Death.

A flood of blood under her feet stained her skin crimson. However, she knew that the impure stains were deeper inside her body and not just on her skin. She was tainted from the inside. The blood she spilt last night was merely a droplet in the ocean of sins she had accumulated.

Sin.

Did she believe in sin? Yes, she did. She had to, since she was the one dictating them for her enemies. She was passing judgement for the world. But many asked and wondered; what gave her the right to play god? She never claimed to be god. But she did claim to be the saviour.

Saviour.

She killed so others wouldn't have to bear the burden of guilt. She went into the darkness willingly because she knew that she could do it without losing herself. Was that courage or arrogance? she always wondered. But she didn't believe she was arrogant, because if she was then she would not have fallen in love with the people close to her.

Love.

Was she deserving of love? she considered. Was love in her destiny? A sick twisted tale played in front of her just like it had when she was a child. Destiny dangled love in front of her, but she was unable to reach it. She had quit the chase a long time ago, but it wasn't from defeat or scorn. It was because she couldn't accept that she would leave her mate lost once she ended.

Life.

Her end was foreseen... it was only a matter of time.

Zero's eyes snapped open and she lifted her head, when she abruptly slammed her skull into another hard surface.

"Ow!" A voice exclaimed alongside her own grunt.

She rubbed her forehead and looked up. It was Severin. "What are you doing?" she grumbled.

Severin rubbed his head. "I was checking if you were breathing," he said. "If you didn't know, you sleep like the dead."

"Oh." Zero reached over and pressed her hand on his head trying to lessen the sting. "Does it hurt a lot?" she asked.

Severin's eyes looked up from under his blond ruffled hair. The deep purple shined as bright as amethyst under the light of the sun, she almost forgot that they were eyes and not crystals. Zero lost herself to them, to the softness they held and looked back at her with.

A moment passed where she found herself breathless. She felt as if he pulled her out of that darkness and showed her the light. Nothing seemed to matter anymore, all thoughts had left her in seconds upon laying on her mate. Now, she understood how last night the water did nothing to make her feel clean after that fight, it was Severin. She thought she had lost her mind for thinking that, but he proved how right she was whenever she looked at those eyes.

Was that even possible? Was a person even capable of being so full of light? she wondered.

Severin leaned into her touch. "It's still hurting," he groaned.

Zero checked if there was a bruise or not, there wasn't but his forehead did turn a little red. "Should I bring some ice?" she asked.

"No," he said, "but you can kiss it better."

Zero's eyes widened and she saw him grinning at her like a sly wolf. "You- you," she was speechless. She nudged him back and he laughed as he took a seat in front of her.

Zero finally came to it, she looked around and realized that she wasn't in her own bedroom. She was in the guest bedroom, in the middle of the bed, under the tousled duvet. She raked her hair back and remembered everything that happened last night. The massacre, her past, the temple... the mark! Severin had marked her yesterday. She could still feel the raw burn on her neck, because it was possessive and avowed of his claim on her.

Zero looked up at his side profile, the way his high cheek met his rigid jaw and his smooth neck. His nose was straight, his lips full. She found herself staring at them, but her mind remembered the kiss he had given her. The fervour of that kiss still lingered on her, and not just on her lips, it was smouldering through every muscle and bone in her body.

"How are you feeling?" he asked softly.

His smooth voice pulled her out of her own head. "I'm fine," she blatantly lied.

His indigo gaze locked onto hers. He watched her longer than anyone usually would. "I would appreciate if you didn't lie to me," he asserted. "I can tell."

Zero raised a brow. "No, you can't," she said. "Yes, I was lying before, but you can't tell."

Severin smirked, his gaze fell onto her exposed neck. He lifted his hand and touched the aching area that bore his mark. "That allows me to feel everything you hide," he acclaimed. "Your lies, your hidden desires..." he fell quiet as he skimmed the pad of his thumb down the column of her neck, feeling the pulse wherever he went because it felt as if her heart would pound out of her chest.

"There's no need to worry," she told him and this time it was truly what she wanted. Severin nodded and looked away.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he crossed his legs. "Last night was informative," he acclaimed. "I found out so much about you. But I remember this one particular thing that just makes me so happy."

Zero frowned. She didn't think anything that she had told him last night should make him happy. In fact, she was surprised that he was sitting in front of her right now. He didn't run for the hills from all the crazy in her. She had to give it to him, the man had guts.

"And what is that?" she asked curiously. She listed a few things in her own head that could be a possibility for him to say, but she kept it to herself. 


Severin drew in a breath, his tousled hair shifted when he leaned closer to her. "You like to cuddle," he revealed with a whisper.

Zero gaped. "What?" she couldn't believe what she just heard.

Severin snickered. "I'm asleep, and to my surprise, I wake up with you sleeping in my arms and all over me," he jested. "I was truly shocked, which let me tell you is not good for my heart."

Zero glowered. "That's why I told you that I like to sleep alone," she said.

"Don't worry, I find it very sweet," he said. "And I think it's nice to have a secret about you that only I know." He looked at her with that gleam in his cunning gaze. "I want to know everything about you, especially the things that the world doesn't."

Zero's heart skipped a beat. She was glad that the duvet cover was covering her, otherwise the crimson blush she felt would be obvious.

"Now, for the more important question," said Severin.

Zero swallowed and wondered what it was. Maybe, it had to do with her past or with what happened yesterday.

Severin saw her stiff posture. "What's your real name?" he asked.

Zero looked at him stumped. "I won't tell you," she said.

"Oh, don't be a tease," he said. "How about a hint, like the first letter?"

Zero laughed at him. "No," she said. "Now, move. I need to get dressed." She was about to move off the bed, when her arm was seized and Severin brought her to him.

"I will wait for you," he whispered. "However long you need to open up to me. I will wait."

"You don't need to because I'm already here," she said, as she put her hand on the mark she had. "I'm yours already." She confessed the truth and felt something lift off her heart. She got up on her feet and moved away towards the door to leave.

"But I can't be yours," he announced.

