I woke up due to the streams of light that filtered through Kaname’s windows. I looked around in confusion. What happened? I pushed away the dark sheets and sat up. A pain pulsed in my head and I winced at the light.

“There's a drink on the nightstand. It might make you feel better,” Kaname said from his desk. I have no idea if he even slept last night, but he was busy working on something. An image flashed from last night: him holding me as he drank from my neck. I put my palm to my neck and felt the two small holes. I looked to the nightstand on my left that held a red drink. I picked up the glass and smelt the liquid. It smelt like water, but there was something more to it. I took a drink.

“Blah, it tastes like chalk!” I explained sticking out my tongue.

Kaname laughed and turned around, “Drink it. It might help your dizzy spells. I didn't take much blood, yet you passed out.”

“I may look like Snow White, but I make it a point not to consume random food. Besides, my pills are supposed to be helping with that,” I said reaching for the pill bottle, but it wasn't there.

“These?” Kaname said holding the sleek white box. He threw it in my direction and I caught it.

“Yes, those," I snapped. I took out a red pill and drank it with the chalky-red liquid. “You know, I prefer Kool-Aid.”

Kaname turned back around, “I'm aware you don't have class today, but I do and I would like to get some sleep.”

I scrambled out of his bed, “Sure, um, thank you for letting me stay here. I mean you are the one that made me pass out, but..”

Kaname glared at me and got up from the desk. “Please don't  use the window, the other vampires could smell you last night anyways.”

I stopped at the door, “So they know what happened last night?”

“Perhaps,” Kaname said taking off his tie, “You smell human, but when it's spilt it smells similar a pureblood vampire’s.”

I stared at him in shock, but looked away as he unbuttoned his top, “I'll see you soon. I'll have the books read by then.”

I opened the door and left. I was nervous as I walked down the night class corridors, but no vampire came to see me. Perhaps they were all asleep. I ran my hand over the bite marks again. When I fed Emmeline she was too young to bite, so I had to cut my arm and let her drink from that. I had no idea how personal being drunk from actually felt. I knew it was just an experiment, to tell Kaname exactly what my blood was like, but it was a feeling I couldn't exactly erase.

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My ethics class the following morning was noisy. I had skipped patrol last night, so I had a full nights sleep for once in my life. Currently, a bandaid marked were the Pureblood had bitten me.

“Moka, do you know what's going on?” I asked my roommate.

She turned towards me and shrugged, “Apparently were getting a new lecturer today.”

Just as the bell rang, Yuki and Sayuri ran into the classroom. Yuki’s eyes landed on me and I looked away.

The door opened and a tall man walked in. He was dressed nice in a dark coat with a tie that looked more like a scarf. His white shirts collar was pulled up like a barrier around his neck. His hair was dark and long and fell in front of his right eye. I could see why everyone was excited.

“it seems word of my arrival has preceded me,” he walked to his desk and set down a book, “The name is Toga Yagari and I'm your new teacher. Nice to meet you.”

And then I remembered him. Images of blood drenched walls attacked my memory. Some of it was dry, a lot of it fresh. My family was dead and I had no idea how long I'd been alone. The lights had gone out and I hadn't seen any of my captures for days. And then day broke like a sun rising from the horizon. The door to my prison freaked open, the harsh light blinded me. I hissed in pain.

“Now what do we have here,” a man, Toga Yagari, spoke.

And then I was back in the classroom.

“Alright, do we have any questions,” the new teacher asked.

Asuka raised her hand, “Are you single?”

“I am.”

“Do you have a girlfriend,” Wei almost shouted.

Toga looked amused, “You're fond of the personal questions, aren't you?”

Then mayhem broke out. Questions were being catapulted towards the man. From everywhere. “Have you ever been in a fight?"”Have you ever kissed a girl?””Do you believe in UFOs?”

The students rep stood up, “Come on let's have some respect! If you have a question, raise your hand! Yura.”

Yura stood up, “The patch you're wearing, is it a new fashion trend?”

Toga seemed angry and the class got scared.

“Zero,” Yuki called out. My head swiveled to my foster brother who was walking out the door. What was he doing?

Yuki stood up, “Sir, as part of the disciplinary committee, I will go bring him back.”

Yuki didn't even wait for an answer and left as Toga stared darkly at the door. There was obviously something going on that I didn't know about. Toga leaned against the chalkboard, “This was the cost I had to pay to save someone's life.”

He was a hunter, I'm aware of that. And Zero was, or is one. Maybe they knew each other. The atmosphere in the classroom darkened and the class was silent. Toga went on with the lesson until an office aid came in.

“Excuse me, Professor, but Annabel Cross is needed outside,” the student, a third year, spoke. Toga’s gaze fell on me and looked back at him. It's been almost a decade since he found me covered in my families blood. He nodded. I stood up and walked out without looking back.

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“I sent Yuki and Zero into town for supplies,” the headmaster said. “But I forgot an item on my list, so can you hurry down there to get it? Or meet up with them?”

I looked at him dumbfounded, “You pulled me out of school, to run errands?”

