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Cecilia | 1899
Deep into the depths of Angelwood, Cecilia found herself running for her life on the night of the eclipse ball. She gripped her ball gown tight, a misty white dress, with silver jewels and lacey detailing. It whispered behind her as she ran through the never-ending, dark corridors.
The ballroom music still echoed behind her as she cursed herself for being so unwise and the hammering of her heart told her she was now running for her life.
Cecilia felt daring when she turned her head back, only to see him striding round a corner, his cane in hand and glare of pure evil piercing straight into her petrified eyes.
She gasped, flying her head back around and gripping her dress in her hands running faster and faster. Dismissing the ache in her body.
She was a fool for believing a man of pirate blood would aid her in her search. She was a fool for thinking a pirate wouldn't have something to do with it. And she was a fool for even coming to this school in the first place.
"Better save your breath, girl," he called after her and she wondered how he was catching up to her so quickly with only a walk when she was sprinting. This ludicrous ball gown, "I will catch you. You can't run from me."
Yes, she could—at least she wasn't going to give up. She would keep running until his hands where around her throat and she was taking her last breath. And until then she wouldn't stop fighting. No matter what she would have to face, she would run onward, upward, higher and faster until she was taking her last breath.
Whatever she had to do to survive, she will do. Like her entire life, just survive. Make it through. And she wasn't done, she will survive.
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NINE HOURS BEFORE
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Cecilia stood in the candlelight of her new dormitory, peering into the wood-framed mirror and the dress she is to wear this evening hanging over it. It's not of her taste, not is it particularly practical, but it's the best thing she could find in such a short time and with little money to spare.
She needed all the coins and notes if she wanted to find her family.
In 1884, when Cecilia was a young girl, at the precious age of twelve a man named Edwin Winston offered her father, Charles Lorvina a grand amount of money to buy their land, property and home. Cecilia was so young she had little idea what was going on or why the strange man wanted their land so badly.
She can still recall that he was very persistent and wasn't taking no as an answer.
That was the last day Cecilia saw her family.
And this boarding school she was able to transfer for her last year, was not only her family home but also the place that held all the answers she yearned for.
And this stunningly ridiculous ball gown which rather looked like a dress a hippie would get married in, was what she'd wear to find those answers.
A knock echoed in the still air of her dormitory and for some reason, Cecilia jumped out of her skin. The sudden noise startled her. She knew she didn't have to be weary but still, she walked slowly to the door and wished there was a peephole to peer through.
The handle was cold against her palm when she gripped it and just as she was about to open it, a shadow drifted past the bottom of her door where light peeped under, and following the shadow was heavy footsteps.
Why where are they leaving? Cecilia asked herself.
And as any curious soul would, she opened the door but not quick enough to see who the shadow belonged to. She furrowed her brows as she scanned the hallway, lit by hanging lanterns.
But then she looked down, and just outside her door was a small letter. With her name written in beautiful cursive writing.
She looked once more at where the shadow disappeared too before she picked up the letter and closed her door.
Eagerly, Cecilia opened the letter, foolishly ignoring the red stamp of a skull, the letter was sealed with. Anxiously, she unfolded the letter and read its contentions.
Cecilia,
I hear you have requested a sheltered word with me. As your headmaster, I would be more than pleased to talk with you. I'd love to welcome you formally this evening at the ball. I hope, the very first of many balls Angelwood will be holding. I'll be on the balcony at midnight waiting for you. The view of tonight's eclipse will be exquisite from there.
Edwin Winston
P.S. If I'd known you were a Lorvina I would have greeted you myself.
She wasn't sure if it was rage coursing through her veins or relief. Tonight, she will be able to ask the very man who possibly saw her family last where they are. Or if he knows anything. But she can't help but think it's his fault they are missing.
Cecilia knew only time would tell. So she wandered over to the corner of her dormitory, by the window and pried the floor bored up and in there, she placed the letter and the diary he had been documenting everything. It held important information and even had a necklace hanging through it.
She couldn't trust anyone in this school, not yet. So here she will keep everything important and of value. She closed the floorboards and with the sharp end of her hair clips, she carved the shape of a crescent moon. The same of the pendant hanging from her necklace which is safe in the floorboard.
The small crescent marking on the wall will be able to remind her which floorboard to pry up again when the time comes.
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Copyright © kirsten enn
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