The next day was a blur of instructions, coupled with the shock of this new world I was pushed into. I honestly still did not understand what was going on. Shane and Irina kept referring to me as Lena. I realized that I had to start thinking of myself that way to avoid questions I had no answers to.

As the academic that I was, I knew that I needed to gain more information about this new life if I was going to survive. I lost my life once, I would not give it up again.

First, I had to meet my supposed sisters.

I wore the dress given to me by Irina and she ushered me out of my small, hidden room. We walked down a long, dim corridor to the main family wing of the manor. The Hale home was large and expensive but it didn't feel like a home. No personal touches or pictures. It was really sad.

We entered a drawing room where two young women were sitting. Alice and Rue. Shane was already there.

Alice looked like the older. She was stunning. She had the perfect blonde hair and high cheekbones that Irina would wish she still possessed. She was wearing a gown meant for the ball which was a shimmering silver thing that hugged her upper torso. How do noble women in this world manage such heavy dresses? It must be torture. Ugh.

When she saw me, her perfect face twisted with disgust. "Father, why is she out here? And why is she wearing one of Rue's rejects?"

"Silence, Alice," Shane snapped. "Rue is incapacitated. Lena will go in her place. No questions."

Alice stood up, her eyes blazing. "You can't be serious! She'll ruin everything! She's been hidden for four years because she's useless. If Lord Alistair sees her..." She trailed off, unable to voice the likely punishment.

"He won't see her," Irina interjected, quickly pulling Alice aside. "She'll wear a thick veil, Alice. She won't speak. She will stand behind you and melt into the crowd. She is simply a required body to satisfy the law. You, my beautiful girl, are the true prize."

Alice crossed her arms, still glaring at me. Her resentment was a serious one and I had no idea why it would be that strong. She had been going to the ball for the past 4 years and she wasn't picked. What makes her think this time would be any different? I guess she must hate that this year, it looked like I was threatening her position.

Then there was Rue. She was sitting on a plush sofa, wrapped in a heavy blanket despite the warm room. She was also very beautiful, though in a softer way than Alice. She had the same rich dark hair I now possessed.

She looked pale, shivering slightly, her eyes hollowed.

"Rue, tell your sister what she must do," Irina commanded.

Rue looked up at me. Her eyes were clouded with sickness.

"Just stand still, Lena," Rue whispered, her voice weak. "Don't attract any attention. If you draw the eye of a vampire, especially the Lord, it's not just you who suffers. They can demand anything. You know this."

I didn't know this but logic lets me understand that it means danger. Here, Vampires have all the power.

"Why was I hidden?" I asked, unable to stop the question.

Shane turned on me instantly. "You dare question us? You were so sickly when you were young. You were small, and frankly a waste of the resources that we should have poured into your sisters. You brought the family nothing but stress. Now you will obey or I will ensure you spend the rest of your definitely short life in the service barracks."

The cruelty was surprising, yet familiar. My parents' emotional neglect had been replaced by this family's open hostility.

Irina grabbed a stack of faded, dusty photograph albums. She opened one and flipped through the pages quickly. "This is how we maintained the façade," she muttered to me. "When people ask, you are an extremely distant cousin who just arrived. You were studying abroad in the outer colonies. Remember the story in case you are asked. You have never lived here."

"But I have memories of being here," I protested, a slight tremor in my voice. The memories were blurry, incomplete and felt faraway but they were there. I remembered the garden, the library.

Irina laughed, a short, humorless sound. "Nonsense. You've been isolated in the west wing since you were sixteen, except for mandatory tutor sessions. We told people you were sent away. You have lived a life of total hiding for four years. No one knows you. That is the only thing saving us now."

This explained the kind of room I woke up in. Lena wasn't just unwanted, she was kept hidden. I looked at Rue again. She caught my eye and there was a strange look in her eyes that looked really similar to pity.

"I'm sorry, Lena," she mumbled, not looking at her parents. It was the first genuinely kind thing anyone had ever said to me in my life...well, my old life.

The rest of the time was spent being fitted. They forced me into a stiff, dark-colored dress, another one of Rue's hand-me-downs that was intentionally plain to make sure I faded into the background. Irina layered my face with some makeup and then placed a thick, black lace veil over my head.

"The veil stays on at all times," Irina instructed. "It hides your features. You will be a shadow and let Alice draw all the attention."

As the evening hour approached, Shane delivered his final warning. He emphasized the core structure of this vampire x human society.

