Six years later
Chapter Eleven

     Angelene fastened her blue velvet cloak tightly, concealing her wings. She removed her tiara and tied her flowing white gold hair into an elegant bun. As a habit, she tucked the fragile pressed flower into her bodice, beneath her large diamond necklace. The mansion was empty but for a few humans dusting the stair well and portraits of past kings. As she passed a maid with red hair, she touched her shoulder and silently handed her a few gold coins. Lily smiled and refused the money, even though she'd had financial trouble ever since her husband's disappearance. The princess waited until she turned her back before slipping the coins into the maid's apron pocket.

     Greeting everyone she passed with a warm smile, Angelene was well loved by the human servants. They were all aware that the young woman wasn't supposed leave the mansion during the day, but none of them would reveal her secret ventures to the vampire guards. Even Charles' son Jonathan felt that she deserved a few hours free from her gilded cage. He was the door man during the day, and bowed as she left, his maroon eyes flickering in the sun.

     Angelene adored the bustling Venetian alleys in the light of the sun. Taking a gondola to St. Marco's square, she marveled at the beautiful colors of the vendor's carts, the glint of gold off the grand Basilica, the general feeling of life all around her. She didn't even mind if she was the victim of pick-pocketing; in fact she always kept a few coins with her so that a poor soul could benefit from her wealth. The grown princess was tempted to twirl through the square, but her attention was caught by something new.

     A large black gargoyle had been placed on the roof of the building at the opposite end of the square. Angelene made her way towards it and stared up at the dark figure. It appeared to be staring back down at her, although it was difficult to tell from its height. As the wind kicked up, she could swear its demonic wings moved...

     "Angelene! What are you doing out here, you're not to be outside the grounds without an escort!" Angelene broke her gaze from the statue and groaned to hear the British accent of her suitor. It took her a moment to locate him, for he was hiding in the safety of the shadows, out of the sun's scorching light.

     "And you're not to be outside at all during the day, you could be killed. On the contrary, my skin does not burn." The young woman spread her arms and smiled at the warm sky, causing even more to stare at her beauty. Charles fussed in the shade.

     "It's not that, Your Highness. You should be in bed, resting for the ball tonight, and wandering about unprotected and tired could cause you harm. I could not live with myself if any harm came to you." Angelene sighed, knowing that whatever she said would not banish Charles from her side to leave her in the peace she'd had a moment ago. She was polite enough to walk along the shadows' edge, letting herself be escorted home.

***

     Earlier that morning, Zain had covered himself in soot and wore one of Maschera's black dragon masks. He perched on the far end of St. Marco's square for a single purpose. Maschera had told him that he'd seen a girl who looked like an angel arrive at the square almost every day for a month. Being the Prince, nobody questioned him when he immediately dove into the pile of soot at the foot of the fireplace; at least, nobody verbally questioned him.

     Reeku however had put a million concerns into his mind, not all of which Zain had been able to dismiss. His best friend was correct in many ways. There was no way of knowing if this girl was indeed his angel, it had been a decade since their last meeting and he may not recognize her, there was a strong possibility that she did not even remember him; yet here Zain was, still as stone, surveying the square as an imposing black decoration.

     For hours he waited, moving only when he needed to and when he was sure no one was watching. If someone saw him move he would remain still until they turned away. It was hard work, and he was beginning to question whether or not this girl would come today. He was normally asleep now, and just as he was about to nod off, the glint of a diamond caught his attention. His bandit eyes were drawn to the source, a young woman in a blue hood and cloak.

     Zain's thoughts of stealing the giant gem left quickly. It was a personal rule of his to never steal from women. He lost interest in the girl until she lowered her hood...

     It was her. He knew without seeing the wings hidden beneath her cloak. She was more beautiful than he had dared to imagine, especially when she smiled. She seemed the embodiment of life itself with the way she moved and took in the city, as if she were a part of Venice. Zain frowned inwardly. What was he? Cold and frightening, he didn't belong in the sun's light as she did.

     She looked up at him and he froze. He felt that her gaze had made it impossible to remain as stone. She made him feel too alive to sit still. It became even more difficult when she came straight towards him, trying to get a closer look.

     Well, if she wants a closer look, I'll just introduce myself, he thought. He was about to jump down to her when a harsh foreign voice shattered the moment. He couldn't see the speaker, but with his advanced ears he could hear the words. His princess had been sneaking out all this time. Every second seemed to add another perfect quality to his angel.

     Then she raised her face to the sky and smiled. In the heat of the sun and his heavy soot-covered clothes, Zain very nearly swooned. His senses were so lost with rapture that he almost didn't catch the servant's words. Even still, it was only until after the last flutter of her cloak was out of sight that he was he able to comprehend the meaning.

       A ball. A ball she was going to. A ball he could crash.

     Zain leapt from his perch and flew back towards his home, oblivious to the screams below. One of the vampires in the Shadows had been complaining about his obligation to attend a ball that he'd had no interest in. The Prince would happily relieve him of that obligation.

***

     Angelene sighed. It was dark now, and Charles sat beside her in the carriage, clearly more excited than she was. At least he wasn't like other suitors she had met, who felt the need to show off at every turn. She had known Charles for as long as she had memory, but he seemed different now. He had always doted on her, but lately he had become almost obsessed, in a way that she couldn't describe. It wasn't love, it was too strange to be called that.

