I tip - toed down the narrow dimly lit hallway, with each step i took my heart beat faster, the door was so close now. when it was only a few yards left, i broke into a run, almost slipping on the cold marble. Ignoring the searing pain from my stomach and backside, i ran until i reached the massive oak door...I sobbed with relief, when i felt the cool metal of the doorknob under my palm. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my erratic heart beat. Overwhelmed with emotion at the thought of finally escaping from this hell - hole. I took one last look at my dark surroundings, before turning the doorknob.I actually managed to see a sliver of thecool morning light this time, before i was grabbed, i felt his cool smoky touch on my skin, i felt it sinking deep in to my pores, but i was determined,this time i wouldn't succumb to his poison, i fought against him, clawing and scratching for all i was worth..refusing to give in tothe drowsiness.. but it was futile.. like a massive dark billowing cloak falling over me.. the last thing i remember was that familiar scent of Jasmine and Lavender....

I woke up, extremely disoriented, blinking to adjust my eyesight,i gave up and sank back to the bed, it was useless, i'd experienced this enough times to know that my eyesight would remainblurry for the next few miniutes. I sprangback up in shock, as i realised i was in my bedroom.. i could just about make out the familiar indigo silks and soft lilac furnishings in the darkness.I was startled and confused at being in my own bed after my attemped escape last night. Usually i would have woken up in the dungeons, caged, or chained to the walls.I heardmy name, but it was barely more than a whisper. "Nicholai?.." I called out into the darkness. he stepped out of the shadows, my eyesight was returning to normal, so i could see him properly..i gazed into his strange, hauntinglybeautifull eyes, silvery blue eyes pupils surrounded by deep black irises tinged with flecks of gold. I flinched and looked away, as i felt the familiar excrutiating feel of fire and ice flow through my body. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to retain eye-contact with him, i whimpered and tried to close my eyes, but i couldn't, thepain mounted, building to a cresendo, I was screaming now, my entire body writhing in agony. He released me, and i sank on to the bed, like a crumpled rag-doll. My long black hair fanning out around me, contrasting withthegold sheets. He spoke, his voice icy and venomous, hitting my like a torrent of needles. I shrank back from him, but he only leaned in closer, until my back was against thewall, and hisface inches from mine. "Celia, I will not punish you .. this time.. but only because i am giving you one last chance.. I'm warning you, next time you decide to attempt an escape, i will simply catch you and kill you, and if your ownlife is not enough reason for you to obey me.. just remember your family.. one word from me, and they'd be dead within an hour... better yet, i'll have them captured, brought hereand savaged before your very eyes." With one last lingering look, he turned and left the room, locking the door behind him.