[Samuel Devereux]

 Book 1: Redesign
Chapter 5: That old two step
Part 1:The Ball/Years earlier- Told in Mel’s pov (#NP: “Kiss from a Rose” by: Seal )
The moon shone high in the sky as I entered my limousine, heading to the city’s ball at the Devereux’s manor. I had been invited due to my charitable work with the city, and the city’s officials were hoping to meet me, though it was a masquerade, and they wouldn’t even know who I was. I wore a dress, floor length, shining in a glittering black. A diamond necklace adorned your neck, with earrings to match. And to complete the look, a black lace like mask, with blue and red crystals strewn throughout.

It wasn’t long until I arrived at the ball, and the manor was already full of people. I entered the manor, handing the butler my invitation, and he welcomed me with a simple, “Bonjour!” as he gestured me towards the ballroom. I managed to blend in with the crowd, taking a glass from a waiter’s tray before settling on a wall on the opposite side of the ballroom, preferring to watch the people mingle amongst themselves rather than join them.

Soon after, the orchestra began playing music, and couples began to grace the floor, flowing together as they danced across the floor. I sighed softly to myself, for no one had ever shown interest in me, as far as I knew. I never paid much notice to it, with how much I busied myself with your work, but it was moments like these when I wished you did have someone special to come home to at night.

I decided to move on, tired of seeing the happy couples all around I, and decided to slip away from the party and explore what of the manor I could. Slipping through the doorway, I found yourself in the foyer of the manor, and you couldn’t help but admire the vastness of it all. There were so many ways to go, I had no idea where to start. I saw a hallway, that while almost completely dark, had a faint light shining at the end of it. I decided to follow that light, curious to see what mysteries it held.

After making sure that no one was around, I made my way to the corridor, walking down it towards the light. I found that it was a door, cracked half open, and peering inside its room, I found that no one was inside, so my made your way in, interested to learn what the room that called me to it held.

I braced myself for the marvels that the room held, only to be greeted with a… library of sorts. It wasn’t the big secret I were hoping to find while exploring, but I did love books however, so I decided to check and see what books the family held in their collection. I came across quite a few classics, others I haven’t even heard of, and suddenly, like a spark in a dark night, I came across my favorite book, Dracula, by Bram Stoker. I hadn’t expected someone like the family to own a book like this one, but I quietly and carefully slipped it off the shelf, deciding to flip through a few pages. I smiled to myself as I read through it, the few pages I was glancing at already vastly more entertaining than the party out there. Skimming another page, I found a line that jumped out at me, and I paused, deciding to read the entire thing slowly.

“There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. I felt in my heart a wicked, burning desire that they would kiss me with those red lips.”

I wasn’t sure why I paused at that line, but I barely had time to think when you jumped at the sound of the door creaking open. I quickly shut the book, and made a move to put it back in its spot on the shelf, but instead I froze in place, as the person who had entered the room cleared their throat, as if preparing to speak.

“Caught you red handed did I?” His voice was deep and smooth, like a fine wine.

I chuckled nervously, and hid the book behind my back as you turned around to face who was speaking to you. Finally facing them, I felt like you recognized this person. Looking at them properly, I saw that he wore a tuxedo, one of the highest quality, and it fit him perfectly. A white rose was placed on his lapel, and on his face he sported a mask, which covered only his eyes. After a further inspection of his face, I realized that even though he wore a mask, I could tell exactly who he was. The Son. This left me even more nervous, a blush visually forming on my cheeks, as I were flustered by being caught by the owner of the manor himself.

“I- uh- well- you see, Mr. Devereux- The thing is-”

“Oh darling. Call me Sam. Please.”

I blushed as he got closer and closer, until he finally reached his hands up to touch my mask.

“And since you figured out who I was so quickly, it’s only fair that I know who you are too, hmm?”

“S-Sam I- You-”

I was so flustered that I didn’t even know what to say. I felt powerless to stop him as he slipped my mask off, revealing my face.

“Ah! You’re Miss Melanie Gabrielle, are you not?”

I was still fairly speechless, so I simply nodded in response.

“I’ve been dying to meet you so I personally made sure you were invited. I’m quite a big fan of the charity work you’ve done for this town.”

“W-Well thank you… I-I’m glad you like what I’ve done.”I gulped, still a little nervous at how close he was to me.

“So Melanie, why is it that I found you here alone in my private library, hmm?”Sam asked, tucking a stray hair of mine behind my ear.

“Well… um…” I knew I was in no position to lie to him, so I simply went for the truth.“The thing is, I was starting to get tired of the party.”

“I see. Well I understand. After being at as many of these parties as I have, I too tire easily of parties like this. It’s a shame that I do still have to mingle for a little longer. Would you mind accompanying me, and possibly,”Sam then leaned in close to my ear, whispering into it.“Treating me to a dance after?”

Sam’s voice, low and deep against my ear, was intoxicating. I felt almost like I was under a spell, compelled to reply to him.“Yes, I’d be delighted.”

“Shall we then?”Sam said, holding out his hand to me.

“Of course… Let me just…”I pulled the book out from behind my back, gesturing towards the bookshelf with it.

Sam looked at the book I was reading as you placed it back on the bookshelf, and quietly smirked to himself as I turned back to face him, placing my hand in his. “Oh! Can’t forget this, now can we?” He placed my mask back upon my face before leading me back to the ballroom.

