The day was finally here. The festival began today. Sun Solstice had officially arrived.

I could barely contain my excitement as I dressed for the opening festival. I would be able to dance the night away with my new friend Elle. Her and I talked forever yesterday. We talking about boys and our families and life.

I even told her about my true love. (She agrees that I should never fall in love.) I had a friend for the first time in a long time. It excited me.

I went through the pretty dress options I had. 1- I had a puffy sleeved dress with a pink bodice and a long puffy white skirt. 2- I had a yellow cocktail dress that had a white cropped sweater top. 3- A pretty puffy red dress that went to my knees with golden silk sleeves.

I decided on the third dress option. I braided my hair and applied a little bit of lipstick. I had my maid get me some red flats. I wanted to look good, but I would be walking around all night. I wanted to be comfy as well.

I made my way to my sisters’ room. They shared a room and loved it. I was grateful to have my own room.

I knocked on the door before going in. Prudence met me first. She was wearing a lovely blue dress. Charity was working on her hair and she had on a pretty pink dress. She looked lovely.

“Are you both ready?” I asked.

“Yes!” They both squealed.

“Good. I love this part of the festival. It’s going to be lovely.”

They both smiled. “Are the Vampire going to be there?” Prudence asked.

I nodded. “Yes, but don’t worry. I talked to them. They’re not mean.”

They looked at me skeptically. “You sure?” Charity asked.

“I would never lie to you both.”

They smiled. “Ok.”

Then we walked to the fairgrounds.

To start the night off, my father made a big speech. “Dear guests, it’s an honor to have you all gathered here to celebrate the Sun Solstice, one of the kingdom’s oldest traditions. My father once told me when I was a child, that the sun fueled everything. It gives us all life and fills us with warmth. Without the sun, we are nothing. So we celebrate it today, tonight, and the rest of the month. We are here to honor our sun. So we light the flame of life in reverence.”

My father placed a fire in a tube. The fire shot up the tube and exploded when it reached the top. It lit about a hundred candles that were placed on top of the tent. Some people gasped. Other laughed. Either way, it was impressive.

I smiled. “Let the festivities begin!” My father cried.

We all smiled and began to walk around. There were about thirty tents set up. Behind those thirty tents was a street that led around everywhere. There were small vendors that lined it. It was my favorite place to wander. I liked seeing what people were selling or doing.

So that’s where I headed first. I made my way behind the main tents and to the street. I was instantly hit with the smell of breads, flowers, games, and just over all joy. I could feel the excitement in my bones. It was all around me. It was amazing.

I started with the first few vendors. A few sold necklaces and jewels. Others sold exotic foods. Some even sold weapons. Lovely.

Then I made my way over to the games. There was a fishing game, a dueling game, and so many others. There was even a few scandalous things. Those I stayed far, far away from.

I walked over to a cake stand and bought a cake. The vendor nodded to me before tending to the other customers. I smiled at him and walked away. I bit into the cake and almost moaned at how good it tasted. It tasted like vanilla and cream and sunshine. It warmed my very heart to the point where I didn’t want to leave this festival.

I started walking around again, bumping into people I knew and making small bits of chatter. I eventually started to look for Elle. She had to be around here somewhere.

Slowly, I made my way around, looking for her. I looked at every vendor and I couldn’t find her. Maybe she was in one of the tents.

I was so busy looking for Elle that I didn’t realize was heading for a collision course until I bumped into someone. I was pushed back, but two strong arms caught me. I gasped and looked up.

I was met with beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair. It was a boy. He grinned down at me. “Watch your step, princess.” He said.

I blushed instantly. “I’m so sorry.” I said. “I should pay more attention to where I’m going.”

“But how else will I be able to talk to you?” He smirked down at me.

My heart pounded. Oh my gods. He was hot and charming. “I’m Vesper.” I said.

“Dane.” He said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, but unfortunately, I have to go find someone else. I apologize.”

“No, it’s ok. I look forward to seeing you again.”

“Until then.” He bowed and walked off. I watched him until he was gone, my heart pounding.

Then across the street, I found a pair of onyx eyes. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was him. Then I saw him swagger across the street to me and I knew it was him. I immediately looked away and pretended not to see him. I did not need to deal with this today. I just wanted to find Elle.

I started to walk away, hoping he would get the message. He did not. “Hello, sunshine.” Damian said as he appeared at me side. “You look radiant tonight.”

“Thank you. I guess you look decent.” I said. It was a 100% lie. He looked attractive. He was dressed in an all black button up shirt and trouser. The buttons on the shirt were only done halfway and his sleeves were rolled up. He looked dangerous and attractive at the same time.

I tried not to pay much attention to it though.

“Where’s your sister?” I asked.

“How should I know? She doesn’t exactly like me too much.” Damian stated.

“I don’t either, yet you follow me around.”

He smirked at me. “Well, you interest me.”

I rolled me eyes. “Oh what a pleasure.”

“It is. Thousands of girls would love to be in your shoes.” He wasn’t wrong. I could feel the glares I was getting just by walking near him. It wasn’t pleasant.

“Sure. Just tell me where Elle is.”

“I said I don’t-“

Just then, a chill breeze spread throughout the area and the lights all vanished. I looked around, but it was too dark to see much. I turned to Damian. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me behind him. “Damian…”

“Shhh.” He whispered in my ear. “When I say run, we’re going to run as fast as we can. Got it?”

“Why? What’s happening?”

He stared me directly in the eyes. “Got it?”

I nodded. My heart was pounding in my chest. Whatever was happening wasn’t good. I could feel it.

Then we saw the first creature fall down from the sky. It was black and dark and terrifying. It spread its wings and landed on the ground. That’s when I got a good look at it. It was a human. Correction, it was the most gorgeous human I had ever seen. And it had wings…and fangs…and it was a vampire.

“Run.” Damian said.

And we did.