I decide to spend some time in the library. I search the shelves for historical records of the mansion, or maybe a diary from Ayden he thinks no one will find, but my search proves futile. So I end up settling down with a collection of short stories instead. It's not the most gripping reading, but it serves its purpose to pass some time.

After sending for a quick lunch to be brought to me, I stop reading the words on the page. Daydreaming occupies my mind, although I still keep up the pretence of reading.

My mind runs through scenario after scenario of what might happen tomorrow night. I conjure fantasies of sneaking out with the guests and nightmares of becoming their tortured entertainment.

My memories reassess everything Selene has ever said to me. With her, everything is murky. She's friendly and helpful, and it sounds like she's a caring big sister too. All qualities I never thought I would find in a dark-sider. But I've also seen the violence inside her. And that's not something I should forget.

My thoughts turn to Ayden. He's not the person I thought he was. He's wicked and vicious. But... he can't be heartless. He's had plenty of opportunities to hurt me, but instead, here I am eating his food and lounging in his library. There's more to him than the monster. That doesn't mean I want to live with the monster though. That much is clear to me.

The sound of footsteps startles me. As if conjured from my daydreams, Ayden wanders into the library. Just like Selene, he's been fully healed from their fight. He stops when he notices me sat on the beanbag. We regard each other warily.

"I didn't know you'd be here." He finally says. Has he been avoiding me too? For what purpose.

"Well, you did give me free rein of most of the house." I look back down at my book. I flip the page, pretending to find it more interesting than this conversation even though I'm hardly concentrating.

"I did." He clears his throat. "I sent Eleanora to see a healer yesterday." My head shoots up. "She endured her punishment with dignity and I would not allow her to bear the shame of it. I've temporarily dismissed her to think on what she's done, but she'll be back with you in a few days' time."

I don't know what to say. "Did you do this for her or for me?"

"For her. I just... wanted you to know."

"Oh." It's not an apology, but he seems like he's trying to be nice. And that's just going to cause a massive headache for me. If I decide to follow through with Selene's suggestion, Ayden is going to make it a whole lot harder than I thought.

He swears, raking a hand through his shaggy hair. "I didn't mean for you to see that so soon."

"You've already locked me up in your dark realm mansion. I know who you are whether you hide your unsavoury activities from me or not."

"That's the problem, though. You don't know me."

I want to tell him to get lost. That I don't want to know him. But the advice Selene gave me keeps those words lodged in my throat. So I force different words past my lips. "I wanted to know you back in Lyria. It's the monster I now know lurks inside you that I have no interest in."

It's in no way an acceptance of spending time with him, but it leaves a door open for him to hope. I have to tread very carefully for this to work. Luckily, he takes the bait.

"Kora." He purrs, plastering on his usual smirk and charm. My traitorous body hums in pleasure at his seduction. He stalks towards me. "I'm the same man you danced with in Lyria. The same man you kissed. The same man who tasted your blood." Ayden leans against a bookshelf only a foot away from me. He flashes his fangs. Heat flushes my flesh. "Don't tell me that means nothing to you now."

I've been telling myself not to feel any attraction towards him, but I'm only fooling myself. I can't deny I still feel something towards him, and my silence is enough of an answer.

He continues. "I'll be more than happy to oblige whenever you find yourself seeking... pleasure."

"I can assure you that won't be happening."

Ayden pulls a book from the shelf behind him. "My Passionate Fairy." He reads aloud, before showing me the cover of a scantily clad woman being held by a shirtless man with red wings. "Read a few of these books and you'll be begging to crawl into my bed."

What Ayden doesn't need to know is that I've already read the entire series back in Lyria. His taunting would be merciless if he ever finds out My Passionate Vampire was my favourite.

"I'd rather stick to reading what I've already picked up." I reply casually. My racing heart disagrees though.

He places the book on the small table beside me. "Shame. Perhaps some other time."

"Perhaps."

He gives me a sly smile, before strolling out of the library. "I'll be busy for the next few evenings, so don't worry about our dinner dates for now."

"Good!" I yell after him.

I'm left wondering what the heck just happened.

It takes a full minute for my body to calm down. Even then, I can't refocus on the book in my hands. I keep glancing to the scandalous novel taunting me from the table. Ayden would know if I touched it, and I won't give him that satisfaction.

Eventually, I give up and return to my room.

I take the knife out of the drawer and brush up on my skills. I haven't decided yet whether or not I'm going to crash Ayden's party tomorrow. All I know is I want to be prepared to defend myself against his guests.