Tonight was no exception. The snow lay thick on the ground, giving an extra magical, almost eerie quality to the scene before him. Cautiously five wolves slunk out of the dense cover of trees. Pausing, they sniffed the air and sensing no human presence they grew bolder, coming onto the open ground.

Darren caught his breath. The creatures were magnificent. The moonlight glinted off of their silver coats, silhouetting them against the night sky, their fiery yellow eyes burning bright. He envied them their freedom; they weren't bound by tradition and duty, expected to marry well and eventually take up the throne. No, they were destined to a life in the forest, free to hunt and roam where they pleased.

He knew that the villagers were afraid of the beasts, frightening their children with tales of how if they didn't behave the wolves would come and eat them, and true, every now and again a lamb would disappear from the flocks; the bloody caress later to be found on the edge of the thicket, but Darren thought that they were the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen. Long-limbed and strong, they effortlessly bounded around, occasionally nipping and growling at each other in play.

Spellbound he watched on.

 

A timid knock at his door broke Darren from his reverie.

'Sire.' A polite voice enquired. His page.

'Yes, what is it?' Darren didn't turn from his position at the open window.

'Their Majesties request your attendance in their chambers.'

Sighing Darren tore his gaze away, taking one last longing look, trying to imprint the scene into his mind for later recollection.

Informing the page that he was on his way, he closed the window, fastening the iron casement firmly against the icy wind that was beginning to whip up the powdery snow.

Grimly he exited the room. He knew what this was about - it would be what it was always about.

 

The presence of the Grand Chancellor in his parents' rooms confirmed his suspicions.

'Aah, at last.' His father exclaimed as his son entered.

'Sorry sir.' Darren humbly apologised. The man before him may be his father but he was still the king. A consideration Darren never forgot.

'Your mother and I have been talking and we have decided that in light of your seeming reluctance to find yourself a bride we are going to hold a ball...'

'A masquerade ball.' His mother informed him, as if this fact could soften the blow.

It did but Darren was not going to give them the satisfaction of letting it show.

'We have invited all the eligible princesses from the neighbouring countries,' his father continued. 'And you will choose a wife from among them. Your mother and I have indulged you far too long - all this nonsense stops now. It's high time you faced up to your responsibilities, married and produced an heir.'

'Yes sir,' Darren muttered numbly, knowing that further argument was futile. His days of riding and carousing with his friends had always been numbered.

'You may go.' And just like a common courtier he was dismissed.

As he turned to leave he caught the smug smirk on the face of the Grand Chancellor. Evil bastard had never liked him. Glowering at the self-satisfied advisor Darren exited, closing the door smoothly behind him when what he really wanted to do was slam it so hard it swung on its hinges.

That night his thoughts were once again of the wolves. How he wished he could turn into a wolf and live in the forest, free to do as he wished. First thing he would do would be to hunt down the Grand Chancellor and rip his pasty throat out, and he would take great delight in doing so.

Darren smiled in his sleep at the thought of feasting on the entrails of such a repugnant man.


~Chapter Two - '...and you bleed just to know you're alive'~

'His Excellency the Ambassador of Bohemia.' The courtier announced solemnly and everybody in the room bar the King and Queen rose.

From where he stood on his father's left side, Darren forced a fake smile onto his lips. In truth he was bored. Bored, bored, bored. His father's words of the previous night still rung in his head, not adding to the humour of his mood. Now he was being forced to attend yet another meaningless state occasion.

He watched disinterestedly as the weasly little man and his simpering daughter approached the platform that elevated the thrones.

'Your Highnesses.' The ambassador bowed deeply.

His daughter also dipped her head in acknowledgement. A sly smile crept over Darren's face. If he couldn't get out of these dull proceedings (and he couldn't), he could at least have a little fun. As the young girl raised her head, Darren managed to catch her eye and had the satisfaction of seeing her blush profusely.

After that it was easy enough to arrange to be the one whom escorted her into dinner. In fact it was expected of him and his parents certainly seemed pleased that he was taking his royal duties so seriously for once.

The poor girl was besotted and all through the lavishly prepared banquet, Darren kept up a stream of petty small talk, trying to appear interested in her excited babble. It was also simple enough for him to ensure that her glass was never empty of the finest wines his father's cellars could offer. 

Once the meal was over, the entertainers were called. The minstrels and jugglers, clowns and acrobats. After watching politely for a short while Darren leaned over and whispered to his companion, 'How about we slip away for some fresh air. There is a lovely walk among the rose arbour I would like to show you.'

Smiling a touch too eagerly, the ambassador's daughter readily agreed.

Darren knew what he was doing was wrong. The girl was far too innocent for his games. What he was doing would probably result in a serious diplomatic incident. Probably set back all the good relations that his parents had worked so hard to foster. But at the moment Darren was not in the mood to care too much for diplomacy.

