A DEADLY NUPTIAL

38.

Casper's POV

I looked at my watch for the 30th time. I was going to be late, and Josephine would surely kill me. I arrived dashing out of the limo before the chauffeur could open my door. I avoided the crowds of photographers quickly heading into the palace. I was taken to my VIP seat which was in the front row to the left of the runway. Josephine had done a great job designing the palace staircase into a runway. The staircase had to staircase that combined into one at the bottom which then turned into the rectangular runway. The lights dimmed, two spotlights formed on each of the staircases shining on Dark and Josephine. They both walked down the staircases elegantly dress. Josephine in a purple nightgown with a black masquerade mask an Dark in a black tux also wearing a black masquerade mask. Damn. I seemed to have forgotten mine. Alexa who was sitting next to me nudged me handing me a black mask that looked like the one from Phantom of the Opera.

"Josephine knew you would forget, so she asked me to give it to you." She whispered.

Josephine knew me so well. They had now joined together clasping hands as they walked down the runway together. At the end there was a microphone. Dark was the first to talk.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen we are both happy to see everyone in their elegant attired for this occasion. We both have exciting news to share, but I'll go first. As you all know my father has been arrested for his actions, my family is not proud of his actions, but we will not suffer because of him. That is why tonight my sister and I would like to announce Alexrdano Industries merging with Johnston Industries to form a new modeling company G & G. Of course there will also be Josephine's collection with the Honks Company." He looked at Josephine who was wide eyed. "I also have one more announcement I would to do here in front of all of you. He knelt down on one knee taking Josephine's hand while holding the microphone in the other.

"Josephine, I know we've been through a lot these past months. I've made mistakes and you've made mistakes, but the only thing that hasn't changed is my love for you."

The crowd awwed as he continued. He pulled out a box from his tuxedo jacket setting down his microphone.

"Josephine will you marry me again?" His voice could still be perfectly heard.

Josephine covered her mouth in surprise, before saying, "Yes Dark I will!"

The crowd erupted into applause as they shared a kiss.

I was happy they had reconciled. I loved Josephine like a sister, and she deserved the best. As they both exited the runway the lights dimmed again as music started playing and the show began. They were all ball gowns that Josephine had designed with a special one my sister had created. Although Alexa couldn't be here I told her I would see how it went no matter how boring I thought these shows were. I was drumming my fingers against my seat waiting as the finale finally approached. As I was zoning out I heard them announce Alexa's dress. I looked up as the last model walked down the runway. I could tell she was a little nervous, but one thing was for sure. She was breathtaking. The black ballgown complimented her porcelain skin. She looked shorter compared to all the other models. Her almond hair was in curls that went down her bare back. I wanted to brush my fingertips feeling her smooth skin. I shook my head. What was I thinking? I didn't know who this even was. I would make sure to meet her though. Josephine came out again as we all stood up applausing. The beautiful model hugged her whispering something in her ear. Josephine smiled in return, the model departing waving as some people wolf whistled. The crowd broke up heading into the ballroom as the lights turned back on. I made my way to the ballroom finding my seat at the table along with Alexa, Aron, Josephine, Dark, Elsa, Lorenz, and Alexander.

"The show was great Josephine," I complimented as I sat down beside her.

"Thanks," she replied giving my hand a squeeze.

"Where's your friend?" I asked upon realizing the nerd was not here.

"She's leaving for Massachusetts."

"Oh," was all I could respond with. I had to admit I felt guilty for laughing at her and making fun of her all week. She was easy to make mad and was great entertainment with her clumsiness.

"I think someone misses Lily," Lorenz said giggling as she raised an eyebrow.

"Don't know who you're talking about cause it's definitely not me." I said feeling all eyes on me.

"Sure," said Alexa.

"I don't know what you guys are talking about."

"Oh we heard about your tickling fight," Lorenz continued.

"Josephine!" I looked at her taken aback, "why would you tell them that?!"

"What? I had to tell them!" she said flushed.

