Scene 3

The cottage was located on the boundary of the small dull town. Painted in a creamy mint color, with doors and roof made of oak, it looked simple and ordinary, a perfect image of what laid a few miles straight forward, if one followed the road.

However, the girl who lived there was anything but ordinary and her quiet loving presence alone was worth the journey across the world, just for a mere sight. She was called Cordelia and she was, by most opinions, not only the most beautiful woman alive, but also the most wanted.

Her hair red as the sunset was always braided and always adorned with a cute bow. Her black, round, big, blueish eyes seemed to be shaped from the reflective surface of a dark mirror. Soft pink skin was as delicate as silk yet still firm. Gorgeous curves defined her hourglass form, even if there were hinted behind the discreet long dress she wear.

She surely was blessed by heavens.

Only she was not.

She was the saddest girl in town and probably one of the most cursed beings on the land. For everyone she loved dearly, passed away one way or another.

First her father, when she was a small child, was crushed by a carriage on the way home. Her mother was struck by lightening on the clear cloudless day she turned fifteen. And last year, her fiance died of a contagious illness leaving her behind as healthy as ever.

She didn't know how she could go on living. With him, she lost her soul, her heart and her smile. Even though she was gentle and soft-spoken with everyone who came to meet her, she never let go a single hint of happiness in her voice or in her pretty face.

Until that day. The day she met the fainted Lumine under the shade of a big tree.

Scene 2

Not too far apart from the entrance, but far enough to avoid listening to any scream of pain or despair, was the north wing of the castle. There was the core of the Midnight Chambers, the name given to those belonging to the Opel Stridan Family.

The main room of the set was reserved to the First Son, the elder child and former head of the entire Noble clan. At its right, was the room of Valerius, who was the acknowledged ruler and voice of the clan, and his wife; while at left, there was the splendid room for the Third Son, the Prince and heir.

At least, that's what it should have been, since he was killed one year ago.

His murder was a painful event that the Nobles still mourned and the subject of mockery for those who still dared.

However, despite the long days of solitude, that night, the room was not empty anymore. There was a young man resting on the huge bed. His breath was slow and profuse. Deep blood-colored eyes were closed. His tan skin was a little lighter than Valerius'. Black hair was straight and overall shorter, if it wasn't for longer bangs framing his face. And even if he was as attractive, he lacked the royal air and dignity of the Second Son.

As a matter of fact, that was the greatest difference between them. More so, because he looked almost identical to the deceased Prince, if it was not for some of his features.

It was certainly puzzling. With all this resemblances, he was not related to Opel Stridans. Even more, no one among the nobles knew who he was or where he came from. The only thing they were sure of, was of his bloodline and even though, they were suspicious.

At first, the heads of the Five Houses wanted to dispose of the mysterious stranger, believing him to be another sickening creation of the Witches... or worse, one perfected child of the Lumine. But as soon as Mia Opel Stridan saw his face, she ordered not to lay a finger on him, taking him under her care.

And no one dared to defy her.

That way, the unknown man ended sleeping in the Prince's room. While Mia stood by his side, staring at him with her love-filled red bloody eyes. For she was the one who had lost his son to the Hunters and she had found her lost hope and happiness in the sudden appearance of this newcomer.

"When will you wake up?" She asked, caressing his forehead with motherly care.

The door creaked.

Mia turned her face to the entrance to find the familiar figure that just opened the door. Valerius walked forward, moving similar to a ghostly shadow, and leaned towards her, in complete silence. His hand reached her chin and lifted it slowly; she opposed no resistance as he came closer and meet her lips with his. As he opened his mouth a butterfly escaped, flying through the almost inexistent gap between their breaths and disappearing behind Mia's throat. She swallowed and he kissed her lightly.

"It's been so long... I... I was afraid you were leaving yourself to die." He whispered.

"I was..." She replied. "But he came. He came..."

"He's not our child, Mia." He said gently. "You know I mourn him as well, but Fay is dead."

"I know he is not him. This boy... he is my Zion." Mia smiled. "That's the name I've given him".

Valerius tried to said something but retreated as he saw her. She looked so slim and fragile, he feared one word could break her apart. He just watched her as she fondled the young man's cheeks.

Under the amber lights of the lamps, her light tan skin looked golden. Her dark, long, straight hair seemed like a fragment a from the night sky. Her delicate lips and almond-shaped eyes trembled as she felt a stir.

"Zion's breath... is getting lighter." She said, filled with joy. "I really want to see him awake."

Once again, Valerius was about to mutter a word, but changed his mind half-way and the failed intent came as a sigh... he didn't have the heart to discourage her after all, even though he couldn't help but feel suspicious of the newcomer.

The young man stirred and then relaxed. His eyelids trembled slighthly as he fight with his own weariness to open his eyes. Mia leaned forward, with excitement. She moved her fingers from his sleeping face to hold his hands. They were getting warmer.

Zion stirred again. This time, his eyelids shook. His breath trembled with long sighs, as if taken air was something new for his lumbs. Mia moved even closer, her hands clutching his with motherly adoration. Meanwhile, Valerious watched silently... full of worry.

