By the time I made it to the shower, I found myself almost unable to hold it together. Not even the warm water running through my cold body was comforting. Emma and Zoe saw me rush into the shower without a word, too.

It was rude but... I could not bring myself to keep my mask up. The girls were waiting for me the entire time, yet I could not even face them. So, I locked the bathroom door without telling them a thing.

My body shook lightly, triggering my skin to give off a low hue. I had taken off the brooch to shower, allowing my true self to shine through. My emotions were a mess, yet all I could do was try to figure out a way to bottle them in. It was the first time I felt this way.

My heart was beating too fast when I suddenly gave off an energy wave. It made the lights flicker. Curses left my mouth, unable to get rid of the feeling of Loki's lips. They stained mine with a warmth that would not be washed away, no matter how hard I scrubbed.

I got away from the prince when he was called out by Leo the moment we got here. The pup had been waiting for Loki outside of the castle. Luckily, it allowed me the opportunity to make my escape. It had only been two nights, and I already was a mess.

Unstable… pathetic for me… How can a simple mortal boy do this to a goddess?!

Lilith used to joke with me about how women around my age tend to fall for men easily. But I was not like other girls. I could not allow myself to be swooned by a boy who would hate me the moment he knew what I was.

I needed to get it together. Yet my lips burned. This attraction was fatal.

How stupid can I be to allow myself to get lost in the emotions that aren’t even caused by Loki himself? I fucking pushed all my baggage on him without realizing it. How will I be able to face him tomorrow?

He also had the gall to call me innocent.

Loki...

I had already told him I was not. I was far from it. The blood that stained me was far beyond harmless. I was a monster, just like Rem said. That day defined me, even though my father told me to not let it.

I acted like the monster I was supposed to be in most cases. It was easier than being who I wanted to be. Killing anyone who annoyed me was easier than letting them live. Yet I hurt no one from the coven, though.

Mostly, I ignored them and went on with my day.

Yes… there isn’t an innocent bone in my body anymore. Don’t forget, Vivian. You’re a monster. Nothing more.

After warming myself up in the shower, I dressed for the night before laying down on the soft bed. Emma and Zoe did not dare ask me what was wrong. Instead, they let me be. I guess they knew I was not feeling like myself.

I found myself unable to fall asleep, even though I needed to get up in only a few hours. My heart raced while my mind replayed everything. I covered my entire body with the blankets, feeling like my cheeks would burn off.

Stop trying to kill me, heart... Please... slow down. It means nothing. Why is it so hard to place the cap back on my spilling emotions? Fuck, why does my whole life need to be a struggle?

Even though I struggled to do so. I found my slumber even though my heart wanted to leave my body. It was the first time I felt like this. Again, I jolted awake with the same sensation every night left me with.

Fuck! Another nightmare? It seems you can’t take those away from me. Pity, you take everything else.

Even the next morning, my nerves were on high thanks to my stupidity. All because I allowed my feelings to influence me. I thought I was better than that. Unlike before, I did not stay in bed, waiting for the alarm to go off.

No, instead I headed to the bathroom to get ready, knowing that the alarm would sound in just a couple of minutes. By the time it rang, I was already set sitting in the bed, waiting for Emma and Zoe to get ready.

I could feel the glares from the other girls while they got dressed, whispering to each other about me. Even though they thought they were being low, I could hear them.

"I was up last night, looking through my phone when doll face came in drenched. She looked like a wet rag that was carried in." Ivy snickered.

Emery supported her gossip with laughter, too.

"Poor thing wasn't she with the prince? I wonder if he dropped her somewhere to cool off that weird vibe she gives." She crackled.

Quinn followed along, too.

"Probably, she’s so full of herself. Who wouldn’t want to show her place in this world? She should learn that already." She pointed out to the girls.

They all agreed I was out of place. A funny thing, since I did not want to be in their low space. This was only a necessity to live. Nothing more or less.

"Did you see how she spoke to Alistair last night?" Ivy brought up.

They were probably following Alistair. Or perhaps stalking Oswald and Loki. Yet I had not seen them. They were more annoying than I thought they would be.

