“That is awful, I am really sorry. But, why did he pick you, what is your power?” I asked her, thinking that I had stepped out of line, that maybe I should have left the questions for another day. Blanche placed the scrambled egg in front of me, with two slices of toast before moving back towards the cooker to finish her own. “Well, the same as Berus, I can conjure the dead, bring people back from the other side. It isn't easy, and takes a lot of practice, but once I got the hang of it, I became a natural. If I could say so, I am now just as strong as my master.” I nodded, unsure if I completely understood, but more than a little terrified, that was a banned power, much like my own. Was the prince collecting those that were more powerful than the average witch or warlock? Why did he want me? I couldn’t exactly control my ability yet, nor could I shape shift into anything other than a domestic house cat, what use

I did not respond to Silas’ voice, I just ran, ran faster than I ever thought I could; ran for everything that I wanted in life, and for my freedom. I prayed to whatever god may be out there, begging the strange being to allow me to do this, to help me when no one else could. I saw a large oak door as I ran, the windows beside it showing me that it led to the outside of the castle, that it would get me out and then I just had to make it through the city. I heard voices behind me as I pushed my legs harder, shouting and ordering me to stop, to turn around and get on the ground, they had found me; the vampires knew who I was. If I didn’t make it to the door, they would kill me, but why? Why couldn’t they just let me go? I hadn't done anything wrong! I only wanted freedom; I wanted a life where I could choose my own path. Not have one chosen for me. I made it to the door just as the vampires were closing in around me, swinging

“Now listen to me Berus, you were put under my charge by my Father our King. This girl has a lot of potential but the way you have treated her so far will hamper any progress that could be made over the coming weeks. You will do things my way from now on.” Silas sternly said. “Her training will consist of her trying to gain a form of my choosing. You are not to attack her in anyway, except for training her powers. After you have trained her for 4 hours each day. Send her to me. This is a direct order!”“Yes majesty.” Berus replied through gritted teeth, shooting me another look, one that promised me pain.I tried to stand, though my entire form ached and whimpered in pain, the lightning only just ceasing to crack across my flesh. I groaned, inhaling sharply as I attempted to move once more managing to move into a seated position on the floor; my mind slow and vague. The prince turned back to look at me as tears slipped from my eyes,

 I bolted upright, my heart racing as my chest ached, my breath sharp and afraid. I looked around in a panic, the circular room barren of anything other than the straw I sat upon; a metal door the only way in or out. I stumbled to my feet, rushing towards the only window I could see, bars preventing me from being able to get out that way, a strange aura surrounding the tower, the city bellow seeming so far away. I knew what the aura was as it brushed against my hand, it was binding my powers, making it so I couldn’t use them; the mind link I had with the prince unable to connect here. I didn’t know where he was, or what he was thinking, I didn’t even know if I would still be alive by the end of the day; the world around my spinning as I collapsed onto the floor, unable to hold my own weight.I crawled back towards the pile of straw, my mind as tired as my body; I moved to lay down, shivering as I only wore a long-sleeved blue gown, the fabric ba

I leant against the witch, not knowing what else to do, my own body failing me. “I can’t, he will see my thoughts.” I whispered.She frowned, looking down at me as she helped me undress and get into the warm bath; her eyes littered with confusion. “What? Who will see your thoughts?”“The prince.” I said without thinking, my body slipping easily into the water.Blanche frowned again, unsure what I meant. “What do you mean the prince will see your thoughts? Witches can't mind meld with vampires.”I thought for a moment, realising what I had done, the problem I had now caused. “I... I mean he can... He can see my thoughts because he is so powerful.”“That is not how it works Luna, vampires can only hear the thoughts of other vampires, and certain witches can hear the thoughts of other beings; but never a vampire. That is unheard of. Such a thing cannot be possible, how can you hea