The next month flew by. For the first week, Nisha discovered that being on 'duty' with Quentin meant that Jack had to act like who he was. While she was at school, he had to be the 'Lord of the Winter', alongside his father. As soon as she came home though, he was usually free of his duties and super excited to see her. At first she had found it incredibly annoying, but at some point, she had begun to look forward to his boundless energy. He was always just so happy and chipper. It was hard to keep him in one place for very long. The only place he seemed to return to, again and again, was her side. And she still wasn't quite sure how to feel about that.

But it was difficult to try and look up ways to get back to the Human world with Jack hanging around so close.

School followed a very similar, though much more normal fashion, to her first day. Little by little she began to realize that seeing the other students in their true forms frightened her less. Little by little it was becoming less strange to her to see people walking about who were obviously not human on the streets after school. Little by little she was understanding this world better. Though she wasn't sure if she was accepting it or not.

What scared her most were the very faint, strange dreams she would have once a week or so. They were a lot like the dream that she had been experiencing the entire week leading up to her seventeenth birthday. There was a lot of snow, a lot of vagueness, a lot of cold. But, the one she had most recently had seemed a little clearer.

She's standing in a forest, though she doesn't know where. Standing beside a stream bank, watching the water go by in slow streams. A noise makes her look up and she sees a little boy standing on the other side of the stream. She can't make out any details though, just that seeing him fills her with happiness. "-i...-o!" she calls out, raising her hands above her head in a large wave. "Ov...here!"

The boy smiles and begins to walk forward. "Ni...a...I've be...ing..."

Then Nisha wakes up and she can't remember any more. The voices had been very clear to her, but also very faint and uncertain as well. She couldn't recall any details about the boy, not even the sound of his voice.

A few times Alec or Peri had asked to come over and help with her studies, but Nisha feared the reaction of Jack or his family. So she had politely turned them down. They had both seemed a little startled by that, but hadn't pressed the issue, which she was grateful for.

All in all, her life was going pretty smoothly. Especially since she was in a completely different world than she had lived in all of her life.

But everything came to a head when she found out she was expected to attend a dinner party.

"Nisha, it is not just a dinner party. It is the dinner party until December. We'll be going for the autumn equinox and as Jack's betrothed, you are required to go as well. As will you, Grace," Glacia glanced at her across the dinner table.

Grace let out a soft sound very near fear. But after a few seconds, she lowered her head. "Alright. I pray all will go well."

"Don't worry," Jack tried to reassure them. "All you'll have to do is keep smiling and stand beside us. When people come up to greet you, just keep smiling and you'll both do fine. It's no biggie. It's really easy, honestly. There's also a dance part, which Nisha and I will have to practice to do, as that will be expected. But you won't have to worry about it, Nana."

Nisha felt dizzy, but saw no way out of it. So, for the next four days, after school, she had dance lessons with Jack. It felt strange, being held close to his body as they twirled around to music. She both liked and feared it. She felt like...slowly but surely, more and more of her control, her life was slipping directly into Jack's hands. And now she was worried that perhaps she didn't even mind anymore. That scared her most of all...

The day of the event arrived. School had been off, though it was a Friday, and Nisha had spent the entire day with the only other females in her life, including Peri. Evidently this event was a royal-exclusive type of thing and that included Peri. So once she found out that Nisha would be spending the entire day before the event began shopping and prepping, she had insisted she come as well. So now all five of them were in a very fancy boutique, trying on dresses.

Nisha finally settled on a very simple gown of pale red and pink, reaching to the floor and flowing out like a waterfall all around her. The straps ended at her elbows, with a pair of soft white gloves to complete the ensemble. She wore her two necklaces, like always, underneath the dress. The cut was modest though, showing almost no cleavage at all, which suited her just fine. But she didn't want to wear wintry colors, like she knew Glacia wanted her to. Glacia and Millie both had on outfits that suited royal yuki-onna. Grace chose a very simple and modest gown as well, of a deep midnight blue. Peri was rocking it out in hot pink and black.

They spent the next five hours getting their hair, feet, hands, and makeup done. By the time it was over, Nisha was sure the amount of money that had been spent could have fed two countries in her world for a year.

Seven o'clock came and it was time to pile into the limo with the rest of the family, after waving goodbye to Peri and heading back. Once the women were dressed, they met the men in the entrance hall. Nisha was a little surprised to find the looks of utter shock from all three men that were directed at her. She blushed, the shade matching her dress perfectly.

Jack stepped forward and gave her his arm. He leaned down into her ear. "You are breathtaking. I knew you were beautiful, but you look so amazing right now I'm really having to fight it. All I want to do right now is sweep you up into my arms and kiss you senseless. I want to nibble on your shoulders and see if they taste as good as I think they do." He pulled back, a wicked grin on his face as he took in her darkening blush.

A throat clearing made him turn his attention from her. She closed her eyes, thankful for the relief of his bright gaze. It had been filled with layers of heat that had made her feel worried and also a little tingly all the way to her toes as well.

