I stared into the darkness.
I opened my eyes and then closed them. Everything was the same.
Dark.
Pitch black.
Everything was dark.
I took a few steps forward, moving my hands in front of me to feel anything. But...
Nothing.
My body was Shivering from the coldness around me, my bare feet crunching dried leaves under me. How did I know there were dried leaves? From the sound when my feet made contact with them.
Was it okay to admit that I was scared?
I was terrified. I didn't even know how I got here in the first place, I just wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. This place was scaring me. Something was wrong with this place.
With this thought, I frantically moved my hands for any support but couldn't find anything.
Out of blue, a beam of light penetrated through the darkness. I sighed in relief.
Now I could make it out of here. I could see tall trees standing proudly around me, dried leaves laying peacefully on the ground.
As I moved toward the source of light, a shadow emerges through light. I could not see the face but a man with broad shoulders, a tall statue was standing there. I smiled internally, at least someone was here to save me. I ran towards the man, he was a few feet away from me. I used my whole energy to run towards him, but halted in my steps, my eyes widened and a loud ear-piercing scream left my mouth as I saw his face.
His eyes were red, completely. The whites of his eyes were red, his irises were red, and his pupils were red, making me scream louder. His lips were turned up in a grin showing his piercing fangs reaching his jaw, his skin was covered with blood. My eyes involuntarily moved towards his hands, his claws were elongated and sharp making him look more. inhumane.
Oh... Oh my god!!!!
Wh....what was he???
I stepped back as he moved toward me. Without thinking anything I turned around and ran from there.
I started running.....for my life.
The forest turned into Cliff. I slowed as I reached the end of the cliff. My panic rose. I looked over my shoulder as I see no one behind me. I sighed in relief.
But my relief was short-lived as all of sudden my foot slipped and fell from the cliff. I screamed. I thrash my hands and legs. I closed my eyes. The wind hit my body as I screamed with it.
I was going to die.
Air turned into the water as I felt something wet.
My eyes shot open as I felt the water around me. I was drowning, water filled my nostrils, the air left my lungs, and my eyes blurred. I move my arms and legs and as fast as I swam to the surface it kept rising just out of my grasp. My vision disfigured as I felt water filling my cavities, and my mind blanked out. Dizziness overtake. And I let myself drown. Was this how I was going to die? As my vision start blurring, I saw a shadow above the water, red eyes staring back at me, smiling wickedly at me showing me his fangs.
I shut my eyes waiting for death to come.
My eyes snapped open, I was covered in a cold sweat, shaking like a leaf, heart pounding with abnormal speed. I looked around the room suspicious and paranoid that the horror may have followed me here, afraid that the monster had followed me here.
I got up cautiously, shivering, rubbed my head and eyes and tried to fully awaken myself. I stood from the bed Stumbled to the bathroom, and? looked in the mirror slowly, cautiously, as if not sure of what I would see. My face and chest were wet, one could easily think that I must have dropped a glass of water on me.
The sun shone brightly through the window, washing away the vestiges of the horror, leaving me relieved to return to my mundane existence. I sighed in relief.
It was a nightmare. A horrific one.
Calm down, Sarah. You are safe.
I started brushing my teeth. After spending a few minutes in front of the mirror I started peeling off my clothes and getting ready for a shower. I set my foot in a tub filled with lukewarm water, I closed my eyes in bliss as my body relaxed in the water, scrubbing the dirt and sweat off my body.
After a good twenty-minute shower, I left the tub and grab a bathrobe from the cabinet under the sink and looked at myself in the mirror.
I was feeling refreshed.
I closed my eyelids and inhale the sweet scent of lavender and blackberry filling my nostrils. I opened my eyes and stare at my reflection when suddenly I saw a shadow moving behind me in the mirror. I jumped as I instantly turned around.
No one.
There was no one.
But I can swear in my life that I saw something moving behind me in the mirror.
Fear paralyzed me. Again.
