon Lady..but..”

“I know.” I cut him off. “I was wondering if you could give him these for me.” I saw as I hand him the choker and the earrings. “I was late in doing so.” I smile to him before I turn and walk away.

“Uh..yea..”He says staring down at the pieces of jewelry.

I return to my room, closing and locking the door behind me before taking the robe off and sliding into a pair of loose pants and a long shirt. I crawl under my covers taking another sip of my tea before closing my eyes. Perhaps I'd take Gyra's advice and go someplace until Ravyn decides to leave.

“Please..” I whisper to myself as I close my eyes. “No dreams..”

Darvis stared down at the jewelry, eying the bedroom door carefully. He was hesitant to go into there with the jewelry. He was already upset from his conversation with Gyra there was no telling if this would put him over the edge or not. “Oh well, here goes nothin'” He mumbled under his breath as he knocked lightly on the door. “Lord Ravyn..”

“Come on in Darvis.” Came the soft reply from within.

Darvis opened the door carefully, stepping in and closing it behind him. He walked towards Ravyn before stopping his hand closed at his side.

“Well..?” Ravyn spoke softly, looking up to him.

“Err..well..” He let out a deep breath before bringing his arm up and holding his hand out.

Ravyn stiffens as he see's the choker and the earrings sitting in Darvis' hands. “How..”

“She handed them to me..about twenty minutes ago..”

“I see.” Ravyn spoke softly, taking the jewelery.

“Is there anything..”

“No..” He cut Darvis off. “Leave me.”

“As you wish” He spoke softly, walking out of the room and closing the door behind him.

Ravyn growled as he clenched his fist with the jewelery in it, throwing it down at the ground. “Dammit..” He hissed under his breath. Maybe he had been wrong in giving them back to her, he should just leave it be and leave her be. His mind told him that was the smartest thing to do but he couldn't just let her go. He wanted her now, and he meant to have her. Seeing her wear the choker had nearly sent him over the edge and had made him want to possess her that much more. Of course he knew better than to make her wear the choker but he didn't have a choice.

He's on top of me, his fingers soft on my skin as they skillfully tease and tantalize. I shudder and arch up feeling his lips hot against my neck as he places butterfly kisses along it. His hand moves to cup my breast softly teasing the nipple with his thumb and forefinger causing me to moan softly. His hand traces down to my thighs as he slowly begins to hike the skirt of my dress up.

“Ariyana..I want you to be mine..” he whispers the words in my ear, the breath tickling them.

My cheeks flush red as I shudder, looking into his green eyes. “What..” Is all I can manage to get out as his hand is now slowly traveling up my bare thigh now.

“I want you to be mine..” He says once more, and I catch his other hand moving out of my peripheral vision.

I turn to look at the hand, watching as he brings up a a dark purple pear shaped gem attached to a white satin ribbon string. “a..collar..” I breath out as I feel my cheeks get even hotter.

“Our customs..” He says before lowering down to kiss the spot on my neck where my pulse is the strongest. “And..because I find it very..alluring..” He said as he nipped gently on the spot he had kissed.

“I..” I swallow hard as I look at him, my mind suddenly unable to form any real rational response. I was confused and I wasn't sure what confused me more the fact I wasn't bothered by what he was saying or the fact I actually wanted it.

He looks to me, grinning softly almost haughtily as he moves his hands up towards my neck. My hands move up instinctively as if to protect my neck and to stop him. He chuckles softly, gently and with little resistance he moves my hands aside, placing the collar around my neck. My cheeks feel as if they are on fire and I slowly lift my gaze to look at him. I'm slightly embarrassed he could put it on me so easily, I'm usually much more defiant then that.

“Mine” He speaks softly as he presses a soft kiss on my lips, his gaze locking with mine.

“Yours..” I say breathlessly in response, shifting somewhat shyly and wondering why I even said it in the first place.

“Ariyana..?”

I jerk awake with a start, my body drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. “Fuck..” I mumble under my breath as I shift under my covers.

