"Soo, ow iz zee Castle you live een?"

I shrugged, an amused smile on my lips as I regarded a curious looking Madame Crawfort.

Cashing in another dress I handed the angry looking young woman her purchase in the boutique's bag and let out a breath of relief when she rolled her eyes and walked away.

"It's beautiful. The scene, the corridors, the halls, it's absolutely fairy-tale like," I sighed as I watched Abigail serving another customer, the woman seemed to be struggling between buying a black pair of lingerie and red.

Personally, I'd buy both. The more Lingerie the better. And I didn't think that because of the attention it brought from the male species— a soft chuckle left my lips when I noticed her eyeing a pair of blue ones now. — No, in fact it was more about the wearer, about how pretty it made the wearer feel in her own skin.

After all, every girl deserved something pretty. Something just for her own self.

"Look at zat! She brought all zree," Madame Crawfort whispered happily beside me, and I chuckled as I watched the woman walking over to the counter, her eyes shining brightly while she held all three pairs in her hands.

Placing them on the counter she grinned at me and Madame Crawfort, "My husband is going to love these!"

"Ow e vill, I am sure ov eet," Madame Crawfort giggled, plopping another bonbon into her mouth as she leaned back and enjoyed the crazy traffic that seemed to be in the boutique today.

Dazzling a smile almost bursting with raw anticipation, the woman rushed out of the boutique's door and I felt Madame Crawfort turn towards me, "Ow you zink zat zee castle iz fit for a fairy tale I do not knoo, but I do know von zing, zat castle is cursed, and ze only zing you vill get vout of eet — are nightmares."

I shuddered as I pondered over what the French woman had just said. Madame Crawfort did have a point. Maybe there was a need to believe all the stories about the castle.

If werewolves were real. Why not ghosts? Why not everything else?

The awful truth was beginning to dawn on me.

Anything was possible.

"Ooow zeez bonbons are noot right for my stomach, I vill be back," Madame Crawfort suddenly whispered before rushing towards the staff's rest room.

Amused, I turned to look at the packet of bonbon.

Nearly empty.

"That woman doesn't know when to stop,"

My eyes snapped to the person who spoke up and I grinned at Abigail, "That's true, I admit."

"Today's morning lecture was worthless, I barely got half an hour of its information in my brain."

Nodding in agreement I slumped further into my seat.

"Jaydin going back home for the holidays?" I asked as I watched the rest of the staff serve the customers.

Abigail shook her head as she leaned against the front counter, "No. He'll be at the Chillston Manor. Professor Heirnzberg's going over to Scotland for a vacation so he gets the place all for himself — and well that creepy butler he keeps talking about"

I cringed, "It's always the butlers."

Suddenly Abigail tensed, and I cocked an eyebrow up, waiting for her to crack and just blurt it out.

"You remember I was going to tell you something at the Willow tree that day?"

My eyes widened with remembrance and I smiled, nodded, "Yes?"

Abigail gulped as she looked down at the counter before looking back at me, "Well I wanted to tell you that... Olivia I'm—"

"I am Backkkkk! Woo zat vas somezing, I feel so mooch better now!"

Abigail let out a loud breath and turning around, moved back to serving the customers. I on the other hand, now more curious than ever, watched my agitated best friend curiously.

What could she want to tell me?

Olivia... I'm pregnant?

Olivia... I'm gay?

Olivia... I'm moving back home?

Olivia I'm a... I shook my head. No, she would never say that she's an idiot.

Bankrupt?

"Oi, you zhere?"

Blinking, I turned toward a curious looking Madame Crawfort.

"Yes, Madame Crawfort. Sorry, Madame Crawfort," I mumbled before drawing my attention back to the girl now at the counter, a bag load of clothes in front of me.

Smiling at the girl, I began cashing each article of clothing in — giving a good discount whenever I thought Madame nodded in admission beside me.