He finally awoke. Those rich crimson eyes were still blurred by the long sleep. Mia let a happy exclamation sound escape from her mouth. The young man moved his fingers. He coughed and tried to stand up.

Mia looked hopefully at Valerious. He understood perfectly what she was trying to say with her eyes. Not very content, he helped the young man to sit... his body felt light as a feather.

"How are you feeling?" Mia asked.

He didn't answer. He was confused. The last thing he remembered was his betrothed sweet smile when they both raised the cups. And now, he found himself in a foreign room, with unknown people. He got desperate, insecure, scared... where were his friends, his family? What happened to his fiance?

He tried to scream her name...

But he didn't remember. He didn't remember how she was called.

He placed both hands over his face. His heart was aching, tears were coming. Tears? He didn't want to cry in front of this people.

"Zion? Are you alright?" Mia called again, trying to touch his head. He slapped her hand, defensively.

"Who are you? Where's this place? Where is she?" Zion said, his voice growing colder, even though he didn't mean it.

Mia and Valerious looked to each other, confused. There was a long silence and Zion took the opportunity to get a hold of himself. He breathed deeply and controlled his anxiety. Turning his face to the strangers, he moved his hands away to reveal his handsome face.

"Who are you?" He repeated, with a calmer tone. "Tell me, what in the world happened?"

"You just woke up, Zion." Mia answered, lovingly, "And now you don't remember. Maybe it was the fall, my child... We are your parents."

Valerious looked at his wife, shocked. This was going too far, all too far. Zion didn't notice. He was all too confused to notice. Was it true? Then his memories... his beloved. Was it a dream? He fell backwards. He felt his body weight was duplicated at least twice.

"Don't push yourself too hard. Eventually, you'll recall everything."

The Second Son grew in anger. He had to snap Mia out of this. He came between them.

"That's no---"

He couldn't finish. Mia took his hand. Her eyes were fierce. Burning as he had never seen them before. It was the first time he saw the true power of the Aaricia.

Yes, Valerious was the Second Son. The king. The ruler. But it was just because she had chosen him of all suitors, because she married him. The true soul of the Dark Sky, the true heir of the Nobles was Mia Opel Striden of Nite.

"What's been said is what it is." Mia said, with a menacing yet feminine hiss.

" It is." Valerius repeated.

Scene 1

"The darkest night. No. It was not the night. It was them, the first time they came."

The hour was late. The group moved slowly, heading to the castle. There were like ten or twelve men, wearing hoods and keeping his heads down, as if they were praying for remorse. Around them, the high pillars, pushed by oxes and crowned with fire, acted as enormous candles, both in front and below the crowd.

Guiding the group was a sole rider on a magnificent horse. No one else would dare to go but him. No one had the courage or the stupidity or both, to cross the walls and directly met with the likes of the Nobles. It was the unique job of the Warder, Ciprian, to do so.

Some moans came from the men behind. Even if they were murderers, rapers and thieves, as they felt the proximity, the smell of fear fill their
hearts. Just a few were brave enough to defy and laugh, just as if they were mocking fate.

"Almost there" said Ciprian, when the group reached the main gate.

He didn't need to call out. He never did. The doors opened swiftly, as if they weren't made of heavy iron.

"You may come in" Said a masculine voice. The same greeting voice that had welcomed him ever since he first came.

Ciprian dismounted his horse and entered. The crowd followed. They were hesitant, they resisted... but it was useless. Their legs were moving on their own, copying the rhythm of Ciprian's footsteps. Some screams, some angry hatred-filled curses escaped their throats. And that was all.

They walked pass the Gates and the surrounding walls and arrived to the entrance of the castle. Just below of the archway that preceded the hall, a man awaited.

Ciprian looked at him. The man hasn't changed in ten years. Still, in his forties, he was tall and attractive and wore a long olive-green robe with golden ornaments. Dark curls of black hair enclosed his face and run a little pass his neck. His skin was a little tanned and seemed soft to the touch, despite the apparent age.

He leaned forward, just a little. Slim lips were curved in the form of a soft smile, teasing and creepy; yet not as terrifying as those blood-red colored eyes that fixedly stared at the men below the Ward.

Valerius Opel Stridan. The Second Son.

Among the Nobles, he was no doubt, the equivalent to a king. All his demeanor was embellished with a regal touch. The way he stood, strong and confident; the movement of his hands, careful and distinctive. And yet, the air in his surroundings, almost like the perfume of cold winter, the smile in his face and the crimson tainted color of his eyes, were enough to make Ciprian remember not to get rid by appearances.

He tried not to shiver. Even after all those years, he still had to gather all of his willpower to keep his cool in front of him.

"Poor child" Valerius said with an understanding tone, just before turning to the helpless crowd "Yes. Eleven of them, as accorded. Very well done. You may go, now. Tell your people we approve."

Ciprian didn't say a word as he turned back, leaving the men behind cursing louder. He didn't want to stay... he never wanted to see, so he walked faster away.

"Call the Prince. Call the Prince" Were the last words he heard, tauntingly coming from one of the damned, as he mounted his horse and rode away. And meanwhile, the shadows gathered. Engulfing the night to prey on their souls.