"Yeah, she’s too much. Probably too dumb to know what’s good for her, too." Quinn sighed.

I agreed with some of what she said. I was foolish for allowing what happened yesterday. A sigh left my lips when Emma and Zoe finally finished dressing. Luckily, they hadn’t heard the other girls.

This room had two bathrooms connected to them, which was useful for six girls stuck in one room. I stood up, walking out of the room without caring about what they said. They were mostly wrong. It was me who dropped the prince first.

Thankfully, their stupid chatter was all I needed to get back into my usual self. Emma and Zoe followed me out, not wanting to be left behind. The entire way there, the two complained of what a horrible person Oswald was to them the previous night.

The girls hoped I would open up about my night if they did. Apparently, Oz treated them like crap telling them what to do and how to do it. It honestly made Emma fume the entire time they were trying to get him out of the room.

Oh, and getting him out of the bed was another nightmare. It seemed the prince was a dead log that needed to be coaxed out of bed with an iron fist. Or so Emma assured. And last night when the girls asked him to take them to where Loki went with me.

Oz responded to them by saying they should run around town if they wanted to find him, slamming the door in their faces.

"Oswald’s a fucking ass! I can barely stand him!" Emma growled, snapping at the surrounding air.

Luckily, he was nowhere near her. And probably was in a coma if anything they said was real. If he were around, she would probably have been shocked by the ring. Instead of following their banter, I remained silent, trying to remain calm by placing my mind on other things than what had happened the previous night.

For a moment Zoe walked past me, stopping in front of me, forcing me to face her. Worry was apparent in her eyes.

Shit... why can't they leave me alone?

"I didn’t want to ask you when you arrived, my lady. But what happened yesterday?" she asked bluntly.

I had tried to hold it together, but I guess I showed something.

Shit... Loki, you really messed with me. Why did he kiss me instead of getting angry? Didn’t I assault you?

Zoe mentioning the previous night brought everything back. I clasped onto my chest with my hands.

Say something… Anything…

"Ah... I decided Loki needed a bath, that was all." I answered, trying to keep down the memory of the two kisses away.

She grabbed onto my shoulder, unsure of what I said. I thought she realized something, but pure annoyance took over her face. The mental picture she experienced had been one of disgust.

"You gave Loki a bath?!?!?" Zoe blurted out, eyes twitching.

I noticed my choice of words were not the correct ones briefly to explain what happened.

Oh... I think I just added to their dislike of the princes. Oops... This isn’t what I intended, but perhaps a way out. No… that would just bring more heat on you, wouldn’t it? Wait… Wait! Why do I care?!

Shaking my head, I cleared my throat a bit.

"I pushed him into a fountain for being a flirt. Then he pulled me into it, too, as payback. That’s all." I clarified.

Her eyes still twitched. It seemed there was no pleasant scenario for them. Then again, they were not there to see it. Even though that memory was one I would hold fondly.

"He pulled you in there with him?!?!?" Emma yelped from behind.

I ignored it this time, walking towards where Gerta was. It seemed Loki was about to get death glare yet again. Somehow, I kept the bottle of feelings in one piece once again. And luckily, we met with Gerta in the staff's lounge before the other two could keep going.

We were early, but not like the previous day. This time I waited for my coven sisters, making me a bit late compared to my first day. I could feel the old woman’s gaze on me when I walked in to help her.

This time, though, she stayed silent, allowing me to assist her in preparing everything along with Zoe and Emma. Those girls were probably the reason she did not approach me this time around. There were not any major events, wrapping everything up before heading towards our princes' rooms.

Just like the day before, I waltzed in after knocking. The room was pitch black as the previous morning. And there were no signs of life inside the room. I placed the tray of tea on the table when a soft groan came from the bed.

Surprisingly, Eli skid from under the bed to greet me. I bent down to pet his head, closing the door behind me. In an instant, it engulfed me in the dark, along with the room's inhabitants. Picking Eli up from my feet, I placed him on the bed.

