Where Secrets Lie

However, she pictured Alyssa alone and afraid. She knew this was going to be challenging. Kara was so use to being a leader as a detective. It was hard to follow this man's, no monster's commands, but she had to stay strong for her sister. She needed to figure out a way to get both of them out of that cult. By the time she reached her room, she managed to defuse her anger.

"Wow. That dress is amazing," Amy said as soon as she entered. "Remind me to ask Michael where he's hiding mine." She laughed.

Kate simply stared at her in silence, but Kara could almost feel the hatred ebbing from her.

"I didn't ask for it." She looked at the dress, not even sure how to put it on. "He also said you two could help me look more presentable for the celebration." She almost failed to hide the irritation in her voice.

"Well, Amy will have to help you. I haven't even started getting ready yet, and I am going to be spending a little more time getting ready than usual tonight. I want to look my best for our master on this special night." Kate primped in the mirror as she spoke.

"She sure needs it," Amy joked to Kara under her breath, but the icy stare from Kate's reflection told her she had been a bit too loud.

Amy helped Kara with her hair and make-up. Of course, Kara didn't know the first thing about fixing hair and doing make-up, so Amy pretty much did everything. The more she did, the less Kara recognized herself. She looked glamorous like a movie star, but something about it made her feel ugly and unnatural. The make-up tickled her face, making her want to scratch, and her hair was pulled so tight it was painful.

"I think this one," Amy said, grabbing pearls and reached to remove Kara's crystal necklace.

"No," Kara said as she grabbed her hand. "I never take this off. It's an heirloom."

"Okay, that's fine," Amy responded. "It looks good with that dress, so Michael won't mind."

Somehow, despite all the work it took to look perfect, the girls were ready for the party at exactly 8:00 PM. They all wore white gowns, but Kara's gown was by far the most beautiful. The heart-shaped halter top accentuated her bosom, and the hemline flowed around her ankles, leaving just a peek of her tiny feet. Paired with her fair skin and light hair, her navy blue eyes stood out like magic.

"You look like a bride on her wedding day," Amy squealed.

She smiled, pretending to be giddy, but the thought made her uncomfortable.

She entered the room she thought of as "a sanctuary" earlier that day. The chairs had been cleared away to make a dance floor, and a band played classical music in one corner. The tables were piled high with the food the chefs had been so busily preparing during her visit. The smell of it made Kara's mouth water, and she realized she hadn't eaten since the day before.

Many servants were already laughing, dancing and eating as if this were just a normal day for them. Kara suspected it was.

"So do you," Kara responded. Alyssa's satin dress was a beautiful royal blue, and the shapely sapphire hanging around her neck matched it perfectly.

"So, why do you get to wear blue, and I have to play the part of a blushing bride?"

Alyssa gave a shy smile. "Only Michael's personal servants are allowed to wear white. You should consider yourself very lucky. Half the servants in this room are staring at you in envy as we speak."

Kara glanced around the room and did indeed notice many eyes looking back at her.

"They obviously haven't spent enough time around him. Actually, I was hoping I would be allowed to serve Logan, as you do."

Alyssa looked away, suddenly uncomfortable. Kara wanted to question her about it, but she didn't have time. In fact, time seemed to have stopped. The music ceased, and everyone quit what they were doing mid-action. Quickly, they formed a circle around the middle of the dance floor.

For a moment, she thought she was supposed to join the circle, but she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Michael. "I knew you would clean up well. It's time for our dance." He extended his hand and she reluctantly accepted.

He led her into the middle of the circle. The band struck up again, but this time, they played a slow eerie song. Five other couples joined them in the dance. Each consisted of a master and a servant.

Michael bowed to Kara, playing the role of a gentleman quite well. He placed his left hand in her right hand and wrapped his free arm around her waist. Slowly, they began to sway and spin in sync to the music. As they did, Kara grew dizzy, and a feeling of fear swept over her. Something was wrong.

Slowly, the music faded away. As it did, Michael softly whispered in her ear. "Now comes the time for you to pledge your devotion to me."

Kara's heartbeat quickened, and she twisted her head around in a panic to see what was happening. The other couples were entwined in a morbid embrace. The masters had their fangs buried deep in the flesh of their servants.

Goosebumps pricked up on her arms. "I never agreed to this!"

"My dear, what do you think a servant does?" replied Michael, with a handsome grin. His fangs began to descend from the roof of his mouth. She fought out of his arms and ran for the door, but a stout vampire drenched in the blood of his servant ran after her and wrestled her to the ground. Bright red smears stained her heavenly white dress. He growled and smacked her with the back of his hand. Through her fading vision, she saw Michael pick the man up and throw him across the room.

"This one is mine!" he shouted. Then he was on top of her, and she felt his teeth piercing her skin. She wanted to fight back, but she felt herself growing weaker and weaker until everything went black.

The ceremony was complete.