Another soft knock on the door. “Ariyana..are you in here?”

“Huh..oh yes..” I say groggily, getting up and going towards the door. “who..?”

“Lord Ravyn..”

I freeze, my hands darting to my neck letting out a small relieved sigh when I realize there really isn't a collar there. “What do you want?”

“I was hoping we could speak...”

“Aren't we doing that now?”

“I meant civilly, if it's alright with you. Not through a door, but face to face. Either in my room, or somewhere else if you would prefer it.”

“What do you want to talk about?” I ask cautiously.

“As I said I would prefer to discuss it face to face.”

“If you aren't even going to tell me what you want to discuss then why should I grant you face to face?” I ask getting annoyed at the fact he skirted my question, or perhaps it was from the dream.

“I'm trying to be civil Ariyana, at least you can be the same.” He says calmly and evenly making me feel just a little bit bad for having sounded so rude.

“When did you want to talk?” I ask softly, not knowing why I spoke like I did, but letting it go none the less. 'The dream.' I tell myself.

“As soon as you are ready, I'll be in my room. If you want to speak there we can, otherwise we can some place else.”

“No, your room is fine..I'll be ready shortly..” I say softly, listening to him walk away above the sound of my heart thudding in my ears. I don't know what has me more shaken the stupid dream I had or the fact that he was the one in it and the one who woke me up from it. I stood by my door for a few minutes before walking over to my closet and peering inside. For once I wasn't sure what to wear, staring me in the face were most my casual dresses that I wore around town and to the right were some of the nicer casual dresses I hadn't worn since Gyra bought them for me. She insisted that I have something a little dressier than what I liked to normally wear. My choice of neutral colors were boring she told me. I shifted through the dresses before pulling out a pale blue dress. It was a simple peasant style gown with an A-line hem, and a V-neck. I look at myself in the mirror then over to my dressing table. Knowing I hadn't bathed I bite my lower lip before walking over to it and sitting down. I braid my hair lacing a white ribbon through it though I don't know why. I add on a light blue eye liner and spray just a hint of perfume.

'Why am I doing this..?' My mind screams as I brace my head in my hands and rest my elbows on the table. I look up at my face and stare back at my reflection. I don't hardly recognize the person staring back at me, I'm usually so sure and certain and the face looking back at me is nothing but uncertain. I really don't even know why I'm doing this, why I dressed up or why I am so nervous. I want to tell myself it was the dream, but was it really? Maybe he did something to me. Suddenly my temper is flaring. “What if it was the bite” I hiss through clenched teeth. 'What if it you just have feelings for the guy' My mind chided softly. I shake my head letting out a deep breath, and walk over to my door opening it. My eyes widen as I find myself staring face to face with Ravyn. “What..”

“You look..beautiful..”

I shift smoothing out the hem of my dress as I look down. “Oh..uhm..thanks..What are you doing here?” My voice is soft and I swallow a lump that is rising in my throat.

“I..uh..well I was actually just going out..”

“Oh..” There's disappointment in my voice and I don't know why.

“Were you going to my room?”

“I..” I shift again, scratching at my arm. “Well I mean if you don't want to..”

“No. I would like to. Where did you want to talk?”

“Well..I mean since you're here..” I shift back and step sideways feeling my pulse increase as I invite him into my room.

“Are you sure..? He asks me his voice soft and calm.

“I..well..yea..” I flash a small smile stepping back and he steps in closing the door. I move to sit on my bed and he walks over to my vanity sitting on the chair. “So...”

“I wanted to apologize to you.”

I look at him my eyes widening slightly. “Apologize..” I barely squeak the word out.

“Since coming here I haven't been very nice to you. I've been a real ass and not shown that I'm any different from any other vampyre ruler in this make shift democracy. I hurt your feelings took advantage of your hospitality and was cruel about things concerning your past. I am sincerely sorry.” His voice is soft and I almost had to strain to hear him.