Silently the two slipped from the great hall. Their departure noticed only by the smirking Grand Chancellor, who allowed them enough time to think that their actions had gone unobserved before turning and following them.

Taking the girl's hand Darren led her outside and down a flight of marble steps into the garden.

'I thought you might like to see the maze as well.' He told her sotto voce.

Meekly she nodded, tightening her grip on Darren's hand.

'What's the matter? Not afraid of the dark are you?'

'No..o.' She replied timidly as Darren took her down a side path, making his way towards the tall leylendii trees that marked the edge of the maze. Behind them the lights of the castle grew fainter and fainter as the rows of trees grew denser. The moon, still so near to total fullness, threw up strange shapes and shadows, the crisp snow muffling their footsteps.

'I, um, I,' the ambassador's daughter stopped. This wasn't quite what she had envisioned when she agreed to accompany Darren. 'Shouldn't we be getting back? Won't our parents be wondering where we have gone?'

'I doubt it and besides if your father thinks you are with me he'll be the happiest man alive.'

The maze held no fear for Darren. He had been playing in it since he was a small child and knew each twist and turn intimately.

'Come on.' Letting go of her hand Darren strode off into the all-consuming darkness. Very little light penetrated the dense treeline and he relied on instinct to find his way.

'Your Highness - please?' A note of fear crept into his victim's voice, 'Please,' she uttered pleadingly.

'Come and find me.' A voice echoed from deep within.

The girl hesitated, looked behind her and then back at the foreboding entrance. She wasn't sure she could find her way back unaided and didn't much relish the prospect either.

'Come on.' Darren's voice coaxed again.

Knowing she didn't have much choice she took what little courage she had in both hands and followed Darren into the darkness.

From his concealed position the Grand Chancellor smiled. He had no intention of entering the maze. He wasn't about to get lost in the various oubliettes and cut-offs. He didn't need to. He had seen enough of Darren's games to know exactly what he was playing at. To know that he planned exactly that - to get the unsuspecting girl lost. 

'Your Highness?' Darren heard her petrified stammer and grinned to himself. This was more like it - much more fun than some stuffy old banquet.

'Right here.' He said, stepping out of his hiding place, causing the girl to jump three feet in the air.

'Oh, oooh, ooooooo...' Covering her face with her hands she burst into tears.

Oh shit, thought Darren, I take it all back, this isn't fun at all. It was far too easy.

'Hey, don't cry.'

'But, but...' She suddenly sounded very young and very scared and Darren began to feel remorse what he had subjected her to. He had only meant to tease her, not frighten her half out of her wits. Finding her hand again he led her back to the entrance.

'I'm sorry,' she apologised in between sobs as the lights of the castle once more came into view.

'It's ok - now are you going to be alright?'

'You're not coming back in?'

'No, not yet. Will you be able to find your way back from here?'

Numbly she nodded, wiping the tears from her face with the back of her hand in a very un-lady-like manner.

'Here.' Darren handed her his silk handkerchief.

'Thank you.' The sobs subsided.

'I'm sorry if I scared you.' He said dropping a light kiss on her forehead.

Smiling weakly she turned and gratefully headed back to the warmth and safety of the great hall.

Waiting until he was sure she was safe, Darren did an about turn and set off in the opposite direction.

A few minutes later a figure emerged from the shadows, a little disappointed that nothing more had occurred but still satisfied enough that he had one more incident to add to his ever-growing list. A list that would ensure that when the prince did eventually inherit his father's throne, the Grand Chancellor would be the one controlling it.

Darren had to get away. Not yet wishing to face the wrath of his parents he made his way to the stables. Changing out of his regal robes into a set of old clothes he kept there he started out on foot for the village. Riding would have been easier but seeing how very few of the villagers owned horses it would have immediately aroused suspicion, stripping him of the anonymity he so cherished on these excursions.

Breaking into a brisk jog across the fields, he soon arrived on the outskirts of the small village. Slowing his pace Darren made his way to his favourite tavern. Stopping only to run his hand through his hair, ruffling the already messed-up locks further, he pushed open the thick oak door and entered.

The heat from the large open fireplace and the raucous laughter of the men sat around it hit him immediately. But ignoring both the warmth and the company he took a seat over in the far corner.

If the bartender and his patrons ever recognised the quiet young man whom from time to time frequented the establishment, they said nothing, and for the main they tended to leave him to his thoughts. Though they were always careful to steer the conversation away from matters of state in his hearing just in case. None of them were particularly keen on the idea of being hauled before the King on a charge of treason.

Silently the bartender brought Darren his usual tankard of ale and set it before him with a nod of his head. The man was about to go back and join his other customers when Darren placed a hand on his arm.

'Is Polly here tonight?' He asked in a low voice.

'Yes young sir, she's in the kitchen. Shall I fetch her for you?'

Darren nodded. Perhaps half an hour upstairs with the pretty and always obliging Polly would help take his mind off his troubles.