A second later, I walked towards the blinds, opening them once again. Light shined into the room, triggering another hiss from Loki before he hid under the covers again. The only thing visible from the troublesome vampire was a bit of hair.

It stuck out of the blanket that was on the pillow.

Oi… is it legal for him to be this cute?

A throb came from my heart the moment that passed through my mind.

Shit... No... Why did I…

Before I knew it, my heart raced. I stood there for a moment, trying to calm it.

Steady... Steady... It means nothing. He’s just a mortal. The first mortal boy I’ve ever interacted with. That was all. Nothing more.

This body and its cravings for the flesh were annoying me.

"P-prince Loki, it’s time to get up." I sputtered out, reaching for the blanket, hoping to not have to pull it off him.

But of course, he would not make it easy for me.

"No..." he mumbled, getting even cozier into the bed.

I sighed, yanking the blanket right off him once again. Iron fist, my coven sisters were right. These boys did not respond to anything else. The motion caused him to jolt up, annoyed once again. I shrugged in response to his angered gaze.

It isn’t my fault you’re so bed heavy!

For a moment, he squinted his eyes, rubbing them. I guess the sudden shine of light bothered his eyes.

"Oh, it’s you," Loki grumbled.

Seeing him like this allowed me to feel a wash of relief. He seemed normal. It was like yesterday never happened.

Good... I can work with that. Just pretend the last bit did not happen.

That was all I had to do.

"Yes, it’s I, your daily alarm clock. Time to get up, prince." I smiled like always.

It triggered the troublesome boy to roll his blue purply orbs, getting up from the bed. The way he rushed into the bathroom surprised me.

I guess... I’ve burned every bridge with what happened yesterday to warrant that reaction.

For a moment, I felt a sting in my chest triggering me to clasp onto it.

Why did it hurt? Was I expecting something else from him? No, there’s nothing else to expect. This is perfect.

I tried to make myself better when Eli tilted his head, watching the bathroom door where Loki escaped to.

"Well, well… I’ve never seen this before." Eli snickered, causing my emerald orbs to trace towards him.

I found myself interested in what he was saying. Anything to ease the pain.

"Is something wrong with him?" I asked.

The little snake turned towards me upon hearing my question. I guess my worry was showing. Though I did not know he saw this as the perfect opportunity to mess with his other half.

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"He’s... Ah, I think I’ll keep that one for myself for now." Eli teased.

It only caused my worry to grow. I thought something must have been wrong with Loki.

Is it because of me? Did I mess everything up? I need to get closer to him, not further away. Or is it because of the cold water? Did something ail him?

This was killing me.

"Oh... He isn't sick, is he? Did he get sick because I dropped him in the water?" I continued to query.

Eli seemed to not want to answer me fully. Instead, he turned around towards the other door that connected the two brothers' rooms.

Did he hear something come from there?

It should not have been possible since both rooms have sigils. Then again, he was the shadow of one of the god-like beings stuck in the soul cairn. Although those bonded to summoners had no memories of their past lives.

"Maybe..." Eli mumbled, leaving me empty of answers.

Fuck this!

Before I knew it, I rushed towards the bathroom door, knocking on it. If it was my fault, then I need to take responsibility.

"Loki? Are you okay? Do you need any help?" I ranted, feeling a bit panicked and responsible for his wellbeing.

I was careless and if he was feeling sick, then I... Before I could knock again, Loki opened the door, leaving me with my hand up red-handed. I quickly brought it down. He did not seem sick, though his cheeks were a little red.

Does he have a fever?

"What are you doing?" Loki grumbled, not expecting me, holding the door open.

Being so close to him, I stared at his lips.

Oh… fuck no…

Shaking my head, I gazed down towards the floor, noticing what I was doing.

Why is it hard to face him directly? I needed to get over this. Get a grip, girl!

"Eli said you might feeling sick. So, I thought you needed some help," I answered in a bit of a mumble, feeling guilty.

In an effort to soothe myself, I gripped onto my arms.

Why has this gotten harder than ever before? What is this?!

"Sick? What?" Loki was utterly bewildered by what I said, gazing towards Eli, who was snickering behind us.

