A/n: Enjoy and don't forget to comment. :)

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The sun was high up in the blue sky as I sat on the ground in the room, my hair having its own schedule, some of it covering my face as I just ran my finger nail over the wooded floor below me, ignoring anything at the moment.

"Skyler." Someone spoke, my head slowly going up to see who was speaking to me, and when I saw it was Brett, I brushed my hair out of my face, letting him see my whole face.

"Yeah?" I asked, seeing a something in his hands.

He lowered himself down so he was at my eyelevel, his brown curly hair not brushed out, leaving it to look like a breeze had pushed it all to one side.

" Master Hill wanted me to give this to you, and to be ready in less than ten." He said, setting the box into my hands before standing back up straight and turned back towards the door, nothing else spoken as he left the room, leaving me to look over the box before I brought my hand up and opened it, swallowing at what was inside.

Inside the thin box was a grey shirt top, and some nicely folded blue jeans that set below, and what count my eyes was a long gold necklace a spear rock like thing at the end, my hand lightly picking it up as I held it up to the light, the color just sparkling in the light. Lowering the necklace down, I saw that sitting right on the pants was a white piece of paper, folded nicely like it wasn't even meet to be touched. Looking around, I slowly reached over and picked it up, setting the necklace down as I inspected the paper, trying to figure if it was from Hill or not. Taking a easy breath, I opened it, one sentence written in pen on the white paper.

Miss Oaks,

Take this as a late birthday gift.

~ Master Hill

I read over the letter more than five times, the words to me not seeming like something Hill would say. How on earth did he know that my birthday had passed? Shaking my head, I set the letter down and picked up the shirt, getting a better look at it, seeing that the shirt was just my size.

"That's not creepy at all." I mumbled, standing up and setting the box by the window.

I slowly took of my night clothes and pulled on the gray top, looking at how it was loss, but yet, it still seem to show my body curves. Walking over to the door, I made sure it was closed and that no one would walk on me changing my pants. Seeing it was good, I made my way over to the box and pulled out the jeans, which came unfolded really quick. I set them across the box as I pulled of my pants and set those on the floor, but as I reached to grab the new clean jeans, I heard the door open and I quickly grabbed at the pants, bring them in front of me and turned towards the door, seeing Will make it about half way through the door before he stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes nearly popping out of his face before he brought his hand up and covered his eyes.

"Will, get out of here!" I nearly screamed, watching him.

He cursed as he struggled to find the doorknob and when he did, he quickly pulled the door shut, the door slamming with a loud bang. Letting out a easy breath, I slowly lowered the pants, getting on leg in one at a time before I pulled up the pants, still keeping my eyes on the door. Finally getting the pants on, I went over to the door and opened it.

As I made my way down the hall, I reached behind me and started to work my knotted hair into a braid the best I could. I kept my eyes towards the ground as I reached the stairs, ending the braid and using just a simple rubber band to keep it together. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I looked around, my eyes landing on a black case that sat on the living room table, locks keeping it shut, my only guess was that it was the drug. Moving my eyes away from it, I walked towards the kitchen where almost everyone was.

"Hey." Brett said, standing up from his seat, my eyes looking towards him.

"Do you want to sit?" He asked, moving his arms to show me the spot next to Heath who looked up towards me, his face stuffed full of food.

"I'm fine, but thanks." I said, offering the best smile I could, watching as Brett just only nodded, sitting back down as I moved over towards Lucy who was making food.

"Do you know where Hill went?" I asked, seeing Lucy glance at me before she flipped the food.

"No, but he's giving us ten minutes to eat before he gave us the drug." She said, setting the spatula down before she looked at me. "Do you want anything?" She asked and I only shock my head no, backing up before I turned around and left the kitchen, heading towards the door, Brett pecking around the kitchen entrance.

"Where you going?" He asked as my hand touched the doorknob.

I looked behind me towards him, most of his body hidden behind the wall but his right hand was placed on the door as he looked at me, worry in his eyes.

"Just outside towards the barn, I'll be back, promise." I said, giving him the best fake smile I could mange before I opened the door and ran outside, my bare feet touching the dirt below me as I went towards the barn, noticing how the field of grass was bright and green this morning. When I got to the doors of the barn, I pulled them open, stepping and looking around, quickly seeing Red put his head out, looking towards me.

"Hey Red." I said, walking up to him and rubbing his head.

