Mina grinned when she found out that Acacia would remain in the manor. She escorted the young woman to the room she would be staying.

"Here you are, Miss." Mina stopped at a door at the end of a stretch of hall.

"Acacia Briars, actually." Acacia stuck out her hand. "I'd like to start over."

Mina slowly shook the blonde girl's hand. "I'd like that. Mina Sinclaire as you already know. If you need anything I'm the woman to see."

Mina pushed open the door, revealing a grand bedroom. The walls were sky blue with white lily designs. There was a matching canopy bed with silk sheets.  A gorgeous lounge chair with an ornate bookshelf sat next to the bed, a brick fireplace nearby. Over the fire place was a slate of wall paperless wall, perfect for a mural.

"You may decorate this room however you like, as long as you keep it tidy."

"Anyway I can paint over that slate of wall?"

"I don't see why not. There's paint in the art room. Go nuts." Mina shrugged.

Acacia flopped down on the bed, grinning. This was gonna be a comfortable stay. She sat back up, a curious look on her face.

"Are you and Tristan related? Cause you look similar."

Mina laughed. "I'm his cousin actually. My father and his mother were siblings."

"So if you don't mind me asking... How old are you exactly?" Acacia wondered, leaning against her bedpost.

"Well I was bitten after he was but I'm a little younger, just a couple of months... I was twenty-two. He was twenty-four. So it's been almost two hundred years." Mina furrowed her brow as she recalled.

"Wow... That's a long ass time to be alive."

Mina held back her snort of laughter, instead choosing to push up her glasses. "I suppose that's one way to put it. Shall I give you the tour?"

"You don't have to-"

"Miss Briars-"

"Acacia, please." The blonde interrupted.

"Acacia, how else are you going to find yourself around the house without a proper introduction to the place?"

Acacia shrugged. "Wandering? Getting lost? Making mistakes? You know, the usual stuff."

Mina glanced towards the ceiling, rolling her eyes and stopping midway to shake her head. "I suppose... If that's the way you prefer it, Miss- Acacia."

"Yup! But I guess you can show me to the art room right now. As long as you're here- If it's not too much trouble!" Acacia stumbled over her words, desperate to be liked.

Mina grinned, shaking her head. "No it's not too much trouble. Follow me."

The art room was down another stretch of hall, the manor continuing to be a glorious maze. This particular room was nothing special, art supplies covered in white sheets, forgotten besides a few paint drums that appeared to have been purchased in the last decade at least. Acacia grabbed on of the old sheets, waiting for Mina's approval to pull it. Mina nodded.

Acacia uncovered a piece of furniture with a flourish.

It was a writing desk. The kind perfect for poetry and storing letters, made of the finest oak. She ran her hand across the smooth surface, ignoring the dust. She snapped open a drawer, in inspection, curious of what secrets the drawers could possibly hold.

It was a collection of charcoal drawings that had been hidden away. Acacia nearly held her breath, afraid of ruining the ancient and life like art. They were dated centuries prior.

"Mina, is this you?" She held up on of the drawings comparing it side to side with the actual Mina. Same dark hair pulled into a tight bun, eyes bright and glowing. The artist had captured Mina's aura perfectly.

The corners of Mina's mouth turned upwards, a faint smile flitting across her lips as she glanced down.

"Yes it is. Beautiful aren't they?"

"They're gorgeous. I'm not noob with a pencil but I can't do anything near this level! This is awe-inspiring. Who did this?" Acacia's eyes seemed to glow, brighter than the eyes of Mina's portrait.

The upturn at the corners of her mouth shrank, leaving a smaller smile, but a smile that still remained. Mina continued.

"A friend of ours did. Quite the gifted girl."

"She a vampire too? Does she live her? Can I meet her?" Acacia nearly bounced on her toes, immediately ready to meet whatever artist could draw like that.

Mina shook her head. "She's long gone, Miss."

Acacia came to the last picture, hands nearly trembling. Mina's words saddened her but shock came from seeing the last picture.

It was a familiar young man, grinning a grin that can only be described as being struck with love. Eros in his eyes. The dimple on the side of his face was more prominent than it usually was, due to him smiling so hard. The two little moles, one above his left eye but under his eyebrow and one under that same eye, sat in location matching his face perfectly. Indeed a more perfect portrait of Tristan Jasper could not exist. But one did.

"Wow... They had the hands of a muse to be able to sketch like this." Acacia breathed, softly. "Strong emotions must have fueled this."

Mina stepped closer, peering over Acacia's shoulder. "Strong emotions indeed. She was the only one he would ever let draw or paint him. She was the only one who could get him to look charming enough for an image to be preserved. He would smile for her and her alone."

"That's so sweet." Acacia mused. Her eyebrow furrowed. "Who is she?"