Zero froze at the door, her hand hovering over the handle when she heard the hurt in his voice. He didn't know how much she wanted to claim him, bond with him. But she wasn't going to do that. She had fallen for his light, but she was too dark, she'd only taint him. And how selfish of her to want to be beside him, to experience his purity for a little longer.

"It seems that I'm not blessed to have someone like you," she told him. "I'm a woman who carries countless sins, Severin. I can't drag you to hell with me." She opened the door and left to her room.

She scampered to the shower and got under the coldest water she could get. The shower felt like droplets of ice piercing her skin, cutting through the heat around her. She felt her breath fog in front of her and she dropped her head under it, letting the water through her hair and head. She finally cooled and got out.

Zero cleaned off with a towel and went to the adjacent room to her closet to get dressed. She had a mission today, which was take Severin to the place that she built with his father. Wayne helped her with a large mission, so it was time to show his son too. And Tom was arriving here today too, so she'd show him as well. Zero grabbed her phone and arranged for a chauffeur to pick Tom up and bring him straight here.

Once that was done, Zero grabbed a pair of blue jeans and slipped them on. She put on heeled boots, zipping up the sides to fit snugly around her ankles. She saw that it was a bit warmer out today than usual, so she slipped on a plain white shirt, she rolled up the sleeves and tucked a side into her jeans. She faced the mirror and dried off her hair, which frizzed up from the heat. She ignored the hassle and grabbed a bandana off the shelf. The silk was a dark navy-blue print with hints of white, yellow and red. She grabbed the ends and tied it over her short hair keeping the mess to look a bit tidier. She grabbed her wallet and phone before she left the room towards the lively kitchen.

It was a first that her house was rowdy. Usually, the place was quiet, only she filled it up with noise and scents. But that wasn't the case anymore. The scents of food permeated around her, the sound of dishes clanking made her hungry for whatever was cooking.

Severin was greeting Elijah and Zero was glad that Severin was the type to charm anyone into liking him. That was a quality she appreciated in him. He was friendly and never judged anyone. He smiled so the other person wouldn't feel like they didn't belong or didn't feel normal.

Zero knew that Elijah was uncomfortable right now because being stuck in a cage for so long makes one forget what it's like to be free. Zero pushed those thoughts down because it wouldn't do any good for Elijah.

She walked into the kitchen seeing Elijah over the stove and Severin near the coffee machine. "Good morning, Elijah," she said.

Elijah looked at her alertly. His blue eyes beamed and his lips lifted just slightly. "Good morning," he said. "I hope you don't mind that I used the kitchen."

"What'd you make?" she asked.

"Bacon sandwiches," he answered.

"As long as I get one, I don't mind at all," she said.

Severin walked over with cups of coffee in each hand. "Make sure to make Zero two sandwiches, Elijah," he added. "She's grumpy when she's not well fed." Elijah chuckled but Zero glowered at him. Severin gave her the cup he made for her. "Extra sweet, just the way you like it-" he grinned as she eyed at the cappuccino happily. He suddenly leaned down and kissed her cheek- "and good morning to you too." Then he walked off to Elijah.

Zero hid her smile behind the cup of coffee and ignored the flutter in her chest. She closed her eyes in defeat and couldn't help but fall deeper for him. He was driving her insane. Zero cursed and slumped down on the stool.

Elijah worked efficiently once he got Severin out of his way. He made a few sandwiches and served them hot to them. She poured herself more coffee as she enjoyed the food. Severin discussed their plans today, also added in a few ideas to visit some stores to go shopping for clothes. Zero didn't mind going, but it was for Elijah that she had in mind to get some new stuff. The man was in a desperate need for a new wardrobe. Right now, like usual, he wore another turtleneck, but it was a soft grey this time over dark ripped jeans and some boots.

Unlike Severin who guessed that turtlenecks were just Elijah's preference, Zero knew exactly why he wore that. He hid his slave markings behind the long sleeves and stiff neckline. Elijah bore the marks of his past, just like she did. So, she found herself in sort of a bind with helping him overcome his past. She needed him to accept his marks and work with her.

Zero figured that this was going to take longer than she thought. But when she remembered last night and how he fought with her. Maybe, she wasn't far off the mark. Elijah was a skilled fighter and he'd get better now that she was going to train him.

"Do you want another?" Elijah asked as he carried the skillet over to her.

"Sure," she said.

Elijah used the spatula to lift the sandwich off the pan, when Zero's eyes caught a bandage around Elijah's wrist.

"Hey," she called for Elijah's attention. He looked at her confused. "What happened here?" she pointed to his wrist.

"Yesterday, when I was fighting, I must have nicked my wrist" he told her. "I'm not sure myself."

"Do you need stitches?" she asked. "Let me see."

"I'm good. I've taken care of it," he reassured her before he moved back to the stove.

Zero frowned, but let it go thinking that he wasn't comfortable showing his wounds just yet. "Leave it," she said to Elijah when he turned to wash the dishes. "Come eat first before it gets cold."

Elijah listened and sat down to eat too.

"So, you still haven't told us where we are going today," Severin said to her.

Zero ate a piece of bacon that fell out of the bread, the crisp saltiness made her drink some coffee to calm the flavour. "A place your father helped me build," she revealed.

Severin straightened, a sense of maturity appeared at the mention of his father. Zero recognized this dignity, she had seen it when she had taken him to his company. He was a completely different person, but he was exactly what she expected a company leader to be like. The day she saw him work with his father's partners and his own employees, she could tell why Wayne held his son at high regards.

Suddenly, the doorbell went off.

"Oh, that must be Tom," Severin got off the stool and went to the door.

Zero pulled up her phone to look at the camera to make sure it was. And when she saw that tall, black cloaked figure with those indigo eyes, she recognized Thomas Salvatore right away.

"Tom?" Elijah asked curiously.

"Severin's brother," she told him.

The foyer filled with more voices. Tom and Severin were more than excited to meet up again.

"Did you come on a taxi?" asked Severin.

"No, a car was sent to pick me up," Tom answered. "I thought you sent it."

"It was me," Zero said as she walked to them. "Welcome, Tom."

Tom smiled. "It's great to see you," he said. "How are you?"

"Better now that you're here to handle Severin," she jested.