While watching the smiling girl exiting the store happily, Madame Crawfort patted me on my shoulder,

"Sometimes you are so sweet, I vonder vhy you aren't a packet of bonbon, Olivia."

~^~
The afternoon air cut crispier than usual, and I felt a shudder pass through my back as I got out of the car and made my way towards the small restaurant I had come to love ever since I moved to Berlin.

Pulling the door open, I grinned at Drew and took a step in, the warmth immediately swallowing me whole.

"Hello, Drew," I chirped up cheerfully as I reached the main counter.

The tall blonde boy smiled back at me. "Hey, Olivia, what can I do for you?"

"Just get me a 'Three Bird Burger' please, chips and all—"

"—Olivia?"

Turning around I almost flew back when a heavy weight crashed against me.

"S—Sorry! I didn't mean to—Sorry!"

Shaking my head, I groaned as I straightened myself out, thankful that Michael had reached out and held my arm in panic.

I suddenly felt very... weak.

"It's okay," I whispered as I looked up at a panic-stricken Michael, looking around I noticed that we were holding everyone's attention, I put my hand up and waved dismissively, "It's all right, I apologize for the disturbance. Please continue enjoying your meals!"

I groaned when suddenly my vision became dark again, immediately two strong pairs of arms took hold of me and I felt myself being moved.

Too tired to resist I let Drew and Michael settle me in the further corner booth.

"You don't look so good," Drew mumbled

"I don't know what's happening to me! I was fine just a minute ago," I grumbled into my hand as I rested my face against into my palm.

"And to top it all, I have to drive to the castle,"

Despite the weakness I felt Michael stiffen beside me. "So, you went."

I sighed, "I have to graduate University, Michael."

"I can drop you off, if you want?"

My eyes widened and then I groaned, a small spark of headache hit me square behind my eyes.

"Th—thank you,"

And then everything went dark.

~^~
A groan slipped past my dry lips and I unconsciously licked them wet. Tiny beads of light slipped in as I began to slowly open my eyes.

The last thing I could remember was being at the restaurant. My eyes ripped open and I shot up in bed.

Instantly a warm hand pushed me back. My eyes closed as I groaned.

"You shouldn't get up so fast, just relax, you're in the castle,"

My hand found his over my chest, and I brought it to my side, my grip tightening over his. "Michael?"

Opening my eyes again I turned towards the boy, Michael sat on the edge of my bed, a concerned expression flooding his face.

I realized I was in my room, in the castle, the room glowed a low colour of golden, the window seemed to be shut tight, no chilly breeze flowing freely in, I almost itched to go open it.

"How long has it been? What's happened to me?"

Sophia walked out of the shadows and took a seat beside me, her warm hand finding mine.

Slowly I smiled at her.

"It's been three hours. You were riding high on a fever, Olivia."

I got a fever... Just like that?

My eyes widened, "Just like that?"

Sophia grimaced.

"Just like that."

Suddenly the door shot open and a shadow of a man walked in, Marsha rushing in behind him.

The man walked into the light and I watched as his amused green eyes found mine, "So you're the next victim?"

I frowned, feeling offended by his behaviour, "Victim?"

"Of great mother Edika, the bitch,"

"By the way you're wielding your mouth I wouldn't be shocked if you're her next victim." I muttered back, the headache returning — I felt my temper flare.

I didn't like him.

The guy's eyes sparkled, and he let out a chuckle.

"You're a feisty one, I'm Grayson."

Gritting my teeth, I looked him straight in the eye, "And I'm I don't care,"

I almost screamed when his smile brightened. "It's nice to meet you, I don't care,"

Ha! What a dad response.

Beside me Michael tensed, but I frowned when he didn't say anything. In fact, no one said anything to the guy I was surprising myself from deeply dislike at first meet.

"De-Grayson, I think you should let the girl rest, please."

De? Ha! Devil!