"I should remind you because you have been acting muddle-headed since you awoke. The Lord, Alistair Valerius, holds the annual Sanguine Ball to choose a human female whose blood appeals to him. He has never chosen a female since the murder of his father four years ago. His mother, Queen Mother Mira is alive but she has been in perpetual mourning. This is a very unstable time. If you do anything to offend the Valerius line, we will all pay. If he asks you a question, you look at Alice and she answers for you. Just follow her lead."

I had been thrown into a game I didn't understand but I was going to observe, learn and survive.

I followed Shane and Irina into the large, waiting carriage.

Do not draw the Lord's eye, I repeated in my mind. Be invisible. Survive.

The carriage ride to the palace was tense and silent. Shane, Irina, and Alice were focused entirely on the coming social event and we're chattering excitedly about it. I sat in the corner, covered by the thick veil.

What's so good about being chosen by the Lord anyway? The woman whose blood appeals to him? Oh God, he is going to drink her blood. I felt a little sick at that thought. So why are they so eager to become living blood bags?

I stared out the window. As we approached the center of the city, the buildings changed completely. The human districts were grand but felt worn down. The vampire territory, however, was superior in comparison. The streets were perfectly maintained, lit by gas lamps that cast a clear, steady light.

Then, I saw the palace.

It was made of stone and dark tones. It looked impossibly huge and stretched upward as far as I could see, then topped by spires that looked sharp enough to pierce the sky. How was such a thing even built? It was the grandest building I had ever seen.

They called it the Palace of Eternal Night. Even the name gives off dark vibes.

When the carriage stopped, I heard the murmuring of a crowd. Footmen in dark clothing opened the door. I was eyeing them suspiciously before I concluded that they must be humans. Vampires would not be footmen.

"Remember your part, Lena," Shane hissed, grabbing my arm just before I stepped out. "Keep your head down. Do not look around."

Alice stepped out first, basking in the attention. She was stunning, designed perfectly to appeal to the court. Irina followed, holding onto Shane's arm, projecting a unified front. Bleh.

I stepped out last. The air immediately felt different. It was most likely the aura of many high-ranking vampires gathered in one place. It was overwhelming. It felt like standing too close to a powerful electric field. My family looked unbothered by the atmosphere. They probably were already used to it.

We were immediately ushered inside. The ballroom was enormous, easily the size of two football fields. Looks like people here love to go above and beyond what should be considered the norm. The ceiling seemed miles high, supported by gigantic columns carved with symbols I didn't recognize. Instead of cheerful music like I would expect from a party, a slow and dark melody played. It was somehow both grand and unsettling.

Hundreds of people were already there. Most were vampires and they were easy to tell apart in the crowd. They were tall, sharply dressed, and inhumanly graceful. They moved with a slow, deliberate confidence that screamed authority. Their eyes were their most disturbing feature. They weren't red like I thought vampires should have. They had a gold or amber intensity that made them look lethal. I would not want those eyes focused on me at all.

The human women were gathered in a specific section, dressed in their finest gowns and whispering nervously. I couldn't imagine what they were saying among themselves. Tips on how to catch the vampire lord's... or at least a high noble vampire's eye?

They were the ones who were eligible for the Lord's selection. Alice immediately detached herself from us and went towards them, charming a small group of them, exactly as expected.

I stood behind Irina, keeping my head bowed and the thick veil hiding my face. I looked exactly like what I was supposed to be. An unwanted, insignificant shadow.

My focus was on observing the hierarchy. I noticed that the humans wore bright colors, trying to attract attention. The vampires, however, wore deep scarlets, blacks, and silvers. They didn't need color to demand notice.

"Stay here," Irina muttered, barely looking at me. "Do not move. Remember, if anyone asks, you are the cousin from the northern territory."

I have had enough reminders for a whole year. I got it already folks! However, I just nodded my head slowly.

Then I watched as Shane and Irina walked away from me to pay their respects to a middle-aged, definitely high-ranking vampire couple. The vampires were polite but their faces looked like they would prefer to be anywhere else but in that conversation, as if Shane and Irina were necessary annoyances. Haha.

I spent the next hour absorbing the environment. I realized this whole spectacle was a moment of power display and socialization. Everyone needed to build connections and keep their social circle relevant.

As the evening wore on, the tension in the room grew palpable. Everyone was waiting for one person.

"He's coming," I heard Alice hiss, her voice tight with anticipation. She smoothed her silver dress for the tenth time.

Girl, just give up. You probably aren't his type.

A sudden change swept through the ballroom. The music stopped abruptly. A complete silence fell, so silent that I could hear the rustle of the silk gown on the woman standing next to me. It felt like everyone had held their breaths in anticipation. Hell, even I am eager to see this great vampire lord and determine if he lives up to the hype.