Tom laughed. "I knew you'd cause trouble," he said to his brother. Severin stood with a cheeky grin. "Oh, what happened outside?" He pointed out towards the front yard that had the black crater from yesterday.

Severin laughed. "Bonfire gone wrong," he answered as he brought his brother and his luggage inside.

Zero closed the door. "We were just having breakfast," she told him. "Would you like to eat too?"

"I already ate on the flight, but some coffee would be fantastic right now," he said.

Severin looked down at the single duffel bag. "How long you staying for, brother?" he asked.

"Just a few days," he said. "Dad also said to help you out at work."

"You hate going to the company," remarked Severin.

"I do, but dad doesn't know that," he said. "Besides, any excuse that allows me to travel, I take it." The brothers smiled with that familiar mischief.

"Come inside," said Zero. "I'll show you the room you'll be staying in later."

The three of them went to the kitchen where Elijah was cleaning the dishes after he had finished eating.

Zero faced Tom who seemed surprised to see another person in the house. "This is my partner, Elijah," she told him. "He lives here with us too."

Elijah turned upon hearing his name and he dropped the skillet from his hand into the sink. They all jolted from the loud clatter. "Sorry," he groaned and rinsed off the soap that got, well, everywhere. He turned around and faced them. But he looked like a frightened kitten who saw a whole tub of water and knew his impending fate.

"Uh- hi," said Tom with a smile.

"Good morning," Elijah spoke with a tight-lip. He looked at Zero and then at Severin, almost begging them to stop all this. He looked embarrassed to death.

Severin got the message loud and clear and helped out by taking his brother to a seat. He gave a cup of coffee and asked him about the flight. He also asked about everyone back home and if dad was freaking out about this whole thing yet. The brothers were comfortable enough to share their thoughts and opinions.

Zero went to Elijah privately. "He's not gonna hurt you," she whispered. "They're good people."

Elijah held his head down, as he continued to clean like that was the only thing keeping him lucid. "That's not what I'm worried about," he admitted with a low voice for only her to hear.

Zero saw the gleam of pain in this beautiful and kind eyes. "You're worried that you could hurt them," she said. Elijah had no answer, only the pained expression and burning eyes. "You won't do that because if you were capable of that, I would not have brought you here."

"I am capable of a lot, Zero," he said, "and that includes hurting innocent lives. I did it for years."

Zero put her hand on his arm where the wound was. "You also protect," she said. "I'm going to teach you how to fight to protect and not to survive."

"I don't think I know the difference anymore," he whispered.

Zero looked at the Salvatore brother's laughing over their coffee cups. "It took me a lot of time to learn that too," she said. "But I guarantee you, that you will learn one day." She patted his back supportively and joined the brothers.

"Tom, we're heading out today," she said. "I had to take Severin somewhere."

Thomas looked surprised at her than at his brother. "Don't let me hold you back," he said.

"No, actually it would be great if you could come too, if you're not too tired that is," she clarified.

Tom nodded. "Sure," he said. "But can I freshen up before we head out?"

"Of course," she said. "Let me take you to your room."

They both went and she showed him the bedroom near hers. He wasn't fussy or overwhelmed by the new space, in fact, he seemed comfortable. Zero wondered if it had to do with Severin being here with him, which allowed him to relax in the new house.

"Get comfortable, freshen up," she said. "We're waiting for you downstairs."

"Wait Zero," he called out for her. "Thank you, for everything. I really appreciate what you're doing for my brother and I."

Zero smiled. "It's no problem," she said before she closed the door and returned to the first floor.

Elijah and Severin were in the living room now. Severin seated on the couch, lounging in a casual suit with no tie or vest, like he usually had on. This time he simply wore a black suit and white linen shirt, buttons undone at the top and his perfect hair tousled to sit back in classy waves. The hues of gold mixed with the darker bronze made his hair appear sun-kissed, she had an urge to feel the softness under her own hands. Over the scent of his exclusively tailored suit, she sensed his deep scent and felt the fragrance enrich her body. He was perfect, beyond words because they weren't enough to explain his allure, that was entirely wicked.

Severin looked up like he sensed her staring. He smirked and she was glad that her hand was on the railing, otherwise it was a nasty fall if she slipped.

"Be careful," he warned smugly.

Zero kissed her teeth at him. "I'm always careful," she said.

"I can tell when you're lying, remember?" he mocked.

Zero crossed her arms and stood behind them. He really was testing her patience or was he just too confident in his ability to get away with anything. He definitely knew that she couldn't hurt a hair on his head. And it wasn't just because of Wayne. But now, she had another force compelling her to never hurt him.

Elijah got to his feet when she heard shuffling of feet behind her. Zero turned and saw Tom rushing downstairs after freshening up. He was in a black hoodie, leather jacket and jeans, which was quite casual for the youngest Salvatore.

"Let's go," he said.

Zero nodded. "Should we take separate cars or a van?" she asked.

"One car, please," said Severin. "It's not fun if we're not all together."

They all went to the garage and got in the Range Rover together. Zero got into the driver's seat, Severin sat in the back with his brother and Elijah sat with her. She was sure that Severin already knew that Elijah was shy around strangers. So, he got rid of that awkward divide by sitting smack in the middle.

Tom and Severin kept Zero engaged with their easy chatter. But Zero's eyes kept shifting to check on Elijah who sat in the seat, with his head turned to the side looking out the large window. He didn't talk nor did he give any glimpse of interest. Zero just hoped that he'd loosen up and maybe the Salvatore brothers could help him with that.

After a long drive up a winding path towards the upper ring of the city, they arrived at a secluded area in the forest. The large fields were acres long and she drove along the dirt path for quite a while. They finally approached a large building, that was bright and free. The place was bustling with kids and others that worked here.

"Where are we?" Severin asked her.

Zero drove up to the gates, that opened upon her arrival. "Maya's Sanctuary," she said.

All three of them men craned their necks to get a better look. So, she quickly drove up and parked the car. They all got out of the car and rounded the hood to stand in front of this unfamiliar place. A white building had a courtyard and was a simple structure, nothing too extravagant because Zero thought it was best to keep this place efficient and simple for the people that lived here.

"What is this?" asked Tom. "A school?"

