17 years later

Anytime

Francis never liked going to balls, but now that he was 18 it's mandatory that he attends, even though it was optional in the past.

His brothers are bringing their girlfriends so he decided to invite Lyric.

Lyric agreed to go but she knows what the ball is for and how very powerful and very dangerous people are going to be there.

However, she knows Francis will protect her.

Sebastian's girlfriend Peyton has known Lyric since they were in kindergarten and they've been best friends ever since.

Peyton isn't that worried because she knows Sebastian won't let anything happen to her or her best friend.

Camden's worried about taking Athena, as any husband and soon to be father would be.

He's afraid someone will try to hurt her now that they're officially married and pregnant.

Athena's worried but not as worried as Camden is.

She can take care of herself.

Everett didn't particularly like going to these things, but he didn't dislike it either.

Willow felt the same way, however she did get a rush at the feeling of dancing with him in a beautiful flowing dress.

Tyler absolutely despised them but it's mandatory he goes.

His girlfriend, Connie, grew up in this life until age 18.

She ran away from home and successfully escaped until she was found a year later.

There's terrible consequences for running from this life, and she payed them.

She didn't let it break her though. It made her stronger.

That's one of the things Tyler loved about Connie.

No matter what, she didn't show fear. She was strong and brave and didn't let her past or her scars define her.

Connie's proud of the person she's become, but she still wakes up in cold sweat every night from her unending nightmares.

It seems they'll never go away.

She'll never escape them, so she pretends they don't exist.

She ignores them, and no one has ever bothered to ask about them.

Until Tyler. He cares about her and she knows it. She loves him for it.

She knows her family is hunting her, hoping they'll be able to finally kill her.

It's hard but she's just glad she has Tyler to be with.

In the past Mason never brought anyone to the dances, but now he has a wife to bring.

He's worried about her ruining his reputation, but hopefully if he just keeps making deals with her then she won't.

That reputation is what keeps not only him safe and in power but it also keeps his friends and family safe.