I pressed my forehead against his, letting his red mane touch me. When I closed my eyes, it was almost like I was on his back again, racing through the woods, free, free of this place, free of anyone who could stop me. I slowly opened my eyes, pulling back from Red, patting his side before looking over by the shelves that lined the barn, many things on them. I slowly pulled away from Red, walking over to one of shelves, looking at the picture that was covered in dust. As I got to the shelf, I reached up and picked up the picture, brushing off the think dust, a face of a women that seemed to be laughing meeting my eyes. I was able to brush off more of the dust, seeing that she was hugging Red, his head lowered down and pressed against her as she hugged him. The women couldn't off been any older than 22, her hair long and brown. But as I looked at it, I noticed a white tip poking out from behind the picture in the frame, flipping the frame over, I opened it, pulling the back off to find a old folded piece of paper resting behind the frame.

I looked around before I picked up the paper and set down the frame, unfolding the piece of paper to see faded hand writing. I slowly started to read it, my fingers lightly holding the paper open.

I didn't really know what to say, but hello to whoever may be reading this. The picture that you may of just looked at is me, Bethany Cook. My master is Ryan Hill, and for whoever is reading this again, I gave birth to his son, Ayden Hill, that boy that may now be known as something that I'm afraid is something that happened after I die. Something is up with my master and I know that it can't be good, I want you to know that my son, Ayden is nothing like his father. As I watched him grow, he has that sparkle in his eyes just make your heart melt. He may be known as a monster for his father being one, but if I could be there right now, I could tell you he's not. I was taken as slave at age 18 and put as Hill's first ever slave, but like all first slaves, he fell for me, and now, I fear that he is planning something.

Ayden, if you are reading this, I want you to know that I love you dearly, and I may not be able to see you grow in the future, but just seeing your little five year old self, I can tell you have a great future ahead of you, just don't wonder down that dark path. The world is a dark place, it will never be a peaceful place, and no matter where you live or go, you well be picked on, called names. But you got to be the difference, your father well treat you that way, I don't want to leave you, but please know the truth, I would never leave you with him if I'm gone one day and you never see me again. I don't know when or how you well find this but just know, one day, I know you well stop your father, and that this world well be rid of evil, and you could be the start of it, to help others.

To who is reading this, look at my son more than just seeing Ryan, he has a spirit in him that I fear well lead him to risk his life for someone he may love. I don't know how he well be when he is older but I know that he will not be like his father, that he'll be the angle on the golden thorn, even with his life the way it might be, he's just a hidden angle, that is fighting for something more than peace, for love. If he's wondering down the river, lost, confused, help pull him away, so that river doesn't take him away somewhere where he won't be the same again. Don't let go of his hand, only let go when he takes his finally breath, when my son's journey has come to an end, and he must take his seat at his throne, and for his wings to spread and take flight.

Sincerely:

Bethany Cook

As I read the faded name signed below, I felt like she knew all of things were going to lead to right now, but how she talked about Ayden, it was almost heart pulling to know that someone like that was gone, and that they couldn't help you. Folding the letter up slowly, I placed it into my pocket, placing the back of the picture frame back on before I placed the picture back on the shelf, looking back towards Red who was still looking at me. I reached my hand out and touched him one last time, seeing him close his eyes and press his nose further into my hand.

"Bye, Red." I said, pulling my hand back and walking out of the barn, turning around and looking one last time at Red before I pulled the barn doors shut, heading towards the house, placing my hand over the pocket that held the letter, I was almost afraid to even think about it as I entered the house, closing the door behind me.

"Miss Oaks." Hill's voice said, his tone reaching my ears giving me clear clue he was not in a good mood.

I turned towards him, keeping my eyes away from him, and towards the others who all stood, Heath watching me as Hill spoke again, this time a bit louder.

"What were you doing?" He asked, his arms folded across his chest as he looked down at me, his dark eyes showing nothing but hatred.

"I was just outside in the barn, sir." I said, keeping my voice low, Hill leaning forward and whispering so I could be the only one to hear him.

"Next time, don't do it." He said, his eyes meeting mine, his lips in a thin line.

"Am I clear?" He asked, his voice going back to its normal volume.

"Yes, Master." I said, the words coming out like snakes venom.

He only smirked before ordering me to go by the others and I did so, watching as Keene moved over by him, Maddox staying by us, and Chase just across the room, wearing all black, the only thing not black was his blonde hair that was nicely combed down. I moved my eyes over to Hill, watching as he straighten his tie, his body dressed in a nice black rich suit, a red tie around his neck as he reached over and unlocked the case, a faint click audible before he pushed it open, my eyes landing on the one syringe that sat waiting in the case.