Zero came out of the car last and came to them. "Yes," she said as she closed car's door. "This place is a school, a home and even a place to just get some warm food." She looked at their befuddled expressions. "Your father helped me build this sanctuary when I met him."

"Zero!" A boisterous voice interrupted them.

Zero recognized the short boy with tanned skin, light caramel hair and green eyes. "Diego," she said. The boy ran to her in small shorts and a muddy t-shirt, which probably happened when he played on the field. He lunged into her arms and she hoisted him up. "How are you?" she asked.

Diego always held a soft smile, but his front tooth was missing which was normal for a kid his age. "I'm fine but we missed you," he astounded. "Why did you take so long to visit?"

"I'm sorry, honey," she said as she fixed his ruffled hair. "I had to bring some important friends with me for you all to meet."

His eyes beamed brighter than the sun out today. "Let me go tell everyone!" He wiggled out of her arms and ran back.

"I didn't take you as someone who liked kids," commented Severin who was beside her.

She smiled at him. "I love kids," she said. "They make me feel alive."

"Hmm, I am at your service then," teased Severin.

Zero couldn't look at his smug grin, it embarrassed her too much.

"Zero!" More voices came and more feet ran out following them.

She braced for the impact as she bent down and a whole bunch of pups ran straight into her open arms. She fell back from the weight and laughed when they all went down with her. They didn't mind it though. She hugged them all and made sure that none of them got hurt in the fall.

"We weren't expecting you today," another voice came from the front door. It was the one who Zero chose to run this establishment. The tall man with light brown hair and blue eyes appeared.

"I decided to surprise you," she said, as she got to her feet and helped the kids too. "I also brought friends."

The man in front of her was Darren Romero. He was a slave fighter just like Elijah who freed himself and built a life where he spent years helping people like him. Zero met him when she investigated a mission near his home-town. He gave her intel and helped with the mission too.

Darren was younger than most of them, but the maturity in his eyes fooled many from his boyish looks. However, most would never think from seeing Darren's kind eyes, that he ever went through anything remotely rough. Darren was a good man, and he was the perfect choice she had to run this sanctuary.

"Darren, this is Wayne Salvatore's sons," she said. "Severin and Thomas Salvatore." She looked at the brothers now. "This is Darren Romero. He runs the sanctuary."

Darren's eyes widened and he was baffled to meet the infamous kids, that Wayne told him about. "It's great to finally meet you two," he said as he held his hand out to them.

Severin and Tom were happy to meet him and they asked a bunch of questions straightaway. Zero looked at Elijah who had a bewildered expression as he saw exactly what Zero wanted to show to him. Darren had a denim shirt on, sleeves rolled up and the collar open to show his neck. Both areas that matched Elijah, and it was clear with no misinterpretations because slave markings weren't confused with other tattoos.

Zero noticed Elijah's skin go pale when he eyed the barbed wire cuts around Darren's neck and the angry four hundred and fifty-seven carved into the flesh too. Same markings were on his wrists and both Zero and Elijah knew that the marking continued on his ankles too.

Darren proceeded to take them inside and he ushered all the kids to return to their classes before their teachers got mad. The kids groaned but scuttled inside before Darren could ask again, he never needed to, since the kids were so well-behaved.

Zero looked at Elijah. "Aren't you coming?" she asked. Severin and Tom turned as well to see that Elijah stayed beside the car.

"No, I'll just wait here," he said.

"Come on Elijah, don't be shy," said Severin.

"It's just a bit stuffy. You go on ahead," he said before he walked away onto the large field. His hands tucked into his pants and his feet were quick to create distance.

"Is he okay?" Tom asked warily.

"I wish I had an answer," replied Zero. She went inside first. "Darren, bring me Diego and his buddies."

Darren called out for the rowdy pups and they couldn't run out of their class fast enough. Zero bent down to the five kids who had anticipation written all over their faces.

"Can you do me a favour?" she asked them.

Diego's green eyes bloomed with confidence. "Sure," he said.

"I have a friend and he needs someone to show him the fields," she told them. "But he's really shy and needs your help."

Diego exchanged a wilful look with his friends. "We can do that," he said.

The five kids rushed outside and Diego call another friend of his from another class before he ran out too, but the kid he called didn't follow him, Zero wondered if it was because he was too shy. She briefly caught a glimpse of the slender boy at his lonesome desk.

"Are you sure about this?" Severin asked her softly.

Zero got to her feet. "Not really," she said before she looked at Darren. "Let's begin the tour."

Darren took them around the massive sanctuary. They walked around the quiet school since everyone was still in class, the small kids watched the teacher at the front scribble on the greenish black board. The only thing she was familiar with at that age were dark alleys and lonely nights.

"What's wrong?" Severin asked as she found herself standing still.

Looking up to his grim, she smiled, "Nothing." He crossed his arms and stood sternly in front of her. "All of this is unfamiliar to me." She motioned around her.

"You didn't attend school?" he asked.

"Never got the chance," she said. "There was a lot I missed while trying to earn a living." She shrugged her shoulders.

"School's boring anyways," he reassured. "You didn't miss anything."

Zero couldn't help but smile when she realized that he was trying to cheer her up.

They continued down the large corridor where they ended up in the grand hall. Many kids and teachers with other residents had gathered for a break. Many saw her and were about to get out of their seats but she waved at them to stay seated and relax. However, through the long wooden tables, a bubbly woman scampered through. Zero knew right away from the bright white dress, preppy heels and cotton-candy pink hair who that woman was.

"Zero!" Hagen ran up with open arms. She jumped at Zero and hugged her.

Zero hugged the woman who even smelt like cotton-candy. "Hi, Hagen," she said. "How've you been?"

Hagen pulled back, her big brown eyes gleaming. "I'm perfect," she said and looked at Darren. "Why didn't you tell us that she was coming!" she scolded him. "We haven't prepared anything special."

"It's fine, Hagen," said Zero. "This is Severin and Thomas Salvatore, they've come to see the sanctuary."

Hagen gaped. "Salvatore," she said, "as in Wayne Salvatore?"

"Yes, Hagen," added Darren.

