• I slowly opened my eyes, having no idea where I was or how long I had been asleep. I knew I wasn't anywhere near my home for two reasons: I had never seen the place before, and it was completely silent. Sitting up, I looked around at my surroundings, holding my aching head. Everything was dark, and I soon noticed that I was in a cell of some sort. As I stood, the bed creaked, and I was sure it'd collapse. Nothing seemed right here. After all, it didn't show any signs of a door or any way in.

    "Well, this just sucks. I'm in solitary confinement, like I've just been grounded," I thought out loud, sighing and leaning against the wall.

    "Now, now, it's not that bad, is it?" Akito questioned, emerging from the shadows. He smirked at me, his eyes glinting fiercely. I stared at him in shock, trying to move farther away. Unfortunately, I only succeeded in tripping and falling on the bed. "Comfortable?" He chuckled as he walked closer, sitting on the edge of the bed.

    "What do you want with me?!" I asked, doing my best to hide my fear. He gently moved my hair off my face, hovering over me. It felt as though he was trying to place me under a spell.

    "You know, you're even more beautiful when you're frightened. Don't worry. You're safe...for now. I'm the new ruler of the Demonic Kingdom, hand chosen by the Great Oberon before he was killed by your mother. I, naturally, need a wife...and I've chosen you."

    "So why put me in a horrible place like this? And why choose me, the daughter of the mix that slained your precious king? Surely, you must know that I am more angel than demon, do you not?" I shot those questions at him so fast that I was proud of the look of confusion on his face.

    "All of your questions will be answered in due time. Come, I'll take you to a more suitable place where you can change into something warmer." He had sighed and lowered his gaze before rising. He held out his hand to me, but I simply stood, ignoring his offer. Sighing once more, he simply led me out of the cell, into a brightly lit hallway. After a decent amount of walking, he paused at a room, unlocking it and leading me inside. "This room is right next to mine. It's usually where a fiance would stay, but we can ignore that little fact for now. If you should ever need anything, this door will lead into my room. Feel free to visit any time," he motioned to a door by the bed before giving me a brief tour.

    "Thank you. I'll be fine in here," I softly said, bowing my head politely. He smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder.

    "You don't need to bow. It is my pleasure, doing all of this for you." Slowly running his
    hand down my arm, he took my hand, softly kissing it before exiting.

    "What a wierdo..." I turned away as the door closed, deciding that I needed to find something to change into. I walked over to the closet, opening it. I gasped as I gazed at the numerous gowns. Each gown was magnificent, yet I wanted something plain. I changed into the plainest dress that was in there. It was a crimson, long-sleeved gown with an extremely low-cut back and a slit up to the middle of my thigh, just off center. As I was examining myself in the mirror, my stomach grumbled loudly. "I think I need some food." I headed for the door that connected my room to Akito's.

    I slowly opened the door, silently peeking inside. He hadn't heard the door open, since he was changing. I blushed deeply as he turned around, shirtless. He just stared at me, dropping the shirt he held on the bed.

    "What would you like, milady?" he asked, motioning for me to come closer. I hesitantly walked forward, closing the door behind me. He sat down on the bed, pulling me in front of him. "You look astonishing in that gown, by the way. Your mother once wore it, in fact."

    "Thank you. Akito, I was wondering if I could have something to eat. I'm starving," I replied, still blushing slightly. He grinned, pulling me closer still, so now I was between his legs.

    "Of course. I'll accompany you to the dining hall when I'm done changing." I nodded, while his grin grew, and his arms found their way around my legs. He carefully placed me on his leg, holding me carefully. "But we don't have to rush, do we?" He pulled me into a rough kiss, his free hand trying to work its way up my dress. He scooped me up, laying me on the bed. "There's a reason that slit's there." I struggled to get away, but he soon pinned me down.

    "Please, Akito. Don't. Let me go!" I pleaded, tears forming in my eyes. Something changed almost immediately about him. He slid off the bed, backing away.

