The next morning, I awoke alone. I showered and got dressed alone. Then I went on my run, alone. I needed the time to be to myself and I didn't mind. My stupid mind wouldn't shut off and the best thing for me was the ground underneath me as I ran, and ran, and ran. My rambling thoughts distracted me for over four miles before I finally turned back halfway through around to the castle, keeping pace easily with the long distance group ahead of me.

It was stupid to think I had actually witnessed Tyler getting attacked. Not after I actually saw Derek get beaten. I wondered how he was even alive, or if he still actually was. And why did that hurt so much? Did I really come to care for him that much? Tammy was not the person I thought she was and I knew confidently I could no longer trust her. Of course, Derek was supposed to be the enemy here, but that was not the way I saw things, and I don't think that will ever change. I just still couldn't understand the connection... Tammy in the cell with Cecil questioning Derek over Arc 34, Cecil talking to a subordinate about a secret that needed to stay secret from the guards, and then a group outside of the castle walls that apparently knew too much? What did they all mean, and did the three events even connect at all?

Coming back to the dining hall, I eat a quick breakfast to refuel then head back outside. Today was one of those days where I felt I could really focus. Ironically, my wandering thoughts helped with that. Working out was a bit of a form of medicine to distract myself.

I decided to practice again with knife throwing as I stood at the line and stared at the target away from me. The circular target stood meters away, taunting me as I raised my hand to throw. I looked down briefly to center my attention then stepped forward quickly, following through with the motions as I swung my hips and hand forward, releasing the knife. It hit the second ring of the target. A noted improvement, but I can still get better. I try again and again, hitting the second ring more often than the first, but still happy with hitting the center at all.

The lunch bell sounded faintly from the castle doors as the guards began motioning for us to go inside. It was never guaranteed whether we would eat inside or out, as one day was always different from the next. Except today the guards were back on duty, which would only make it harder to see Derek. Of course I had to, yes. I couldn't just leave him after last night and not after the deal I'd made to see him every day. Of course it had nothing to do with a selfish desire to make sure he was even still alive. No, that would be ridiculous.

With the guard's duty being more normal today, I made a point to be extra careful on the way to his cell. I waited outside for a few minutes to make sure no one was inside. When I walked in, he was on the floor asleep, his chains spread carelessly around him. I admired his sleeping, very much alive form, and I leaned down to run my hands slowly through his hair. He hummed in his sleep, his eyes pulling together as if in pain. I wanted so badly to help alleviate that pain. No one should have to go through that.

But I decided I needed to let him sleep, so I turn back around. Instead forcing myself to focus on training for the remainder of the day. I took the time in learning my footwork on the target practice; for both archery and knife throwing. One day these things would be as easy for me as boxing, shooting, and now sword fighting, had become.

The next day I continued in the same manner. Only this time when I visited Derek he was awake.

"Where were you yesterday? I told you if you want information, you ar-"

"I came yesterday," I calmly stop him. "But you were asleep. So... I left. I didn't want to wake you, figure you needed the rest." After what you went through the night before.

His features soften as he studies me. "Fine. Sorry, I-I just thought you were blowing me off."

"S'okay," I smile as I sit down across from him. "I can't blame you for missing me," I joke with him.

"Well it's not you, per say," he frowns before continuing and smiling slightly. "It's the company."

"Well I'm here today!"

"And I thank you," he laughs.

"So, yesterday you were sleeping because these chains were lowered... any reason for that?" I play dumb.

"Yeah," he picks up his hands frowning slightly at the chains that still rattled after doing so. "I gave them information."

"You did what?" I couldn't hide my surprise, wondering if he had been forced to, breaking from the torture. I just really hoped he would never give himself, or anyone, up to Cecil.

"What?" he looks at me innocently, as his countenance changes, morphing into one of anger and guilt. "I just - I had to."

I was now standing and beginning to pace in front of him. "I'm sorry I just thought this was some scenario where you were so tough and you could handle the torture and you were so loyal and you would never give up any information. Ever." I rambled on, looking at him sadly, not even attempting to hide my disappointment.

"I know, and I didn't. Let me explain!" He seems upset too.

"Ok, please do!"

