"Let's go," William said, taking my hand. I followed him, my steps hesitant as I took in the stunning interiors around me.As we entered the grand entrance hall, I couldn't help but gape. The ceiling arched high above, with intricate carvings on the walls and gilded moldings that sparkled in the soft light. A massive chandelier hung in the center, its brass and glass frame surrounded by tiers of flickering candles, casting a warm glow across the room.My breath caught in my throat. This place was nothing like I imagined. The polished marble floor gleamed underfoot, and towering statues of deities and mythical creatures lined the hall, their eyes seemingly watching me. "Oh my goodness," I whispered, feeling a strange mix of awe and fear. "This is... incredible."I moved slowly, my eyes darting around, trying to absorb it all—the delicate carvings, the shimmering tapestries. It felt like stepping into another world, one I wasn't sure I belonged in. My heart pounded as I realized how out of place I was here, surrounded by such grandeur and unfamiliarity.I had expected a dark, hidden place, not a palace filled with beauty and history. I felt small, almost swallowed by the sheer opulence of it all, and a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach. What kind of place was this? And what did it mean for me?William's soft chuckle brought me back to reality. I turned to face him, feeling a sudden wave of unease. "Do you like it?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips."It's... beautiful," I replied, my voice a bit shaky as I glanced around, trying to appreciate the grand interior. But the beauty only made me feel more out of place, more like a fragile piece in a room full of unbreakable things.Before I could say more, two girls hurried towards us, stopping a few feet away from William. They kept their heads low, avoiding his gaze. I felt the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. Their simple dresses and the way they seemed to shrink in his presence made it clear they were maids. They looked terrified, and I felt a cold shiver run down my spine."My lord, the king has summoned you," one of them murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.William's expression hardened. "Take her to the guest chamber and make sure she has everything she needs," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. The maids flinched slightly, nodding quickly. "Yes, my lord," they stuttered in unison.William gave me a smile, but I felt no comfort from it. As he turned to leave, a part of me was relieved. I needed him to stay away, to give me a moment to breathe, but I couldn't shake the fear that he might never come back, leaving me in this strange place with people who seemed afraid of their own shadows.The two maids approached me cautiously. One was tall, with tanned skin and striking features, while the other was smaller, with pale skin and dark hair. They both looked nervous, and I couldn't tell if it was because of William or me.I forced a smile, trying to hide my own fear. "Hi, I'm Kristen," I said, extending a hand, but the girls recoiled slightly, their eyes widening in fear."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," I said, noticing their fear."No, Your Highness. Please don't apologize to us; we're just maids," the brunette, Amber, murmured as she lowered her head in a bow, her voice trembling slightly.I could see the fear in her eyes and felt a strange, uncomfortable twist in my stomach. "What's your name?" I asked, trying to sound friendly, offering a small smile. I didn't understand why they seemed so scared—I was just a human, after all. Nothing like the vampires they seemed so wary of.Amber hesitated, then finally spoke, still avoiding eye contact. "I'm Amber, and this is Tina," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper."Nice to meet you both," I said gently. "I'm not a vampire, so there's no need to be afraid of me, okay?" I tried to keep my tone light, hoping to ease the tension, but their anxious expressions didn't change much."Yes, Your Highness," Amber answered, finally daring a brief glance at me.The two maids led me up to the third floor of the palace. I noticed the first two floors seemed filled with small rooms, like a maze of darkened corridors, each door looking the same. But when we reached the third floor, I stopped, my breath catching for a moment. The hallway stretched out wide and spacious, with a polished marble floor that gleamed under the dim lighting. It felt grand, and also a bit intimidating."How many people live in this palace?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, though my heart was pounding.Tina, the quieter of the two, replied softly, "The third floor is for royalty, Your Highness."I stopped walking and turned to face them, my discomfort clear. "Please, call me Kristen," I said, forcing a smile. "You don't have to address me like that." I hoped it would make me seem more approachable, but their wary expressions told me it would take more than just words to make them feel at ease around me.Their eyes widened in surprise, but they still wouldn't look at me. "No, Your Highness. "We couldn't dare to call you by your name," they both shivered. I did not want to scare them anymore by talking. I can see that they are terrified, and who would want to live among vampires with ease? I wondered.Tina then led me to a tall, golden door. "This is your room, Your Highness," she said. I sighed and looked back the way I came; it was hard