The Red Candle

Chapter One

I was under the moonlight and dark clouds of dawn when I stood bare-footed in the dry soil of our lawn. I know it was our backyard. It has to be. But everything was hazy as the place was shrouded by this white, mysterious mist. It was dark and only the figures of our house were discernible, as well as the orchids of my grandmother yet I can see none other than its silhouettes. I know this was just a dream, but I can feel the cold breeze swirling from the mist, with my white sleeping robe that could not keep me warm for longer.
I walked forward and just found the orchids of my grandma, hung on the old trunk of the oak trees of our lawn. They were so luring. I would never forget how grandma often waters them, touching its soft and smooth lavender petals. She told me one day. When time comes, I want you to take care of these, Sandra. She told me back then that these orchids have lived over a hundred and twenty years. Pretty strange, right? I asked her why these flowers have lived multiple times more than their original life span, but she did not know either. All she told me was that we must take care of this as these flowers were our family's legacy. A treasure which we must never share from any outsiders beyond our family. She was my grandma, of course, so I'll obey her.
Its roots were dry, so I scanned for the water hose found beside a tree on my left. I went to it and when I was about to twist the faucet, there were whispers coming from behind
"You must pay..."
"A foolish lineage..."
I froze. I heard those voices again. "Who are you? What do you need?" I called upon them. Standing still while facing the tree before me, I waited for the responses of the lingering whispers. They were silenced. I took a deep breath and decided to water these orchids. Naturally, I was scared yet I forced my body to awaken myself from this dream but nothing happened. My consciousness was captured by this nightmare. This seemed so real where I can feel this vivid scenery, with its cold and eerie atmosphere. When I turned around, my heart jumped in surprise as a dagger flew, swiftly passing a few inches apart from hitting my face. I screamed and staggered in response. My gaze was locked on the tree beside me as it was where the dagger landed. Its silvery blade was smeared with crimson blood. On the tip-most of its leather hilt was a knotted golden ribbon. My heart raced faster for every second that has passed. I wanted to run but I had no other option. I know this was just a dream, so nothing could hurt me. I built up my bravery and took a closer look at the dagger. It was about a few inches long with its tip penetrating the tree's bark.
"We must avenge them." The voices continued. By this time, blood has dripped from the roots of my grandma's orchid. I stepped away from it, my hands and legs both shaking in terror.
"Your family must die." I followed where the voices were coming from. I turned to my right and saw a tombstone, encircled by lighted red candles. My heart shriveled in fear. But as I said earlier, I had no choice. This may be an answer to all these haunting spirits that I've been encountering. I walked towards the tombstone where an unfamiliar name was inscribed; Dolora Windister. I have never encountered her name in my entire life. I have never heard anything about her. When I read it outloud, a gust of chill wind swirled around us. The light of the candles has quenched.
"Ssss..." I turned around as I heard a snake rattling from behind. But it was very dark. Dread was flowing in my veins. My heart was beating so fast that it could explode any moment. I cannot free myself, and I feel like my feet are snared, for I cannot move away from where I was standing. Myself was helplessly sweating in the middle of this cold and dark dream. Finally, the snake showed itself. The silky black scales of the viper gleamed under the moonlight. It bared its fangs and was about to lunge at me. Before it crawled towards me, another gust of wind blew my hair. I turned around and what I saw almost gave me a heart attack. My legs stumbled on the ground, my eyes widened in horror.
There were several people in black cloaks, standing beside each candle with their bloody and withered faces half-veiled. There were around twelve of them, their skin was pale and gray and was drained out of life. They were severely injured as they had bruises on their arms and feet. At once, they all smiled hideously and drew a dagger- a dagger that was much similar to what almost hit my face earlier.
The wind got stronger. The continuous and repetitive whispers rang in my ears, wishing that our family must die. I cannot move nor speak. No more words I could say, but a helpless scream that broke the silence of the dawn.