Chapter 1
Arabella sat bolt upright in bed, her scream echoing through the darkness. She glanced at the clock: midnight.
For the past month she has been waking up at the same ominous hour, paralyzed by terror. Yet, she never recalled the details of her dreams or the source of her fear. All she knew was that something frightening lurked in the shadows, haunting her.
"Damn it, Arabella, every night!" her room mate, Alicia shouts in the dark.
"I'm sorry Alicia," Arabella gets up and heads to the bathroom to get a drink of water.
Moonlight steaming through the window illuminated Arabella's reflection, revealing a startling transformation. Her once radiant face now appeared gaunt and pale, her eyes red rimmed with dark circles that even layers of make-up could not conceal.
She crawls back into the bed, pulling the covers close and up to her chin, she is always so cold after waking.
"You know it is Satan summoning you," Baylynn, another roommate says softly.
"Shut up Baylynn!" Alicia yells out.
"You know as well as I, that that is what it is Alicia," Baylynn says quietly.
"Shut up and go to sleep witch!" Alicia says loudly.
Arabella falls into a restless sleep.
The next morning Arabella is so tired she can barely get out of the bed and go down for breakfast. The Director sends for her as the other girls go to class. They watch her as she slowly walks down the hall, all with sad painful looks on their faces.
"Come in Arabella," The Director takes a seat behind her large desk.
"We need to talk. As you know, you will be of legal age in a week. We need to make arrangements for your departure," the hard Director says sternly, Arabella nods.
She has been here since she was ten years old, but she remembers nothing of a time before that. No one here talks about their families, it is forbidden to do so.
"I believe I have a good match for you. He will be here this afternoon to meet you and discuss the living arrangements."
"Yes mam," Arabella says softly.
"After the mid-day meal, you will return to your room. There will be clothing laid out for you, you will wash yourself well, dress and come back to my office. Do you understand?"
"Yes mam."
"Your dismissed."
Arabella makes her way to her first class of the day. She is so tired, she cannot concentrate on her studies. She looks around at the other girls, as they look at her. Her mind is in a fog, she tries to concentrate, but the world around her is lost.
As directed, she makes her way to her room after the mid-day meal. She draws a hot bath and scrubs her body. Wrapped in a bath sheet, she looks down at the clothes provided for her. It looks like a lace wedding gown, only in black.
It is snug fitting, showing off her lean body, with a high neck up to her chin and long flowing sleeves that come to her finger tips. It brushes the floor as she walks. There are soft leather boots that button up on the sides with low heels.
She brushes out her hip length raven hair and makes her way down to the Director's office, knocking softly.
"Come in Arabella."
She doesn't see him at first, then she catches movement behind the Director.
"Arabella, this is Master Aryan Collins, your new Guardian," Arabella gently nods as she was taught. She keeps her head bowed, as she senses him drawing near. She can see his boots just in front of her.
He gently places a finger under her chin, lifting her face up to him. He has the clearest blue eyes, almost white.
"Arabella. A lovely name for a lovely woman," her breath catches in her chest, as she gazes up at him.
He is much taller than her, with raven black hair that hangs loosely to his shoulders and pale skin. She is mesmerized by the man's appearance, he is not what one would call a handsome man, nor is he an ugly man.
"Come, walk with me," he holds his arm out to her and she lays her hand over it. They make their way out to the gardens, into the bright sunlight.
"Does the light hurt your eyes?" he purrs to her, his voice deep and surprisingly comforting.
"Yes," she simply says.
"Do you enjoy the gardens."
"Not particularly."
"What had you rather?"
"I'm not sure what you mean sir," he laughs softly.
"Would you rather soft furry animals or Great works of art? Or perhaps you like nothing at all," he says in amusement.
"I've not put much thought into it sir."
"Tell me about yourself," he stops, motioning to a bench in the shade and she sits.
"There is nothing to tell sir."
"Please, call me Aryan."
"Very well, Aryan," she smiles softly, his name rolls off her tongue gently.
"So, where do you hail from?"
"I do not know sir, Aryan," she corrects herself quickly.
"Do you know nothing of your birthright?"
"No."
"How long have you been here?"
"Since the age of ten years."
"How do you feel about my becoming your guardian?"
"If it pleases you."
"It does," he has the trace of a smile.
"I have an appointment soon, I should take you back," he stands, offering her his hand. She notices an unusual ring on his finger, nothing like she has ever seen.
"My family emblem."
"Strangely beautiful," she takes his hand and they walk back into the building and into the Director's office where she waits smiling.
"Arabella, you are dismissed."
"Yes mam," as she closes the door she hears him speak.
"She has not yet turned."
The week progresses slowly. Arabella continues to wake screaming at midnight, but she dreams of a ring, a ring she has never seen before meeting Aryan. She tries to recall what it was, but the image escapes her.
The day of her departure arrives. The Director tells her to say her goodbyes and come to her office.
"Maybe I can get some sleep now," Alicia laughs, hugging Arabella tightly.
Arabella turns to Baylynn with open arms. Bayelynn steps back shaking her head.
"You are gone," She says frightfully.
"Don't be stupid witch," Alicia says elbowing the girl.
"Satan has claimed you!" Baylynn turns and runs away.
"Don't mind her, she's crazy. I wish you a blessed life in your new home," Alicia kisses Arabella's cheek, and walks away.
Arabella makes her way to the Director's office frowning, confused by the comment. The Director calls her in before she knocks.
There he stands. She quickly lowers her head. He lifts her face to him.
"You will never bow your head to me, nor your eyes, nor your back. Do you understand?"
She looks into his near white eyes, feeling a rush of heat envelope her.
"Yes," She stands taller with her head held high.
"Thank you Miss Winston, she is perfect," he bows to the Director. In all her years here, she never knew the woman's name.
"Safe travels," the Director says smiling.
"Come dear," Aryan holds his arm out to her and she lays her hand atop it.
Exiting the building, a long black limousine awaits them. A man waits by the car with the door open wide.
"After you my dear."
"My luggage, I left it near the door." she panics.
"You will have no need for anything you have left behind."
The ride is long and quiet, Arabella finds herself nodding off, only to jolt awake again.
"Here, rest your head in my lap, it is a long drive," Arabella lays her head down and falls asleep quickly, as he strokes her hair.
When she wakes, it has gone dark.
"I'm sorry, I can't believe I slept so long."
"You may rest anytime you like." he smiles at her with bright white teeth.
"How much further?" she asks looking out at the darkness.
"We are almost there," he takes her hand and kisses her knuckles.
"I know nothing of you. Tell me about yourself."
"There's not much to tell," he shrugs.
"Please don't put my words back on me," she looks down at the hand holding hers, running her fingers over his.
Aryan laughs softly. Arabella feels that it's more a whisper, than a laugh.
"Well, we are an old bloodline from the old country. We have lived in our location for over one thousand years. We like to keep to ourselves and I am the Master of all you will see," His eyes seem to glow in the darkness.
"You talk in riddles," Arabella dares to challenge him. He laughs again.
"Because my dear, you will learn all you need to know in time. A drive is not the place to discuss such matters."
"What position will I hold?"
"You will be the Mistress." Arabella falls quiet. She has heard of these arrangements. He will only need her when he pleases.
She jumps at the sound of a soft buzzing sound. He learns forward and pushes a button on the divider.
"Yes Latamay?"
"We are here sir."
"Thank you."
