Chapter 1

They say that all of us are truly afraid of something. You can’t really stop being afraid of something by pretending everything that scares you isn’t there. This is my world. A world where you live in constant fear, at least in my eyes, it was. Today was finally the day that I was going to face my fears. Although, there’s no doubt that if I had a choice, I would have chosen to avoid them. Today was the day I come face to face with the vampires. Truth be told, humans had discovered about the existence of vampires years ago and was able to get along with them “normally”, as they say it, but in my eyes, it was nowhere close to being normal. The fact that we breathe and live in the same world as them wasn’t right. The fact that we, weak humans had to obey their every command wasn’t right. The fact that we humans look up to the same people who kill and abuse our kind for their own pleasure wasn’t right. And the fact that they had the right to choose an innocent human girl every year to be their “soul mate”, or shall I say, their personal blood-bag was sickening and wrong beyond words. None of this felt right. Yet my people praise and follow their every command. Why? You could say that half of them wanted power. After all, if a human was able to drink the blood of a vampire with pure blood who were the descendants of the very first vampires, they’d be able to become vampires themselves. Not only will they be able to gain the powers that a vampire possessed but they’ll also be able to become part of the Ardelean vampire family. They were the descendants of the first vampires ever known to mankind and the strongest of their kind. And out of all the pure blood vampires, Draven Cruz was considered the most powerful and strongest one. This reason alone is why everyone’s so desperate to make sure that their daughters were chosen by Draven. All because they can become part of the Ardelean Family. While most of my people craved for power, the other half craved for freedom. To escape from the constant fear that runs through their mind. I was one of those very few people. I wanted to stay away from the vampires and be able to have some sort of self-security throughout my life. But with the mix of humans and vampires in the same town? Peace was nowhere to be found.

“Stop, that’s enough mom.” I murmured, to which my mother responded with a scoff. Her dark blue eyes pierced into my brown ones and I returned the glare.

“It’s just some powder,” She brushed some more before I turned my face away in annoyance.

“God, why do you have to be so persistent Adriana!” She snapped, slamming the powder on the dressing table before tucking some strands of her wavy golden hair behind her ears.

“I told you that I do not want to dress up in a way that would catch anyone’s attention.” I shot back, tears already welling in my eyes as I turned to face my mother.

“Do you realize just how important this ceremony is? Damon Cruz is finally willing to take a partner that fits to his taste, and you could be one of them.” She huffed, pacing back and forth, an old habit she used to do when she was either stressed or nervous.

“How many times do you want to me to repeat myself mother? I do not want to be chosen! If I had a choice, I wouldn’t even attend this dumb-excuse-of-a-ceremony!” I snapped, standing up from my position and adjusting my sleeveless red gown that effortlessly reached all the way down to the floor.

“Yes, but make sure to wear the bracelet and necklace your father bought you.” Her ignorant words saddened me and I bit my bottom lip, fighting back my tears. She was supposed to be my mother, yet she wasn’t able to understand how hard this was for me.

“I don’t want to be chosen mother-” I choked out helplessly, turning to face her, hoping that for once in her life, she’ll put my feelings before hers.

“Nonsense, you’re being dramatic. Girls your age are delighted by the news that none other than Draven Cruz was willing to choose a partner this year,” My mother retorted with a hint of annoyance in her tone. “Why can’t you be just as happy?” She questioned, brushing a hand through her hair in a frustrated manner and I sat back on the chair, knowing very well that there was no way that someone who praised vampires could ever understand the position I was in right now.

“He’s choosing not one, but five girls mother.” I muttered, grabbing the brush from the dressing table before running it through my hair.

“All the more reason why you have a better chance, sweetheart. Only one can pass from those five girls and I’m sure you’ll be the one to win his heart.” Her voice returned back to her old cheerful one and I went silent.

I hardly doubt I’ll be able to win the heart of a heartless demon.

“Aren’t you going to miss me?” I asked, slipping on my bracelet and necklace before turning to face her again.

“Of course I’m going to miss you darling! But I’m sure that you’ll be much happier there,” She reassured, walking towards me and bending down to give me a hug. “Oh, I know you’re going to make me so proud tonight.” She smiled a little, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck and I blinked away my tears before resting my head on her chest.

“I-I hope so.” I lied, breathing in her scent before pulling away.

I didn’t have the energy to argue with her tonight.

“Now hurry, your father is waiting for you outside.” She smiled and I nodded before slipping on my black heels that matched my jewelry.

If only the dress was able to conceal the shape of my body. I want to make sure that no attention was drawn towards me tonight.

