The world put her into unrest. The king’s death without an heir to the throne was tragic within itself. The fact she found no love afterwards was even more sorrowful. Serenity was unseen by her pupils, the castle workers barely saw her leave the walls of her personal chambers. Each night grew longer and longer due to the loneliness she harbored. The kingdom barely kept itself from ripping apart at the seams. She ruled alone yet kept herself hidden away from the world. A life is not worth living without love to guide it.

A day came and went, night bringing the shine of stars. Serenity found herself walking through dim halls like a ghost of the woman she used to be. Until her advisor found his way to her. A quick bow, a few urgent words. A problem she saw fit for true urgency. Her horse saddled up, the cricket's chirps sounding far away as she rode quickly to the heart of the nearby village. Commoners yelled and shouted, words Serenity couldn’t decipher. The crowd–the mob--gave light to one person in the middle, being brutalized as if they were a wild animal.

“Stop.” Her voice carried a stern demand. Serenity sat tall upon the back of her mare, glaring down at the people.

“I command it. Let the poor girl go.” Few disobeyed, backing away from the woman on the ground. Bloodied, bruised. Serenity found herself helping them, bringing them back with her to the castle. She felt pity, perhaps. Or a slight hint of kindness in her darkening heart. Whatever it was, Serenity brought a vampire back to the palace walls.

Her heart beat with life, heard by that of the vampire and no one else.