“It is very important! We need potatoes for our family dinner!”

I rolled my eyes, “Okay, if it gets me out of class.”

“And I've made it known to the staff that you will be missing classes for your college courses. As long as you stay on top of your classes, they are fine with it,” Kaien said seriously.

I nodded, “Sounds good, headmaster.”

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I had yet to find my foster-siblings. The sack of potatoes were getting annoyingly heavy. And the afternoon heat was starting to set in. Stupid, errands. I thought it'd be fun, but now I was just lonely. Then my foot hit a raised cobblestone, causing me to fly forward and the potatoes to go everywhere.

“It's not my day, is it?” I muttered, while picking up the troublesome potatoes. As I picked up the bag, I realized a bunch were missing. I looked towards a nearby alley. They've must have rolled over there. Kaien’s words played in my head: Get a bunch, sweetie, our else we won't get a good brunch!

Goddamn the pacifist. I rolled my eyes, threw the potatoes over my shoulder and walked down the damn alley after the five rather large potatoes. I bent down and picked them up one by one to put in the bag.

Suddenly, I felt like something was off. I put a hand on one of the knives under my skirt. I could hear it breathing loudly in on of the many alley branches. Then it moved from behind me, and then another movement. No, there were two, perhaps more. Really? I just wanted potatoes!

I swung the bag of starches just as the first one ran by me. The bag of potatoes knocked them backwards, long enough for me to throw a knife in their direction. They blade missed, but I was preoccupied as the other level E ran by me. A sting of pain hit me as their nails clipped my leg. The potato one jumped on my back. I sung my left hand back, hitting in the face with the butt of my other blade. The Level E fell back, long enough for me to stab it in the heart. It let out a screech of pain, but I was busy pulling my knife out of its torso. It was a male vampire, with long unkempt red hair.

The female vampire who scratched me was not happy. It let out a cry for it's fallen comrade. The cry echoed against the stone, making it hard to pinpoint her location. I picked up my fallen blade. The effects of fighting were getting obvious. I was shaky. I was breathing hard. Sweat started to drizzle down my neck.  

Then she attacked. A shadow in front of me moved, then I heard her leap from behind me. I swiveled around and readied my blades, but just as I turned, I saw her being cut down the middle by a sword. I put down my blades, seeing as it was Takuma and Senri.

“Oh so you're here too,” Takuma said, “I'm surprised you took that Level E out.”

“Why are you here?” I spoke harshly. What did he mean he was surprised I killed it? I glared at the vampires.

“Come by tonight, and I'll tell you,” Takuma spoke ominously before him and Senri turned around and left. I stood there, ashes all around me, what even was that?

I shook my head and placed my blades back in their spots under my skirt. Whatever he had to say, it better be good, because I'm seriously offended. Now, time to get these potatoes home.

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The night class didn't have class tonight, so the exchange never happened, which made my job loads easier. I left an hour into patrol and easily walked into the vampire’s den.

“Welcome to my birthday party!” Takuma yelled.

I stopped, “What?”

Takuma raced over and guided me to the party, “Today is my 18th birthday and we're celebrating.”

“You should of told me,” I replied, “I would of bought something at least.”

“No, no, no," Takuma waved his hands, “You're my guest. Oh, Yuki and Zero are here!”

I turned around as the brunette and the white haired boy came closer.

“Annabel,” Yuki spoke in surprise, “What are you doing here?”

Takuma smiled, “She's here to celebrate my birthday, just like you guys are.

“Actually, were here on business,” Yuki and I spoke at the same time. Takuma’s smile fell.

“I wanna know why you would destroy that Level E, I mean, he's a vampire just like you are,” Yuki furthered. I knew what she said was wrong. We're nothing like Level E.

“Actually, were not like them at all,” Aido said getting drinks, “Yuki, you must understand that the vampire society is ruled entirely by purebloods and a handful of aristocrats. Every student in the night class is at least an aristocrat or higher. Below us are the average vampires, and the level below them are humans turned vampires.”

“The there are vampires who don't even make the rankings and their known as level E,” Shiki explained.

“For some reason, human turned vampires always turn into Level As. They always lose their sanity and turn into Level Es. E stands for end. Complete degeneration,” Takuma went on.

“So,” Aido added, “You can see were nothing alike. Please don't lump us together again.”

“Why do you look down on them!” Yuki exclaimed, “None of them wanted to be level E anyway! It's you're kind-”

“- And that's why it's our duty to keep an eye on them. Before they're  so consumed by their thirst for blood, and they grab any human they can find,” Takuma interrupted.

“They were following my orders.”

Everyone looked towards Kaname who stood on the stone porch. He wore a white suit with a black undershirt, but only the middle was buttoned, so much of his chest was being shown. “I'm the one that told Takuma and Senri to hunt down that Level E in town.”

“It was you, Kaname?” Yuki seemed surprised to see him. She was in the the night class area, where vampires were. Vampires that hailed Kaname like a king.

“Yuki, I'm surprised you'd come to a dangerous place just because Takuma asked you to,” Kaname spoke.

“I wanted to find out for myself,” Yuki explained.

