iliana amaranth

She's habitually paradoxical, a parallel perpendicular;

Two vampires and yet they were cut from two vastly different clothes.. The charming prince with his elegant manners and a smile that could promise one the world. There were not many that could be immune to a man like him. A man whom you could believe every single word that formed and fell from his lips. Add a little of those irresistible pheromones and even Iliana the busy minded fae certainly could not help but be trapped beneath his spell. Then there was a coldness, a hunger, insatiable darkness in the crimson haired vampire. One was death and the other night. It was quite clear whom the innocent woman preferred.

The crimson evil man tried to lay claim upon her all the same and attempted to deceive Sebsatian. She could hardly help the icy panic that gripped her so resolutely, lost within a desperation that he believed her. Her rapid heart pounded away like the frantic beat of a drum nestled within her chest, so unaware that it only added more appeal to her exotic blood that sang so sweetly to both vampires. Little did she know that in either situation she was destined to be prey. The only difference was her survival. A wise woman would have found a way from both of them even though it was trust within the dark prince that encouraged her to stay. After all, nowhere was safe at his side. That was how he made her feel. Such a naive little lamb she was... one that found such relief in the reassuring pat of Sebastian's cool hand regardless what he was. How that promise seemed to settle the silvery fae, not that it was terribly difficult.

The vampires seemed temporarily locked in a territorial stare down, a battle of wills that seemed sure to escalate. Two predators fighting over what they believed to be theirs. Iliana was completely oblivious to such things as her silvery wide-eyed gaze that watched both men, back and forth. One man that would save her, or so she believed and the other... who knew what terrible things he wanted. She didn't need to understand that consuming tension completely but she certainly felt it. She was in awe at how quickly the vampire seemed to lie, like he knew her, they sprouted from his lips like a geyser. It was fortunate that her companion and protector saw through it. Even despite what he was. He was safety. She could not deny what she felt, even if part of it was a falsity, never once did she question him truly. He was no different than the villainized wolf whom many feared simply in the lonely woods, hunting not out of spite but only to eat. Sebastian wouldn't harm her. She hardly knew the man and yet she believed it fiercely. It was no surprise when he... outmatched the other vampire that didn't seem so scary with a guy like Sebastian around. Perhaps that's why her own words grew more emboldened. She would feel content to see him go. She nodded her head with much gusto.

How the crimson vampire's face contorted to something enraged, as if shocked that even his prey would undermine him and he was certainly running out of options here. His nostrils flaring, his eyes transforming into blackness like he might burst. If Sebastian could not be reasoned with by words.. Well then he would simply have to take what was his. His patience had worn thin, not that his facade was pleasant in the least. It was with blinding speed that he grabbed at the fae's dainty arm that caused a surprised whimper escape. How her arm felt like it could snap beneath his touch. Sebastian was equally as fast as he in turn grabbed the man's wrist. How small she felt between the pair of vampires. Her silvery gaze shifted from one man to the next. Those bright blue eyes of her saviour like steel, stare down his opponent. Those moments were so entirely tense Iliana couldn't even move, or breathe. In fact, she held her breath until the vampires fingers tightened even further a tremble of pain echoed from her lips. Ouch.. those few short moments felt like an eternity. It was like he suddenly became aware of his.. Surroundings... that he was outnumbered.. That even if he freed his hand from Sebastian's iron grip or even rose his hand to strike him... he would be incapicitated in moments. Defeat hardly lessened that internal blow he felt. That hollow threat fell from his lips... An obvious slithering inhale drew the fae's scent to him as if... saving it for later. He released her, Iliana pulling her arm toward her, drawing in close to the man that had saved her.

When he was all but dragged out of the club.... It hardly did much to settle the young woman's heart. She was unaware that he could hear it, her body trembled from the fear of such a unkind man. In an effort to comfort her, she felt a strong comforting arm wrap around her shoulder, it was like a hug. She pressed impossibly closer to him as if she could somehow hide within the nook of safety he had made for her. It was in this place she had forgotten where she was, at the back in the VIP of a posh club in the east. The silvery fae was entirely grateful for his soft words of assurances she was quick to cling to. His soothing presence and words were like a cozy blanket. She was safe.. Yet she had not forgotten what the guards had called him. Prince. It seemed to make every ounce of sense. The notion of it distracting her thoughts. She knew how royalty in her own culture... needed to be addressed with curtseys and respectful titles. She nearly boasted that she knew how to. That smile lured out her own, echoing the promise to show him. "I promise." She vowed.

