The castle was dead silent, except for the crackling of the burning wood in the fire place and the scribbling of Azara's ink pen on paper. He wrote with no other intent than to keep himself sane from his wondering thoughts. He wrote about selfish desires and animalistic instincts tonight. Tomorrow night it would be something different. Maybe love. Maybe hate. Maybe blood shed. His head had always been a crowded place but writing released some pressure.

Azara sat the quill down with a sigh as a fierce gust of wind shook the window slightly and he stood, walking to the window. He leaned against the window frame and stared up into the night sky, the waxing moon told him it was close to that time. He had been born a shape shifter, a werewolf, a monster. Of course he could change at will but legend would have be correct in stating a werewolf must change during a full moon, it was as if his skin ached for it. His body pulsing with a wolf's want and need. Azara's wandering mind came back into the here and now as he heard the door open. He didn't bother looking, he knew it was the servant girl bring him a cup of tea, just like she did every night at eight o'clock on the dot. There was always a punishment if she were late, doing any of her duties. Tardiness was not tolerated, under any circumstance.

As the girl wheeled the tea cart over to his desk and placed the tea cup on it he turned his head back to look at her for a moment, she looked more troubled than she normally did. But it was none of his concern really. However, as he continued to watch her pour the tea his emotions conflicted and he turned his eyes back to the sky. Never would there be a more beautiful sight than gazing into the eyes of a full moon through the eyes of a wolf. Azara grunted and walked back to his desk, closing his journal in case the girl's eyes got curious.

"Thank you." He said lowly, in his deep and rough voice. He wasn't often a polite person so he wasn't entirely sure why he had actually thanked her. He then brought the cup of Earl Grey to his lips and took a drink. "A good choice." He said, staring off into the fireplace, watching the fire dance its deadly charms across the log. "Jasmine tomorrow." He said. Earl Grey and Jasmine Green Tea were among his favorites. He took another drink and his piercing blue eyes locked with the girls.

Layola had walked in with he cart.She made as little to no eye contact with her master she was not exactly found of him once when she had started working for him she was late with his tea...his eye were red with anger she was punished...never was she ever late again. She swore to this day that he was not mad at her over the tea but he was mad about something or mad at someone else.

Layola poured the tea made of strange herbs from a distant land one as far as the horizon. She hopped to travel one day soon anything to get out of this large mansion that was empty and poor when it came to happiness she also wanted to get away from her master. Someday hopefully soon she would. Her master was handsome...his beautiful blue eyes and long brownish hair...but what good was it when his eyes were as cold as his personality.

Layola soon excused herself as she did so her beautiful blue eyes made contact with his...her long brown hair flowing a bit there was a light wind in the room a window must have budge opened some how. " My Lord is there anything else I can get you?" She asked him as she tried to sound with little to no fear. She feared him why she had no idea. She waited for his answer as she gazed into his cold frigid eyes.

Thoughts of a fresh kill in his mouth and the taste of blood ran across his mind. But, of course, his mind was always a dreaded place filled with sickening images when it was close to a full moon. He couldn't help himself really. The animal in him itched to escape, if even for a second. The interesting thought of letting himself change, right here, right now, was in fact, an interesting thought. However, he had never changed in front of someone, although people rumored and gossiped and some even knew the truth. He let the thought of a kill drift away as he tried to picture Layola's reaction if he were to change in this moment. He smirked. She'd be terrified.

"I'm going out tonight." He said after a long moment of silence, wondering what her thoughts had been like during the time period. "I won't need you for the rest of the evening but have a bath ready for me as I return." He said before placing the tea cup down, not wanting to finish the warm liquid. He'd feel better if he went out without anything on his stomach.

Azara stood then and walked out of the room, and after what seemed like an eternity he was standing at the South gate of his castle. It led into the forest where wild animals and small game were plentiful. He shed his clothes, right there in the opening, wondering if Layola was near a window that would hold him in her line of sight, but he really didn't care.

As his naked human form pushed past the gate and into the cold, eerie, forest he took his large, muscular, wolf form. He was larger than a normal wolf with more muscle volume and able to travel faster. He was surely superior to any wolf. Once he was fully in his wolf form he sighed with relief in his head. The tension was gone, his thoughts were primitive and blood thirsty. He let out a long, loud, howl before jetting for into the forest wanting to find something to sink his fangs into.