Darren smiled as the barmaid came over, with her full lips and slim hips, she had soothed him on many an occasion.

'Hello again.' She said stopping in front of him. Like the others she had her suspicions but kept them to herself. She was also under no illusions as to the nature of their relationship.

'Shall we?' Darren inclined his head towards the staircase.

Taking one of his hands in hers and picking up his tankard with the other, Polly led the way up the stairs to her room. 

As soon as the door shut behind then, Darren grabbed her round the waist and pulled her to him. 'Missed me?'

'Of course.' She replied semi-truthfully, and putting his drink down on the table placed her hands behind his head, drawing him down for a kiss.

Melting into the kiss Darren felt a rush of emotions, some he welcomed, others he didn't. It felt so good to touch her, to hold her. With uncharacteristic roughness he groped for the ties on her dress, forcing the printed cotton off her rounded shoulders.

'Sir, please...' Startled she tried to persuade him to slow down but he just batted her hand away and continued pulling, even the sound of the fabric ripping failed to penetrate his consciousness.

'Please.' Polly was beginning to get scared. This was not how it usually was, usually he was so gentle, so tender, even in his most amorous moods he had never attacked her like this.

Blindly he reached for her hem, his fingers bunching up the material as they worked towards their goal.

'No, no.' She attempted to pull back but Darren wouldn't let her. Struggling they knocked into the table sending the tankard of ale flying. 

'Stop. You're hurting me. Stop it.' Her voice became ever more desperate until she resorted to the one thing she hoped would jolt him out of his actions. 'DARREN YOU'RE HURTING ME!'

It was the first time she had ever used his name and the shock of it made Darren release her immediately.

Dumbfounded he stood there as she slid down the wall, instinctively curling into a small ball, her hands protectively covering her head and face as if she expected him to hit her.

Bending down beside her and with shaking hands he drew her hands away from her body. 'I am so sorry.' He whispered. 'I don't know what came over me.' The look on her face said it all. He had broken the trust between them; treated her like all the rest.

'Please just go.' She struggled in vain to pull the remnants of her dress around her bruised body.

Horrified at his handiwork, Darren stood up and backed out of the room. Pure adrenaline took him down the stairs, out of the tavern and halfway across the fields before the full impact of what he had so nearly done hit.

The realisation made him cry out in pain. What had he been thinking? He had almost raped Polly. She might be a common barmaid but it still gave him no right to treat her like that. Disgusted with himself, Darren felt physically sick. He had successfully managed to hurt two women tonight. Something that was never his intention. He couldn't even blame the drink, despite everything he had barely touched a drop. No, this was all of his own doing.

Doubling over, all the tensions of the last few days manifested themselves in forcing the contents of his stomach from him. Sinking to his knees, Darren raised a handful of the icy snow to his lips in an effort to purge the sour taste of bile from his mouth, as hot, angry tears of desperation began to fall. Everything felt so hopeless. Wiping away the tears, least they be ones of self-pity, he got to his feet and continued the long trudge home. Why couldn't life be simple? Simple like the wolves he so admired.

The last part of his journey took him over an ornate stone bridge at the bottom of the open ground that he had gazed so longingly upon the night before. Halfway across he paused. Suddenly things were perfectly clear.

Hesitantly Darren pulled himself up so that he was standing on the edge of the stonework. Resolutely he focused on the dark inviting water barely 10ft below him. What had he to live for? He was trapped in a life he had no control over. One that had been pre-ordained from the moment of his birth. Forced to marry some insipid princess just so that the whole process could begin all over again.

The river was deep and fast-flowing, riddled with undercurrents. Death would be swift. He would be pulled under and swept downstream in a matter of seconds. Lost in his contemplations he didn't hear the figure approaching him until...

'You don't really want to do that do you?' A soft voice behind him said.


~Chapter Three - 'Would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red rose?'~

Without looking up Darren turned towards the owner of the voice.

'I guess not.' He said his shoulders slumping.

'I know not.' The other replied, and holding out a hand he assisted Darren in dismounting the bridge.

Gratefully Darren took the hand and stepped down out of harm's way. 'Thank you.' Raising his head he looked into the greenest pair of eyes he had ever seen. Green flecked with gold and blazing with such a fierce intensity that they looked almost feral.

The face that framed such extraordinary eyes belonged to a young man of about his age. Tall and lean, the picture was completed by an unruly mop of blond hair, hair so blond that it looked almost silver in the moonlight. Instantly Darren was completely entranced.

The young man just smiled and started to lead him off of the bridge. Darren began to follow then stopped, his breath catching in his throat, as there, barely ten feet from where they stood were four wolves. He had never been this close to them before and he grew suddenly fearful.

His saviour sensed this. 'Don't be afraid, they won't hurt you. In fact they are about to entrust you with their lives.'

Not comprehending Darren stood rooted to the spot as right in front of his eyes the four wolves changed into four young men.

Darren blinked and did a double take, maybe he had had more to drink than he thought.

