Do you? Or have you just convinced yourself of that? Have you just told yourself that you’ve seen her through every single event of her life? Have you just seen enough of her to believe that?

Have you seen every single time she has cried? Have you seen every single rage that she has raged? Have you seen every single smile that she has smiled? Have you seen it all? Have you seen her at her worst? Have you seen her at her best?

Or have you just thought you have? Have you just been seeing the version you want to see? Have you been seeing that version for so long and you just refuse to see any other version of her?

It’s your choice. Do you wish to see these things? Or do you wish to remain a small part of her life?

Who are we when no one is watching?

The question that is never asked. Why? Because no one wants to see what lies beyond their vision. No one wants to know that they’re wrong. They believe what they see until they learn otherwise. Sometimes, they don’t believe that until they see it.

Whatever lies beyond their line of sight is heartbreaking. It’s change. It’s scary. It’s something they don’t want to see.

They don’t want to see the truth, but it always comes out eventually.

So, maybe it’s time to show them who you truly are. What secrets do you hide? What lies have you told? What lives have you destroyed? How many years have you cried beyond their line of sight? How many times have you said you were fine when your heart was breaking? How many times have you smiled when you felt your soul being torn apart over and over again? How many times have you had to fake liking someone? How many times a day do you hide the real you?

So, again I ask, who are you when no one is watching?

Who are we when no one is watching? Are we the versions of ourselves that we hide because we know exactly what people would think if they saw them? We know that they won’t look at us the same way. Maybe the trust will leave their eyes. Maybe their smiles won’t ever come back when looking at us. We just know it will change, and it’s only human nature to hate change. Are we the versions of ourselves that are awful and mean? Do we hide those versions because we want to protect other people from them? Do we hide those versions because they’re embarrassing? Do we hide those versions because people will leave us? Maybe we know that the people who were once our closest friends will leave us. Maybe we know that the people who we love will stop loving us. Maybe that version of us is broken. Maybe that version of us is unpopular. Maybe that version of us is scary. Maybe that version of us is the truth.

And the truth will always get out eventually.

It’s glorious It’s like a little copycat Like your personal “friend” Oh, they know you so well They know everything you do They follow you through your entire wonderful day It’s spectacular It’s all vampires wish they have Of course, because everyone wants what they can’t have It’s all they ever want It’s “lovely”

—————————————————————————

Note- I tried. 🤣

Don’t let yourself float away to the moon, Or you’ll miss that flowers under your feet that bloom. Quiet words that hide under the lies people tell you, Come to life when you turn your back from them they do. It’s a quiet admirer in the corner of your eye. Or a small friend on the edge that wants to die. The moment you turn your back on them, Their love multiplies by the tens. Don’t let yourself float away to the moon, Or you’ll miss the flowers under your feet that bloom.

Blood sprayed across the field, hitting my cheek as I ducked behind a mound of dirt. I gasped and whipped it from my cheek. Who it came from was unknown. I just knew that it was sticky ans wet blood.

There were more shouts and screams as more shots were fired. I could see women and children running for safety in the king’s fort. Only time would tell if the man would actually provide them with what they needed. It was the selfish man’s fault after all. All of this is his fault.

When the Scratta came, the other world leaders offered alliances with them. They gladly accepted. Peace was forged. Until they came here. The king refused to make peace with them. They brought thrust weapons upon us, killing us with painful shots. That was just the start of the War of 2076.

I fired my revolver at one of the Scratta. I managed to hit it in one of its six heads, killing it. I then ducked back under cover. I reloaded my revolver with the electric bullets meant for killing these beasts.

It would only be a matter of time before this battle was lost. So many others had already died. It would only be a matter of time before I followed.

Suddenly, a Scratta jumped on top of my mound of dirt. It’s scream pierced the air. I screamed as well. A thick, scaly claw grabbed my neck. I pain rippled across my body.

Blood flowed from a new gash.

There was a squeezing.

Then a hiss.

Then more pain. So much more pain. Piercing pain.

Then I saw my heart in the creature’s hand.