Layola gathered the tea set and the sugar holder. * Coldest person I have ever meet I swear the moment I can get out of her I will* She stated to herself as she wondered why her master was looking at her like that. * He is leaving at this hour....must be going to see one of those woman.....who work in that bar...what a gentleman..* She stated as she passed quick judgement on him without even knowing of his secret. " As you wish my lord I will have your bath ready. Safe travel" She stated as she always did when ever he left that castle she always wished him well as well as safety. She gather the things and left for the kitchen where she washed the items and then moved on to other chores while she waited for the time to draw her master's bath. Layola was growing extremely tired she had taken her medicine for her heart which she could barely afford the medicine was making her tired...but if she were to fall a sleep she would surely miss the time to draw her master's bath which would mean a punishment. She quickly finished her chores and went to draw his bath. She filled the tub with warm water and hatted oils to sooth her master's skin. She then retried to her bed in the servant quaters

Azara returned an hour later, his face and chest covered in blood, he left his shirt off so he wouldn't stain the clothing. He had over indulged in his hunting. And now, as he walked through the castle, there was a strange calmness about him that always came after he hunted. His mind was peaceful, but come tomorrow it would be pushing thoughts and images through his head like whiplash again. His breathing was even and his steps were quiet. As he walked down the hall of the servants courts he wondered if Layola had retired yet but in his current state he decided not to check, obviously she'd ask questions, which he didn't want to answer. Finally he opened the door to his suite and left his clothes in a pile on the floor of his bathroom as he climbed into the tub, the water turning pink from the blood. He leaned against the side of the tub, relaxing. Some of his muscles were tense, it had been a while since he ran for so long and he was getting old. Which he was reminded of every time he went to town. People always asking when he would take a bride, when he'd have a heir. He could care less about such meaningless trifles. As long as he could live in his quiet world of solitude and have blood on his tongue every once in a while, he was happy. Or at least a content type of happy.

Azara sighed as he washed himself and got out of the water. He would probably never take a bride or have an heir. Once he was gone the town council could decide a new ruler but there would be no castle. Azara had decided he would burn his castle to the ground when he was on his death bed, with himself locked inside. He couldn't stand the thought of another living in his home as if it were their own. On that thought Azara dried himself and climbed into bed without dressing. Clothing was made for humans, and he was a beast. Or at least he saw himself as one. As he lay in his bed he realized he hadn't drained the tub and smirked at the thought of what Layola would think when she went to drain it tomorrow, the sight of the blood stained water would probably raise suspicion and he liked to provoke others minds.

Layola awoke early the next mooring hopping her master would not be angry at her for going to bed before he arrived. She asked the chief to begin on making his breakfast he would be up soon enough to eat. She made her watt up the stairs and into his room the fetch the clothes that would b on the floor of his bedroom. She took them and decided that she would make her way down stairs and wash his clothes. Do to the time period she would have to wash his clothes by hand which meant read cold hands. After she finished she made her way up stairs quietly to his bathroom which would need to be cleaned. When she walked inside she noticed the tub " Dear heavens no!!" She stated as she looked at the tub she got closer and touched with her hand *its blood* she stated in fear her eyes got wide with fear this triggered a attack on her heart which happened every so often her heart would face faster then she could breath. her eyes grew wide as she grabbed her chest she let out a cry in agony and pain before dropping to the floor... These attacks were dangerous and took a tulle on her heath. She had passed out on the floor and needed medical attention fast.

Azara awoke at the sound of Layola's scream and he knew what had happened, it wasn't the first time it had happened after all. He sat up quickly and wrapped a sheet around his waist since he had been comfortable sleeping nude last night. As he entered his bathroom as saw her on the floor next to the tub he knew what had been the cause of her attack and he couldn't help but smirk, he might be too cruel to her sometimes but it didn't mean he would change his ways.

Azara picked Layola up into his arms and carried her swiftly to the infirmary where the doctor could easily bring her back to consciousness and then give her another dose of medicine. However, as he brought Layola into the infirmary in his arms wearing nothing but a sheet tied at his waist the doctor looked as if he might faint, probably thinking Azara had ravaged her and stolen her innocence.