“I..” I look at him,my cheeks flushing a deep red at my inability to respond.

“I was hoping you would accept my invitation and come out to my castle for a month.”

“Y-Your castle...a..a month..” I stutter my eyes widening.

“Not anything personal!” He says quickly and I am certain I can see his cheeks flush a soft pink. “I just wanted to do it as a way to show my gratitude. You don't even have to see me. Gyra will be there..”

“Gyra..?” I say almost breathlessly.

“Yes..as Darvis'..friend..” He says that last word after a pause, and I can gather they are more than 'friends.'

“Uhm..I..that is..” I swallow the lump in my throat and look up to him smiling slightly. “I would love to, thank you.”

He lets out a deep breath and I realize he had been holding his breath. “Delightful. We will be leaving tomorrow. I hope that's not too soon.”

“Oh..uhm..well if Gyra is going I'm sure she's taken care of things..so it's fine..” I smile meekly.

“Ah good..I'll leave you to it then.” He says standing and walking towards the door.

“Wait..!” I say standing quickly.

He stops turning to look at me.

“I..my mother...” I say softly, my eyes diverting from his.

“Do you really want to know?”

I nod, picking at my fingernails.

“She was a double agent, she set up an ambush between the unit your father was with and mine. I don't know why, but I was commander of the unit and barely escaped with my life. When I found out I killed her.” His tone gets harsher as he finishes the sentence.

“My..but..” Tears well up into my eyes as I sit down on the bed.

“I don't know why Ariyana. I don't even know if your father knew she was a half-ling. But what's funny is you have more traits than she, perhaps your father was not full human.” He says a thoughtful tone in his voice as he looks at me sympathetically.

I shake my head at him as I brush at my eyes quickly. I don't even want to think about that part. “So..”

“I did it out of vengeance. Not only did she set up me and my comrades, but she set up your father and his men. She told us where to be, and she told them where we would be waiting.”

“How do you know.?” I ask in a raspy voice as I try to hold in my tears, a lump rising up in my throat.

“Because...” He hesitates before finishing. “Your father told me with his dying breath.”

I look up suddenly, and I can't hold in my tears. “Did you..”

“I don't know.” He says quietly cutting me off. “If I did I apologize, he told me where to find her. When I found you two your mother was planning on running away with you..”

“And you killed her..” I say in a heavy voice, rubbing my tears away with my hand.

“Here..” He says gently walking towards me and pulling out his handkerchief he dabs my tears away.

I stop his hand after a moment, and look up to him smiling softly. “Thank you..”

His next move is such a blur I'm not certain what happens but all of a sudden he is leaning in front of me, his hands on my cheeks and his eyes lock on mine for a brief moment before his lips descend on mine.

I freeze at the sudden feeling of his lips on mine before my eyes close and my body begins to relax my lips pressing back into his. 'This feels like my dream..' My mind says to me though I can barely hear it above the thumping of my heart in my ears. My eyes open slightly and I look back into his.

“I'm sorry” He says, standing quickly and walking to the door. “Forgive me..I'll see you tomorrow then..” He walks out quickly, closing the door softly behind him and my hand drifts up to my lips.

“What..”

Ravyn walked into his room closing the door and then leaning back against it. “Shit..” He muttered under his breath as he ran a hand through his hair. “Real fuckin' smooth.” He walked away from the door and over towards his desk, a soft knock stopping him mid step.

“Ravyn..”

He froze mid turn towards the door, Ariyana's soft voice coming through the door and blasting in his ears. “Y..Yes..”

There was a pause before she spoke up again and Ravyn was afraid she may have gone away. “May I come in?”

He cleared his throat, walking to the door and gently opening it. “Yes..” He said softly looking down to her.

“Ah..” My cheeks flush a moment as I pause. “What should I pack?” I give my best smile I can muster, but I feel like it ends up looking like that of a childs.

“Oh..” He shifts a bit uncomfortably. “Uhm well I guess whatever you feel is necessary...I'm not sure what you want..I mean ya know, clothes and stuff but bathing essentials will be provided unless you want your own stuff..”

