"Oh my..." I said awing at the place. This room is exceptionally turquoise... I have never seen such a turquoise room. Especially one with a large fireplace in the left side of the room that is not covered in old ashes like my one at home, and the furniture seem to be turquoise as well except for the couch I have been placed. There are two turquoise armchairs that face me and a small little table with gold paint artistically decorated on the edges and legs of it. A china vase that sat on a Grecian podium held white and blue roses next to the large white doors that were far behind the armchairs, and I never knew roses could even be that colour. It's strange how it wasn't in that meaning of flowers book I had read. Other than all this the room is very bare.

"You like it." Lucas stated grinning at me strangely as I shook myself out of my weird haze. I'm still a little lost on what's happened today. Whether what I think what happened on the carriage is true or that what Lucas has said is true. But either way... how am I still breathing?

"It's beautiful."I complimented then gazed down at myself. I have not even a bruise of a simple scratch to prove that I fell off that carriage. Did it really happen? And why am I changed into a nightgown? Ah! I am in a nightgown!? I pulled up the red knit blanket to cover myself up and stared up at Lucas. Feeling a little vulnerable...

"Your clothes were ripped well more shredded. So I got the maids to change you."He said.

"Oh. How am I going to get home?"

"You could stay here if you like? Just for the night."

"Really Lucas that's a sweet gesture but also a really weird one." My dad would throw a fit if I don't return home.

"I'm sure your parents won't mind."

"Still I don't think it's a goooo...."I stopped when young women walked in holding trays full of treats. My mouth watered a little and I placed my bare feet on the cold floor, but still pulled the blanket to cover myself.

"Ah the cooks have made some things for you to help you feel better."He said but his voice sounded distant to the calling of cakes, muffins and other delicacies that made my stomach go against me and grumbled loudly. I flushed humiliated and he simply chuckled.

"I suppose I could stay for a little while..."I said and he clapped his hands together.

"Excellent." He said satisfied then gestured over one of his maids with his fingers. She held out a silver tray to him and he picked off a block of something brown.

"Before you eat anything you must try this." He said holding it in front of my mouth so I shrugged and opened my mouth. Once my tastebuds touched it, it felt like heaven exploded in my mouth. The sugary sweet taste made my head spin and I moaned at the heavenly flavour.

"This is delicious. What is it?"

"Chocolate." He responded and I swallowed then eyed at the tray pile with it.

"It's food from heaven." I said and picked up another dark block stuffing it into my mouth. My eyes rolled back as I savoured the beautiful taste of chocolate.

"I will find out who invented this and marry them." He laughed then stood up suddenly.

"Would you like a tour?"

"I would prefer some clothes."

"Of course." He snapped his fingers and other women came rushing in each holding gowns in their arms.

"Why are you doing all this for me?"

"You're precious."

~🌹~

The ladies had fitted me into a maroon red silk dress, with puffy sleeves that reach my elbow but also tightly fits around my stomach and squashes my breasts. I am now used to tight fitting dresses after all; mother has forced me into worse life threatening dresses and corsets. Thankfully when I said no corset my wish was fulfilled but they did force my hair up but let a few ringlets hang down next to my face. All the maids are quiet and not very sociable which made them dressing me very awkward. Now I am following on behind Lucas admiring every antique in the house. I've seen his dining room, his own personal library, study, kitchen, the gardens...

"Oh wow the view through these windows." I awed and walked over to the large arch windows. I can see the town, the far mountains...

"That's our farm, and those are... the dark woods." I wonder if I can see the witch's house?

"Yes... those woods are treacherous."

"I would know." I muttered.

"Pardon?"

"Hm? Oh no... Uh never mind. What else can you show me?" I asked him.

"How about I show you my music room?"

"Of course, you have a music room." The perks of wealthy are infuriating for little people like me. He led me around into his maze of a house, and I honestly don't understand how he can need all this space. But we passed down a dark hallway that gothic demon statues lined up against the walls and a large black door rested at the end. The thought that came to mind was unsettling. If I keep standing here, and stare at the door. Would there be a slight chance that every time I blink the door will somehow come closer and closer? Until it's right in front of me and then door could swing open and something grabs me and pulls me in. To be consumed in darkness... Bloody hell why am I scaring myself? I heard a creak and yelped then ran after Lucas. I landed next to him and he stared curiously at my frightened face.