"She had another attack." He said as he laid her down on a medical cot. Watching the doctor nod in realization and work quickly to bring her out of her unconscious state. Azara stood at the end of the cot, staring off into space, he knew Layola was too much trouble from him. Having a heart condition and all, but none the less he couldn't bring himself to throw her out. He may be cruel, selfish, rude, and cold. But he most certainly wasn't heartless, and just maybe somewhere deep down, he held a soft spot for the girl.

Azara's eyes landed on her face as her eyes flickered open and he suppressed a smile. Knowing he had no reason to smile at her. Instead his eyes lingered on hers. "When you are better.. continue your chores." He said as he adjusted his sheet before turning to leave.

A nurse by the name of faith came running in. " My lord may I speak to you ??" She stated as she looked at him her eyes filled with anger for him. She cared for Layola and was a friend of her's she knew a lot about her condition and knew that her end might be near. She spoke before he could. " Layola's months and maybe even days are numbered.....They might not be a next time....now if you can find it in your heart as so much as to give a little much of a damn about her health...she might be able to prolong her life....but a year or so....because as I see it you might kill her before her illness gets a chance to......are you really as cold hearted as they say??"

Violate finally came around she looked at the doctor ignoring her master's presence "Doctor...it hurt so bad this time....it still does can you do anything about the pain it still lingers inside of me..like sharp needles." She stated her eyes weak but filled with pain and agony...." I wish it would just take me already this is torture....I want out...." Faith had tears in her eyes "No Layola you mustn't speak that way ever...miracles happen.....please believe "

Layola took in a deep breath " Miracles only happen to the rich and heartless...." She stated as she glared at her Master ...how could he be so cold to her she had done nothing but be a good servant she never spoked wrongly about him. But know he was basically dead to her.

Azara felt his fury explode inside him as the others word's hit him. However, on the surface he remained calm and apathetic as always. His cold, slightly glaring eyes rested on Faith. "If you ever speak to me that way again you'll be cast to the dungeon with the rats for a few days." He said as he turned back around to face Layola, his expression softened but he wouldn't be easy on her just because of her health. "When you are well enough, you will return to your duties." He said as he left the room, not sure how much more he could take of their words before his anger surfaced. And if his anger surfaced with enough force he might change without meaning to, which was a risk he couldn't take or he might kill someone.

Azara returned to his room and dressed before cleaning his own bathroom. He was normally lazy, but again, he wasn't heartless and he knew Layola could use a break. He then continued to the kitchen to get his own breakfast, the chief seemed shocked to see him there but handed him the plate. Azara took his breakfast back to his study where he normally spent most of his days. He was thinking he may go into town today, maybe drag Layola along to get her out of the castle. But for now he just let his mind shift from thought to thought as he ate his food.

Layola took in a deep breath and got up she knew that this was.....one of the last times she would be in the doctors office. She needed to try to get better but that might mean she would have to leave thins place as well as her master. He was going to kill her ventrally she knew that much. She walked the cold unloving hallways of the home more like a prison one without windows to show the warmth and love of the sun. She eventually made her way to the kitchen where a maid of the name of mary pulled her aside. " Guess what my dear the master came down and got his own lunch.....can you believe it?" She asked her as she smirked and continued washing the dishes. Layola smirked without humor " Well I'll be" She stated as she made her way to get some water

Azara finished his lunched and stared off into space for a long time, letting his animal instincts lead his thought pattern. After a while he sighed and grabbed his plate, heading down to the kitchen. As he entered the kitchen maybe of the cooks and servants stopped their chatter, no doubt surprised to see him there, or even a little intimidated. Azara set his plate in a stack next to the sink before turning to Layola. "You are feeling better now?" He asked staring down at Layola. "Better enough to head into town with me?" He added.

Layola looked up at him. She was vey upset at him but what could she do he was more powerful then him in everyday. " I will do as you wish...." She spoke in an empty tone one which had no emotion in it. She looked into his eyes her's were sad and empty yet still beautiful filled with beauty beyond compare. She then set down he plate she was washing and turned completely to him. " May I ask you something....? Why try to hurt......me....have I done anything to you to deserve it?" She asked him as she gazed into his eyes wondering. " I am a good person...do not ruin the last months of my life..." She stated as she gaze him a stern look. She then lowered her head and hopped he would not beat her or something.