"There's nothing going on between me and Lily," that was the first time I had said her name.

Everyone grew silent as the food was served. As we began to eat Josephine had to bring something up.

"If there's nothing going on between you two then how come I saw you two together practically all week?"

"I don't know what you're talking about Josephine. She just happened to be everywhere I went."

"Right," she said clearly not believing my story.

"You guys are impossible, I'm going to go get a drink."

"Wait up," Dark said, "I'll go with you."

"Ok," he caught up to me falling in step as we walked to the bar. We ordered our drinks sitting on the bar stools.

"So listen," he began after our awkward silence, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for Josephine. You were willing to adopt Canzu and Neil as your own kids, and I appreciate that."

"It was nothing, I love Josephine," I responded quickly adding, "like a sister, and I'm glad you two are together again. She deserves to be happy."

"Thanks, I hope now we can become friends and forget everything that's been said and done."

"Sure," we clinked our glasses together before taking a sip. Dark left shortly afterwards deciding to go find Josephine who seemed to have gone off somewhere."

As I sat at the bar I heard a voice next to me order a virgin pina colada. I looked over and there was the model from before. She was a few inches away from me. I could smell her sweet fruity perfume. It reminded me of someone, but who?

"You were great on the runway," I said.

She looked over at me, "Oh thanks. It was my first time."

"You looked like a natural."

She blushed.

"You seem familiar do I know you?" she asked.

"I don't think so, what is your name?"

She hesitated, "I don't think I want you to know my name."

"Why not?"

"You could tell the media, and I don't want them to know who I am."

"I wouldn't do that."

"I'm not sure I can trust you." she said sipping on her straw almost seductively, "but just for tonight you can call me Cinderella." she winked.

"Then you can call me Prince Charming," I said taking one hand and placing a kiss on it.

She blushed again, turning a lovely shade of pink.

"So what is Cinderella doing here alone at the ball?"

"Maybe I'm looking for my prince," she teased back.

* * *

Josephine's POV

I snuck away as soon as I saw Dark go with Casper, now was the perfect time to find Vegon. I didn't want Dark to get hurt. I had to do this alone. When Dark had given me the letter earlier it had said to meet him at midnight in the dungeon of the palace. With minutes to spare I made my way down the steps to the dungeon making sure not to be seen. I walked into the cold hollow room. There were fire torches like in medieval times along the wall. There was nothing else. I expected to see jail cells, but there weren't any. A cold wind blew into the empty room. How strange there were no windows.

"You came," said a voice in my ear making me shiver.

"How did you get here so fast?" I said quietly.

"Let's just say I'm not normal anymore," my head shot up as he walked around me to face me.

"You're a..."

"That's right darling, a vampire like your husband."

I gulped.

"But unlike him, I'm a full vampire."

"Where are my babies Vegon?" I asked trying to keep my voice reasonably calm.

"Don't worry, they're somewhere safe. As soon as I saw you coming alone I had them sent to your brother."

"How can I believe you?"

"Tsk, tsk. It makes me sad how little confidence you have in me." I peered at him. He was also wearing a masquerade mask, but...it was the one from my dreams. The one that haunted me each night before Dark came into my life. He must have seen the shock on my face.

"I see you've recognized this mask. It's the same one I wore to our Winter Formal when we were in high school. I'm sure you remember it clearly."

"You lied. You told me you were gone for the Winter Formal, but it was you! You were the one that almost r***d me!"

"I was so close too," he traced his finger tips against my arm. I snatched my arm away.

"That was why my father had you sent away isn't it!? He must have known it was you!"

His eyes turned a dark black, "Your father also hated me, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to help kill him." He grinned sinfully.

"You bastard." In a flash he had me up against a wall with his hand against my throat.

"Don't test me love." He said tracing his other finger up and down my throat, "I might kill you accidentally."

"Then there'd be no point would there?" I choked out.

"Ah, you're starting to get the picture."

"I think I'd rather die though then be with you." His face changed for a second before looking irritated.

"Why? Then there would be no point for you either."