I can't help but giggle as I look up at him, his cheeks are red.

“W-what..” He says to me, his cheeks getting redder.

“You're actually blushing..” I say in between my giggles.

He bristles at that shooting me a glare. “I am not.”

“Oh you are so..” I start before he suddenly tugs me into the room, slamming the door shut and placing his hand over my mouth.

“Shhh!” He hisses at me, my cheeks turning deep red as the side of my face is pressed against his chest. He looks down at me with a stern expression and I begin to giggle again.

“What's the matter?” I say removing his hand from my mouth. “You can't have your hard guy reputation ruined?”

“Oh ha ha “ He says sarcastically looking down at me. He looks into my eyes and I feel my cheeks warm as his head begins to dip down.

I can feel my heart hammering in my chest and I want to move but I can't bring myself to do anything. His head stops short and before I can even register what I'm doing I've got my arms wrapped around his neck and my lips are pressed against his. I feel his arms wrap snugly around my lower back and he pulls me in, pressing his lips back against mine. My heart begins to beat faster as my rational mind is screaming at me to stop, but my body doesn't appear to be listening.

After a moment he pulls back, looking down at me with an unreadable expression. “Ariyana..I..”

I don't give him a chance to speak anymore because I tug him back down with my hands and press my lips back against his. I don't know what possessed me to do it, but something about his lips against mine just felt really good. My mind tried to scream at me that it shouldn't feel so good and that I should be hating this guy right now but I couldn't stop myself. He forcibly pushes me back and looks at me.

“I think you should leave..plenty to do before we depart.”

His voice is hardened and I don't say anything as I turn to leave tears brimming in my eyes. I hear him start to say my name but I don't give him a chance as I fly out of the door. I run to my room and throw myself on the bed. “What's wrong with me” I mumble softly into my bed.

“Love”

I jump, turning to see Gyra sitting at my vanity. “What..”

“I figured Ravyn had spoken with you and wanted to touch base on a few things, you weren't here so I figured I'd wait.”

“Oh..well”

“Do you want to talk about it?' She presses softly.

“No.” I say as I wipe my eyes. “There is nothing to talk about I am not in love.”

“Then why are you going?”

“I..well...to be polite” I say softly.

“Right” She responds, chuckling. “You can deny it as much as you want to but it's obvious girl. It'd be easiest for you to give in now before you make things any harder on yourself.”

“But I can't love him..” I almost whine. “I am supposed to kill him..”

“You were” She cuts me off “And he's told you more about your past than even you remember.”

“Exactly!!!” I exclaim. “That shows he's way too old for me. I'll go and be polite, but then when the month is up we'll return home like..”

“You..” She says softly to me.

“Me?” I look at her quizzically.

“You will return here if that is your choice.”

“What do you mean..?” My stomach suddenly knots up and I feel a chill run through my veins. “You can't mean..”

“I'm sorry Ari...but I'm ready to settle down and Darvis is a really sweet guy..I'd like to see where it goes.”

My head is shaking as I look to her. “No..you can't..I mean..but..” My mind is swirling. “this was...you set..”

“No..!” She says quickly stepping towards me. “That isn't how it is. Darvis invited me and I told him I couldn't leave you here and..”

“And that's why Ravyn invited me..” I speak slowly.

“I don't know..Darvis didn't mention that..” She says cautiously and I can tell she is carefully choosing her words.

“Go..”

“Ariyana..” She starts.

“Go!” I cut her off, tears stinging at the corners of my eyes.

She walks out and I throw myself to my bed and bury my head in my pillows. Suddenly it seemed like everyone was against me and Gyra was gonna leave me for that bastards right hand man. Not to mention the fact that I made a fool of myself in front of Ravyn. I groaned as me basically throwing myself at him came rushing back to my mind. “Kill me now..” I muttered into my pillow. I was suddenly torn, did I even still want to go but if I stayed here what would happen, and arrangements were evidently already being made. Was he just extending his hospitality because Gyra was leaving, or was he really being nice?