My eyes widened, and I didn't even realise when my hands started trembling, I wrap my arms around myself to comfort myself but nothing was working. My breathing was heavy.
I steadied my breath and tried to calm the panic. I was paralyzed to the spot, the menacing aura holding me in a tightening grip. Fear became a tangible, living force that crept over me like some hungry beast, immobilizing me; my brain, holding me captive.
I wasted no time and ran out of the bathroom. And banged at the door.
"Help, s-some one! Please!" I yelled out. My voice was shaking. I kept pounding as I looked behind me towards the bathroom. Nothing was scaring me more than that bathroom.
"Open... Please!"
Suddenly the door opened with a click. I moved backwards. I didn't know what came into me.
I ran towards the person who opened the door and hugged him tightly. Tears were covering my face. I was scared. I felt two strong arms wrapping around me, as I tightened my arms around him, afraid that the red-eyed monster would kill me.
I cried hard. My sobs filled the entire room.
"Calm down, It's alright." A voice echoed in my ears. I paid no attention to who this voice belonged.
Nothing would be alright. Everything was ruined. My life was ruined. I wanted to scream but kept my mouth shut.
"Th...that monster. H..he will kill me." I said between my sobs. He rubbed my back comforting me. I clutched him tightly.
After what felt like hours, when my tears died down. I unwrapped my arms and looked at the person holding me. Warm, worried green eyes stared back at me as I tried to look myself in them. His arms were still around me. His warm embrace makes me feel safe. His eyes were looking at me like I was...
His eyes darkened as he looked down at me. I followed his gaze and I looked down at myself and gasped when I realise my bathrobe was opened and my cleavage was on display, the robe had slipped from my shoulders. My wet hairs were covering my face. His arm around my waist tightened as he pulled me flushed against him. I gasped from impact.
The distance between us shortened as he leaned in. I could feel his breath hitting my face.
"I don't want you to hate me," he whispered as his eyes landed on my lips. I gulped.
I pushed him away as his words echoed in my head. I immediately covered myself with a robe and looked away embarrassed. I was half naked in front of him. He cleared his throat as he looked around avoiding my eyes.
He looked hurt.
What were you doing, dammit?
He betrayed you.
He was the one who kidnapped you and brought you here.
He turned your life upside down.
But he was the one who helped you with your panic attack. A voice said from the back of my head.
I blocked out my thoughts as I hear him saying.
"I will take my leave," he said as he turned around and reached for the door.
"Thank you.....Falcon." Words slipped my mouth. He stopped and nodded his head still not looking at me and exited the room. I kept looking at the door from where he left. Tears sting my eyes.
I didn't hate him but I was hurt that he lied to me all this time.
He knew what hurt me most and he did it perfectly.
And I would never forgive him.
Tears of despondency slowly cascaded down my cheeks leaving me so weak. My knees weakened as all the energy drained from my body. The tears burst forth like water from a dam, spilling down my face. I felt the muscles of my chin tremble like a small child and I looked toward the window as if the light could soothe me. There was static in my head once more, the side effect of this constant fear. I heard my sounds, like a distressed child, raw from the inside. It took something out of me I didn't know I had left to give.
I let my heart cry. It was my tears that kept my soul alive in the furnace of this pain. They cannot extinguish what had been, yet only carried me forward until a time came when that searing pain was distant enough to forget more than remembering, and maybe one day erase itself from my brain.
I stayed there, kneeled, on the carpeted floor. Crying myself out. I was stuck here. In this hell. The reality was harsh but so true. I couldn't do anything but yo wait for a miracle to happen, which I thought would never happen.
'I don't like seeing you cry. Your tears bother me.'
Mathew used to say these words whenever I cried. He always comforted me.
'You are strong, Sarah'.
'You don't have to feel depressed.'
'I am here with you in every step of your life. I will always be with you no matter what.'