"It was only about whether or not I had known about this place. They wanted to know if I had meant to get captured. If there was something else going on, or something. I don't know exactly what they were thinking, but they have this whole ridiculous theory. And I don't think they would have stopped hitting me unless I gave them the answer they wanted."

"So... You lied?"

"To an extent, yes."

"Then what did you tell them?"

He doesn't answer, so I continue. "Derek. What did they ask you, exactly?"

"What does it matter?" He sighs heavily and shakes his head, "I told them what they wanted more or less anyways."

"And what did you tell them? Look I-" I was about to continue and tell him what I had seen and heard, but he beats me to it, cutting me off.

"I'm probably going to die here anyways so I might as well tell you..."

"Derek," I couldn't help it as I crouch down lower to him shaking my head and placing a hand gently on his cheek. "You're not going to die in here, ok?" I had to say it, even if I had no idea if it was true.

"Yeah, sure..." He forces his face to the side, out of my caress. "It's about why I got captured. I had to make up a few things for them, but I can tell you... I told them the only way it would make sense for me to have 'wanted to have gottezn captured.' I had to make the story work for them. I gave them what they wanted to hear."

"But why did they think you wanted to get captured..."

"I don't know but it doesn't matter to me anymore. When I was captured, it had been with my brother. Our family specifically has always been a target for the vampires, because of... our parents and grandparents and all that. It goes way back. Anyways, I had failed my mission with my brother in getting captured. I don't even know what happened to the girl, I-"

"Woah, hold up. What girl?"

"The mission for my brother and I had been to protect an American girl who was traveling from the US to Europe. We had to take her to our safe house. But just after we had arrived, we were ambushed. I sacrificed myself to save her, even though I'm not entirely sure if she was in fact saved or not. That's why they think I may have wanted to be here...at least I think that's why."

"So they think that because you gave yourself up to them in the end, were basically forced to, for capture, that you had meant for that to happen?"

He only shrugged at me, unsure of where my thoughts were headed.

"But that still doesn't make sense. I mean if they ambushed you, how did they find out about her being there? About you? And why would it matter if you had planned it or not? If it was an ambush like you said, they would have gone in knowing they had the element of surprise, that they had the upper hand, so..."

"So why would they suddenly be thinking that I had wanted this?"

"Yes!" He had continued my train of thought. "So maybe the trail they had been on before went cold. Maybe this girl is safe. And your brother is too."

"Maybe, yeah," he looked at me, his smile growing wider before he stopped himself, frowning. "But we don't know anything for sure; we can't."

I sighed, he was right. "Well, what was so important about this girl anyways?"

"Uhh, well..." he was debating whether to tell me. "She was pregnant, with one of ours..."

"Oh... Oh?" I frown, not following the importance of that statement.

Chuckling, he shakes his head, "Women, in our culture, my culture, are valued." He seemed reluctant to continue but did so anyways, "mainly because of their ability to carry on our bloodline. But in this case, she was carrying a rare baby."

"Ok... What was so rare about it? Sorry I'm asking all these questions, you don't have to answer everything if you don't want to. But you can trust me, ya know."

"I think I do... but I'm only telling you enough, not everything. All you need to know is she was important. And now I just hope she and my brother are OK... because for them to be asking about it cannot be good."

"Isn't it though?"

He looks at me, clearly annoyed. "How is that a good thing?" he gets out between gritted teeth.

"Well, I mean, to me it makes it seem like they don't know anything. Why else would they be asking? It's not like they would need the answers about it if they had either of them."

"Not unless they killed them and now I'm the only one alive to give them answers." His tone made him seem not only mad but sad now as well.

"Alright. Well..." I didn't know how to refute that statement. He obviously knew more about it than I did. He grunts in response, saying nothing more. It stays silent, as a black cloud settles over both of our heads, poisoning our thoughts.

I start to get up, feeling the need to leave him be after the turn the conversation had taken. I walk to the door, lingering as I turn back to face him. His gaze is focused on the ceiling, lost in thought. Walking back to the dining hall, I found myself lost in my own thoughts now too. What was really so important about that one girl being pregnant? And why did they still have Derek here? Not that I minded... but why was he so important to them? Could the baby be his? No of course not, he seemed too young... and why did that bother me so much?

