Chapter 3 Biggest Fear

Adriana's POV

How? How did I get chosen?

"Of all the people, why me...?" a voice repeatedly asked in my head as I took a few steps forward, fighting back the tears that were now threatening to fall. I felt Draven burning holes through my face as I walked past him, but I kept my gaze on the ground, regretting every step I took before standing in front of the crowd, next to the four girls.

Whisperings and clapping filled the room as everyone congratulated us, but at this point, I became absorbed and oblivious to the passage of time. I simply stood stiff in my position, my gaze remaining on the floor as I asked myself the same question over and over again. Why? Why me? I was probably the only one who was dreading the fact that I might get chosen, so why? Why couldn't it be anyone else?

"I'm sorry if the ceremony... as you know, Draven is a very impatient man." I heard someone's voice before everyone laughed and chuckled, not even bothering to make a comment about his outburst earlier. It's like it never happened. There are never any consequences to their actions, and that's exactly why the vampires treat humans however they please.

"Enjoy the rest of the night," an unfamiliar voice said. I watched some people rush to the appetizer table while the rest kept congratulating the chosen girls except me. No, nobody wanted to throw a word of praise at me after the little stunt I pulled.

"Thank you so much!" I heard the girls gloat as they hugged and grinned at the men and ladies who kept ranting on about how lucky they were.

Normally, I would have broken down at this point, but somehow, I managed to pull myself together. I wasn't strong like most of these girls were and certainly wasn't brave, I'll admit that. However, I wasn't dumb or naive like most girls. I wasn't flattered when he chose me and I certainly will continue to feel this way. I wasn't honored to be able to attend this ceremony. The only thing I felt, and still feel, is helpless.

What if I hid in a safe place as soon as I entered, like I had planned to for the past two weeks? What if vampires didn't exist in the first place? What if I was stuck at one age without turning eighteen? Would things have turned out differently then?

Hopeless questions kept pouring into my head and I closed my eyes shut before opening them and taking a deep breath, knowing that there was no use getting worked up anymore. What's done is done; now I have to figure out a way to escape without getting caught. I glanced at Draven and my eyes widened when I caught him staring at me, causing me to quickly avert my gaze back to the marble floor, my hands and body still shaking from everything that just happened.

*I will never see my mother or father again*

The first thought that popped into my head made me feel worse and I bit my bottom lip, trying my very best to keep on my expressionless mask as I straightened my posture. I can't anger him any more than I have.

"Miss Reed?" an unfamiliar voice called. I looked up to face a man in his mid-20s, who was now giving me a look of concern. "Why are you crying?"

With these words, half the room grew silent. I stared at him in disbelief and confusion before realization hit me like waves. I reached up my fingers to touch my cheeks and, sure enough, my fingertips felt the hot and wet sensation of burning tears.

"This...this is not what it looks like..." I trailed away, quickly brushing away my tears. I could hear whisperings surfacing around the room as the intense atmosphere clouded around us even more.

"My young lady, are you not happy to have been chosen?" a lady asked. Everyone was now either scowling or staring at me in disgust, undoubtedly not pleased with the fact that I was being "ungrateful," as they like to put it.

"It's...it's not that, I'm...I'm happy, but..." I started stumbling on my words and I watched people shaking their heads in pity, including the girls standing next to me. "I'm just..."

Before I could finish, someone grabbed my wrist so hard I winced in pain before he started dragging me outside. I stumbled forward as I scurried along. I could feel my hands trembling when I realized that it was none other than Draven Cruz himself, who was now remaining silent as he dragged me along. Judging by the force he had on my wrist, I knew that he wasn't pleased at all.

"Wa..wait..." I barely choked out, trying to keep up with his fast pace as he walked out of the ballroom, not even bothering to turn around or slow down.

Before I could open my mouth to apologize, he turned around and slammed my shoulders to the nearest wall. I winced in pain, looking up to face Draven, who was now glaring down at me. His eyes were completely filled with hatred and anger while mine were only full of plea.

"What the fuck are you crying for?!" he snapped, raising his voice. I shrunk back as I pressed my back even further against the wall, trying to come up with a response that wouldn't anger him.

"I'm...I'm sorry, I was scared," I stammered, and on cue, tears started rolling down my cheeks as I tried to swallow the sob, but it was no use. I was almost on the verge of breaking down and he was definitely pushing me to my limits.

"What the hell makes you think I fucking care?!" he retorted, slamming his hands on either side of my neck on the wall, causing me to gasp and jolt in my position before I pressed my lips together into a thin line. "I chose you because I wanted to. But don't you fucking dare test my patience!"

He snapped and I nodded before an uncontrollable sob escaped through my lips, which didn't seem to please Draven at all because his eyes turned a shade darker, if that was even possible.

"So I suggest you get a fucking grip," he started, grabbing my cheeks so roughly I held his wrist, hoping he would loosen his grip. Instead, he held them firmly before holding my face up to meet his eyes. "Before I make you!" he spat with no remorse in his words.

I fought back the tears before nodding, my heart screaming for me to break down while my brain fought to keep myself together.

"Ye...yes," I choked out. He loosened his grip painfully slowly, still keeping his gaze on my eyes as I brushed away my tears before taking a shaky breath, trying to even my heartbeats.

"Now go in there and tell them they were misunderstood...that the tears weren't tears of fear, but tears of joy," he ordered, standing up straight. I nodded again, clutching my hands together to stop myself from trembling any further.

An arm slipped around my shoulder before he guided us back to the ballroom where everyone was waiting for us. I took one final breath before clearing my throat, looking around the ladies and men who were now peering at us with suspicion.

"I'm sorry to have gotten you all worried," I barely managed to keep a straight face as I clutched my hands even more tightly. "I was just happy and relieved... that I was chosen."

I lied, looking up at Draven, who was now staring down at me, his eyes not ripping away from my face for even a second. Never have I felt so sick to make up a lie. Everyone stood in silence for a few minutes before chuckling and nodding, completely falling for my act or at least pretending to do so. I glanced at Draven, who was now bending down a little as he squeezed my shoulders tightly, and I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from whimpering. He certainly hated me already and there was no remorse in his actions. But then again, what did I expect?

"Stop shaking," he whispered into my ears through gritted teeth. I tried to calm myself down at his words, but he really wasn't helping.

He slipped away his arm and I watched him walk away, causing me to sigh in relief. It's as if a ton of bricks were lifted from my chest and I felt a lot better already. The ceremony ended after half an hour or less and I watched everyone walk out of the room, leaving only us five girls and the vampires, who were now grinning at us.

I had to admit, they were all good-looking, but luckily, I wasn't the type to get fazed by people's looks. It takes more than just a good-looking body or face; you've got to have the heart and the soul to go with it. And vampires? They didn't have a soul or heart to begin with.

"Welcome!" a familiar voice greeted, and I watched the guy named Tyrell walk up to us with open arms.

The girls rushed to give him a hug while I just stood there, stiff in my position, as I darted my eyes around the ballroom, trying to ease my mind about my situation by taking admiration of the interior design of this mansion.

"I'm taking them to their rooms." Draven's voice caused me to jolt as I looked around to find him walking towards us now. His presence was as cold as ever and he didn't even bother to glance at me. It's like I wasn't even there anymore. "Their luggage has arrived," he said finally, eyeing all of us before the girls giggled and smiled at him.

"Follow me," he said shortly, walking out of the ballroom and we obeyed without further questioning.