Hagen put her hands over her pink lips. "How embarrassing," she muttered before she smiled at the brothers. "I'm Hagen, it's wonderful to meet you. I am a therapist and Zero's most trusted employee." She shook their hands too.

Zero laughed at her bold claim, which wasn't a lie. Hagen worked really well with all the members at this establishment, especially the kids. "Oh, where's Tyler?" she asked.

Hagen flushed at the name of her mate. They both met at this sanctuary and their wedding even took place here, it was a lot of fun. Tyler was the exact opposite of Hagen. Black was that man's only shade. No colour and he definitely didn't smell like candy. However, Zero had never seen a mated couple more suited for one another.

"Tyler's training kids downstairs," said Hagen. "I will call him right away." Hagen dashed off in search of her mate.

"She drives me insane," said Darren.

Zero laughed. "You've really got it handled here, Darren," she prided.

"So, how did you convince dad into this?" Severin asked her as they continued the tour. "Dad never trusted charitable causes before since the money never ends up where you think it will."

"I was thinking the same," said Tom.

Zero didn't know how to answer that, since she never really thought about it. "I just asked him and he agreed," she said. "That's all."

Severin and Tom shared a pensive look. "Dad has grown soft," said Tom, as he walked down a longer hall with Darren who showed the newer, remodelled classrooms.

Severin joined her side. "It seems the entire Salvatore family is infatuated with you," he whispered to her.

Zero look at his bewildered. "What do you mean?" she knew what he meant, just couldn't believe it.

"Dad who never trusts anyone with his money, gives it to you with full trust," explained Severin. "Tom never opens up to new people, but he likes you. And well, I've been bewitched by you since the night we met."

Zero lost her breath to his charming eyes.

"Hey, you guys coming," Darren shouted from the front.

Severin and Zero continued down the path, and the more the news spread of who had arrived. A lot of the teachers and employees come to greet them.

Zero had hand-picked each one of the workers herself. She didn't like leaving that task to another person, because she needed to meet the individual who she was going to employ personally. Wayne always helped her too, but now it seemed Severin and Tom were more than willing to help out as well.

Darren showed the training room downstairs, the large courtyard which was Zero's favourite place since she built the place. There was nothing but nature surrounding them and she knew that everyone that came here looked for a safe place. She assured that the green fields, small lake and the oak tables were more than enough to heal anyone that came here.

This was Maya's Sanctuary and it wasn't Zero's project anymore. A lot more people worked day and night to keep this place running to help others in need. Zero may have built this home, but it was the devotion of the workers that made it prosper. What more could Zero ask for.

She started this vendetta, but many others carried it out with the passion to help others in their hearts too. And Zero never claimed to be the smartest here, there were a lot more competent people, like Wayne, Darren, Hagen, her mate Tyler and everyone else, and now Severin and Tom.

The tour ended and it was time to go back home. They arrived at the front again where their car was parked. Severin and Tom were busy with Hagen and Tyler had arrived too.

"Thank you for showing us around Darren, even though I know how busy you are," said Zero.

Darren smiled happily. "No problem," he said. "I'm glad you decided to pop in. Everyone loves to see you, especially the kids."

"I love them too," she said when her eye caught a small boy standing secretly at the door. "Who is that?" she asked and remembered the boy from earlier that Diego called out to.

Darren looked around and the boy hid behind the door. "Oh, that's one of the pups you rescued recently," he said with a grave look. "He keeps to himself a lot. The only one that even gets the boy to speak is Hagen."

"His name?" asked Zero.

"He doesn't have one," said Darren. "Hagen has been working with him to choose one, but he doesn't give any response."

Zero saw the large crowd that gathered outside to talk to Severin and Tom, so she knew they would entertained until she helped this kid. "Keep an eye on them," she said to Darren pointing at the two brothers before she walked away towards the kid.

However, the pup's eyes widened and he panicked when she came closer. Zero saw how he looked around to escape but was left dumbfounded when his feet didn't move.

Zero reached him and she met his emerald eyes. She squatted down to his height, which wasn't much compared to the other kids. He was bones under that baggy black shirt and shorts, he didn't fill out the small shirt. His hands clung onto the door, his knuckles pale as they strained and all she saw were the flesh wounds on his pale skin, that left too many scars. She wondered how many he had hidden away in his heart.

"Hi," she said. "I'm Zero."

"I- I know," his voice was a soft caress, nothing energetic like the other kids.

Zero had never seen such deep green eyes before, the colour was as dark as pine trees but flecks of gold swan amongst the deep shade. His cheeks were a bit hallowed, his skin too translucent and he had dark circles under his eyes, which was probably because he didn't sleep much- that reminded her a bit of Elijah.

"Do you remember me?" she asked.

He nodded and his black-matted hair moved around his forehead. "You opened my cage," he whispered and looked down at his new shoes.

"Yes, I did. You want to tell me your name?" she asked wondering what he'd say.

However, he looked at her with sheer panic in his eyes. "I- I," he started to breath harder. "I don't-" his lips dried and he moved away.

Zero put her hands out in front of him. "I won't hurt you," she reassured and he slightly calmed. "Now, Darren tells me you can't pick a name. Is that true?"

As the boy searched his brain for an answer, she inspected the other wounds on him. She saw the new slave marks on his skin, but since he was young they'd heal and hopefully vanish as he got older.

"Hagen said I need one," he muttered. "But I don't know what a name means?"

Zero's heart sank, she saw herself in this kid. "Well, a name is your identity," she said. "What do you want this world to know you by?"

The boy shrank back. "I don't really like this world," he said.

She laughed. "What about me?" she said. "You don't like me either?"

The boy's eyes grew bigger. "No, I like you," he said. "I like Hagen too."

"Then for us, you need to choose a name," she said. "So, we can call you one of us."

The boy blinked and realized that he never thought about it like that. "I don't know," he said as he hid his eyes behind his unruly hair.

Zero looked at this very rare and precious boy who charmed his way into her heart. "Ender," she said. The boy looked at her confused. "Is that name okay?" she asked.

"Ender," he repeated.

"It means rare and precious," she said as she put her hand on his cheek.

"Why would you choose that for me?" he asked.

