Yes I'm starting yet another story when I really should be updating the rest. But don't worry, I'm working on it! And I've had this idea for a little while now and I've finally started to write it however I'm finding it very hard as I have no idea what it was like for Yelena at the orphanage as it's only described in short flashbacks in the book, but never mind, bear with me!

For those of you reading Valek's Poison Study, the chapter is with my beta at the mo so I will be updating shortly, and Carmel Manor I seemed to have deleted chapter 2 so will have to write that again, and I will try and update the rest soon.

The title isn't very imaginative, but I'm open for suggestions (:

Disclaimer: the characters, and part of the plot belong to Maria V Snyder.

Anyways, enjoy and let me know what you think via reviews!

Harlequin x

Yelena's POV

I was woken by May jumping on my bed.

"Yelena! Wake up Yelena!" she shouted in my ear, "Yelena!"

"What?" I grumbled as I rolled over, thinking she just wanted me to braid her hair again.

"Brazell wants to see you in his office, he says it's urgent." She explained.

This time I sat up immediately. Why does he want to see me? I reviewed the last few days in my mind, hoping for a clue as to what I could have possibly done wrong.

My heart raced on the way to Brazell's office as my mind sorted through the different possibilities.

I hadn't sneaked out, stolen anything or upset anyone, so why did he want to see me so urgently? I very rarely get sent to his office on my own. And those times I had got into trouble, but I haven't done anything this time. Unless someone has set me up.

Arriving at his door, I stalled for a moment before knocking on the door.

"Come in" I shuddered slightly when hearing his deep, penetrating voice. I hope he isn't angry with me.

I opened the door and hesitated at the entrance of his office while he looked at me. I was in such a rush to get to his office, that I forgot to stop off at the baths to brush my hair, I felt myself begin to blush in embarrassment.

He gestured to the seat opposite him. I walked towards it cautiously and perched on the edge.

"Yelena," he began. "I have an exciting opportunity for you, Yelena. You are the first of orphans that I have asked because you are my favourite, and by far the best."

I felt like I had been slapped in the face. I was shocked that he would say such a thing about me. I don't know what I have done to deserve it, but I couldn't suppress a smile.

"I have been asked to conduct a few experiments in my labs. Reyad happily agreed to help, and now we just need you, as the best child in my orphanage, to agree to assist us with these important tests. Can you prove me right?" he asked.

Without hesitating, I answered "Yes, Sir. I'd be happy to."

I didn't realise that this was going to be the biggest mistake I have made in my life.

He smiled at me, I felt warmth spread through my body, I was helping General Brazell, the man who saved me and my 'siblings'. He took us in when we were left on the streets after the take over, he housed and fed us, and I felt I owed him that much.

"I'm glad that you have agreed to help me and my son. I will inform him of the good news, and we will start the tests tomorrow." He dismissed me.

I left his office quickly. I couldn't believe what had just happened in the past ten minutes.

I had just agreed to participate in scientific experiments for Brazell and Rand, because they thought me to be the best child in their orphanage.

As I thought this through, the only thing the registered was that they thought I was the best orphan. I'm hardly a vain person, but after hearing that, I have to admit I was feeling a little flattered.

But my gut was saying otherwise. What if Brazell is tricking me? Just saying what I want to hear so I'd agree to help him in his experiments. And if it is true, then it worked.

I shoved these thoughts from my mind as I set out for breakfast, my stomach rumbled in agreement