Akari stirred, confused at the solid texture of her pillow.

'How did you sleep?'

She flinched and sat up, surprised to see Nico next to her.

'I slept well,' she said as memories of what happened the night before came back to her.

Nico raised an eyebrow, trying to judge her expression. 'I'll let you get dressed and I'll meet you downstairs. I'll arrange for some breakfast in Andrés study.'

He left swiftly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Akari rolled over and buried her head in a pillow, both hating and loving the fact that it smelt like Nico. She glanced down to where her pajama top was skewed, leaving her mating rune visible. It was more solid than the day before, though she didn't understand why.

'What the hell am I supposed to do?' she cried.

In lieu of an answer, and fearful that she was spending too much time talking to herself, she got dressed. She had just finished pulling on a pair of shorts when a hesitant knock sounded on the door.

She opened it, surprised to see Alfonso stood ready for her.

'The Prince asked me to accompany you to the master's study,' he said as he bowed to her.

'You don't need to babysit me, Alfonso.' She laughed, but shut the door behind her.

'It's not babysitting. The Prince just doesn't want you getting lost.'

Akari walked along the corridor with him, a smirk curving her face.

'Has anyone ever told you what a bad liar you are?'

Alfonso barked a laugh. 'Many times.'

Akari laughed along with him as they descended the stairs.

'Alfonso.' They turned to see Beatrix gliding towards them. 'The Master wants to see you. Joan is having a few issues.'

Alfonso paled and looked torn.

'Go. I'll be fine,' Akari reassured him.

He looked uncertainly between her and Beatrix. 'The Prince wanted me to take you to Andrés' study.'

'I can do that for you,' Beatrix offered. 'From what Andrés told me, Joan is in a bad place. You remember what being a newborn is like? That constant hunger, lack of empathy, the insatiable urge to feed. Right now she needs support, and you and her have a bond. That's a powerful thing when you're first sired.'

'I'll be fine with Beatrix. Go, it sounds like Joan needs you.'

Alfonso looked between her and Beatrix before nodding once. 'Anything happens to her and the Prince will have your head.' He rounded on Beatrix.

'I will see her safely to Andrés' study,' Beatrix vowed, though Akari could sense the dark intent wafting off her.

Alfonso stared at Beatrix for a few seconds longer, before nodding at Akari and disappearing. Akari blinked at the empty air beside her, realising it was going to take more than a few days to get used to living with vampires. She was only just beginning to realise how much Oliver and Musette were tamping down their abilities when in her presence.

'Shall we go?' Akari asked when she realised they'd been standing staring at each other for too long.

Beatrix didn't respond, but simply turned on her heel and strode away.

Akari jogged to keep up with her, wishing that her legs were five inches longer.

'So what do you have to say to me?' Akari asked, making Beatrix halt. She'd been around enough sharks to know when something didn't smell right.

Beatrix regarded her with pursed lips. 'You're not as stupid as you look.'

Akari tried not to bristle at the insult. 'Let's not beat around the bush. You have a reason for this whole production.'

'You think I lied to Alfonso?'

Akari regarded Beatrix. 'I think that you use every situation to your advantage, so what is it you want? There are things I need to do.' Like finding her parents.

She waited, wondering whether Beatrix would ever get around to explaining why they now found themselves locked in battle in a deserted corridor.

'You think you're all that just because you've got the Prince's attention,' Beatrix sneered. 'But you're just the flavour of the week.'

'Is that so?'

But Beatrix acted like she hadn't heard her. 'Everyone knows the Prince likes...' she sized Akari up and down, 'different women. But it won't last. It never does.'

'With all due respect, that's not really your concern.'

'That's where you're wrong.' Beatrix flashed her fangs as she loomed into Akari's face. 'Right now, Nico may not want to take his responsibilities as Prince seriously. But that will change, and when it does, he'll need a strong princess at his side. And unfortunately, a wallflower like you, well, you're just not meant to rule.'

Akari resisted the urge to set her straight. It was ironic for Beatrix to lecture her on ruling when she was, in fact, royalty.

'Let's get one thing straight; you don't know me,' Akari said simply, staring into Beatrix's cold empty eyes. 'Don't lecture me on things you know nothing about.'

Beatrix hissed at her, but Akari paid her no mind.

'You think your little show is intimidating?' Akari rolled her eyes. 'A word to the wise; stay out of my way,' she warned, not in the mood to play games. If Nico really was her mate, then there was nothing on Earth that would make her walk away.

Beatrix glared and tensed to strike, but the sight of Nico rounding the corner interrupted her.

'Akari, your breakfast is getting cold,' Nico said, his eyes narrowed as Beatrix straightened up.

'Beatrix was just showing me around since Alfonso had to help a friend,' Akari explained, brushing past Beatrix as if she were nothing but an ornate wall decoration.

Beatrix silently simmered before falling into a graceful bow. 'Now that my charge is with you, my Prince, I shall take my leave.'

Akari watched her go, the self-satisfied smirk dropping from her face. She followed Nico in silence, sensing his tension just below the surface. He led her into a grand room with high ceilings. Windows were cut high into the creamy walls, and a large map of the world wrapped over two walls. Its detailing was intricate and precise. She wanted to just reach out and run her fingers over it, but something told her that Andrés would not appreciate it.

'What do you think you were doing with Beatrix?' Nico rounded on her. 'You were supposed to be staying away from her.'

'You and I both know she would have had her word whether I stayed away or not.'

Nico gritted his teeth. 'Beatrix is not a person you want to mess with.'

'You think I can't handle her?' Akari asked.

Nico stopped and looked at her, absentmindedly rubbing the area above his heart, the point at which she'd pinned him to the wall.

'Regardless, stay out of her way.'

'I will, if she stays out of mine,' she countered.