Entering the ballroom, everyone’s eyes seemed to be on you as the two of you entered hand in hand, and they all wondered who this mystery woman was, showing up with the Son. Sam led you towards the crowd, and sensing your nervousness, he squeezed your hand gently in reassurance before leaning in to whisper in your ear once more. “Relax dear, everything will be fine. Don’t you worry.” As soon as his words hit my ear, I felt my worries melt away, almost as if it was magic.

I followed Sam as he walked through the crowd, welcoming and conversing with everyone. When he was finally finished, he placed an arm around my waist and led you to the dance floor. There were a few couples already dancing there, waltzing gracefully across the floor to the music that the orchestra that played in the background. Sam then faced me towards him, keeping that one arm on my waist, before taking the other hand in his. I realized what he was doing, and blushed, looking down and away from him. As much as I would have loved to dance with him, I also had no experience whatsoever. “Melanie? Is there something wrong?” He looked at me, slightly concerned.

“Sam… The thing is, I don’t know how to dance…”I still wouldn’t look at him, nervous he’d look down on me for agreeing to dance with him when I didn’t know how. Sam, however, instead of thinking badly of my skills, tightened his grip on your waist, pulling me flush against him. The movement shocked me, forcing me to look up at him.

“Trust in me Melanie. Just follow my lead and everything will work out just fine.” I nodded, and as Sam began to dance, I felt my feet follow his almost if by magic. Sam twirled me around masterfully, and I felt just as graceful as the all the others dancing around us. The two of us danced for a couple songs, and once we were tired out, Sam led me off to the side of the ballroom.

“This night has been wonderful Sam, thank you very much for the dance.”I genuinely thanked Sam, and though I didn’t want the night with him to end, I were expecting that he would want to leave me now, and spend more time with his other guests.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. I too am having a wonderful time, and I was wondering if you’d like to maybe continue the night somewhere more…” Leaning in to my ear again, you could feel Sam’s lips brush against my earlobe as he continued.“Private?”

I blushed, knowing what he was insinuating. But I wanted it. There was something about Sam that made you want to not leave his side, and I was elated that he wanted this as well. I nodded, a little more enthusiastically than I had wanted, not able to find the words to properly respond. Sam chuckled as he watched me and my enthusiasm. He then discreetly led me out of the ballroom, and upstairs. I followed him up the stairs, and walked with him down a hallway until he stopped, opening a door that revealed his bedroom.
Part 2: Sam’s blog entry. (#NP: “You Will Know My Name” by: Arch Enemy)
Sam: Ah a championship match against Griffin; the last time we faced Griffin, I did win…
Griffin Hawkins the name is not particularly synonymous with success and dominance. However, I don't wish to discredit the man nor talk down his achievements. Many consider him to be somewhat of a joke but in reality, he has defeated some of the best. It may be a surprising turn of events but you can't say that the man is not impressive in his own right. Therefore, I will take him incredibly seriously heading into this. He is a smart man, even if that isn't initially clear. It's true though because in the ring, he can indeed be a force to be reckoned with.

However, Griffin, you are soon to be faced with a man who is one of the most dominant ever to step into a SCW ring. I may not necessarily be the same force I once was and I have struggled as of late to do anything particularly noteworthy. That doesn't mean, however, that I've lost my edge. I refuse to believe this and one more victory this week will just go to show that I may not be at my best but frankly, that's still far greater than most. I'm not always the most confident man but the records don't lie and that's a viable and reasonable argument to make.

I am far from my absolute best but regardless, I can still get through this match and no doubt, get through it. I can survive this battle against a man who is yet to walk away with significant victories. I can indeed defeated Griffin and I can indeed walk away with an opportunity that I feel I have deserved for some time. As perhaps the most dominant athlete on Climax Control in its history, I feel this opportunity is somewhat overdue and therefore, I will do what I can. I will even go above and beyond in order to ensure my success in this as I go ahead and finally earn the opportunity of a lifetime and when all is said and done, I will be standing tall as your new Internet Champion.

A lengthy amount of time has elapsed since I saw significant success on the Climax control brand but I am prepared to step up once more this week to relive that former glory. I have been there before and I won’t hesitate to again. This is precisely the sort of opportunity I have been merely waiting for. It was just around the corner and I was aware of that. Finally, it has arrived.

Griffin perhaps against anybody else, you would truly stand a chance. If that was the case, then you would be living out your dreams all at once but instead, you are faced with a man who will not hesitate to hurt another human being for the sake of it. In addition to that, I just want to be considered the greatest again – this is the opportunity for that and you stand in my way. Therefore, this is where it all goes horribly wrong for you...

Of course, Griffin is not the sort of name who you know will give you an easy ride. Instead, that’s the name who you should perhaps worry about. Given his intensity in the ring and the overall success that he’s had during his time here, I have gained nothing but respect for him. However, as I have stated from day one, some of the most destructive and phenomenal matches can stem from mutual respect and therefore, this can be a highlight of my career.

He’ll do what we can and we’ll go above and beyond to steal the show and prove ourselves. Regardless of the result, we’ll both be able to shake one another’s hands out of respect and leave with our heads held high. In what is already an incredibly hardcore show, we’re going to prove why you and I are going to be able to steal the show as THE most hardcore athletes. This is where we both feel most comfortable and this is essentially our home. It’s second nature to us so while I respect you and know that you can feel comfortable in these sorts of matches, this is not your time.

It’s not going to be easy to accept that there is a genuine threat standing opposite me in that ring but regardless, I am not going to back down. I haven’t before and I’m not going to start now. There is very little chance that you will be able to put a stop to me but ultimately, I will leave with one more victory to my name and I can say with pride that it’s a victory over one of the best.

Fade to black.