But he was not with me. Not anymore. Thinking of him made me realise how much I missed him, how much I craved his touch. I wanted nothing more than to run to him and hide in his embrace.
He must be worried.
He must be wondering where I went.
You still have hope, Sarah!! My subconscious reminded me.
Hope. How ironical.
You can get out of here.
You just need the right time.
But how?
I wiped away my tears as I scanned the room with my desperate eyes. Something, at least something I can find as my escape.
Come on, come on, come o-
A small smile crept on my lips as my eyes landed on the candle stand standing with pride, near the couch.
Food.
Maid.
I could use that as a weapon. Now I just had to wait for the perfect opportunity. I could knock out the maid with that candle stand and could easily sneak out of this place. Now one would notice, right?
Oh my god! Why didn't I think of this earlier?
You are smart. I have to give you that.
My smile widened. I will be free.
A knock on the door brought me out of my little moment. I wiped my teary face and silently sat near the window. The door opened and here entered the maid. But she was not carrying any tray of food but a bunch of clothes.
Well, that's alright. I was in terrible need of clothes as I was only wearing a robe.
"My Lady," she bowed her head. And placed the pile of clothes on the bed.
"Lord sent some clothes for you." With this, she started moving towards the door.
No no no no no no!
She was leaving!
How would I execute my plan if she leave? I had to think of something.
Think.
Think.
Think.
"Wait!" I nearly yelled. She stooped in her track as she turned around to face me. Her brow knitted together.
"Can-I-umm-I am hungry. Can I get something to..eat?"
"I will bring you food in five minutes." she nodded before leaving the room.
I quickly got up from my previous position as I heard the door locked from outside.
Okay, I had now five minutes to get dressed and made myself ready for my next attack.
I stopped when I saw what was laying on the bed. I picked the piece of cloth in my fingers and lift it in front of my eyes analyzing it.
It was a red silk nightie with lace covering the uppermost and lowermost corners. It was strapless. Overall it was...
Vulgar.
Did she just expect me to wear this?
But at least this was better than the robe I was wearing.
I grunted.
I quickly put on some red panties and nighties and again groaned in frustration as I saw the length of a nightie. It was barely reaching my mid-thighs.
At this moment I was thinking bathrobe was better than this filthy piece of cloth. After looking at myself in the mirror for an instant moment that this pathetic dress was showing too much of my cleavage and was barely covering my ass.
Leave it I am not wearing this. As I made a move to rip this excuse of cloth, I heard footsteps nearing my door.
I couldn't change now. So, I quickly picked up the candle stand and hid behind the door. I heard a few clicks as the door opened.
Calm down, Sarah. Just one blow and she'll be knocked out.
"Where is she?" I heard her mumbling. She made her way to the bathroom door and knocked on it.
"Your grace, are you in there?" She asked loudly, still pounding on the door.
I tiptoed towards her from behind as she was busy pounding on the door. My hands were trembling, my whole body was shaking. I never hit anyone. I closed my eyes and I breathed in.
For my freedom.
With this, I raise the stand above my head and was ready to hit her as she abruptly turned around.
I'm sorry.
"Your gra-
I hit her. Hard. Blood started oozing out of her head and I hit her. She stumbled in her steps as she tried to hold something, to steady her steps.
Oh my god!! I hit her.
I immediately grab her as she fainted. I played her down on the floor and throw the stand somewhere in the room.
Okay. Now what? What what!?
I have to get out of here now.
"I am sorry," I whispered and turned around and left the room. I looked around.
No one.
I was mentally punched in the air. Just a few more minutes and I'll be out of here. The hallway was the same as I saw beautiful, astonishing paintings and sculptures. At least something is beautiful about this place, otherwise, people living here have ugly hearts. I reached the same grand stairs within no time. I looked around and again no one. Maybe God was with me. He also wanted me to get out of here. I tiptoed towards the stairs and stepped down. The cold marble was giving me cool sensations as my bare feet were making contact with it. I fastened my pace as I st lead outside.