    "I...I'm so sorry, Raven. I-I don't know what came over me," he whispered, turning away. I quickly stood, adjusting my dress. After collecting myself, I picked up his shirt, hesitantly walking over and handing it to him. "Thank you..." After putting it on, he pulled me into a gentle hug, which I returned. "You truly are an angel."

    "Only at times. After all, I'm still part demon." I smirked as he grinned and nodded.

    "Let's get you some food now." He held out his hand, which I took this time around. He squeezed my hand gently before we left the room. It was another long walk, so long that he offered to carry me halfway. I almost took that offer.

    As he led me into the dining hall, I looked around in awe. It was simply exquisite. Everything was white or silver, or both even. I was amazed by all of the sights and sounds. A small orchestra played softly, entertaining those who were enjoying their meals. He led me to the head table, which had a deep crimson table cloth. All of the other tables had white cloths instead. However, they were still as ornate as the head table.

    "What would you like?" he asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

    "What do you have?" I asked in return, looking up at him.

    "Anything you'd like." He pulled out a chair for me, pushing me in after I sat down.

    "Do you have pasta?" He nodded and listed all of the types. After taking my order, he returned, sitting next to me.

    "It'll be a little while, if that's alright."

    "Of course. Give us time to relax." He chuckled, nodding in agreement. "I would still like to know why you chose me when there are plenty of women that are better."

    "You're not like them, Raven. You really aren't. You're so different, so...new to me and everyone else here. You're also the sweetest person I've ever met, and I want to learn more about you."

    "You're already trying to seduce the new maiden? An angel, no less. That's so pathetic, Akito," a man said, walking up to us. He grinned at me, seemingly looking me over. He looked identical to Akito, yet there was something different about him. "You've begun to put the spell on her already? You're moving faster than usual."

    "Damien, shut up," Akito growled, standing up.

    "Now, now, is that how you want to act in front of the young maiden?" Damien smirked, turning his attention to me. "I'm sure a beauty like her would hate to watch us fight." I looked away, staying silent. "Come, Akito. We have to talk in private." Akito reluctantly followed him out of the dining hall, leaving me alone with a large amount of demons. Several walked past me, suspicious glances aimed at me while I gazed around in wonder.

    After my food came, I thanked the waitress before slowly beginning to eat. A group of younger demons approached me, pulling the chair back roughly. I gasped, dropping my knife and fork.

    "So what's an angel doing inside our dining hall? You're just asking to become our dinner," one of the teenage boys spoke as the leader. "Why don't you come with us? We'll protect you. Come on, babe." Two others pulled me to my feet, yet another two grabbing my wings. I struggled to get away from them, but I was out of luck.

    "Release her now!" Akito shouted, striding towards us. The demons immediately let me go, dropping me to the ground. I panted, my eyes closed tightly. Akito knelt beside me, holding me close. "I will speak to all of you later about your behavior towards my guest. To your rooms now." They immediately scattered, while I whimpered into Akito's shoulder. "It's alright now, Raven. You're safe." He helped me to my feet, setting me back in the chair.

    "Can I just go back to my room...I don't feel like eating anymore," I asked softly, still holding onto him. He nodded, scooping me up into his arms. He carried me out of the dining hall, where Damien was apparently waiting.

    "Is she alright? What did those boys do to her?" he asked worriedly, looking at me.

    "She's fine. They just shook her up a little bit." I closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. He carried me all the way to my room, Damien following close behind. Once there, Damien opened the door, and Akito entered, immediately setting me down on the bed.

    "You'll be safe, little angel. Akito won't let anything happen to you. Sleep well." Damien bowed to us before exiting the room.

    "Do you want anything?" Akito asked me quietly as I curled up under the covers. I shook my head, avoiding his gaze.

    "Thank you...for everything..." I whispered, finally looking up at him. He grinned, softly kissing me on the forehead.

    "Sweet dreams, little angel." He quietly left, and within minutes, I was fast asleep.