Crimson Ties

chapter one: twosday's curse

Odessa

It is the year 2022, February 22nd and I am to be wedded to the love of my life. A renowned artist, no less. 22/2/22, on a Tuesday. Twosday. What are the odds? That's exactly why we chose that date. Little did I know, I wouldn't be getting married today.

I woke up to a gloomy Tuesday morning, the sky cracked open by harsh flashes of light. Thunder rumbled so loud it drowned out every thought in my mind. I would've loved the weather—stormy days had always felt comforting—but something felt off. I couldn't quite place it, but there was a heaviness in the air, lingering, as if it were poised to come crashing down on me. Absurd to think that a storm could be a harbinger, right? I push the uneasy feelings away. It is my wedding day—our day. Why should I feel anything but joy?

We had planned for an outdoor ceremony by the sea, my favorite place. By afternoon, the storm had cleared, and the Edinburgh coast stretched out under a pale sky. Gloomy, but beautiful. There was always something about Edinburgh that called to me, as though I belonged there—even though I'd never been here before... until now.

We left for the venue three hours before dusk. The plan was to catch the sunset as I walked down the aisle, my love waiting at the altar. The drive was long, and I must've dozed off because I awoke with a start when my fiancé gently shook me awake. His smile was soft, but I couldn't shake the tightness in my chest. I rub my eyes, trying to chase the exhaustion away when—bang. His best friend pounds on the window. I flinch. I've always startled easily.

"I'll go ahead," my fiancé whispers, brushing a kiss against my lips. "Take a minute, okay?"

I nod, watching him disappear into the crowd, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I take a few deep breaths, trying to shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong...

It's fine. I'm fine. Everything's going to be fine. There's nothing to—wait.

I hear something. A sharp, screeching sound. It's piercing the air, but I can't tell where it's coming from. It's getting louder, I realise it's getting closer. My pulse quickens. There's no rhythm to it, no pattern, just this relentless, grating noise. It feels like it's crawling under my skin, and yet, everything around me remains still. That sound... it shouldn't be there, but it is.

God, I'm spiraling.

I must have forgotten to take my meds. My phone vibrates slightly in my pocket, and I jolt. Three messages from Leon.

L: Baby, are you alright?

It's been twenty five minutes since I left you in the car.

We're all waiting for the beautiful bride to grace us with her arrival.

I chuckle softly, feeling my pulse gradually slow. Leon's too sweet. I really should get out of the car and search for him.

I replied, I'm coming.

I sigh before swinging the passenger door open and stepping out. I should have taken a moment to scan my surroundings, but I didn't. The wind bit at my skin, and I wrapped my arms around myself for warmth.

Moments ago, there was noise—now, an eerie silence hangs in the air. It's broad daylight, yet a creeping fear gnaws at me. I shouldn't be feeling so afraid for my safety, yet my stomach churns with unease and though I hadn't eaten all morning, I feel like vomiting.

There's nothing behind me. There's no way. But why do I feel the hairs on my nape standing up? I'm imagining it. I have to be.

It all happened too fast for me to scream. I can't  even tell what came first. One moment, I heard hurried footsteps behind me, and the next, a sharp, pungent odour invaded my nose. Before I could react, I was slammed to the ground with such force, so quickly, I was sure it had to be a man. My mouth opened in a desperate attempt to draw in air, but nothing came. My chest heaved, lungs burning, as if every gasp of air slipped right through me. My vision blurs as my hands claw at the air, grasping for something, anything. Through the haze, I saw a towering figure looming over me, growing darker, more distant. That is the last thing I remember before everything went black.

I don't know how long I was out, but when I came to, I was lying in an unfamiliar, dark room. At least I was on a cushioned bed—not in some damp, rat-infested dungeon. What is this? Had I really been kidnapped? Or is this some twisted prank?

My hand shot to my pocket, frantically searching for my phone. Of course, it is futile. The screen looks to be in a worse state than I am, shattered, beyond any hope of resuscitation. It must've been crushed when I was slammed to the ground. Speaking of which, my head hurts like a bitch. How am I even remembering everything so clearly?

I shift to get up, momentarily forgetting I am in my captor's territory. That's when I hear the unmistakable clack of heels approaching my door. Panic jolted through me as I scramble back into bed, forcing my eyes shut.

Muffled voices filtered through the door before it creaked open, excruciatingly slow.

"How long has she been out?"

"Three days, ma'am."

"Three days," a woman muses. "Any news on her fiancé?"

There was a rustle of paper being passed. After a moment, someone says, "He reported her missing."

"Yes, I am not illiterate," the woman says, her voice steady, though a hint of irritation slips through.

Silence hangs in the air until the deeper voice, likely belonging to a man, speaks again. "She's famous. It's making headlines everywhere."

An exasperated sigh follows, I find it strangely alluring coming from the woman. I mentally shook myself—focus, I should be paying close attention to what they're saying.

So, my fiancé reported me missing. Will they even be able to find me? Where am I, anyway?

I can't shake the thought that what should have been the best day of my life has swiftly transformed into my worst nightmare.

Maybe, I am dreaming... a horrible, dreadful dream. Even if I'm not, mom... it appears that I'm finally famous. You wouldn't believe the reason though.