The Vampire Queen's Rebirth

Chapter Twenty One

***

''He's coming to the ball?Don't you feel that is a rather....rash decision?''William asked the next morning,watching as Reina scribbled furiously in her journal,her die hard habit for the past century.

''Well,he does know everything.If he's anything like his father then I know he won't let any of this go.I'd rather have him in my sights in a room of humans and supernaturals alike than out there with all this craziness going round.I do hope his invitation was sent.''She smiled at the page,pleased with the end result before looking up at him with a raised brow.

''Yes,My Master.This morning.Saber called to confirm....Will you really give the stray to Isaac?He may be the only one that can help us put the pieces of the puzzle together.''William said,watching as she rummaged through her closet,no doubt for a dress for the ball that was that very evening.

''We'll have to....I mean,he seemed pretty serious about the whole 'wipe you all out' speech.I guess we just have to find another way.''she replied,her brow furrowing as she stared at two mid century looking ball gowns on her bed.

''Well,its back to square one I guess.This shall be interesting.''he replied with a frustrating tone.

''You sound just like Dameon.....He wasn't pleased at all......Reminded me of back when we dated and I'd eat his Cranberry pie.....the 40s did have the best of desserts,didn't it William?''she said,winking at him before disappearing in the closet to search for shoes once the dress dilemma went nowhere.

''Certainly,My Master....May I ask what the plan for tonight is?''William replied,shrouding the dubiety in his voice.He knew Reina was up to something.Never in the Eight Hundred Years he'd known her had she ever backed down from an enemy,no matter how skilled or powerful he was.The fact that she wasn't telling him everything was enough to put him on edge.

''Nothing much,dancing,handing over what they want then finding another way to kick their sorry butts.........These dresses aren't too old,right?''she asked,ignoring his snort of skepticism.

''If you're aiming to get back your old century look,which I should mention I liked more than the Gothic age,then certainly.....Although from this invitation,I understand that this is a modern masquerade ball with a Victorian age setting....''he replied,watching as she nodded thoughtfully before throwing the two back into her closet.

''Seems I need a new dress......Please order me one,will you?....And for your information,I rather liked the Gothic age.''She replied with a smirk before staring at her waltzing shoes in disbelief.

''It has already been done.....Seems like Master Leviathan is honoring your return with this ball indirectly.Masquerade balls were your favorite balls since back in the 20s. The three of you did have quite a blast back then,remember?''He remarked and watch as the worry marring her beautiful face softened as she relived the memories.

''How could I possibly forget?They were among the best years of my life.......Its like Saber to follow the ancient rules to this day...I'll need shoes too with the dress....Jeez,I wonder where my other dresses and shoes are..''she observed,her mind drifting back to the days she still lived in the house.

''They must be in your....ummm...other room.''William replied,watching as she shut her mind to the memory of her old childhood room.The same room she'd moved out of the minute she turned sixteen and one she'd had such big plans for....

''Oh...well then I certainly do need that new dress.....''she muttered,leaving her room in deep thought.

''Forgive me if I sound like a broken record but I am worried about the party tonight and you seem to be avoiding my questions.''William replied,following her through the lantern lit hallway.

''I am because there is nothing To talk about....That's the plan.....How do you think Isaac got a witch to do a mind erasing spell for him?''she asked,nodding once some of the helps greeted them.

''I have no idea.Maybe communicating with the remnant covens should also be on the agenda list.''He replied with a shrug,following her through the double doors leading to the study.

''I doubt we're the best people to do that....Contact Chief Leonard.Ask him to stop by the covens and see what he can find.They trust him more than they trust us.....Oh and thank him for the files.''Reina said,staring up at the board of dead Supernaturals she'd made earlier on when she'd woken up.William nodded,going over to the house landline over at her desk.

''Oh and just so you know,I trust you to be capable of protecting me no matter what the situation...You are,after all,My Muhafiz......''She lightly brushed his cheek with the back of her hand,a warm smile spreading across her face.She withdrew though once the phone was picked up on the other side,returning back to the board.

''What am I missing here?''she muttered to herself,looking at all the faces of the victims,her gaze resting on Zachary,his smile prompting a string of memories to flash through her mind.One of them in particular though froze her on the spot.