I felt a wave of oppressive power wash over the room. Two massive doors at the far end of the hall swung inward, revealing a figure who stood framed against the deep shadows of the hall beyond.

Lord Alistair Valerius.

He was taller than I expected and his presence was electrifying. He was young, really handsome, with hair the color of midnight. I couldn't see the colour of his eyes considering the distance and the thick veil but for some reason, I was dying to know. He wore a dark, formal coat trimmed with silver, and a large, sapphire ring on his finger that caught the light when he ran his fingers through his hair.

Damn, that was sexy. No, focus! I slapped myself in my mind.

He didn't walk, he glided. His gait was so smooth. Probably a vampire perk. Every vampire in the room dipped their heads as he walked by them, and every human bowed low. Shane immediately shoved me deeper behind Irina, whispering, "Lower your head, fool!"

I complied, bowing my head until I was staring at the marble floor. I could feel him approaching, the atmosphere thickening with his presence.

He walked slowly and purposefully, accompanied by two figures. One was a very tall, stern-faced vampire in military attire that looked like he would have six packs under all those clothes and the other was a regal, elderly woman in deep black robes.

I noticed from my earlier appraisal before the bow that Alistair didn't look at anyone. His face was a mask of indifference like he was painfully bored. He passed the gathered human daughters, ignoring their carefully planned curtsies and nervous smiles. This confirmed the rumors that he hadn't chosen anyone in four years. Why the hell then does he organize a ball yearly if he doesn't plan on choosing any woman?

I heard the small, defeated sighs of the women he passed. Sorry darlings, I am sure you could do better than him.

Alice was standing nearby, rigid with expectation. He passed her without a flicker of recognition even though he must have seen her in previous years. I could sense her immediate, crushing disappointment.

Then, he reached the small cluster where we stood.

He was about to pass us too. I mentally prepared for the relief. The ball would end and I could go back to my hidden room and hidden life. At least I had a measure of peace in this new life. No academic expectations or bullies.

But he stopped walking.

He came to a complete halt. I could feel the heat radiating from his body despite the cool air. The sort of metallic scent that clung to the palace increased, mixing with something sweet and intoxicating.

From the corner of my eyes, I could see him lift his head up to take a deep breath like there was an interesting scent in the air and he still didn't continue walking. My heart hammered against my ribs so frantically I was convinced people around me could hear it.

I did not move. I did not breathe. I was terrified.

Then slowly, Alistair Valerius turned his head towards us.

I heard a small, sharp gasp escape Irina's lips.

Alistair didn't look at Shane or Irina. He didn't look at Alice who was standing frozen in her shimmering gown.

He looked directly at me.

Or rather, at the place where I was hiding.

He began walking again, cutting through the small space separating me from Irina. He stopped right in front of me. The air sort of vibrated around him.

I could feel the intensity of his stare boring through the lace but I kept my head down, staring at his polished boots.

"Shane Hale," Alistair's voice was a low, deep baritone, a sound that held unquestioned power. "Who is this?"

Shane stammered and rambled, his composure completely gone. "M-My Lord! This is just... a distant cousin, my Lord. She is frail. She was only presented to satisfy the requirements of the law. Rue, my second daughter is gravely ill. You can send people to my manor to confirm this. Please, focus on Alice."

Alistair ignored Shane completely. He reached out a long, pale finger, placing it under my chin and lifting my head up. Then he bent his head slowly towards my neck.

What the hell? What the hell? What the hell?

He inhaled deeply.

I felt a sudden, strange heat rush over my skin then he raised his head.

Alistair's eyes suddenly narrowed, focusing entirely on me, despite the veil. He looked displeased that he could not see my face. Gods. What if he didn't like how I looked and ordered me to be executed?

A flash of predatory hunger crossed his face then he smiled wickedly and said. "Lift the veil."

Nope. Before anybody could say jack, I had picked up my dress, turned 180 degrees and ran. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with the scary vampire lord.

Behind me, I heard him roar.

Fuck!

The enormous ballroom exploded into noises. People were talking all at once. I could see the door now, oh sweet escape, only for strong steel-like arms to wrap around my waist. I should have known that escape was impossible. How could I have thought to run from a vampire?

"Silence." He roared. His voice carried throughout the entire ballroom. Then, he picked me up and dumped me on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Every eye, human and vampire, was fixed on Lord Alistair Valerius and me, the unknown girl hidden under a thick veil.

I was shaking, but I forced myself to remain perfectly still. Shane's frantic warnings echoed in my head. Do not draw the Lord's eye. I had done the one thing I was absolutely forbidden to do.

When we reached Lena's parents, he dropped me down.

"Shane Hale," Alistair repeated, his voice deep and demanding. "I asked who this female is. I will not ask a third time."