My head began to hurt as I sniffled. The way he had been talking to Gyra in the kitchen seems so different from what she was telling me. Then the way Darvis had behaved. What if Darvis told him or them both that I had heard them. My stomach began to do flip flops and I suddenly didn't want to go. Would it be rude of me now if I declined? My thoughts are once more interrupted by a soft knocking on my door.

“Go away Gyra..” I call softly, assuming it's her.

“I am not Gyra.” Comes Darvis' voice from the other side.

“Yea, well I don't want to talk to you either, so you can go away too.” I say hotly.

“You can either let me in or I will come in.”

I let out an audibly agitated sigh as I walk over to the door and open it. “What” I say rudely, my gaze meeting his.

He says nothing simply thrusts a pile of books into my chest. “I suggest you refreshing your memory.” With that being said he turns and walks down the hall towards Ravyn's room.

“And if I decide not to go” I say softly, as I stare down at the books.

He stops mid step, turning to face me. “What?”

I look up quickly, my face flushing deep red as I didn't think he had heard me. “Oh uhm..”

He walks back down towards me and all but shoves me into my room closing the door behind him. “Not, but according to his Lordship you said you would.” there is something in his voice, something that sounds worried but it seems so misplaced.

“What's it to you, you're already stealing my only friend from me.” I say smartly to him as I set the books on my bed before I fall.

“You said you would go.” He presses once more, his eyes searching mine.

“I'm a woman, and I'm a human I'm allowed to change my mind.” I say smartly.

“You are not human, I thought that was mad clear to you, and answer my question dammit!” He hisses at me his eyes narrowing and his voice hushed.

“Why do you care.” I hiss back.

“Did nothing you picked up when you were eavesdropping mean any thing to you, and lets not forget you threw yourself at Ravyn.”

I glare at him and though my cheeks are red with embarrassment I'm pissed he even knows. “How..”

“I saw. He didn't tell me, so don't go throwing one of your fits. And don't raise your voice either.”

“And obviously he only said what he did to get Gyra to not tell me so he could. It was total bullshit Darvis and you know it. And why do you care, you don't like me anyway.”

He gives me an agitated look, rubbing his temples. “Look. What you're thinking about all of this is all wrong, Ravyn planned on inviting you back anyway. I was going to invite Gyra whether or not you came.”

“But she said she wouldn't leave without me..” I say softly, my voice sounding like an innocent childs wowed by a magic trick.

“Yes, she did tell me that and I was going to speak to you about it, when I overheard you and Ravyn talking.”

I shook my head rubbing at my temples trying to keep the forming headache away. “No!” I all but shout out. “It doesn't make any sense, everyone here seems to know something that I don't and you're all keeping it from me.”

“Read.The.Books. Ariyana.” He says, emphasizing each word as he does so.

“Books books books!” I growl moving to shove them off my bed. “Everything is about customs and formalities and me becoming something I'm not and supposedly now I am something I've hated, and everyone just expects me to go along with what they're telling me. Fuck you and everything you and your kind stand for!”

He stares at me, my chest is heaving and my face is flushed and tears want to fall down my cheeks but I refuse to let them. Not in front of him, ever.

“You're such a child.” He says softly to me. “So naïve in the ways of so much. Read the books.” With that he turns and walks out of my room, closing the door softly behind him.

I scream, loudly in the middle of my room and then I fall to my knees, sobs wracking my body. Just two days ago my world made sense and now everything was different and nothing made any sense at all.

Gyra comes rushing into my room, a worried expression on her face. “'Yana!! Are you okay” She says between gasps as she falls to my side.

I look up at her and I shake my head. “I don't want to go anymore..I want..this is too much Gyra...it's too much for me. I can't take it..”

She stands and closes my door, walking back towards me. “Then don't..He'll be upset but I am certain he'll cope.”

“He..?”

