Shie’s eyes, looking up from her copy of Phantom, scanning the sunset’s canvas of painted brilliance. Ochroid streaks impaled the dull, sleeping window, while the almost-evening sky contrasted with a smile, bright as stars, beyond. Soft oranges radiated the clouds, silhouetted by the shadows of flaming magnificence. Dawn-tinted hues bloomed a pink rose, a blush of modesty from the arrogant emperor who ruled the day. The halo of light deemed Shie unworthy of its paradisiacal elegance, blinding her as a punishment for greed.

Biting her lip, the young girl forced her eyes to be content with the black and white words printed on the page of the soft cover before her. She tapped her fingers on the oak table, impatient for something still a mystery to her. She longed for adventure in the great wide, somewhere. She half-smiled to herself, looking up from her book reluctantly. It was about time for something to happen. Shie, waiting and wishing, rested her face in the palm of hand.

Her smoky green eyes danced across the library, gazing over shelf-fulls of quests, seizing up the looming bookcases, and reading the reader’s faces. It's getting late, she told herself, They will start to wonder... She smiled to herself as her exausted body refused to move. Five more minutes never hurt anyone.

Lucian had followed her... He had been following her for some time now... Not just this night, but others... For the past week now almost. She had appered out of no where it seemed... Just a while ago...

He had gently gazed into her mind... of course unaware to her... For she was mortal... She would not sense it. She had been through harsh times for being so young... But that was all he knew, fir he did not pry too deeply for fear of hurting her or for her own privacy... Her name was an odd one though. So very odd. Shie...

He had spoken to her now in her sleep several times, trying to comfort the poor child on the run, getting her used to his voice without her even knowing it. But now... He had thought to show himself... To finaly make her presance known to his new ward... She did not know the dangers of this town, but he had saved her from some hungry fledgling not two nights ago.

He heard her thoughts... And they made him smile. "You have no clue little one..." He spoke in to her mind, still in the shadows. That was the first time he had spoken to her when she was awake.

Shie jumped as her head replied to her rhetorical question. What the fuck? she shook her head, banishing her thoughts. She had to concentrate. Read. Don't think. Forget. That voice wasn't even hers.

Shie raised her eyebrows, wrinkles creating tiny goblet of sweat. Rubbing her arms, she watched the goosebumps slowly dissolve back into her flesh. Where have I heard that voice before? she wondered, This is ridiculous. It's late. I'm tired. Five more minutes. I'll leave after twilight. Five. Sighing, silently stifling a yawn, the young girl allowed her cupped hand to support her head. Five more minutes never hurt anyone. she repeated stubbornly.

"It is already after twilight. You have lost track of time." His voice echoed softly, gently in her mind, his old European accent evident, as he made his way around the study room to approach her from the front as not to startle her. Her choice of words was not acceptable however. Not for a young woman, even one of this age.

Stepping out in to the light of the room, he looked around in his colorless world. And his eyes settled on his target. The light delicate form of the young woman... a mere girl actualy...

What had amazed him most though, was that she had not recognized his voice... But how could that be? He made his way, in his usual impecably tailored suit, his hair pulled back in a neat, low ponytail.

"Miss Deseria?" He said softly as he sat down in front of her in the empty chair. "May I have a word with you?" His face was soft as it could be, though he was slightly out of practice.

Shie arched her back as the weight of shiftless pupils anchored her to her seat. Breathing deeply, Shie's smoky green eyes forced themselves upon a man, one she had seen before. Her breath choked her, life feeling like death. Shie bit her lip while her eyes squeezed shut, only realizing that the image was burned there, a scar from her dreams. Every night they got more vivid, little details no longer hid and Shie could feel things, as if she was there.

Swirling mist entwined its icy fingers around her neck as the shivering child ran to escape. Silently her feet danced across the ground, whispering inaudible secrets. Shie stumbled falling backwards as she groped blindly for something to grab. Her hands clasped nothingness, as the world slipped from under her. "Help.." the meek voice whimpered for her out of her closed lips as the surreal fog faught its way through her chest. The frigid splinter made her collapse from within, chilling her heart until it froze to death.

"You needn't fear,
I am here."

Strong arms held her, rocking her slightly. His touch brought warmth, comfort, life… She felt her frail muscle beat a steady pulse through her stretching veins. Face hovering a few inches from hers, Shie reached to caress it, wishing her savior was real. Her fingers lingered inches from his face as she longed her fingers to cooperate...Almost there...

