✣ αѕнєѕ тσ αѕнєѕ

  Claude had searched every room he could to try to find Serena, but was unsuccessful. On the other hand, Luke did not seem to mind at all, since he knew that the girl was out of reach.
 - Where did you hide her? The game is over, Ackermann! 
- I'm not hiding anyone, Claude. Also, I have no idea where she might be at this hour. There are rooms this mansion I did not explore for a long time and do not wonder where are the keys. Anyway, the blame is all yours.
  Claude's nostrils flared with anger. Luke was hiding something, that he had the most resolute course, though he did not know how to make him say it. Sure was that he did not want to support the girl for much longer, however since she was born, he became her guardian and should continue to fulfill his promise to the last breath, because when Luke died the girl would be heir to all the fortune of Ackermann and it was very interesting to his business. However, Claude should keep this in absolute secrecy.
  Luke did not seem bothered while Claude was wandering from one side to the other at the mansion. So he climbed the stairs to his room and pulled out a drawer key, keeping it quickly in his coat pocket and returning to the main lobby, where Claude was walking from one side to the other scanning the lower floor rooms. 
- How long will you keep looking, Claude? If she was hidden you certainly would have found  her somewhere. Serena does not know the mansion as well to be hidden forever.
 - Then why do not you demand? 
- Because it's in my interest that it is, after all, Serena's my daughter whether you like it or not. Also, I have no more energy to play with kids. Feel free to realize that she is no longer here.
  Claude went to the kitchen, where he returned with a lighted candle in his hands. Luke arched an eyebrow, following the Claude movements as he went up the stairs, taking care that the fire of the candle does not extinguish. 
- This will be your last chance, Luke. If you did not say where she is, I will burn this mansion room by room until she appears or you die along with this house. 
- She could die too, What will you gain in return?
 - Serena is not so dumb. Surely she will come out from wherever she is hiding.
  Luke softened the expression, but did not answer immediately, doing Claude feels uncomfortable. 
- She's not here, why do not you want to understand this once and for all? 
- Because you're lying!
  Claude went to the end of the hall with the candle and began to fire room by room, waiting for Serena to appear. However, no sign of the girl. Luke watched Claude movements with an irritating and baffling patience while all his mansion was turning into ashes slowly. 
- Claude, you made a fatal mistake. 
- What do you mean? 
- Look around. You do not have where to go.
  He really had no where to escape, though he was sure that the fortune of the house, Luke Ackermann and Serena would die with him.{...}

   Night was falling as sounds of horse hooves cut the silence of the road that was virtually turned into a mud puddle because of the rain that passed. Besides the mud, ashes lined the floor and the smell of something being burned contaminated air.
  The horse stopped, but the person did not look in the direction where the ashes came. On the contrary, he did not care to know what was going on. The only thing that mattered was to find brands footprints by muddy ground, and when he finally did went ahead without looking back in no time. The person he want to find is not by the surroundings and he knew those footsteps would lead him to her.

❥ συя тнıя∂ αηηıѵєяsαяy

<© to the owner of the picture. border and letters made on ® Microsoft Publisher.>

נυทє.16τн ωαs συr 3r∂ αททivєrsαry! τнαทк yσυ єvєryвσ∂y ωнσ rєα∂s αท∂ αℓωαys visτs τнis вℓσg! yσυ gυys αrє sρєciαℓ τσ мє! єvєท iƒ i αм ทστ ωriτiทg vєry σƒτєท i нσρє yσυ gυys вє αℓωαys нєrє τσ sυρρσrτ мє!