"Like I said yesterday, those who resist will be punished with the up most of consequences." He said, not looking at us once as he picked up the syringe, grabbing at the white container and pushing the thin silver syringe's needle into the top of it, the syringe coming full with a clear liquid.

I moved my eyes over to see Heath shift from one foot to the other, his eyes on the needle the whole time as Hill checked over it, before turning towards us, the syringe in hand.

"I would say ladies first but I fell as though I should start with the boys. Brett." He said, looking over at Brett, who's face went pale, his head turning towards us before he slowly went over to Hill, his eyes never leaving the syringe.

"Just give your arm to Keene and hold still, it won't hurt." Hill said, watching as Keene put a good grip onto Brett's arm, Keene's other arm staying on Brett to keep him in place as Hill got the syringe ready.

I only watched as Hill pushed the silver needle into Brett's arm, Brett's body moving a little like he was trying to pull his arm free but with the hold Keene had, Brett had to let Hill insert the unknown drug into his blood stream before pulling the needle out, Brett already feeling light headed.

"You'll be feeling dizzy for a few minutes, do not try fighting it off, just let it come, it well save you less pain." Hill said, setting down the needle and waving Maddox over who came and helped with Brett, Keene handing him over.

I watched as Maddox walked out with Brett, keeping a easy arm on him as he took him out of the house, Brett's feet dragging across the ground showing that the drug had worked it's magic.

Laughing under his breath, I watched a Hill picked up the needle and filled it up once more, turning towards us with a smile. "Next." He called out.

He did the same thing to everyone, Pitney went second, it taking Maddox and Keene to hold him still for Hill to insert the needle. After Pitney, it went Will, Lucy, and Heath, leaving only South and I as we watched the out cold Heath get dragged out of the room, his brown hair over his face as it seemed his body was lifeless.

"South." Hill said, looking towards South who let out a easy breath before moving forward, stopping a little further then everyone else did, Heath taking a step forward and grabbing at South's arm, his eyes moving up to meet with South's eyes, who was looking across the room, his hand in a fist as he was trying to prepare himself for the needle, but Hill didn't do it just yet, as he waited for Maddox or Keene to come back in.

As we waited, I looked over at Chase who was still leaning against the wall, his eyes focused on his dad as he kept his arms crossed over his chest, his head soon turning towards the door to see Keene entering along with Maddox, Keene quickly taking hold of South to allow Hill to inset the drug in. And he did, but this time, it seemed like he was slowly pushing it in, South's body quickly going stiff as a rock as the needle entered his body, Hill letting the drug enter.

"There we go." Hill said lightly, pulling the needle out and watching as South just collapsed in Keene's arms, pain written across his face.

It was only a minutes before South was out, his body nearly dropping to floor but Keene got him just in time. Careful, Keene dragged him out of the house, Maddox moving over to Hill, his eyes on me.

"And it looks like I have the best for the last." Mr. Hill said, smiling as Maddox filled up the syringe for him.

"Come here, Miss. Oaks." Hill's voice said, a ring of laughter following behind as I slowly went over to him.

I felt Maddox place his hands on me, on arm going around me, his other hand holding my arm out, leaving to it Hill's doom. I closed my eyes and turned my head away, in hopes that I wouldn't feel anything. But I could feel the cold tip of needle touch my skin, as it was slowly pushed in but as it was, I heard a click of something, the sliding of the needle stopping, Maddox's arm moved from around my body slowly. Trying to figure out what was going on, I opened my eyes, my mouth gapping at what was happening.

Standing just behind Hill, a gun in one hand as the other held a knife to Hill's side was Ayden, who's eyes were dark as Hill kept still. But when I looked back up towards Chip, I noticed that the collar was still around his neck, the green light on, my heart picking up speed.

Slowly, Maddox pulled myself back with him, his strong arm keeping my arms trapped under his as he pulled out a knife and placed it right at my waist, his eyes on Ayden.

"Ayden, put down the gun and Maddox won't hurt Skyler." Hill said, the needle still in his hand as he stayed still, not daring to move. Ayden didn't, or more like couldn't say anything so he just shifted from one foot to the other, moving back a little.