Then it all went dark.

I made my way through the library when I woke up. I was tired from the night before. Elle and I had run through the mirrored tent all night. We spent our time laughing and talking. It was nice to have such a good friend.

I looked down at my arm. There was a bandage wrapped around where I had been bitten. The doctor said it would scar. I would be scarred. I had never had a scar before. It felt odd, unusual and uncomfortable really. I didn’t know what to do about it.

So I did the one thing I could think of. Research.

Not on scars. On the creature that gave me the scar. Vampires.

I scanned through titles, searching for the one I wanted. Old covers. New covers. Worn covers. Clean covers. Dusty covers. Rusted covers. Wooden covers. So many books.

I made my way to the end of the tenth row before a title caught my eye._ The Midnight Feeders: All You Need to Know on Vampires._ Perfect.

I tried to pull the book from the shelf, but it didn’t move. It felt like someone was pulling on it as well. I pulled, it came out a little, then it was pulled back. I gasped. “The heck?” I mumbled. I pulled again and the process was repeated.

In frustration, I kicked the shelf and a book on the case fell to the other side. It hit something, or someone, and a noise of pain was heard. “Ow.” The person mumbled.

“Damian?” I asked as I yanked the book off the shelf.

In the gap the book left, his face was smirking at me. “Hi, sunshine.” He said.

“First being in my bed, now stalking me. I’m starting to get concerned for you.”

He feigned surprise. “Concerned? For me? It almost sounds like you care.”

“Trust me, I don’t.”

He stepped out from the other side of the book case. “Why do you want that book, sunshine? Interested in my heritage?” He smirked and leaned against the shelf.

“No. I want to find out how to stop these attacks.” I replied.

“Uh-huh.” Then he was following me as I walked away. “I didn’t see you around much last night. It was almost like you were avoiding me.”

I was. After he spent a night in my bed, I had been worried about my feelings for him growing. I needed to squash those feelings. Loving him would only end in disappointment for me. He woods leave me. It was destined to happen. It was my fate.

“Avoiding you? But why would I pass up a lovely opportunity to spend dreadful time with you? As you said, any girl would love to be in my position.” I sneered.

He rolled his eyes and joined me at a table. “Exactly. So why were you avoiding me, sunshine?”

“As I said, why would I avoid you?” He glared at me as I smirked. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to read in peace.”

“Why are you reading about vampires? Interested in my heritage?”

“Or maybe I want to stop the attacks.”

That sobered him quickly. His eyes darkened, no doubt imagining when I got bit like I did. He glance at my wrist and I shifted it to hide the bandage. I could almost hear him growling.

“So, if you don’t mind, I’ll be working now.” I said.

Damian shook his head. “Look, we’re in this together, but I’m not sure if I can trust you.” He replied.

“What?”

“I can’t let you get hurt. I promised your father that I’d protect you. That means that you’re my responsibility. I’ve already failed before. So I can’t let you put yourself in danger.”

I scoffed. “I put myself in danger regularly. I’ll be fine.”

“You can’t be sure of that. I’m going to be fighting those vampires and I don’t want you being there. Getting hurt.”

I took a deep breath and looked him in his eyes. His beautiful onyx eyes. The onyx eyes I’d seen staring at me so many times.

“I want to help. I won’t stop until I do help.” I stated firmly.

Damian sighed deeply. “Promise me that you’ll try to stay out of danger?”

“Fine, I promise to try.”

“Good.”

I stared at him deeply. “Now tell me, how do you kill a vampire?”

“Are you gonna kill me?”

“Depends on if you annoy me.”

“Fair enough. To kill a vampire, you need to purge the darkness from their soul with light.”

Purging the soul?

He laughed. “But there really isn’t enough light in the world to do that.”

I smiled and laughed numbly. What he didn’t know was that there really was. And I knew exactly where it is.

**~Vesper’s POV~ **

I shifted into something firm in my sleep. It was warm so I didn’t open my eyes. I snuggled into it more, enjoying the warmth. I smiled.