Grayson however only grinned harder. I was sure my wrist watch would tell me something different~ but it felt like years while he just stood there observing me with grin on his face, before sending a cheeky grin and wink my way, he did the same to Marsha and then strolled out of the room.

I let out a low groan.

"It's all right guys, I'm fine. Michael please go home, you have school tomorrow."

Beside me Michael nodded and as if on impulse leaned down and pressed a small peck on my forehead.

"Goodnight, Livy,"

I smiled, "Night, Michael."

Michael walked towards the exit and sending a small wave my way Sophia began following him.

Marsha however stayed.

"It's not your temper, you know."

Getting out of bed, I groaned, my eyes meeting Marsha's.

I knew what she was talking about. I wasn't one to get this temperamental. This anger — felt foreign. My emotions felt foreign. I knew what she was talking about, but still, I asked anyway.

"Then whose is it?"

She smiled sadly,

"It's his."

~^~
If walls could ever tell a story, I was sure the whole castle would scream out tales.

The large thick pillars stood on good distances from each other covering all of the shelves. From the ceiling to the floor. The large silver sliding ladders attached to the long length of the walls. There was so much to know in this room, there was so much to read in this room.

Sliding a little further to the left an edged a little before my hand found the book I wanted; I smiled, then put the book in my basket.

Marsha had left the very minute she had created a havoc in my mind. I had spent the rest of the night under the cold showers, wondering how I could possibly feel Romanov's anger — if he was the one feeling it.

It had been around two in the morning when I had finally graced my bedroom with my presence, another one of my dad's baggy t-shirt on over a pair of knickers.

Grabbing my pillow and blanket I'd pulled them towards the spot I'd used the night before. I was not going to sleep on the bed Romanov may have slept on with his fiancée too.

Waking up today morning had been a whole different deal, and I'd decided to ask or plead a change of room from Marsha. Right after I'd finished finding out how I could feel Romanov's anger that is.

Taking a final step down the ladder I jumped down on the floor and eased my dress into place

The basket dangling from my arm held books about the history of the castle, the tales, myths, and legends. Hidden underneath all the books about the castle was a book I had found — about Lycanthropes. A small warm smile surfaced on my lips as an alcove hidden behind shelves of books came into view and I immediately walked towards it.

"There you go," I softly whispered to myself as I placed the basket on a shelf made on the alcove, and settled on the fluffy cushions, stretching my feet in front of me.

Feeling content for the first time since yesterday I smiled as I watched the forest view from the window. The mountains standing strong and large, wearing coats of green and orange, reds and yellow.

A smile still on its place in my lips I reached forward and picked out the bottom most last book in the basket.

Tier.
Written by Edika Leightmonshtein

~^~
The sun was beginning to set, orange beams of light tripled into the alcove, shining on the brown pages of the book.

A tiny ping sounded around the room, it's soft sound resonating amongst the walls of the comfortable alcove and I sighed.

From: Abi.

My eyes moved over to my wristwatch and I scowled out loudly.

5:30PM

Looking back at my iPhone I sighed as I typed back a reply.

My phone pinged again, and I didn't even bother checking, I knew Abi would say yes.

I sighed — then slowly putting the books on the shelf for tomorrow, I stretched as I stood up, moaning when the sound of a few bones cracking drifted to my ears.

Looking back at the hidden alcove I smiled at the warmth it seemed to radiate, once for the last time, before turning around and walking towards the door.

The hallways were large and always very grand as I took turns, trying to remember the way back to m—the room I was staying in.

Suddenly I stopped when I heard a loud giggle rustle from behind a door.

The woman giggled again. My eyes widened when a second later she moaned, a husky male moan following.

Curiosity got the best of me and I took a step closer to the door. My jaw almost hitting the floor.

"Ooh it feels so good, ooh yeah, yeah there. Fuck, it feels so good baby! Mmmm yeah yeah harder! Harder damn it yeah!"

My mind rushing at a mile a minute I took a step away from the large door when suddenly all the moans stopped.

I turned to run.