"Lucas what's down that hallway?"

"A room. That you are never to go near understand?" He questioned almost threateningly and I fell nervous under his intense gaze from his mystifying amber eyes.

"Yes I'm sorry the statues appealed my interest. They're very scary compared to all the nice things in your house."

"You are not to worry about that room Rose." He said and as I continued to stare into his eyes I fell dizzy.

"Yes Lucas." I whispered and then as I felt as if someone had slapped me awake. He turned around and then continued on walking. So I followed only feeling a lot calmer than before.

~🌹~

"What do you do most of the time while you're hanging around your house?"I asked him then eyed at the fishy dish. I've never been a big fan of fish, at home if we had it we ate it but he's rich this can't be the only food he has...

"Very little I'm afraid. It's very lonely here so I mainly work." He said almost not loud enough for me to hear. The dining table is very long and because he and I are sitting at the ends of it I find it most troubling to hear him.

"What work do you do?" I asked him then eyed at all the knives and forks set on either side of the plate. Why? Why so many eating utensils? This is just ridiculous.

"I run a trading business, or I guess you could call it a kind of delivery service."

"Interesting what do you..."

"Confidential I'm afraid Rose."

"Didn't mean to pry."

"You were curious that's normal."

"Hm. Uh... I don't know how to say this I am not a big fan of fish."

"Bring in the next course." He ordered and two women dressed in black came and stood either side of me. One took away the plate and the placed another but this did not look appetising at all. Four roasted little birds decorated with pieces of spinach. These wealthy people could have all the money in the world but have the tiniest food on their plate. I once heard that sometimes they eat snails... I gulped and stared bewildered at the little birds. Nothing has been removed off them and seems like they were just chucked in the oven. I thought of flying around until finally the heat and flames ate them up. I shivered unwillingly then stared up at Lucas straining a smile.

"Thank you for all this. It almost seems like you knew were I was coming." I giggled nervously.

"Believe me, I had to rush the servants to clean every room before you woke up, get them to find any clothing you could possibly wear and make the chefs hurry up into making a perfect meal. Which looks disgusting, because they obviously grabbed anything they could find and cooked it. What in bloody hell is this?"He bellowed and everyone jumped including me.

"What's the second course Rose?"

"Uh... Well from what I can tell roasted birds with a few feathers stuck in them here and there... no offense to you and your chefs but I... I can't eat this."

"I don't take offense I'd be honestly afraid if you accepted this as food." He said angrily and I noticed one of the maids tremble. And all of them stared at the ground nervous and so I stared warily at Lucas and wondered what he's like home alone. He looks furious, incredibly mad. But this is not really a big deal.

"Well I honestly thought you rich people would enjoy eating this rubbish. I mean us paupers do hear about you eating snails." I joked to lighten the mood and he simply glared at me at first then a small smile appeared.

"I would never eat a snail Rose. But wealthy people will probably do anything for attention whether it's eating a snail or roasting live birds."I shuddered at that.

"How about we skip to dessert? I never have anything at home since I'm but a pauper but since you're not... Can we have some more chocolate?"I all but begged and he chuckled getting up from his seat. I prepared to get up and someone had pulled the seat out for me. I stood tall and prepared to thank the person but no one was behind the chair. My, they're fast.

"I'll get them to make something better meanwhile let's go to the parlour." He said offering me his arm and I accepted it as we walked out of the room. A maid passed him a candle and I gazed around the dark hallway.

"Wait."I froze as I saw it was dark outside through the window. "Oh damn my parents are going to be so mad." How time travels by so fast but I should have known when he said it was dinner time. How did I not realise? Mr Thorne stroked under my chin which made stare up at him. His intense gaze made me nervous again and shook his hand away. "Is it possible to send me a carriage home." I asked stepped away from him.

"I don't trust the night Rose, there's a spare room I got the maids to set up for you." I can't help but think he planned this. But I just sighed and stared off into the night time.