'No, your eyes do not deceive you,' the green-eyed man laughed, 'they are as real as you and I.'

Something in the back of Darren's brain slipped forward. Whenever he had watched the wolves there were always five of them. Slowly he turned his gaze away from the young men and back to the man beside him.

'Yes.' He nodded, answering the unspoken question he saw in Darren's eyes. 'Me too.'

'But how...what...how?'

'Many years ago we were just like you and your friends. Young noblemen content to spend our days riding and hunting. Except one day we were hunting this stag and followed it far further than we usually ventured. Unbeknownst to us both the land and the animal belonged to a powerful sorcerer who caught us and as a punishment cast a spell on us, turning us into wolves, condemned to live in the forest, only coming out at night. Hunted as we had hunted his stag. Returning to our human forms only for the three days of the full moon.'

Darren was lost for words, unable to respond and still in a state of partial disbelief. All those nights he had watched them at play, never in his wildest dreams imaging that they were anything other than wolves. Now to find out that they were young men like himself, his head spun.

'Come on.' Taking his hand once more Darren was drawn over to where the others were waiting. 

He gave up trying to rationalise the situation as cautiously he made his way towards the changeling men and smiling they welcomed him into their midst.

'Prince Darren, we meet at last.' One of the men bowed deeply.

'Y...you...know who I am?'

'We hear things,' his mysterious friend said, 'Darren this is Lee, Benjamin, Stefan and Steven.'

As he indicated, each man respectfully nodded.

'Please don't,' Darren said with embarrassment, 'I have had quite enough of princely treatment for one night.'

'I just wish people would treat me like a normal person.' He added sadly.

Turning to his friend he said, 'I still don't know your name.'

'Daniel.' He replied simply, his green eyes sparkling with amusement

'Now Darren, it is our custom on nights such as these to adjourn to,' and he named the nearest town some seven or eight miles off, 'to partake in the hospitality of an establishment or two. Would you care to join us and perhaps you will tell me why you were standing so unhappily on the bridge tonight?'

At Darren's acquiesion, Daniel turned to the dark-haired man he had introduced as Steven. 'Go on then Steven, lead the way.' Steven happily complied and the group of wolf-men plus Darren made their way across the castle grounds back towards the dense woodland of the forest.

As they did so, it seemed natural that Daniel and Darren hang back as the others walked on ahead.

After a while Darren lost sight of them and remarked upon this to Daniel.

He chuckled softly and explained. 'They've cheated slightly. You see while we can only become men during the full moon we can still change back at will. That's what they've done. It's quicker and easier to go through the trees and over uneven ground on four legs instead of two.'

'Oh,' Darren replied, 'so am I holding you back then?'

'No, not at all, but if you will permit me to change I will. Like I said it's just easier.'

'But how will I keep up with you then?'

'Simple. I'll carry you.'

'Whhaaat?' Darren said slowly, looking at him in incomprehension.

Daniel smiled at his confused expression. 'Being part wolf makes me a lot stronger than I may look. It will be of no effort for me to carry you on my back. Just remember to keep your head down and no matter what happens, hold on tight.'

'I don't know.' Darren was still unsure.

'Trust me. It will be alright.'

Uneasily Darren agreed and watched in disbelief as Daniel transformed. It was incredible, to think that the magnificent creature now before him was still, in part, the man who only moments ago had been standing there talking to him.

Gently nuzzling against him, the wolf encouraged him to climb on his back. Hesitantly Darren took hold of the soft fur around the animal's neck.

Inclining his head the wolf ran his rough tongue over Darren's hand giving it a reassuring lick. Shivering slightly at the sensation, he gripped a little tighter and bent his head to rest it on Daniel's.

Obviously happy that Darren was settled, he set off at a brisk run, easily covering the ground a lot quicker than if they were still on foot. Bushes and low-hanging branches brushed only inches above Darren's face as Daniel effortlessly carried them through the reminder of the forest to a clearing on the other side.

Another nuzzle motioned Darren to dismount and soon Daniel stood before him again.

'I envy you.' Darren told him as they walked along the roadway that entered the town. 'The freedom you have to go anywhere you like, to live unfettered.'

'To be hunted by the villagers every time we kill one of their livestock.' Daniel added without rancour.

'At least you don't have your whole life mapped out for you by numerous advisors and tradition.' Darren explained.

'Is that why you were on the bridge tonight?'

Darren nodded miserably. 'Yes, I just want to be free to love who I want, regardless of whether they are of royal blood or not, to make my own decisions, my own way.'

'Well for tonight at least you can forget your troubles and be plain old Darren. I don't care what or whom you are, all I see is someone who is hurting and I intend to remedy that.' Grinning broadly, Daniel pushed open the door to the hostelry that they had arrived at and ushered Darren in.

