CHAPTER 1

"NO slouching." His words were harsh as usual and I straightened my back before pressing my lips together into a thin line. It's so surprise that my parents were not being themselves around me anymore. Ever since they found out that I hated the idea of being chosen by any vampire, they've been treating me rather coldly. But then again, what do you expect from two people who have practically praised vampires their whole life?

The ride was quiet and I stared out of the window the whole time, watching the trees and malls pass us by, silently praying that this nightmare would come to an end soon. But how could it when it barely even began?

"You look beautiful tonight." My father stated, parking near the Grand Mansion and I gave him a weak smile before nodding.

"Go in there and make us proud." He said, reaching out to take my hand, giving it a small a squeeze. If only he knew how badly I wanted to turn around and go home right now. "Even without so much makeup, you still look so beautiful Adriana." He complimented, fixating his dark brown eyes into my own ones and I smile a little as I ran a hand through my long, straight hair.

"Thank you." Was all I could murmur and he shook his head before sighing. "I hope you know that we love you very much and that we'll miss you, sweetheart." His voice turned all sweet and pleasant and I couldn't help but smile a little.

"I love you too." I said and he gave me one last smile before leaning closer to give me a peck on the cheek.

"Now go." He said softly, his voice not shaking in the slightest bit. I nodded and took one last shaky breath before opening the door and stepping out. As I straddled along with my dress, I noticed a guard standing near the gate and walked up to him, my heart racing faster with every step I took.

"Name?" He bellowed and I gulped softly before speaking.

"Adriana Custodio." I murmured softly and he opened the gate almost immediately. I slowly walked inside the lawn and immediately admired my surroundings. The first thing that caught my eyes was the marble fountain sitting towards the right side of the lawn. Water spurted and fell gently towards the crystal blue pool beneath it, causing ripples to form. Bushes were trimmed into all sort of animals and I stared in awe before walking towards the black door. I gaped at the large mansion that was now towering over me, as if it was attempting to intimidate me.

Here we go. I was about to ring the doorbell when it suddenly opened, causing me to gasp and in front of me stood a butler, wearing a black work suit. He bent down politely, allowing me to enter and I gulped softly as I stared at the unfamiliar girls and guys around me. I immediately felt a blush creep up on my face when I realized that I was the least dressed up person in the entire ballroom. Girls were dressed with beautiful, flaunting and elegant gowns as they giggled and enjoyed the butler's company.

There were at least around 20 or more butlers marching around the hallways. I stared up at the several chandeliers that were hanging up the ceiling and admired the beauty of the room. Who knew this place was this spacious and beautiful?

I watched half of the girls and guys enter another room and decided to straddle along as I was very unfamiliar with this mansion, although I've seen it from outside a couple of times. It was hard to miss.

You have to avoid being seen by him.

I kept telling myself as I followed behind a girl. Upon entering the room, I realize that I had just entered the ballroom and I watched some girls flaunt their dresses, dancing to the music while others kept talking to each other. 

Huh, I don't know we were allowed to dance at our own funeral?

I fiddled with my fingers and noticed some guys eyeing at me as I passed by but decided to ignore their intimate stares. I was thrown a few compliments and whistles but somehow, I didn't feel that uncomfortable. I knew that I wasn't the only one who was dressed up for this ceremony and there were so much prettier girls than me in this room.

"Drinks?" An unfamiliar voice made me gasp and turn around to face a butler who was now holding out a tray of cocktails. I quickly shook my head and he smiled before nodding.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked politely and the butler nodded, his hazel eyes boring into my brown ones.

"I thought only girls were allowed to attend the ceremony?" I questioned softly, my voice barely above a whisper and the butler chuckled.

"Yes, but these men are close to the purebloods. They are our special guests. Don't worry, there's only around 30 males, you'll hardly notice them." He said and I nodded before he left. 

Yeah... hardly.

Find a place to hide until it's over.

A voice in my head advised me and I took a deep breath before turning to search around for a good hiding spot.

"Ladies and gentleman, welcome!" A voice made me freeze in my position before I looked up to face around ten or more guys, climbing down a spiral staircase. My stomach tied into a knot when I instantly realize that they were not normal people.

"We're so happy that you could all make it for this special ceremony." The guy with the light blond hair said out loud and I heard a few giggles behind me.

"It's Tyrell, he's so cute." I heard girls whispering to each other and my heart raced at her words.

"Draven Cruz will be accompanying us in a few minutes." Tyrell continued, licking his lips before darting his eyes around the room. A cold shiver crawled down my spine as I tried to keep a straight posture.