Then I felt a hand brush some hair out of my face. It was gentle and adoring. My smile widened and I snuggled into the warmth again.

I didn’t want to wake up. Whatever was in bed with me was firm, but gentle and warm. I needed warm. I could barely remember what I did last night. I knew I woke up and went to find someone, but I didn’t know who I found. I didn’t know what I did. I didn’t know who was in my bed, but I was still fully clothed so nothing bad could have happened.

“Sunshine, we have to get up.” The person whispered.

Wait…

Sunshine.

They called me sunshine. He called me sunshine. There was only one person who called me that.

I shot up, saw Damian, and shoved him as I hard as I could. He let out a sound of surprise and fell off the bed with a thud. I looked around panicked, but I didn’t see anything wrong. Everything was fine. I was fine.

Damian had been in my bed.

He groaned from his place on the floor. “Ouch.” He mumbled.

“What are you doing here?” I screamed.

He smirked and looked up at me. “You don’t remember? You practically begged me to stay with you, declared your deep, undying love for me, and asked me to marry you.”

I blushed and folded my arms. “No, I didn’t!” I yelled and threw a pillow at him.

He chuckled and sighed. “Fine, you didn’t, but you did ask me to stay last night.”

I huffed. “It was an obvious lapse of judgement.”

Something flashed in his eyes. Regret or disappointment. I couldn’t tell. I wanted to reach out and soothe his pain. I wanted to fix whatever was wrong. I wanted to ease his hurting.

What was wrong with me? What was I thinking? He was using me. I knew what he was. But he hadn’t done anything to hurt me yet.

But what about what Lucian said? He had warned me to stay away from Damian. He had also threatened to tell everyone about Dane. No.

“Get out.” I said.

Damian didn’t have to be told twice. He slipped out the door without a word… and I was alone. Again.

I took a deep breath. Tonight was the fourth night of the Sun Solstice. Damian had been in my bed. Oh my sweet suns. I let Damian Vampire into my bed.

I bet the waters know what it’s like to be battered to and fro like this. My heart can’t take this. One second, I’m fine and thinking clearly. Then next, he’s there and all ration goes out the window. It’s obvious what I have to do tonight. I need to escape him.

I spend the rest of my day with my sisters. I figured I needed the distraction. Every time I think of Damian, I see his onyx eyes, swirling with emotion, his strong arms, holding me in my sleep, his soft, handsome face, lips twisted into a smirk that always catches my attentioin. Lips that could just lean down and-

I shake those thoughts from my head. He’s supposed to be my enemy. I’m not supposed to think these things about him. I know what he does to girls like me. Girls who don’t think clearly. I know what I need to do.

Charity grabs my arm. “Vesper, you almost spilled the tea!” She squeals.

I look down and see that I’m overflowing my teacup. “Oh my suns! I’m so sorry. I must be distracted.” I say. I’m distracted alright.

I sigh and we clean up the mess.

My maid comes to my room to help me get ready too early. I’m not ready to put on another happy smile and pretend my heart isn’t pounding. But my father insisted I come. He said that I need to show the kingdom that I’m alright.

But I’m not.

I dress in a gorgeous blue dress and make my way to the grounds. I’m stopped by at least thirty people. Everyone says how worried about me they were. They all say the same thing. It rattles me.

Then I see Dane. He catches my gaze and makes his way over to me. No.

No.

I can’t do this. I sprint the other way as fast as I dare. I don’t want to make the mistake again. I don’t want him to touch me. I just can’t let him. It’s wrong to say the least. It’s vile.

I crash into a body. I stare up at them. Lucian. He grins down at me. “Running from Dane, are we?”

How dare he? How dare he speak to me like this? “Stay out of my way, Lucian.” I hissed.

“No, Princess, you stay out of mine.” Then he disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone.

Then I was running again. I refuse to be caught by Dane. I refuse to end up in his arms again. I refuse to go down like this.

I make my way through the tents, only to be grabbed by an arm. Elle pulls me into a tent full of mirrors. “We can hide in here form whoever you are running from.” She said.

“How do you know I’m hiding from anyone?” I asked.

