Curse Of The Virgin Canvas **HIATUS**

It Was A Dark and Stormy Night

*Ryder's POV*

Belle looked at me with a pained curiosity in her eyes. I don't know why she wanted to stay here, nor do I know when her judgement will be settled. I looked back at her and let out a soft sigh of sadness and what I could only imagine was disappointment. I exhaled and let her walk away, though it pained my heart to do so.

You should not get attached to her... I told myself sternly.

But I simply can't help it...

A moment passed where I spent countless seconds arguing with myself about Belle. I knew I couldn't actually let her stay with me, but some part of me really didn't care at all. That part of me knew that she is what I needed. That she was my key to finally finding peace. If I could just... Postpone her judgement for as long as possible, then maybe we could both get out of here, together.

Annabelle was my key to getting my freedom, nay my sanity back. For hundreds of years it's been nothing but souls in and out of purgatory, some not lasting more that a couple of hours before their judgement arrives. It's a dull existence, being in my position; all you get to really do is herd souls from one area to their final resting place. Rarely do souls stay trapped here for as long as I've been, but it happens. A soul slips through the cracks and is forgotten for god only knows how long exactly.

Then there's me. I've been doing this job for well over a couple of centuries. Not once did I feel any remorse or rejoice with the souls who were judged under my watch. I never really cared, to be honest. I was told my job and given rules. Then one girl comes along and makes me question everything.

She opened my eyes to how coldly I have treated past lost souls, when I saw the hurt in her eyes the day she had arrived. She busted my walls and defenses down like they weren't even there. She made me feel something again. I felt joy when she smiled at me. I felt anger and satisfaction when her ex met his judgement. Then I felt my heart shatter in my chest as I watched the girl of my dreams walk away... I looked over in the general area of where she was headed and didn't see her anywhere. Not on her favorite bench, nor was she on the swing set. My heart dropped.

Where did she go...?

I took off into the night, desperate to find her. She couldn't have gone far, could she? I looked everywhere for her. In trees. Behind rocks. In alleyways. Nothing. I looked up at the sky; daybreak was going to come soon. I let out a flustered and panicky groan.

Annabelle Lee...
Come back, my love...

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Hey all, I know it's been a while since I updated ANYTHING I have on here, but as I'm sure you all know: I had a good excuse. Thankfully things have smoothed out and I should be able to get caught up with stories (inspiration permitting of course, haha). So, I hope you guys liked this chapter. Leave a comment of what you think happened to our dear Belle below, and I will see you all again soon with another update. Much love,
MotionlessGhost :) <3