✣ яυи fσя уσυя ℓιfє

- So you already know ... - he looked to my father - Why am I not surprised? 
- Because it could be revealed one day, Claude. You knew you could not hide it from her for ever. 
- Yes, I could, if I had taken her with me. However, things happen, right? - He looked at me again - Come on, Serena.
  I took two steps back. I did not want to leave this house and continue my life as if nothing had happened. I did not want to leave my father thinking of his situation and I would be appeared to spend my life with someone who does not even care what I thought or felt. Anyway, I feared what he could do.
  I felt two smooth and firm hands on my shoulders and I did not look up to see who was. 
- I do not want you to worry about me, do not want you to be thinking about what I told you; One way or another, Claude made you become this wonderful girl and I can not get you out from your own world. As much as I love you, I can not just keep you here.
 - There's nothing for you here, Serena. - Claude was not willing to compromise - Luke is nothing more nor less than an empty and embittered man who lives by ambition and greed. He is no longer the same man, he has no reason to care about you now as I have.
  I could not stand to hear both ignoring what I said. I understand the fact that Claude want to convince me to go with him, but I could not understand why my own father want to give myself to that man again. Was stamped on his face how much he wanted me to be there, but he induced me to go with Claude and forget him.
  I climbed the stairs and went into the room where was the body of my mother. At least she would not induce me anything I did not want to and I could be at peace for some time.
 - Serena! Come back here!
  I heard only the voice of Claude calling me and heard no step behind me. This was further proof that my father wanted me to stay, otherwise he would come looking for me.
  I leaned over the coffin and watched as my mother managed to overcome all this without my father around. How she managed to live with Claude and my grandfather after that? I really can not imagine. 
- Mom ... If you were me, what would you do now?
  No answer, as I imagined. I wanted more than anything to be with my father and try to help him forget what happened, but even he wanted what I could do? Claude certainly would kill me and torture me if I were with him, but worst of all is that he will never let me see my real father again.
  I looked around, not knowing what to do. I did not know what to do to stay here without something bad happened to my father, because I had to be absolutely sure that Claude would do everything possible to have him arrested and executed because of my choice.
  I heard heavy footsteps down the hall and murmurs of my uncle, but no manifestation of my father so far. I could hear Claude walking from one side to the other in the hallway, opening door by door to find me. What could I do? Would I open the door and simply run away? Yes, it was the only option I had at the time, since I had nowhere to hide. I approached the door and listened carefully steps away from where I was. I folded the hem of the dress and took a breath before opening the door.
  He had his back to me when I left, so I went down the stairs as fast as I could to get to the main lobby, where I saw my father standing looking at me. I ran to him before Claude realized I was there.
 - You have to get out of here. Even though I insist you stay, Claude can make the worst. - He said with urgency, always looking up - Leave now. At the back of the mansion there is a stable. I sent my maid prepare one horse for you right now. Take it and get out of here.
 - What about you? 
- I can take care. - He smiled for a moment 
- Go now. 
- Where? 
- Go to my old house on the border to the north. It is the only mansion that's there.
  Claude steps were returning and my father pushed me to the door quickly. I ran to the back of the house without looking back, although I felt my father's eyes on me until I make the turn to the stables.
  As I approached, I could see that there was a maid holding the reins of a gray horse and young, which was ready to go. 
- You know where to find it, just go to where he indicated.
  I mounted the horse and began to gallop towards the north, with my heart on the hand, thinking of the worst. My father was taking responsibility for me to protect myself from Claude. However, I would not have to do and could cause even bigger problems. If my father said he would be fine, I try to believe and expect him in front of his house.
 -Take care. - It was as if my father was with me at that time.

