Julie woke up with a start, immediately knowing that something wasn’t quite right. She could feel them in the room with her, watching her every move and whispering to each other. Every night it happened, tonight would be no different. They silenced as they realized that Julie had awoken and all stepped further into the shadows. All but one, who walked over to her bed and sat by her, stroking her hair. Julie moved away as best as she could and nearly fell onto the floor.

He laughed, the one who seemed to be the new leader among them. It was strangely comforting to hear it, but Julie knew better. They weren’t ones to feel safe, let alone comfortable, around. These people, these creatures, had more devious plans then they let on. She looked up, into the leader’s eyes, afraid of what she might see. She wouldn’t allow any of them to see her fear though: it would only give them more pleasure. After all they’d already done to her, she wouldn’t allow it.

“What more do you want from me?” Julie asked him, defiance in her voice, but it still faintly shook with fear.

He laughed, “Why do you presume that we want any more?”

“Let me go, then.” She said, allowing them to hear her anger rising. “I refuse to be kept here like some prisoner, a slave.” She shot up and looked down at him.

“It’s safer for you here than it is out there.” He nodded toward the window.

Julie glared at him. How could it possibly be safer? She thought. Here, they’d beat and raped her. They’d forced her to do things that she wouldn’t otherwise be willing to do.

He stood up and looked down at her, with sadness in his eyes. No, he was faking it. Julie knew they’d have no pity for her. These people were monsters, nothing more. They couldn’t feel for anyone.

Dimitri looked down at the young girl. She was pretty, he thought. Light brown hair came down around her face, her eyes were hazel, and her skin was fair. He knew what the others had done to her and regretted allowing them to. He knew that he should have been there to keep her safe from them. But he wasn’t. She didn’t trust him. He knew that much. He only hoped that he could at least earn her trust, show her that he really did care. They didn’t understand, never would. After all, he was the only one among them who was also human. The rest were pure demon, the only reason they accepted him and followed his orders was because he was the Emperor’s son. If his father was ever overthrown, it was likely that he’d be made a slave or even killed. Of course, to be simply killed by them would be much better than to be their slave. He knew that as well as anyone else.

Dimitri looked into her eyes, pleading for her trust. He couldn’t save her from any of this if she wouldn’t let him. She wouldn’t let him if she thought he’d hurt her.

Listen to me. He spoke inside her mind. You need to trust me. I know how to get you away from this.

The girl started to speak. No, don’t. He told her. They can’t know any of this. They are your enemies, I’m not. If you’ve got something to say to me, think it.

What do you want? She showed no emotion on her face, but he could tell by her tone that she was curious as well as nearly desperate.

I want to help you. That’s all. I just need to know that you’d be willing to accept my help.

Okay, fine...

“Listen.” Dimitri turned to the others, addressing them. “I’m taking her with me. None of you are to bother either of us.” He grabbed the girl by her arm and went out the door.

“Wh-where are we going?” Julie questioned the stranger. It wasn’t as dark here, so she was able to see him better. He was still young, had silver eyes and spiked blond hair highlighted blood-red. He’s actually pretty cute, she smiled to herself. Then, realized that he hadn’t answered her question. “Well?” She asked him again.

“Does it matter right now?” He glanced at her. “At least I’m getting you out of there.” He spoke in a hushed tone.

She sighed. “Fine, don’t tell me.” She didn’t like people keeping things from her, especially if they were supposed to be helping her. “But, I think I should have the right to know at least.”

He turned a corner and led her halfway down a staircase. “We’ll be going to my room for now. I need to figure out how it is that I’m going to keep you safe.”

Julie looked at him with disbelief. “What? So, you didn’t have anything planned out. That’s just perfect. How the fuck are you going to help me if you don’t know what the hell you’re doing?” How the fuck am I supposed to know that I can reallytrust this guy?

“Do you want my help or not?” He glanced over at her, anger rising in his eyes.

She looked away. “I. Well.” A few seconds passed before she answered. “I guess. I don’t have any other choice if I want out. Do I?”

“No.” He started back down the staircase, leading her to a room.

Julie still didn’t trust him, she couldn’t. But, there was something about this creature. He seemed to be different than the rest of them somehow.

“Um..” He looked somewhat unsure. “Here we are.”

Julie watched him as he walked over to a desk and started rummaging in a drawer. She sighed, then walked over to the bed to sit down.

---

A/N: I leaveth the story here for now. Constructive criticism will be very well appreciated, and I'll try to respond to any reviews I get. Let me know what you think. If you'd like me to continue this story, I will do so.