โI hear you went outside today in the gardens!โ Michelle said with a quizzical brow after I told her of my request for bird seed. Talon had asked me to inform her as both she and Stuart were head of the kitchen and supplies. Anything requested, went through them to order. I did, with Talon and I think four others that were just guarding or something, but it was nice. It felt good to be outside of these walls for once!โ. โSo, does this mean weโll see more of you? It feels like youโre always hiding away in Talonโs suiteโ. โMmm, weโll see. As much as Iโm getting to know everyone a bit better, thereโs still a lot of it that feelsโฆ.. wellโฆ.. surreal! You know? I still feel like Iโm trying to wrap my head around this whole different version of my life, and everything I ever knew and was taughtโ. โYes, I do know, and I also know it takes time to find your feet and your place here. I didnโt mean to rush you. Iโve just been here for so long now I forget what it was first like.
Kyans POV: One week later. I was supposed to be researching more into the dagger that was found, yet here I am staring out the window at her, like a weird, perverted stalker! I was more intrigued at how she managed to get my father out to the gardens for the second time. He always seemed to find more peace in his quarters, but out thereโฆ he was smiling, he looked calm, he even seemed to be enjoying himself as she handed him another bird feeder to hang in a nearby tree. It seemed like a ridiculous thing to do, but also justโฆ warming! Something so simple, something weโve never once done before. Now seeing her do it, it just seems so logical and humble to give the little creatures a helping hand. I watched as her hair slightly waved whenever there was a gentle breeze, and I could hear her laugh and see her smile whilst she looked so at ease with my father. There was no hesitation from her as she took hold of his arm, no wariness or fear. Every time she laughed, it awakened my
Ellie's POV: I sat comfortably on the window shelf with the cushions tucked behind my back. This spot right here in the library window, was now my favourite place to be in this castle. I had a beautiful view of the snowy garden and the treetops. I could watch the birds hopping about just outside on the window ledge and the sun shone through the glass every time it managed to find a gap in between the murky clouds. Flipping another page on Emmaโs journal, I was intrigued to know what else she had said about Maggie, I just had this sense of wanting to get to know her and the rest of them through Emmaโs eyes. The first human to be their guest here. โDay 29, Dearest journal, I come with more unexpected news. I have spent the day under Maggieโs care and care for me she did, just so. I have eaten, I have bathed, I have seen more of this incredible place. The sheer size of it is rather impressive, the halls and pathways seem endless and yet, I know the doors in which I can ope
Four days later: โSo, you think we need a grand fireplace?โ Talon asked with a grin as we walked down into the main hall. โWell, itโs a very big room. I think a fireplace would look cosy. I was just making a suggestion!โ I smiled back after I had made some small comment this morning about what would look nice in the main hall. โShould I put you on decorating committee?โ โThereโs a committee? Not surprised with the size of this place!โ I replied playfully as I looped my arm through his. โWell, when I say committee, I mean whoever can be bothered to task themselves with decorating. I donโt even recall the last time it was seen toโ. โSo, thereโs no one person who updates it?โ โI think itโs the maids?โ He said, looking thoughtfully with a chuckle. โI am glad youโve finally agreed to join in on the dinner time meal. It would be good for you to get to know the other lodgersโ. โLodgers? I thought they were family?โ โWell, if you take into account how long weโve
I sat in the quiet of the library after last night's commotion, deciding to give Talon some space in his own quarters. He told me this morning that his friend was ok and on the mend, that luckily Kiko, Drew and Mal had got to him before he bled out, but I could see so much worry etched onto his face. โDay 37 Dear journal, yesterday I had a longer tour of this place by a young woman called Lulu. She, too, is a vampire, of course. She was sweet and only seventeen, not much younger than I. She spoke of a man she is in love with, apparently he is to join her here to live. When she spoke of him, I could see her endearment and longing for him. The more time I am here, the more it confuses me. For so long I believed this species to be blood thirsty monsters, fearless, incapable of any emotion or understanding of life. But Iโve seen them, Iโve witnessed with my own eyes that they know of laughter, love, respect and the need to protect one another. With each day I learn something n
Kyan's POV: One week later. Itโs been a constant irritation the last few days. Ever since Hyvan was attacked and father held a meeting with the rest of our residents, everyone has been on edge, and Iโve lost count of the times Ellie has had to defend herself against Lyra and Zekanโs accusations. Donโt get me wrong, I can see their point! I mean, she is human after all, and it's rare we ever have their kind that can be trusted in our home and it's not as if she came willingly. I can feel a part of me really hoping she isnโt like the rest of them. I shouldnโt give a shit really, apart from the betrayal it would be against my father after his kindness toward her, but deep down I knew thatโs not the only reason Iโd be pissed! Her scent is no longer as strong as it was, its more of a familiar and calm aura, but one that still seems to pull me in whenever sheโs around along with her smile. She canโt be a part of this, she just canโt! The thoughts whirled through my head and I felt my
