What Once Was

Chapter 18- A Cursed Insomniac

-Alastor POV-

-September 1st, 1920-

"...Little did they know that from then on, it would be carve their destinies into a tragedy."

~11:30~
Love.

Love was something that i didn't consider a requirement in my life. Or at least that was my train of thought until I heard the words "I love you" come from Charlie's soft lips as we both stood under the moonlight. The scene seeming like it was out of a book.

Without a doubt, It changed everything.

Surely, I was admired by the residents of New Orleans by my charisma as I broadcasted the daily news. Men of high prestige families would compliment my work and hope to work with me in promotions. Children would greet me as I strolled downtown, and ask if I could play hide and seek for awhile before heading to work. Women would be attracted to me and be all flustered while I was at the speakeasy with Husk. Side glances behind their parted hair, or how I would feel their gaze while I looked away and their hushed whispers of secrecy regarding me, or their flushed cheeks would be as red as a tomato as they greeted me.

I was truly touched by their sense of admiration, nonetheless it wasn't compared to my beloved Charlie. She was different from any other woman I met before, and I couldn't help but be attracted to her. For her way of being, her mannerisms, how she stared at everything with so much of fascination as if she had never been here. I felt like no one's else's admiration for me wasn't important, only hers. Her telling me those words made me believe that for a sole moment, she was focusing on me and me only.

I escorted her back to her apartment, feeling how warm her hand was held onto mine, and how her cheeks were more rosy than before. We got to her doorstep, and under the yellow lit street light, she stared back at me with such sincerity it was heart aching. Guilt weighed my shoulders as I looked behind her, at her shadows where He was. His eyes glinting mischievously as He licked his lips in a perverse. As He reached out to her, I pulled her into my arms and tightly held her, breathing in her scent of roses, and honey.

She turned her head upwards as I stared down at her. She was the personification of innocence, and I think that's why her idea of me mattered the most than anyone else's. With those eyes that looked at me with such sincerity of love, I wanted her to believe I was good. I cupped her cheeks and placed a soft kiss on her lips, and I could feel her face grow warmer.

She told me a few things, but I was tuning out as I stared at her small frame. This was complicated, but for now, I was sure enough to say that I felt something for her. Something that had no evil intent, but maybe a sense of wanting to protect her from this cruel world, where monsters like me wore sheep's clothing to blend in.

"Goodnight My Darling." I kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight to you too, and please don't stay out too late." She warns as me, hearing her voice rise by her worries.

"Don't worry My Darling, I won't, I'll be careful." I told her as I waved goodbye to her and walked to my car. I turn back to see her waving back with a smile, and vanished behind the closed door. I turned on my car and start heading to the radio station.

This evening's event were really out of a fairy tale. My Darling Charlie, was like a Princess, the woman that was the fairest of them all; By her appearance and her personality. And I? I was the Prince, perhaps her knight in shining armor. And the moment could have been truly perfect if it wasn't for my pesky shadow.

I side glanced at Him every now and then on the way to the radio station. He was like a rabid animal, thirsting for blood literally every moment. Long sharp nails. Glowing red eyes. That mischievous smirk that glowed red as well. His voice which sounded like mine but more deeper.