It's been over three weeks since everything started... since I first felt the curse taking hold of me, changing me. I don't even know if I'm the same person anymore, or if the curse has completely twisted who I am.
Standing up, I walked toward the window, pushing it open. The cool breeze hit my face, and I let it wash over me, soothing the constant storm swirling in my head. I leaned against the window frame, taking in the view, but my thoughts were louder than the world outside.
With some spare time, I could finally let my mind wander. I needed to sort everything out, figure out where I stood in all this chaos. First, the bitter truth—I've got no one. No family, no real support. I'm on my own. I've always known that deep down, but accepting it was a different story.
Next, there was the party. I had to make sure I performed well enough to at least blend in. Not that I cared much about proving anything to anyone, but the benefits that came with it... I needed them to survive, to get stronger.
And then, there's Sara. I don't know why she lingers in my mind like this. She's not a priority, I keep telling myself that, but still... I want to find her. She makes me feel at peace in a way nothing else does. Maybe it's because she's the only one who understands me, or maybe it's just... because I can relax around her, something I haven't felt in a long time.
I never really had the warmth of a family. No memories of my parents' love, just vague, empty spaces where those memories should've been. Theo tried, I guess, but he was more focused on curing me than really understanding who I am.
I sighed, glancing at the boy standing nearby, Ralph. He was staring at me, curiosity lighting up his innocent eyes. I felt a strange awkwardness settle in, realizing how bad I was at talking to people, especially kids. I scratched the back of my head and awkwardly asked, "So... what's your name, kid?"
He seemed flustered at the sudden question, fidgeting with the silver bracelet on his wrist. "M-My name is Ralph... I want to be strong like you, to stop the world from falling apart."
His words caught me off guard, but I couldn't help but feel bad for him. He had no idea how twisted and cruel the world really was. Despite losing his parents, he still had that glimmer of hope, that naïve belief that he could save everything. I used to think like that, too—before reality crushed me.
I watched Ralph for a moment longer, his eagerness reminding me of something I had lost. That innocent desire to be better, to prove something. But now, I wasn't even sure what I wanted anymore.
Did I even care about being stronger, or was it just the curse pushing me forward? Was my life better when I was powerless? When I wasn't tangled up in this mess of bloodlines and curses?
Too many questions, and no answers. The only thing I knew for sure was that I didn't know who I really was.
A sudden creepy stare snapped me out of my thoughts. I realized I had been staring blankly at Ralph, who was now watching me curiously. Embarrassed, I coughed and motioned for him to leave.
Ralph nodded, though confused, and excused himself from the room.
Once alone, I flicked off the lights, drank some more water, and finally lay back down on the bed. But even as I closed my eyes, sleep didn't come. Instead, I found myself in that place again—the one I always ended up in whenever I tried to rest.
A scarlet sea of blood stretched out endlessly beneath me, and I floated above it. The air was thick with the metallic stench of rusting iron, making my stomach churn. The sky above was black, but somehow, the red of the blood below still glowed faintly. This place... I knew it too well. It belonged to him.
The crimson man.
I was annoyed. I wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight. Just as I expected, a figure appeared in the distance, forming out of the air, hovering above the blood.
But this time, it wasn't him. It wasn't the crimson man.
This one had cold, green eyes and wild, unkempt white hair. His long, luxurious robe fluttered around him, adorned with the same eerie green. Skulls hung from his clothes, clattering softly as he moved closer to me.
And then he spoke, his voice twisted and mocking. "KEKEKE, we meet again, my dear Keiren."
My breath hitched. How... how does he know that name? The name from my dreams. My mind reeled, fear clawing its way into my chest. What was happening?
The man's smile widened, clearly enjoying the confusion and horror on my face. "You can call me Jester."
And just like that, everything fell apart. Again.
***
Ps: Many new characters will be introduced soon and I would love it if you all- My dear readers could give me some ideas. It could be a name you really like or even a super power you would like a character to have.
Regards,
Bearateme_