Mae's POV

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My name is Mae Azrael Valdis, the name my late mother had given me. I do not go by that name anymore, instead, they call me Telum. In Latin it means weapon, and that's what I was. My old name was just a painful reminder of everything I had lost.

I can't remember how long I've been trapped here for, 6, 7, maybe 10 years? Everything I once knew is just a lost memory. I knew my place in the world, and now I know what evil really is.

I am to sit in a dark, damp, and confined cell until I am of use. Until they need dirty work done. And I know when I hear the keys jingle, as the lock to my cell clicks to life that it is simply for my torment and pain.

And it's when I hear that lock click to life now that I start to die inside. The jingling of the keys a warning for what is next to come before the same dark figure beckons me to its side.

I've learned how it's better to do things instantly or suffer the repercussions. Making my way to the dark figure I exit my cell.

My head hangs low as I'm escorted to the same room where my master sits high upon his throne. I've been through these halls so many times there was no point in looking ahead. When we've finally reached the throne room nothing but cold welcomes me.

"Hello, again Telum. Same as always I see," my master laughs at his own sick joke followed by his council members.

The sick fucks only find pleasure in the pain of others.

"You requested my presence master?"

My head is still low to the ground when I feel his bony fingers wrap around my chin, and I know better than to flinch at his touch.

Our eyes are locked. His eyes had not one speck of white for they were completely black. His dark brown hair fell to his shoulders, and his crooked white smile was daring. His skin was flawless, he was perfect, but I could see through him. That on the inside he was anything but.

"Why is it every time I see you, you smell even more enticing than the last? Such a shame you won't let me have a taste...I called you here to discuss your next mission."

Finally letting go of me he returned to his throne.

"As you already know we've been having an issue getting the other lords to join me behind the Kings back. Tonight is The Solar Eclipse Ball, the one night the darkness conquers the light. There is only one rule and unfortunately that is no killing of any kind, however, I have other plans. I'll need you to accompany me to this ball and kill a vampire who's been tampering in my business."

"Excuse me, master, don't you think bringing me to the ball would arouse suspicion? They would know you're planning something."

His smile widened with what I could only see is mischief.

"This is why I love you Telum. You're right they would suspect but I could care less about what they think. And I know you will protect me. The ball is tonight so you will be given a more presentable outfit rather than the scandalous one you grace me with now. Till then, my Telum."

I leave my master and follow a guard into a room where there was a bathtub and other things to prepare me for tonight.

It had been so long since I had washed, the water was ice cold but I had no complaints when it came to hygiene.

Scrubbing away the dirt, and dried blood from the past weeks off my body and detangling my hair. I found bliss in these small actions. When I was done a lady had styled my hair and done my makeup to perfection before helping me into my dress.

It was revealing but just enough to tempt any man who fell victim to my appearance. The dress was a deep red, the color of everything I touched. It was long, with long slits on either side of my legs. It's v-shaped neckline so deep my breasts were barely covered. My long obsidian hair was put into a messy bun and my make up matched my dress.

Walking over to the vanity I grabbed my restraints. Although my master insists I not wear them, they are the only sure way to keep me from becoming something I fear. A monster.

Some people call me a coward for hiding behind them, and they aren't wrong. It's what I've always been. A coward.

It's not too long before I'm escorted to a limo where the master waits for me, but I couldn't help but stop right before entering the car. It had been so long since I had been outside and the warmth from the sun reminded me of the home I once loved.

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It does not surprise me that when I arrive by my master's side that all eyes are on me, and not the way I want them to be. Distaste and fear are all I see in the eyes of whoever stares. I'm unwanted.

Through the night I follow him like a lost puppy, as he talks with others of his kind, and throws on fake smiles for those he is against. But eventually, he leaves me.

I find no joy in the music playing around me and annoyance fills my nerves as people avoid me like the plague. But I'm used to it.

"Excuse me, miss?"

His voice was deep like a baritone, but with its own gentleness.

The man had wild, black curly hair that sat untamed like a mop on his head. His piercing cold, grey eyes distant, and unreadable. He was tall, about 5'10, maybe 6 feet tall. His crisp suit clung to his sculpted body, a fine work of art; a 10 out of 10.

You would think the Cuffs that are bound to my wrists and the metal mask I wear across my face would make me unapproachable. Does this man not know who I am? I only look at him, not bothering to utter any words.