Mina opened her mouth to respond, suddenly looking quite startled. "I... I'm not sure is the time now, Miss Acacia. Do you know what time it is anyway?"

Acacia pulled her phone, which had been forgotten in the moment of surprise at the manor, to check the time. 30%! Drat... She'd have to find a way to charge it here, which didn't seem like an easy task.

"It's 9:38," Acacia scowled at herself. "Has it really been so long?"

"Fascinated... I've seen humans with those often. They tell time?"

"Among other things. I suppose you're going to tell me to get some sleep?"

Mina shrugged, mischievously as the grin crossed her face. "Of course not, but I do recommend it, Acacia."

Acacia pursed her lips. She wanted to art! But it was probably best not to sleep in a recently painted room. Better to paint tomorrow and get rest now. She could explore while the paint dried.

"Alright... I suppose sleep is probably a good idea. Night, Mina!"

Mina smiled, unaware of the havoc Acacia would wreck on their lives quite soon. "Goodnight, Miss Acacia."

The next morning arrived quickly and Acacia was glad she'd been given a room with windows and that she had pulled them open the night before. With no alarm clock she didn't have anything to alert her to morning besides the rising sun. It came streaming through her window, the light smacking her awake around nine.

Mornings were not the best times for Acacia. If fact her hair was a nest of tangled curls in the morning, a terrifying sight if you weren't expecting it. The bags under her eyes didn't help. Nonetheless her bed had been comfortable and she'd never slept better, even if she looked like she'd been hit by a train.

She mumbled something incoherent that probably meant, "Come in," when a knocking sounded outside her door. The door swung open anyway.

"Morning, Miss Aca- Ahhhh." Lucy seized with terror as she spotted the blonde with bad bedhead.

"What?" Acacia yawned.

Lucy plastered a completely-real-definitely-not-plastic smile onto her face. "Nothing! You look lovely, miss!"

"Acacia is fine. Uhhh do you need something? It's Lucy right?" Acacia said.

Lucy bowed. "That's right, Acacia. Acacia... What a strange name. Like the shrub?"

Acacia shrugged. "I suppose. I'm not sure why my mom chose it for me."

"Doesn't it relate to rebirth and reincarnation?" Lucy grinned, like she was about to win a massive bet they'd made.

Acacia shrugged. "Maybe? I wouldn't know."

Lucy smiled sweetly. "Oh well... That's understandable. Anyway I thought you might like a change of spare clothes. I know they are probably not your style but you can get paint on them while we wash your current set and you can wear those tomorrow while you pick up your stuff from your hotel room."

She held out her arms wear a few folded items of clothing laid. Acacia accepted them, unfolding a lovely rose colored dress.

"I'd hate to get paint on this." She muttered.

"Trust me, Acacia, it's old. It'll be fine to wear temporarily."

Acacia raised an eyebrow. "I assume Mina told you about my plan to paint."

Lucy blushed. "Mina tells me everything. And I was quite intrigued to learn about you."

"I take it it was your idea to bring me here." No ill will, malice, or spite was in her tone as she spoke, merely stating her hypothesis.

Lucy hesitated. "Well... Yes I was. You're probably still upset about that, aren't you."

It wasn't a question, Acacia noticed. A sly smile crept upon her face. "I thought you said Mina told you everything."

"What do you mean?"

"I told Mina I wanted to start over. I want to be friends with everyone here!" Acacia grinned. "That includes you, silly!"

Lucy opened her mouth to respond, thought better of it, and smiled. "I's like that."

"Well I guess I'll get dressed and then I'll face the day. Thanks again, Lucy."

She indeed did quickly change and found herself bouncing with excitement, ready to explore the manor. The dress she'd been given wasn't quite what she was used to, not exactly modern, but not restrictive like she had thought it would be. Lacy and pink it brought out the color in her snow white cheeks. The best part was the fact that she didn't trip on it when running through the halls. First thing first, before exploring: painting.

Acacia loaded whatever paint supplies she could carry and dragged them to the room she'd been given. The only question now was...

What to paint?

She had one idea: the view she'd fallen for yesterday at the lake. Did she really want to paint it though? It had no sentimental value to her.

Not yet... She supposed. And it was such a beautiful image, it would simply be fun to draw. Plus she had some great photos she could use- Wait... Her camera was back at the hotel. Well she could probably do it from memory.

Instead of painting it at midday like it'd been when she'd seen it, she decided that a sunset scene would probably be the most fun. She'd make it a memory if it wasn't already.

Morning quickly evaporated, a colorful sunset appearing in front of her. Of course it was only noon and the sunset was still wet, but still.

Acacia grinned, muttering to herself. "I'm getting good at this."

Putting the paint away she realized it was time to explore. What else could she do? Watch paint dry?

