Two hours later, Amara stood in the middle of the closet, a full-length mirror in front of her. She watched the reflection carefully, with a slight surprise in her expression. Her usually thin, dull, black hair, fell in thick waves tidily around her shoulders and the black fabric of the gown, hugged her usually hidden hourglass body shape. The satin fell to her feet like a waterfall. Her lips were fuller, brightened by a blood-red lipstick, and mascara together with eyeliner shaped her bright blue eyes.

Overall, it was a one-eighty turn from her usual outfit; black jeans and a long black cloak.

'You look absolutely beautiful Amara,' Isabelle complimented with awe.

Amara might have looked prettier from her usual self, however, that fact did not help her confidence in the slightest. After centuries of no social life, it felt like she was about to walk into a sea full of sharks, waiting to see her drown. She had no proper conversation in centuries and her small talk skills were marked at a zero. The only thing she might have been good at was the ability to reassure, but who knew if that was ever any help when the mortals die after her usual speech anyway.

'It is extremely weird how Thanatos has these parties in the middle of the day wouldn't you say Isabelle?' Amara spoke, trying desperately to distract herself from the nervousness she felt inside.

'Not sure, Amara. It's always dark here anyway and the alcohol consumption stops them from caring what time of the day it is.'

'Or he just tries to avoid the night creatures who sleep during the day,' Amara commented under her breath, yet it seemed Isabelle heard anyway.

Isabelle's eyes widened for a small moment, 'are you saying that vampires actually exist?' She questioned, still not hiding her shock.

'I did not say vampires, but it would not surprise me if they did exist. It is possible to be immortal is it not? So why can't all the other monsters of the fantasy world exist as well!'

Isabelle's eyes were wide with shock and she might have looked a little scared too. Amara chuckled, 'don't worry, I never noticed such creatures wandering the nights in my five centuries-long existence,' Amara said, yet in her thoughts, she knew nothing would surprise her anymore.

A soft knock on the door automatically ended their conversation and Amara quickly walked out of the walk-in closet, 'Come in please,' shouted Amara, when she was back in the room together with Isabelle.

Edgar peeked through the door and smiled a little, 'Amara, his highness is waiting for you in his office,' the man informed.

Amara nodded, 'Thank you, Edgar, I will be right outside. Will you walk with me please?'

'Of course,' he said with a nod and closed the door, leaving them alone once again.

Amara sent a small kind smile towards Isabelle, 'Have a lovely rest of your day Isabelle. Thank you for helping me get ready. I probably would not be able to do it without you,' she praised and knew within a heartbeat, it was true. She was never the best at looking ladylike, not like this.

There was no need, for a very long time.

'You're welcome. You know,' she paused to clear her throat, 'I always wanted to be a makeup artist after school was over. Now, unfortunately, I never get a chance, so thank you for giving me a chance to help make a masterpiece out of you.'

'Isabelle, I was once told, when a soul finally leaves this place, the good kind anyway, they can be anything they'd like to be,' Amara said and added with a chuckle, 'And I'm hardly a masterpiece.'

Isabelle smiled as if she did not want to argue with Amara, but then took a deep heavy breath, 'I guess I just always thought a mortal life won't matter once you die, but it seems to matter even more than it ever did.'

'Trust me when I say this Izzy, it will eventually get better. You might never forget your mortal life, however, it will get easier with time,' Amara reassured, yet at the same time wished it was as easy as that.

For Amara, her mortal life still mattered, even after five centuries. Her parents died before she could form or even remember any memories of them, and her only husband was a bastard; a mild word, considering. Her friends were always acquaintances, only needing her when they wanted something.

More times than not, Amara had no one. No one significant that is.

Those are all good enough reasons to not miss that far away part of her, yet something is still pulling her towards her past life, just like a black hole sucking in every piece of light surrounding it.

'I have got to leave deary, but hopefully, I will see you once again before I'll leave,' Amara reassured with a smile.

Isabelle nodded and after that, Amara was on her way to Thanatos' office, taking small, yet confident steps with her head held high. It was the opposite of how she was feeling inside.

Her heart was beating a lot slower than the one of a human, yet she felt it almost touching her throat. She would have thrown up her food, had she not had the amount of practice in pretence.

Edgar was trailing behind her, she knew. The soft thuds against the black tiled flooring was an indicator he was following not too far behind her. No words were spoken between them, therefore, it gave Amara a clear moment to mentally prepare for what was to come.

Amara thought she would be emotionally ready by the time she reached Thanatos' office, yet as soon as they reached the door, which looked like any other in the castle, her eyes were filled with unshed tears. The reaction highly immoderate, thanks to the mere nerves. She did not know why the knowledge she will be seeing the prince again, bothered her so much when she was used to his company, even if it was only scarce.

Maybe it was indeed the fact, Amara never hears him speak a few sentences at a time. Even that was very rare.

She finally forced her thoughts to calm down and only then did she place her right hand into a fist to knock, letting her presence known. And she would have knocked if only she had not heard voices which showed Thanatos was accompanied by someone else. She did not want to eavesdrop like some spy, yet at the same time, she was far from an honourable creature. Perhaps, Thanatos did not want to be disturbed.

'Thanatos, please give me one valid reason, why you can't tell Stefania the truth yourself. You act like you are trying to avoid unknown consequences.' For Amara, an unknown deep voice said from the inside. She did not recognise the voice, nor could she place a face to it. It was like a blur to her; Simply unknown.

'Please do not do this to me,' that was Thanatos who spoke in return, leaving Amara trembling in shock.

Thanatos had said each word in such weakness, such bare gentleness, any unknowing stranger would think he possessed tenderness so rare, it would leave many good-hearted humans in shame.

Amara believed, whoever this Stefania was must have meant a lot to Thanatos, since she herself, would have never guessed Thanatos owned one caring bone in his coldness of a body.

Maybe she judged harshly or maybe she judged equitably.

Yet one cannot but do so, when acquainted with an emotionless monster.

On the other hand, Amara was more than cognisant, every being carried both personalities; evil and virtuous. For, there were instances, where she knew Thanatos was as soft as a rose pedals, yet his exterior pretences were covered with spikes so sharp, even the most caring had no choice but to be painfully pierced.

'Amara,' Edgar interrupted her eavesdropping, 'You do know it is forbidden to listen to conversations which are not meant for our ears.'

Amara sighed wishing to listen a little more, wanting to know who this Stefania was yet known Edgar was right, 'I know,' she nodded with a smile. Eavesdropping was one of the biggest felonies in this world.

'I would hate to see you of all the people, be in trouble.' Edgar told her as he reached out to knock loudly on the door, before bidding her a quick goodbye. His steps echoed as he walked away, leaving her alone.