✣ ∂ση'т gσ αωαу

 I simply could not believe it. Yes, there were plenty of evidence that Claude could not be my real father because he never treated me indeed with paternal love. However, during all this time, I thought that Luke felt something other than this kind of love ... He did not even look old enough to be a father.
  However, his eyes brimming sincerity and pain by remembering the past. After he finished speaking, he kept his eyes down toward the body of my mother, whose serenity gave me all sure what I needed. I always knew Luke was a good person, but ended up having a bad reputation for being afraid of losing everything he had. Still, I could see he was trying to convey goodness in everything he did, and that day I saw the dancers for the first time as a child.
  The rain had stopped without our notice, but I did not want to return. If he was my real dad, so I stay here and learn to live in another way, with other people.- Come on. I'll take you back as I promised.- No.- Serena, you do not have to stay here. Do not feel trapped because of what I told you. I do not want you to be afraid to stay here or you miss your old life. Your home is with who created you so far, your home is with Claude Blane.- You were always taking care of me, that's what you said and now I'm sure. When I was close to you I felt safe and happy with the way you treated me, but Claude never treated me the same way. During that time, I thought he was bitter over the death of my mother, but now I know it's because he had a grudge to take care of me because I was never his daughter. I do not want to go back there, I want to stay here.
  I saw his eyes being illuminated by happiness, but at the same time were contained by the pain of having been absent.- I never had the courage to fight for you, for your mother or for our family. We should be together from when you were born, even before that. Your place is with the Duke Blane.- No, it's not! I have the same blood of you and this will never change. I do not want call me Lady Blane, as this is not my real name. My name is Serena Ackermann, daughter of Luke Ackermann, and is as it should be, that's how it always should have been.
  I felt for the first time father's love for years. His embrace, even if it was full of pain and sorrow, he was also born of a love he could never offer so far.- If you knew how much it hurts me to think that I could not give all the love and support that you need as a child ... Unfortunately I can not fix it .... And that's why you have to stick with Blane, and not with me. I'm a monster that can be discovered at any time and do not want you to have to carry this shame for the rest of your life.- What you're saying is madness.- No, it's not. I became Mya, Alison dolls after the death of your mother, because I could not look at them as human and think of the wife and daughter I lost. I was overwhelmed by the pain and madness and now can not go back in time to change it.- Anyone would do that in place, it is not your fault, you are not a monster. We can start over elsewhere, if that makes you better.- Running away is not an option. This is no longer a good parental example and get away will only make things worse.
  We heard a knock on the door.- Lord Allucard.- What?- There's a man in the lobby waiting for you and for Miss Serena. His name is Claude Blane.
  I gasped when I heard that name. I did not go down there to imagine his unhappy expression: opaque eyes, arms crossed and inflamed nostrils of cholera are the only images I will never forget from my uncle. My uncle ... It was something strange to say now, for up to an hour ago I called him "father."- That's exactly what I wanted to avoid ... - he sighed - Come on.
  I followed him without saying anything at all. There was nothing to say, for face Claude was one thing for a few, but my father did not seem as worried about it; it was as if he already knew that this would happen.
  The Claude's image was exactly as I had imagined, which made a shiver down my spine and my legs get shaky as he laid eyes on me. I swallowed hard, not knowing what to say to defend myself.- Serena Blane, what I told you about approaching this man?- How did you ...- I followed the tracks of the carriage, if that's what you mean. Now answer my question: What did I tell you about approaching this man?- I ... It's not what you think.- You do not know him like I do.- Yes I know. And I know you well.- This is ridiculous. - He put his coat again - Let's get out of here now, I do not want my daughter with people of this level.- I'm not going anywhere with you, Uncle Claude.

✣ α ¢ℓαω тσ тнє ƒα¢є

- Luke, you're scaring me.- I'm just telling the truth. I really did not want to show it, but I think that you need to understand why does your father hate me so much.
  Thunder rumbled outside. What does this mean?- There is a long history among Phoebe, your father and me. - Luke broke the silence. - Sit down, have a lot to tell.
  I sat in a chair that was around and he sat in front of me. I confess not want to know what had happened in the past so soon.- I've always been a friend of Phoebe from when we were kids. She was always sweet, gentle and innocent and was always with me strolling the streets of Wales. Over time, each of us followed a different path and for years we ran out to see us, but still we maintained contact through letters. We stayed like that for five years until we find ourselves in one of the presentations of my company when I had Mya and Alison as dancers. She was fascinated and began to think about the possibility of becoming a dancer, but her brother and her father did not approve because they thought my company would not last long and they thought I was a deceiver who kidnapped the girls to make them work for me as slaves, which was not true. "Anyway, I did not want to give in. She had become a beautiful woman and was still sweeter than ever. Over time, I saw my feelings for her grow and become increasingly solid despite the rejection of her entire family. Phoebe had always escaped when long odds and spent hours together in the city, making it also felt something for me.
  When we were finally ready to take our feelings, her brother saw us and told all he had seen to their father. He, in turn, was completely furious and he didn't allow her leaving the house for anything that was preventing so I couldn't see her for many months.
  My company was doing very well and I was invited to work in Germany, France and Norway a few days later. So I decided to try to see her before travel. I climbed the balcony and entered her room with caution during the early hours. She saw me and ran towards me with a bright smile I will never forget. Phoebe asked me to stay with her that night and said that even if her father and her brother hate me, she still wanted to stay by my side anyway and made me promise to come back to see it when my trip was over.
  After three months in Germany, I was immediately summoned to go to France and stayed there for two months. Then I went to Norway, where I spent another three months. They were the most difficult months of my life without being able to see her and unable to send any letter, since it would take too long to get to her hands.
  When I returned, I saw Phoebe's brother and father in front of my mansion, a hard act to believe. However, the expression of them was full of hate, which made a shiver go down my spine.- I hope you're happy with what you did. - Her brother began with the bitter tone.
  I wondered what I would have done, since I was eight months away from here and I could not see her. It should certainly be a mistake.- Phoebe is expecting a child of you.

