As I sat on my bed, hugging my knees, the weight of the king's words pressed down on me. The idea of being a key to some prophecy filled me with dread. Everyone around me seemed to know something I didn't, and that gnawing feeling of being left in the dark was unbearable. I thought William would have answers, but he seemed just as lost as I was. Frustration boiled inside me as I flopped onto my back, my mind drifting to Stanley.The thought of him sent a warm blush across my face, and excitement buzzed through me. Could he really be here? Was he the one who would finally get me out of this nightmare?A knock on the door jolted me upright. My heart raced as I rushed to the door, hope blooming inside me. A smile spread across my face at the thought of seeing Stanley, rescuing me from this place. But as I opened the door, the hope shattered when I saw Lyn standing there with a tray of food. The disappointment hit hard, and the joy in my chest faded."Oh, Lyn," I said, my voice giving away the disappointment I couldn't quite hide.She smiled gently, trying to ease the mood. "I brought you some food. Thought you might be hungry."I nodded, taking the tray from her with a quiet "thank you." My mind was still consumed with thoughts of Stanley, and it felt like the door to hope had slammed shut. I had been so close to seeing him—just a little too close, only to have it all slip away."Can I come in?" Lyn asked hesitantly, pulling me back to reality."Of course," I said, stepping aside. She entered, her brow furrowed with concern. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost."I shook my head, forcing a smile. "I'm fine."My stomach growled at the sight of the food. I opened the platter, eyes widening at the array of delicious dishes. I sat down and dug in without hesitation, realizing how hungry I was after the ball's tension-filled atmosphere. Lyn sat across from me, and soon, a soft laugh escaped her, muffled by her hand."What's so funny?" I asked, my mouth full, cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk."You're eating like the world's about to end," she giggled. "Don't worry, I won't take it from you."Her laughter was calming, and soon I was laughing too, feeling a moment of ease for the first time in hours. But her smile faded, and she cast a nervous glance around the room."If anyone sees us like this, they won't be pleased," she said, her voice filled with fear."Are you scared of William?" I asked, resting my hand over hers.She nodded silently, looking down at my hand."You don't have to worry when I am here," I said softly.Lyn hesitated, but after a moment, she seemed to relax. I gave her a reassuring smile. "Have you eaten?" I asked.She looked at me like I'd asked the strangest question, her silence filled with surprise. "Is something wrong?" I asked, puzzled by her reaction."No, it's just... no one's ever asked me that," Lyn replied softly. "I can't even remember the last time someone asked that question."I grabbed a fork and placed it in her hand. "Let's eat together," I said, filling a plate for her. She hesitated but eventually took it and started eating, her nervousness easing away."See? That wasn't so hard," I teased gently. She gave me a small, grateful smile."Did you enjoy the ball?" she asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.My mind drifted back to the King and other vampires. I didn't answer her right away. The memory of dancing with Stanley filled my thoughts, his presence still lingering in my mind. I couldn't help but feel frustrated that William had interrupted us before I could even confirm it was really him."Kristen?" Lyn's worried voice broke through my thoughts, her hand gently resting on my arm.I cleared my throat, pushing the overwhelming feelings aside. "It wasn't what I expected. Everyone looked at me like... like I was prey," I said quietly. "The King said things that I still can't believe, and I feel like I'm being kept in the dark. It's frustrating, not knowing where to even start looking for answers."A heavy sadness weighed down my words, and Lyn noticed. She placed her food down and took my hand in hers, her grip firm and comforting. "I'm here for you," she said with surprising confidence. "Everything will be alright in time. I'll help you however I can."Her usual timid demeanor was gone, replaced by a quiet strength. Something about Lyn was different—something I hadn't noticed before. Not in a threatening way, but it left me curious. I made a mental note to learn more about her as I smiled back at her, grateful for her support."Anyways, let's get you changed into something comfortable, shall we?" Lyn asked, heading toward the closet."I can pick it out myself, you know," I said, following her.She opened the closet and surveyed the clothing. "Have you not touched any of this?" She glanced at me with a curious look.I shook my head and examined the nightwear. "I'm not used to such lavish clothes and things," I admitted, glancing at the elaborate outfits."Why not?" Lyn asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.I smiled gently. "Well, I never paid much attention to style or accessories. I'm not some princess. I was just a normal girl set to graduate this year, and now I'm here, feeling like I'm someone I'm not comfortable being."Lyn sighed sympathetically. "I can relate, trust me," she said, her smile tinged with understanding. She ran her hand through the hangers, searching for something suitable. "I'm in a similar situation, just for different reasons.""What do you mean?" I asked, intrigued."It's a story for another time. For now, let's get you