Chapter 10

**Odette’s point of view: Overhearing an exciting and baffling conversation… **

Weeks and later on months went by without seeing or hearing anything out of the ordinary, in or around our small village and eventually everything returned back to normal for me. The only thing different, is the thoughts that fill my head and the beautiful snowflake necklace, I keep close to my heart...

I secretly wear it around my neck, covered with loose hanging strands of hair and the material of my dresses every day. It daily reminds me of its former owner.

The mysterious and handsome man, Alex. Who left it behind as a very precious gift, for what purpose, I do not know...

I only did, what anyone else in my position would have done.

One morning, I overheard my parents having a conversation about a ball. It’s held every five hundred years, to celebrate the continuing peace period within the three realms. Mom and dad also mentioned that the ball and other festivities takes place in the vampire kingdom, at the Emperor's private residential home, the white stone castle!

The castle is only accessible to outsiders, during this auspicious occasion.

The Emperor is known for being a very private and mysterious person… So, it makes sense for him to value his privacy, away from prying eyes.

In all the realms, the royal families and council members with their loved ones from every household, gets invited to this big event, that will take place within the next month.

Sofia: “Honey, I have been thinking a lot lately, about Odette and the fact that she is now at the right age, to be finding her immortal mate.”

Charlie’s face turned serious, when he thought it through for a minute, before answering his wife.

Charlie: “Mmm, yes it seems that you are right my dear. Our beloved daughter has reached the age of finding her second half.”

Sofia: “I believe they would have already found each other, if he lived here, in the same community as her.”

Charlie slowly nodded his head in agreement with his wife’s statement.

Charlie: “Yes, that is true my dear. We are all like family here and they would have found each other a long time ago already.”

Sofia: “I think the best way to find her second half, is to attend the ball. Where she would have the best chance of finding him.”

Charlie pulled Sofia in a loving embrace and rested his chin on her head, before answering.

Charlie: “Then it is settled my darling wife, we will go with Odette to the ball in the vampire realm!”

I wonder, why they never told me about this ball?!

Before mom and dad could discuss it any further, I turned around and silently made my way back up the stairs to my room.

After a while of sitting on my bed and thoroughly thinking everything through, I finally understand the conversation that mom and dad had earlier today. Maybe in the beginning, they didn't feel it was necessary to tell me about the ball, because they probably assumed, I would also find my immortal mate, here in our own community.

They themselves were born here and grew up together, in the same village. They found each other as immortal mates, when they were still very young. After my dad was appointed council member, they decided to settle down in a cottage of their own.

They have never travelled outside of the fairy kingdom.

The furthest my dad has ever travelled was when he went to the castle were the royal fae family reside. When the fae king granted my dad the title of council member.

The appointed council members watch over our village and protect us from any harm that may come from outside our borders, beyond the forest and mountains.

The next morning mom and dad wanted to discuss something important with me, before we left the house. Luckily, I already had an idea of what to expect and was ready for the news they wanted to share with me.

When we already finished our breakfast and cleaned up afterwards, mom and dad pulled me into the living room. Mom and dad sat down first and then waited for me to join them on the couch next to them. When I was seated comfortably, I turned my attention back to my parents and waited for them to start the conversation.

A bright smile appeared on my mom’s face, when she reached over and took my hand in hers and happily stared into my eyes.

Sofia: “Your dad and I decided to go on a very special adventure with you, which we ourselves have never experienced before.”

Filled with excitement, mom tightly squeezed my hand, before quickly continuing her speech.

Sofia: “For the first time in our lives we are going to travel beyond our realm and kingdom.”