  For a moment I thought it was a joke, but judging by their expression I realized it was true. I had no words to express my concern for what she must have gone when they found out, but I was extremely happy.- As a child is about to be born, you will have Phoebe as one of your dancers, but the child will not be in her or your care. On the contrary, you will not put your eyes on that baby. Claude will be the child's father, not you. Did you understand well?- That child will always have my blood, you can not change that. Sooner or later I'll find her and I will have my daughter whether you like it or not. I just hope you know that the monsters were you and not me. What about Phoebe? Does she know that?- Yes, and she agreed to it because she said she did not want that kid messed up your entrepreneurial career.
  It broke my heart. If Phoebe knew how much I'm happy with it ... The things did not have to be that way. However, everything was combined and I had no authority to undo anything that had been done.
  Weeks after Phoebe was with me as a dancer, but I did not want that: I wanted her to be with our little girl and we were like a family. Both she and I seemed to be devastated by this, however, we never talked about it until the day she asked to be transformed into a doll as soon as possible to stop suffering and to think about our daughter.
  Even with the heart in hand, answered her request and today she turned it ... She no longer suffers, though I am suffering for her since that day. "- Luke ... I mean ... Can not be.- You think we do not have similarities, but in fact we think the same way. Whether or not you upload the image of your mother and my way of seeing the world, of thinking and acting. Also, I always took care of you at a distance, because Claude refused to spend any money with you and I had to do all since you were born. All you have is thanks to me, not to him.

✣ тнє ℓαѕт ∂αη¢єя

- It's not what it seems.
  I was changes when Mya stopped dancing and Luke put it back in the coffin.- All of them are ... dolls?- Yes. I turned them to ensure that they continued perfect.- That's not right.- But they seem good, after all, are smiling.
  He approached me with a new embrace, trying to comfort me.- Do not worry, I will not do any of that with you.
  I do not know if he could trust him, at least not after that. Anyway, I could not show distrust, not now. I might be close to finding out the reason why my father hated him.- Come with me.
  In a neighboring room where was the scottish dancer: Alison Angharat. A young woman with clear and long brown hair with honey glass eyes. The room was similar to Mya, so there's not much to say. I really feel sorry for them, however, Luke seems to be specific about the social class of them. Alison and Mya belonged to a family possessions. I wonder if the parents of these girls did not notice anything strange after that. However, I still did not understand what kind of "thing" had happened between him and my father.- The last dancer is the most important to me. For a long time it was the reason of my life and was a blow to me to have to do this to her ... I still can not forgive myself for that.
  He seemed doesn't want to open the door, but he changed his mind for a moment.
  We entered and as usual, the room was dark. When Luke opened the curtains, I could see a room even more elaborate, with furniture like a desk and a dresser with a mirror. The coffin that held the dancer was much richer in detail than the other and made of silver and crystals. He really was not kidding when he said that this was the most important of all.
   I approached carefully, since Luke was taking the coffin lid, and his expression changed dramatically for extreme melancholy and pain.- It is much more painful for me than anyone else ... What she felt is nothing compared to what I feel every time I look at her. If I could, I would never have done that to her.
  The Welsh dancer was really different from the others: her expression was naturally serene and happy, and not "designed" as the others. It was as if she knew of her condition and was completely happy with it. Her dark brown hair was straight and long, and her glass eyes were blue, but it was not just any blue: it was a pale blue, reminiscent of a lot more gray.- Phoebe was the most important in my life and the last part of my company. She was always much more skilled than the other two together, besides being innocent and sweet. However, her father not allowed her to be around me, much less have any kind of relationship with me. She was the only one to ask to be transformed into a doll and, ironically, the last person in the world I'd turn ... The only thing that comforts me is to see that at all, she is not completely dead yet. You look like her. There is no denying that you have the same blood than her.