Smack. I had wandered right into someone. "Ross. So sorry," I say, devoid of emotion.

"I really can just feel the remorse dripping off you." He responds, thick with sarcasm.

I roll my eyes as I maneuver around him, "Not even a pardon."

He chuckles behind me, "where had you been..." his voice fading as I keep moving. He wasn't worth my time, let alone the words I spoke. He was the primary reason I was here. I had never hated anyone more, nor had I ever had any reason to.

Inside the dining hall, I absently listened to the conversation, only voicing in when I heard something of importance.

"Wait. What about Ross did you say?"

Tammy scoffs beside me. I really had to stop sitting next to her. "Well, can't you tell? He's different. Hotter, taller, more-"

"Even if he did go through the change, that wouldn't make any of those things true," Chase says.

"So you guys do think he went through the change?" The change was a way of saying that someone completed their transition to becoming a vampire. Rumors were that the best of the best were approached about if they wanted to become one; that they were the ones who got the option to do so. The only ones. Why anyone ever would do that lucidly was beyond me.

"Well it's only a rumor. I haven't seen him myself yet so I don't know." Bridget shrugged her shoulders.

"Yeah but if you had seen him, like me, you'd know." Her lips pursed and her chin went up into the air.

"Tammy, just because you happen to be horny and more attracted to him doesn't make him a vampire." I smile at her without humor. The table went silent.

She turns to me abruptly. "And just because you're doing one, doesn't make you an expert."

My smile fades, inside I was screaming. How the hell did she know? But I fought to keep my outside emotions stable. I had picked this fight. Instead I regained a broader smile, welcoming the verbal challenge. "Then what advantage could you possibly have by doing Ross?"

She kept silent, obviously not expecting a response from me at all, let alone one that threatened her right back. The table lingered in uncomfortable silence. Tammy finally turns away from me and back to her food, allowing me the escape back to eating as well.

Bridget clears her throat from across me, "What... er, who..."

"She's with Blake," Chase speaks up.

I blink rapidly, almost choking on my drink as I put it down, shooting him a look. The others all stare at me questioningly, Tammy shifting in her seat next to me. Chase raises his eyebrows encouragingly.

"I... Uh yeah," I flustered out, noticing Tammy's smug smile in victory. "I just, I'm sorry. I'm a little embarrassed guys. I didn't expect anyone had known about it and I barely even know what we are..." I trail off, hoping my attempt at the weak blubbering lovesick girl act worked.

It seemed to as Bridget cooed at me, "Ohhh Alexis! He's that cute blonde trainer, huh?"

Looking down before answering her I grumble a response, having had no idea who he actually was, let alone what he looked like.

"Well I think that's great. You finally settled in here, uh?" Tammy glares at me, "So you won't be complaining anymore then?"

Chase coughs on his food while Bridget scowls at them both, "Guys, c'mon! Let her be happy!"

"It's Ok B... I know when I'm not welcome," I say as I pick up my food and walk out. I'm not even out of hearing distance when I hear Bridget begin to whisper, incredulous, "Wow I had no idea she was getting involved here..."

Shutting them all out, I throw my food away violently, realizing I had lost my appetite. I wander to the bathrooms, letting the water cascade over me long after I was done bathing hoping it would erase my ridiculous feelings of hurt and betrayal. Yet at the same time, wonder. Tammy had been especially harsh tonight...maybe I deserved it but still. Even Chase had been way less supportive than normal. But what can I expect from him after last night? At least he covered for me and didn't say it was Tyler. Was it so hard to make normal friends here; ones that I can rely on? Tears silently fell down my cheeks that I let camouflage into the water.

I had just turned off the water and was about to walk out when I hear unfamiliar voices saying my name.

"Must say, I never saw Alexis as the first one to screw a vamp."

"Well I think Blake's hot! She's lucky."

"Please! She is like the most unpleasant person here!"

They were all whispering and laughing, and I'd had enough. I grabbed my clothes and held the towel tightly around me.

"I bet he's all hot and domineering in be-"

I had stepped out of my stall, staring them down as boldly as I could. When the three girls staring at me awkwardly said nothing else, I stormed past them, turning around at the door, "Please, continue Ladies. Only, I'd watch what you say to me next."