to remember the way out with so many rooms that looked alike.As I stood in my room, I tried to focus on the details, but my unease wouldn't let me fully admire the beauty. The antique vases with roses on either side, their delicate petals catching the light, should have made me feel at ease, but instead, I felt more trapped. The walls were a soft shade of blue, accented with white and gold, giving the room an almost serene feel. Yet, all I could think about was how out of place I felt.Golden sconces lined the walls, casting shadows over the large oil paintings of people who seemed like they belonged to a different time—royalty, perhaps. A chandelier hung above, glittering with crystals, its light refracting across the room. I swallowed hard, trying to push back the sense of dread creeping in.Curious, I moved toward the double doors to my right and slowly opened them. The bathroom was like nothing I had ever seen before, with black and white floral tiles and a massive pool with a jacuzzi. Instead of feeling excited, a chill ran down my spine. This level of luxury only reminded me how far I was from everything I knew. I quickly shut the doors, needing to step away.I glanced at a cabinet with a large TV, its polished surface reflecting the room's dim light. The faint scent of lavender and roses filled the air, but it did nothing to calm me. I felt like I was in a cage, no matter how beautiful it was. I tried to breathe, to find some comfort in this strange place, but every detail only heightened my nerves, making me feel like an intruder in a world I didn't belong to."Your Highness," Amber's voice was barely more than a whisper, her eyes avoiding mine."Yes?" I replied, feeling a wave of discomfort at the title. It still felt so strange to be called that."This is the wardrobe," she said, opening another door. My eyes widened as I took in the sight of a walk-in closet that seemed to stretch on forever. Rows and rows of clothes hung neatly — jeans, tops, dresses, ball gowns, shoes, and accessories. Everything gleamed, perfectly arranged, like a display in an exclusive boutique. My chest tightened. It was too much, too lavish. I could never feel comfortable wearing any of this; it all felt so... wrong.As I stepped further into the room, I saw sparkling jewels laid out like treasures in a museum. Gold, silver, and precious stones glittered under the soft lighting. My breath hitched. It felt like I was trespassing in a world that wasn't mine. I didn't belong here, surrounded by riches that seemed more like traps than gifts."A maid will come shortly with your lunch and anything else you need," Tina added quietly, her tone stiff, her gaze darting around nervously. I could feel the tension rising between us. They seemed wary, unsure of what to make of me, maybe even afraid."Thank you, both of you," I managed, trying to sound calm and grateful. They bowed and left the room.As I took in the opulence around me, a shiver ran down my spine. I was not here for a leisurely tour; I had been abducted by vampires. The reality of my situation hit me hard, and I felt a surge of panic. I quickly rushed to the door, locking it securely. My heart pounded in my chest.Exhaustion soon overcame my fear, and I decided to take a shower to relax before getting some much-needed sleep. I stood in front of the large mirror, noting how pale and tired I looked. My brown eyes had a faint red tint, and my long, wavy hair was a tangled mess. Despite having a healthy figure, I'd never cared much about appearance.After an hour in the soothing bath, I stepped out and wrapped myself in a white bathrobe. I gently combed my hair with my fingers and dried it with a towel, trying to shake off the sense of dread that clung to me.The door creaked open, and my heart raced as I approached it cautiously. I was certain I had locked it properly."Who's there?" I asked, attempting to sound braver than I felt."Your highness," came a soft, timid voice from the other side. I felt a slight relief—it was a woman's voice.When I opened the door, I saw a young girl carefully placing a dress on the bed. She curtsied, keeping her gaze downward and smiling shyly.Up close, I couldn't help but admire Lyn. Her sun-kissed tan, bright blue eyes, and delicate features—like her tiny nose and doll-like lips—made her look much younger than me.I was momentarily struck speechless by her beauty and had to clear my throat before speaking."How did you get in here? I'm sure I locked the door," I said nervously."Your highness, the door was not locked," she replied, glancing at the wide-open door. Her calm demeanor made me second-guess myself. Did I forget to lock it properly? But she seemed harmless enough."My name is Lyn," she said with a warm smile. "I'm your personal maid.""I'm Kristen," I responded, offering a friendly smile. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she stepped back, gasping slightly."I'm your personal maid, Your highness," Lyn said, glancing around nervously as if worried someone might see me talking casually to her."You can call me Kristen.""I'm not allowed, Your Highness," she replied, looking concerned."You can call me Kristen when we're alone and address me as Your highness in public. Does that sound good?"She nodded hesitantly.As Lyn set the tray with salad, apple juice, and a burger in front of me, my stomach let out a loud growl. "Thank you," I said, grabbing the burger and taking a big bite. "It's delicious," I said, smiling at her.She gave a nervous chuckle, her eyes darting around as if expecting someone to reprimand her. "Please rest, Kristen. I'll be back in a few hours," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she waited for me to dismiss her.I nodded, still enjoying the food. "Thanks again," I said, trying to ease her nerves. Lyn gave a quick, anxious nod before hurrying out of the room, glancing over her shoulder as she left.After finishing my food, I locked the door double checking it this time and sank into the king-size bed, enveloped by the softness of the duvet and sheets. Just as I began to relax, sleep overtook me.My dreams were filled with familiar faces: Anne, Jacob, Lucy, Emma, and my parents. Jacob reached out to me with a bright smile, but just as I neared him, he vanished like mist. The scene changed, and I was back in the dark forest where William had bitten me.I jolted awake, gasping for air. My heart raced as I noticed the room bathed in eerie darkness, only a small lamp flickering by the bedside. It had been over four hours since I'd fallen asleep, and the memories of the cabin made me shiver.I turned on all the lights, but the fear lingered. I moved to the large balcony, hoping the night air would offer some comfort.As I tried to calm my racing thoughts, a soft knock on the door broke my solitude. I quickly wiped away my tears and took a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "Come in," I called out, though my tone wavered with the emotional storm within me.William entered, his presence strikingly different from before. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored pants, he looked every bit the part of a model. His tall frame and broad shoulders were accentuated by the fitted shirt, while his chiseled features and tousled dark hair added to his commanding presence. His piercing green eyes were both captivating and intimidating, giving him an almost regal air.When his gaze fell upon me, huddled and shivering on the balcony, his expression shifted noticeably. Concern flashed across his face as he took in my distress, which only deepened my own sense of vulnerability. I wasn't expecting him, and the sight of him threw me off balance. My heart raced and my palms sweated in his presence."Kristen, what are you doing out here?" "It's freezing," he said, his voice full of concern as he quickly approached me with a blanket in hand. He wrapped it around me, his touch sending shivers down my spine."I couldn't sleep," I said, trying to push away from his arms, but he held me tight. A layer of sweat coated my forehead in his presence."You need to rest, Kristen." "I know this place is new and you are scared to be among us, but trust me—everything will be alright," he said softly, his eyes filled with concern.I scoffed, anger boiling inside me. "How can you say that?" My family and friends are far away from me, and I've been taken to this place filled with blood-sucking creatures. "How is anything going to be alright?" I accused him, my voice rising in rage.William didn't flinch; his expression remained calm. "I understand Kristen. I promised you already that everyone is safe." He said, cupping my cheeks in his hands.I searched William's eyes for any sign of deceit but found only genuine concern. My heart felt heavy with defeat. "I just want to talk to them, to hear their voices," I pleaded. "Please, William."He nodded, clearly understanding my desperation. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out my phone. My eyes widened in surprise as he handed it to me. "Here, you can call them," he said softly.Tears welled up in my eyes as I took the phone, wiping them away with the back of my hand. "Thank you," I whispered, dialing Anne's number.After a few rings, Anne picked up the call. A wave of relief washed over me."Hey, Kristen. How are you? Why didn't you call me as soon as you got home? I was worried. Did you land safely? Is everything alright there?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.Hearing her voice brought a rush of happiness, and I could hardly hold back my tears."Everything is fine; I was just busy with a few things; I will be back " I choked out, wiping away my tears. "I miss you so much, Anne."The urge to tell her everything was almost too much to bear, but for now, all that mattered was that she was safe."Are you safe?" I asked, needing to hear it from her."Of course, darling. Come back soon, okay?" she said with a comforting smile."Okay, I gotta go. I'll call you later." I said and hung up the call. I wasn't sure when, or even if, I would see her again, but for now, I had to stay calm and find a way out of this situation.I gave the phone back to William but he pushed it into my hand."Keep it with you," he said, his green eyes lingering on me. "Let's take a step towards trusting each other." But I would like to warn you: do not call anyone; I mean anyone. If you want to talk to someone, let me know, and I'll arrange it. "It's for your own safety."His words were a reminder that I was in a dangerous place, but the gesture of trust, however small, was a glimmer of hope."Okay, thanks," I said, offering a genuine smile.He hugged me gently and I felt the firmness of his chest and breathed in the scent of his Shirt. For a moment, I felt a sense of trust toward him and decided to let go of my doubts for now.I could feel his breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine, as he tenderly brushed his lips against my earlobe. He ran his fingers through my hair, causing my body to melt into his warmth. I