✣ тнє ѕωιѕѕ вαℓℓєяιиα

 I closed the door carefully and tried to approach Luke. I know I should feed suspicions about him because of what the maid said, and because of all that was happening, but I could not. For me, Luke was just a misunderstood person and there was no one to hear him.
  He really looked unhappy when I approached him more. Although not hear any regret or tears streaming down his face, I could clearly see that he was not as good as he looked. I supported one of my hands on his back carefully and saw him lift his head slowly toward me.
- Is everything okay? You need something? - He looked haggard.
- I'm fine, but you do not seem very happy.
  I saw a grin appearing on his face.
- You heard, right? - The his forehead was resting on mine.
- Yes ... - I could not lie, at least not looking directly into his eyes.
  When I realized I was already feeling his arms around me and his smell was settling in my mind. For a moment I was paralyzed, but I felt the blush rising to my face and I began to feel uncomfortable with it.- Sorry, honey. - He looked at me, but still holding me. It was as if he were afraid of something - I ... Do you trust me?- Yes.- Even after what you heard?- Yes, you didn't me any harm so far.
  He held my hand and with the other rummaged in his pockets, looking for something. Luke took a silver key from his pocket and guided me through the halls to a similar door of my room, but with a slightly darker shade. When we entered there was no sign of clarity, though I could hear his footsteps around the room until finally the curtains parted, showing a large room, but with little furniture. A small wardrobe in the corner and something like a coffin in the center of the room.
  Immediately I recognized those features: wavy blond hair and red dress. Yes, even at a great distance I could see that it was the Swiss dancer.- You can approach.
  He did not seem to have much confidence about my approach, but even so I walked until he could see her face and what was not my surprise to see her with wide eyes looking forward. She was not breathing and that made me even more scared.- Is she dead?- She never was fully alive, at least not to start dancing. Mya Ilca belonged to a noble family and her dream was always to become a ballerina. I watched her dance for the first time and I thought skillful enough to help me start a ballet company.- But ...- Unfortunately she had poor health, but still brought me profits. So I thought, why not help her recover it while she can stay with the same look young forever? Of course, this was a great idea, so she's like this.
  I could not understand where he was going with that. If it was a joke, I admit not be enjoying any moment. However, Luke did not seem to be playing with it at all and it worried me a lot. He walked over and took the top of the coffin to then catch the dancer carefully and place her on foot. She did not move.
  Luke stirred something in her back and Mya began dancing at once. When she approached me, I could clearly see her green eyes, which were made of glass. No, I was not crazy, they were really made of glass. Mya Ilca was a doll. A d-o-l-l.

✣ ιη α ∂σℓℓнσυѕє

  I could not sleep well all the night. Think this room, which made me feel at home is just a lie made a shiver go down my spine. I checked my watch. It was five o'clock in the morning and it was still raining. What could I do now? My father would get - if he wasn't at home already - too angry. I opened the door, but there was not a single noise even for that reason tried not to wander the halls looking for Luke, who surely should be sleeping at a time like this. I went back to bed, feeling terrified because of the thunders and the heavy rain, which prevented my return to home.
  I heard the sound of footsteps close my bedroom door and saw the doorknob moving while the door opened and I could not contain a scream.- Sorry, just I came to see if everything was fine.
  It was Luke, already dressed for the day to day. Maybe I had misjudged the idea everyone is asleep at that hour.- It's all right.- Do not worry, you can return to sleep. The sun not yet born and how you can listen by yourself, it is still raining.
  I nodded slightly as he entered through the room and walked toward me. I kept sitting on the bed like a statue until I feel the velvety touch of his glove on my back.- I'm sorry if I woke you up, you can go back to sleep all you want. Once the rain stops I promise I'll take you home. I really apologize for scaring you.- Do not worry, the guilt is not yours.- So what?- Is this room ... It's like my real room. How did you know all this?- I'm taking care of you for longer than you might think. I know your family for over twenty years.
  It really was too long.- So why does my father hate you so much?- Things happen... - he shrugged, leaving the room - But I do not want you to think about it now, okay?
  I kept lying, but I could not sleep. All he had told me was still in my head and I really could not understand what was happening. If he really knew my father, he would not have it so much hatred, unless something really serious had happened. "Things happen," that's what Luke said, but that sort of thing was that to turn friends into enemies?
  I got up and went into the bathroom and everything was exactly like the original, from the floor to the details in plaster ceiling. I took a quick shower and put on one of the dresses that were in the wardrobe, since I was wearing last night was not there. I brushed my hair and I closed the door carefully.- You know that rain will stop and you will have to fulfill your promise, do not you?- While the rain did not stop she knows she can trust me. I would not do anything bad to her.- I really am sorry for her. That girl does not know what she's getting into ...- Shut up and go about your business, nothing you say is relevant.- Poor girl ... - the woman came out, shaking her head in negative - She is being confined in a dollhouse and she does not know anything.
  Luckily no one saw me. What did she mean by that? I would have to stay without knowing because I feared their reaction if I asked something. As the rain continued, I should look for myself, but how? From what I can gather, all the rooms were locked and the keys were with Luke.
  Once the woman left, he lowered his head as his hands gripped the iron railings in the balcony. Judging all his gestures, I'd say he looked angry.- A dollhouse, right? Maybe that's it. - he said to himself.