The familiar's response triggered Loki to sigh, gazing at me again.

"I’m fine. I just needed to wash my face. Don’t sound so desperate to find me or I’ll get the wrong idea." He seemed disappointed.

I seemed to have stepped into something I did not know how to handle.

Wrong Idea? What Idea? Steady…

"Ah, okay. Sorry, just got worried I might have hurt you." I tried to explain myself, apologizing for my unnecessary prodding.

Much to my surprise, Loki got closer to me after I said that. It felt like my heart would explode if he got any closer. His scent was overwhelming my senses again. The same as the previous nights, vanilla with cinnamon.

How can I keep the tough act up? I need to... Please...

"Why are you..." Loki trailed off, studying me.

I felt like I might have said something wrong again.

Why... am I feeling like this? Skittish... Silly... Get a grip, girl! I’ve killed before... So, why can’t I get a hold of this emotion that was threatening me? He’s nothing but a mortal. Nothing but a mortal!

A soft sigh left my lips, feeling tiny under his approach. This was all new, yet I knew…

A mortal... I’m bound to for life to hide from the gods. The moment he finds out... This attraction and slight affection will be over. Those eyes will be full of hatred. Get a grip, Vivian!

However, the moment I gazed up to meet with his eyes, all those thoughts vanished. Again, I quickly found myself staring at the floor.

"S-sorry." I stuttered; orbs planted on the ground.

Loki grabbed me by the chin, forcing me to face him head-on. At that moment, I felt my heart in my throat.

Why...

He seemed annoyed at me.

"Oi, say that again and I’ll..." Loki trailed off again.

His cheeks turned even pinker than before. The sudden blush almost reached his ears. Eli must have been right. Loki had a fever or something. Otherwise...

Why did he seem to get skittish, too?

"W-what?" I stumbled out.

He gazed at me before shaking his head, letting me go. Suddenly, he walked towards the bed when I turned to him, confused about what he was bothered by. He would not let me stay like that though.

"Stop apologizing, Vivian," Loki sighed, grabbing Eli like a rag doll, throwing him off the bed and into the side.

The snake slid his way under the bed, snickering.

"But I have to. I would be responsible if you fell ill because of what I did." I began only for him to sigh yet again.

"I’m fine, sweetheart," Loki growled, sitting on the bed, crossing his arms, gazing at me.

I sighed too. I guess he was. Other than the cheeks, everything about him was just peachy.

"Okay," I mumbled to myself, taking a few steps towards him.

My heart made it hard to think at all, though.

"I brought you tea and some biscuits from the staff lounge. I ate from them. So, they should be fine." I informed, pouring some tea into the cup.

Though I felt his blue orbs on me.

Were they always that heavy?! Damn it… Get a grip!

"Do I have to prove it isn’t poisoned again?" I added, trying to avoid his piercing gaze.

It was making me even more aware of myself.

By the gods...

I was failing at such a simple task.

"Why haven't you asked me about the paranoia of my food?" Loki queried, triggering me to shake my head before a small smile crept up in my lips.

That was something I could find my footing on. Move past everything. A simple question without giving it too much thought.

"You’re a royal. In that life, people are always out to get you, right? Especially a royal-like you. The first vampire to have full control over blood magic in thousands of years." I answered, picking up the teacup, offering it to Loki.

He gazed at it for a moment before slowly grabbing onto it. However, the moment my fingers met with his. The warmth was like a shock that rushed through me. Even though I wanted to pull away, since it terrified me, I stayed put.

That would seem odd to do so. I resisted the urge. The tea spilling everywhere would not help either.

"I guess you’re right. And you aren’t after me at all?" Loki countered.

It caused me to simper before shaking my head. He took the tea, saving me from the sensation that was about to consume me.

"No, I am not. If I were, you would have been dead already, to be honest." I assured, not thinking of what I was saying until it was out.

All my attention had been on trying to control myself rather than my words. His expression seemed fully intrigued by what left my lips. Grabbing my hand, he pulled me onto the bed, placing the teacup on the nightstand before towering over me.

