Back at the castle, Marie wakes up with a soft groan. She looks to the side of her and there is a young boy sitting near her on the bed. He has short black hair, a long white button up shirt, a light smokey grey sweater vest that looks like it's made from a light material, khaki shorts, and long black socks on. He is reading a children’s book that has a little bat on it while holding a teddy bear. The teddy bear has a light lilac bow tie and black button eyes. He sees that Marie is awake and gets excited. He closes the book.

“You're awake,” He says excitedly with a big smile.

“Um hi,” Marie greets cautiously as she sits up, ‘Ow. My head. The last thing I remember is dealing with that bitch. Then everything went black. Josiph must've carried me here. But where is here?’

“Oh. Be careful. Your head might hurt for a bit,” He says as he crawls up to her.

“I’m fine,” Marie says as she starts to scrooch towards the edge of the bed. The kid slowly follows her. Marie goes to get up but as she does she ends up feeling dizzy. She catches herself on the bed. The kid flashes over to her to check on her.

“Are you ok? Do you need me to get brother,” he asks worriedly.

“I’m fine. Who’s your brother,” She asks as she steadies herself on the bed.

“Josiph,” He answers with the big smile reappearing.

“Okay, can you go get him,” Marie asks the kid as she gets comfortable on the bed. The kid nods and runs off. A few moments pass and Josiph walks in with the kid.

“You should rest,” Joseph comments with a chuckle.

“I’m fine. Where are we,” Marie asks as the dizziness stops.

“We are at my childhood home,” Joseph answers as the kid gets a bit closer to Marie. Marie looks at the kid.

“Who’s the kid,” Marie asks with a sigh.

“I’m Lukas and this is Beary,” Lukas answers while showing Marie the bear.

“Hi Lukas and Beary. Can you give me and Josiph a moment to talk,” Marie asks Lukas. Lukas nods with a smile and runs off.

“Is she dead,” Marie asks Josiph when Lukas is out of the room.

“Yes,” He answers as he walks closer to Marie. She stands up and looks at him.

“You know in this realm hunters find it hard to access their powers and strengths,” He says as he gets closer to her. She watches him as she carefully takes a few unsteady steps towards the bathroom. He gets up to her and pins her to the wall. She looks up at him, glaring.

“What are you doing,” She growls at him.

“You need to rest or you will be prey,” He answers, still pinning her against the wall.

“I won’t be prey to anyone. Now, move or else,” She growls still glaring at him intensely.

“Well, you're my prey right now,” He says with a smirk, “Plus what are you going to use?”

“I-” She starts to say then realizes her situation. Her clothes have been changed. She doesn’t feel any of her weapons on her either.

“Move,” She growls, trying to not panic or show it. He chuckles and leans in close to her. She musters up her strength and tries to knee him in his manhood. He catches her  knee and flips her around. She faces the wall as he leans into her neck. She tries to fight back against him but he keeps a tight hold on  her.

“Rest or you could be in this situation with someone other than me,” He says in her ear.

“I will be fine. We just need to get my dagger and leave,” She growls at him not giving in. He then swiftly picks her up and throws her on to the bed.

“I’ll have someone bring you something to eat,” Josiph comments as he turns towards the door.

“Have someone,” Marie asks, repeating it as she tries to sit up.

“Yes, one of the servants here. One of them will bring food up for you,” He says as he leaves. Marie sits up and looks around the room. She tries to get up when a teenage boy walks in. The boy has a tray that he quickly puts down. He rushes over to Marie.

“Miss, you need to stay in bed. The realm weakens humans,” He says quietly. Marie pushes him away and takes a deep breath.

“Move,” Marie growls as she stands up. She leans against the walls. Gaining her strength. He looks at her with worry. She gains her strength and stands on her own. She looks at the boy. He has short brown hair, a white button up short sleeve shirt, black slacks, black dress shoes, and a black leather collar with a white tag on it. Marie then takes a few unsteady steps.

“Miss, please you need to rest,” He says quickly.

“I’m fine,” Marie says as she takes a few more steps. A little more steady. He tries to stop her. She pushes him away and starts to walk around slowly. Once she gains her strength she starts to stretch. He looks at her in disbelief.

“How can you already walk,” He comments looking at her with admiration.

“A hunter must always fight to stay strong on their feet,” She comments as she stops stretching.

“A hunter? Can you save us then,” He asks with hope in his eyes.

“Save,” She asks confusedly as she looks at him.

“Yes. Most of us aren’t here by choice,” He answers with a saddened tone.

“What do you mean,” Marie asks, hoping he doesn’t mean what she thinks he means.