Daniel was right; he and his friends showed Darren no deferential treatment. Unlike his own friends they had no need to. His friends were all good men but they were the sons of his father's ministers and advisors and they knew their place. No matter how much time they spent together or how much they fooled around, at the end of the day Darren was still their prince and would one day be their king. They weren't about to upset their fathers or Darren's by letting any harm come to him or by treating him with anything other than the highest respect.

Daniel's friends still treated him with respect but it was a different kind of respect. It was genuine, the respect of equals, of people who were happy for you to be yourself. Darren felt himself instantly relaxing in their company, but like his cautious courtly friends Darren couldn't help but remember that these men were different from him. They were changelings and after tomorrow night they would be trapped as wolves for another cycle of the moon.

 

Eventually Daniel suggested that they leave the others to their pleasures and start on the long walk back. Reluctantly Darren agreed, it had been a long night and no doubt tomorrow would be equally hard as he would have to account for his actions of earlier.

This time Daniel didn't turn for the journey and they walked along in comfortable companionable silence, their way lit by the glorious moon above.

Reaching the castle side of the forest they proceeded down a steep slope, which had been made all the more hazardous by the hard-packed snow.

'Race you.' Daniel said in an effort to break Darren's mood, which had become noticeably more melancholy the nearer home they got.

'You're on.' Darren replied, already knowing that Daniel was sure to win, but never one to back down from a challenge.

As they raced down the incline, Darren tripped and losing his footing began to fall. Grabbing out wildly for support he only succeeded in bringing Daniel down with him.

'That's cheating.' Daniel proclaimed as they both landed in a breathless tangle at the bottom.

''Tis not,' Darren retorted, 'besides I didn't do it on purpose.'

'I don't believe you.' Daniel shot back, lunging for Darren's legs.

Rolling over and over they tussled in the snow. Daniel proving to have the superior strength and pinning Darren firmly beneath him.

'Hey that's not fair.' His captive protested, wriggling vainly, managing to only free one arm.

Daniel had him beat and they both knew it. He leant in so close that they breaths intermingled, sending up short puffs of white in the cold air. 'So what are you going to do about it then?'

 

'This.' And bringing his hand 'round to the back of Daniel's neck, Darren pulled him down so that their lips met.

To his overwhelming surprise and joy, Daniel didn't draw back but returned the kiss, moving his hands to cradle Darren's flushed cheeks.

When they parted, they were both gasping for breath, drawing it noisily into their lungs.

'I...' Darren began.

'Don't be.' Daniel replied stroking back Darren's snow damp hair.

Sitting up he drew Darren to him. 'You know I've long seen you watching us, high up in that castle of yours. First as a child and then as you grew, until one day I realised that you were a child no more, you had become a man, a very beautiful young man.' Daniel's fingers trailed over Darren's lips. 'I can still remember the exact moment I fell in love with you. You were standing at your window, as was your habit, and you were crying. The moonlight fell on your face illuminating your tears and I just wanted to comfort you, embrace you and kiss away all your pain.'

He took Darren's hand, entwining their fingers. 'Let me kiss away your pain Darren.' And once more their lips met, more gently this time, Darren parting his to allow Daniel's eager tongue entry, moaning softly at the sensation. Then he shivered and Daniel broke the embrace.

'You're frozen.' He said, rubbing his hands over Darren's shoulders and arms, 'You should be inside, come on.' Standing up, he held out his hand to Darren, pulling him up after him.

Then not releasing his newfound love's hand he set off at a run towards the castle.

Still unwilling to risk a confrontation with his parents, Darren took his preferred route back to his rooms. Grabbing hold of the thick vine that grew up the castle wall, he pulled himself up with practised ease and began climbing towards the window. Daniel followed, the gnarly tendrils posing no trouble for his surefootedness. 

Levering himself over the window sill, Darren landed in a heap on floor, much to the other's amusement.

Brushing himself down, Darren saw that Daniel had remained at the window, one leg hooked over the sill, paused there, half in, half out. Darren went to him, looping his arms around his neck.

'Stay.'

'I can't. I have to leave. As soon as the sun rises I will change back, I must get to the safety of the forest before that happens.' 

Taking his face in both of his hands, Daniel gently brushed his lips against Darren's.

Letting out a sigh, Darren tightened his hold around his neck, melting into the kiss, his tongue questing and demanding entrance.

At this Daniel willingly complied, opening his mouth and drawing Darren ever deeper.

The kiss grew more passionate and bruising, Daniel's hands sliding up to tangle in his lover's hair as both sought to explore and remember every detail of the other in the last few moments permitted them.

Breathlessly he pulled back, breaking the contact; 'I love you.' Then hoisting his other leg over the window frame Daniel jumped down and sprinted off to join his changeling companions.

Darren touched his fingers to his lips, still swollen from the kiss, 'And I love you,' he whispered.

Smiling to himself and without even bothering to remove his soiled clothes, he lay down on the bed and fell immediately into a deep and contented sleep.