It all happened so fast that I did not even notice when he was on me. This time, instead of straddling me, I found him in between my legs while my back was on the bed.

Oh, shit!

"Oh ho, would I?" Loki smirked, finding my answer amusing.

I found myself in a pickle.

Sometimes I really need to rethink my words before letting them out of me.

I dug this grave though. Sadly, I could not run out of it without a scratch. If I was going, to be this honest. I might as well continue the entire way. Well, until I found a way out of this mess I unintentionally made.

"Yes, you would," I answered.

It triggered the vampire softly to chuckle in awe of me. He did not seem angered by my answer either, which was confusing to me. I thought he would have backed away and told me to get out and never come back. But instead, he got closer to me. His breath tickled my skin.

"No fear against a royal. And now a normal human offing off the strongest vampire ever to live. That makes me wonder who you are, Vivian." Loki whispered into my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I found myself in a worse predicament than before. My heart was...

Please don’t notice. Keep going, Vivian like normal.

I prepped myself up for the worst.

"Well, you’re a flirt which—” I started only to be interrupted by Loki huffing upon hearing my assessment of him.

His eyebrows both raised with a soft smile on his lips.

"A flirt, you say. Even though I had my first kiss last night." Loki declared, shocking me to my core.

I felt something snap in me.

I... I... Oh no...

It was happening again.

I took his... Oh... Fuck. Stop... Don’t say those lies!

"W-what?" I mumbled without thinking.

My mind could not keep up anymore. I did not know what my expression was, but it was one that he was enjoying.

"You stole this prince's first kiss, sweets." He repeated, cheeks slightly pink.

Mine was probably an unknown color, but my voice was giving me clues about what they were. I was breaking again.

"Y-you’re l-lying." I sputtered; voice high-pitched.

The first time I had ever heard it like that.

What... is happening to me? What’s this vampire doing to me? My heart... Stop!

Instinctively, I pressed my hands onto his chest, trying to escape. Sadly, my mortal strength was meek compared to a vampire. And my magic was something I would never use on him or Oz unless it was necessary.

It was too unpredictable, destructive. In a snap, I could have ended him, but I never wanted that. Not to him. Anyone else but the boy who made me squirm.

"Hm... that hurts, sweetheart. I’m not lying." Loki reassured, grabbing onto my wrist to prevent me from pushing him off, even though I failed to do so.

He pinned them down onto the bed. I felt like my heart would come out of my throat. His scent surrounded me, and I was losing myself within him. Surely, I had to fight this emotion, but it was so strong.

It was forming faster than I could stop it.

"T-that’s i-impossible." I denied any truth in his words.

Sadly, I was crumbling under him. In his eyes, I was a normal girl. Something I was not at all. His hands held me so gently that I was losing it too.

Look at me like the monster I am! Please! Don’t continue... to make this flesh desire you! Please! Hate me! Deny me! Use me... Anything... but make me hope. No… make me hope and give me more. No! Vivian no! You can’t.

My heart was a turbulent storm. One he was unaware of. Or perhaps he was.

"How so?" Loki hummed, enjoying the moment that my mask was once again disappearing.

This time, though, there was no reason to back off. No looming sickness. Nothing. It was me and him in this room on a warm, comfortable bed.

"Y-you..." I tried to argue, but my voice left me before I could start.

Loki's expression turned different. Gentle. Unfair. An eyebrow raised again, as he could guess where I was going before I suddenly lost my voice.

"Ah... Just like you, I’ve never had sex before, sweetheart." Loki playfully smirked.

I felt like I could die right there. In fact, I wished I did.

"Believe it or not, I haven’t found the right girl. They never see me for who I am, but for what I represent. It’s quite a turnoff. No matter how good sex might feel, as Alistair loves to remind me every day.” Loki informed, shrugging.

“I swear, everyone but Ozzy thinks I’ve bedded half of Night city." He sighed, rolling his eyes.

At that moment, I found my voice once again. He had to be lying.

Don’t fall for his deceit.

"B-but you’ve b-bitten people!" I argued, triggering Loki to smirk.

To him, this was too good to be true.