“Well, take myself for an example. I was on my way home from being out with friends a few months ago. I was walking home alone when I heard someone walking behind me. It was late so when I heard the person I picked up my pace. I just had a gut feeling something was wrong. I saw someone coming towards me.Then as he went to pass me, I got grabbed from behind. I tried to struggle but something was placed over my nose and mouth. Then everything went black and I woke up in a dark room. A couple of them came in and turned on the light. I noticed that the room is white and solid concrete. It also didn’t have any windows. I was “trained” to their liking. Then I was stripped of what little clothing I had and chained to a pole on a stage. There I was sold off to the highest bidder,” He says looking at the floor,” Marie goes wide eyed.

“What’s your name,” She asks quietly, holding back her anger.

“They call me 16 but my name is Devon,” He answers with a weak smile.

“What is the tag about? How many are here that came here like you,” She asks as heads towards the dresser.

“About 12 or more came here like me. I’m not really sure. The tags show the status of the pet. Blue is the one that I’m told everyone wants and Black is the worst one,” He answers as she gets to the dresser.

“Do you know where my things are,” She asks as she opens a drawer. There are a wide variety of night wear, ‘These look about my size. Why would Josiph or his family have clothes around my size?’

“No, but I know someone who might,” He answers with a weak smile.

“Who,” She asks as she closes the drawer.

“2, she is the one that takes care of the clothing that is brought here,” He answers as he looks at the door. She looks at the door and sees a young girl. 

“16, you know you’re not supposed to speak to the new pets,” She sighs out.

“2, she isn’t a pet,” Devon says quickly.

“Oh, so you are the one I need to talk to,” Marie comments with a slight smile.

“If she isn’t a pet then what is she,” 2 asks, not believing Devon.

“A hunter that came to get back something of mine that was stolen,” Marie answers, explaining why she was there.

“A….A hun….hunter,” She stutters out in shock and wide eyes.

“Yep. So, where are my things,” Marie asks with a small stretch.

“Your clothes were destroyed and your weapons are probably in Prince Josiph’s room,” She answers quickly.

“Of course they are,” She growls, “Can you take me there?”

“Of course but Master Josiph is currently with someone in his room,” She says, being vague.

“So, he’s feeding. Take me to his room, please,” Marie says with a shrug.

“He isn’t feeding, he is entertaining the twins,” She says with fear in her voice.

“Perfect. Those two are the ones I need to see,” She says with a smirk and both of them go wide eyed. 2 nods and starts to lead Marie and Devon down the hall. 2 stops outside a door where they can hear talking inside. Marie smirks and goes to open the door. 1 grabs her wrist. Marie looks at her and 2 shakes her head. Marie chuckles and opens the door. She catches a book that gets thrown at her. 2 and Devon stare at Marie in shock. Marie looks at the book. The book is called Eachdraidh nan Rosan.

“Sorry. Not much of a history buff. I do like informational books though,” She says as she enters the room. Joseph looks at her in shock and the twins sigh in irritation.

“How can you be up walking, right now,” He asks in shock.

“Cause I can. Now, you destroyed my clothes and you are hiding my daggers, Joseph,” Marie comments with a hint of anger in her voice. Her aura gives off a killer and dangerous feeling.

“Your clothes had blood on them. So, not to draw a lot of attention I had them destroyed. Your daggers, I kept. I didn’t want Lukas getting hold of one them,”Josiph says with a sigh, “I am trying to get these two to give up your dagger.”

Marie chuckles lightly and looks at the twins. Then sighs.

“They won’t give it to you,” Marie says as she walks up to Josiph.

“How do you know that,” Yinna asks, furrowing her brow.

“Because you don’t have it on you,” Marie answers and all of them look at Marie in shock, “Now, where is my dagger, girls?”

“Why should we tell you,” Yinna answers with a smirk.

“Did you know that there is more than one way one way to get information from someone,” Marie says nonchalantly.

“What….What do….do you….you mean,” Yanna asks, slightly scared of the answer.

“Think about it,” Marie comments, standing next to Josiph.

“It’s in our room,” Yinna answers glaring at Marie.

“Yinna, can you be a dear and go get it while the rest of us wait,” Marie comments and Yinna stands there looking at the ground. Joseph sighs.

“Your aura is oozing out,” He says with a shaky breath.

“Good,” Marie comments with a smirk. Yinna walks in and hands Marie her dagger. Marie smiles and her aura lets up a little bit. Yinna and Yanna leave the room quickly feeling that they aren’t needed. Joseph goes to say something but Marie punches him in the face.

“That’s for taking my daggers for pinning and throwing me,” She growls and Josiph wipes off a little blood from his mouth.

“My parents want to meet you,” Josiph comments and looks at Devon and 2, “Is there something you two need?”

“No, Master Josiph,” 2 answers and Devon looks at the floor.

“Then leave,” He growls slightly. The two rush away. Josiph looks at Marie.

“I don’t have any clothes. So, what am I going to wear to meet your parents,” Marie asks with a cocked eyebrow.

“I’ll take you to get clothes and you can wear some of mine,” Josiph answers while going to his closet. He grabs a shirt and a jacket. He hands them to Marie.

“You want me to wear this,” Marie asks looking at them.