Chapter 2: Name

「Mademoiselle, I have come to kidnap you.」

He said as he outstretched his hands that was covered with a white glove towards me. I could only stare at him in reply. The situation seemed illogical. I continued staring at him, while continued to smile back at me. He softened his smile and gazed at me warmly with his azure eyes. By some reason I felt drawn, and slowly i reached out to his hands that passed through the bars of the cell.

「I almost thought I was going to be rejected.」

He chuckled to himself. He took a key from his coat and opened the door.

「You are now free, my lady.」

I stood up and went out from where I was and faced the mysterious man. I only reached until his shoulders so I had to look up to his face and I continued to observe his features.

「My princess, you are making this servant blush. I never realized you were this straightforward.」

He said in a teasing tone,which made me realize my actions. I immediately removed my gaze from him and still the awkward air was present.

「Hahaha... You are cute. Sadly, I have to cut our moment short. The people here will soon realize that I had set you free.」

He took my hand and smiled at me. We started to run. He led the entire way. It was as if he knew the place like the back of his hand. He knew where to turn and it was as if the entire village was empty. On the way he would tell me where to run, walk and stay still. We ended up somewhere in the forest outside the village.

「Are you fine la belle?」

I nodded as an answer. I realized 3 years ago that although my speed was limited, my stamina was abundant as compared to others. I dusted off the skirt of my dress and looked at the man who 'kidnapped' me.

「Who are you?」

I asked him as I walked near him and stared at his face.

「Ah! I suppose that it is rude of me not to introduce myself. This humble one is called as Xerxes Payne.」

He said as he bowed grandiosely. He stood up and once again the silent air hangs above us.

「May mademoiselle grant me the grace of knowing your name?」

He smiled again with the warm eyes he had back in the dungeon.

「What is your purpose?」

What I said was different from what I was thinking. I should've given my name, however a part of me wanted to ask him this. It was simply nagging at me.

「Saying I am not suspicious will cause you to be suspicious of me. However, what I said earlier still stands. I am here to kidnap you.」

「What for?」

「Would you believe me if I said that it was for world peace?」

I was dumbfounded at what he said. I felt that he was telling the truth. But I could not understand how I would be related to his goal.

「I promise to explain it to you later on. However we must plan on revealing the crimes of that priest first. So will you tell me your name?」

He held my hand as if to assure me. I only stare at our hands then at his face. Will I gamble this? Ah. Father will get mad. I'm not sure if I should. I don't want to make the same mistakes again.

「How about this... Since I will be the one responsible for you, I will grant you any wish.」

I gazed at him once again. And returned the grip into his hand.

「I wish to be human.」

He was surprised at this request. However it immediately softened back to his earlier expression.

「Then I swear with my name Xerxes Payne, I shall see to it that you'll become human.」

I tried to mimic the smile he gave me.

「My name is Soleil Magdalene.」

I took a deep breath before I continue.

「and I am the beast that they claim I am.」

I smiled once again I as I show him the markings in my hands and face that softly glows under the moonlight. I already had these markings for as long as I can remember. It usually doesn't show up however once I am exposed to the light of the moon it would show up, and its duration depends on how long I've been exposed. I could just avoid the light however that would mean my end.

I'm not sure on what these markings are or their effect in my abilities. Other than seeing images of what others committed given that I am in full power, my blood is poisonous. Father warned me that it would bring 'certain death'.

「I must say that in that, you are wrong princess, and I assure you that I will prove it you that you are wrong.」

He said as he went on his knees and took my hand filled with mark. Ever so lightly he planted a kiss. Xerxes stood up and led me in the forest, showing different markings that would serve as a guide if ever the need arises for me to escape alone. We ended up at an old cabin.

「You should rest up mademoiselle, I'll be guarding outside.」

He said as we entered. I felt guilty about leaving him outside, however he insisted that he should stay outside in case anyone from the village comes. I tried to argue with him, however I ended up giving in and went inside. The cabin was cozy and was had a sufficient amount of supplies. I entered a room and although it was old it was still well kept. I sat down on the bed and stared at the window on the side.

「I'm sorry father.」