As I stepped inside the front seat of the car, my father cleared his throat and I hung my head before fiddling with my fingers in silence.

“No slouching.” His words were harsh as usual and I straightened my back before pressing my lips together into a thin line.

It’s no surprise that my parents were not being themselves around me anymore. Ever since they found out that I hated the idea of being chosen by any vampire, they’ve been treating me rather differently. But then again, what do you expect from two people who have practically praised vampires their whole life?

The ride was quiet and I stared out of the window the whole time, watching the trees and malls pass us by, silently praying that this nightmare would come to an end soon.

But how could it when it barely even began?

“You look beautiful tonight,” My father stated, parking near the Grand Mansion and I gave him a weak smile before nodding.

“Go in there and make us proud,” He said, reaching out to take my hand and giving it a small squeeze.

If only he knew how badly I wanted to turn around and go home right now.

“Even without so much make-up, you still look so beautiful Adriana.” He complimented, fixating his dark brown eyes into my own ones and I smiled a little as I ran a hand through my long brown hair. 

“Thank you.” Was all I could murmur and he shook his head before sighing. 

“I hope you know that we love you very much and that we’ll miss you, sweetheart.” His voice turned all sweet and pleasant and I couldn’t help but smile a little.

Liar…

“I love you too.” I said and he gave me one last smile before leaning closer to give me a peck on the cheek.

“Now go.” He said softly, his voice not shaking in the slightest bit. I nodded and took one last shaky breath before opening the door and stepping out. As I straddled along with my dress, I noticed a guard standing near the gate and walked up to him, my heart racing faster with every step I took.

“Name?” He bellowed and I gulped softly before speaking.

“Adriana Reed.” I murmured softly and he opened the gate almost immediately. I slowly walked inside the lawn and immediately admired my surroundings. The first thing that caught my eyes was the marble fountain sitting towards the right side of the lawn. Water spurted and fell gently towards the crystal blue pool beneath it, causing ripples to form. Bushes were trimmed into all sort of animals and I stared in awe before walking towards the black door. I gaped at the large mansion that was now towering over me, as if it was attempting to intimidate me.

Here we go.

I was about to ring the doorbell when it suddenly opened, causing me to gasp and in front of me stood a butler, wearing a black work suit. He bent down politely, allowing me to enter and I gulped softly as I stared at the unfamiliar girls and guys around me. I immediately felt a blush creep up on my face when I realized that I was the least dressed up person in the entire ballroom. Girls were dressed with beautiful, flaunting and elegant gowns as they giggled and enjoyed the butler’s company.

There were at least around 20 or more butlers marching around the hallways.

I stared up at the several chandeliers that were hanging up the ceiling and admired the beauty of the room.

Who knew this place was this spacious and beautiful?

I watched half of the girls and guys enter another room and decided to straddle along as I was very unfamiliar with this mansion, although I’ve seen it from outside a couple of times.

It was hard to miss.

“You have to avoid being seen by him.” I kept telling myself as I followed behind a girl. Upon entering the room, I realized that I had just entered the ball room and I watched some girls flaunt their dresses, dancing to the music while others kept talking to each other.

Hunh, I didn’t know we were allowed to dance at our own funeral?

I fiddled with my fingers and noticed some guys eyeing at me as I passed by but decided to ignore their intimate stares. I was thrown a few compliments and whistles but somehow, I didn’t feel that uncomfortable.

I knew that I wasn’t the only one who was dressed up for this ceremony and there were so much prettier girls than me in this room.

“Drinks?” An unfamiliar voice made me gasp and turn around to face a butler who was now holding out a tray of cocktails. I quickly shook my head and he smiled before nodding.

“Can I ask you something?” I asked politely and the butler nodded, his hazel eyes boring into my brown ones.

“I thought only girls were allowed to attend the ceremony?” I questioned softly, my voice barely above a whisper and the butler chuckled.

“Yes, but these men are close to the pure bloods. They are our special guests. Don’t worry, there’s only around 30 males, you’ll hardly notice them.” He assured and I nodded before he left. Yeah…hardly.

“Find a place to hide until it’s over.” A voice in my head advised me and I took a deep breath before turning to search around for a good hiding spot.

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome!” An unfamiliar voice made me freeze in my position before I looked up to face around ten or more guys, climbing down a spiral staircase. My stomach tied itself into a knot when I instantly realized that they were not normal people.

“We’re so happy that you could all make it for this special ceremony.” The guy with the light blond hair said out loud and I heard a few giggles behind me.

“It’s Tyrell, he’s so cute.”

“It’s starting!”

 I heard the girls whispering to each other and my heart raced at their words.