A man, dark haired, short, tan complexion with a snarling face stopped her in the hallway.

"Who are you?" He hissed.

She smiled, politely, sticking out her hand. "Acacia Briars, sir! And you are?"

He ignored her. "You're human. You shouldn't be here."

Acacia rolled her eyes. "Special permission. I'm staying for a while so you're gonna have to get used to me."

His eyes narrowed. "I don't like you."

"Wow, already? That's a new record. Don't worry, I'll get over it."

Acacia held her head high striding away. The man grabbed her arm.

"Listen here, Acacia Briars. I don't know if Tristan gave you any rules, but he should have. Don't upset vampires, don't mess with the occult, leave as soon as you can, and stay away from the back of the library." He snarled.

"Yeah sure thanks for the advice." Acacia wretched her arm away, striding off.

What a creep! Well now she wanted to find the library so she could figure out why she couldn't go back there. Yeah she realized that she was probably the dumbass in a horror movie, but honestly? Acacia thought life was more fun doing what you weren't supposed to.

It took quite a bit of wandering to come across the right room. It was full of boring guest rooms and other places that would be pointless to explore.

Finally she pushed open a door revealing an ornate library. The sight of it filled her with glee. So. Many. Books.

A grand double staircase traveled up the middle of the large room. It and every shelf was a deep, rich, dark red, appearing to be made out of cherry wood if Acacia had to put a name to the wood. Two sets of spiral staircases stood across from each other in the two corners closest to the door, which was dead center in the middle of the wall. The shelves stood floor to ceiling, with each individual shelf packed so tight it seemed a strain to try and retrieve any individual one. It smelled of oak, spilled white wine, and dusty, yellowing books.

On the first floor, neatly organized around the imperial staircase were tables made from a matching red material and black armchairs, clearly ancient in wear, that still appeared comfortable enough that one could sink into one and have no desire to leave for days.

Acacia was not alone in the library. Mina hid close to the back, returning a collection of books to their spot on the shelves. A smartly dressed, pale vampire with straight dark hair sat in one of the armchairs. Acacia grinned.

Tristan checked the cover for the tenth time, seeming less than enthralled by its contents.

"Hi again!" She leaned over his chair, grinning.

He didn't meet her eyes. "Hello..."

"Acacia Briars! I don't think I introduced myself."

"I don't recall you did."

Acacia's eyes narrowed. What was his problem? His responses were short, but clearly he wasn't enjoying his book. Did he hate her or something?

"Sorry... You seemed bored."

Tristan sighed, putting down his book. "You caught me. I am."

Acacia snatched the book, straightening up and reading the cover. "Encyclopedia of Plants? That's your problem! You're choosing pretty boring books."

Tristan shrugged. "Two centuries, not much traveling, you do a lot of reading. I've read everything else."

Acacia rolled her eyes. "Somehow I doubt that, but I see your problem." She slouched over his armrest again. "Why don't you go outside? If I were practically immortal I'd want to see everything. Have a nonstop adventure."

His eyes met hers. He fumbled with his words, opening his mouth without making sound. It was almost like looking at Anastasia... But her eyes. Her eyes were the most intoxicating shade of brown. He glared at her.

"I... I have my reasons. Certainly ones I shouldn't have to explain to you."

Acacia leapt back. "Well of course, you don't have to! I was simply curious-"

"Be curious somewhere else then." He shooed her away, picking his book back up. "Leave me with my encyclopedia of plants."

Acacia frowned, stumbling over her skirt as she gave him space. The shift in personality was sudden, insane. Her first impression of him was that he was kind, albeit reclusive. Perhaps she was wrong.

Why didn't he like her?

"Well that went well." Mina said, putting the final book in arms on the shelf, as Acacia stumbled her way. "I wish I could say normally Tristan is smoother than that but that'd be a lie."

Pressed against the shelf, Acacia dramatically slid to the ground. "Does he hate me?"

"What? I don't think Tristan could-"

"Great! I meet a really cool group of vampires and they hate me." She huffed.

Mina rolled her eyes, kneeling next to her. "Lucy and I don't hate you. Emmett probably doesn't either. I doubt Tristan has much of an opinion of you anyway. Why do you care if he doesn't like you?"

Acacia opened her mouth to speak but no words came. "I-I don't know. It just seems... Wrong."

Mina smiled, solemnly. "I'm sure in due time he'll enjoy your company. So far it's only been a day. It takes time to build any relationship."

Acacia snorted. "How are we ever going to be friends if he won't talk to me or even look at me?"

Mina offered her hand, after a pause of thought. "Come on. I've got something for you to see."

They wove in and out of bookshelves, until they reached the very back of the library. A small doorway hid behind a shelf.

"I was told not to come back here."

