VERONICAI tiptoed back nervously, not knowing what would become of me should I get caught.However, just on the last hallway to my room, I unknowingly hit a flower vase with my leg. Luckily, it didn't chatter, but it made a very alarming noise. calling attention to the figure I saw at the end of the hallway."Hey, come with me!" he gestured. I look around beside me and at my back, trying to confirm to whom exactly he was talking.I pointed to myself when I clearly couldn't see anyone behind or beside me. "Do you mean me?" I ask tenderly.Prince Ezra has very little patience. I know that, and yet I am crossing the line."Yes you... Just follow me!" He says it impatiently. I guess he is short of the annoying word he would cuss at me with."Sorry." I bow my head in apology and start to run over to where he is. Before I get to him, he's already in his office. I followed suit almost immediately.There is something very striking about Ezra. His presence alone gives me shivers,maybe because

VERONICASooner than I expected, the king appeared. Although not as I expected. He is looking all old and sick, like someone who will drop dead soon. His wolf must have helped him walk upright, and even a smile he couldn't fake He went up with all that mean face until he got to his gigantic seat and sat. Facing the rest of us. We all bowed gently to him for about a minute.I was glad enough to see his face. It looks like what I had before; maybe he was in my nightmare. His face is unforgettable, but I can't even find a trace of where I have met this man before.I see Mike. Standing at the back of another man who was dressed like a king too. Although it was obvious that the Lycan was superior, the man sat side by side with the Lycan king.I was so distracted that I didn't even know when the other ladies were asked to go out. I almost stumble while I hasten my pace as Emily taps me.They had to form a cue when I got out; I had to stand as the last person. As I walked down the long line,

VERONICAI step into the shower, turning the knob to let the water run down on me. The warmth feels good on my skin, but it doesn't take away the sadness I feel inside.I close my eyes and let the water flow over my face, mixing with the tears that are already falling. I feel frustrated and alone, and the water is the only comfort I have right now.I lean my forehead against the tiles, wishing that the water could wash away all the negative thoughts and feelings that have been plaguing me. But it doesn't. They keep coming back, making me feel more and more helpless.I take deep breaths, trying to calm down, but it's hard. My mind keeps going back to the event and how ridiculously it ended. It's bad enough that I had to dance for the first time in that large cloud. It feels like everything is going wrong, and I don't know how to fix it.The water starts to turn cold, but I don't move. I don't want to leave the shower, where it's warm and safe. Outside, the world feels too big and scary

VERONICAFor five minutes, I stood trying to figure out where the door could be. It's just a large wall surrounding me. The walls aren't as tall as the ones inside the castle. I might be able to pass through.I walk over to the side that has branches on it, but just as I am about to climb over, someone coughs behind me. I wish I was really hallucinating because the thought of getting caught has left a tight knot in my stomach. I pretend not to have heard anything."What are you doing?" The person finally asked. It was a face I had never seen in my life."What do you mean?" I am your new princess. I mean princess-to-be. So what did you say again?" I tried to use my position to intimidate him, but that didn't work on him."A princess to be should be in a room, not trying to jump over to the vampire's world.""Vampires... vampires what?" I almost forgot that vampires live here. If, for anything, I acted recklessly and they found me, I would be dead meat in an instant. Imagine hundreds of

VERONICAI couldn't say what woke me, but when I opened my eyes, I saw the same figure that I called my mother in my dream. It wasn't clear; my vision is blurry."Mother? I ask, trying to ascertain if she really is the one.She smiled beautifully and held my eyes so tightly.Still smiling, "Are you okay?" She asksI swing my head. Tears escape my eyes, and I feel a big space within me."Where have you been all this while, mother?"She runs her hand through my hair. "I have enjoyed being with you, my darling."I wish I could see her clearly. I don't even hold any grudges against her; I just want to know why she and my father left me, where they went, and why I have been feeling like I have not fulfilled the request they made of"You have become a princess once again. I knew you could do it. Don't get too worked up about escaping. This is your fate. This is the only way you could avenge us.""What are you talking about?" Avenge us? I thought you would stay with me. You have always been