“Because I know you.”

At that, I smiled. I had a friend. A friend who knew me.

~Damian’s POV~

I stared down at Vesper as she slept in the sick bed. She had fallen asleep a few hours ago and I was slightly worried that she wouldn’t wake up. That idea had formed in my mind recently. It was the worry that she wouldn’t be ok. That she would die and I wouldn’t be able to help her. I would be the one to blame.

The moment that vampire bit her, I had felt worry and concern pulse through me. I had felt a terror that was unusual and unexpected. It caused me to stab the vampire through the heart and flee with Vesper. I ran as fast I possibly could. I knew the affects of vampire venom and knew that she needed help instantly.

She’d woken up hours before. Her family explained to her what happened and then left her with me. They left her in my care. She had been in my care at the festival and this had happened. I wasn’t sure that I was good enough to watch over her. I had caused this.

I decided now would be a good time to leave. My father had told me that we had a vampire captive to interrogate. I didn’t want to go, but then I looked at Vesper, unconscious and injured, I knew I had to.

I closed the door after peeking at her one more time. She was asleep. Good. This shouldn’t take long.

I made my way down the hallway. My mind was racing. I couldn’t help it. All I could think about was Vesper being bitten. I needed to hurt something. I needed to do something. I needed to get revenge for her.

I made my way to the dungeons. My brother, Lucian, was standing outside the door, leaning against it. He had a dagger in his hand and was tossing it up and down, carelessly. My brother may have been intelligent but he was careless and cocky. It was going to get him killed.

“Thought you were never going to arrive. I was almost worried you lost your touch.” He said.

I glared at him. “I was charged with watching Vesper.”

“You’re on first name basis, now?”

“Jealous?” I teased.

He rolled his eyes. “Stop it. You know that you’re just going to get hurt. She just wants the playboy part of you.”

I paused for a second. My brother was smart, but he never had any romantic interests ever. It was never into girls. He found himself alone most of the time. What did he know about girls?

“Leave me alone. I have a job to do.” I said and moved into the dungeons.

My father noticed me instantly. “There you are.” He said.

I nodded to him. “What do you have for me?”

I joined him by the edge of a cell. “We captured a male vampire. He seems to be important, but he won’t say anything. I figured that you could get him to talk.”

I nodded. I was good at torture. It was a horrible thing really. I hated doing it, but I knew how to weaken people. Except Vesper…

I never knew how to get in that girl’s mind. At first, I thought she was basic. I thought she would completely judge my family. But then she befriended Elle. I knew she would be different. Elle threatened me to leave her alone and not to steal her friend.

She intrigued me.

I stared at the vampire. He was absolutely gorgeous. He had a glint in his eye that said that he was seven steps ahead of us. It unnerved me, but helped me form a plan. He was cocky.

His clothes were well groomed. His hair was slicked back. He was grinning and laying leisurely against the wall. He was very cocky.

“Alright. I’ve got this.” I said.

I entered the cell and sat down on the table in front of him. He eyed me up almost instantly. “What’s your name?” I asked.

“None of your business.” He replied.

I nodded. “Well, vampire, I hear you have information about the vampires attacking us.”

He scoffed. “What makes you think that?”

“Your clothes. Your clothes tell me that your a high class officer. You’re close to the king.” I stated.

A little bit of panic seemed in his eyes, but he hid it well. “So? I’m not going to tell you anything.”

“Sure. You’ve been living away from humans for a while, right?” Redirect the question.

“Maybe.”

“You must be very hungry for a vampire who hasn’t fed on human blood for a few centuries.”

He blanched.

I grinned. “That’s rough. I’m human, so I have no idea what that’s like, but I can imagine it hurts a lot. I bet it’s killing you. I bet you just want to sink your teeth into the closest human, which would be me.”

He struggled uncomfortably. I smirked. Pathetic. He might have been a vampire, but he still had his weaknesses.

“Tell me what you know and I’ll let you bite me.”

I heard a noise of protest outside of the cell. It was probably a soldier. Both my father and brother knew the consequences. They weren’t going to stop me.

