I slip on my black sweatpants, relief washing over me as I am soothed by the feeling of being normal. I stand in the washing room for a moment, relishing the silence that surrounds me. Drawing a large breath, I scan the washing room oddly anxious to be back here. The amber lighting flickers for a moment before returning to their normal state.

A basin of heavy porcelain sits upon a white pillar near the thick door. The floor slick with white marble that reflects the lights. A large tub sits against the wall with a large mirror set on the wall next to it allowing on to watch themselves while they took a bath. In the far corner is a glass rectangular that resembles a shower but instead, the showerhead hangs directly from the ceiling and there are two levels built into the wall to control it. In the other corner is the toilet which thankfully, is much like the ones at home except it is silent when flushes and made of shiny silver.

The room is odd but comforting at the same time. Bits and pieces of this bathroom are like home which I have begun to miss terribly. My heart aches for my warm bed and Mom's smiles. My hope sinks as I remember my predicament, reminding me that it may be a while before I am able to escape from this place.

I used this earlier to take a heavenly shower but it felt awkward to take a shower here. I had hoped it wouldn't come to that. But considering the fact I still had blood on my skin from days ago, it was time to accept the fact that I need to use their shower. They gave my regular clothes back, turns out they were washing the blood out of them and had to let them dry before they gave it back. It's very sweet but I still uncomfortable with the fact they are acting so nice. I'm paranoid that it's going to all going to end leaving me to face their darker side. The killers inside them.

I can't shake my strong sense of sympathy I've developed for each one. Even Adrien. I'm slowly understanding and feeling bad for all the pain they've been through. A small part of me wants to stay here if I knew Mom was alright only to help them escape this place as well.

My perspective is changing with every story they tell me. I am slowly respecting their decisions to kill even. What is becoming of me? Am I a sadist too for thinking that way? Why can't I continue blaming them for their evil deeds? Why can't I see them as the villains they truly are? Is this a bad thing? Or is this a type of self-preservation? Could this... be Stockholm Syndrome?

I take a deep breath sharing a look with my reflection. The space under my eyes smudged as my hair takes on a fizzy state. A faint red line cuts across my face from when Adrien threw his knife at me to force me to stop running from them in the beginning. My fingers brush across the line as my eyes remain vacant. They told me it's almost noon yet I'm exhausted. I could collapse at any moment.

I break my own stare before scooping up my black tank top off the floor as well as the loose-fitting grey shirt that went over it. I had asked if they had my phone after briefly explaining what a phone was but they said they couldn't find it confirmed my fears that it fell out somewhere. It was an old phone but I still feel bad about losing it. It costs money to replace phones and I hate the fact that Mom has to pay for something I lost.

It couldn't be helped. I was being chased by a bloodthirsty monster after all, what could I do?

The door suddenly opens.

I shriek and leap back, shielding myself with my arms and shirt I have yet to put on. My face bright red as Shiloh looks inside with a vacant look in his eyes seeming bored. I stumble back ready to yell at him for not knocking until I remember they probably have no sense of privacy anyway. I do my best to shield my upper chest specifically as I muster up a glare, "Shiloh!"

He only looks at me with a questioning look. Shiloh's eyes trail down for a second before he begins to blush to make matters worse. I grimace and continue to cross my arms tightly over myself, scared he can see. This only reminds me of how he put me in Tressa's dress when I was unconscious. I groan as my stomach builds up pressure from pure embarrassment.

"We need your help..." Shiloh trails off, quickly staring at his feet.

"You could have waited until I left the washing room," I shoot back, ashamed that this is the second time he's seen me half naked. How on earth do I end up in these situations?

He shrugs, "Gideon said he wanted you."

"Then you tell Gideon I'll come when I'm ready." I scoff as I stare down at my feet, "Just let me finish and I'll be out in a second."

Shiloh slowly nods before backing out. He shuts the door again leaving me in utter silence. I let out my held breath before shoving on my shirt, fast as lightning out of fear of Shiloh coming back in here. I thought I locked it! Do they even have real locks? Then again... this house is meant for the boys and since they are all boys that may mean they don't have to hide anything or need real privacy. At this point, I should be glad they shut the door when they come in here.