"But I have to be home,"

"Rose you look to tired and it's getting too late." He interrupted and I winced biting my bottom lip.

"Alright but if it's late then I think I should be asleep." I know that my dad as punishment will make do a lot of work around the farm tomorrow.

"You are such a goodie two shoes."

"I am not. I loathe that comment thank you very much." I stated holding my head high and he laughed. Good, maybe the maids can relax now.

"Anyway I'm exhausted."

~🌹~

We stopped in front of a door which I prepared to open but Lucas grabbed my hand.

"The maids open the door."

"I have hands. And they need a break once in awhile." I opened the door and gasped at the bedroom that was lit by several candles. The bed is huge! A bed fit for a queen with red covers and a dark hardwood headboard. It fills up half the space of the room, and just next to the large window a small couch rested and next to that a set of draws with a few books on top. I could sit there and read, I will never be able to move from that spot. I pretended to be humble and closed my mouth shaking off the impressed jealous glare. I'd kill for a room like this.

"I'm glad you're impressed."

"Yes it's... nice. Very... Oh Lord it's the best room I've ever seen."

"Meh." He shrugged and I scoffed rolling my eyes.

"The maids will come and help you undress..."

"I can do that myself."I said stepping in but stood in front of him so he didn't enter. "Goodnight from me and I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Rose." He said his voice a seductive whisper and I slowly closed the door and waited for his footsteps to slowly fade. Then I looked over at the bed and smiled sinisterly. I ran squealing and jumped up slamming into it face first. I feel like I'm like on cushioned clouds. I rolled over and stared up at the ceiling and sighed happily.

"Thank you Lord." I said and giggled.

"And thank you Lord Thorne." I sat up and up and ran around the room blowing out every candle. The instant darkness revealed the glowing night between the crack of the crimson curtains so I pulled them open and let the moon shine in with it's loyal stars to shine just as bright as her. I slipped off the tight dress and kicked off the red shoes so I stood in just my under dress. I kneeled onto the couch and leaned my head onto my arms to stare at the sky. My thoughts led me to Wolfgang, as infuriating as he is. I can't believe that he is the one I miss so badly. Him. Out of all people it had to be him. Maybe the bushy eyebrows got to me. I burst out laughing shaking my head.

"God those eyebrows." I sighed loudly and thought about how madly I freaked out when father said they killed the beast. I'm glad it wasn't him I just feel horrible for the wolf that was killed. Why did Wolfgang leave? He always said he would but I didn't he go on and do it. It's been so long and I wish I could forget about him but I'm having dreams. He is always in them! They're always about him! Him and I together and talking about life, exploring forests but then he'll do something and try to woo me. It always seems real so I'm consistently stopping him and waking up. I'm afraid of what I would see if I didn'y stop him. Actually it's not really fear, I want to see but there's some moral voice that tells me not to. I think I'll ignore that voice tonight.

~🌹~

I jolted up with a start and yelped when I saw Rufus standing in my stomach.

"Sorry Rosa."

"Rufus! What are you doing here? And where have you been I haven't seen you in months?"

"With big bad wolf... what are you doing in this house? This bad... This house scare Rufus. Rufus don't like this house." He said frightened and his head kept whipping around the room staring every nook and cranny.

"Oh Rufus come here."I held my arms out and he ran to me and curled up into me.

"It seems scary now but truly it's a wonderful place."

"It seems wonderful but Rosa, there is no light in this house. It's bad Rosa, big bad wolf said it was bad..."

"Why would he... Is he here?" I asked him and he rolled his lips in. It hit me that I still have no idea what this little creature is and why does he follow orders from Wolfgang? He's afraid of him. I'll slap him up for scaring him. He's too adorable even now as he's staring at me covering his mouth.

"No."he lied and I beamed up gently pushing Rufus off me so I could get out of the bed. "No Rosa!" He whispered hastily but I ignored him looking for some covering. I opened a cupboard and pulled out a white robe, wrapping it around myself.

"How does my hair look?"I asked playfully. Not that I really care."Why are you two even here?"

