Meanwhile back at the castle Marie sighs as she grabs her knife from the sheathe.

“Sorry, we have to be careful,” The man comments as he takes a bite from the sandwich.

“I understand,” Marie says as she hands her knife to the guard.

“Thank you,” The woman comments as she takes a sip of her tea. Marie gives a small nod as she steps up to the table.

“I think you got me at a disadvantage. You know me but I don’t know me but I don’t know either of you,” Marie comments as she sits at the table.

“I am queen Seana and this is my husband king Kelean,” The woman introduces while motioning to the man.

“It’s nice to meet you both, your majesties,” Marie comments with a slight nod to signify a bow.

“We need to speak with you about some of the things going on in our kingdom,” Seana comments as she sets her cup down on the table.

“I heard some of it,” Marie comments while looking at her.

“We wish to stop it. So, we were wondering if you would agree to helping us get rid of the problem,” Kelean says as he finishes his sandwich.

“So, you want my help and you want to keep the agreement,” Marie asks with a cocked eyebrow.

“Yes,” Seana answers while looking at Marie.

“So, how do I know you won’t betray me,” Marie asks looking at what is on the table.

“We have all the illegally obtained humans within this castle,” Kelean answers with a bored tone, “We are willing to release all of them into your custody.”

“How many,” Marie asks curiously.

“We have 6 currently. The handler said there will be a new bunch of them soon,” Seana answers while watching Marie.

“6? Did this handler give a day,” Marie asks with interest.

“No, but we can contact Josiph when or if they arrive here,” Kelean answers as he gently grabs his cup.

“Then let me see the ones you have,” Marie comments with a sigh and they give a slight sigh.

“Bring us 16, 22, 14, 19, 12, and 24,” Kelean orders and a guard gives a sharp nod before he leaves.

“How about some tea while we wait,” Seana comments while pouring Marie a cup of tea.“I’m guessing it will take a while for them to be found,” Marie comments as she accepts the tea.

“Yes, they may be wandering the castle or helping someone,” Seana says with a kind but empty smile.

“Why the numbers,” Marie asks as she takes a whiff of the tea.

“It’s so we don’t get attached,” Kelean answers while taking a sip from his cup.

“That’s convitent,” Marie comments sarcastically.

“We know the names of the ones that were brought here illegally,” Seana says and Marie cocks an eyebrow in surprise.

“Then please tell me what their names are,” Mare comments as the guard walks out with the servants.

“16’s name is Devon. 22’s name is Sarah. 14’s name is Lukas. 19’s name is Brittany. 12’s name is Andrew. Last one is 24 and her name is Lizze,” Kelean says while looking at the servants. Marie sets the cup down and walks up to the servants. She looks at the tags.

“White is that they haven’t been placed in a servant job yet. Blue is for maid or butler. Red is for blood slave. Black is for sex slave,” Seana answers with a sigh.

“You know if any of them were “used” them the agreement will be broken,” Marie comments and sees blood on the guard’s mouth.

“None of them should have been touched,” Seana says and sees the blood on the guard’s mouth.

“Really? Did you feed recently,” Marie asks the guard. The guard looks at the royals.

“Answer her,” Kelean orders in a growl.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t know they were off limits,” He answers quickly and his voice filled with fear. Marie sighs and looks at the royals. They are frowning.

“Marie, as a show of good faith we will let you deal with him,” Seana comments emotionlessly.

“Josiph,” Marie calls slightly.

“Yes,” Josiph answers as he walks up to Marie.

“Dagger,” She comments and the guard goes wide eyed. Josiph hands her one of her daggers. The guard falls to his knees in fear.

“Please. I’m sorry,” He starts to beg. Marie lefts the dagger into the air. The guard closes his eyes waiting for her to strike. Marie smirks and chuckles slightly.

“So, I’ll give you a choice. I’ll give you a choice. I will leave you a mark and you will apologize to the royals or I turn you to ash,” Marie comments as she lowers her dagger.“I’ll take the mark and I’ll apologize,” He says quickly as he opens his eyes.

“Then apologize,” Marie comments as she motions to the royals.

“I am sorry for almost breaking the agreement by feeding on an illegal,” He apologizes sincerely.

“Arm or face,” Marie asks in a monotone voice and the guy looks at Marie.

“What do you see fit,” He says quietly.

“What I see fit? You realize that you said that to a hunter,” Marie comments and the guard’s eyes go wider.

“A…..A hun….hunter,” He stutters out questioning in disbelief.

“Yep. A pure blooded one,” Marie answers in a matter fact tone.

“Please,” He begs in fear.

“You’re lucky that it’s me dealing with this. Other hunters aren’t as merciful as I am. Most would turn you to ash before you could defend yourself,” Marie comments with a smirk, “Give me your arm.”

The guard stands up and holds his arm out to her. Marie firmly grabs hold of his arm.

“Now, which one did you feed from,” Marie asks sternly.

“14,” He answers quietly.

“Okay,” She comments and looks at the royals, “14’s name is Lukas right?”