I did notice the washing room is oddly clean, considering this house is run by boys. Perhaps this was Adrien's doing, or even Shiloh's encouragement. It is rather strange how the house is somewhat clean. Maybe they just like having a clean house? Or that's just the culture here. I still have a lot to get used to here. It's almost like another country here. They have their own customs, language, and ways they do things. On top of being careful about the boys, I also have to relearn everything I ever knew about social interactions as Adrien put it.

We're going to Alexius' birthday party.

Though the end result is still in discussion, they want me to learn to "tame a "Masser". I still think it wasn't me who did it. It just stared at me. I don't think that counts as taming. I hope I never face it again.

I understand in wanting to go out with a bang and not running from Alexius. Their attack is meant to strike fear in his heart and remind Alexius never to mess with them again. If they have a Masser under their control, they could do anything with Alexius. Kill him, capture him, or scare the crap out of him.

I hope they let me go in the end.

I open the door to find Shiloh leaning against the balcony. His eyes downcast with a concentrated look. My gaze flicks to his dark burn mark covering half his face which leads to scanning over his faint scars covering his skin. Sympathy acts like a punch to the gut as I struggle to imagine what pain he must have gone through. Each boy has their own terrible story to tell. I've heard Gideon and Adrien's, now Shiloh's is the only one I need to hear. The final chapter. I'm still shocked Adrien went through such pain during his life. Gideon actually sounded suicidal when he talked about hating his mother for not killing him from the start.

Shiloh looks up shyly before smiling softly. "I like that on you."

I manage a smile, "Uh thanks."

Shiloh nods, pushing himself off the rail before holding his hand out to me. I pause, studying his hand in confusion. Shiloh's hand remains outstretched to me waiting for me to take it. When I don't, he simply reaches over and takes my hand and begins to lead me back down the steps.

"Adrien says we have to start training you to interact correctly in public," Shiloh explains, offering an explanation as to why he holds my hand. He adjusts my arm to be linked with his and my hand laying on his forearm delicately. Shiloh's shoulder brushes against mine with every step as we walk down the steps. He smiles again, my heart melting, "Ladies always need a partner when walking in public. It's dangerous for them because of the Guard so it's our job to keep you safe."

My eyes widen briefly before nodding. "Oh, okay. Thank you," I answer, still awkward that he's so close to me. I clear my throat just as we pass the second level that holds the door to outside. But instead, I make no move to escape through there and continue walking with Shiloh further down. "Are you doing okay? That prison... what did you see?" I ask tentatively.

Shiloh shudders before looking ahead. "It doesn't matter. It wasn't real so talking about it won't help. I'm fine though, I just have a bit of a headache. Besides," he pauses for a moment. I watch him curiously before I hear a strange rumbling. I give him a weird look as he winces. He pats his stomach with his free hand sharing an apologetic look with me, "I'm more hungry than anything."

I stare at him in shock. "That was your stomach?"

He nods just as we reach the first level where the kitchen is said to be. I realize that I've only been in the bedroom, the washing room, and the ground level since I've been here. I haven't seen the kitchen or the weapon room yet. Before he opens the door I can already smell warm bread and gentle herbs.

I walk inside and the first thing I see if Gideon sitting atop the large table in the center of the kitchen. He grins brightly as he kicks his feet, unable to touch the floor, and leans back on his arms. It's a fairly large room and lined with granite topped counters with cabinets built into the walls on the three walls. A large oven that looks vaguely like the ones we have sits in the center of the back wall where Adrien stirs hurriedly with his back to us. I glance over to find a large metal pot boiling over an open fire sitting in the corner. The lights are brighter here with white hues rather than the amber colors of the rest of the house.

I scan the counters as I slowly recognize utensils that remind of me the normal ones. I see something like a whisk but the bottom has been pulled out so the tiny metal bars stick out wildly. I see a dipped wooden ladle, the side of the dip lined with a razor blade. I see a large metal mallet with a smushed edge which looks oddly puffy. My eye is caught by a silver sink built into the counter with a deep basin, though it remains empty. Flour dusts the counters near Adrien along with shavings of green peppers and what I believe is eggplant judging by the violet hue.