“Draven Cruz will be accompanying us in a few minutes." Tyrell continued, licking his lips before darting his eyes around the room. A cold shiver crawled down my spine as I tried to keep a straight posture.

“I have to hide somewhere.” I told myself again before turning around and pushing my way through the crowd.

“Enjoy.” Was all I heard before I bumped against a random girl, earning a scowl from her.

“Sorry.” I murmured before rushing past her, heading near the appetizer table where people were least hanging about and took a few deep breaths, calming myself down.

“Relax, it’s going to be over soon. There are so many pretty girls here. There’s no way that I’d be chosen.” I assured myself before biting my bottom lip in fear.

So why am I still having this bad feeling that something’s going to happen tonight?

I glanced back to notice the vampires who were now talking and laughing with some girls. Physically, they looked like normal human beings but if only people could see them for who they really were.

“Draven Cruz has arrived.” A butler announced and I almost choked on my water as I stared up ahead to notice a male in his 20’s. His hands were covered in tattoos and I watched him walk down the staircase before standing in front of the crowd, who were now lined up in front of him in a row, including me. Though, I was standing at the very last row, where men were standing next to the ladies as well. Men bowed in respect while the ladies bobbed a curtsy, including me. I could feel my heart pounding loudly against my chest as he stood up straight in front of the whole crowd, his blue eyes penetrating into each and every one of us, as if he wanted us to fear his presence. I landed my gaze on the ground and clutched my hands together, knowing very well that it was too late for me to run now. I had to be here until this whole ceremony was over. Or at least until he chose five girls.

“What’s your name?” I heard his deep voice across the silent room before a girl spoke.

Wait, he’s choosing already?

“Ferra Will.” The girl spoke softly and I watched him nod his head. As soon as he did, the beautiful 18 year old girl rushed towards him before standing beside him, a cheerful grin spreading across her face and I couldn’t help but feel bad for this poor clueless girl. I took a step back, breathing in and making sure that I was barely able to see his face through the crowd.

After all, he was supposed to be able to see each and every one of our faces clearly, although I was literally the only one who was now standing at the very last row, making sure to keep a safe distance.

“You,” He continued and I watched another blond, haired girl scurry towards Ferra Will.

“You both.” His voice sounded impatient and two more young girls rushed towards the first two girls before standing in a line, remaining their posture. Their faces looked relieved and it disturbed me, more than it should.

I mean, why? I just don’t understand how anyone could enjoy or be happy about this whole thing. Everything about this ceremony was wrong!

“One more girl.” I heard a man whisper from behind and I could feel my eyes widening the size of saucers when I realized that all the men were now moving to the very back, revealing every girl’s face clearly, including mine.

It’s going to be fine, it’s just one more girl Adriana. You’ll make it through and get home safely, don’t worry.

I heard a bunch of whisperings starting to arise inside the room and I bit my bottom lip nervously as I landed my gaze on the floor.

“Quiet!” Draven suddenly snapped, causing me to gasp and everyone else to grow quiet immediately.

Oh god, please don’t make me a victim of this cruel man.

“Don’t choose me, anyone but me!” I kept praying silently, gripping my dress tightly with already sweaty palms and trembling fingers.

It’s a miracle that I wasn’t having an anxiety attack by now.

I watched his eyes linger around the girls standing in front of him before they landed on me and my heart skipped a beat. His eyes were so hypnotizing, yet so intimidating, it caused goose bumps to rise all over my body. It took me a few seconds to realize that his eyes were now fixated on my very own and I froze in my place, a sweat rolling down my forehead as the color from my face drained away completely.

“Run Adriana.” My subconscious warned me and I was about to take a step back when he pointed his index finger at me, his jawline already locked in anger.

“You. Don’t-even-think-about-it.” He warned, emphasizing every single word and I gulped softly before my feet froze in the same position. By now everyone was turning around to look at me and I almost melted in my position, tears welling in my eyes as I tried to utter at least an apology. He knew that I was going to run away…he knew.

“Your name.” He demanded, tilting his head to a side and my eyes widened when I realized what he was about to do next. “Tell me your fucking name!” He suddenly snapped and I jolted up from my position before speaking.

“A-Adriana R-Reed-” I almost whimpered, blinking away my tears and trying my very best to swallow the lump in my throat.

“Adriana Reed.” He started, taking a step back and slipping his hands into his pockets in a calmly manner. No, please no.

“You’re the last one chosen.” He finished and my heart dropped at his words. 

xxx

My first time publishing this story on GoodNovel! I hope you guys enjoy it and don’t be shy to leave a feedback please! 

Much Love, 

Kathy