Ellie's POV: I sat in Talonโs quarters as he gave me a tight hug with Kiko standing by. This was the first time I had ever really met her and already I felt safe around her. Not only did she get me away from the hunters within seconds, but when another arrow was fired from our right, she twisted herself around, putting herself in its firing line in order to protect me! Luckily, she was fast enough for it to miss us both. But even as she was trying to get us out of there, she still took a moment to ask if I was ok, whilst she was dashing us both through the forest. Even when we reached the main hall, to Talon, who was stood anxiously waiting, she insisted on coming with us to his quarters, noting that she could see my legs were shaking from the adrenaline rush and wanted to stick around in case I fainted or felt dizzy. โI mean you were literally shot atโฆ twice!โ She commented when I told her Iโd be ok. Suddenly, one of the doors flung open and in rushed Kyan, who didnโt
The next morning I woke, my eyes feeling sore and tempted to close again from my lack of sleep. I had spent most of the night still overthinking about Kyan. I got dressed and as soon as I finished my usual morning routine, I grabbed Emmaโs journal and headed out of my room. I was taken by surprise to see Talon already sitting at the table which was laid with our breakfast and Kyan sitting on the right of the table, both of them looking at me as soon as I entered. โWell, good morning young Ellie, I was about to knock on your door and wake youโ. Talon said with a bright smile. I forced a smile, feeling uneasy and trying to avoid looking at Kyan. โAre you ok?โ Kyan asked, his deep voice traced with concern. โYea Iโm fine, just tired, I think it was the wineโ. I lied as I started to walk through the room and headed for the doors. โAre you not going to join us for breakfast?โ Talon asked in surprise at the idea of me passing up food. โOh, Iโm not hungryโ. I lied ag
I woke up early, the birds outside my window tweeting away as the sun was beginning to rise. I could already hear Talon in the next room rummaging around and I knew we werenโt the only ones awake. Everyone would now be getting out of bed to prepare themselves for the day ahead. I quickly put on all of my clothes I had chosen to wear whilst we hid in the tunnels. I knew it would be cold down there, so my three layers of tops and jumpers would hopefully keep me warm enough. I tied back my hair and clicked open my bedroom door, to see Talon putting away a handful of papers in a big black folder. โGood morning Ellie, youโre ready to go?โ โYes, what are you doing?โ I asked as I watched him neatly place the folder on the main table. โJust getting things in order, in case I donโt make it backโ. He said so calmly as if he didnโt realise exactly what his words meant. โYou WILL make it back, Talon, I know you willโ. I tried to reassure him and myself, even though doubt was ma
โYouโre quickโ Del said as he walked back across the mats, โBut youโll need to be quickerโ.I bent over leaning my hands on my legs as I tried to catch my breath, I had so much sweat forming all over my body, even my pulled back hair was wet! โIโm being as quick as I can!โ I told him in annoyance. โYou do have an advantage, in case youโve forgottenโ. โIf you find it hard now, how are you going to defend yourself against rogues? He asked with a frown.โIโll just have to do as best as I can, Delโ. โI donโt think youโre at your best, Ellโs, and so far Iโve taken it pretty easy on you!โ โEasy? You call that easy?โ. โDel, let her have a break!โ Kiko suggested as she watched our training. โShe looks like sheโs about to topple over!โ โFine!โ He slightly eased up. โGet some water, then weโll go again!โ โFuck!โ I said as my chest heaved, trying to catch my breath. I dragged myself over to the bench and drank what was left of my water.โSheโs improved a lot, Del. If we go too hard she won
I sat at the table in the main hall with Del and Kiko as we decided to take an extra long break in between training. Kiko was telling Del about my improvements, that I had been able to floor her more often than not and, with a cheeky grin, Del looked at me. โHow about I come on in these training sessions, see if you can knock me down?โ โYea, sounds good to me!โ I said confidently with a shrug.โDel!โ Kiko groaned. "Iโm trying to build her up so donโt be too full on." โI wonโt, I wonโt! Iโll try to take it easy. Donโt worry Ellie, I wonโt be too hard on you!โ he said with a playful wink.โBring it on!โ I replied, feeling competitive.โYou think you can take me down that easily?โ He said with a cocky smile.โI think youโre scared Iโll be able to!โ I shot back at him.โOooohโ Kiko cooed, chuckling. โDel, youโre not going to back down are you? But you can if youโre too afraid!โ She joined in with goading him.โAlright, alright girls! I know what youโre doing. But Iโll join in, donโt you