"As long as my babies and Dark are fine I'll be fine."

"You know something?" The touch of his soft cold hand made my hand tremble. He picked it up and started playing with it. "I always loved you more than he did."

"If you loved me you wouldn't have killed him." I said through a trembling voice.

"He was only getting in between you and me. I never had any time with you." He squeezed my hand.

"Because I don't love you." I said in a louder voice through my teeth, yanking my hand from his grip.

He chuckled. He slowly leaned his head on my shoulder. I caught a glimpse of the small sharpened dagger in his belt. I had to think fast. I quickly thought of something, and then I had the perfect plan. Since his head was on my shoulder, I put my hand under his chin and unwillingly kissed him. He was surprised but at least he was willing. As I pretended to slide my hand to his waist I grabbed the dagger and stabbed the blade into the side of his stomach. I pushed him aside and quickly ran through the dungeon. Even though the blade wouldn't have much effect on him, at least it would stall him. I sprinted through the different rooms, and then stopped to catch my breath it was not easy running with a huge ball gown and heels. But of course he was faster than me.

"It took you a while," he said playing with the dagger while smiling like he was amused about something. I stifled a scream as I turned around to look at him with horrific eyes.

I needed to escape, before I could Vegon had me against his chest. We were interrupted by screams and shouts.

"Vegon! I know you're down here with Josephine!"

"Hulk please help!" I could tell it was Shine's voice.

Dark thankfully appeared holding Shine by her hair while holding a dagger against her throat.

Vegon didn't hesitate to hold me tighter, "You come closer, and I will turn Josephine, or better yet. Kill her!"

"No!" He shouted.

"Dark," I begged, "just go. I'll be fine."

"I'm never going to leave you Josephine!"

"Just go!" I said tears welling up, "You need to take care of our babies Dark! If we're both not there they're not going to grow up with their parents. Do it for them!"

"No," he violently shook his head.

"Please!" I looked at him. He bit his lip before nodding. He dragged away Shine leaving me along with Vegon again.

"Vegon please just tell me what you want,"

"Josephine I want you and you know that." He grabbed my arms forcefully to the point of being painful kissing me with the same intensity. He stopped halfway his grip loosening as he turned around. I looked towards the staircase finding Shine's deceased body. Dark must have killed her with the dagger while Vegon was distracted with me. Vegon turned to find Dark clutching to the bloody dagger.

"Josephine leave!" he ordered.

"I won't leave you here!"

In a blur Dark had me in his arms as he used his vampire speed to escape, but Vegon was faster. He was at the entrance of the dungeon with one of the fire torches in hand.

"I guess we're all staying here. Dead or alive." He threw the torch as the entrance the fire immediately spreading fast.

"Just let Josephine go Vegon neither of us will have her."

"No Dark, I'll go with Vegon." I let go of Dark's hand and walked to Vegon's side.

"Vegon will always be my first love, and I don't think I've stopped loving him. I think I've been trying to hide my feelings for him with you."

"I knew you would come around Josephine." he pulled me against him smirking at Dark.

"You've lost Dark, and for your information that child Shine was expecting wasn't even yours.It was mine. Josephine leaving you was our idea, and although she chose you again she's still leaving with me."

"You inhumane monster," Dark replied disgusted.

"I am a vampire," Vegon declared clearly unaffected by his words, "Shine turned me after turning you."

Dark smirked.

"What are you smirking about?"

"Now that you've declared who turned you. You're going to die. Shine's dead and anyone who she turned also dies with her."

"That's preposterous! You're lying!"

I knew Dark was lying, so just as Vegon was about to attack Dark I grabbed his dagger once again this time stabbing him in the heart. He gasped for air as he grabbed my hands trying to pry out the dagger. With no use he collapsed to the ground. I felt my body relax with relief. He was gone now, but now the problem was escaping the fire. It was spreading throughout the dungeon.

Dark hugged me tightly.

"Dark, what I said. I didn't mean any of it." I began to explain.

