Phoenix POV:

Eleven years later....

I awoke to the sounds of a fight outside on the front lawn. Getting out of bed, I made my way over to my window and looked outside it to find Kaname training with his beloved, Yuki.

Spotting me watching them, they each waved up to me. I smiled in response, feeling that all too familiar sense of burden I always felt around them.

The Kurans had done so much for me. They took me in when my parents died, trained me in using my powers, taught me how to defend myself from enemies, and even taught me the love of a family.

I was forever indebted to them and I felt I would never be able to repay them for everything. Quite often, I even felt I was burdening them. They, of course reassured me that was not the case and for me to think like that would only upset myself.

I stepped away from the window, sighing and running a hand through my thick auburn hair.

As the years went by, the feeling of burden grew more and more, along with another feeling. That of loneliness. My heart ached for the family I once had.

I looked back outside the window, seeing the adoration and compassion Yuki and Kaname had for each other. My heart squeezed even more as I felt a new emotion rise inside of me. Envy.

I envied the couple for having found each other. I was always told when a pureblood found their mate, their soul was complete. Myself being a pureblood without a mate was an oddity in itself. To complicate things even more, I was half demon as well. Most of my race found this disturbing and called me an abomination. They said my mother had turned her back on her race when she married a demon lord...

"Phoenix?" I was pulled put out of my thoughts of dread when I realized Yuki had entered my room and the last few moments had been trying to get my attention.

"I'm sorry, Yuki-chan. I was lost in my thoughts.." I admitted, blushing deeply.

"Kaname wanted me to tell you to meet us downstairs in ten minutes. There's something important we need to discuss." She remarked.

I gulped. What did they need to talk to me about? Had they grown tired of me and wanted me to leave their mansion? Had I overstayed my welcome? Would I be kicked out?

"Phoenix-chan, are you alright?" Yuki asked, her red-brown eyes full of concern.

"Hmm? Oh yes. I'm fine!" I waved my hands around wildly, nervously shaking my head yes.

"Alright... I'll be downstairs waiting for you." Yuki walked quickly out of the room, but not before casting me a concerned look.

I clenched my fists tightly as fire began to emanate from them.

Beside me, my favorite book burst into flames.

"I have to get control over myself." I took a deep breath, willing my inner fire to die down, but I struggled to extinguish it.

"It's alright." I felt strong arms embrace me into a hug.

I didn't need to turn around to know who the arms belonged to.

"Kaname-senpai..." I whispered, my flames already extinguished, my book left in ashes. "I'm fine."

He spun me quickly around to face him. "Why must you always close Yuki and I out, Phoenix? We're your family. Now, what is bothering you and don't lie. I'll know.."

I wasn't sure why, but hearing him say that caused me to burst into tears and rush out of the room.

"Phoenix! What's wrong?" Yuki asked as I ran through the mansion and outside the front doors. I ignored their shouts for me, needing space. My fire ignited again, leaving a trail of flames behind me.

Kaname POV

My beloved and I watched Phoenix run through the meadow behind our mansion, with her leaving a trail of flames behind her.

"Should we go after her?" Yuki asked, touching a hand to my shoulder.

"No. She needs some space." I replied in a calm tone.

"Master Kaname, Kaien Cross has arrived with Zero Kiryu." One of our staff informed me.

"Very well. See to it they are shown to the study. We shall join them momentarily."

The staff bowed and went to follow my order.

"Should I fetch Phoenix?" Yuki asked.

"No. I'm sure Kiryu will find her and bring her back home. He is after all, her betrothed."

"But her memories were sealed like mine had been. She won't know him, will she, Kaname?"

"My beloved Yuki.... All I can say is time will tell..." I kissed her forehead, leading her to the study where we waited for our guests.