“You wouldn’t.” He said.

He had no idea who his friends hurt. He had no idea how badly I wanted information. He had no idea who I was trying to protect.

“I would.”

He hesitated before saying, “We’re going to attack again soon. My king, Azalaric, is tired of the humans reaching out to our ancestors. He wants to burn all bridges. He wants to divide the kingdom.”

I smirked. “Thank you for your help. I guess you deserve a reward.”

I rolled up my sleeve and held out my arm to him. This was going to hurt. I braced myself as he eagerly sunk his teeth into my wrist. It was painful at first. It took all my willpower not to cry out. My breaths turned heavy and ragged.

Suddenly, he pulled away and cried out in pain. He let out a strangled scream. “Who are you?” He screamed.

“Damian Vampire. It would have been wise to ask my name in the beginning of this interrogation, but you’ve been very helpful.” I said and left.

The guard gave me a rag to hold against my wrist until it stopped bleeding. I walked out of the dungeons almost instantly. I wanted to get as far away from him as I could. I was disgusted by him.

I walked for a while until I saw a shadowy figure that I recognized.

“Sunshine?” I asked.

Vesper turned around and saw me. She nodded to me. Oh moonless nights, what was she doing out of bed? I ran over to her instantly and pulled her into my arms.

“What are you doing out here?” I asked her.

“I woke up alone.” She mumbled.

Dear nights. What have I done? I scooped her up and began to carry her to her room. “I’m sorry, sunshine, I shouldn’t have left.” I shouldn’t have. I knew what I did was the help, but Vesper had injured herself more by trying to find me. How stupid was I?

“Where were you?” She asked me.

“Taking care of unimportant things.” I pushed open the door to her room. “I’m sorry.”

I placed her down on the bed and tucked her in. I wanted her to be comfy. I wanted this to be my apology. I was about to move when she said, “Stay with me.”

I paused. “What?”

Did I hear that right?

“Stay with me.” She opened up her arms for me to crawl into bed with her.

No. This couldn’t be happening. She was delusional. She would regret asking me to be here. She would be like all the other girls. Using me for fame. What was this?

She wasn’t like that though. She would regret this in the morning. She would hate me. She would despise me.

But I didn’t want to think about later. I didn’t want to disappoint her anymore. If I did, I didn’t know how I would bear it.

I crawled into her arms and pulled her close. I felt her warmth wash over me. She was rigid, but then relaxed into me. Oh moonless nights, she had no idea how amazing she felt.

“Goodnight, Damian.” She said.

“Goodnight, sunshine.”

I woke up without Damian by my side. The room was a bit colder as well. I missed him. Dang it. I wasn’t supposed to miss him. I was supposed to hate him. Wasn’t he related to the monsters that tried to kill me? Didn’t he have something to do with this? I tried to tell myself this, but I couldn’t bring myself to hate him.

Screw him.

There was no one in my room. No father, mother, sister, maid, servant, or friend. I was completely alone. I hated being alone. It made me feel very weak. Especially now that I was very weak.

I lifted my head up. Then I felt a stiff sort of pain and groaned. I was still hurt. The poison had still affected me. I should be careful. I shouldn’t do anything. I should stay here and help not cause my parents to have a panic attack, but I hated being alone.

I needed to find someone. I needed to feel the comfort of another person. I needed to talk to someone and hug people. I just needed someone to be here for me.

I was still a bit stiff and sore, but I managed to get out of bed. I wanted to go find my family or Elle. I wanted someone to talk to. I needed someone who knew me.

Slowly but surely, I opened the door. I made my way to the hallway. My body still hurt. The fire was gone, but I was really sore.

I groaned, but made myself keep walking. I wouldn’t give up yet. I leaned against the wall for support. I didn’t know how early it must have been, but no one was in the hallway. I was alone here.

I slowly continued down the hallway. I made my way past the windows, not even looking at them. I limped all the way to the Golden Room. Then I stopped and slumped against the wall.