Zero smiled at him. "Well, Ender, you are a child that survived the impossible," she told him. "I think that makes you very rare and undoubtedly precious. Don't you?"

Zero didn't mean to, but the boy's big eyes filled with fat tears and he started to cry. She gathered his small form into her arms and carried him outside for some fresh air.

She had just stepped out when her senses caught that deep rose scent. She looked back and it was Severin standing right outside the door. He was leaning on the wall, his arms crossed and his eyes wet.

"You okay?" she asked as she saw the sadness around him. "What's wrong?" she was about to hit whoever the hell upset him.

Severin walked over and hugged her and Ender. He didn't seem to care that the others were watching either. He squeezed her tightly and made sure that Ender was in his arms too.

"You're squeezing me too tight, Severin," she choked out.

"Deal with it," he said.

Zero put her hand on his back and realized that he must have heard what just happened with the boy in her arms.

Severin let go and helped her bring Ender onto his feet again after he cooled down. She took the kid to Darren and told him, that he chose a name. Darren, Hagen and Tyler were all stunned that she had done the impossible.

More voices rolled in and it seemed Diego brought Elijah back safely after showing the school. Ender ran to his friends and he told them what happened. Diego was beyond horrified that Zero never chose him a name and demanded one too. But Zero couldn't beat his name, Diego suited the young kid too much.

"How was it?" Zero asked Elijah.

Elijah was a lot less tense. "Did you send the kids?" he asked her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she played it off, but he didn't buy it. "Alright, we should head home."

Severin and Tom were less enthusiastic to leave, but they had to call their father and ask him how this all happened. Zero waved everyone off and told them that they didn't need to see them off, but Darren and everyone else stayed until Zero got in the car last and drove off.

They all waved until her car was far, but she saw them through the rear-view mirror waving happily. She rolled her window down and waved one last time.

They drove for a while, returning to the busy city streets, that had a lot more traffic than usual. Many streets had been closed off because the carnival for Thanksgiving and Halloween had begun. Zero was about to turn the car around and take the longer route home.

"Wait," Severin stopped her. "Let's park the car and get lunch here."

Zero met his eager eyes in the mirror. "Are you sure?" she asked. "We can go to a restaurant so it's more comfortable."

Severin unbuckled his seatbelt. "Why when we can get a lot more here," he said. "Hurry, park the car."

Zero parked the car at a remote area. They all got out and walked a few blocks down the streets to the carnival, which was busy and cheery. Music was playing, shops were open and customers were everywhere.

There were pumpkins along the path and tons of ghosts hanging off the lanterns, which were swaying in the light breeze. The air carried the aroma of warm cinnamon, pumpkin spices, candy and chocolate, her stomach growled from the smell alone. Now, that she was here, Zero was ready to eat everything. She reached her back pocket and approved that she had her wallet.

"Let's do this," said Zero, Elijah following too, ready for it all.

"I'm guessing these two never came to a carnival before," said Tom making Severin laugh.

All of them first went to the pumpkin pie stand before anything else. Elijah got some vanilla frosted and cranberry brownies to-go after they finished eating. As they walked down the long winding street, they got coffee and ate crispy fries with cheese. Severin got extra slices of pizza to share with her, which surprised that he knew what she liked.

"Oh, let's play that next," Tom said eagerly.

Zero looked over her pizza slice and followed Tom' finger to the shooting-range game where kids were huddled around playing for plushies. She saw the massive ghost plushie in one of the children's arms and just needed to have one too. Zero quickly ate and she was sure the other saw her eagerness. Severin laughed at her but he was just as eager to play too.

They finished eating and walked across to the game. The four of them towered over the small stall and the kids moved back.

"Alright, what are the rules?" Zero asked the employee as she handed the five-dollar fee.

The dull kid who looked as if his mom forced him to work looked at her confused. "You take the gun there and shoot the red targets," he explained with a sigh. "If you knock three down, then you get one toy. But if you hit six then you get the bigger toy."

Zero lifted the plastic black gun, that probably shot white plastic BB bullets. She eyed the toy before lifted it and pushed the red button to begin the game.

That was when she realized that the game was rigged. The targets wouldn't fall unless you hit it a few times costing her the little ammo she had paid for. However, as Zero knocked down the first five, she noticed that straight shots right in the centre of the target knocked it down faster. In seconds, she moved around the moving targets, hitting the centre each time. Each target fell and the game ended with thirty kills, no survivors. She put the gun down and looked at the stunned employee.

"How many toys do I get?" she asked.

"I think it's five," said Severin with a chuckle.

Zero looked at the collection and saw the toys. "Can I get the ghost, the bat, the bunny, the candy-corn and the cat."

The employee simply did as he was told and grabbed the big plushies to give it to her. She grabbed all five and distributed it between the four of them. She gave Elijah the cat, Tom the bunny and Severin got the bat. She kept the cute ghost all to herself. She held the candy-corn in her free hand and looked at the little girl standing with her older brother who waited to play next. Zero went over and handed the kid the toy and she gasped in excitement.

"That's not fair, I wanted the bat," complained Tom.

"Too bad," Severin gloated and waved it in his brother's face.

"And I need a drink," said Zero. She spotted an apple cider stall, that was selling large brews of it.

They went off, but Tom and Elijah stayed back at the game stall, it seemed Elijah was going to give it a go this time. Severin and Zero got a three glasses of cold apple cider and she enjoyed it since she was thirsty after all the salty and fried food.

"This is good but Beyer's was something else," she said to Severin.

"Let me try?" he asked as he faced her.

Zero stared at him. "You're holding two cups in your hand right now," she pointed out.

"These are for the others," he said. "Just give me one sip."

Zero sighed and held up her glass, he put his mouth on the straw and took a sip. "Hmm, it's good," he said. "A little bit too sweet."

Zero frowned in confusion. "I actually think it's not that sweet," she said as she tried it again and confirmed that she was right.

"Maybe because it's your cup," said Severin, as he leaned in and kissed her lips. "See, so sweet." He walked off and gave the drinks to the others.