''Chief Leonard has agreed.He's on his way there.....He's assured us of a feedback as soon as he learns anything...Is there a problem,my master?''William asked,stopping midway once he saw her perplexed look.

''Zachary was smart.Very smart.Its why I am sure there is something we're missing here.Something that he may have the answer to.....What time is it again?Because I seem to be getting rather hungry.''She asked,breaking from her light bulb moment and turning to a thoroughly confused William.He hated it when she did that.Mainly because it never did end well.Her eyes flashed crimson,a sign that she indeed was hungry and not for normal food.

''As you should be...You haven't fed in days!That could make you weak,something that should be avoided at this particular time when we have no idea who the enemy is and how powerful they may be.''William scolded,leading her to her seat behind the desk.He frowned once she chuckled,which soon became an unhinged laugh.

''And what's so amusing?''He added,moving back to stare at her as she doubled over.He held back his smile,not willing to encourage her anymore than it was necessary.

''You,of course!You're so Angry!And I have no idea why......''she said,laughing a bit more.He smiled slightly,the sound of her laugh like music to her ears.He hadn't heard that sound in quite some time and it was just as he remembered it.

''Well,I'm glad you find me amusing.Now sit tight.I'll bring you some and I expect you to finish it all...Am I clear?''He said with an authoritative tone that left Reina smirking like an i***t.

''Yes Mother.''she chuckled once he sighed and shook his head,leaving the room. Reina turned to the board,staring into Zachary's eyes.Ones that she had seen before.A buzz filled her at that moment at the thought of meeting him again.Something she hadn't felt for a while.She closed her eyes,automatically reaching to the part of her that seemed to be eerily connected to him.He was there,his heartbeat as well as his anxiety for the night ahead wadding through her,making her grin once more like an idiot.A part of her was glad she wasn't the only one looking forward to the events about to unfold.

''Only a few hours more,Zero.Just hold on a little bit more and we shall meet again.''she whispered,her grin widening before she cut the link temporarily...........

***

Zero stared at himself in the mirror,not believing how different he looked.He was clad in a late Victorian English dress suit which comprised of a black superfine dress coat,well fitting black pants,a white vest with a black cravat to match,a low waistcoat which was fine and delicately plaited with small gold studs for decoration,white kid gloves and patent black leather boots with low heels.His shoulder length hair was slicked back,the silver highlights suddenly looking more outright than before,something he'd remarked on before moving on to other things.He glanced at his Venetian Masquerade eye mask,a rush of excitement filling him.It couldn't compare to when Gracia had brought him the Invitation as promised by Reina and when their clothes for the night had arrived but it was enough to get rainbows and unicorns in the room.He couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same.If she could feel the trepidation and stir as he did.His mind strayed to his father,wondering if he felt that way the first time he met her.The door was opened at that moment,Luke stepping in.

''Are you rea....wow...Damn!You look like you've been plucked from the 1800s!Its official,This look completely suits you.''Luke remarked,staring in shock at the transformation before him.

''Thanks man.You don't look so shabby yourself!Seems you finally got your hair to behave.''Zero remarked,chuckling as Luke lightly brushed his spiky hair that looked much more presentable with the gel no doubt doing the trick.He was in the same attire as him,only his cravat was white and his mask was a gold laser cut metal eye mask which he held with his white kid gloves.

''Well,lets just say a good shower and gel did the job...Shall we?''He said,watching as Zero tucked the white linen cambric in his pocket before following him out.

''Wait,I've been reading this book from your dad's study about such events.It's said that Vampires usually hold such events to welcome back one of the Royals and to also inform the others of their return in a Formal manner ...I do really hope we get to meet like....Old Vampires.Like Markus and Viktor from Underworld Old.It certainly explains why anyone is still holding such a party...What if we're like their dinner!Like they brainwash us and drain us of all our blood...That would be so cool.''Luke muttered,earning an eye roll from his best friend.

''As always,your overactive imagination knows no bounds...Even if we meet the other Vampires,you are to stay away from them.We still have no idea if they're like what the books describe them to be.''Zero chastised,watching as Luke grudgingly nodded before pulling on his black overcoat as he did. Gracia appeared at that moment,grinning once she saw them.

