Conspiracy

Terror in the Night

Regina sat by the roaring library fire, surrounded by the people whom her brother had been sharing a home. To her immediate left was Edmund, the man her brother had married. Beside him sat Arya and Roman, the one they referred to as 'Snips'. Then there was Merlin and Lorelei, and on the other side sat Celestia, Garrick, and Lucas. Rather than joining the group, Cora was pacing around on the one of the catwalks, perusing through the colossal collection of tomes that loomed over their heads.
"So Regina. How are you liking Romania?" Merlin spoke up, his face alight with a warm smile and a kind twinkle in his eyes.
"I'm rather enjoying it. The sudden cold came as a shock, but now that I'm accustomed to it, it bothers me no longer." She lied. Merlin nodded slowly and shared a quick yet knowing glance with Cora. Within that brief contact of eyes, the pair seemed as if they had exchanged an entire conversation without making a sound. The room lapsed into an awkward silence as everyone seemed to be sending thoughts across the room with only their gaze, making Regina feel extremely out of place, and almost unwelcome. She looked up to see Lucas staring at her, as if debating whether or not to speak.
"Tell us about London, Regina. We've always wanted to visit, but our... duties have kept us trapped here in the valley." Roman asked suddenly, obviously wanting to eradicate the blanket of discomfort that had descended upon them. Grateful for the escape, Regina proceeded to regale them of the joys of living in a city such as London, describing in great detail the buildings, weather, and people. As she talked, the mood began to lighten, and everyone began to ask questions, as did she about their lives in Romania. For the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening, they sat and laughed and exchanged stories. Upon first entry, Regina had failed to notice the grand piano hidden in the far corner. But when Roman suggested they play some music, she was elated at the chance to play such a majestic instrument. And yet the whole while they were singing and dancing, Cora remained hidden away in the heights, surrounded by books as thick as a man's leg. Every so often, Regina would look up to see her frowning down at her, as though studying her. Then she would look away and continue tearing through the books. Regina tried her hardest to ignore the cold fears that ran laps up and down her spine, but to no avail. Cora's blood-red gaze lingered on her all through the night, and it became so unnerving that Regina finally asked to be excused for bed.
"What do you want to do that for?" Roman quipped.
"Because she has travelled far and is tired. She's not like you, Snips." Andre defended her, wrapping his arm protectively around her shoulders. Despite the coolness of his skin, she was grateful for the protection he gave; it felt like a barrier was forming between her and this terrifying, unfamiliar world.
"Apologies, milady. I sometimes forget that others are built different to myself."
"It's alright, Roman. I understand." She smiled.
"And please. Call me Snips. Everyone else does."
"Very well. Snips." She added quickly.
"Come. Let's get you back to your room." Andre said softly, turning her away from the fireplace, away from the strangers. But most importantly, he was turning her away from Cora's soul-destroying gaze.

∞

Cora sighed heavily as she slammed shut yet another book from the library's extensive collection. She'd been scanning for hours and had found nothing on the subject of which her mind had taken an unhealthy obsession over. As she scanned the shelves, a devious smile began to creep over her lips as she heard Andre marching down the hall, no doubt fuming over how she had behaved upon meeting his sister. She was thankful that the others had gone outside to enjoy the moon's shine; she rather they didn't hear what was about to be said. But still she could not stop the slight chuckle that bubbled up when he burst into the library. She could practically smell his anger from where she stood – ten metres above his head.
"Cora." He hissed. He was livid. Cora silently braced herself as she heard his feet thump against the metal of the stairs. "What were you thinking? Jumping off the balcony like that? Woman in London don't do that. You could've given us away!"
"But I didn't."
"And aren't we all thankful you didn't."
"Oh come now, Andre. She was completely oblivious, and still is."
"And she's going to stay that way, isn't she?"
"Andre, you are fully aware of what goes on around the grounds. I cannot, and will not, guarantee that she will forever remain in the dark. And besides, I've seen how much you have your arms around her. She's surely noticed how cold you are, despite how warm it is inside. You cannot keep blaming it on the outside. She's a smart, young woman. She'll figure out something is off sooner or later. So if anyone is going to give it away, then my money's on you."
"Forgive me for wanting to show affection to my sister."
"Can't you do it without touching her?"
"Fine."
"Thank you."
"But you promise..."
"No, Andre. I can't, and you know it."
"It's only for a month. Surely, they can reside in the next province for a month."
"I'll ask Gideon, but I doubt not all of them can move. It's almost mating season, and they're establishing their nests."
"Very well. But I do know something you can promise me."
"And that is?"
"Leave her be. She has a wonderful life back in London, and the last thing she needs is for you to do something to ruin it."
"Andre, I can't promise that either. She's special. There is something about her that... I don't know, but it tickled a little memory in the back of my mind, and I've been searching for hours, but haven't found anything."
"Did you look through the Afterlife Tomes?"
"No. I only ever want to look through those as a last resort. You know how dangerous they are."
"Aye. I do."
"Andre. I'll try to keep to myself, and I will ask Gideon about the... others. But if the worst comes to pass, then I won't hesitate."
"I know. But please. Do everything you can to avoid it."
"I will." Cora nodded. Suddenly, a wave of voices washed over the estate, flooding the ears of all it touches. The creatures whose beautiful voices emitted the ballad did so in perfect harmony and sounded as if a dozen chapels had begun to ring their bells simultaneously, creating the most gorgeous melody anyone had ever heard. All who heard the song were immediately placed at ease and lulled into a sense of peace as the music washed over them.
"The ladies are out in force tonight. A serenade for your sister."
"Cora, please." Andre begged. "She doesn't need this."
"Very well." Cora sighed, and raced out of the room.

∞

Regina sat bolt upright the moment she singing flowed into her ears. At first, she thought she was in a dream, but upon pinching her arm in several places, she was terrified to discover that it was indeed a real-life phenomenon. The voices, though beautiful and mysterious, instilled her with fear, for she had never experienced something such as this. Even though she'd blown her candle out before she lay to rest, her room was filled with floating lights of all shades, reminding her of the sunrise in this strange country. The lights seemed to be dancing to the music, which in turn seemed to be continuing forever, making her quake with terror. The lights danced around her head, and an orange glow outside her window was growing brighter and brighter, as if someone were running with a torch towards her room. But that was impossible; she was on the second floor. Then suddenly, just as the world was about to explode around her with lights and voice, an ear-splitting howl echoed through the halls and rattled her skull. At once, the singing stopped, the lights disappeared, and the night was still once more. Regina could feel her heart trying to break free from her chest, and the waterfall of perspiration that flowed down her face and back. If she wasn't terrified of this place before, she certainly was now. Her mind was still whirling as she laid back down and wasn't at all surprised when sleep refused to grace her that night.