"Ah, grets!" Gideon greets oddly perky. His golden eyes shining with excitement reminding me of his younger body. "Benvido carus?"

I pause as my eyes widen in confusion. "Uhh..." I glance back at Shiloh hopefully.

Shiloh nods, "It's an expression. He's asking if you care to join us."

I nod slowly before returning my gaze to Gideon. I smile kindly at him, "Uh sure."

"Nol," Adrien scolds, shooting me a look over his shoulder. His burning hair still tied high in a ponytail, bits of hair hanging in front of his face from untrimmed bangs framing his face. As I study him, I realize he does seem a bit girly on the outside, despite his icy heart. Even so, my heart sinks as I remember his story. He too has been through so much. "Ayes," he emphasizes.

I watch the boys blankly before glancing confusedly at Shiloh.

He hops up on the large table next to Gideon before leaning on his shoulder. Shiloh closes his eyes letting exhaustion show on his face. Gideon glances down at him for a moment but makes no move to shove Shiloh off him. "They want you to learn our language. Nol is no. Ayes is yes."

I nod slowly before looking up at Adrien. He stirs furiously over a steaming pot remaining quiet.

"Ayes," I test out, unsure if I said it right. Making a face, I press my tongue against my teeth feeling strange trying to speak in their language.

Gideon only smiles encouragingly, "Nice try."

Still unsure of his true motives and aware of his bipolar emotions, I simply nod and offer him a smile. I can't let my guard down just because they're being polite. After all, they could get me killed by forcing me to "face" the Masser. I don't even want to think about that right now...

"So what did you need me for?" I decide to ask remaining by the door.

Gideon throws his arm around Shiloh's shoulders as Shiloh closes his eyes seeming asleep. Shiloh slumps against his side with his head hung. Dark circles shadow under his eyes darken allowing me to see the full force of his lack of sleep. They did say he had nightmares...

"We need you to set the table," Adrien finally answers. He snorts softly, "After all, you are staying here. We won't let you slack off just because you're a girl. You need to do your part here."

I tense, unsure how to respond to that. "Uh, okay."

"Ayes," Adrien chastises, throwing an annoyed look over his shoulder. His politeness obviously has come to a bitter end.

"Ayes," I correct trying not to glare at him. I walk over to the rows of cabinets, scanning them over wondering which one holds the plates.

"Second door on the right," Gideon chirps just as Shiloh falls onto his lap.

I turn back to the cabinets and reach out for one of the handles only to hear Gideon shout out, "The other side!"

"You said right," I retort as my hand moves to the other side.

"I thought that was right?"

"That's left."

"Oh." Gideon shrugs, "I get those mixed up."

I open up the cabinet revealing two shelves of thick ivory bowl-plates with a few handless cylinder mugs. I carefully take them out counting four for all of us, assuming they'll let me eat, and walk back to the main table. Adrien snatches a salt shaker, or at least I think it is, and sprinkles it into his steaming pot. Gideon watches curiously as I set the plates out around the table. I struggle to avoid his gaze, unsure whether or not this type of behavior will last. I may know their story but that doesn't mean anything changed. It only means I know more than before, they don't have to change because I know something.

This moment of peace will soon end and I'll go right back to being cautious and nervous. The strangely warm memory of Gideon's kiss pops into my head reminding me of just how much they can change in a matter of minutes. They're going to give me an aneurysm if they keep this up...

"Eve," Shiloh says quietly causing me to look up. His eyes sincere as he holds eye contact with me.

Gideon leans forward resting his arms on his thighs watching curiously. His golden eyes twinkling with amusement.

I nod at Shiloh, motioning for him to go ahead.

Shiloh glances down at his brief, oddly nervous. "Uh, well I guess... I wanted to say... W-Well, we all wanted to say was-, well that we..." He exhales sharply before steeling himself, "We appreciate you staying here. Even if it wasn't by choice, we're glad you made the decision to stay later with us. We dragged you into this problem and we're going to have to use you to get ourselves out. It doesn't seem fair but I want you to know that we understand the sacrifice you're making."