''My,don't you both look handsome!And you look exactly like your father.He would have been very proud. ''Gracia said,planting a soft kiss on both their cheeks.They both grinned,blushing slightly at her appraisal.

''Thanks nanny.''Zero replied,smiling.Yes,he was sure Zachary was smiling down at him,mainly because he had always vowed to never wear such suits in his life.The Universe really did have a way to shove your 'Never's' up your ass and make you sit good and pretty in them.

''You have your invitations?''she asked,seeing them out to the door.Luke winked over to one of the helps who had gathered at the door leading to the to the living room and whispered among themselves excitedly.They giggled excitedly at that gesture,their dazed gazes amusing him.

''Yes Nanny.We do.Thank you for the suits.''Zero said,opening the Porsche's door. Gracia shrugged.

''Don't thank me.Your father has always had a surplus of them.You are just about the same size as him back when he was about your age.''Gracia said with a slight smile.

''Well,I'm glad they came in handy.''Zero replied,getting into the passenger seat.Luke grinned,winking over to Gracia.

''Don't wait up for us,Nanny.''he shouted over before entering the driver's seat.

''I wasn't intending to....You two have fun.Be safe.''she replied.

''Always.''Zero said,waving as they drove off down the driveway and out of the compound.

''Which way,man?And how the hell am I even supposed to tell the difference?Its not like they'll come at me with their fangs out and their eyes all red and dangerous.''Luke asked,turning into town.

''Well,just stay away from the ethereally beautiful ones and I believe you'll be fine...I know that may sound like a hard ball but its the only way to be safe.And don't accept to go to a dark place with Anyone!I mean it,Luke.Left here.'' Zero instructed,watching as Luke frowned before letting out a frustrated sigh.

''Fine....But you totally owe me for this.''Zero nodded,staring out as they passed the clear land and Adam's Lake,the star lit sky with the full moon shining down on them sending a mixture of emotions through him.He had felt...different since he came to Caldwell.Felt like he had found his perfect place.Like he was changing in a way that could mean the disruption of his whole life and in a way that he would grow to love and embrace fully.

''Bobby called.He says he's been going through hell at the company.They all want you back.I told him to handle it of course so don't worry about it.''Luke spoke up,earning a thank you nod from him.

''Turn in here.''He ordered as Luke entered through the white computerized gates.They drove down the lamp lit tarmac road that led up to the main house,the well mowed lawns as well as the rosebushes giving off a wonderful nature like smell.The trees were also lit,their beauty not lost on them.It was late evening,the sun having just set beyond the horizon with the orange skies giving the whole castle before them a fairy tale look.There were different sports cars lining the driveway,all being opened by valets dressed in white suits and being parked off on the other side at a massive lantern lit open garage.They joined the line,admiring the slice of heaven they'd just driven into.This was clearly a completely different world.One that they certainly couldn't identify with.A sliver of fear creeped into both of them as the realization of what they'd just gotten themselves into sunk in.

''Looks like keeping off the really pretty ones is going to be a problem..''Luke muttered earning an eye roll from Zero.

''Just be careful....Well then,let's do this Brother.''Zero said,clasping Luke's hand firmly before alighting the car once their turn came up and they put on their masquerade masks.

''Good Evening,Sir's.Welcome to the Leviathan Household.May I please take your car keys?''he asked with a wide smile.Luke handed them over,watching as the guy drove it down to the open garage.They went up the steps,following the two couples who'd just arrived before them.

''Jeez,talk about high end events.And here we thought that we were going to social events.That wasn't shit.''Luke muttered over to Zero who nodded once they got to the front of the procession leading into the mansion.There they found two men who were dressed in white suits that seemed to be the same as theirs only with different designs,no doubt from other designers, to take their overcoats and Invitations.They really had been serious about the whole Victorian ball setting.

''Welcome,Sir's.May I please have your invitations?''One of them asked.They both handed them over as well as their overcoats to which they were given a small receipt for them before proceeding on inside.

