Elias walked down the stairs, leaning towards the left-hand side.

He had separated himself from the group, who walked on the other side. He just needed some time alone to think and collect himself. After all, the others might make a fool of themselves, but he had no intention of doing so.

They walked deeper and deeper into the manor, until the sounds of the party were far, far away, and Elias was sure that they would have gotten lost, if it wasn't for the butler. Lost in his thoughts, he almost walked straight into the large double doors before which everyone had stopped. Stopping himself, he looked around. Everyone pretended not to notice, except for that little brat, Eliza - who could barely contain the smirk on her lips.

Clearing his throat, their butler, Aryon - pushed open the double doors, revealing a majestic room illuminated by candlelight.

An impressive chandelier hung from the ceiling, right above the dining table. His mouth watered just looking at the piles of food that had been stacked on the table. There was a variety of roast meat, just as there were platters of salad and pitchers of wine.

At the two ends of the table, sat Lord and Lady Armeshire.

Upon their entering, Percy stood up and grinned and said, "Please, have a seat everyone and help yourself, after all - the food is free."

Everyone nervously shuffled to their seats, everyone but Elias. He walked with his head held high and took the seat closest to Percy Armeshire - who barely acknowledged his presence.

Soon everyone had settled into their places and Frances stood up for a toast. Elias frowned, it was thoroughly improper for a woman to be giving the toast first - before her husband, but he let it go.

"Welcome everyone, both Percy and I and delighted to have you in our company. I hope you enjoy your stay and you enjoy the revels, but before you grow into the misconception that you are all normal guests, I must tell you that there is a reason YOU have been chosen, there is a reason that YOU are here, and not the thousands other people who would love to be here. I can not tell you much, but i will tell you this - you are very lucky and everything will soon be revealed."

When she was done speaking, not waiting for a respose, Percy stood up and said, "Now, let th-",

He was cut off by a scream that could have shattered windows, as the lights went out and the room was enveloped in darkness.

A/N

Now the drama begins.....