Prologue
Her brown eyes filled with tears as she sat huddled in the corner of the old damp wine cellar. Once again Helena had taken out her rage on the innocent child, Alexis. Stefan's heart broke at the sight of his cousin in so much pain because his mother had emotionally and verbally abused her again. No nine-year-old should have to deal with his mother, but Alexis had to deal with her on a daily basis. Stefan walked further into the room and softly called out to her, "Alexis."
She looked up and noticed her fourteen-year-old cousin coming her way. In her mind he was her knight in shining armor, just like in fairytale books. Of course she never told him this, he'd think she was silly. He was the only person around that she believed cared for her. His blue eyes were full of concern as he stared at her. She slowly stood up from her position on the floor and ran to his open arms. "Stefan, I didn't mean to make her mad. I just wanted to see if I could make pretty music with the piano. She never likes anything I do. Am I really such a bad girl?" She cried in between sobs as she rested in Stefan's embrace.
"Lexis, I know it's not your fault. Remember what I told you. My mother doesn't understand you, she doesn't understand anyone except Stavros," He accented the name with a hint of disgust. "You are better than her, you see kindness and good in everything. She hates and she does it well. Don't let her get to you. You are so much stronger and caring. " Stefan said soothingly as he gently rubbed her back to calm her.
"She always says such nasty things to me." Alexis sobbed.
"Don't believe a word of it, Lexis. I'll always be here for you. I'll always take care of you. Don't worry about Helena, haven't I always made things better for you?" Stefan asked as Alexis looked deep into his eyes and nodded yes. Stefan did always take care of her she thought. No matter how bad things get, I'll always have my knight in shining armor. She smiled at the thought.