"Hold on! You on the other side of the door. Stop."

I froze. The sound of the large door move open sent a streak of panic across my spine.

"Oh! It's you."

I almost felt like dying.

Turning around, making sure to keep my eyes fixed north, I stilled when I noticed his mocking golden eyes on me.

"I was just—"

"Please, feel free to join us," he cut me off and I stood there, my heart falling from my chest as I stared at him with a now gaping mouth.

"At least respect your girlfriend, Grayson!" I snapped when his smirk widened at my shocked silence.

Grayson let out a loud chuckle as he leaned against his door. I didn't dare look down.

"What girlfriend?!"

My jaw dropped lower, "Oh my god! You're a fuckboy!"

Grayson shrugged, and I did everything against my will not to look south when something down there moved with his shrug too.

"The fresh ones in my mind are the ones that matter.
And the ones that don't, are the ones I let scatter."

"That is completely irresponsible of you, you do know that?"

Despite me not continuing, I was sure he knew what implication I had with the 'irresponsible' part.

He smirked, "Most definitely"

My mouth fell open, agape. "And still you behave in such a callous manner?"

This time his smirk brightened, and he leaned against the wall, his arms folded in front of him. "Most definitely"

I shook my head, not being able to look at the sole example of a moronic dunderhead.

"I'm just going to remove myself from your presence. Your company gives me migraines," I muttered vehemently at the golden-haired boy now smirking at me, his bare chest in full glory.

My eyes however widened, and I took a step back when Grayson's smirk became more sinister and he took a step forward, untangling his arms from in front of him.

"You sure that's all that happens when you're in my presence?"

I gasped as I felt my back hit the wall, looking around for an escape I looked back only to see that he was now within an inch's distance. And there was something now poking at my middle.

I didn't know what to do. I had never found myself in such a position before. When my parents had been alive, my sister and I had been quite sheltered.
Even when we knew we could make our own decisions, we had still never found ourselves ever so vulnerable. Gulping down the fear I looked away.

Times had changed though. My parents and Liz weren't here anymore. I wasn't sheltered anymore. I was away from home. From the security and protection. And this wasn't the time for me to cower away. I felt my hands fist beside me, and I turned back to the still smirking Grayson. This time, with a glare.

"No, it also gives me gas. Now if you please, or would you prefer I fart on your face?" I snapped back, a challenging look in my eyes.

Olivia, you moron!

It worked. Despite my first attempt at fighting against this vagina predator with such a lame comeback. It seemed to work on him.

Eyes wide with disbelief Grayson's mouth fell open and he took a quick fumbling step back, tripping on his bare-feet in the process.

Seeing and opportunity, I made a dash for it. Running faster than what was definitely allowed in these corridors. It didn't matter though, I was too embarrassed to stand there before him anymore.

"Rushing away from the psycho, I must have taken a wrong turn," I groaned as I looked around the strange corridor I had not seen before.

Panic began to take me when I realized that these corridors were new to me, this part of the castle was new, I was completely lost here.

Still, I couldn't complain. Despite everything, I was still glad I had managed to escape from Grayson.

This man could be a father to a dozen lot of children!

Or have HIV. A sarcastic little Jiminy spoke up in my mind and I almost nodded my head in agreement.

Steps after steps and I still couldn't find a spot that looked familiar. The long corridor that I was now walking on had nothing but green scenery on both sides. For a minute I even contemplated jumping from the corridor in order to escape this maze.

Then I thought better of it. I wouldn't survive the jump anyway.

So, bracing myself with positive hope, I continued walking.

Five minutes later found me back inside the castle, surrounded by concrete walls. Still looking for a life form. Or even a door.

Turning into another hallway, I almost sang when I saw a large black door. Golden encrusted borders around the very black wood of the door.

I could remember Marsha's warm warning.

"Listen here Olivia, do not get lost. But if you do, do know that every room has a telephone, press 0, call the kitchen."

Now if only it is open.

