Midnight's Captive

Chapter ~ Two

"The figure remained still, its presence both captivating and unnerving. I felt an inexplicable pull, as if drawn to a mystery I couldn't quite grasp.

As I took another step forward, the moonlight danced across the figure's features, revealing a glimpse of chiseled cheekbones and piercing eyes.

My breath caught in my throat. Those eyes seemed to hold a world of secrets, a depth that beckoned me closer.

'Who are you?' I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The figure didn't respond, but instead, took a step closer. The shadows around us grew longer, as if night itself was closing in.

I stood frozen, unsure whether to flee or surrender to the unknown. The rose petals continued their soft rustling, a soothing melody that belied the tension building within me.

Suddenly, the figure raised its hand, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my veins. Its fingers brushed against my cheek, sending shivers down my spine."

"His fingers lingered on my cheek, sending a chill through me. The coldness of his skin was unnerving, like holding a fragment of ice. My heart galloped wildly, threatening to burst free.

Strangely, his face remained a blur, as if shrouded in mist. But his eyes... those ocean-deep eyes held me captive. I felt the urge to dive in, to lose myself in their mysterious depths.

I strained to focus on his features, but they refused to sharpen. Frustration gnawed at me.

My gaze drifted lower, tracing the lines of his neck. That's when I saw it – an unusual tattoo.

A crescent moon with an arrow piercing its curve.

Intricate, elegant, and hauntingly beautiful.

I felt an inexplicable connection to that tattoo, as if it held a secret meant only for me.

My fingers twitched, longing to touch the design.

'What does it mean?' I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The figure didn't respond, but his eyes seemed to darken, like the ocean's depths stirring with hidden currents."

"My words tumbled out in a frustrated rush, 'Why won't you talk? Not a single word? Who are you? Why am I here? Did you bring me? I was in my room, wasn't I? How did you bring me here?'

I searched his face for any sign of response, but his expression remained unreadable. His eyes, though, seemed to hold a glimmer of something – empathy, perhaps, or understanding.

But it was too little, too late. My disappointment boiled over.

'I'm talking to you, and you're just standing there! Say something!' I demanded, my voice cracking with emotion.

The silence between us grew heavier, more oppressive. I felt like I was drowning in his quiet contemplation.

Suddenly, I turned to leave, but his hand shot out, grasping my wrist. His cold fingers wrapped around me like a shackle.

I spun back, my eyes flashing with anger. 'Let me go!' I spat.

But he didn't. Instead, he pulled me closer, his gaze burning with an unspoken message."

"'Who are you?' I shouted, my voice echoing through the garden. 'Tell me, or I'm leaving this place!' I threatened, trying to wrench my wrist free.

His grip remained unyielding, but his expression shifted. For the first time, I saw a flicker of emotion – a hint of amusement, perhaps.

Then, he spoke.

His voice was like thunder on a summer night – deep, rumbling, and electrifying. It vibrated through every cell in my body, leaving me breathless.

'Asher Blackwood,' he said, his tone low and husky.

The sound of his voice sent shivers down my spine. I felt my knees weaken, my heart stutter.

'Asher Blackwood,' I repeated, the name rolling off my tongue like a whispered secret.

His eyes crinkled at the corners, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

The crescent moon tattoo on his neck seemed to gleam in the moonlight, as if affirming his identity.

I sensed a darkness surrounding Asher, a mystery waiting to be unraveled."

"Asher's smile grew, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. His laughter sent shivers down my spine, drying my throat.

'Umhh... but I know you very well, Blue Moon,' he whispered, his voice weaving a spell around me.

Blue Moon? The term echoed in my mind, stirring a sense of unease.

'Sorry... but I don't recognize you!' I stammered, trying to retreat.

Asher's eyes flashed with amusement. 'You don't remember, blue moon?' he asked, his tone dripping with sensual intimacy.

Blue moon? Who was blue moon?

'I... I'm not blue moon,' I protested, but Asher's words ignited a spark within me.

'You are,' he insisted, his voice low and persuasive. 'You're the one I've been searching for. You are my blue moon! Only mine!'

His gaze roamed over me, hungry and possessive.

'I'm your guardian, your protector... and your shadow,' he continued, each word painting a picture of dark obsession.

'And your desire,' he added, his voice barely above a whisper.

My heart skipped a beat. Asher's words conjured images of forbidden passion, of secrets hidden in the shadows.

'Unknown dark obsession,' he repeated, his eyes burning with an unspoken promise.

I felt myself getting lost in his gaze, drowning in the depths of his eyes.

Suddenly I jerked awake, gasping for air, my heart racing like a wild animal. Sweat dripped from my brow, and my sheets clung to my damp skin.

'Was that a dream?' I whispered, my voice trembling.

The vivid images of Asher and the rose garden lingered, refusing to fade.

So real.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease.

But as I sat up, a cold breeze caressed my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

The scent of unknown spices and roses wafted through the air, teasing my senses.

My eyes widened. How was this possible?

The fragrance was identical to the one in my dream.

I threw off the covers and swung my legs over the side of the bed.

My feet dangling in the air, I felt a chill run down my spine.

Was it just a coincidence?

Or was something more sinister at play?

Suddenly, a piece of paper on my nightstand caught my eye.

A single sentence was scrawled on it:

'Remember, Blue Moon.'"

Continued..........