Description:
This is a story about a man, Orin Nocturne. He is a man of the shadows. In his past, he has come into contact with a woman. He doesn't know her name or who exactly she is, but upon their first meet, he fell deeply in love with the woman. In this excerpt, he is reminiscing about their first meet and dwelling on his undying love for her when he, for the first time, hears her name.
TW: Stalking, insinuations of killing.
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I can recall the memory so vividly.
There she stood, her back faced me as she tied her shoe.
I was so hesitant to scoop her up and carry her far away like I did most of my victims; maybe I knew she was different. Maybe I knew she would become the biggest part of my life if I saw her face.
Nonetheless, I waited quietly behind her in the shadows.
Her long, dark hair draped over her back as she stayed crouched down at my feet. She was wearing a black, fluffy ball gown with the most innocent floral pattern sewn into the dark fabric. It looked like she had made it herself.
As I watched her struggle with her shoes, I felt a sudden surge of anxiety in my veins. This was new. I'd never felt such an anxiety course through me like this..
Maybe she was a good catch. Good food.
I'd be lying if I said that wasn't the first thought that came to mind.
Then, the adrenaline hit me like a brick to the face. She was standing up now, fixing her beautiful little handmade ball gown.
What a pity no one will find even a sliver of the remains of her work..
Without missing a beat, I cupped my left hand over her mouth and my right around her waist as I pulled her into the shadows with me.
Her muffled screams were warm against my palm. I could feel her breath against my skin.. Oh, how I wish I would've held her just a little while longer. To feel her breathing against my skin. To feel her tense muscles relax when she realized my intentions had changed.
I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts when I heard the sound of her her shoes clack clack clacking into the room.
My eyes immediately met hers as she glanced into the corner of her room. I was hidden into a dark little corner that rarely saw the light of day.
Before you judge me, I'm a shadow. It's my job to see these private little intimate moments when you or anyone else doesn't think anyone is watching.
I saw her cringe at the sight of the darkness. At me. I could see the image playing in her head as an expression of disgust and fear crossed her face.
It's been years, and she still thinks of our first meet..?
She shook her head, shaking away the memory of herself in my embrace as well before looking out the window of her room.
She slipped her heels off, setting them aside as she made her way toward the window.
I could never tire of this sight.
The way her dress hung off her body. The way her black stockings complimented the black, silky fabric of her dress, and the way her feet carried her silently across the room- it was a sight for sore eyes.
She shut the curtains and let out a pleased sigh, rolled her neck as she began unbuttoning her dress.
Oh my..
Now, this was a sight that would stay forever ingrained in my memory.
I leaned closer, watching as she slid the slik fabric off her shoulders and exposed the strap of her bra. Closer.. Closer Orin.. I thought to myself as I leaned closer.
Unbeknownst to me, however, I was leaning into the light that emanated from her door that was slightly ajar. I was just so thrilled to see her smooth, perfect skin beneath the fabric that I hadn't even noticed the smoke and sizzling coming from my face, let alone the fact that she was now staring directly at me.
When I finally noticed her movements had halted, I glanced up only to meet her eyes. Eyes filled with horror and disgust alike.
I quickly retreated into the shadows, holding eye contact with her as she clutched her dress closed, her eyes wide and her feet carrying reluctantly toward me.
I was terrified.
What if I scared her again? What she'd tried hurting me? What if-
My thoughts were cut off when her mother's voice carried through the walls and into both of our ears.
"Clara! Child, where are you? I need help out of bed!" Her mother's voice was agitated, to say the least.
With a reluctant sigh, she quickly buttoned her dress up again as she made her way to the door of her room, her eyes locked onto me hidden in the corner.
".. I know you're still there." She whispered quietly into the dark, empty room before shutting the door as she walked out.
I should've been scared. I should've been worried, but the only thing that stuck in my head was..
Clara.
Her name was... Clara.
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