changed," Lyn said, stepping into the closet. I didn't press her further; I knew she'd share in her own time."I can dress myself; I'm not a kid," I said, picking a silky set of shorts and a T-shirt. Lyn helped me out of the ball gown and waited outside the door, giving me privacy."Rest well tonight," she said as I finished changing. "Tomorrow, I'll take you on a tour, okay?""Really?" I asked, my face brightening with a smile."Of course. With me around, there's nothing to worry about," she assured me, and I nodded, feeling reassured.She bid me goodnight, and I locked the door behind her. As I climbed into bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something mysterious about Lyn. She carried herself with a bravery that seemed out of place among the fearful maids and vampires. The fact that she wasn't marked by the usual bite marks was equally puzzling.Slowly, I drifted off to sleep...In my dream, I wandered into a lush garden, enchanted by the vibrant flowers and intricate fountains. The warm hues of the setting sun bathed the blossoms in a golden light, creating a scene of serene beauty.A familiar voice broke the peaceful silence. "Kristen." My breath caught in my throat, a jolt of adrenaline coursing through me. I turned, my heart racing, to see Stanley standing a few steps away.He looked striking in a white button-up shirt and black pants, his smile warm and inviting. His hazel brown eyes shimmered with a hint of red, mirroring mine. Our eyes seemed to glow with a shared light. Why, I wondered, but the question faded in the face of his beauty."Stanley?" I stammered looking at him with a surprised expression.A broad smile spread across his lips, revealing a defined jawline that made him look even more angelic. I was captivated, my eyes locked on him as he approached with a breathtaking smile.He stopped just a foot away, his gaze filled with love. I was spellbound, unable to look away."Kristen..." he said, his voice a melodious whisper that filled my heart with longing.I took a step forward and hugged him tightly. His arms wrapped me and my cheek pressed against his chest. My heart raced with happiness."Why did you leave me at the ball?""It was you right?" I asked, looking at his eyes for answers."Yes." He said as his hand gently caressed my cheek."How?"Stanley cupped my face, lifting my gaze to meet his. "I understand what you're going through, but you must listen carefully to what I'm about to say." His voice was soft yet firm."What the King said is only a half-truth," Stanley began, his voice taut with tension. "You hold the key to the prophecy, but you don't belong with them. You indeed have powers locked inside you; we must find a way to awaken them. Your bloodline is not of a human; you belong to the witch clan, and you are a witch yourself." His confidence and pride were clear, but his words left me reeling.My mind raced, each of his statements echoing in my head, tangled with confusion and doubt. How could this be true? Raised in the human world, everything I knew contradicted what he was saying. "I don't understand!" I cried out, uncertainty lining my voice. I had no idea what a witch even was. Meeting one had left me uneasy, and the concept of being one myself felt utterly alien. My life had been devoid of any magic or special powers, and the very idea seemed absurd, threatening to overwhelm me. I wondered if it was some elaborate prank, but Stanley wasn't the type to joke about something so serious. There had to be a reason William brought me here."Kristen, I know it's hard to believe when you've been raised in the human world. But you'll know it and feel it soon," he reassured me, his tone warm and understanding. "It's almost time."He took a deep breath, a look of sadness crossing his face. "It's time for me to leave," he said softly, regret heavy in his voice. The thought of him leaving created a hollow ache in my heart. I yearned for more answers, more time with him, and the comfort of his presence. I didn't want him to go."Wait!" I whispered, something inside me taking over. I leaned in, my eyes closing as I lost control of my own actions. Before I knew it, my lips pressed against his, and everything around us disappeared. The kiss was full of intensity, fueled by raw emotions and desires that had been building for so long. It was as if time stood still as we both poured everything we had into that moment. His kiss matched mine, filled with the same passion as if he had waited for this all along.His hand slipped to my waist, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, fingers threading through his hair. There was nothing but us, nothing else mattered. A part of me seemed to unlock, flooding my heart with a love I had always longed for. As we broke apart, the moment lingered, the memory of that kiss forever etched into my heart.When our eyes met again, his gaze was filled with an intensity that left me breathless. The silence between us spoke volumes, and I could feel the weight of words he longed to say but couldn't. I sensed his hesitation, his desire to stay, but something held him back.Just as I reached for him, his form began to shift. In disbelief, I watched as he transformed into a swirling cloud of smoke. A knot tightened in my stomach as his voice echoed through the mist, promising, "I will be back for you soon." And then, he was gone. My heart clenched, my hand grasping at empty air. "Where are you going?" I cried, but the only response was the fading sound of his laughter as he vanished.I stood alone, my heart aching with fear and uncertainty, wondering if he would ever return.