"Miss Deseria?"

The strong voice shook her from her nightmare as the child's eyes opened to reveal his face a foot away from hers. She breathed deeply, trying to calm herself as perfumes of her own fear mingled with something else. Something beautiful. A pine scented forest scened in her mind, as chimney smoke lazily wandered around it. Soft snow reduced the smell as Shie was reminded of Christmas.

"Yes?" she croaked, not realizing tears were brimming her eyes. I'm going insane. Just play it cool.

"Miss Deseria? I am Lucian Dratrazanov, from the Demaitre social services." He said, his voice light and musical. It was ment to sooth her fears, to give her courage against tears. "I have recieved several calls about you, several people spotting you around when you should be at school. And some witnesses that say you have been found late at night, and not at home..." He said as he looked her over gently.

"You seem to be well fed it looks like... Are you staying with someone here?" He asked curiously. They were questions both a social service member would ask as well as ones he wanted to know... She was running he knew that, but was she running anywhere in particular.

((Sorry it's so short >.< getting a bit of a headache))

"I, uh..." Shie was taken off guard by his musical voice, nearly as memorizing as his eyes. She couldn't help but stare, disorientated by his unearthly beauty. His onyx eyes captivated her as she watched her own dazed expression float awkwardly within them. His porcelain skin caught the first beams of the moon as they radiated off him. Glowing with majesty and power, Shie felt her pulse quicken as her quivering heart pumped a roaring blood in her ears. The sound was deafening, but somehow she heard his voice above the chaos in her mind. The words didn't matter, silly little words about running away. Silly little words that enchanted her. Her mind closed to their meaning as she nodded dumbly, unable to comprehend. Her eyes focused on his mouth as they unraveled a sympathy, every word in perfect pitch.

"Er..." Lie. Tell him you live with your aunt. Go a head! her mind urged as she tried to twist her tongue into forming syllables, What are you waiting for? Hell, Shie, stop staring!

Shie blinked twice.

"I'm not hungry." Inwardly, she slapped herself.

Lucian couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth. "That is good to hear little one. But Are you hear vsiting somone? I dare say your accent isn't too common around here. Not that mine is." He said hoping to relax the child as he lessened the musical quality of his voice. He needed answers after all.

"Are you staying with anyone here in Demaitre, Shie? Do you have a place to spend the night, a way to get to school and stay out of this biting cold?" He knew the answer was no. But he would take her with him, by her will or not...

She would be his ward, he had followed her and clamed her long ago. She knew his mind, Lucian could tell now. His voice was familliar to her, maybe even his face.

"Shie, I know that you are probably scared, but I assure you I would be the last to strike a child, a woman, or a living being." He said gently. And it was true. Unless the creature deserved it, he would rais no harm to them. But as the fledgling who attemted to hunt his ward found out, there was a harsh penalty to pay when Lucian was crossed. "I am simply looking to help you my dear, and I just want to make sure you are well taken care of."

She studied the oak table, fingers tracing an invisible pattern. When he was done speaking, Shie remained silent, afraid of the fated horrors speech has empowered her with. Chairs scratched the floor as the last of the readers went home, muffled footsteps wandering to the door. In her shoes, the girl's toes curled uncomfortably as reason and desire engaged in the art of rhetoric within her mind. She desperately longed to talk to him, allow her emotions to break out of the steel fortress she had neglected for so long. She could weave a web of words for him, forcing him to understand. Tears would break the dam that confined them from irrigating the dying. Hate banished other emotions, leaving her without a soul, dead. Thinking was dangerous. She knew he would use his ability to entranced her to do his bidding, return to her step dad, the fastest easiest way to get rid of the nuisance everyone was calling about. She refused to believe that any social worker was really there to help. Yeah, help get a paycheck.

"I'm staying with my aunt. I like to walk outside at night. The stars are pretty." she lied, eyes down, "I go to school, I'm yet to miss a day. I'm fine, I swear. " her voice squeaked. Guilt twisted around her heart, as Shie nervously chewed her bottom lip. She didn't dare meet his eyes. God, I hate people.

"Don't worry about me, believe me, it’ll be easier."