Zero was left flabbergasted once again. How many times was this man going to steal her heart? She had no idea when he was going to pull his charm on her, and he always knew when she had lowered her guard to do it. She was about to take a sip but realized that his mouth was on it, which made her undeniably self-conscious, which was impossible. Why the hell would she be bashful? What a joke! Zero forced herself to finish the drink and go back to the group again.

Elijah had won three toys and he handed all the bats to Tom before he grabbed the drink and joined Zero.

Soon after, the sun was setting on them and the lanterns in the air, which were hung in a zig-zag pattern lightened up the dark sky. They entered a few shops to buy new wardrobe pieces. Tom and Severin helped Elijah pick new clothes essentials that he needed and the brothers made sure to buy something for themselves too. Zero noticed that Elijah picked up a few pieces that weren't turtlenecks, which made her happy, because it meant that he was getting better right.

At the end, they quickly dropped everything off to the car before they continued the carnival.

They were about to exit off the street when Zero saw a dark house playing spooky Halloween music. A colourful clown stood at the entrance of the door and a neon sign which said; 'Haunted House' and then, "Enter if you Dare'.

"Let's do that," Severin said when he saw it too.

"Er- no," said Tom who had pumpkin headband on and unwrapped chocolate bar. He was eating as they walked. Elijah was eating a miniature Kit-Kat too.

"We should," said Zero. "I've never been to one."

"Okay, now we have to do it," urged Severin. "It'll be fun, Tom. And you have Elijah to protect you." Severin grabbed all of them and pushed them to the house where the clown greeted them.

"Stay on the straight path," the clown laughed creepily as fake blood oozed out of his mouth. "Don't wander or else you might get lost forever."

Zero was impressed by the ambience, for the weak hearted this was crazy scary. The lights flashed all different colours as they entered into the house. Ahead of them were other visitors and their screams echoed through the house. Fog clouded around all four of them, that they couldn't see their own feet. They passed the first hall which was just rows of fake statues, then they went through a broken door when everything went black and neon red.

"Severin, hurry up," Tom whispered.

"Something touched my foot," Severin added as his hands clung onto Zero's arm.

"That was me, idiot," said Tom.

"Where do we go?" Elijah asked.

Zero was at the front, so she saw the red arrow pointing to the next door. She was just about to tell them that they were getting close, when suddenly, a woman dressed in white and had long black hair turned and ran straight towards them. Zero's ears filled with Severin and Tom who started to scream. Severin grabbed onto Zero and Tom held Elijah. All of them ran through the next door trying to avoid the creepy haunted girl.

When they safely escaped, they faced each other in a shaggy old hallway, that had broken chairs and flickering light-bulbs swinging around.

"That was a close one," huffed Severin. "My heart can't take this."

"Whose idea was this?" Tom said. "We should turn back."

"I don't think that's possible," said Elijah nonchalantly.

They looked back and the girl from before was still following them with her hands out.

"Oh my god!" Tom cried out and they ran again.

They bombarded through the next door, when suddenly, a freakishly large man ran at them with white mask and loud and rusty chainsaw. Severin and Tom screamed louder and Zero laughed as she ran with them to the other exit.

Breathless, they ended up in a dark classroom, where the desks were perfectly aligned and, in each seat, sat a figurine covered with a white cloth. Nothing made a sound or any sign of movement. Zero stood with the three men around her and the exit on the other side teasing them to go through.

"Guys, I've seen this in movies all the time. One of them definitely moves," whispered Severin.

"What if all of them move?" Tom said in sheer panic.

"No, I'm pretty sure it's one or two," added Zero.

"How do we know which one?" asked Elijah.

"Tom, throw something at one of them," suggested Severin.

"Why me?" Tom astounded. "Elijah should do it."

"Maybe, we should turn around," Elijah advised.

"We can't, that girl is still behind us," said Severin.

They all looked and through the open door, they saw the haunted girl lingering at the door.

"Okay, we just need to walk through," said Zero. "No big deal."

She moved first and the other three moved right away too. Walking in a straight line through the tight path, they held hands and made sure to move slowly. Suddenly, the line stopped when Tom froze.

"Uh, guys," he called out to them.

"Hurry up, Tom," chided Severin.

They all turned to see Tom, when they saw what had him frozen in fear. A small figure with the white cloth was standing directly behind Tom. Abruptly, all the figures stood up and shook their desks.

"They were all real!" shouted Tom.

All of them ran as fast as they could to get away from that spine-chilling classroom. They toppled into the last room, which revealed the main exit door.

"The exit is right there," Severin breathed out in relief. "We made it."

"I hate this," said Tom as he used his knees to support himself and he breathed calmly.

Zero laughed at them. "This is actually fun," she said.

"Is that supposed to be moving?" Elijah caught their attention with that question.

They looked up at what he pointed at. A figure behind some glass swayed, it looked like a tall woman dressed as a dead nun. She was smiling with black teeth and her eyes were glowing yellow.

"Damn, she's freaky," whispered Severin.

"Is it just me or is she getting closer," said Zero.

"Don't scare me guys," added Tom.

"That's not glass," said Elijah. "It looks like a mirror." Severin reached over and right away it was proven that it was a mirror when his head showed on it.

"Fuck," cursed Tom.

All four of them turned and saw the horrifying nun running straight at them from the back. They bolted straight to the main exit door and toppled outside into the night air. Their sweat cooled and they were heaving for air. The nun turned back as soon as they touched the grass, like she was forbidden to follow outside, which they were grateful for.

"We never do this again," protested Tom.

Severin laughed. "I was convinced that that nun was going to kill us," he said.

"I thought those kids in that class would do it first," added Elijah.

"Those kids will haunt me every day," Tom looked ready to faint.

"How was it?" They all screamed again and turned only to find one of the workers standing in front of them.

"It was great," said Zero.

"Thank you," he smiled at them. "Please, visit again."

"Nope, never happening," said Tom who couldn't get away fast enough.

Zero guessed that this was it for the night. She checked the time and it was nearing nine o'clock at night. They should probably return home. All of them walked back to the car and Zero started the engine to drive back home.

She turned away from the streets and got onto the freeway, she zipped down the free roads, which she found a bit strange. But then, she saw a few cars behind her so she let it go.