I tried to get out of Maddox's grip but when I felt the blade press harder against my skin, I stopped, locking eyes with Ayden. As I did that, I moved my eyes away to notice that Keene was walking in, stopping in his tracks and quickly grabbing at his gun, pointing it straight as Ayden who kept his gun to the back of Mr. Hill's head.

Slowly, Hill turning around, Ayden watching him as he did so. Maddox just pulled me back further, I got a chance to see that Chase was on the ground, both hands covered in blood as he held his nose. When Hill was in full view of Ayden, his eyes darkened at him and Ayden held eye contact.

"Son, I'm warning you right now, you are outnumbered, lower the gun or Miss. Oaks will die, because of you." He said.

"Don't listen to him, Ayden!" I screamed out, Ayden's eyes darting over to me as I looked at him, scared that Hill was right, if he did pull the trigger, he would just be dead.

Hill only chuckled, before looking at the gun, Keene moving to where he was facing Ayden, getting a better view of where Ayden had the gun pointed.

Hill finally spoke up in the silence. "Go ahead Ayden, pull that trigger, prove to me that you can kill. Let Miss Oaks see the other side of you, that you are a monster craving for blood." He said, getting Ayden to back up a little more.

"Do listen to him!" I screamed out, Maddox moving the blade up and pressing it to my throat to silence me, and when it did, he lowered it back down to my side, nodding at Keene.

Everyone stood still as Hill looked at Ayden, Keene having a clear shot if needed.

"Do it Ayden, prove to me you are a monster, that you don't love her." He said, moving forward, keeping his eyes on Ayden.

Ayden moved his eyes over to me as I looked at him, swallowing deeply. Ayden let out a easy breath and lowered the gun down, Keene slowly doing the same, but that was when everything changed. Quickly, Chip brought the gun up and shot Hill straight in the shoulder faster than I cold blink, Hill yelling out in pain and as fast as Chip pulled the trigger before, he shot Keene right in the leg, Keene falling to the floor in pain.

Maddox backed up with me as Ayden pointed the gun at him, his eyes staying on Maddox.

"You really want to do this buddy?" Maddox said, twisting the blade so Ayden could see it in the light before he pressed it harder against my skin, my face going into pain.

I opened my eyes, seeing Hill holding his shoulder as he was on the ground in pain, blood staining his hands and the carpet below him. I bit on my tongue as I tried to fight against speaking, afraid that it would end both my life and Chips. Ayden stayed where he was as he kept the gun on Maddox, his finger on the trigger, ready to pull it any second. But as I looked at Ayden in the eyes, a loud bang filled the house, Ayden's body moving a little as the gun dropped from his hand. I moved my eyes to see that just inches above his heart, his clothes around there turning red slowly was a hole that a bullet had credited.

Everything felt slow as I looked towards who did it, seeing Keene leaning against the wall, gun in hand. Ayden's body fell to ground with a thump, the blade and gun falling from his hands as he fell. I screamed out as I fought against Maddox, feeling my skin get cut with the blade before I got out of his arms, taking the blade with me and sending it right into his knee, a cry of pain escaping his lips as he fell to the floor, his hands going onto the handle of the blade as I stumbled over to Chip, quickly placing my hands over the wound, looking down at him, tears starting fill up my eyes.

"Stay with me Ayden." I said, looking around for something to help but all I could see was blood and hurt people.

The tears started to fall as I felt Ayden's hand grab at mine, my eyes looking down to meet his, his eyes dancing with pain. I looked towards the door, seeing it was wide open. I wanted to run out and get help, but with how close the bullet was to his heart, I couldn't leave him. His grip on my hand seem to loosen, his breathing decreasing fast.

"Ayden, stay with me." I said, the tears falling as I looked down at him, tears silently falling.

"Somebody help!" I screamed, feeling the tears fall as I looked towards the door.

I licked my lips as I looked down at my hands, Ayden's blood all over them, almost like it was my own skin. Quickly, I stood up and ran over the kitchen, grabbing at towels and quickly going back over to Ayden and pressing the towels on the wound. As I did that, I heard what sounded like a helicopter flying along with sirens, thinking it was just me, I continued to keep the towel on before I removed it and placed my hands back on.

But the sounds seemed to get louder and I looked towards the door, tears still falling, I looked down at Ayden, seeing his mouth weakly mouth words.

I love you.

His mouth weakly formed, his eyes moving towards the ground his hand now on my knee as he looked towards the ground. I looked towards the door as the sound of sirens got louder, and my scream of help filled the house.

"Somebody, please help!"