Shane stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. "My Lord, she is only Lena, a distant cousin who arrived to visit. She is of no consequence. Please, she is not intended for presentation."

"Consequence is determined by me, human," Alistair stated simply. He didn't look angry, he had a completely straight face and I wondered if anything ever really got to him. He reached out and with a singular, fluid motion, lifted the thick lace veil from my face.

The bright, artificial light of the ballroom hit my eyes. I blinked, momentarily blinded. For the first time, I saw Alistair very clearly and the sight was devastating. I was seconds away from swooning in awe. He was more perfectly formed than anyone I had ever seen but that wasn't what was pressing. It was the fierce hunger in his golden eyes. Yes. His eyes were a bright golden colour.

He didn't really look at my face, he looked at my throat again then took another deep whiff, letting out a low growl. I would really like to know why he keeps sniffing me. Do I smell?

"A distant cousin?" Alistair pulled back and scoffed, looking at Shane. "Her blood sings louder than any human I have smelled in four years. You hid her, Hale. Why?"

Irina stepped forward, desperate to save the situation. "My Lord, she was ill as a child. She is fragile. My eldest, Alice, is strong and beautiful. She is the proper offering-"

Alistair silenced her with a look of pure disdain. He turned back to me. His expression changed, softening slightly.

"What is your name, female?" he asked.

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out.

"She does not speak much, My Lord," Shane tried to cover. "She is just a simple girl."

Alistair ignored them all. He placed his hand lightly on my cheek and a shiver went through my body.

"Speak your name," he commanded, his voice low.

"Lena," I managed to whisper, my voice shaking.

He smiled, a slight, slow curve of his lips that was genuinely alarming. "Lena. You are mine now. Your scent... it is unlike anything in this territory."

I finally found my courage, fueled by my previous lifetime of suffering under unfair authority. "I refuse to be claimed, Lord Valerius," I said, my voice barely a squeak, but firm enough to be heard in the deathly quiet room. "I am not property."

The small sound echoed. A few people gasped audibly. I felt Irina seize up next to me, probably terrified on my behalf.

Alistair stared at me. For a moment, I thought I had sealed my fate, that he would strike me down or command the guards to drag me away.

Instead, he threw back his head and laughed. It wasn't a kind laugh. It was a dark and frightening sound.

"Refuse?" he repeated, still laughing. "You are bold, human. But refusal is not an option here. You have appealed to me, female. That means you belong to the Valerius line now."

He signaled to the tall, stern vampire standing beside him.

"Commander Axel," Alistair commanded, his voice returning to its authoritative tone. "Arrange immediately for her transfer to the palace. She will be installed in the Consort's Wing by dawn. She is my new Consort. Ensure she is guarded by a full cadre of loyalists. We wouldn't want her running off now, would we?"

Axel bowed immediately. "No, My Lord."

The news sent a shockwave through the room. A Consort. He had chosen the plain, hidden daughter over the beautiful, presented ones.

Shane fell to his knees. "My Lord, please! We are honored but she is too frail! She is not fit for the role! We beg you, take Alice! Alice would make a better Consort!"

Alistair looked down at Shane like he was gum beneath his shoe. "You hide the one that appeals to me and then offer a substitute? Your foolishness is astonishing, Hale. You will be compensated for your sacrifice and then you will be silent. You will not approach her again unless commanded."

He didn't wait for a response. He looked at me one last time then turned away.

"Axel, ensure all these arrangements are made. Now," he commanded, then he went out of the ballroom. The woman beside him who must be Queen Mother Mira, followed silently behind him after running an appraising eyes all over me.

I don't think I passed her brief appraisal.

I was left standing in the center of the hall feeling exposed and completely doomed. Irina was sobbing, half out of shock and half out of bitter disappointment that Alice had been passed over. Alice, meanwhile, was staring at me with pure envy and anger.

Commander Axel approached me. He was a mountain of muscle and armor. He wasn't smiling. Shocker.

"Lady Lena," he said, his voice flat. "Please accompany me now. Any resistance will be seen as an act of treason against the Valerius Lord and will be dealt with severely."

I knew I couldn't fight him. Logic won out. Survival depended on moving forward. I was just exchanging one prison (the Hale manor) for a far more dangerous one (the Lord's palace).

Axel placed a firm hand on my back and steered me away from the upset Hales.

"Where are we going?" I asked Axel, my voice small.

"To your new life, Lady Lena," he replied, his eyes never leaving the crowd. "The Lord demands you move in by dawn." He paused, looking down at me. "He has never chosen a Consort before. You should be honored. But you should also be very, very careful."

The warning was clear.