Azara knew he shouldn't let this girl talk to him in such a way. Had it been a different servant he would have easily handed out a punishment. Instead he stared her down a bit. "You say I hurt you yet you lash out at me with your words." He paused and scoffed. "You are not wise." He said as he turned to leave. "Get ready to leave." He said as he left the room and continued to his own to change clothing.

He changed into a standard suit that fit him well. He wondered sometimes, if it were his looks or personality that kept women at bay? He figured it was probably his cold personality because he had seen pig-faced men charm the pants off women before. He then wondered if he tried being charming if he could have any woman he wanted, unfortunately Layola was the face to pop into his head. He shook the thought away though, having a companion mattered little to him.

After he finished dressing he continued to the servants quarters and knocked on Layola's door, hoping she would be ready by now. He waited patiently for her to answer the door.

Layola retreated to her room She canted out of her maid clothes into a sunday dress. IT s was a smooth yellow it was beautiful and looked great on her she let her hair down. She looked beautiful..She herd the knock on her door. She had no idea why he wanted to bring her along. Why her why should she go with him...he was a jerk to her a jerk to the highest degree. She finally answered the door. Her eyes looking into his she noticed he had changed but did not care much. " Are you ready to go?" She asked him as she looked into his eyes

Azara merely nodded at Layola before continuing down the hall and out in front of the castle where a carriage had been made up. It was a black carriage with a dark purple trim, one of Azara's favorites. Azara held the door open for Layola before climbing in after her. The ride was silent but not very long. As the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the town hall Azara spoke, "I need to meet with the council.." he paused, "We can do a little shopping afterward." He said as he got out and held the door open for her. He then shut the door behind her and walked into the hall, immediately people were greeting him with fake smiles as he was led into a receiving hall. After waiting a few minutes the head of the council, followed by a few of the other members entered. The council leader looked angry as he sat at the table, not even bothering with a greeting. The leader spoke then. "The council has decided to give you three months to choice a bride or we will revoke your power and appoint some else to live in the castle."

Azara slammed his first on the table and cursed under his breath, his eyes landing on Layola as a thought formed in his head. She would marry him. He then smiled back at the council members before rising. "Gentlemen, three months is not needed." He said, looking back at Layola with a serious expression now. "I will be announcing my bride tomorrow night at your meeting, in front of the entire town." He said as he rose, gesturing for Layola to follow him. Once they were out of the building Azara turned to Layola. "I'm sorry but shopping will need to wait a bit." He said as he opened the door of the carriage for Layola. He would break the news to her back at the castle when she brought him his tea.

Layola sat in the carriage she had her hands firmly folded on her lap. She looked out the carriage window...and noticed all of the woman in their beautiful dresses and there beautiful jewelry. She wished to be like them to look and feel beautiful she was beautiful but did not feel it since she was poor. " Yes my lord....as you wish..." She stated when he mentioned that he needed to stop at the council meeting.She was watched as she walked threw the door standing by his side. Some men looked at her is awe the woman gave her dirty looks out of jealousy. She sat and remained quite the whole time....she respected where she was and knew how to behave. She then felt bad for her mastered he was going to be forced into a marriage. She was glad she was not going to be forced into one.....
* wait what the heck is he staring at me as in he going to marry me....LAyola get a grip.....he will not marry you and you will not marry him so breathe girl*

She got back into the carriage she was nervous and did not know what to say or do. She barely even moved...She waited till they got back and left to get his tea. It was time for his tea. She fetched his tea and walked into his already opened room...." Tea my lord??"

Azara looked up at Layola. He had never been a charming man and wasn't even sure how to be charming, or when it was needed. But as he stood and took Layola roughly into his arms Layola dropped the tray of tea. He had one arm wrapped around her waist and one grabbed her wrist, pulling her into him. "You will be my bride." He said as he stared down at her, into her deep, beautiful eyes awaiting a response from her.

Layola's jaw slightly dropped * This man lost his damn mind...must have gone cray*. She then spoke without thinking " No....you have clearly gone mad....." She stated as she gazed into his eyes. She felt him holding her tightly in her embrace...She felt trapped how could this be...she did not love him...He did not love her why was he embossing such a ridiculous idea. Why her and why now? " Let me go I wont be your wife...how can I marry a man..that does not even care if I were to drop dead...you laugh and smirk when it comes to my pain and suffer...if I am to marry it will be to a good man...one that cares for me not one that can care not if I die" She stated as she tried to pull away from his grasp which was much to strong

Azara continued to stare down at her, completely serious. "When have I ever laughed or smirked at your pain?" It was true. He was hard on her but he never laughed at her pain. He backed her against the desk, pressing into her a little more. "I'm not giving you a choice." He paused. "You'll marry me or you'll be forced out of the castle. In which case you'll die without the medical attention you receive here." He said, knowing it was harsh but it was true. She was his last option, probably his only option really.

