The Wailing Woman

50. A Castle is a Castle

Ivy dropped us off in the middle of nowhere. We are deep into the woods miles away from any town or people. The dead do not wander here either. Not a single bird is chirping or squirrels can be seen. Tall pine trees obscure the sky. I suppose this was the perfect place to be hidden, to be safe and that's all that matters. Dilara and I stood in front of an arched black barred gate, towering and daunting looking. The set of keys Ivy left me suddenly felt heavy in my palm.

But before she left, I needed to know what happened to my apartment. She only handed me three bags and none of them were clothes. The bag I opened had a few of my favorite childhood books, Refugio's jewelry, and the jar of white petals I tore from the tulip Grimm gave me. "You're sentimental. Very human of you. This is what you treasure most." Ivy said with the least hint of emotion but something briefly swept her eyes. "You treasure memories. Everything else was burnt and destroyed." She stunned me.

I didn't necessarily care for clothes although a pair of underwear would've been nice. But these things she saved meant more. This is what I care about the most, my memories. I was going to thank her until she said. "You'll be protected here. Don't leave the house unless you have to. All necessities and accommodations are inside." Her tone clipped. "Every day a demon will come and see if you made any progress to bring the King's wings back. He will come once you are ready." After that, Ivy promptly turned around and drove off. I wish she ended up in a ditch.

"What's her problem?" Dilara then said, accusingly. "Did you piss her off? Did you piss him off?"

I don't like that Ivy keeps using Grimm as a shield to cover her hatred toward me. I know she doesn't romantically like Grimm. She has respect and devoted loyalty to him. Her anger is personal but I don't know why. I have never met her or done anything to her.

I shrugged. "I'm pissing off a lot of people for simply existing. She'll be the only one who can show it. But I might just pluck her feathers off and leave her hairless."

Dilara sighs heavily, "Alright, enough. Let's get inside. I would rather not see that, given that I already watched someone die today." I had forgotten Dilara wasn't used to this but she was holding herself well. On the car ride, I did see her fidget and squeeze her eyes a couple of times. Possibly trying to forget the sound of a snapped neck. Hopefully, there was bread inside. It would help with the nerves.

I walked up to the gate retrieving the chunky padlock. I fumbled with the keys and stuck the skeleton key inside. We dragged the duffle bag and smaller bags. As we followed the trail uphill, I thought if this was either going to be my safe house or prison. Grimm's absence does not surprise me. I knew he was going to distance himself as soon as he spoke those words the other night. It's how it should've been from the very moment we struck the deal but I can't accept it.

I buried my feelings for him and he watered them. Starry eyes. Reddish lips. Wickedly handsome. Devious smiles. Fluttering butterflies. My eyes are lingering on my shadow hoping he would emerge from there. If my heart and mind don't remember you, then my shadows will. I was one step ahead, I was already memorizing him.

There was one way I could keep Grimm by my side. The deal was broken. I asked for silence but it slowly faded. The pain inside my heart is dripping with blood-thirst. I seek vengeance and I will fulfill it. I kept my mouth shut for the good of everyone. I made myself invisible out of the precaution of everyone. That's what my father, my mother, and grandmother needed from me because they knew if I made myself known to the world I would wreak havoc. Too bad for everyone who knows I am alive and wants me dead.

The Capturer of Souls will answer for The Crier of Souls, but there will be no tears, only blood.

Dilara's steps halted. "Oh my..." My brows furrowed as I looked toward the direction of her gaze. Holy shit. This wasn't a house and it was bigger than any house I had ever seen.