"By who?" Mina raised an eyebrow.

Acacia shrugged. "I didn't catch his name."

"Dark hair, grumpy, short?"

"Uhhh yeah?"

"That sounds like Victor. Don't listen to him. He doesn't have much jurisdiction. I say it's okay and I'm pretty much second in charge here." Mina pulled her through the doorway she had recently revealed.

The hallway inside was dark, but not dreary. The wallpaper was as fine and intricate as it had been outside the library, but Acacia had a sneaking feeling that the deeper they trudged the deeper into the manor they got. It was lower, closer to a basement than ground level now.

"What you see may..." Mina stopped, turning to Acacia.

"Scare me? Please!" She rolled her eyes.

"That wasn't what I was going to say." Mina smirked. Still she didn't know what she had been planning to say.

They pressed on until Mina stopped at a rather grand painting. Acacia's mouth hung open, her shoulders tense, and her body frozen.

It was her face.

Well not exactly her face. The woman in the portrait certainly didn't have her brown eyes. Instead they were hazy blue, like the little rings around Acacia's irises. And her hair was pure platinum rather than having any teal streaks. The freckles on their faces were almost near identical.

This woman was gorgeous, poised and elegant with her hair pulled into a bun. She wore a puffy and frilly dress that she appeared quite comfortable in as she grinned at the artist. Rosy cheeks and lips further made her look like a princess.

Acacia gaped. "That's- that's my face. Why does she have my face?"

Mina smiled sadly. "That's Anastasia Elwyn Jasper."

"Jasper? She's not... Tristan's wife?"

Mina nodded. "She was the love of his life."

Acacia copied Mina, nodding in understanding. "She'a the reason why you kidnapped me. I look like her. What happened to her?"

Mina gulped. Silence hung as if the words were hard to say. Eventually she spoke.

"Everyone here knows her story. I've told it a thousand times. Still it never gets easier."

"Even if it's been centuries?" Acacia questioned.

Mina continued. "A girl like her... She's hard to forget. She was my best friend when we were young. We'd met at our boarding school. Arcana allowed women to get an equal education to men at the time. We were as close as sisters."

"I'm guessing you introduced her to Tristan."

Mina nodded. "Tristan would try and tell you it was love at first sight. Maybe that was true, but they certainly didn't act like it. She drove him crazy. Every school break she'd spend it with me, teasing Tristan until he was red in the face and completely exhausted by her. It was great fun."

A wistful smile appeared on her face, a pause forming as memories resurface. Acacia waited for her to continue, without pressuring her to do so.

"They fell in love of course. They got married. Anastasia never did calm down. She was poised, but still uncontrollable. She was the only one who could control herself. I've never seen anyone fall in love the way they did." Mina sighed.

"What happened?" Acacia stared up at the portrait. This woman had been surrounded by vampires hadn't she? So why wasn't she alive today? Living among them as one of the undead.

"Tristan had a friend... His best friend! They were practically inseparable. But Drake was cold. He turned first, later turning Tristan and I against our will. There was a struggle. The thing we loved more than anything in the world was taken from us."

"He killed Anastasia? Drake did, I mean?" Acacia gasped.

Mina's expression confirmed everything. "Tristan of course blames himself. We believe he's come to terms with her death but... It doesn't mean you're not a painful reminder."

Acacia's lip quivered. "I should have never come here."

Mina pulled Acacia into a hug. "No, sweetheart, please stay. We need someone like you to get him out of this rut! Help him move past Anastasia. Help him understand she's gone, but life keeps on turning."

"Okay... But this isn't some bull shit set up for me to replace her or anything-"

Mina scrunched her nose in disgust. "Oh heavens no. You're human. Centuries too young. That's revolting."

Acacia smiled. "Just making sure we're on the same page."

Mina smiled back. She turned to Acacia, gripping her arms in comfort. "How about this... Your clothes should be dry by now. We can go get your stuff from the hotel and maybe by then Tristan will have pulled his head out of-"

"-his ass?"

"I was going to say his dull book." Mina laughed.

"That would be great... You know... Lucy should come too. The two of you are friends aren't you?" Acacia sent a sly smile the vampire's way.

Mina's face flushed. "Well I- Of course. She's a very friendly girl- Not in an inappropriate way! She's just- I'm just..." She coughed. "Yes we're friends."

Acacia laughed. "Let's find her... And my clothes."

It was great to find out why Acacia had such a strange feeling about the place. Why she felt connected to it. It raised more questions though. Why exactly were they connected? What caused two women to look near identical centuries apart? She wasn't done looking for answers.

They left the portrait of Anastasia behind.

I hope you enjoyed it and if you did let me know! It makes me smile to hear from you. Click that little star if you want to show your support for this story. Thanks!