"Oh, sweetheart, biting differs from having sex. You know that, right?" he chuckled, finding my process of thought silly.

Sadly, I could not accept that I stole his first kiss. He deserved better than me. I was not innocent like him. My image of him was shifting, and I could not stop it. I was covered in blood while he was glowing brighter than a star.

A forbidden fruit that I could never allow myself to bite.

But... I’ve tasted it.

This just killed me.

"B-but!" I fumbled.

Loki suddenly pulled my right hand up to his lips, biting on the sleeve of my dress. It triggered me to shiver when he tugged down the cloth to expose the skin on my wrist. A soft smile rose on his lips, noticing how skittish I was being. He melted me.

"I can bite you right here and have the same effect. Though it takes a little longer than if I bite you in a more intimate area. Well, at least I think." Loki informed, brushing his lips over my skin.

I found myself speechless.

"Your scent’s different. Tell me, did you drink a rose tea?" he asked, tugging away from my wrist.

The moment his blue purplish orb came back to meet with mine, I felt weird. Not a single word left my mouth. A sensation I had never felt before this moment rushed through me. It felt like butterflies were in my stomach while my heart was in the stars.

Even though I had only known him for two days. It felt like I would be safe with him.

If I give my everything to Loki, he won’t reject me? Or will he? Of course, he will. This is a mistake.

Even though rationality wanted to conquer my thoughts. Loki made a mess of them when eyes narrowed, cheeks turning pure red.

"Oi, don’t look at me like that or I..." he mumbled, losing himself at the moment too, leaning into me.

He closed his eyes as I followed his lead. His hands found mine, intertwining with one another. I could feel our lips hovering over one another before...

"Oh, my fucking god!" Oswald suddenly burst open the door, unaware of what was happening on the other side.

Startled by his brother Loki got off me quicker than when he got on me. I sat up immediately after, covering my face with my hair. Oz had not noticed what happened thanks to his awful mood.

Though I tried to steady my heart.

What would have happened if he hadn’t busted in here? Oh fuck…

"Have you ever fucking heard of knocking?" Loki snapped.

Oz seemed to not worry about that, though. Instead, he stomped into the room, not caring that Loki was flustered.

"Knock? When do we ever fucking knock for each other?" Oswald snarled at his brother, who stood next to me.

I slowly recovered. Luckily, my presence was the least of Oswald's worries.

"Maybe we should start knocking for one another." Loki seemed ticked off, clenching his hands into fists.

Oswald's familiar jumped onto the bed, followed by Eli, who was snickering, sliding onto my lap. It almost felt like he was trying to comfort me.

"Forget that! I have a fucking issue! These witches are actually doing their job! It’s driving me nuts!" Oz growled.

Thanks to him, I got a hold of myself. If he had not busted in. I would have been in real trouble. Eli's smooth texture also helped me feel better. Loki, however, still seemed ticked by his brother.

"If I remember right, you wanted them to mess with me. You thought they would ignore their work and come defend their friend. Now you regret it when they differ from what you expected?" Loki huffed at Oz, who had deep dark circles in his eyes.

He was a night owl.

"Oi... Let’s get rid of all of them. I need my fucking sleep. Who the fuck wakes up for early lessons, anyway?" Oswald growled.

Loki shrugged in response to his brother. Oz's words annoyed me when I startled them by clearing my throat. He did not know I was there, while Zoe and Emma glared at him from the open door.

They were right about the foul-mouthed twin.

"Excuse me, prince Oswald, but when you say all of them. Do you mean me too? If so, that’s something I can’t allow you to do. I assure you; I..." I trailed off, stopping for a minute, collecting my thoughts.

Me and my coven sisters…

"We won’t be going anywhere." I smiled.

It caused Oz’s eyes to twitch. I could not tell if it was because of annoyance or lack of sleep. On cue, Emma walked into the room, grabbing onto his shoulder. It sent shivers down his spine when he turned to her slightly.

"Nowhere at all, my darling prince. Now come here and get dressed already. The king wants you in the library today for your studies to continue." Emma sneered, trying to hold her anger.