It was.

Turning the knob, I quickly sent up a prayer of thanks when the door clicked open. Pushing the door open with a strength I didn't even know I had, I rushed straight inside. Slamming the door close behind me.

It felt like a rush, the adrenalin of running away from a man who had the galls of asking me on a date while having another woman in his room —and mixed with the fear of being lost. It defiantly felt like a rush.

"Oh, thank God the door was open," I panted aloud as I leaned against the door, my eyes shut close. I breathed in to control my crazily beating heart.

It felt like a while before my raging breath and wild heart got under control. Letting out a sigh of relief when I realized I had myself back under control, I shook my head slightly and opened my eyes.

Only to freeze.

Standing in front of me, an amused smile on his face — stood a very shirtless Romanov.

Lord, help me now. It really is him...

I felt like crying. When did he return? Why is it him?

The closet full of clothes flashed before my eyes and I cringed.

"Those belong to Master Romanov's future bride..."

"I'm sorry but I don't know what you're talking about, Olivia..."

I felt my heart harden. All the hero worship, or whatever it was that brought up the warm fuzzy feeling in my chest whenever I thought about Rome, frizzled out.

Romanov didn't deserve to have me hang off of him just because he saved my life. He had a life of his own to live.

Letting out a sigh, I looked down at my feet.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't know this room was occupied, I—I just got lost."

I felt Rome take a step forward and flinching back I stilled, my back rigid, my hands hard, and heart wary.

"Olivia?"

He took another step forward, but this time I stood still, my back flat against the door. There wasn't any space to step back to.

"Olivia... I know. You must be upset over that night,"

My eyes hardened but I didn't look up. No matter much I tried to be selfless, remembering still stung, "I'm sorry, Mr. Naight. I don't understand what you're talking about. Could I please use the telephone here? I'm a bit lost,"

Two strong arms found my shoulder and I tried my best not to let myself waver.

"Olivia, I saved you, I'm... Beas—"

"—I'm sorry sir, I don't remember any such thing. Do you please have a telephone here I could be spared for a minute or two?"

I couldn't hear it. My tone had come off as loud, it had almost been a yell, but I didn't care. Suddenly I just wanted to be in my room, in my home, dash it all, I wanted to be in England.

Why was it so hard to be selfless? Why did he have to do a hundred eighty when I was finally all right about not pulling him into my life?

Still standing in front of me his fingers found my chin, I quickly blinked. Once, twice until the tears I didn't know I have till that moment, fell down to the stone floor.

Just in time, Romanov tilted my head up and my eyes met his.

He leaned forward, "You know I can still hear them hit the floor"

My eyes blurring again, I quickly ripped my face away from his fingers and turned to an empty spot in the wall.

"May I use the tele—"

"To hell with the telephone. Tell me why you're behaving this way!"

I flinched at his tone, but his grip on my shoulder tightened.

Suddenly feeling weak again, I closed my eyes shut for a second before relaxing my whole body.

My resolve was cracking. The worst part was that I didn't even know why I was so affected anyway.

As if sensing the change in me Romanov tilted my chin up again and I braced myself for it.

The golden eyes.

Liquid golden met deep brown pools and I heard as my breath hitched in my throat.

Those belong to Master Romanov's future bride...

Freedom. Obligation. Freedom. Debt.

My heart dropped a little and in that second, the sparks in Romanov's eyes dulled down.

I stared at him. Blank faced.

This was only doing him good.

I owed him a life debt. And this was hero worship, or whatever, but I did owe him, and if he wanted freedom.

I'd pretend to forget everything.

Slowly the golden in Romanov's eyes darkened to pitch black in front of my eyes and I stared at him, wide-eyed.

"Fine." Roman suddenly snarled, dropping both his hands from mine he turned away. A stony expression on his face. "The telephones on the desk, right-hand corner."

Angrily, he moved away towards the window. But I stayed still, staring at him.

