Elvira sighed as she gazed at herself in the mirror. "I can become whoever I wish whenever I want," she murmured, "and I chose this."

She was repulsed by the way she looked. The evening gown she wore clung to her pale skin, looking stunning but unfamiliar. Her sleek pearly blonde hair was bound in a bun, and a silver chain embraced her neck. Her big navy eyes held secrets waiting to be told. Lost in her thoughts that had stolen her sleep, she was startled by a gentle knock on the door.

"Yes?" she asked, her voice smooth like silk, though even silk couldn't hide the pain she was feeling with every breath.

"Madam, the esteemed guests are here," the gentle voice replied from behind the door.

"I will be there in a minute," she sighed as her voice rang through the room.

She took a silver tiara from her vanity and placed it on her head. Reaching for the door knob, she took a deep breath and opened the door.

As she descended the stairs, she spotted a tan-skinned man with green eyes and blonde hair who looked oddly familiar. Her thoughts were interrupted by her father, who stood at the bottom of the staircase, holding out a hand to her.

As she reached the bottom step, she glanced at her father and took his hand tightly. The master of the ceremony announced, "Miss Elvira Pierce," and the hall filled with applause.

Before Elvira knew it, her father dragged her toward a guest. "Elvira, I want you to meet Lord Ronin Bloodstone. He is my late cousin's son."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Elvira," Ronin greeted her. He was a pale man with straight black hair and wine-colored eyes. He wore a black shirt and black pants on his well-toned body.

"Pleasure to meet you too," Elvira smiled as Ronin took her hand and kissed it gently.

They were gazing into each other's eyes when Elvira's mother appeared. "There you are! I have been looking everywhere for you."

Before Elvira could say a word, her mother dragged her away. She suddenly found herself facing a woman with tightly closed black hair and piercing green eyes that looked into your soul and gave you shivers down your spine. Behind her stood two men around Elvira's age. One shared the woman's sharp eyes and hair but had a smug look on his face. The other had the most beautiful pair of lilac eyes Elvira had ever seen. His beautiful black curly hair was neatly put aside. Both men wore black silk shirts with matching black pants.

Elvira was lost in her thoughts when her mother spoke. "Elvira, I want you to meet Lady Verona and her two sons: Anson Adler Ashford and Alanza Adler Ashford."

Alanza, the green-eyed one, stepped forward and kissed Elvira's hand with a smirk. "Beautiful as ever, Miss Elvira," he said.

Elvira smiled politely, though something in the way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine. She shrugged off the thought.

Anson, the one with the violet eyes, simply stared at Elvira with a serious expression.

Lady Verona gave Elvira's mother a nod.

"Elvira, Anson, follow me," Lady Colette instructed.

"What about me, Lady Colette?" Alanza asked.

"Okay, you can come too if you want," Lady Colette said.

"Don't be so foolish, Colette. Alanza has nothing to do with this matter. Stay here, boy," Lady Verona snapped.

With that, they climbed the stairs and entered a sitting room. Lady Colette closed the door behind them and gestured for everyone to sit down. After being seated herself, she spoke.

"Elvira, Lady Verona and I have decided to betroth you to Anson."

"What? Why?" Elvira said in shock.

"That's no way to speak to your mother, young lady! Where are your manners?" Lady Verona snapped.

Elvira tried to speak, but Lady Verona raised a hand to silence her.

"Your elders have made a decision that you have to respect," Lady Verona declared.

"But Mother, isn't it for me to decide who I want to marry?" Elvira protested.

"Save your words, young lady. We've already made a decision that we are not going to change."

"Fine!" Elvira stood abruptly, her voice filled with defiance. She stormed away angrily closing the door behind her with a loud thud!