Waking up from a deep sleep, there's a rare moment of peace where your mind feels as clear as a cloudless sky. But as soon as you open your eyes, that calm can quickly dissolve into a flood of emotions and concerns. This is especially true when you find yourself in a strange place, surrounded by unfamiliar and potentially dangerous beings.As I woke up, I shivered from the cold and discomfort. My eyes fluttered open to a room that wasn't the garden with Stanley. Confused, I searched the room for him but found no trace. Memories of the ball and Stanley overwhelmed me, leaving me feeling drained. I sighed and shuffled to the bathroom, where I faced my disheveled reflection. A hot shower brought some relief, easing the tension in my muscles and washing away my exhaustion.Stanley's words about my witch bloodline and the prophecy echoed in my mind. The vampires who had kidnapped me felt menacing, and I couldn't shake the feeling they were up to no good. Uncertainty and fear gripped me. Was Stanley truthful, or was it all a ruse? The thought of being a key player in a prophecy involving both vampires and witches was daunting.I rested my head on the bathtub's edge, trying to sort through the confusion. Meeting someone in my head seemed impossible, but the vividness of the dream left me questioning reality. My thoughts drifted back to the accident I had been in, where I saw a wolf jump in front of my car. If wolves are also searching for me, what does that mean? My mind swirled with questions, leaving me feeling lost and uneasy.My gut told me that the vampires had sinister plans, and I needed to uncover the truth about myself before it was too late. Unsure if what I was told was accurate, I felt unprepared for what lay ahead.Shivering as the water turned cold, I got out of the tub and chose simple black yoga pants and a loose T-shirt. After drying my hair, I let it flow down my back, my mind still restless.A loud knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. Startled, I opened it to find William standing there with a grin. Though he towered over me, his warm smile eased my nerves. I smiled back, relieved to see a friendly face.William looked casually handsome in his white T-shirt and beige trousers. "What's up?" I asked, puzzled by his appearance."It seems like you're ready for the day!" he said, eyeing my casual outfit."Where are we going?" I asked, curious yet hesitant."Let's go!" he said, taking my hand."Where?" I asked again."Relax, it's a surprise. A change of scenery might lift your spirits," he replied, his smile reassuring.I smiled and walked with him, eager to see what the day would bring.As we walked, I noticed the hall was mostly empty, except for a few vampires who bowed to William but glared at me. I gripped his hand tightly, uneasy under their scrutiny. One woman even bared her fangs, causing my heart to race and my body to tense with fear. Seeing fangs up close for the first time sent shivers down my spine.William noticed and growled at her, making her retreat. I sighed in relief, though the encounter still unsettled me."Don't mind them," William said sincerely. "They don't trust you yet, but they will." I walked silently beside him, not eager to get close to them."No one will harm you here," he reassured me. I nodded, trying to shake off the unease.Stepping outside, the crisp autumn breeze was refreshing, and I couldn't help but smile. The stone garden and fountain were stunning in the daylight. Without thinking, I ran to the fountain, splashing water around in pure joy.William watched me with a wide smile, and I blushed under his gaze."Sorry, I got a little carried away," I said, feeling embarrassed as I dried my hands."Don't be sorry, Kristen. I'm just happy to see you happy. I hope you stay that way forever," William said, his voice sincere. His hand touched my cheek, making me blush even more.We continued along the stone path and arrived at a stable. My eyes were drawn to a pure white horse that stood out magnificently. As I approached, all the horses turned to face me in eerie unison. It was unsettling, but it didn't scare me. I walked straight to the white horse, feeling a strong, inexplicable connection. When I stroked its head and rested my face on its forehead, the horse responded affectionately, its tail wagging enthusiastically.I spent some time petting the other horses before returning to the white one. Despite never having been this close to such a beautiful horse before, I hugged it like an old friend. Laughing happily, I responded to its nudges, enjoying the moment.Feeling at ease and at home, I turned to William and said, "I love them all, William." His expression was horrified, which puzzled me. My heart sank as I noticed a few other vampires behind him with the same look."What's wrong?" I asked, stepping out of the stable."How did you do that?" William asked, his voice trembling slightly."Do what?" I replied, confused."Remos would never let anyone touch him apart from me." I looked at him in disbelief and then at Remos, smiling."I think Remos likes me too.""Have you ever ridden a horse before?" William asked, eyeing Remos."Nope, I've never been this close to one. But I like it," I said, moving toward Remos."You like me, right?" I asked Remos playfully. His black eyes met mine, and he bowed his head slightly. I wondered if horses could show respect.The vampires behind William murmured to someone who now stood in front of him, speaking in hushed tones. When the figure turned, I gasped—it was John."John!" I said, stepping back in alarm. John's presence was intimidating. As if sensing my unease, Remos strained against his reins, appearing ready to defend me."Whoa..." John said, retreating a few steps. "Remos, calm down," I said, trying to soothe the horse. Remos's reaction was surprisingly endearing. I patted his head before stepping away."So, it's true that you have powers, huh?" John asked, skepticism in his voice as he glanced at the horses."What do you mean?" I replied, feeling the tension that always seemed to accompany John's presence.William cleared his throat and stepped closer to me. "It's nothing. Let's go." He seemed agitated, and I sensed he was hiding something, but I chose to follow him, trying to push aside my fear."Which one do you want to take?" William asked, looking at the horses."Of course, Remos. He likes me," I said, smiling at him."Are you sure?" William asked, doubt clear in his tone."I can feel the connection with Remos. He wouldn't harm me," I said confidently, taking the head collar rope and mounting the horse with ease. I glanced at William, who looked shocked but said nothing as he mounted another horse.Remos took off from the stable, matching William's pace. The wind whipped through my hair, and the sun warmed our faces. Riding Remos felt