I had finished changing in the adjoining locker room, listening to blissful silence next door as the water from three stalls turned on. Today was tough. Few more thoughts circled my mind as my head hit the pillow, instantly welcoming sleep.

The next morning, I awoke to the annoyingly familiar alarms ringing in my ears, forcing me upright. At breakfast, I sat barely five minutes taking a small portion of food so as to not have to see my friends for the time being. On the way outside, someone grabbed my arm just before the doors, pulling me into a near hallway.

"What the hell are you getting at, huh?" a younger guy looked at me, clearly angry. His arms shook me as his longer blonde hair fell over his brown eyes.

I forced myself away from him, stepping out of his grasp. "The hell are you talking about? I don't even know you!"

"Psh," he scoffed. "Course you do, or you wouldn't be spreading these rumors that were together!"

"Oh. So you're him then. Uh..." I searched my mind frantically trying to come up with some way to make the situation actually make sense.

My inner rambling was cut off too soon, "what is it you want with me?"

"I don't want anything with you," I answered much quicker this time.

"Then why make up those things about us..."

"Uhh," I stalled, still trying to think. "Look, I just was caught up with my friends and-"

"So you make something up? We had never even met before. Imagine how it felt when you're buddies start asking about a girl you don't even know!"

"Ok, ok. I get it," I placate him. "Why are you so upset anyways?" I stop, amending my last words. "Look, I'm sorry ok? I honestly didn't even know what you looked like. I just was caught out late trying to get air the other night and my friends insisted I was with a guy... one of them named you to help cover me."

He was silent for a while before he finally spoke up, surprising me. "taking a long night walk, huh? What, for some air?"

I didn't think about the fact that he may think I'm lying. Or try to know where I'd been. Taking a deep breath I answered him as honestly as I could, "Alright, this place makes me stir crazy sometimes, ok? I need my own space sometimes, get my own air. So I don't feel like I'm suffocating."

"Hm," he frowns. "Ok fine. Say I believe you... but why name a vampire as one of your excuses? Why not one of your own kind?"

He had said it with disgust. But I wasn't sure if he was directing that disgust at my kind, or his, so I ignored it and answered his question. "Because my friend chose a name, didn't know who it was."

"Fine. I just hope you have a way of dispelling these rumors."

"I don't," I shrugged honestly. "So let's just hope the fire of gossip dies. And were not helping our cause standing alone here together, so. Bye."

I turned on my heels and darted around the corner to blend in with the crowd leaving the building. Then I separated and headed to begin training. That day had been no easier than the last. It was worse. But somehow the days only got better from there. I never overheard anyone else talking behind my back again, but instead people asked me to my face. Of course I denied everything until I was with Tammy, and I had to keep up the false pretense. I waited a day or two then played the heartbroken girl so I wouldn't have to continue the charade.

My only time of peace was when I would see Derek, even though he was mostly quiet, he would just listen. And he didn't judge me for the rumors and gossip that I was telling him was going on about me. As hard as it was without Tyler, I found myself thinking about him less and less. Still, it didn't stop my worrying. I was afraid to ask Derek anything about it in case he knew. I was afraid for the answer he may tell me.

It turned into almost a month since Tyler disappeared and two weeks since the rumors of Blake and I began to fully dispel. I would sneak food to Derek, feeling like I was the only thing supplying sustenance for him. It made me feel awful; pity for Derek, and resentment towards Cecil.

My feet walked of their own accord on the familiar path from the training grounds to his cell. I had gotten used to using the hidden path behind the walls as a way of getting around. It became so familiar to me that I was barely paying attention even now, as my mind drifted to the time I came to see Derek and asked the questions I had been dying to know.

*

I had to ask him, I just had to. "Derek...

He raises his eyebrows questioningly. "What did Cecil and that younger girl want that day? The day I was caught and had to hide in the trunk... They asked about Arc 34 then." I spoke slowly, my voice speaking my thoughts as they were formed.

"Oh. Umm I don't really remember everything. That was kind of a long time ago. But I think that was right after that group was attacked." I hadn't realized he was looking at me as I had been too focused on the ground. "What about it?"

