If I Stay

Chapter 2 - Sanctuary

The gloriously tall woman before you muttered underneath her breath, something about 'the state of things,' but looking around, everything looked perfectly pristine - from the finely painted canvases on the walls to the well dusted, ornate decorations and the fresh arrangements of flowers. It was all... well, a lot to take in. The dim lighting and warm atmosphere was immediately welcoming, though knowing the rumors of what happens in this castle made your chest tighten, your throat growing dry.

Sleep was grasping at you, the weight of last night's chase and the still throbbing wounds were slowing you down. These halls seemed endless and they all looked so much alike you were certain she was leading you in circles. Your limbs were growing heavier with each turn, every painting you tried to focus on getting fuzzier.

You hadn't noticed you stopped, you hadn't noticed your audible breaths, the fact that your eyes were shut for longer than they were open. God I'm so tired, you thought.

"I know, little one." The Lady cooed. "If only Heisenburg, that fool, could keep his pets under control."

Suddenly, you were off your feet, your entire being feeling light as air as you ascended. A soft, cushiony cloud surrounded you - comfortably, you nuzzled your temple into the cloud, sighing at the sweet, intoxicating smell that came from it. Sleep took hold of you, cradling you gently and bringing you sweet memories of a time not long ago. Dewy, earthy smelling grass. The sun warming your already rosy cheeks. Plush moss squished between your fingers and toes. Flower pollen tickling your nose more and more with each one you sniffed.

Dread.

It filled you.

The calm silence grew still, eerie.

Something lurked in the near distance.

You turned, a pair of golden eyes locked with yours before it pounced.

You jolt awake, your body drenched in a fine layer of sweat, your hair slick against your forehead. Deep, labored breaths burn your lungs. You're quick to take in your surroundings; the darkness would normally be comforting, but it shrouded your senses. The sheets around you were soft and silky, the clothes you were dressed in were not your own. The iron smell of your blood was overpowered by perfume - you were almost drowning in the smell, it was everywhere.

Where the fuck am I?

With immense effort, you squinted into the void, feebly attempting to make out shapes. A pulsing headache started to arise as you strained your eyes, but you had to get your bearings. Surely there would be candles around here-

"Are you scared, miel mic?"

Golden eyes pierced the darkness, trained on where you lay. They stared, unblinking, having caught every little movement you made. Frozen in place, your heart thundered away in your chest. You shook your head quickly. Perhaps too quickly.

The eyes slowly ascended to what you assume is the woman's full height. She took a silent step forward, into what little light was pouring in from the window. The moonlight drapes over her like silk, droplets of it cascading down her form. Her large brimmed hat has been abandoned, her black curls hanging loosely at her shoulders.

Suddenly, she was before you, her large body looming above. The bed dipped under her weight, and you fought to stay in place, digging your heels into the plush mattress. You pressed into the pillows as the Lady leaned closer, two of her large fingers coming to rest on your chest.

"Your heart is going to beat out of your chest, sweetling." She punctuated the end with a snap of her teeth, a pearly grin spreading across her face. "Do not lie, it is hard to lie when I can smell your fear... You've heard the rumors of what happens in Castle Dimitrescu, have you not?"

You nodded slowly.

Her brows furrowed as your silence only grew longer. "Speak!" Her voice boomed.

"I-I have, my lady. Y-Yes. But I don't fear you..."

Lady Dimitrescu smiled, obviously pleased with your answer. "Oh, draga mea." She drew ever nearer, until her lips were just a hair's breadth away. "You should." She purred.

It was at this moment you thanked Mother Miranda that it was dark; you felt heat creeping up your neck to your cheeks, but it also rushed between your legs.

"You smell delightful, little one. It took some persistent coaxing to deter my daughters from devouring you while you slept. Now," She sat up at her full height, looking down at you. "Explain why you are here while I mull over the idea of letting them have their fun."

You remained in silence, gathering your thoughts. There was barely a moment for you to process the events that had occurred. Barely a conscious moment for you to take in the reality of it all. They had destroyed your home. Your mother was likely dead along with everyone else in the village. You could be the last one alive, and then what...? What is there to go back to? Do you thank Lady Dimitrescu tomorrow morning and leave back to what remains of your home?

"Sometime today." The velvety voice pulled you from your thoughts. The Lady struck a match, illuminating her face for a moment before lighting the candle on her bedside table.

"Lycans, my lady, I told you. They were invading our village and, I-I ran, I had no other choice." You absentmindedly placed your hand against your bandaged side. "I had to find help, and I did..." I think, you said only to yourself. "You saved me."

Unable to read the look on the Lady's face, you remained silent. The woman before you was even more beautiful up close; the paleness of her skin appeared to be makeup, though cracks and flakes in it revealed that there may be color to her skin beneath. Her deep red lips were perfectly painted and pulled into a scowl, or was it a pout? The lines around her mouth ran deep, along with the crow's feet at her eyes. You heard she had been the Lady of the house for many decades, how old could this woman possibly be?

She stared into the flickering flame rather than meeting your gaze. "You are naive to believe that you've found sanctuary in Castle Dimitrescu, little one... But I cannot send you back to the village where you are doomed to the fate the rest have faced. Once you've made a recovery you will take residency here, serving my daughters and I, as a maid." The large woman stood, smoothing the front of her dress with gloved hands.

Doomed to the fate the rest have faced.

"So..." Your voice came weak, shaky. "They're gone... There's no one left?"

"I will know soon, with certainty." She gave a curt nod, making her way towards the large double doors on the opposite end of the room.

"Wait! Y-You said this isn't a sanctuary, but we're safe from the lycans here... right?"

The Lady paused, her hand resting on the ornate handle. "Yes, but there are other dangers." A hint of a smile crossed her face before she ducked out of the door and slammed it behind her.

The silence she left you in was uneasy. It was almost suffocating. What had you gotten yourself into?