"We should head out to the car. Grace, your arm, please." Quentin held out his arm and her grandmother lightly placed hers in his. Without another word, he led the way to the limo. Silently the others followed, Jack and Nisha taking up the rear as he used his powers to block Nisha from the cold. That had apparently been why Quentin had done the same for Grace.

The drive was mostly silent, which seemed to be the normal for this family. Nisha and Grace chatted softly, their heads close together. Jack would join in every now and then, but he too would quickly fall silent, which was odd for him. After an hour they reached their destination, the Autumn Hall. Peri was waiting for them by the doors, waving wildly.

Smiling, Nisha waved back, but she didn't get a chance to talk to her friend. Their party was instantly rushed forward once the servants realized who they were. They were directed forward, toward a large set of double doors that were being held open by two guards. Jack reached out and tucked her arm into his, pulling her closer to him, though he didn't wrap his arm around her shoulder. Ahead of them, she saw his parents do the same thing. They spines were straight, expressions polite and grand. Screwing her face up to try and mimic them, she felt the nerves clench in her stomach.

"Announcing the Lord of Winter, Quentin Frost and his wife, the Lady of Winter, Glacia Frost." The butler who stood right in the doorway spoke in a grand, loud, carrying voice. Nisha could only imagine the reaction the other party-goers had at that. But then it was their turn.

Quickly, she glanced at the butler. "My name is Nisha Caldwell, sir, in case you need it."

The butler didn't even blink, glancing down at a large paper in his hand. "Announcing Lord Jack Frost, the Lord of Winter Heir and his betrothed, Nisha Caldwell."

Jack sent the butler an icy glare at that lacking introduction, but pulled Nisha right along. "C'mon," he muttered. "Into the pool we have to go if we're ever going to get our feet wet."

Nisha gulped, her wide eyes taking in the dizzying, beautiful sights of a ballroom to rival any in the movies. Lights and chandeliers were everywhere. Men in sharp suits, women in dresses that made hers look plain and underdressed. Everywhere she looked it was a feast for the eyes. "W-what if our feet freeze and snap off from the cold?" she stuttered nervously.

Jack eyed her hard. "Hey! I don't plan on freezing anyone today. Stop antagonizing me."

"I'm sorry," she said quickly. Unconsciously, she pressed a little closer to him.

He fought to hide his smile. "Let's just go join my parents. Once our whole family has made it to our own little group, we'll have to go give our thanks to the host of this party. Who, funny enough, happens to be Lord Jeffery Canis, our classmate's father. So I'm sure we'll see him up there on the dais."

Nisha nodded absently, listening to the announcements of the butler. She heard Jacob and Millie. "Announcing Grace Caldwell, grandmother of Nisha Caldwell." She let out a breath of relief. Her grandmother had been really stressed and acting strange as of late, so she had worried her grandmother would try to sneak out at the last second.

It took almost another ten minutes before everyone had all joined up together. Once everyone in the Frost-Caldwell family was present and accounted for, Quentin and Glacia led the way to the front center of the ballroom. Jack tightened his hold around Nisha's arm slightly before following after. When Nisha glanced behind, she saw Jacob and Millie's straight backs and firm smiles. But her grandmother still looked slightly pale, her grey eyes holding just the smallest note of fear as they all continued forward. Nisha returned her attention to the front, but she was still really worried for her grandmother. She didn't know why Grace was so tense and nervous, but there had to be a good reason for it.

They were close enough now that Nisha could see a party of four at the front, seated in miniature throne-like chairs set up slightly higher, on a dais. Alec, then a woman who could only be his mother, the man who must be Jeffery, the host and his father, and an old man at the far right. Quentin and Glacia made it to their hosts and she could hear the soft murmur of their voices. Once Jack's parents began to move further down the line of the Canis family, Jack stepped forward, Nisha on his arm.

Jack bowed low and Nisha hurried to cut a nervous curtsey. A man who looked a lot like how Alec would in another twenty years or so, except with hazel eyes, stared back at her. His wife had ebony black curls with the bright green eyes her son had inherited. "My lord Canis, it is a pleasure to be here today."

Fighting not to stutter, Nisha spoke up, but kept her eyes downcast. "M-my lord, my lady. It's wonderful to meet you."

She heard a soft chuckle. "Don't worry too much, Nisha. My parents won't bite." That made her blink and look up. "See, you should show them your pretty face."

Jeffery's expression slowly paled. She blushed. His hazel eyes began to grow wide, his mouth opening in a soft pant. But two more voices broke through everything else.

First her grandmother suddenly appeared at her elbow. She reached out, dragging her back, tears in her eyes. "No, no, no!"

The old man at the end appeared half a second behind her. He had dark brown hair that was lined with grey and his hazel eyes were overflowing with tears. Without even a second's pause, he let out a great shout. Rising from his seat, he threw himself toward Nisha. "Nicholas!" he cried out, sobbing as if his heart was breaking.

Jack was forced back from the two elderly people who were very nearly fighting over her. She held stock-still, not sure how to react or what to do. The man gathered her into his arms, holding her close like she was a precious treasure. Her grandmother kept sobbing, shaking her head. "No, no, no! I knew we never should have come! Now it's all over!"