Kaname ran a hand through his long hair, “Did you know? Come over here, Yuki, Zero, Annabel.” I jumped in surprise. What was he planning? The three of us walked up the stone steps and Kaname sat down on the couch. “Yuki, Annabel, sit down next to me.”

“Wha?” Yuki exclaimed in surprise. I narrowed my eyes, what was he playing?

“It's alright,” Kaname furthered. Yuki stood still, but I walked up the steps and took a seat to his left

“I'm fine down here,” Yuki smiled.

Kaname glared, “Yuki.”

Yuki sat down on his right and Kaname dragged her closer, “Beside me is the safest place to be.”

I winced, so corny. So gross. I rather drink the chalk drink again. Speaking of that, it was time for another pill. I pulled out the case and placed two in my palm.

“You know, I've been meaning to thank you for that,” Yuki said, I saw her looking at Zero.

“To be honest, Vampires that were formally human shouldn't exist at all, but centuries ago in the dark annals of history, there was a time when a war between vampires and vampire hunters was most violent. Many humans were forcibly turned into vampires at that time. It was done to bolster our numbers in battle, but since that dark crime it's been the aristocrats’ job to oversee the vampires that were once human. Sometimes that includes ending their life to save another.”

“Its the vampire hunters job to hunt vampires, not yours,” Zero spoke harshly.

“Then tell me,” Kaname replied. He's going to reveal Zeros past, is he? “Why didn't you kill that vampire when you had the chance?”

Oh shit, he did. Kaname unbandaged the wrapping on Yuki’s arm. She must have received it in town when they were attacked. “This must be your injury from today. Hold still, I will ease the pain.“

Then he kissed her elbow which was really weird to witness. What can I say, vampires are strange. The aristocrats still silently watched us. If I wanted to, I could control them right now. I could bend their will to mine. I could-.

“Perhaps, Zero, you sympathize with them,” Kaname said slowly. Zero gasped and within seconds his gun was out and pointed towards Kaname. The aristocrats gasped and Seiren had her hand on Zero’s neck. “It’s okay, Seiren,” Kaname spoke, “It's my fault, I said something I shouldn't have.”

“How dare you point a gun at Lord Kaname,” Aido cried, “Tearing you to pieces would not be enough, but I will restrain myself at this academy to not hinder the headmaster pacifist ideology. But never forget, our respect for one person is what keeps us at this school and he is Lord Kaname, a pureblood.”

Boy, I'm a pureblood too. The atmosphere was so thick, I could have probably cut it with the blades hidden under my skirt.

“A pureblood?,” Yuki asked. Jesus, this child knew nothing. “Is that true, Kaname?”

No, they call him ‘Lord’ for shits-and-giggles. I rolled my eyes.

“You look like this is the first time you've heard of this, Yuki, are you afraid?” Kaname asked.

“To tell you the truth, I've always been a little bit afraid of you,” Yuki spoke quietly, but the vampires around her could all hear. “Even now, I'm still a little afraid.”

Takuma clapped, “Hey, don't forget everyone. Today is my birthday party, you all have to celebrate. Yuki, Annabel, and Zero are my precious guests, too.”

With that, the atmosphere lightened up and the party commenced. The vampires waltzed together as the music started. This was how they had fun? They drank the fake blood that I drank yesterday. I stared down at the red pills still in my hand

“May I get a drink?” I spoke, showing my hand.

Kaname smiled, “Certainly, Seiren, please fetch some sparkling water for our guest.”

Seiren nodded with a blank expression and did as she was asked. She handed the drink to me and I took the red pills. Yuki stared at me, obviously in thought. Was she wondering how I was comfortable in our current situation?

Then I smelt blood. It wasn't human, but vampire. Aristocrat vampire blood smells different from humans. Takuma’s smelt like mixed berries, while Yuki’s smelt like sugar-coated strawberries. Due to the smell, Zero ran away with Yuki following him. I saw Aido try to stop her, but she pushed him away.

“Is that alright?” Akatsuki asked, “Letting her go like that?”

“Eventually,” Kaname spoke, “Yuki will come back to me.”

“Oh, I wouldn't count Zero out, yet,” I added while sipping my drink. “Yuki treats us like siblings, and that bond goes deep.”

“Then why didn't you follow them?” Kaname asked.

I shrugged, “I find them overly dramatic. Love them, and all, besides Yuki has it handled. She's rather capable when she tries.”

Then I heard a click and boom. A gun, I stood up quickly. “That's my que, ladies and gentlemen, thanks for the party. Maybe we'll dance next time, Kaname.”

“I'll look forward to it, Annabel.”

“You're leaving,” Takuma pouted.

I nodded, “I have work to attend to, happy birthday though.”

“Annabel, love, you can't be leaving so soon,” Aido said grandly.

I narrowed my eyes at him. How annoying, “I am, Aido, and stop calling me love.”

He went silent. I guess I can control them. I smirked. I looked over at Kaname and nodded. He just stared on at the situation. I couldn't look him in the eye, so I ran away.

Training tomorrow, don't be late.

And I still had those books to read.