     "We've arrived, Highness," he announced, moving faster than she could see to open the door for her. Angelene did not possess his speed, but she certainly made up for it with her grace and beauty. Everyone stared as she delicately stepped from the carriage.

***

     "It's her, Reeku..." he whispered, nearly rendered speechless from her perfection. Reeku looked in the direction of Zain's locked eyes, and saw the girl he meant.

     Wow, Zain, she's just like you said... thought Reeku in awe. Do you think she'll remember you? They both had their doubts, but Zain didn't have to speak to let Reeku know that he didn't want to follow that path of conversation. Sorry, Zain. You can always try and introduce yourself properly, you know.

     "Me? Proper? What a strange thought. Do you have the invitation?" Zain had cleaned up well, a man of 17, with a handsomely sharp and pale face that could only be described as preternatural. His silky black hair was tied back in a ribbon, and his wings were well concealed, pressed against his back beneath a black silk dress coat. The hanging wingtips acted as rather unique coattails.

     Of course I do. But Zain, I'm older than you, and taller. Why do I have to be your servant? Reeku had insisted on coming along to protect his Prince. He too was dressed in fine clothes, though less showy than Zain's. Standing a few inches taller than his companion, the years had not been unkind to him either.

     "We've talked about this. I look much more like a vampire than you do. When you get red eyes, pointed ears, and fangs, then I'll be the servant.  Come now, we must get inside." Zain stood erect and walked forward dominantly towards the doors, with Reeku trailing behind him like a shadow, head down towards the ground in the manor of one with no free will. Earning a few stares themselves, the pair stopped once they reached the doors and turned to face the rather imposing guards, who eyed Zain suspiciously.

     "No boat, sir?" one asked.

     "A nice walk now and then lets one enjoy the sights properly, gentlemen." replied Zain coolly, showing his glittering fangs in a congenial grin. "Boy," he demanded. "Present our invitation." Reeku did so quickly, handing it to the guards and resuming his inferior posture. The guard glared.

     "This invitation is for Sir Gerard Vandelae. Not for you."

     "My Master sends his regards, and regrets that he is too busy to attend Her Highness' ball. He generously gave me his invitation so that I could represent him here. The invitation clearly states that its bearer may bring one guest and my servant never leaves my side." Gerard had helped him tailor this lie very carefully. "And if anyone has a problem with that, they shall have to answer to my master." The guards looked at one another, then one handed him a small, tight necklace with silver on it.

     "Anyone with this on is a human servant that is not to be fed upon," reported the guard as he let them inside. Zain put it around Reeku's neck, thinking so that only Reeku could hear: If anyone gives you trouble, call me.

     They parted once inside; Zain headed toward his angel and Reeku watched from the sidelines, reading minds to be able to warn Zain if anyone had recognized him. Everyone there was dazzling, as if each vampire was a separate work of art brought to life by their shared dark gift.

     Somehow, Zain fit in with these people, even though he wasn't really a member of their kind. He looked like them, he had the looks shared by all vampires, and he was extremely intelligent and clever. If he had he been born to one of these gorgeous creatures, Reeku would not have been surprised.

***

     Charles froze in place, as if stunned. Angelene put herself in front of him, worried.

     "Charles? What's wrong?"

     "Nothing, Highness... would you like to dance?" Charles led her gently towards the dance floor, but the young gentleman was too fast for him, and reached them before they reached the floor. Angelene's eyes locked on the boy as he bowed low.

     "Would this angelic lady bless me with a dance?" he asked in his most flattering tone. Charles stiffened and stared. There was an intense, almost tangible connection between the boy's eyes and the Princess'. She was drawn to him, and he had to stop it. He stepped in front of her.

     "I apologize, young man, but Her Highness does not dance with every random stranger that comes off of the streets..." Charles trailed off because the boy with raven hair was glaring up at him, exactly like Nathanial had when he was younger and Charles was his bodyguard. He recognized the boy, and Zain saw that recognition in his face and turned around to find Reeku. Instead, he felt a soft hand on his shoulder, keeping him from leaving.

     "Charles, be more kind to the guests here. It is after all my ball, and I will dance with whichever random strangers I please." Charles could not deny her authority, and stood aside to let her closer to Zain, who gently took her arm, causing a flare of anger to rise in the butler.

     As a new song emanated from the orchestra, the couple danced, never removing their eyes from each other's. He didn't even know her name, and yet she made his heart set afire like nothing else on earth. It was in ecstasy that he held her and spun amidst the crowd.

     Charles stood at the edge of the floor, glaring daggers. The dragon boy had returned. There had to be some way to get rid of him, but it needed to be done in a way that would let Angelene forgive him.

     Reeku was alert because of the dark thoughts that the angel girl's suitor was having. He had already warned Zain, but he showed no sign of leaving that woman's side. How can you be so blind, you're in danger! But Reeku's thoughts couldn't even reach him. Zain had forgotten completely about him... Reeku had to do something to get him away from that harpy.

      Angelene was just as enthralled with Zain as he was with her. With her advanced ears, she could hear that the boy was one of the few in the room with a still beating heart; it was just as fast as hers. He was so familiar to her, his piercing scarlet eyes seemed burned into her memory. No, she thought. It can't be him...

     Reeku made his way through the crowd, intent on reminding Zain that his best friend was there for his protection. He was feet away from the spinning couple when he caught sight of the suitor. His eyes were glowing...

     A plume of flame erupted from the opposite wall.