"I wasn't supposed to come here he just said that... no no no I am not saying."

"Fine then I'll ask him," I said and cracked open the door. How am I going to find the front door?

"Where is he now?" I asked but he kept silent.

"Please Rufus, I've missed the both of you. Even if he is a rude jackass I love that about him."

"He be happy a lot when he sleeps. Only when he sleeps... I think he miss you too because he said your name once."

"Really?"

"Don't say I told!"

"I promise. But where is he?" I gazed through the empty eerie corridors and a sudden shiver went down my spine. Ghosts could possibly lurk through here... Rufus clutched onto my bare leg and whispered ."We go so you leave."

"I can't just run off into the night." Although that is what I'm kind of doing now. I opened the door wide enough for him and I to lurk out and start walking."Is he inside?"

"I don't know..." He responded jumping at his own shadow which made me jump.

"Calm down it's only the dark. I'm positive that this house is very safe."

"Wolf don't like this house."

"Well that's probably jealousy."

"Excuse me madam." I jumped and squealed out of fright when this woman just popped out of nowhere carrying a candle. She stared sharply down at me with soulless grey eyes and her nose looks like she may have stolen it from some giant bird. Her oldness or should I say maturity only made her more frightening looking."It is rather late to be out and about in the Master's corridors." Master? I stood stunned for a moment then I saw through the crack of Wolfgang standing right there ordering with forceful hand gestures for Rufus to run to his side. I hid Rufus from her view and smiled.

"I'm sorry when restless I tend to walk around I... I shall be heading back."

"Smart choice." She said then stepped around me to lead me back to my room but I gazed over to Wolfgang who was incredulously at me.

"What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" He asked me as if I'm the one sneaking into someone's house.

"Madam?"

"Coming!" I said to loudly then started following on but turned to see where Rufus was.

"Do you want to sleep with me tonight Rufus? There's plenty of room and I'm a little afraid of the dark." I asked giving him some freedom from Wolfgang over who glared up at me.

"He obeys my orders."

"He obeys nobody but himself. It's his choice." I snapped back and so Rufus straight away ran to me so I smirked at the 'Big Bad Wolf'.

"Goodnight Wolfman."I whispered then walked over back to my room where the woman stood fixing up my pillows. Rufus hid under my dress and I held my head high to the woman.

"I am capable of fixing those myself thank you."

"Of course madam." She said sourly and I realised she and I will not get on in the future.

"Pleasant dreams, hopefully..." She said and I gazed at her strangely. She quickly stalked out of the room and so I sealed the door shut.

"She is creepy."I hissed down at Rufus who crawled out from under me and leaped up onto my bed. Then there was light knocking on my door; I opened it and Wolfgang barged right in forcing me to stumble backwards onto the bed and he before closing the door he peeked through. Then turned around glaring at me.

"Why are you here?" He asked emphasising 'you'.

"Me? I should be getting an answer from you, I was invited here but alas you are breaking an entering."

"Him and I are here on official business."

"Doing what?"

"That's confidential." Lucas used that word as well; I'm hearing it a lot today. Why can't I be in on the secrets? But then again he could be lying and possibly plotting something else.

"Oh please what kind of secret quest could you possibly be on you're my age?" I placed my hands firmly on my hips and his eyes glazed over me angrily.

"Why would he invite you?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Listen I know things about this man that could effect your life."

"Like what?"

"That's confidential."

"He's a lonely man. Who seeks my sweet company in his big lonely house."

"Maybe true maybe not."

"So that's your official business. Stalk this man and find out... what?"

"Rose there's a reason no one ever enters this house and there's a reason he's just moved into this crummy town."

"And that would be?" I questioned offended at his insult on the town.

"I don't know. All I know is that I don't like you staying here..."

"Why?"

"I just don't like it."

"What you don't like me living in the life of luxury? I deserve what I'm stuck with in the fields."

"He's a creep."

"He's a gentleman something you clearly know nothing about." I breathed getting right into his face as he just before got into mine. I am annoyed with him, more then annoyed. I'm ticked off.

"Nice seeing you to by the way."I growled and then his eyes averted down and he whipped his head away flushing.