She looked at everyone in the car and they looked exhausted, especially Tom whose been travelling all day. Zero pressed on the gas racing home, when she noticed that the cars behind her picked up speed too.

Zero's gut twisted and right away she knew something wasn't right. Her eyes assessed the black cars, that had no plates on the front. She guessed that they were tailing her, probably since the carnival.

"You okay?" Severin asked her suddenly.

Zero realized that she probably held a scary expression right now. "We have a problem," she said and that was when Elijah opened his eyes.

"What is it?" Elijah asked.

"We're being tailed," she said.

All three of them turned and spotted the cars tailing them now.

"Are you kidding," said Tom. "I've had enough scares for one day." He groaned as he fell back against the seats next to Elijah.

Zero put her foot on the pedal and picked up speed. She raced through the empty street, which was probably their doing too. But, Zero realized that this empty street was to her advantage.

"Elijah," her tone stern, "there is a trunk behind you. Reach over and give me the top case." She looked at Severin. "I need you to get on the driver's seat, can you do that?" He nodded and since the car was big, she was able to lift off and switch with Severin. He slipped onto the driver's side and pressed on the race after she let go.

Elijah passed her the large case, she unlocked the pin and her loaded rifle revealed itself. The three of them gaped at her, but she couldn't help keeping a few weapons in every car for times like this. She grabbed the rifle and turned on the seat.

"Eyes on the road, Severin," she reminded before she lowered the window and climbed out with her body hanging out. Wind hit her body from every direction, the gun was in her grasp as she took aim. Zero shot three times and the car behind them fell in the ditch. She reloaded quickly and shot again. The shots blared in the empty streets and both cars flipped over once she popped their tires. Zero climbed back into the car, she handed the rifle to Elijah.

"This is ridiculous," astounded Severin.

"I need speed, baby," she told him. "Pick up after the curve." She saw the open road curved and Severin did as he was told. He drove swiftly around the curve and got onto the straight road.

Zero sat down again, her eyes stayed outside as she view the empty road behind her. No more cars, but something wasn't right. That was when she saw the light posts in front of them turned off and a car drove right towards them.

"That car is definitely not on the right side," astonished Tom.

Zero growled with a feral intent to spill blood herself. "Stop the car, Severin," she gritted out.

Severin looked at her concern. "What are you going to do?" he asked.

Zero's reloaded the rifle in front of him. "Stop the car," she said and he did.

The car jerked as it came to a hard stop, and Zero jumped out. She came right in front of the car racing straight to her. She aimed and waited until the car was close enough. The others got out of the car too and moved off the road.

Zero released the trigger and shot until the front glass shattered, she walked ahead and killed the men in the car now leaving the driver alive. She shot the tire next and the car flipped, missing her by a hair. The metal cut the ground and glass shattered everywhere.

Zero went to the car and she pulled the driver out by his throat. She flung the frail body onto the pavement, her rifle at his head and he couldn't even run because his legs were crushed.

"Who sent you?" she asked, but he was too busy crying out in pain. Zero pressed the end of her rifle at his head. "I won't ask again."

"Reaper," he grumbled through broken and bloody teeth.

Zero shot the head without hesitation. And the only thing she worried about was that Severin saw her like this... once again.

Suddenly, the air changed when through the massacre of cars, a man on a motorcycle that was just like the one she had appeared.

Zero walked onto the street facing the man in front of her. A man stood tall and proud, the night masked his face. But it was clear from the way she could not see his eyes or mouth, that he wore a mask. His bulky physique hid behind black armour, metal everywhere so her bullets would be no use here.

"What do you want?" she asked.

The man laughed, the sound slithered across her body. "I want to make an example out of you," he announced.

Zero stiffened. "Why?"

"A woman the world declared their hero, is in fact, a worthless child who makes up for her murderous nature by calling it justice," he said.

Zero went quiet.

"You're lying to the world," he continued. "I think it's time I revealed the truth behind your mask. The disgust that I see in your eyes should be revealed to your followers."

"And what about you?" asked Zero. 

The man lifted his rifle and leaned it on his shoulder. "I am not a liar like you," he said. "I am no hero. But I am the villain to you Zero. You are my target."

"You want to kill me?"

He scoffed. "No, that's too kind," he believed. "I want to make you cry. I want to make you bleed and beg before I kill you."

"You're a bit late for that," she remarked. "I've already spent a lot of my life doing that. Those days are behind me." He went quiet and it was clear that he had scowled under that mask. "I got bored with crying and begging. I think you and I have that in common."

"You and I are nothing alike," he snarled as he pointed the end of his gun at her. "The games have started," he said. "But first I'm going to take back what you cost me."

A shot blared, and then another one.

Zero felt them pierce the muscle of her shoulder and gut. She growled and fell back but made sure to stay on her feet. She glared at the man as he got on his bike and rushed off. But her other arm was still working fine, if he wanted to live, he should have hit both arms.

Zero lifted the rifle and shot once directly for his unguarded head. The man fell off the bike and hit the hard concrete. But something told her that this wasn't end.

"Zero," Severin rushed to her. "We need to get you to a hospital."

"I'm fine," she said as blood pooled under her clothes.

"No, you're not," he astonished.

"Elijah, get them both in the car," she said and the man did as she told him. Severin was reluctant and forced himself to help her.

He held her as she walked up to the man dead on the street. She kicked away his weapon and peeled of the mask, but she saw an ordinary face and a Bluetooth piece attached to his ear.

"Oh god," Severin whinged as he closed his eyes and looked away.

Zero understood why he was afraid to look, the sight was truly disgusting. The man behind the mask had his lips stitched shut, unable to speak. But he had a speaker on his suit where she guessed the voice came from earlier. Zero lifted the Bluetooth and held it up to her, when she heard raspy breathing through it.

"Some game you played," she said.

The same voice laughed again. "I'm just getting started," he goaded. "You won't see me coming, Zero. This is your end."

The line cut.

Zero got to her feet, her arm felt sore and heavy but it was flesh wounds, nothing she couldn't handle. She looked at the gruesome face dead on the ground and then at the three lives around her.

"Let's go home," she gritted out. "I need a fucking drink."