“Ravyn..he likes you..and you like him.. I can't change anything about that Ariyana, and neither can you. Just like you can't change who and what you are. Love isn't supposed to be easy and it isn't supposed to make sense but..”

“No...” I say softly, cutting her short. “You've always known who you were. And suddenly here I am being told I'm someone so different. And suddenly my world has changed and the man I've wanted to kill my entire life has..has..” I can't finish the sentence because I don't know how.

“Has changed the way you feel about him” She says softly, looking to me.

“I can't do this Gyra...”

“Yes you can..you just don't want to accept it. For whatever reason fate chose this path for you. Being a Lord's bride would not be the worst thing, just like being a vampyre isn't the end of the world.”

“Half or..quarter” I correct her.

“Whatever.” She says dismissively waving her hand. “You can choose to face who you are, or you can continue to deny it. I'm going either way Ariyana. I can't make the choice for you.”

“Gyra..I heard you two talking..in the kitchen.” I say in a tone as if I had been caught doing something I shouldn't have been.

“And..” She says cautiously.

“He..he said he wanted me..is it..I mean..”

“I don't know. Only you can get the answer that you want. I can't give it to you. What else did you hear?”

I shake my head at her. “Not much..” I was tempted to tell her Darvis had shooed me away before I could hear much more, but knowing her wrath and the way she was taking my over hearing her and Ravyn talk I decided not to.

She purses her lips together before moving to help me to my feet. “Look Ariyana. All you're life you've hated the very thing you are tied to. Now even more so since you know there is something going on between Ravyn and you. Make the best of it. If you really aren't certain and you really don't want to take things further with him. Then be polite stay for a week or so and come back here. I'll visit often, and if things don't work out between Darvis and I then I'll be back.”

“Speaking of you two..” I say in a soft and pressing tone.

“Oh no..we haven't..that is..” Her face turns a deep crimson. “He's only kissed me”

“And..” I push.

“And I don't know..he's so polite and sweet. It's so different from how he is when he's working.” She giggles softly, and it reminds me of school girls like I had seen in a movie once.

“Do you love him?”

“I don't know..I think I might..” She says, smiling softly as she looks to me.

“I'm happy for you..I'll miss you but I am happy...”

She hugs me tightly. “Oh Ariyana..I hope for your sake, you'll take this with an open mind...it doesn't have to be bad ya know.”

I stiffen slightly and pull away. “Gyra..do you know something you're not telling me..?”

“W-What” She stutters slightly.

“It's just..I feel like I am somehow out of the loop..”

“Honestly I know only a little bit about what Ravyn feels for you, but if you want to know that it is best to come from his lips.” She says softly, looking at me from the side.

I nod. “Thank you..” I wonder what she means, but I don't press her. It's not like her to keep anything from me so far as I know she never has before. I guess when the time is right I will press him for the information.

“Are we all better then?” She asks softly.

“No, but I'm getting there..” I smile meekly at her.

“I've got to go take care of things. You just stay in here and relax. Read those books Darvis gave you.” She says to me before walking out.

I halfway wonder how she knew he gave them to me, but then laugh as I look down at one. It was probably her doing in the first place. “What would I do without you Gyra.” I say, giggling slightly.

---

A/N:

So this chapter falls short a bit in length, and I know it's been a while since I've updated, but life is hectic for me and I have little spare time to write. Usually when my muse/inspiration hits I am not near my laptop and I end up forgetting what I wanted to write. I went back and edited Chaper one, and hope there aren't any mistakes in this one. To my one faithful reviewer I don't plan on letting this story drop, I simply have so many ideas for it that sometimes it takes me a bit to straighten them out. I still haven't decided exactly what direction I want to take this. I plan on doing a touching base sort of thing with Ariyana's past and furthering the relationship of Darvis and Gyra as it will play a huge role in the story later. Whether or not it's positive or negative will depend on how I take the story. Hope you guys enjoyed and I'll be working on the next chapter as soon as I can.

<3 Bliss