To my independence.
To my sovereignty.
To my freedom-
"Sarah!" A loud voice entered my ears and I looked over my shoulder to see a shocked Falcon standing near the stairs. But the shocked expression was soon replaced by raged one.
Was that anger I saw? And he ran towards me.
Oh well! I didn't give a flying BARNACLES!!
This son of a monkey can never catch me. I laugh internally as I grabbed the doorknob. The moment I was going to twist it I was dragged back by two hands on my torso.
"You rascal, leave me!" My screams echoed around the castle.
"How did you get out of your room?!" He snarled at me.
"Let me go, Falcon!! I swear-
"What is going on here?" My eyes bulged out of the socket as I saw the man of my nightmares, the devil in disguise, my captor, standing on top of the stairs looking down at us. Nothing was changed about him, he was still looking like the most beautiful creation of this world, almost unreal but the ethereal, crazed look in his eyes was anything but eyes warming. The look in his eyes was telling me he was not very happy seeing me here. Slowly and gradually my eyes moved towards his fists, which were clenched on either side of him. His jaw clenched and red and golden flickered in his eyes.
I groaned as I felt pain in my knees. I looked up and realise this motherfucker just dropped me. I looked at Falcon's face and saw the same emotion.
Fear.
I gulped as I again dared to look up at him. His eyes were piercing through me. That's when I grasp my situation.
I was done for.
***
Her body shivered as she felt the room temperature drop. But didn't make any move to show her discomfort. She knew, that one move and she would be fucked up. Falcon was afraid, not for himself but for the girl on the floor. He knew that she was in deep trouble. He didn't expect her to pull out this stunt. He was shocked when he saw her running towards the door.
A loud growl echoed around. She gasped as he descended the stairs with inhumane speed and stood a few inches away from her. Though he was standing at some distance, she could still feel waves of anger rippling through him. All the lights in the hall started flickering. The chandelier above them started swivelling. The whole room was inundated with unknown power radiating off him.
Her eyes widened as she saw the same red eyes taking over his blue ones. A sharp scream left her as she felt intense pain in her scalp as he gripped the hair on the back of her back. She held onto his hand trying to pry it off. He forced her head towards his face. She diverted her eyes to his chest, too afraid to look into his red eyes.
"What did I say about running away?" He gritted his teeth as he spoke. He sounded so animalistic that scared her to death. Tears started flowing through her eyes as he tightened his hold.
"P-Please let g-go."
He didn't care how much pain she was feeling. The only thing that was angering him was that she tried to run away from him.
He held her arm with his other hand and dragged her up towards him, making her stand in front of him.
"You like defying me, don't you?" His voice was dark and deep, laced with hidden rage. She couldn't answer due to the throbbing in her head. That pissed him off even more.
"Don't you?!" He shouted.
She shook her head frantically. She again winced in agony. His grip loosened on hearing her cries but held onto the back of her neck.
Something snapped in him as he leaned in and put his head in the crook of her neck. The sweet smell of lavender and blackberry hit him. He inhaled deeply. She trembled in his arms. He let go of her neck and grabbed her waist possessively. She could feel him sniffing her. But was too afraid to say anything. Her breathing fastened. Her body was numb.
Her sweet scent, her hairs, her body, and her proximity to her, awakened his inner beast. He pulled away and held her chin and made her look up at him. She gasped when she saw his eyes were no redder. His eyes roamed her body. The strap of her nightie had slipped down from her shoulder and was resting elegantly on her upper arm, showing off her smooth and flushed skin.
***
He took a step forward and I moved back in fear of what he might do to me.
Big mistake.
Suddenly, he grabbed me and threw me over his shoulder. I screamed, kicked, punched, but nothing, he was unaffected.
And the next moment I was thrown on the bed.
All in a matter of seconds. I scooted away from him when I saw him near.
"You are getting bolder, little one."