struggled with conflicting feelings; part of me wanted to reach out and comfort him, while the other warned me not to trust him too easily. But in all honesty, he had done nothing but protect me and those I care about, even though he had plenty of opportunities to harm me."Thank you, William," I said, my eyes welling up with tears. He looked relieved as a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He playfully pinched my nose, and I was reminded of the electric connection I felt when we first met. Warmth spread through my body as I saw him smile, and I couldn't help but smile back."Don't thank me," he said, his voice thick with regret. "I'm the one to blame for bringing you into this mess. But I swear to you, I'll do everything in my power to save you," he vowed, his words filled with genuine sincerity.There was a knock at the door."Come in," William said, his voice steady. Lyn entered, holding a tray of fragrant food. She curtsied nervously, her gaze fixed on the floor. Unlike the other maids, who seemed petrified of William, Lyn showed only respect.William took my hand and spoke in a casual tone. "Tonight is very important. We'll be meeting my father at the ball. It's all arranged to welcome you." he said with pride, gently squeezing my hand.Panic surged through me. "But I'm not ready yet."He offered a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine. Lyn will assist you.""We'll meet at 9:00 p.m.," he added before leaving the room.Lyn called my name softly, "Kristen?"I jumped, startled. "The ball will start in a few hours. Let's get you ready." Her forced smile didn't reach her eyes, revealing her own anxiety.I gulped down the juice and made my way to the walk-in closet. Faced with a selection of elegant dresses, I felt overwhelmed and unsure. Lyn and I spent a few minutes sifting through options before settling on a dark blue, floor-length gown with a floral pattern.As Lyn helped me into the dress, it felt as if it had been made just for me. She beamed with pride, but I could barely focus on her excitement. Her skillful hands braided my hair into a messy fishtail braid and applied minimal makeup that enhanced my natural beauty. Despite her efforts, my thoughts were with my friends, and a wave of loneliness washed over me. Lyn noticed my sudden shift in mood and gently guided me to the mirror."You look like a real princess," she said. "I understand this is hard, but tonight you need to be brave and confident. Only speak to the King and Prince, and stay close to them until you return, okay?"I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and dread. My makeup was flawless, my eyes sparkling, and my lips tinted a soft rosebud pink. The dress, paired with black lacy heels and a beige purse, was simple yet elegant.Despite Lyn's encouragement, a deep sense of unease gnawed at me. The thought of meeting William's father and what might come next left me feeling both anxious and apprehensive.My thoughts drifted to Stanley, and I felt a pang of longing. I missed him terribly and hoped he would see me in this dress. A soft blush warmed my cheeks at the thought of him seeing me like this.The anticipation of the evening's uncertain events filled me with dread. My stomach churned, and I took several deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. I reminded myself to be strong. Facing the king of vampires required all the confidence I could muster."You look stunning," William said, his grin sending a shiver down my spine. His gaze, though appreciative, made me feel uneasy. I shifted uncomfortably, my cheeks flushing bright red. He looked incredibly handsome in a crisp blue suit that complimented my gown perfectly."Thank you," I said softly, my voice trembling slightly. The excitement and anxiety of attending my first ball with someone as charming as William overwhelmed me.As William entered the room, my breath caught. His sharp blue suit perfectly matched my dress, and his musky scent was oddly comforting. My heart raced, and I struggled to maintain my composure as our eyes met, my palms growing sweaty.He chuckled, brushing his thumb gently against my cheek. "I'm glad you like it," he said with an amused smile, making me flush with embarrassment as I realized I had spoken my thoughts aloud.Offering his arm, he guided me to take it. I felt a small sense of comfort as I wrapped my arm around his. He reminded me to stay composed as we descended the stairs. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the evening ahead.As we entered the ballroom, my heart pounded violently in my chest. The room, filled with impeccably dressed vampires, seemed to close in on me. Their stares were sharp and unfriendly, their expressions twisted in disdain. It felt as if they were trying to make me feel out of place, and I was certain they didn't welcome my presence.William shot a threatening glare at anyone who looked too long, causing them to quickly avert their eyes.My knees trembled as we walked down the red carpet, the music growing louder and my nerves fraying. William must have noticed my anxiety, as he tightened his grip on my hand for reassurance.When I finally glimpsed the figure on the throne, my heart skipped a beat. William's wicked smile only heightened my fear. The room's oppressive atmosphere and the cold hostility from the vampires made me feel trapped. I struggled to catch my breath, feeling the weight of their animosity.Summoning my courage, I lifted my gaze to meet the eyes of the person on the throne, trying