✣ ιη тнє мι∂∂ℓє σƒ тнє ηιgнт

    I was not sure if his smile reassured me or made me more concerned. However, we were on the way to his mansion by a long way and completely desert, where there was nothing but dry and gnarled trees and the sound of horses trotting down the dirt road.- Soon we will come, do not worry.
  It took me a while to process what he was saying, after his gaze always made me lose my ideas.- Is everything okay? Do not be afraid of anything, I will always be around.
  I looked away, but I could still feel his eyes on me, having an unpleasant feeling shivers down my spine. Could not back down, I knew it very well. If my father found it, he would certainly kill me. I swallowed hard and tried to forget about it and ignore the morbid atmosphere that transmitted that way. Does not it have an end?
  The carriage stopped and I only realized it when I wasn't listening the horses anymore. Luke was the outstretched hand from the outside, ready to help me down. I still did not understand why he smile so much, but it was the only thing that comforted me. I looked at the sky and saw that the moon was high, should be near midnight.- Welcome.
  The mansion could be compared to a castle. It was bigger than mine or anyone else. Actually shows him were profitable.
  However, what really drew my attention was the huge garden he owned, which by the way was well taken care of. Anyway, there was something that made me uneasy, but I did not know exactly what.- Do not worry, there is nothing you need to fear. I'll be here. - He looked at his pocket watch - There are still ten minutes to midnight, you would like to get?
  I nodded, after all I would have no reason to refuse to enter. He said I had nothing to fear, so I should trust him, right?
  The house was even more luxurious inside. Curtains made of scarlet velvet and sofas, Persian carpet covering the entire living room floor, the porcelain, absolutely everything was flawless, completely different from my home.
  I felt Luke's hand resting gently on my back.- Would you like something?- I'm fine, thank you.
  He smiled as he always did, and thunder made a rumbling sound.- Looks like rain.- Yes.
  The rain began to fall. It looked like a storm that fell without mercy, preventing our walk in the garden and my return home. I hoped the rain ended in time for me to come back, because I did not know if my father could still come back tonight. If I was not at home, surely he would kill me.
  I looked at the clock on his wall. Three minutes to midnight, there was still time for that storm diminished or disappeared. I sat on the couch, looking anxiously toward the window, waiting for it all to end. Luke went upstairs but did not tell me it would return soon. I admit, however that his house was sophisticated and comfortable, I was afraid to be alone.
  The clock struck midnight chimes and the rain seemed to grow even heavier. Luke was coming down the stairs when we heard the sound of a female voice singing in the distance. I looked at him.- Come. - He held my hand.
  I held his hand and followed him up the stairs, to the sound of new voices getting louder and closer. When we arrived on the balcony, the sound became even clearer, though I could not understand what they were singing because of the sound of rain.
  It did not last long, but it was enough for a tremor percorresse my body and I did not know the real reason. The rain continued without forecasting when it would end and it started to make me worried, because sleep was taking care of my body and I could not control a long yawn.- With this rain I can not take you home, sorry.
  It was exactly what I feared. However, I stayed silent.- Come with me, I have a room for you this night.
  I follow the hall to get to an ivory door, which was locked. Luke took a key from his pocket and when we entered, I was petrified and for a moment I had to control myself not to run.- I hope you do not mind that.
  His decoration was equal to my true room. How did he know every detail, I had no idea, but everything was perfect. Even those dolls that he had taken were there in the same place where they should be.- Like you ...
  Luke was not there when I turned. The door was locked and the key on the desk. I was afraid of more enter that room, but I needed sleep. I went to the wardrobe and what was my surprise to see that dress I was wearing at the feast, along with other clothes the same as I used. What was going on and why he had an identical room next to mine? So I also wanted to know as soon as possible because I started to get a bad feeling about what was going on in that house, and something told me it had to do in this room.