Layola looked into his eyes. She had tears in her own eyes....her hair was now lose from him moving her strongly yet in a gentle fashion. " You would let me..die..?" She asked him as she looked into his eyes trying to find kindness somewhere inside of him.
" You don't deserve to marry someone you do not love...you will be miserable your whole life....I desire to marry someone I love and who will love and carry for me back and will not settle for anything else...." She stated as she looked at him straight in the eyes " If you are willing to let me die then so be it" She stated " Plus I will die soon....." * wait a minute she was going to die so what did it matter? Right...

Azara had an underlying motive of course but he wasn't sure he should say it. After a few moment of silence and staring down at her he sighed and let her go. "If you marry me you won't have to work as a servant any longer." He paused and picked up the tea tray. "It could give you a longer life." He finally said as he placed the tray and cup back on the cart before walking back around the desk and sitting down. "I'm not giving you much of a choice either way." He said as he grabbed his journal and wrote quickly, feeling as if he would burst. The full mood was coming in two days and he needed release. It was taking everything in him to control himself in the current situation. "What is your answer?" He asked after a couple seconds.

" I will marry you.....but in return you have to be kinder...to me and everyone else in this house....and make a generous donation to the orphanage in our town here...they need the money badly....Do not worry I have no plan on touching a single dime of yours......I am not a gold digger...." She stated as she she looked at her hands and then back at him. " Please try doing these things if you are going to force me to marry you I should at least get a deal out of it..." As she got the tray and began to turn away " Do you need anything else?" she stated as she watched him

Azara nodded, it didn't please him but he'd do it if that was all it would take. He looked up at her. "You'll be given whatever you needed. Starting now you are no longer a servant." He reached into his desk and pulled out his mother's ring, she had given it to him with the soul purpose of giving it to the girl he would marry. He walked over to her and put the ring on her finger. It fit as if it were perfectly crafted just for her. "As if by the fates." He said and released a small smile for the first time in a long time. However, the smile was short lived as a serious expression returned to his face. "Gather your things you'll be moved into the room across the hall from my own.." He paused for a moment. "Until we're actually married." He finished. If they continued to sleep in separate rooms once they were married people might know their marriage was merely political. "I'll meet you tonight and we can talk more." He said staring down at her, her hand still in his. Never before had he ever wanted to kiss anyone more than he wanted to right now. But he restrained himself, knowing she had only agreed to marry him because it benefited her, not to mention it wouldn't be wise to let himself indulge in such mild intimacies when it was so close to a full moon.

layola looked down at the ring...it was so beautiful she had never seen anything more beautiful in her life. She could not believe it was her's now. She nodded when he said she had to move her few things to the room across from him she was not exactly found of sleeping in the same room as him. "What would you like me to do until tonight?" She asked gazing up at him as she spoke. She had no idea what the role of a rich wife would be. She could not wrap her head around being rich at all she did not want money out of this..she would only take what she earned as a maid...she was not selfish at least not as much to take advantage of the situation. She looked into his eyes he still held her hand..." Is there anything I need to know about you...." She then thought for a moment " If you plan to cheat on me just tell me here and now that way I know....I am no fool.." She stated as she looked at him serious yet beautiful.

Azara's heart raced for a split second. He should tell her. He should tell what type of creature she was about to marry. But instead he kept his mouth shut. "I will be loyal." He said, even if it was a loveless marriage. It wasn't as if he were running around with women before, so a marriage really wouldn't change much. Except now he had to make people believe he was really in love with Layola. Azara sighed and removed his hand from her's. Maybe he was in love with her already. He couldn't be sure. He backed away a few inches. "Until tonight you need to go and make sure you tell all your friends, happily. This marriage needs to seem real." He said staring across the room and out the window. "I'm going out for now.. but I'll be back tonight." He paused. "Have a servant run me a bath." He said as he walked out of the room, and shortly after, out of the castle heading in the direction of the south gate. He needed to hunt again.