~Chapter Four - 'Kinda guy who mates for life, gotta help him find a wife'~

Darren took one last look at himself in the mirror and sighed. He should be overjoyed, he loved masquerade balls. All the costumes and nobody quite sure who their partners were until the grand unmasking at midnight. But tonight, try as he might, he couldn't bring himself to feel any happiness. Tonight was the first night of the full moon, the night that Daniel could return to his human form.

Longingly Darren looked out of the window, more than anything he wanted to be out there in the star-filled night, to be in the arms of his lover.

'So this is where you are hiding.' Despite the owner of the voice already being masked, Darren recognised it as belonging to his friend Karl. 'Come on, pretty girls await. Pretty girls, wine and dancing.' Three of Karl's favourite pastimes and usually Darren's too. But tonight his thoughts were full of Daniel.

'I'm coming.' He replied listlessly.

Unnecessarily straightening the deep purple frock coat he wore, he picked his mask up off the bed and followed Karl out of his chambers down to the ballroom from where the sound of music and excited chatter could already be heard.

Darren took a deep breath as the footmen opened the wide double doors and a courtier announced them.

Karl immediately spotted a petite raven-haired reveller and with a sly grin at Darren left his side, weaving his way over to where she stood. He had to admit that his friend had made a good choice. His dancing partner looked ravishing in a deep emerald silk dress and a matching velvet mask. Karl would be happy, for the moment at least.

Grabbing a flute of champagne from a passing server Darren quickly downed the sweet wine and setting it down took another.

'Your Majesty.' The Grand Chancellor sidled up to him.

'Yes?' He answered curtly. The conniving advisor was the last person he wanted to see right now.

'The King and Queen wish you to join them on the podium.'

'Yeah, whatever.' Darren waved him away and obediently went to his parents.

Taking his place on the raised platform Darren knew that this was it. After tonight his fate would be sealed. There was no escape. The stern look his father gave him broached no room for negotiation.

Casting his eye around the luxuriously decorated ballroom, Darren felt his heart sink just a little bit further. One of the many eligible females now expectantly milling around would end the evening very happy indeed and he would end the evening a trapped man.

An increased babble of voices at the far end of the room caused Darren to turn his head and look towards the source of the excitement.

A new guest had entered, someone that he, and judging from the gestures of everyone else present, didn't recognise. Even masked, most of the guests were identifiable but not this one.

Dressed all in black, the stranger presented a striking picture. Heeled boots, leather trousers, a sinfully tight silk shirt and in completion a black mask.

Instantly several of the ladies closest moved to engage him in a dance. Bowing graciously he took the hand of the nearest and whisked her away in a waltz. Darren bit his bottom lip as he watched enviously. The stranger was beautiful and Darren vowed, there and then, to dance with him before the night was out.

Dutifully he danced with all the various princesses that were presented to him but always his attention was firmly fixed on the dark stranger.

But although the mystery man kept glancing over at him, catching his eye and looking at him in a way that could only be described as seductive, he resolutely avoided coming over.

Then, just as the musicians struck up the last dance, the last dance before midnight, before the unmasking Darren saw his chance and took it. The stranger had just finished dancing with the Queen and was leading her back to where Darren stood observing. Before he could withdraw and seek another partner, Darren placed a hand on his arm. 'I believe this dance is mine,' he said in a low voice, making no attempt to hide his desire. The stranger merely smile and allowed Darren to guide him back to the floor.

The dance was a tango. Perfect. Releasing his partner's arm Darren began to slowly circle around him. Again their eyes met and he was caught up in the blazing intensity of the other's gaze.

The stranger placed one hand on Darren's waist and drew him to him. Returning the contact, Darren wrapped his arm round the stranger's slim hips so that they were dancing with their lower bodies pressed tightly together. He felt the stranger's other hand slide under his frock coat and come to rest in the small of his back, gently caressing him through the linen of his dress shirt.

Darren's self-control was being tested to the limit. The invitation in his partner's action was glaringly obvious. Slowly but surely he was being seduced and he found himself powerless (and unwilling) to stop it.

By the time the sensuous dance came to its conclusion Darren was breathing so hard he felt sure someone would notice and comment but no one did. They were all too involved with their own partners, eagerly waiting to discover whose arms they had ended the evening in.

In the few moments left before the unmasking, the stranger took Darren by the hand and led him out onto the deserted balcony. Before Darren had time to speak, he found his lips being roughly claimed in a bruising kiss. In fact no words had been exchanged between them since Darren's initial demand of a dance.

Sighing Darren breathed into the kiss, responding to and increasing the almost animalistic passion the stranger was displaying, his hand still firmly against Darren's back, crushing their bodies together, the arousal each caused in the other no longer denied.

Something about the kiss seemed out of place, not so much wrong as familiar. A vague sense of déjà-vu rushed over Darren but before he could figure it out an expectant hush reached him from within the ballroom as the clock high on the tower began to strike the hour.

Midnight.