With a semi-stern look, as if from a father to child, Lucian gazed upon the young girl. Granted he didn't look old enough to be her father, for he only appeared in his late twenties or early thirties, it didn't take away from the effect of his stare. He ran his thumb and index fingers along the edge of his jaw. What was the best way to go about this? He didn't want to intimidate her, or threaten... No.

"Well... I must say I am not in the habit of hearing people lie to me. Especialy those whom I am simply trying to help." He said as his look softened only slightly. "And I must say I do not particularly like it much Shie." His voice was quiet, not mezmerizing, but commanding.

"Now, Shie. I must again ask you, and I need you to be honest with me. Would you please tell me where are you staying?"

He found it amusing that she thought him just after a paycheck, when infact he was not getting paid. Nor was he under the employment of Social Services. Well, who needed to work? When one lived for thousands of years, you couldn't help but gather wealth along the way.

Looking up, his eyes held Shie's gaze. Authority and unmistakable power stared, the unblinking gaze intently looking into her soul as they discovered secrets that Shie was yet to learn. She was at his power, she knew, cornered by his majesty. The slave urged her tongue to speak, to explain, but was once again silenced by the stranger before her. Even now, as she could feel the burning dominance surround her, he was alluring. He claimed every millimeter she moved towards him, sitting on the very edge of her chair.

The intensity around them was intoxicating, and could be felt by the few still present in the room. Looking sternly, the librarian leaned over her crowded desk, yearning to shush them, but not a word was spoken. Shie faintly felt the reproachful glare, but could do nothing about it. Captivated, she held her breath, fearing any sound while her olive eyes watched his.

And then, it vanished. The exhilarating shield he had built around her evaporated as his eyes closed beautifully. Blinking too, Shie was finally aware of her eyes stinging. Reality intruded into her, making her aware of the time, the librarian, her minds warnings, thoughts...

She wished he had kept her in his control. In that minute that mirrored eternity, Shie felt protected, ardent, innocent, emotions that had abandoned her. It was so easy to forget with him, so easy to pretend. Finally aware of her thoughts, the young girl found herself blushing.

"Sorry." she murmured yes glued on the table, "Your right, I--"

Shie wasn't ready to admit she lied. Cheeks growing hotter, she wondered how many different shades of red painted themselves on her face.

"What I mean to say is, I was going to my aunt's house."

At least that was true, but she was a coward and never carried through with her plan, plus, she hardly knew where her aunt lived, only that it was somewhere near this city.

"But no one was home..."

She chewed her bottom lip, knowing his anger could very well bring her to tears. Taking a deep breath, she continued quickly, hoping he would ignore the last two sentences,

"So now I live by the school, its not too far from here. There's a nice little bench and trees and stuff. I like it, so its okay, right?"

He reached out and brushed her cheek slightly. He could feel her worry, her fear. But she didn't nead any of that. Not since he had found her. "Shie, it is not okay that you are living in a park. Never mind by yourself. The nights are still cold out little one. Not to mention Demaitre is a rather big city and there are people out on the street who wouldn't think twice about hurting you."

He tilted her chin up to look into her eyes, and he found himself wondering what color they were. "Personaly I do not want any such thing to happen to you or any one else." He pulled his hand back to the table where it was before. "So if it's alright with you Shie, I would like to find you a place to live for as long as you are to stay here. There are no families set up yet that could take you right away unfortunatly, so if you are willing, you can spend the next little while at my flat while we have something aranged." He offered, putting a slight push into his voice that was meant to both encourage her and persuade her. He did not want to use total manipulation... No... Not on his Shie...

Eyes closed, Shie felt the delicate touch graze her cheek softly. The artist easily painted emotion with his simple tools, as a faint smile appeared on her face. Even after the faint whisper spoke no more, Shie could feel its breath. Her fingers trickled down her face were his hands once lingered. She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to breathe.

Something was urging her to go with him, to follow him to his home. Something nameless, new. Her instincts were telling her to run from the stranger. Her mind wouldn't allow her to trust him. Yet, she knew she would follow him to the edge of the world.

Shie vowed to herself to never trust again. Feeling was dangerous, love was poison. She had banished all tempting emotions long ago, but her sleeping fortress couldn't repel them. The man from her dreams stood before her, no less powerful or persuasive. He had saved her from nightmares, but could he rescue her from reality?

"Call me crazy, but I think I saw you before. It's hard to explain, I had this dream, and you saved me...it was weird. It's like, I knew you were coming to help me or something. D'you think that's possible?"