Nico looked away, hiding his smile. It was easy to underestimate Akari. With her naïve smile and bubbly personality, she appeared the ultimate meek prey. But there was nothing meek about her. He'd felt her power for himself last night.

'Andrés' library is through here.' Nico pulled open a door hidden in the wall. Akari's eyes widened as she took in the rows and rows of books, 'Though it'll probably be easier to ask the paranormal council for access to their library.'

Akari grimaced. 'We're not on such great terms after what happened to the Northridge pack.'

'Right,' Nico drawled, reminding himself to ask his brother exactly what had gone on in Oregon. It appeared his brother had left out a few major details.

Akari made a few steps towards the rows of books when a young man shuffled into view, three heavily bound books held in his hand.

His eyes widened when he saw them, and he quickly bowed his head.

'It's okay, Gabriel, you can stay if you wish,' Nico said gently.

But Gabriel was already shaking his head and inching towards the door. Akari watched him leave in puzzlement. His demeanor so different from the other vampires. He was almost timid.

'Is he okay? He didn't have to leave because of us.'

Nico stared after the man for a few seconds before answering. 'His story is complicated. He finds being around vampires hard, but finds being around breathers even harder sometimes.'

'He's a newborn?' gasped Akari. She never expected that. His shy nature was very at odds with the picture she'd built in her head of newborns.

Nico cast his eyes down to her and motioned for them to head further into the library.

'Gabriel's maker abandoned him not long after he was sired,' Nico explained.

'Does that happen often?'

'It's rare. Very rare. There's a stigma attached to it. Gabriel is more or less shunned here. It's why Andrés allows him to come to the library. He's able to escape.'

'It doesn't seem fair. His maker was the one that chose to walk away. Why should Gabriel be punished for it?'

'I agree, but it does not change his reality. Many will assume he is dangerous or his hunger insatiable for his maker to walk away. Rumours are dangerous things.'

'Can't Andrés do something?'

'He tried to reason with Gabriel's maker. Whilst the woman wouldn't say why she no longer wanted him, she also didn't want him on the streets. So Andrés took him in and taught him control. Eventually, he will leave and find his own place, though he will carry the stigma with him. Vampires are very particular about their lineage. Many will find his lack of one disturbing.'

Akari glanced back at the door, scowling. 'It's just not right,' she said with a force Nico wasn't expecting.

Before Nico could respond, Andrés marched through the door.

'We have another one.'

Akari frowned as Nico jumped to attention.

'Where?'

Nico and Andrés left, with Akari drifting after them. She watched as they approached the mural on the wall, only then noticing the post-it notes covering the section marked as Brazil.

Andrés scribbled something on a new post-it note and pinned it close to five others. 'Belem. Last night.'

'That makes six. Six missing from Belem.'

'This one is different. This time there were witnesses.'

'Then I have to go,' Nico said, already making his way to the door.

'It's not going to be so easy,' Andrés said, stopping Nico in his tracks. 'The witnesses belong to a local witch coven. They won't let an unknown vampire anywhere near them.'

'What about her sires? Could they get us an audience?' Nico said, as he began pacing.

Andrés shook his head. 'Two witches were injured during whatever happened, and the coven has closed ranks. Even her sires who are friendly with them are being barred entry.'

'Fuck,' Nico swore.

'But they may let someone else in.' Andrés' searching eyes landed on Akari a second before Nico's.

'Absolutely not,' Nico snarled.

'She could be your only way in. Magic users aren't as distrustful of each other and they'll be intrigued by her. It might just be enough to get you in.'

Akari held up her hands. 'Slow down,' she demanded. 'What do you mean I could be Nico's way in? His way into where?'

Andrés stepped forward and inclined his head. 'My apologies for my rudeness. I am simply desperate to see the situation resolved.'

'And what situation would that be?'

Nico fingered a note. Graciane Silva. Though Akari could see another 10 notes, all baring names, descriptions and numbers.

'Newly sired vampires are going missing,' he answered. '11 in total so far. I need to go investigate.'

'Then I'm going with you.' Akari decided instantly.

'It could be dangerous. The witches and vampires here are not on good terms,' Nico warned. The idea of Akari accompanying him twisted his stomach in unusual ways.

'You said they were injured?'

Nico could already see where she was going. 'You don't have to do this,' he reminded her, but she ignored him.

'If I could heal their injured, do you think they'd let us in?'

Andrés appraised her with new curiosity. 'I believe a bargain could be made.'

'Then I'll do it.'

'Even if it means delaying your search for your parents?' Nico pointed out.

Akari bobbed her head once. 'My parents have been missing for decades. There may be no chance to help them, but I can not say the same for the vampires who have gone missing.'

Nico continued to stare at her, but Andrés' response was much more exuberant. He bowed at the waist and took her hand as he rose, planting a kiss on the back of her palm.

'Thank you,' he whispered against her skin.

Nico snapped out of his staring as Andrés' hand lingered perhaps a fraction too long. He cleared his throat.

'Perhaps we should be going then. Better to approach the coven in the day.'

'Agreed. They'll be less suspicious that way. And take Gabriel with you. He's from that area and has had dealing with the coven in the past. He may be of some use to you.'

'Dealings?' Nico and Akari said in unison.

'Hmmmm,' was all Andrés said.

Nico watched Andrés for a measured second, but tamped down on his questions. They would only delay them further. The vampire master had seen more than Nico had been willing to show, and it left him feeling exposed.

'I'll let you know if we find anything.' He grasped forearms with Andrés before escorting Akari from the room.

At least having her with him meant he didn't have to worry about leaving her behind. But still, his instincts prickled at the thought of putting her in danger. He wasn't sure what it was about her, but something pulled at his protective instinct like nothing else.