An alarm clock screeched from somewhere within the manor, signalling it was morning. The window looking towards the castle showed it was still dark out, 4 a.m maybe. A few shouts of irritation rang out followed by an, also shouted, apology from a feminine voice. Evan closed his eyes, hoping to be pulled back into pleasant dreams but was again disturbed, this time by knocking at his door. With a huff, he marched over, quickly flinging it open to be met by a surprised mother with a raised eyebrow.

“Ah sorry about that mom.” Her face relaxed into its normal smile, nodding behind him in a silent request to enter. Of course, he let her, closing the door behind them as she took a seat on his bed. People seemed to be doing that a lot these days. She pats a space next to her, an invitation to sit. A talk was bound to happen.

“How are you dealing with the changes?” So she was worried. Of course, she was.

“I’m fine. I made a…friend? I guess. His name is Jason.”

“Yes…so I’ve heard. Ev, I’m worried about this new friend of yours. I’m not trying to speak ill of him but the others here-”

“Did they tell you he was addicted to getting bitten?” She nodded. He proceeded to tell Jason’s side of the story, expressing how in debt the young boy felt towards the person that practically saved him, ensuring she knew just how genuine his feelings were.

“I see. Are you sure that he spoke the truth? That he is what you want in your first friend?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” She nodded, pulling her only son into a warm embrace, something they hadn’t done since the day they’d arrived here. “Anything happen yesterday I should know about? I’ve also been informed that one of the young lords requested a private audience with you. Any specific reason for that?”

“He’s an albino. That’s, apparently, pretty uncommon for them, more so than with humans. He didn’t even know what it was. I helped him out with the lights since they were too bright and explained what the condition was and he thanked me.”

“That’s all? He didn’t do anything to you, right? Touch you? Threaten you?”

“No no, he was pretty chill honestly…though a bit of a sadist. He likes teasing humans a lot.”

“Hmm.”

“Was it your alarm that just went off?” She abruptly stood up, not answering the question at all, instead, making haste for the exit. “It was, wasn’t it!? You forgot to turn it down huh?” She became visibly flustered after having possibly woken the entire left wing of the manor with the loud song of Katy Perry’s Firework. Evan chuckled at her as she softly slapped him on the shoulder.

“Don’t laugh at your poor mother. You couldn’t imagine how terrified I was when I heard them shout at me to turn it off. Even Chris laughed at me! You’re both such jerks.” She pouted like a child, cheeks puffing in playful annoyance. “Anyway, I have work in the next two hours but your father should be off today. You two should spend some time together, bond a bit. We’ve barely had any time to talk at all since this move. I don’t want you to feel as though we’re drifting apart.”

“I guess I can hang out with the old man for a day.”

“I’m so going to tell him you said that. He’ll go all emo when he finds out you called him old.”

“Moooom!” She chuckled as she slipped through the door once more, Evan smiling at the spot she’d once stood. His mom was great.

.

.

.

He took it back. She wasn’t great. She had told her husband of her son’s words causing the older man to become greatly offended. The two now walked along the streets of capital city Ethereal in complete silence as his father gave him the silent treatment. A child I tell ya.

“Daad it was a joke! I’ve apologized 3 times AND bought you a jumbo serving of your favourite flavoured chips. Are you ever gonna forgive me?” He received no answer but didn’t miss the way his father’s lips twitched as he attempted to hide his smile.

“Oh yeah? You wanna be like that, huh? Fine. I guess I’ll just tell mom about that little secret you’ve been keeping on the back shelf of the garage back home then.” Chris’s head snapped to face his son, eyes wide in fear so quickly he might have given himself whiplash.

“H-hey son look! They sell chocolate mint ice cream over there.” He dashed off to the shop, quickly placing an order for a large serving of his son’s favourite ice cream. Evan watched on, laughter in his eyes. Truth be told, his mother already knew about the ‘secret’. It was just some cheesy romance novels he’d hidden so as not to get made fun of. The two had found the stash together and had a hearty laugh at his expense and kept it to themselves until now. It seemed that not mentioning it was the right choice in this case. Served for some excellent blackmail.

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“Please don’t tell Melinda. She’ll make fun of me till the day we die.” She’d technically already done that. They both had. Not that he knew.

After ice cream, the two now walked through the town observing various shops and businesses that were up and running. The streets were loud as vendors called out to their customers, catering for both species. It was strange to see this kind of cohabitation after hearing the stories of the ‘vicious, bloodthirsty monsters’ called vampires.

“How are you holding up with all the new stuff kid?” Evan shrugged. His eyes shifted from place to place, trying his best to at least remember the places closest to home as well as the important ones. The grocery for food that he liked, pharmacy, oh a clothing store. A group had formed further ahead, people looking and waiting anxiously for what seemed like an announcement.