“That is correct,” Seana answers with a nod. Marie gets a firmer grip on his arm and gets a firm grip on her dagger. She brings the dagger close to his arm and then starts to carve Lukas and 14 into his arm. The guard hisses and cries out in pain. Once done she let go of his arm. His blood sizzles on the blade of her dagger. He falls to his knees in pain as he holds his arm close to him.

“You should get that treated and wrapped,” Marie comments and he nods weakly. He gets up and rushes off into the castle. Marie walks back over to the 6 servants.

“You all will be coming with me. I will be taking you home,” She comments as she steps up to Devon. He looks at her in surprise.

“You’re taking us home,” He asks in disbelief.

“Yep,” She answers as she carefully cuts off his collar. He tears up as he touches his neck. She goes over to the next one. She looks at the tag. It says 22 on it.“Umm Sarah, right,” She asks the teenage girl standing in front of her.The girl nods and Marie carefully cuts off her collar with a kind smile. She then walks up to the next one. She read the tag and it says 12.

“Andrew,” She asks politely. The teenage boy gives a small nod. Marie gives him a soft smile. Then she carefully cuts the collar off. He smiles shyly. She goes to the next one and reads the tag. It says 14.

“Hello Lukas,” Marie greets with a comforting smile.

“Is it okay if I ask you about what you did to that guy,” He asks quietly.

“I placed a reminder on him to not attack or feed on someone who is here against their will,” Marie answers with a kind smile.

“What if I like him,” He whispers.

“I can free you and you can talk to him about it,” Marie answers quietly and he nods softly. She cuts the collar off carefully. He then walks up to the guard that is walking out. The guard and him talk for a moment then the guard sighs. The guard looks up at Marie. He wraps an arm around Lukas’s waist and leads them over to Marie.

“Lukas has informed me he has fallen for me. I am willing to try and keep him at my side as my partner,” He tells Marie in a matter of fact tone.

“If it works out, would you keep him as a mate,” Marie asks while looking the guard in the eye.

“Yes, and if it doesn’t I will have him returned,” He answers with a smile.

“He will be free,” Marie comments while looking at his arm.

“Yes,” He answers with a small gulp.

“Then I wish you both the best,” She says with a kind smile. They both smile brightly. She then goes to the next and reads the tag. It says 24.

“Brittany,” Marie asks unsure.

“Lizze actually,” She answers quietly.

“Sorry, Lizze,” Marie comments.

“It’s okay,” She says barely above a whisper. Marie gives a kind smile as she gently cuts the collar off. She walks over to the next teenage girl.

“Brittany,” Marie comments with a kind smile. The girl nods with a frown, “Do you not like that name?”

“Not really,” She answers.

“What is your preferred name then,” Marie asks.

“Kit,” She answers, “I’m non-binary.”“Ah ok. We will get all of you home,” Marie says with a kind smile as she finishes carefully cutting off their collar. They all smile at her.

“Josiph, all but Lukas will be leaving. Please make sure they get home safely,” Marie comments towards Josiph. Josiph gives a small nod and heads over to a guard. They talk for a moment then walk over to Marie and the 6 freed individuals.

“This is one of my personal guards. I trust him to get you all home safe,” Josiph comments while motioning to the guard.

“Umm, I want to stay with her,” Kit comments while gently grabbing hold of Marie’s dress.

“I don’t think that is a good idea,” Marie comments quietly towards her.

“Why,” Kit asks, not letting go of her dress.

“I’m a hunter,” She answers with slight worry in her tone.

“You can teach me to protect myself,” Kit answers, holding on to her dress tighter.

“You’re dead set on coming with me, huh,” Marie comments with a sigh.

“Uh huh,” Kit answers quietly and Marie chuckles lightly.

“Alright. Put Kit in my room. We’ll get ready to leave onceI finish talking with the royals,” Marie comments with a kind smile.

“Let’s go,” The guard says and all but Kit and Lukas follow him. Kit follows some servants to Marie’s room.

“Now, I will do what I can on my end. If you get any information you will let me know,” Marie comments with an emotionless face and the royals nod.

“Shall I get everyone ready to leave,” Josiph asks while looking at Marie.

“Yes,” Marie says as she walks away. Josiph goes to Marie’s room and meets up with Marie at the front door. He has Crystal, Kit, and a couple bags with him. Marie smiles at them as they walk up to her. She follows Josiph out to a limo with Crystal and Kit behind her. She lets Crystal and Kit enter the limo first. Then she enters as Josiph puts the bags in the trunk of it. Josiph then enters and then knocks on the tinted windows. Then the limo leaves the castle. Moving at impossible speeds and rates. They arrived back in town in record time. They slow down as they watch the town pass by. They slowly pull into Marie’s home. She gets out after Josiph.

“Make yourselves at home. It’s me and my siblings mostly. My mom is hardly here. There are plenty of rooms available,” Marie comments looking at the house. Kit and Crystal nod and smile.

“Can I sleep with you,” Crystal asks with a slight smile.

“Sleep with me,” Marie questions as her phone rings.

“Yes,” Crystal answers with a slight blush. Marie grabs her phone out of her pocket.

“I don’t see why you couldn’t,” Marie answers while reading the name of who is calling her, “Derek?”