His heart started racing, when the chimes stopped sounding the identity of his stranger would be revealed.

Stepping back and with trembling fingers he reached up to remove his own mask, waiting anxiously for the stranger to do the same. When he did Darren felt dizzy with shock, his mask slipping from his hand.

'Daniel,' he gasped, not quite believing his eyes.

'Ah, so you do still remember me.'

'Of course I do.' And Darren moved to embrace him.

'So well that you would happily dance with the first stranger who comes your way, would let him kiss you and hold you as a lover would.' Daniel's eyes glinted dangerously.

'It wasn't like that. I..I...' But Darren had no words to explain his actions. What Daniel was saying was true. He had danced with the stranger in such a way as left no doubts as to his intentions.

'You whore.' Daniel spat accusingly

'No, no...' Darren was horrified.

'Yes Darren, for all your regal appearances you are nothing but a cheap whore, throwing himself at the first thing that comes along.'

Daniel stepped over the balcony.

'Wait, wait, let me explain.'

'No - you betrayed me.' and raising his hand Daniel brought it down across Darren's face, leaving three claw like tracks in its wake. Then he was gone.

Stunned Darren touched his fingers to the wound and when he drew them back he was aghast to discover that they were covered with blood.


~Chapter Five - 'Until the sky falls down on me'~

 Overcome with remorse at what he had done, Darren fled to his chambers and there he remained.

For the past forty-eight hours he had barely moved from his room, he had neither eaten nor drunk.

He had cried until he was physically unable to cry anymore and now he just felt wrung out. Wrung out, used and spat out. His one chance at true happiness and he had destroyed it.

Dragging himself off of the bed he went and flung wide the window, welcoming the cold night air on his now fragile body. As he watched the clouds parted and the moon was revealed, its silvery light mocking him, reminding him that tonight was her last night of fullness, the last night that Daniel would be human before reassuming his lupine form for another cycle.

Once again Darren thought about going and trying to find him, to throw himself at his feet and beg for his forgiveness but it was hopeless, even if he had the energy he had no idea where to look for him.

Leaving the window open he flung himself back onto his bed, burying his face in the pillows, weeping dry tears that refused to come. He didn't care that his body was becoming numb he just wanted it all to be over. Grief-filled sobs wracked his frame until eventually he fell into a fitful sleep.

'Darren?'

So this is what it's like to be delirious, Darren thought as a familiar voice whispered in his ear.

'Darren?'

He felt strong arms lift him from his slumber, soft hands dress him, slip his feet into boots and finally enfold him in the thick velvet blanket from atop the bed. He felt himself being picked up, embraced and carried across the room.

'Darren, my sweet prince. Oh Darren what have I done to you?'

Droplets of salty water fell on his face and opening his eyes he looked into the emerald eyes of his lover.

'Daniel?' He rasped shakily.

'Ssh now and hold on tight.'

Doing as he was told he wrapped his limp arms round Daniel's neck and clung on with all the strength he could muster as Daniel hoisted them both over the window sill and carefully begun his descent.

Once they reached the ground Daniel started to carry him in the direction of the thick woodland then stopped.

Darren heard him take a sharp intake of breath and lifting his head, caught sight of what had made him pause.

Advancing towards them were Daniel's four friends. They halted a few feet away, their stance anything but friendly.

Sensing the unspoken threat Daniel set Darren down and took a couple of steps forward, protectively placing himself between Darren and the others.

Menacingly the four men began to circle the lovers.

Darren shivered and sought to return to the safety of Daniel's embrace but never got the chance.

'You?' Benjamin hissed pouncing on Darren and pinning him to the ground, his razor sharp nails slashing through his shirt and piercing the skin.

'Nooo!' Daniel screamed but was restrained by Lee and Stefan.

'Have you any idea what you have done?' Steven spat accusingly, his dark eyes glinting dangerously. Roughly he jerked Darren's head back as Benjamin continued his assault on his pale chest.

Too weak to defend himself Darren let the blows come, vaguely aware that the warm substance now trickling down his body was his own blood. His shirt was now ripped to shreds but still Benjamin went on.

'Stop it, stop it!' Daniel cried out in vain.

Just as he thought he was going to pass out Darren heard a ferocious growl and the body astride him flew back in a blur of flesh and fur.

'Daniel don't.' The hand gripping his head released him and painfully turning his neck Darren saw two wolves rolling over and over, their teeth locked firmly on each other's throats, their claws lashing out wildly as Benjamin and Daniel fought.

The others rushed to them, desperately trying to pull them apart, metamorphosing themselves in the process.

Darren lost track of who was who as their snarls pounded in his ears, specks of crimson blood staining the virgin snow.

Over and over they went, fur flying, growls of anger, yelps of pain. Darren helpless to do anything except watch horrified.

With one final snarl and snapping of lupine teeth, four of the creatures drew back and slunk off into the darkness of the forest.