''Jeez,I feel like I've time traveled into the past.''Luke whispered over as they went down the steps,the sight of the candle-chandelier lit room with waiters dressed in white walking around with champagne trays as well as the women in different designed ball gowns and men in dress suits amazing them both.They were all in masquerade masks of different designs,all of whom mingled with the crowd as they barely recognized each other.

''Well,isn't this fun.''Luke grabbed a champagne glass as Zero looked around,hoping to spot the familiar crimson hair or the unique violet eyes.An edgy feeling bombarded him,matching the one he had had in the club a few days before.

''I'm glad you're enjoying yourself.It means you wont mind if I go and look for her...''Zero said,walking off before he could protest.Zero moved through the crowd,glancing at the women who covered their shy giggles with their fans and others who said hi to him directly,all of which were certainly not the woman he wanted.He stopped once he got near a couple of double doors that had two burly men guarding it,directing his gaze all round the room from his new vantage point.

Luke walked around with a sulk,not believing the nerve of his best friend to leave him under such circumstances.For all he knew,they could be planning have him for dinner.He surprisingly felt no fear.He could see the perturbed look in some of the guests eyes as he walked round,their silent muttering flaring up his interest.Great,now they were talking about him.He grabbed another glass,placing the other on the tray.

''My,you seem bored out of your mind.''a female voice spoke up right behind him,prompting him to turn around.He was met by a dazzling brown haired woman with beautiful lime green eyes.She was clad in green lace Appliques ball gown with a Stella Venetian mask that was silver green in color as well as green gloves that matched her gown.Her make up was light but just right,matching her perfect olive skin.

''I am bored...But I unfortunately am not to speak to beautiful women tonight.''He replied,glancing away from her before her perfect eyes made him break his promise.Zero was going to owe him massively after the night was over.He took a long sip as the lady behind chuckled.

''And why would you not?I thought the essence of the night was to interact and meet strangers who might possibly be awful or wonderful people under the masks.The thrill that comes off meeting the perfect soulmate or wading off a psychopath is just out of this world.''she replied,sipping on her drink.

''I guess so....Thing is,this isn't exactly my kind of scene.''He turned to face her,being glad he did the minute she smiled at him.

''Me too...Well,I mean I have been in such events before but they were never my favorite.At least not for my kind.''She muttered,grinning as he stared at her,stunned.

''Your kind?...''he muttered,backing away a little as she nodded.

''Relax.I'm not going to hurt you.I'm not like the others.Here.Touch me...''she said,extending her hand for him.He reluctantly did so,feeling the warmth under her glove radiate over to his hand,''see?I'm human.Just like you are.Your knowledge of the others though seems too extensive for comfort.''she added,raising her brow.

''I have an interesting friend....You?How do you know about the others?And how did you know I knew about them?''She shrugged,tucking a strand of her stray hair to the back of her ear.

''You were looking at everyone weird.Your aura was perturbed and yet calm.Very weird combination if you ask me.......I happen to be interesting too.....''she replied,turning her gaze to the other side of the room.

''Wait....Are you....No,you can't possibly be...''Luke muttered,staring at her in complete and utter awe.

''Breathe....Your friend doesn't seem pleased that you're talking to me...Seems you were serious about the whole 'I can't talk to you' thing.....Interesting I must say.But you do realize they would eventually find a way to get you alone, right?''she said with a shrug as Zero walked up to them.Luke only stared at her,dumbfounded by the possibilities running through his mind.

''What the hell did I tell you,Luke?''Zero whispered urgently once he had pulled him away from her.

''She approached me.I couldn't not talk to her.That would have been thoroughly rude and we Are in the Victorian age,right?''he replied with a proud smirk,''besides,she's not one of them.''he added,glancing over as a tall man with graying hair and a black official police uniform,the medals reflecting off the chandelier's light that were impressive to look at, talked to her.

''How sure are you?''

''Very.And I think she might be...''Luke was saying when a buzz of excitement filled the room as well as Zero's entire being.

''I'm afraid she's arrived.The one you were looking for.''the lime green eyed lady said over to them once they stepped forward back to where they were before.They all turned to where everyone was staring at,none able to believe their eyes.

''It really is her....''Zero muttered,his eyes fixed on the ethereal beauty descending the steps......

***