"Your um..." I glanced down and just noticed the robe falling apart to reveal a bit of chest.

"Oh grow up it's nothing you haven't seen before." I rolled my eyes fixing it up then tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"What?" He asked shocked and I stared up at him confused.

"I didn't perve on you. Never once have I... gazed over at your..."

"I never said you did and why are you blushing? You look like a ripe tomato."

"I... I... Rufus let's go there's nothing here that interests me." He said stepping around me to get to Rufus while I gawked at him.

"You know what Wolfgang you can go ahead and leave with your sour and rude attitude but Rufus can stay with me."

"No Rufus is coming with me and for your own safety I suggest you leave also."

"Rufus and I are perfectly safe. It's a mansion for crying out loud no one is capable of getting in." I said then paused as he perked a bushy eyebrow at me.

"Apart from you."

"It's not what's outside that you should be afraid of. It's the beast that lurks within." He whispered right at my face and I gasped. Fear flooded my brain and I stared warily at the door.

"What do you mean beast?" I asked and then the house started creaking so we all flinched. Rufus started whimpering and so I sat back onto the bed and cuddled him close into my side.

"Rufus scared. Rufus scared." He whined and I couldn't agree with him more. In the day it's amazing but night has fallen and I don't know what to think.

"There's nothing to be afraid of trust me."

"There are many things to be afraid of." Wolfgang said and I scowled at him.

"Is there really anything to be afraid of? This man is a wealthy businessman what danger could he possibly be?"

"Shut up." He breathed and rested his ear at the door.

"Someone's out there.

"He whispered and then I heard footsteps coming my way so I grabbed his hand in mine and pulled him over to the couch at the window.

"Sit here." I ordered him moving his feet up and then drew the curtain around him. Rufus ran over and hid behind them also so I leaped into bed and pretended to be asleep. Just before the door opened but something strange started happening to my sight. I just closed my eyes and felt myself slowly slip away into the world of dreams. I can't be sleepy yet but suddenly now all I want to do is sleep.

"Don't fight me Rose."A voice whispered but I did fight I opened my eyes wide and stared up at Lucas.

"What are you doing in my room?" I questioned Lucas.

"I've come to warn you there's someone trespassing in the house. It's on lockdown so I will be locking your door for safety."

"Oh. Ok..."

"Get back to sleep love. I'm sorry if I scared you." He said caressing my cheek with the back of his warm ink stained hand.

"You didn't." I assured and he chuckled before stepping out of the room and locking the door behind him. The night was silent except for Lucas's footsteps and so I waited from them to be soundless and far before I jumped out. And Wolfgang pulled open the curtain and went for the door.

"How the hell am I going to get out?"He asked himself. Then glared over at the window.

"No."I quickly said.

"What?"

"You... You can't climb out the window. I don't care if you are a wolfman."

"The term is werewolf."

"Same thing."

"Not really."

"Oh don't be annoying again."

"I'm annoying?" He asked disbelieving that he was the problem and so I groaned throwing my head back.

"Please just don't attempt to climb out the window. I care for you too much to fall straight to your death."

"You care for me?"

"Oddly enough I do. So what are you going to...?" I caught Rufus snuggling into the middle of the pillows and I smiled adoringly at him.

"The bed's big enough for all of us."

"We can't share a bed."

"It's unorthodox but if you want to sleep on that couch that's fine with me." I said then pulled off my robe and climbed into bed. He stood at the end of the bed and just stared at me so I sat there and stared back.

"I'll... couch." He said awkwardly and I nodded passing him the pillow and he took off his cape to use as a blanket then just sat there awkwardly.

"Goodnight then."I said and he ignored me glaring out through the window.

"You don't snore do you?"

"No." He responded chuckling then he must of realised he's showing a happy emotion so he quickly went blank.

"Oh and where's my flower?" I questioned teasingly and he up got pulling out a red tulip from his cape.

"You're so confusing."

"Just take the flower." He climbed onto the bed and held it out to me.

"Why do you give me flowers? When you don't even like me?"

"Who says I don't like you?"

"Well if you do like me then you have serious anger issues."

"Haven't we talked about this before?"