“Good day to you all. You’ve all been kindly asked to send your sons and daughters, ages 16 to 20 to a party in honour of the young mistress Malara’s 18th birthday. It is to be held tomorrow at 8 p.m. There, she will, possibly, meet her mated for life among one of you.” Mated for life? Like those shitty werewolf stories? Didn’t know vampires had them as well. The more you know.

The announcer and his posse soon left, the square now buzzed with increased excitement, this time towards tomorrow's event.

“You’re a son.” His father placed an arm around him.

“I would hope so.”

“Any chance you’d wanna go? Take your new friend. Jax was it?”

“Jason. And parties aren’t my scene dad. They’re loud, full of people and anything can happen at once. What if I get so drunk I disrespect the Nolvas? Or throw up on one of them? Or break something valuable enough to afford my life? No way!” Chris looked at his son, an awkward look of surprise on his face. Has Evan’s anxiety always been this bad? No…

“Ev…you’re still thinking of what happened a few days ago right?” He pulled his son aside to an area with much fewer people where no one was close enough to hear their conversation.

“The Arlows took care of him already, didn’t they? You saw it with your own eyes. He’s not coming back.”

“But there are others just like him.”

“That may be true, but I doubt they’d even think about trying anything like that in a place like this. I promise you, you’ll be safe here. I can request someone to watch over you if it makes you feel better. They did tell us to ask when we need something.”

“That sounds fine. Thanks, dad.”

“Of course. Now let’s go buy clothes fit for a party.”

“WHEN DID I SAY I WAS GOING!?” Chris only laughed, walking ahead with a smile. Evan was okay and that was all that mattered.

During this father-son interaction, up in the castle, another father-son pair were having their conversation involving the party.

“Mizak I already told you. You must-”

“No, you just want me to. Why would I go to some lame party filled with those meat sacks? Their only purpose is to supply more of each other right? I don’t care about their well-being or Mal’s stupid mate!.”

“Watch your volume with me boy.” Mizak looked to the floor at the commanding words of his father. “I do not care how much you dislike the humans. You are to be present for Malara’s birthday and witness her receive her mate just like the rest of us. Defiance will be dealt with by punishment. Are we clear?”

“...” He nodded.

“I asked a verbal question. I require a verbal answer, Mizak. Am I understood?”

“Yes, father.”

“Good. I expect to see nothing but the utmost joy on your face during the celebration. Let us not have to resort to those consequences.” Mizak stayed silent, fear overwhelming any form of resentment within him. “Leave now.” Without another word, the youngest son exited his father’s quarters towards his own. Why should he have to attend this stupid party? It wasn’t his birthday. It wasn’t his birthday or ceremony. Who’s to say his sister would even find her mated tomorrow? He hadn’t found him the past year. Whoever she was didn’t exist.

The thought brought his mood down even more. It had been a year and 2 months since his 18th birthday. The day all vampires looked forward to as it was the day they would meet the one they would spend the rest of their immortal life with. The one who would always be there for them, at their side no matter what. Their mate.

But, when midnight struck for the day after and he still hadn’t found her…well you can guess that wasn’t the most ideal outcome for that night. Just another thing that singled him out as an oddity in his family, in vampires for that matter. Born with white coloured hair, pale eyes which were sensitive to light and skin so pale it was almost transparent.

Albinism as that boy called it. Evan Daniels. He recalled the girlish, delicate face of the said boy, remembering his darker skin tone that seemed to glow under the fluorescent house lights. His voice was soft-spoken and nervous while his face remained mostly neutral, with an occasional shit of his eyes or a nervous fidget. He’d never seen hair braided that way. Was it common for some people? He wondered if would see him at the party to ask.

He doesn’t seem like the party-goer type but on the off chance that he does... In that case, maybe there was one thing to look forward to tomorrow.

“Mizak. You have to eat before tomorrow. Make sure you do before you go to sleep.” Volak, his eldest brother appeared, eyes set on him in a cold glare, much like the ones that stared at him in his father’s study.

“I know that already. Can’t you just leave!?” The elder narrowed his glare, lip curling up into a malicious snarl.

“I don’t care how pissed off you are about having to go to Malara’s birthday event, I expect your tone to be more respectful in your next few words if you know what’s good for you. Father may have given you chances but this is your only warning from me, child.” Volak’s presence became threatening, stepping closer to the younger male. Mizak bowed his head in submission, knowing well what his brother was capable of doing to him should he disobey.

“I’ll head to the hall to eat. My apologies Volak.”

“Hm.” The elder waved him off, making his way in the direction of his room. Mizak went straight to his room, disregarding his brother’s words, slamming the door shut. Bitter tears threatened to break free but he forced them away, daring himself to cry. No, he wouldn’t allow himself to cry. That would mean they’d won in breaking him. He’d just have to suck it up and go to his sister’s birthday. No matter what.