Ellieโs POV:I opened my eyes to see Kyan already awake looking back at me and my whole body fuzzed as I looked dreamily into his eyes.โGood morningโ. He whispered.โGood morningโ. I said with a little smile and a little wish that we could just stay like this.โDid you sleep ok?โโI didโ. I nodded against my pillow. โThank you for staying here, I hope you got some sleep tooโ. โI did, donโt worry. In fact, itโs probably one of the best nightsโ sleep Iโve had in a whileโ. โMe tooโ. I grinned and my stomach flipped when he gave me one of his own right back.โIโm sure you didnโt expect to be back here againโ.โI wanted to come back at some point. I would have always wanted to come back, I just didnโt think it would be so soon. I was only gone a day and now Iโm back already and you all have to put up with me againโ. I smiled with a chuckle, trying to lighten how heavy my heart was feeling.โNo, weโre always happy to have you here Ellieโ. โWow Kyan, youโve gotten softer, carry on like t
Kyan's POV:โFATHER!โ I shouted as soon as the castle doors were opened. I set Ellie down on the edge of the table as I quickly scanned her for any injuries. But when my eyes clocked the red palm mark on her cheek, my stomach lurched, and my throat let out an unvoluntary growl.Father came to the balcony and with one look at Ellie, he sped down the stairs and stopped right in front of her with a furious look. โWhat happened??โ He asked in demand for an answer.โTwo rogues got into her house and tried to take her. We managed to ambush them once they crossed into the forestโ. I informed him.โWhat?โ He asked as his eyes widened and his mouth turned into a scowl as he looked back at Ellie. โDid they attack Bluebay?โ โNoโ. She replied quietly and I could see her trying to gulp through her nerves. โAt leastโฆ I donโt think soโ. โNo, we were near the border, nothing happened!โ. Zekan informed them both.โHow did they get in?โ Father asked her.โThrough the yard doors, it was boarded up, bu
My legs were tired, and my brain felt fried. I had spent hours last night doing my resume and printing numerous copies. I had headed out first thing this morning to hand deliver them, but finding an open position I could fill was more difficult than Iโd hoped. I cycled from building to building, streets and blocks. I had gotten to the point where I practically pleaded for them to notify me of any positions availableโฆ. At this rate, I would be happy to be an errand girl or a janitor if it meant Iโd have some wages for the time being! Out of the fifty copies I made, only five got handed in and I still didnโt know where I could stay. Apart from one little old fashioned hotel out in the hills, there werenโt any others, it just wasnโt a needed thing here. But that place was for campers and hikers. I doubt I could afford to stay there on a nightly basis. My head hadnโt stopped swimming today with everything I had to secure in time, before the house was no longer our
Here I wasโฆ.. back again! I stared through the gap in the trees at my town as Kyan took my hand and helped me down from his back. It was just as gloomy today as it was last time, and my stomach churned with nausea as I looked at the street ahead where only a few days ago I was holding my dead mother. I already knew coming back so soon was going to be hard, but my legs felt like jelly and my head was starting to feel dizzy and hot. โAre you sure you want to do this?โ Kyan asked and it was only then I realised he was still holding my hand. I just nodded glumly as I squeezed his cool palm, wishing I didnโt have to go alone. โWeโll be right here if itโs too muchโ. Del reassured me as he rubbed my arm supportively and once again I just nodded in reply as if Iโd completely lost the ability to speak. โRemember keep your wits about you!โ Kyan reminded me as he stepped closer, looking right into my eyes. โYou run
Two days later: โDoes the coat fit ok?โ Talon asked as I put on the black coat he had insisted I wear with the black knee length dress that belonged to Cecelia. โItโs perfect!โ. I replied, trying to muster a smile, but I was thankful for him letting me wear these clothes. Itโs not like I had packed anything smart enough to wear, especially for something like today. โI know today will be very hard on you Ellieโ. He said with a long sigh. โMe and the whole townโ. I said as I flopped down onto a chair at his room table. โI very much wish I could be there to help you through it. If there was a wayโฆ.โ โOf course, I know you would!โ I interrupted him, not wanting him to feel any guilt for me having to go alone. โIโll be ok. I have my friends and my dad will be there!โ. โI knowโฆ I justโ. โYou worry!โ I smiled a watery smile. โYouโve worried and kept me safe the whole time Iโve been hereโ. I told him as I got up and walked over to him, placing my hands in his. โSo, f
Ellie's POV: I woke up, blinking open my eyes that felt almost as dry as my mouth and I could see by the light shining through my curtains onto the wall, it was daytime. My stomach sank once again, just as it did every time I woke up from my perfect dreams. Iโd sleep and see her just as she always used to beโฆ smiling, happy, dancing! Then the moment my eyes opened, Iโd see her face breathless in my arms and the reality would hit me, like I was seeing it for the first time all over again. I pushed myself up against my pillows, relieved to see the glass of water on my nightstand. I gulped it and felt the coolness run through my body, finally hydrating myself, but unfortunately it didnโt wash away the heaviness in my chest. I can barely even remember coming back here. I knew someone was holding me and in my mind I saw Kyan. I wanted it to be Kyan, but I only noticed the cold breeze, but just for an instant before, I slipped back into the peaceful darkness of my sleep. I h