The one remaining wolf just lay there motionless. 'Oh no, please no.' Darren pleaded with the silent moon, dragging himself over to where Daniel lay.

'Please don't die, you can't die.' He stroked the blood soaked fur, running his hand over Daniel's closed eyes. 'I love you,' he whispered closing his own eyes and nuzzling his head into Daniel's chest.

'Don't cry Darren.' The fur under Darren's head returned to warm flesh.

'Daniel?' Easing himself up Darren cradled his beloved against his own broken body.

'I'll be alright, I'm not going to die, I just need to rest.'

Shakily Daniel got to his feet and clasped Darren to him, gently kissing him in reassurance.

'Come on.'

Leaning heavily on Daniel for support Darren allowed himself to be led up into the trees and to a sheltered cave.

The cave showed signs of recent occupancy. Five piles of blankets and furs were dotted around the trampled earth that formed the floor, a dying fire smouldered near the entrance and Darren caught the faint sound of running water nearby.

Instantly he tensed in Daniel's arms, what if the other four occupants should decide to come back?

Daniel sensed Darren's fear. 'Don't worry, they won't return tonight.'

Lovingly he laid Darren down on a pile of the soft coverings and removing first the remnants of his shirt and then his other clothing tenderly bathed his wounds, his own injuries already starting to heal.

Each one of the lacerations that criss-crossed Darren's torso was cleaned and then treated to a gentle kiss, Daniel slowly working his way down his body.

When he was satisfied that he had dealt with the injuries to the best of his abilities, he temporarily left Darren's side, going over and stoking the fire back into life again. Returning he helped him into a sitting position and held him steady while Darren took a few shaky sips of water from the proffered bowl.

Taking back the bowl from Darren's trembling hands, Daniel sat down next to him, drawing him once more into his arms.

In a very small voice, Darren finally uttered, 'Why?'

'They were just being protective. You hurt me Darren.'

'I know and I am so sorry, but I meant why did you come for me?'

'Because I love you.' Daniel answered simply, 'Remember what I told you about wanting to kiss your pain away?' A light kiss to his collarbone in demonstration, 'Well you were hurting and this time it was me who had caused it.'

'I deserved it after what I did.' Darren said sadly.

'No you didn't,' Daniel gave his shoulder another delicate kiss, 'no one deserves to be in as much pain as you were. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have ever come to the ball but I wanted to see you, be with you and then when you didn't recognise me I got jealous at how easily you had forgotten me.'

'I could never forget you, but the stranger was so alluring - you were so alluring. I thought that maybe if I couldn't have you I could have the next best thing and just for one night pretend that it was you.'

'But it was me.'

'I know that now and I am so sorry.' Tentatively Darren brought one of Daniel's hands to his lips and kissed the palm.

Daniel turned him to face him. 'We still have tonight.' And lowering his head caught Darren's mouth in a tender kiss.

Placing his hands on the back of Daniel's head, Darren deepened the kiss, tasting the wanting, the longing in the other.

Reluctantly breaking away, he rested his head on Daniel's shoulder. 'I miss you so much it hurts. When you rejected me I couldn't bear it.'

'Ssh now.' Gently Daniel eased them down, spooning himself against Darren's frail body. 'I love you, remember that. No matter what happens I will always love you.' And reaching down he pulled Darren's blanket over them.

'I want to lay like this for ever.' Darren murmured sleepily as he nestled further into Daniel's embrace.

'Until the sky falls down over us.' Daniel replied placing a one final kiss on his forehead and, stroking his lover's hair, softly lulled him into a deep sleep.

 

When Darren awoke he was alone. Sitting up he looked for Daniel but the cave was empty. Moonlight streamed through the opening as he got up, hastily pulled on his trousers and boots and, wrapping his blanket round his shoulders, went in search of his love.

He found him down on the bridge, standing precariously on the edge in a stance reminiscence of Darren's earlier one. Instantly Darren knew what he planned to do.

'Nooooooo,' he cried out.

Daniel turned at his lover's pain. 'I'm sorry Darren.' Sadness filling his voice as he explained. 'We can never be together and if I can't be with you then I don't want to be. If I die as a wolf, a wolf I will remain for eternity. This is the only way, to die as a man and remain as a man.'

Discarding the blanket Darren stepped up onto the ledge, fastening his arms around his lover. 'Then take me with you. Let me be with you for all time.'

'No. I can't let you do this.'

Darren turned so that he was facing Daniel, his back to the swirling water, his feet barely on the bridge.

'I love you and I don't want to live without you.'

Tenderly Daniel traced the outline of Darren's face with his fingertips, lingering on the scars he had placed there. 'And I love you,' he whispered capturing Darren's mouth in a passionate kiss. Slowly they parted, their eyes locking in silent agreement. 'For all eternity.'

'The moon looks so beautiful tonight.'

'Yes it does.'

Their eyes met for one final time as Darren tightened his grip on Daniel's waist and stepped back.