to steady my racing heart.My heart raced when I locked eyes with the man on the throne. His piercing green eyes sent shivers down my spine, and his ethereal appearance, clad in a simple blue shirt and beige pants, only added to his imposing presence. The resemblance between him and William was striking, but his gaze held a chilling amusement that made my stomach churn with nervousness.As he stood and approached us, the room fell into a tense silence, all eyes fixed on me. I felt exposed and self-conscious, overwhelmed by his dark aura."Is he your elder brother?" I whispered to William, my voice sounding too loud in the quiet room. The king's smirk revealed that he had heard me, and William's chuckle only intensified my anxiety."He is King Edmund, my father," William said, prompting me to bow my head. My heart pounded as I realized I was in the presence of the King. King Edmund's approach made my stomach flip with fear."Kristen." His voice, smooth and deliberate, made me even more nervous. He smiled as if he had uncovered a treasure.Gently taking my hand, King Edmund pressed a soft kiss to my knuckles. The unexpected gesture left me stunned and unsure of how to address him. "My King?" "My Lord?" or "Your Highness?" I wondered, feeling completely out of my depth.King Edmund raised his eyebrows, clearly waiting for me to respond. William nudged my side, and my mouth felt dry. After a moment of struggling with my nerves, I managed to stammer, "It's nice to finally meet you, sir.""Pleasure is all mine, Kristen," he replied, his rich accent almost charming under different circumstances. His words and intense gaze made my heart race so violently I thought it might burst.As I held his soulless green eyes, I felt an unsettling fear and intrigue. The King's expression softened slightly. "I have waited for you too long." he said, his voice smooth yet chilling.William squeezed my hand reassuringly, but the King's words and presence left me feeling overwhelmed. As King Edmund returned to his throne, the room fell silent once more, the weight of his gaze lingering on me."Let me introduce you all to our guest," King Edmund announced, drawing all eyes back to me. I cursed inwardly, my whole body shaking with fear. I felt completely out of control, the strength I had imagined moments earlier slipping away. Edmund's commanding voice snapped me back to the present, and I struggled to maintain my composure.Standing in the middle of the room, I clutched William's hand tightly, feeling the weight of countless curious eyes piercing through me. My heart raced, and though I wanted to flee from this oppressive atmosphere, my feet felt like they were glued to the spot."She is the light to our darkness and the key to the prophecy," The king's voice echoed through the ballroom. "Her powers are not awakened yet, so she is just a human for now, but soon she shall be awakened and fight beside us, leading us to victory."A collective gasp rose from the crowd, all eyes fixed on me. I stared at the King in disbelief, trying to grasp his words. What key was he referring to? I had no special abilities that I knew of. His confident declaration suggested something monumental was coming, but I was completely lost.King Edmund's tone turned venomous as he continued, "She must be protected with your lives." His glare was fierce, ensuring the crowd understood his warning. "And if anyone tries to spill even a drop of her blood, well, you know what happens." The crowd visibly recoiled, their fear visible by the King's threat.Desperate for answers, I looked to William, but his confused expression mirrored my own. I took a shaky breath, trying to steady my pounding heart."Kristen!" William's voice jolted me back to the moment. His attempt at reassurance came with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He seemed as unsettled as I felt, which only heightened my anxiety."I need a drink," I said, putting on a brave face. Without waiting for a reply, I headed to the refreshment table. The neatly arranged red drinks looked disturbingly like blood. My heart raced.William handed me a glass of champagne, which I gulped down quickly, trying to drown out the swirling thoughts in my head."What was that about?" I demanded, glaring at him. "Are you ready to give me some answers? I know you must know what he's talking about."William sighed deeply. "I don't know, Kristen," he said quietly."What do we do now?" I asked, forcing a smile in an attempt to mask my anxiety."Let's forget everything for a while and dance," he suggested.I swallowed my sarcasm. William's suggestion seemed naive but I understood when I looked at the people around us waiting for us to start the first dance.I took a trembling breath, my gaze darting nervously around the room. As the music began to play, I took William's hand, my heart pounding with each step.The king's ominous words pressed heavily on my shoulders, and as I moved to the center of the ballroom, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched.In the middle of the dance floor, I caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure in the corner of the room. My breath hitched as the figure's eyes met mine—a gaze filled with dark intent.My heart raced as the room seemed to close in around me, the walls of the ballroom suddenly feeling too tight.I forced myself to focus on the dance, my mind racing with fear and confusion. As the figure slowly approached, my grip on William's hand tightened, my entire body trembling with dread.