The heavy pang in my chest felt disappointing. Like somehow, somewhere deep in my chest I had wanted Rome to fight harder.

Realisation struck deep, and I shook my head with helpless disgust, I was being selfish again.

Slowly, following my gaze to his stated direction, I looked around the table until my eyes settled on the wireless handset. Heart thumping in my chest, I moved towards it.

Marsha picked up on the first ring.

"Ello, how may I come of service to you, Master Romanov?"

"Marsha,"

The sound of plates falling to the floor screeched into the phone and I cringed. Behind me, I was pretty sure Romanov cringed too.

"Dear lord child, I'm coming to get you!"

And then the line went dead.

The air around the room suddenly turned heavy and I slowly turned around towards Romanov — only to freeze.

"The scar,"

My eyes wide, I took in the thick silver scar on his back with shock. I watched the silver line as it extended from his mid back to the junction of his back and left shoulder.

Romanov's eyes shot to mine and they hardened. The dark black iris flicking with gold every second blink.

"Yes." Romanov drawled, getting up he slowly began slowly strolling towards me, his eyes just on mine. Nowhere else.

He came to a stop just before me and my breath hitched in my throat. The tip of his shoes touched the tip of mine. "Do you want to know how I got it, miss Olivia?"

"Master Romanov,"

A knock thumped on the door only but twice before the door hurriedly shot open, a fiercely worried looking Marsha rushed in, looking around the room with fear before her eyes landed on mine.

And the on Romanov's. The fear in her eyes heightened.

"I apologize on behalf of the girl, Master Romanov! She won't g—" Marsha rushed out quickly but stopped suddenly, looking even more nervous. Looking towards her scared gaze I saw Romanov holding a hand up.

His eyes turned back to me.

"Do you want to know how I got it?"

I gulped. His eyes snapped to the motion of my neck and then to my eyes in a second.

"Yes,"

Romanov edged closer and I cussed my heart for beating so loudly. I was sure he could hear everything.

"I got it while saving a girl, miss Olivia, the car's broken door fell on my back."

I flinched. Instantly feeling guilty for being the cause of the scar.

Feeling guilty, I looked down. "Oh"

It was only but a weak whisper, the small croaky Oh, but Romanov's reply came back strong, his voice echoing back from the stone-cold walls.

"Oh no Ohhs. Please. She's given me this scar, but I've given her something too. Would you like to see, miss Olivia?"

I froze.

From the corner of my eyes I noticed Marsha stiffen, alert.

My hands coiled and gripped on the edges of my dress and I took in a sharp breath when he gently moved the wavy tumble of my hair away from my shoulder.

His eye met mine and I felt my breath leave my throat when he leaned in and pressed his lips on his mark.

A gasp left my lips when a bolt of electricity shot through my chest — connecting his mark to my core. I felt my legs turn to jelly.

Romanov's arms slipped around my waist instantly, steadying me as he grazed his teeth over his mark. My hands still trying to helplessly hold onto my dress and not Romanov, trembled.

Slowly, he pressed another kiss over his mark before moving away. His eyes the same shade of molten gold.

"Marsha, please take Miss. Olivia to her room."

I stood still, confused, still reeling with the shock of the tingles still swirling inside me as Marsha walked towards me hesitantly, her eyes flicking between Romanov and me.

I frowned harder when I noticed the whispers of happiness carefully hidden beneath her poker face.

How could she be happy when her engaged employer is kissing some other girl's neck?

How can you let him kiss yours?

Taking my hand into hers, she slowly began leading me towards the door. I on the other hand, followed, still lost in the canal of questions.

The door came into touching distance and I felt a sudden drop in my chest. Shaking my head, I drove all the maddening thoughts away.

"I'll see you at dinner, Miss. Olivia"

I stilled, then cringed at miss. He was obviously taunting me.

Marsha tugged on my hand and I looked at our hands linked together. I took another step forward.

Maybe, Beasty, Maybe.