My head shoots up and our gazes meet, his questioning, mine suspicious. "That group was attacked and killed. I want to know why they came to you asking about it."

"They thought I may have known something about it. Apparently there were werewolves present during the attack. But I've been in here, so what would I know?"

I frown, my mind creating a quick and loose timeline, ordering the events in my head. They didn't line up with his reasoning's. "No..." I step closer to him, threateningly. "You would have been out there. You didn't come here until almost two weeks after they left. The attack happened around the time you were captured."

His lips pressed together into a thin line as he took a deep breath. My gaze didn't falter, scrutinizing and studying his reaction. "Derek," I say more firmly. "What happened when you were captured." I don't even phrase it as a question as it comes out more as a warning for him to come up with a good answer.

A deep, defeated sigh comes from his chest as he cocks his head at me. "You are smart... But I wasn't going to tell you anything. It could be dangerous for you to know."

"That's not for you to decide!"

"I can't protect you in here! Not when I'm chained up like this!"

"Why does everyone think they need to protect me?" I scream at him, my anger rising. "I can protect myself." I repeat words to a man that once again seems to be overly concerned for my well-being which elicits a pain to spread in my chest, constricting at the memories they project from.

He grunts and pulls from the chains, coming surprisingly close to breaking them, his veins popping and muscles bulging. He screams while I watch for the first time as his mouth opens and canines form from his once normal teeth, his body heaving in anger.

I react without thinking, placing my hands on his chest, speaking in a quiet, hopefully calming, voice. "Derek. Calm down. It's ok... I just want you to talk to me."

His eyes squeeze shut and he lowers his forehead to mine, growling as the contact between us creates a spark. I immediately step away, staring at him, still unsure. His eyes raise to meet mine, a surprised and questioning look directed at me. I stand still, moving my head to the side, in a confused and questioning manner.

It's quiet for a few moments while I try to make sense of what just happened.

"You can't know, Alexis," he sighs. "Just trust me on that. Please."

I stay silent, refusing to accept his decision. "Why not? Is it really that dangerous?"

"Yes!"

"But! But I-I just want some answers! Just something..." I hold my head in my hands in exasperation, trying to calm myself down this time. Then look back up at him, "So you really won't tell me anything?" I resort to pleading.

His expression is stern, "No... why do you want to know so bad anyways?" He seems genuinely confused. "And what makes you think I would be telling the truth? I mean, why me?"

"Why you?" I ask, perplexed. "Because you seem to be just about the only person I can trust here."

"It was not us that attacked them," he says after a while, speaking sadly.

"So... So who did?"

"I don't know but when we smelt the blood, we tried to help."

My thoughts swim a million different ways, when I realize he was letting on more information than he had intended. "So you were there."

"I-I was..." he was caught off guard. Then his eyes glare my way, sending a warning. "I was there. But I won't say anything more."

"Fine," I cross my arms.

"You're lucky I told you anything at all," he seems annoyed.

"Well you were the one that thinks I'm so weak that I need protection!" I say the last word spitefully.

"Because up against these things, you do." He was completely serious now. He didn't seem angry, or impatient anymore. Just focused. "You better train harder, Alexis. Learn to swing harder, block faster, and aim true. Because with the questions you're asking, you'll need protection. Whether from yourself or someone else, trust me on that."

I can only frown at him, unsure how to take his ominous warning. "Well, I can protect myself," I repeat childishly now. "And I will get better, I do every day." And with a 'humph' I turn back around and leave his stony face and serious tone.

Although I came back the following day to see him, it was never brought up again. He would seem no better than the day before, as he healed at a less than normal rate, even for humans. And I had even tried to bring him a syringe from the medical center. Of course he denied it vehemently, saying it wouldn't work on him, he would never ingest their blood, and he couldn't just be magically healed, even it did work. It was my secret hope that something like that would work on him so I was disappointed when he said it wouldn't. He could be my ticket out.

*

"Pull him this way! My god, keep him down!"

I stopped in my path to his cell as I heard the voices ahead of me. Stepping closer to the wall, I peek through the small opening behind the torch. It's him. Seven or eight vampires are holding chains that connect to various parts of Tyler's body that was continuously thrashing about violently.