✣ ѕωєєт ηιgнтмαяє, ¢нσιя σƒ тнє мι∂ηιgнт

   As punishment for having had contact with Luke, my father left me at home as he travel to Wales. I was alone, with no servant for two weeks and would have to do everything by myself. For me, this was not much of a punishment, however I did not like being alone at night. Anyway, I would have to adapt to that.
  Just now I realized how the house was empty without them. Maybe I had exceeded the limits, I admit, but if I knew what happened between my father and I certainly understand and  I could be more careful. But now I could not think about it, the past cannot be changed.                                                                         ✣✣✣

  I hear a knock on the door when I was almost getting ready for bed. Surely it would not be my father, since he had the house keys and would not need to knock. I walked down the two stairs in two steps to finally reach the door. I held the handle and for a moment I hesitated, but now I had come this far; nothing bad would happen, I said to myself as I opened the door slowly until my eyes cross with eyes I would have forever in the memory, however wrong that was. 
- I hope it was not inconvenient. 
- No, of course not.
  I opened the door for Luke to enter.                                                                                                      - Where are the servants? It is not your job to answer the door, right? 
-They are not. They are accompanied my father on a trip to Wales.
  Luke looked back at me.
 - And did he leave you alone? - He seemed plagued with the idea. 
 - It was my choice. - I lied. I certainly would not tell Luke that I was being punished for dancing with his ballerinas.
  I just came back to reality as I felt his hand brushing my face. Although there is no direct contact, his glove was enough to make my skin burn where he was touching. However, what bothered the most was his gaze fixed on mine.- You look tired ... I'll let you rest now, I promise I'll come back tomorrow.
  He was out the door and closed it before I had a chance to recover. For a moment I thought that Luke did not feel even a little embarrassed to touch me, on the contrary, it was as if he had all the world's permission to do it. I really did not understand what had just happened, though it was better to wait until tomorrow.                                                                    ✣✣✣

  I woke up early the next morning because of the nightmare that I had involving Luke, but I could not remember what had happened, the only thing I am sure of is that I had no desire to wake up from this nightmare, however bad it was, because his presence was all that I did not know I needed. At this point I wondered if he really would come visit me again and jumped out of bed to the bathroom.
- Good morning.
  Luke gave me a fright so great that I had to grab me firmly of the door not to fall on the floor. When he had arrived? And most importantly: HOW he had entered? All doors and windows were locked, because I was sure I reviewed one by one twice before sleep after his departure last night.
  However he stood by the table and so I saw the breakfast was ready, carrying a fresh smell tea, bread and other accompaniments exactly as I liked. It was as if we were together for so long to do all this was a routine for him, more precisely a habit he seemed to struggle to maintain. 
- You forgot to lock the front door and I ended up going to make sure I was okay with you. When I saw you sleeping, I decided to prepare her breakfast, I hope all is well. 
- Yes, of course. - I struggled to find my voice after that surprise.
  Luke and I had breakfast together, which for me was embarrassing. However, he seemed serene, regardless of anything. It was as if he were suited to me.
  I admit that I understand that he would not mind, because of the way he behaved was spotless. His stance could make anyone think that he belonged to a higher caste to all others, so that I felt embarrassed to be in his presence and at the same time delighted to be able to admire it.
 - Your porridge will cool.
  When less I realized, he was with the spoon ready in front of my mouth and with a sweet smile that reached to his eyes naturally. I opened my mouth and realized that it did not compare to what the servants did; Luke cooked much better than any of them.
  As I helped with the dishes did not fail to notice that he was restless and seemed to have something to say, but he did not know how. 
- Luke,are you okay? 
- Of course, why would not I be? 
- You seem restless.
 - I just have something to tell you, but I do not want you seem rude or something.
 - Please speak as you see good.
  He was silent for a moment, probably thinking about the best way to say what he needed. When finally our eyes met, Luke seemed convinced of what she would say. 
- I would like to invite you to attend the choir of the midnight. 
- Choir of the midnight? 
- Yes. Every day exactly at midnight a choir singing in the gardens of my house and would like to show you.
  I really was not sure. And if my father decided to return before? I would be in serious trouble. However, he seemed so kind to me make that proposal that I felt bad contemplate such decline it.