What was I doing? I didn’t even know where I was going. I was just looking for someone. That was so stupid. I shouldn’t bother anyone at this hour.

Then I saw someone. A boy a little younger than me. Dark hair. Pale skin. Dark eyes. It was Lucian, Damian’s younger brother.

“Vesper?” He asked. His voice was cautious and surprised. “What are you doing here? I heard you were hospitalized currently.”

“I, uh,” I needed an excuse. I didn’t want to go back to that room. I didn’t want to be alone again. That would kill me. I hated being alone. “Needed some air.”

“You shouldn’t be out here while you’re hurt.” His movements were thought out. His eyes held a dangerous glint in them. I felt as if I’d walked in on something very dangerous.

We were near the Golden Room. The doors were right there. Is that what he wanted? Is that was he was going for? If so, what did he want in there? I barely knew what was in there.

But what if he did? What if he was going in there? What if he knew what was in there and knew how to control it? What if he was more dangerous than I originally thought?

“What are you doing out here?” I asked.

Lucian tilted his head to the side. “Why is that any of your concern?”

“It’s my castle.”

He scoffed. “You say that like it matters. I’m not the one who is hurt. You should scatter back to your sick bed.” He took a step towards me.

My heart started pounding. I could feel my panic rising. “Stop trying to scare me!”

He put his hands up in defense. “I wasn’t trying to scare you. I was just trying to tell you to go back to your room.”

“Where’s Elle?” I wasn’t going back to that lonely room.

“I would be more concerned about yourself. Imagine if a certain heir found you out here, all defenseless and broken. Like Dane.”

I went rigid and my face twisted.

Lucian smirked. “I would go back to your room, Vesper.”

“How do you know about Dane?”

“I saw it happen. It’s funny how he can violate you like that and get away with it because you’re too scared to say anything. Too afraid to be made fun of. Too afraid to be called weak. Too afraid of people knowing how the crown princess was violated by a lesser heir. It’s pathetic.”

“Shut up, Lucian.” I hissed. My breathing was ragged. I could barely move. All I could think about was people finding out. How would they react? He was right. They would react just as bad. They would think I was weak.

I could feel tears welling in my eyes. “Go back to your room, Vesper.” Lucian turned. Then he paused. “And stay away from Damian. He’s not who he says he is.”

Then he faded back into the shadows. My heart was pounding. Was that a threat? Was he threatening me? Who should I tell?

No one. He knew about Dane. He was a threat to me. I had to stay silent. I couldn’t have them knowing.

I slowly struggled to get up. I used the wall to pull myself up. I groaned. I didn’t know what time it was, but I needed to go back to my room. Lucian was right. If I was caught out here, weak and vulnerable, people would hurt me. I needed to go.

“Sunshine?”

I turned to see Damian standing there. He stood in the darkness across the hall from me, worried look in his eyes. I just nodded to him. Lucian’s words wrung in my head._ “And stay away from Damian. He’s not who he says he is.” _

Was that a warning? Was that a threat too? I didn’t know.

Damian rushed to my side. He grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away, but he pulled me closer ro him and I was too tired to fight it. “What are you doing out here?” He asked.

“I woke up alone.” I mumbled. That wasn’t a very good excuse.

He cursed. “I’m sorry, sunshine. I shouldn’t have left.” He picked me up and carried me down the hallway.

“Where were you?” I asked and rested my head on his shoulder. A wave of fatigue washed over me.

“Taking care of some unimportant things.” He simply said. He opened the door to the room and placed me down on the bed. “I’m sorry.”

“Stay with me.” I mumbled and sunk into the pillows.

“What?” His eyes were filled with questions and caution. He looked shocked, as if it was the weirdest thing for me to say. I didn’t want to wake up alone again.

“Stay with me.” I opened my arms up, further explaining what I wanted.

Damian had a tortured look on his face. He argued with himself. He mulled over what he should do. In the end, he sighed and pulled back the blanket. He crawled into the bed with me and pulled me into his arms.

I sighed and instantly relaxed. Then, I whispered, “Goodnight, Damian.”

“Goodnight, sunshine.”