My jaw slacks as I watch him in shock. My gaze turns to the other two boys. Gideon continues to smile smugly at him while Adrien remains turned away, stirring his pot in silence. Shiloh shrugs as he watches the corner of the table. He shoves his hands into his pocket a few times.

"So thank you, for staying with us. I know we're a bit much to handle... Gideon mostly but we have our moments. I know this may seem sudden, but I've been wanting to tell you this for a while..." Shiloh's cheeks redden as he looks up through his eyelashes. "When I took you outside, after our question game, I was going to tell you."

How could I possibly hate these boys? I can't. I just can't! I want to and I want to see them as the villains, as if the world were black and white but I can't. They... I nod kindly offering him a small smile. "It's... I'm glad I'm here as well... to help you guys. Even if you did threaten to kill me a few times." I can't leave. Not now. I have to help them through this. Together, we can escape this place and go back to normal on my side. I just have to get through this alive and everything will work out, right?

"Aw," Gideon coos, smirking to himself. "Swee eve kaves."

Shiloh shakes himself before shooting a look at Gideon, embarrassment still clear on his face. "Silence yourself, it had to be said."

"What does that mean?" I ask in an effort to learn the language and help Shiloh save face by changing the subject.

"Oh how sweet," Adrien answers boredly. "It's used as an expression to call something sweet, innocent, or naive. It can be good or bad at the same time. When you first said your name that's what I thought, to be honest."

"Eve is sweet," Gideon comments flashing me a crooked smile. "Tastes sweet too." He winks suggestively reminding me further of his kiss. Not mine. It was his. I stiffen and quickly turn away to hide my furious blush. I'm still angry he kissed me like that, even so... I feel my own heart betray myself causing feelings I don't want to put a name to nor ever explore. Love is the last thing on my mind right now. I won't get distracted.

So why didn't I pull away faster? Why do I feel so warm? Is it only because that was my first kiss? God... why am I acting like a stupid teenage girl? No matter how hard I try, this thought process comes into a full circle and forces me to face whatever my mind is cooking up. A twisted fantasy where Gideon actually loves me and cared enough at that moment to help me. It's a very dangerous road I never want to tread. I have to keep myself in check.

I remember a conversation I had with my mom a while back when I was developing a crush for this boy in my class. I thought he was good-looking and had a nice personality but I had only just met him. I wanted to ignore the feelings I had because I knew they were just sparks of hormones. Crushes are not real love, they are physical reactions in the brain. Committed and sacrifice is love so I could not say what I felt for that boy was real. But I kept thinking about it and wanting a life with us.

My mom told me these feelings are only natural. I argued and told her I was better than that. I knew better than to give in to such silly things. I felt stupid and embarrassed about it, just as I feel now. She told me since I was a teenage girl, this was unavoidable. It was normal. Even she had this problem when she was younger. Though this couldn't be avoided, focusing too much on it will only lead me down a darker path which leads to emotional heartache and troubles. What will make he different from the other girls is how I react and handle this crush. If I fantasize and put him on a higher pedestal (which boys hardly need and will only feed their ego for some) or let it go after acknowledging it. That's what will make me strong.

But it's terribly hard and right now, more than ever, this is becoming a problem. Between Gideon and his dangerous game and Shiloh's kindness, I don't know how I'm going to let this go. Especially after Gideon kissed me.

"Keep your lustful activities to yourself!" Adrien scolds from across the room. "Nobody cares!"

"I still can't believe you did that..." Shiloh mumbles, giving Gideon the stink-eye.

Gideon chuckles softly before grinning his stupid grin again. "Jealous?"

"You've already said that," Shiloh rolls his eyes, "and I'm not jealous. I just think it's weird. You don't know anything about Eve."

Adrien stops stirring for a moment before slowly looking back at me. I freeze under his scrutinizing gaze. His venomous eyes narrow before flicking towards Shiloh. "You're right, we don't know anything about Eve."

Gideon pauses, gazing