"Probably but you're perplexing."

"Perplexing?"

"It's another word for confusing."

"I knew that."

"I'm sure you do."

"Do I need to apologise again?"

"No. I understand your character, plus I have missed our little quarrels."

"You've missed me."

"Don't get cocky.' I warned and he smirked. Even with only the moonlight I could see it and I perked a brow.

"I'm not surprised."

"What you have many other girls swooning over you?" I asked unbelievably and he shrugged nodding. So I hit him with the pillow and he yelped in surprise while I laughed. "Oops." I battered my lashes innocently then he grabbed the pillow from me. "No!" I squealed and jumped out of the bed. He stood up eyeing at me deviously from the bed then leaped off ready to hit me but I ducked out of the way and ran to the couch and covered my face in my hands.

"What's this?" I peeked through my fingers and saw the pillow on the floor and he held a book up staring at the cover. I stood up and read the title.

'the history of Tom Jones, a Foundling'

"I don't know I've never read this one." But I heard it was banned by the church for it could contaminate people's mind or some rubbish like that. Good on you Lucas for breaking the rules.

"Let's read it." I suggested taking it and opening the first page.

The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the feast.

An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money.

"What does eleemosynary mean?"

"To depend on or treat to Charity."

In the former case, it is well known that the entertainer provides what fare he please; and though this should be very indifferent, and utterly disagreeable to the taste of his company, they must not find sny fault; nay on the contrary, good breeding forces them outwardly to approve and to commend whatever is set before them.

I stopped and gazed up. "Seems good." I said then closed the book.

"Keep reading." He said. "I'm not tired so might as well."

"Are you sure you want to hear me read?"

"Please."

"Did you just say..."

"Oh forget it."

"No, I'll read!" I read for the rest of the night and he listened sitting next to me. I caught him smiling, sometimes he would ask what some words meant or he'd ask me to repeat a line so he could laugh. I felt so close with this boy, I felt like the teacher, his mentor and it was a good feeling. I was excited and teased him about this one line.

Men who are ill-natured and quarrelsome when drunk are very worthy persons when sober. For drink in reality doth not reverse nature or create passions in men which did not exist in them before. It takes away the guard of reason and consequently forces us to produce those symptoms which many when sober have art enough to conceal.

"See now you don't need to get drunk because you are already ill-natured and annoying enough when sober." He glared at me playfully while I bit my lip staring up at him through my lashes.

"You're lucky I actually like you." He said and I rolled my eyes shaking my head.

"You're definitely not a gentleman."

"Well you're not a lady."

"And that is why we're friends. And as a friend I want to ask where you went?"

"Home."

"You have a home? You're not a wonderer or explorer? Alright. Well, where do you live?"

"With my family."

"Where?" He stayed silent and I sighed.

"Fine don't tell me.

"I said then leaned my head on his shoulder to see what he'd do. He stiffened but didn't shrug me off. Rufus snored loudly so we both chuckled loudly so I had hush him.

"Wolfgang? Will you at least tell me your real name?"

"No."

"Can you tell me about werewolves then?"

"I'm not supposed to." He said then stared down at me.

"But, I think I could... no no I can't Rose I'd be breaking another law."

"Another one?"

"The first one was showing my wolf form to you. It's against wolf law... or something like that." He said like it was the most normal thing in the world and I just sat there in wonder.

"To be technical the demon boy showed me his wolf form first and tried to kill me. You acted on defense and saved a girl's life. Use that to save the, punishment or spanking or whatever you get for breaking canine laws."

"I'll keep that in mind." He smiled down at me again and I felt stomach butterflies and I started feeling hot. He moved his arm to sit over my shoulder and I leaned more into him resting my legs over his."Wolfgang promise me something."

"Alright."

"Promise me that when we see each other again you won't push me away, you'll just treat me like this, like a friend."

"I don't know if friends hold each other like this."

"Wolfgang..."

"Alright, alright I promise." He said and so I leaned up and pecked his cheek. He whipped his head down at me and stared at me surpised.

"It's sealed with a kiss you can't break it." I smirked then leaned my head back onto his chest.