exhilarating, and I felt completely in sync with him. I glanced at William, who watched me with a mix of amazement and concern. I smiled to reassure him, and we rode on, enjoying the beautiful day."It's hard to believe you've never ridden a horse before. You did it so gracefully," William said as I dismounted. I patted Remos and thanked him, watching him graze contentedly."You never miss a chance to amaze me," William said, taking my hand. "I'm amazed myself. I just followed my instincts," I replied with a laugh.William observed me closely, a thoughtful look on his face. "What's wrong?" I asked."Nothing, I'm just impressed by your natural talent," he said, smiling as he led me towards the beautiful landscape."Do you like it?" William asked, his eyes hopeful as he looked at the garden."Yes, I love it," I replied, walking among the flowers and brushing them with my fingers. William chuckled softly, It was clear he had thoughtfully arranged this for me, and I appreciated his efforts.As we continued our stroll through the garden, I noticed a tea table and took a seat. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked, "Did you arrange all of this, or was it here like this?"William's expression turned somber. "This garden was made by my mother. She had a special bond with flowers and animals, just like how Remos responded to you. That's why everyone was shocked to see you with him. Remos was her favorite and wouldn't let anyone near him after she died. He only allowed me by his side." His voice trailed off, reflecting his lingering grief."I'm sorry," I said, placing my hand on his arm. His eyes were filled with sadness, and I could sense the depth of his loss. "What was she like?" I asked gently, wanting to know more about the woman who meant so much to him.William took a deep breath. "She was a powerful queen, a hybrid of witch and vampire.She was a great ruler. I lost her when I was 5 when a war broke out between witches and vampires.The pain in William's voice was palpable, and I felt a deep sadness for him as he recounted his mother's death and the impact it had on his life."I remember it like it was yesterday," William said, his voice heavy with emotion. "She was my everything, the light of my life. When she left, she took that light with her, and I was left in darkness. She always told me not to take blood directly from humans, to avoid harming them and falling into bloodlust. I've never hurt a human, keeping her words close to my heart."He paused, his gaze distant. "After her death, my father lost all reason and became a killing machine. He hated witches, blaming them for her death, and waged a war that nearly destroyed them all. Only a few loyal witches remain, serving as the throne's subjects, hiding to protect themselves."William's hatred for witches was palpable, shaped by his pain and loss. He knew their powers surpassed his own, but they were outnumbered by his kind's strength.As he spoke, my heart ached for him. To lose someone so dear at such a young age was heartbreaking. I wished I could ease his pain. All I could do was hold his hand, offering my presence as comfort."When I grew up, my hunger became uncontrollable, and I would scream in pain until I found a blood bag. I promised her I'd never hurt a human for my hunger. The struggle was intense, but I've learned to control it," he said, the sorrow in his voice palpable.I reached out and gently gripped his hand, and he looked at me, offering a half-hearted smile. "Now I have you. Your smile reminds me of her," he said, his expression softening."I'm sure she was nothing like me," I said with a smile, trying to ease the lingering tension. "I can imagine how a queen must be—graceful and eloquent. I envy and respect her," I added, gazing at the clouds. "It's still hard to accept everything, but I believe I'll find out soon.""You will, my love," William said, pulling me into a gentle hug.I felt a deep sadness for him and wished I could do something to help. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gift box."What's this?" I asked, admiring the box."A gift for you," he replied with a smile. He opened it, revealing a stunning blood-red stone on a silver chain. The stone shimmered and glowed, captivating me instantly. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen."Do you like it?" William asked, his eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and hope. "It's a rare gemstone my mother adored," he said, his voice thick with emotion."It's beautiful," I said softly, trying to hand it back. "But it's your mother's. I can't accept something so precious."He sighed, gently taking the necklace and fastening it around my neck. The stone felt heavy against my chest."William," I began, but he interrupted gently."Kristen, I understand your hesitation. I saw my mother in a dream last night, standing beside your bed with this necklace. She smiled at you and then disappeared. I believe this is what she wants, and I want you to have it."Despite the unsettling nature of his dream, I sighed and accepted the gift, feeling the weight of the stone and his words.As we returned to the castle, I realized we had spent the entire day in the gardens. I was glad William had opened up about his mother, but I still kept my distance, unsure of him. His vulnerability made me feel a warmth in my heart, and I began to think maybe he genuinely cared for me.In the dimly lit hall, I felt a sense of relief, understanding witches and vampires a bit better. When we reached my room, I turned to William and thanked him with a smile. He returned it and started to leave."William," I said, grabbing his wrist. He turned to me, and I struggled to find the right words."I'm sorry for being difficult. I didn't realize how tough this must be for you," I said, feeling guilty.He gave me a small, reassuring smile and pulled me into a hug. I buried my head in his chest, comforted by his warmth."You have nothing to apologize for," he said softly. "I should be the one apologizing for dragging you into all this. I can't change the past, but I promise to stay by your side and protect you." His words brought tears to my eyes. I sniffed as he gently wiped away a tear from my cheek. I can't accept his love but I can at least consider him as a friend after all the things he has done for me."Thank you," I whispered, and then opened the door to my room."Get some rest, Kristen. Everything will be alright, I promise," William said gently. His reassurances were comforting but did little to ease my lingering anxiety. I smiled gratefully and wished him goodnight. He returned the smile and left.As I entered my room, a sudden shiver ran down my spine. An unsettling feeling crept over me, as if something was amiss. I glanced around, feeling a sense of unease. There was something hiding in my room.