I found myself slightly amused by the scene displayed in front of me. They were trying to do their job, even though they seemed like goofballs. There was no doubt in my mind, they care about the coven and father's orders.

"Oi, Loki, please. Two days without sleep. I’ll wither and die soon! Help me!" Oz pleaded with his brother for mercy.

Emma's grip tightened on Oswald's shoulder. I swear she would have a stroke soon from the anger that radiated from her. Gerta never counted on us being demons as well, I guess. A slight giggle left my lips.

I felt Loki's gaze on me.

"Uh, no. I find my new toy pretty interesting." He rejected his twin’s pleas.

Oz's eyes filled with terror. Melodramatic, but he probably was used to things playing out differently. He hoped I would have quit after my experience with them the first night. After all, if I were a virgin, how would I stay with two people who threatened to molest me?

A smart thought for a smart man. Too bad I was not a normal person with normal reasons for being there. Even though the vampire I had to protect threatened to consume my heart, I had to stay.

No matter what happened in the end.

"No... Please! Save me!" Oz begged.

Fortunately, Emma did not let him linger any longer. Zoe smirked from where she was, holding the door open for our sister. I could not help but wonder what they were doing to the poor boy.

"Prince Oswald, please come here. We don’t want to be scolded by the head maid for being late." Zoe snickered, enjoying making the prince's life a nightmare.

Emma dragged him into the room as his familiar jumped off the bed, crackling, enjoying its other half's new life. The change of events pleased it.

"Zephier, it seems Ozzy has finally met his match," Eli commented towards the cat with folded ears and curled tail.

The snake had been enjoying the sight that had played, too. A little too much.

"More than that. I really like Emma. She’s good for him." Zephier hummed in a feminine voice, closing the door with her tail.

For a moment we stared at the door, thinking Oz would come back in begging to be let free, but he never did. Instead, Loki gazed at me. I tried not to fall into that pit again.

"You should get ready too." I smiled, causing him to let out a soft simper before grabbing my hand, intertwining it with his.

The warmth was too much again.

I... I...

"From today on, just like you wanted. You’re stuck with me," He smirked playfully.

It caused me to widen my eyes.

Is this another trick?

"What?" I mumbled.

Tightening his hand around mine, he would not let me escape.

"From when you rise to when you lay your head in the bed. You’re with me, no matter where I go. Understand?" Loki chuckled, amused by my hesitance.

Even though it was what I had been pushing for, I tilted my head, not quite following along. The skepticism was too much to allow anything through.

"You want me to follow you outside of the castle?" I asked, in disbelief.

He nodded his head gently.

"Yes. I do. Though, I’ll treat you like my maid outside of this room, while I’m under familiar eyes. I don’t want anyone getting any funny ideas about you." Loki informed me.

I could not figure out his words fully, but I guess this was what I wanted all along. It worked.

"I’m your maid. How else would you treat me?" I mumbled, feeling the warmth from his hand radiate into me.

He simpered at me. It was making me feel numb. I did not know what to do with myself anymore.

"Hm, I wonder." Loki hummed, tucking the hair I had used to cover my face before behind my ear.

"Thank you for trusting me." I fumbled with my words, simpering at him.

He let go, going to get ready for the day. A day that I would spend with him for the first time.

"Sweets, nothing to do with trust. I’m still going to keep my eye on you, but I expect you to keep surprising me." Loki assured me, taking off his shirt, causing me to turn around quicker than lightning.

It almost burned something I should have never seen in my eyes.

I... I... Fuck his teases! They’re driving me insane!

My poor heart was beating in ways it had never had before.

"You should get dressed in the bathroom!" I squealed, gripping my dress.

It triggered Loki to chuckle, hoping to have that reaction on me. This was the start of a battle; I could not afford to lose. Though the vampire seemed to be my biggest weak point. This was a war that I did not know how to win.

No, it was unwinnable. My heart was already being consumed by the twin that would die. It did not take long for Loki to get ready before telling me to follow him out. We were going towards a new unknown where I would find new sides of myself.

Life was truly a beautiful thing, for every moment that passed with him was a blessing in disguise.