Iliana was accosted with a feeling of such appreciation for the man she could barely contain in. In a moment she all but threw her arms around him in a true hug. She all but threw herself at the man before murmuring her thanks. He was cool to the touch, his cheek accidentally grazing his own. Yet it felt nice against her skin especially with the fevered adrenaline of what had just transpired. She was unaware of the surprise of that very gesture although, it was not at all betrayed in his words. Dove.. he had called her a dove. A peaceful little bird. Perhaps that was an accurate little name for her yet. She released her very hold from him a moment later.

The fae found that club... no longer a place she wished to stay within, she said as much. He did say they were leaving.. Maybe he could bring her somewhere safe. He seemed quick to oblige, he was the nicest vampire, she was sure. She slipped out of the booth to linger close to him, her gaze shifted around her as if she half expected the other vampire to pounce out of nowhere! She was ready if he did. It fortunately didn't happen. Where did he go? She wondered to herself. His guards seemed to usher the pair out, one situated at the front and another behind. They looked like the kind of guys you didn't want to mess with. The fairy turned her head to smile widely at the one behind her the moment she caught his eye. He said nothing... remaining professional and polite, avoiding his gaze a second time.

The entourage of Sebastian's guards and the vampire prince and herself ended up spilling out of the back entrance, a hidden door that led them into a dimly lit alleyway where a sleek black car awaited them. It was polished and tinted so that no one could peer inside those windows. She could see herself and Sebastian's reflection as they approached, see he didn't look scary at all. Reflections she believed often betrayed what mere eyes could not. The pale-haired fae was content to slide in after her saviour. How could she ever thank him? Not only did he save her but he was going to drive her somewhere safe!? It didn't get much better than that. The streets were a dangerous place for someone like her if she wasn't careful. She admired the car once she settled into the seat. The leather was plush and soft beneath her fingers that brushed along the seat. The door was closed behind her and that was when the voice of the dark prince spoke. It felt private back here.. Like they were alone. Far more so than in the club. That question barely stirred within her mind a moment. Was the answer not obvious? The safest place in the world... was the forest.

She laughed like he said something funny, a lilting giggle that met her silvery eyes. He said nothing as if waiting for her reply. Oh. Maybe he didn't know. She would need to teach him. "The forest of course.. It's the safest place I know... " That she said with complete certainty of all the world. His expression was surely a puzzled one. She had grown used to such expressions from people. The driver's voice seemed equally confused and yet... he obeyed... reluctantly not one to argue with his prince. The car peeled out of the parking lot and off they went.

"Prince Sebastian?" Was that what she was to call him? She inquired, tipping her head to better view him. "I am not afraid of you.. I thought I might be but I know better. I can tell.." Could she? She was quick to trust... How she survived this long on her own was nothing short of a miracle..

The little fairy seemed almost shy, toying with the fabric of her sweater. "You said I didn't smell like him.. That's how you knew.. Does that mean I smell good? Or bad?" No one ever told her how she smelled.. Did she smell.. She fought the urge to bring her sleeve to her nose and take a breath just to see. "You smell like cologne and something else.. I think it might be night.." As if night had a scent. To her it did. A very distinct one. "I like it." She nodded her head, finding herself smiling as she did.

The car ride itself didn't take too terribly long, the driver seemed to question if they were absolutely sure this was where they wanted to be dropped off, it was dark, lit only by a few lights within the parking lot. Illiana already recognized the usual path she took a million times before, the woman directed the driver to the exact spot. Sure.. she could have gone home, she didn't always live in the thick of the forest even though there were times she would have preferred it.

It didn't occur to her that Sebastian certainly was not dressed for the woods, nor did he seem like someone who would enjoy all its charms as she did. Yet, he was certainly accepting of her, more so than most people she had met. Maybe he would? At least for a little while. She peered at him from behind a few wayward locks of blonde hair, considering for a moment. "Would you like to see?" See what exactly she never really said. Her head tilted slightly to the side, lingering in the safety of her new companion, finding herself unwanting to part just yet. Still how rude of her if she didn't thank him.

barefoot in nightgowns, that's how she dances in the rain;