{ You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5, and the path leading out is only wide enough for one. ~ Mikhail Tal. }

**

Matthias was pleased with Gabriel's response. But he left with a threat that if Gabriel was bluffing and buying Amelia time, then he would let loose the packs on all of the main vampire cities. The Alpha King would personally come to him and end his life. Gabriel agreed to meet Matthias in a few days to deliver Amelia and her lover to them.

Matthias and his protection left the castle. Gabriel smirked as soon as the Alpha's back was turned. Even if he was an Alpha King, Gabriel was an ancient, pureblooded vampire.

Gabriel was the first vampire to roam the earth. Matthias may be strong, but he was more powerful in many ways. He knew he came off as arrogant, but when one could kill many in a matter of seconds, why wouldn't he be?

Not long after Matthias and his pack left did Amelia and Cassius arrive in Gabriel's study. Luther was looking through Gabriel's bookcase on the far-left side of the large study pretending not to notice the tense atmosphere while the vampire king once again sat behind his desk. His fingers interlaced together, his elbows leaning atop the wooden surface as he looked at the pair deep in thought.

Cassius sat down on the red plush sofa next to the large fireplace while Amelia sat across from the fireplace on another sofa. Cassius acted indifferent to Amelia by staring into the fire while Amelia stared at Gabriel like a lovesick puppy.

Gabriel smirked behind his hand, watching the actress at work. He could see her bite marks and bruises had healed. Their healing was more advanced than other vampires, and drinking blood sped the process up. So, Amelia's skin was smooth and bright. It really is a shame that such a beauty is so ugly on the inside..

His attention snapped away from the pretty blue-eyed snake and went to his brother. He couldn't understand what was going through his mind. Gabriel knew he would kill Amelia; this was why he took her to bed one last time, but he presumed Cassius was not aware of this. If he was, he doubted his brother would have taken her to bed. Even if they were not close like they used to be, Gabriel still knew his brother. He saw the pain Cassius went through after Amelia left. He slept with her because he missed her and slipped up.

"Matthias was here. Why? Did you make a deal with him?" Amelia asked worriedly, pulling Gabriel's gaze away from Cassius' blank stare. Amelia's eyes were filling up with tears. Gabriel had to refrain himself from rolling his eyes at her act; if her eyes weren't teary, then he would see the wheels turning in them, thinking on how to make the situation work in her favour.

Gabriel sighed. "He came here in search of you. Of course, the bond told him you were here…" Gabriel replied slowly. He wanted to drag it out a little just to see some real fear in her features. He hid his smile behind his hands again as he saw a flicker of emotion pass her face. "I told him I would hand you over…"

"You did what?!" Amelia screeched, and Cassius turned his head to look at Gabriel. The pair looked at each other for a few seconds before Gabriel looked back at Amelia.

"Of course, I did. Why would I deny your existence here? It would only ruin the relationship between us and cause war-"

"How could you!? Do I mean nothing to you, Gabriel?" Amelia sobbed and appeared in front of him, leaning her hands on his desk as she looked down at him.

Gabriel relaxed his hands onto the desk's surface and stared back at Amelia unwaveringly. "I still have my people to think about. But.. we agreed I would hand you over in a fortnight. That gives you plenty of time to get ahead of them and find somewhere they can't find you," He replied coolly, his face impassive as he stared back at Amelia, who looked at him with slight suspicion.

"Why would Matthias not collect me today?" She asked suspiciously. But her suspicion did not faze him, he already said he wouldn't protect her, and she knew that.

"Because.." He smirked with a dangerous glint in his eyes, "I said I wanted to torture you for two weeks before handing you over.."

Amelia paled at his words and the cold look on his face. He chuckled and stood from his seat to look outside the window once more. Silence followed him, and so he felt like antagonising Amelia a little. "Normally.. When someone gives you a lifeline, you thank that person.." He pointed out.

Amelia appeared next to him and touched his arm, squeezing gently. He wanted to break her hand, but he refrained from moving and turned his head slowly to look at her.

"Thank you, Gabriel."

That evening Amelia sneaked into Gabriel's room to properly 'thank him', but she paused when she saw he had company and was drinking from his favourite 'feeder'. His back was to her, and seemingly his guard was down as he drank from the human girl's neck. Amelia took another step forwards, but Gabriel was quick and had her on the ground, his hand around her neck tightening, his eyes glowing from the blood lust. "Never. Return. To. My. Chambers. Amelia." He spat out with so much disdain on his face that a flicker of fear crossed her features. "Next time, I will not stop myself from crushing your neck."

She hesitantly reached her hand out and caressed his cheek. His face stayed stoic as he glared at her. "Why haven't you done so already, your.. highness?" She sputtered, struggling against his grip.

Gabriel leaned closer to her, "Do NOT push me, Amelia." His hand closed on her throat, and her eyes widened at the severity of his words, but then he suddenly disappeared from his room.