Suddenly the elderly man pulled back slightly, gazing down at Nisha's grandmother. "You..." he said faintly, pointing down at her. "You were Nicholas' lover!" Then he seemed to take in the distress Grace was showing. "Oh, don't worry. I'm nothing like Father was. I won't kill either of you. I was never able to forgive him for what he did to Nicholas, even if he had broken the law, and he could never forgive his self. He committed suicide decades ago. No, we must celebrate! Jeffery, I'm sure you realized, but this is your first cousin once removed."

Nisha stared at their entire group in the front with wide eyes. "U-um...excuse me, but what's happening right now?" she asked faintly. "I'm feeling a little...lost." She swayed on her feet slightly. Jack appeared by her side, steadying her.

"I'd like to know as well," he muttered. "What the heck just happened?"

The elderly man glanced around, taking in the festive party all around. So far not many people seemed to have noticed the commotion, as the music was blocking most of the noise. "Let us go somewhere private to discuss. Come along, everyone in the Frost family. You should perhaps be there as well."

Jack helped Nisha follow the others. Jacob, she noticed distantly, helped her grandmother to her feet and took her arm, keeping her steady. And so, everyone in the Canis, Frost, and Caldwell families that were present headed to the back, behind the dais of thrones.

A thick black curtain blocked out a decent amount of the sound and also afforded them a large amount of privacy. Once everyone had been seated, since there were a surprisingly large number of seats back here, the old man cleared his throat. "Let me start off by introducing myself. I am Lionel Canis, Jeffery's father and Alec's grandfather." He pointed to Grace. "That human there was the lover of my older brother, before he passed, Nicholas Canis." He then pointed to Nisha, his hazel eyes sharpening as he did. "And this lovely little lady is the granddaughter of my brother, making her my great niece, Jeffery's first cousin once removed, and Alec's second cousin. You look exactly like Nicholas did, child. There is no doubt in my mind. Especially since I can feel that your grandmother is still carrying a piece of him with her."

Grace let out a sharp gasp, cradling a hand to her breast. "N-no! Don't take it away...it's all I've had left of him, for these many years."

Lionel watched her sadly for several seconds. "I will not take it away, Sister." Grace blinked at his name for her. "I know you never married Nicholas, but had he not been killed, I know it would have happened. He loved you greatly, human though you are. I've done my best to live a life I feel he would be proud to have led, in honor of his love and care for humans. As such, I have no qualms viewing either of you as the family that you are. The Other society and prejudices be damned."

Nisha leaned a little into Jack, where he sat next to her on a loveseat. Her world was shattering and changing completely once again. Her entire life was a lie, apparently, and she wasn't sure how to feel about anything right now. "W-wait...please," she begged softly. "S-so what you are saying is that my grandfather, who is dead, was a hellhound, a part of your family? That would have made my father a half-hellhound, right? Or, whatever you call it...But I don't remember him every having any abilities..."

Grace's voice was very soft. "You were too young to remember. Child, your father died in a fire of his own making. H-he...he found out the truth and he went ballistic. He became consumed with rage and his rage became a fire that wouldn't stop until everything burned. I only escaped because the gem Nicholas gave me keeps me safe from fire. But your father died after your house collapsed on top of him from the flames. I was only thankful that you weren't there at the time. The police thought it was arson since the flames were hotter than it should have been possible for them to become. But they were made with magic that it from a completely different world, so of course they would be incredibly intense. There was nothing left of the house or his body. Everything was burned to ashes. "

Deep sobs rocked her body as she cradled a hand to her chest. "My baby boy...dying like that...And I was helpless to do anything to save him..."

Nisha pushed away from Jack, running to kneel before her grandmother's chair. The two said nothing, sobbing and holding onto each other. After half a second, Lionel appeared and hugged them close as well. It felt awkward, but the two of them were much too caught up in their sobs to push him away.

Jack watched the drama unfolding around him, his eyes wide.

Holy fucking shit! he thought in disbelief. He stared at Nisha hard once again. No...no matter how he looked at her, he could only see that she was human. He didn't sense any Other from her in the slightest. So it appeared she had not inherited any hellhound into her blood. It must have been diluted even more by her human mother.

His gaze turned to Alec, who was staring at Nisha with a look of shock on his face. "So...that's why I thought I knew you when I first met you," the other guy muttered under his breath. "You look like the picture of Great Uncle Nicholas that we have hanging up in the family hallway."

"I'm so sorry, Snowflake. So sorry for lying to you all this time. But I was so scared...They killed Nicholas and I was terrified they would do the same to us. I found out the truth, he told me the truth, and they killed him for it..."

Jack's eyebrows shot up. Then he laughed softly to himself. Truly, so much about this situation was both funny and terrifying to him. The only reason Nisha was alive right now, why he was alive right now, was because he had stolen her away. Stuck here as she was, she could never try and tell another human. She could never escape. He leaned forward, his head falling into his hands. His mind was thick with guilt.

He had done so many things wrong, since he was a child. Everything hehad ever done with Nisha had been wrong, since day one. His hands shaking, he closed his eyes and thought back towhen all of this began.