"I know, I didn't believe you for a second, now let's get out of here." We ran throughout the dungeon finding a door.

"Damn it! It's locked," Dark said frustrated trying to open the door, "it has to be opened from the outside."

Oh no. We were trapped inside a burning dungeon.

* * * Lily's POV

I was having such a good time dancing with Prince Charming, but I had to leave. I looked at the clock it was almost midnight! Crap, I had to leave right now!

"Umm, listen I have to go. It was nice meeting you. I had a great time," I said walking off the dance floor.

We had just finished dancing to a song.

"Wait!" I didn't respond running out the open doors of the palace. I had to go through the garden to where my taxi was waiting for me. I had just reached the fountain that was in the rose garden when an arm pulled me back. "Wait! Why are you running away?" It was Prince Charming.

"I have to go!" I said anxiously.

"So you really are Cinderella? Running away at midnight before you turn all ugly."

"You could say that," I knew he was right. I was like Cinderella once I returned back to Massachusetts I'd be the same nerd everyone knew.

"Hey, I didn't mean it," he said probably seeing I had grown quiet.

"But you are right. Once I head back home I'll be a nobody, but thanks for being Prince Charming for a night. I owe you."

"You don't owe me anything," he responded.

"Not even a kiss instead of a glass slipper?" I asked before I even knew what I had said.

"Well if that's the case then," in an instant I was in his arms. I looked at him bashfully as he began to remove my mask and I removed his. He leaned down before I could see his face and tentatively brushed his lips against mine. Raising my chin prying my mouth open as he began to devour it as the kiss became more hungry. When we stopped to catch our breath we both opened our eyes and pulled away quickly.

"You!?" we both exclaimed. I stared at Casper while he stared at me. This could not be happening. Before we could say anything else we heard calls for help.

"Somebody help us!"

"It's coming from that way," Casper said not hesitating before running in the direction. It was at the end of the garden where we saw a wooden door. The cries for help came from the other side.

"Help! There's a fire!"

"Josephine?!" I called.

"Lily please hurry!"

The door required a key to unlock it. Not knowing what to do I grabbed a bobby pin from my hair and tried using it.

"That's not going to work," Casper said.

"Do you have any better ideas?" I snapped. The door clicked open just in time as the fire was approaching Josephine and Dark.

"Please help me Casper, Dark's unconscious," she pleaded.

"It's ok Josephine," he assured, "he's probably lacking oxygen. Let's get out of here before the fire starts spreading. Lily, go warn the others that there's a fire in the palace and get Elsa."

I nodded astonished he had actually used my real name.

* * *

Hours later

Josephine's POV

I waited by the ambulance as they loaded Dark on board. They were going to take him to Elsa's clinic for evaluation. They said it was nothing serious, but he would spend the night in the hospital. I sat by him in his room watching him sleep peacefully Alexa had brought me some jeans, a white cami, and cardigan along with some flats, so I would be more comfortable instead of in the huge ballgown. I was so glad everything was over. No more Shine, Vegon, or Brown. Brown had chosen to end his life in his jail knowing he'd be alive for ever.

I rested my head against Dark's hand knowing the twins were safe with Alex and Lorenz. The next morning I felt myself being moved, but didn't want to open my eyes. My mind was still foggy. Since when was I lying down? I opened my eyes finding myself in Dark's arms. I peered up at his face and looked into the misty eyes that were watching my every move.

"Did I wake you up?" I shook my head not wanting to speak. Instead I clasped his hands with mine seeing how they were interwined together.

"What's the matter?"

"It's just the thought of losing you last night-" my voice broke stopping me from continuing. He hugged me tighter.

"That's exactly how I felt when I couldn't find you Josephine." he didn't seem mad but a little upset.

"I know. I'm sorry for leaving without you."

"You should be. You went behind my back and went alone when had both decided to go together. When I couldn't find you I knew where you had gone."

"I didn't want anything to happen to you Dark. Vegon wanted me not you. I did it to keep our babies safe...and you safe."