"Now why would I call you crazy Shie?" He asked curiously. "Sometimes dreams are more than just dreams after all." And in truth they were, well her dreams were anyway. They were dreams he had planted in her, had lead her through. To familarize her with his voice, his spirit.

"Perhaps you did know that I was coming to help you. There are some people who have extraordinary gifts and talents that simply cannot be explained. Perhaps you are one with such gifts." He wasn't saying that was true, but it was a suggestion.

He stood up, tall and imposing, even on the room. "It is nearly closing time Shie. So whatever your choice we should leave soon." He said, still speaking softly in the library. "If you wish we could talk for a while before you chose." His offer was genuine, for she seemed flighty, afraid... As his young Juliana had with him centuries ago... Where she was now, Lucian could not say... Perhaps she had been killed, her healing essance passed on to Autumn... Or perhaps she was still alive... He could not say.

Shie's heart skipped a beat as he spoke of gifts and extraordinary. Shie longed to be different, special. Everyone told her she important, along with everyone else. In her freshman class of over six-hundred, only the extremely gifted, or extremely stupid kids were noticed. Shie was neither, a nameless other roaming the hallways with a small group of friends. Yet, in the few minutes Lucian spoke to her, Shie felt uncommon, noticed, unique.

"Yes, I like that." Shie mused, self-esteem rising with her new found extraordinariness. The miniature clock on the librarian’s desk buzzed, making Shie jump as it announced the arrival of the tenth hour. The decrepit lady tilted toward them, grey eyes peering over her hooked nose. Narrowing, they silently told them to leave.

"A walk, I mean."

Lucian moved to the end of the table. Holding his arm out to her in a gentlemanly manner he gave a smile. "Then a walk it shall be Shie. Hopefully you'll feel more comfortable after we talk for a while." He was sure that if she were to be more at ease around him, she would be more willing to do as he suggested. The time would come of course that he would have to give up his cleaver game... Or he could find some way around it...

She was so young... He wanted her for all eternity, but she would have to live on her ownfor a few years more... He would not turn such a young one... To trap her forevre in the body of a child would be a great sin. He had refused to do so with Juliana, but the times were different. They were about the same age, but times had changed. She was still a child by legal standards these days, but even her form was small. She would allow her to grow more into herself.

"We can walk through the park, or perhaps if you are hungry we could get a bit to eat. I'm sure there is still a diner or two open." He had food at his house of course... And though he had not much of an idea how to cook he could probably throw something together for her... But she didn't seem to want to follow him just yet.

Shie’s eyes looked up from the wooden table, landing on the welcoming arm. She blinked, wondering if she was worthy to touch his sacred skin. He waited, patiently and politely, for her reply, watching for a response. Her olive green eyes found themselves locked once more in his, his gaze distant from thought. He stared at her, eyes wide, as if reading.

As if reading my soul.

What could he see in her eyes, she wondered. Shie tried to close the two open books, make it impossible to understand the stories within while he looked through them indifferently, as if watching something stir through an open window.

It was a sign of weakness, she has been taught, to glance away first. Determined to be strong, Shie's eyes remained transfixed in his, trying to mimic his stare. He had a way of looking, almost as if through his eyelids...Her eyes watered, blinked, then becoming overwhelmed the heat from his eyes, looked away. The young girl wondered if he had challenged her, or was simply waiting.

Waiting with his outstretched arm. Slowly, her own instinctively moved toward his, unable to resist his magnetic charm. Finger tips lingered, inches from his jacket. She desperately wanted to feel her dream, frightened that if she made contact, she would find herself staring at the stars from her cold metal bench. She winced inwardly, remembering franticly trying to grasp every detail of her dream, trying to conjure it again behind closed eyelids, nights before.

To take his hand would be to give in, to surrender to her longing, to his endless magic. She would blindly follow him to the end of the world, her arm bound to his until he untied it, abandoning her in wishes. She would be a thoughtless doll, strolling behind him, begging for his voice, not caring what it was saying. A dancing puppet, killing herself for infinite attention, praise, the sound of her name singing from his lips. Thoughtless, no memories… In his arms, everything would be okay, he would make it so.

But she wasn’t ready to die yet.

Hand dropping to her side, Shie stumbled next to him. Forcing a smile as she walked next to him, her voice sounding,
“To the park then?”

She would lead…for now.