"Alright, I get why both Aurora and Ali insisted you you come. but him... really?" I groaned dropping my head to look over my seat at Mateo who looked up from his phone just to give me a saucy smirk.

"They insisted" Zeke shrugged pulling as the set of large metal gates pulled open.

"You and I both know you wouldn't have it any other way Trash Panda" Mateo taunted.

"Actually, I'd have it any other way" I smirked at him through the review mirror.

A small breathy chuckle escaped Zeke as he shook his head at us. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat the further he drove down the long winding driveway of die Oma and Opa's estate. It was a rule of Mondschlacht for the prize to meet and sit with each tribute. However, since I had already known Roman and Luciano the two weren't required to attend. However that didn't mean they weren't sending me without some sort of guard, or should I say Aurora wasn't.

I was nervous about the meeting, part of me just wanting to run away, but the thought of seeing Emerson, making sure he was safe. That was the reason I was going. I hadn't been able to seen or talk to him since they kidnapped him. Rocky said he was doing okay, but I had to see for myself. As Zeke slowly rolled the car to a stop my eyes scanned the property. I had only been here twice before when I was a child before my mother passed.

My eyes fell on the familiar head of unruly locks, opening the car door I rushed towards my brother no bother to wait for the other two. Forcing open the round pen, Emersons eyes finally found mine dropping the lead of the horse he had been walking around the pen. Emerson stared at me with a hint of a shock for a moment before he took off jogging towards me, his long arms crushing me into his towering structure.

Emerson and I stood there for a few moments enjoying each other embrace. As he slowly parted I didn't want to let him go, my hands sliding from around him I slid my hand down his arms till they reached his, refusing to let him go.

"Are you okay" I questioned my eyes searching his. Emerson has reached up to cup my cheek.

"I'm fine Micah, really. It's not that bad here... I mean take out die Oma it's almost a summer camp" Emerson chuckled but I could deep down he was just trying to make it easier on me

"Incoming" Zeke warned surprisingly close.

I could see Emerson studying the two men, behind me as he stepped to the side slowly turning to see what Zeke was talking about. As two strange men walked closer Zeke stepped forward making himself a shield between the men and myself. My eyes pulled from the two blonde-haired men to my brother, he didn't seem phased by there arrival.

"Miss Mourchella, you've arrived... with guest" the one man spoke slight accent I couldn't quite place lingering on his voice.

"Back up, and bait" I informed pointing to each of them as I stepped out in front of Zeke. I could feel Mateo's eyes glaring a hole into the back of my head without needing to turn around.

"Luna Ebba didn't mention you'd be brining guests" He added studying both Zeke and Mateo.

"Well what do you know, I guess die Oma doesn't know all" I snarked crossing my arms over my chest. "But if and issue, we can leave. All of us" I threatened.

"Very well, this way" He added slightly bowing as he held a hand out toward the path.

"Master Emerson, we have a lesson in the training arena" The other man finally spoke.

"Coming, Ludwig" My brother informed a serious tone in his voice "I'll see you later okay? his voice softer as he turned to speak to me, I gave aa gentle unsure nod as he pulled away.

While Zeke, Mateo and I followed the other man up the path, my eyes couldn't help but wander back to my brother as he walked insult with the other man toward a large building. Something was off, I could feel it even if Emerson refused to admit it, something wasn't right. Much like I had always done my best to protect Emerson, he did the same for me and I was sure in this moment that's exactly what he was trying to do.

The three of us followed the man closely, Zeke doing what he could to keep me beside or behind him while Mateo stayed behind us. his face locked in his phone for most of the walk. The man led us through an extravagant garden maze into the extravagantly decorated solarium. Exotic flowers and vines filled the room leaving delicate floral scent.

We followed the man up the winding iron stairs case that leads into the estate building. Brushing my fingers against the cool metal of the railing, I couldn't stop myself from looking over the edge, a sinking feeling hitting, a jolted gasp barely escaping my lips, I swallowed the lump in my throat, trying to focus on my steps.

I could feel a gentle hand placed firmly on my hip, As Mateo helped steadied me. Taking in a steady breath I did my best not to focus on the lack of guarding for the stairs. Mateo kept his hands on my hips as he gently pushed me up the stairs half encouraging and half forcing me to continue walking.

"Just keep moving and don't look down" Mateos voice was barely a whisper in my ear as he nudged me forward.

It was a strangely calming reassurance to have him encourage me instead of harassing me about my fear of heights like he used to. As the stairs shook under our weight my hand white-knuckled the railing. Freezing for a moment I could feel Mateo gently squeeze my hip, pulling my hand from the railing and placing it on Mateos. A sense of safety washing over to me.

Ascending the last wind of stairs we reached the top walking through the door into a short hallway opening up into a larger one. Once we entered the hallway Mateo's hand dropped from waist letting me walk freely as we made our way through the hallway. Walking through the building vague memories flooded through my brain, I knew we were being led to the dining room.

The man leaned into the set of large ornate wooden door forcing them wide open. The doors stayed open as we entered both Mateo and Zeke stepping beside me keeping me close to them. The man turned to face us, a serious look still planted on his face.

"Luna Ebba will be with you shortly" he insisted walking through us and back out the door.

All three of us watched him leave the room standing there for a moment before Mateo started to wander off, examining the large room. I had to admit, it hadn't changed at all since I last remembered, it still had a creepy gothic vibe, like the only thing that had been updated since it was built was the addition of electricity. Zeke placed his hand on my arm for a moment pulling my attention to him.

"You okay?" he questioned softly

"I'm fine, let's go get a snack before Potato head eats them all" I semi teased nodding at Mateo who had found the display of various finger food.

Zeke let out a small chuckle as we wandered our way to the table. Both boys lost themselves to the distraction of free food as I gazed around the room trying my hardest to fight back the memories that threatened to cloud over my head.  Walking around the table my eyes landed on the large painting above the fireplace. What once was a hand painting of die Oma, Opa and my father was now just die Oma and Opa my father being painted out the hue barely notable to thoughts hadn't seen it before.

I was so enthralled in the painting and the fact they'd had him painted over like he was a disgraceful figment of their imagination that I hadn't realized s presence until I had walked directly into a solid mass of muscle. a light shelf escaped my lips as I stumbled back, a pair of large hand catching me.  My eyes slowly looked up the fitted black dress shirt and blazer, glazing over his chiselled jaw before I met his electric blue orbs. I  in healed a shaky breath as an entrancing Cheshire grin pull on his lips.