Whispers of the Past

Part 6:Turning Point | Поворотный момент

The dimly lit, luxurious room felt even colder and more oppressive now that Delera was alone. Her wrists and ankles, still chafed from the restraints, ached as she sat on the edge of the bed. The sound of footsteps approaching made her heart race, but she dared not move. The door creaked open, revealing the maid with a keyring and a gentle, sympathetic expression.

With a cautious smile, the maid approached and unlocked Delera's restraints. "You're free to shower and eat," she said softly, avoiding direct eye contact. "I'll leave some fresh clothes and a meal for you."

Delera struggled to her feet, her muscles stiff and sore. As she stepped into the shower, the warm water felt both soothing and invigorating. The steam from the shower seemed to clear her mind, but as she washed away the grime and exhaustion, memories from her past began to surface, unbidden.

Flashback: A Haunting Memory

The scene shifted to a sprawling estate belonging to the Sokolov family, a place of both strict rules and hidden joys. Delera was a young girl, full of curiosity and wonder. The estate, though controlled by stringent laws, was where she, Mia, and their cousin Vlad spent countless carefree days together.

One summer night, under a blanket of stars, Delera had wandered away from the festivities. The laughter and chatter of the Sokolov family's party faded into the background as she ventured towards the backyard.

It was then she saw him—Evan. The scene was surreal and horrifying. Under the pale moonlight, Evan was engaged in a chilling act of violence, ending a man's life with cold efficiency. Delera's heart pounded as she watched, hidden behind a large oak tree.

Evan, noticing her presence, approached with a determined stride. He didn't acknowledge her at first but continued his grim task. It was only after he finished that he turned towards her, his expression unreadable.

"I didn't think you'd see this," he said, his voice steady but edged with a hint of concern.

Delera was paralyzed with fear, not just by the brutality of the act but by the cold reality of what her family's world entailed. Evan's demeanor was unsettlingly calm, but he didn't offer any explanation or comfort. Instead, he gave her a brief, almost awkward hug—a gesture that felt strangely out of place amidst the violence she had just witnessed.

After the hug, Evan's tone softened as he looked at her with a mixture of protectiveness . "Delera, you shouldn't be out here alone. It's dangerous. ...This is just how things are. I know it's hard to understand now, but it's part of who we are. I'll keep you safe, alright? Just stay close to the family."

His voice was gentle, almost like he was talking to a younger sister. The warmth of his embrace and the concern in his voice contrasted sharply with the horror of the scene.

As he walked away, Delera was left alone in the darkness, her teenage heart torn between terror and a burgeoning, inexplicable affection for Evan. The horror of the night was eclipsed by the unexpected tenderness he had shown her and the startling realization of her deep, unresolved feelings for him.

The flashback ended as Delera stepped out of the shower, her face flushed and her mind reeling. She dressed in the fresh clothes provided, the simple act of putting on clean garments offering a small, yet fleeting, sense of normalcy.

Returning to the bed, she found the meal the maid had left—basic, but nourishing. As she ate, her thoughts drifted back to that night on the estate, to the strange mix of fear and love she felt for Evan. She understood now, more than ever, that her emotions were tangled up with her past experiences. It was this deep-seated affection that would drive her actions moving forward, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.