What About Now?

Chapter 23 - The Legend of the Sea

Purple, it's a beautiful color; I can't help but think as I stare at the outside world from my window. Yet, it looks incomplete. It's beautiful, but it needs something to make it magnificent.

I smile briefly at the thought as I walk into the grand washroom.

For some unexplainable reason I'm incredibly elated this morning. The permanent smile etched on my face doesn't falter and I just want to laugh, but not just a brief laugh. I want to laugh for hours, as one would when they just received thrilling life-changing news.

I want to run outside and feel the soft grass under my feet, the wind's breeze blowing my hair back, and the basking feel of the suns hot rays rejuvenating my body.  

I can't explain this feeling. It's as if for the first time in my entire life, I don't feel alone.

I beam at the thought as I jump into the shower. The hot water running down my body has me sighing at its soothing feel.

The happiness is consuming. I find myself humming softly in the shower and then proceeding to do so as I dress in jeans and a light blue top.

The soft hum doesn't cease as I slip on my white-strapped sandals, but rather escalates into a soft giggle as I twirl and brush my hair. While gingerly brushing out the knots I walk towards the window to gaze at the rising sunset. It swirls the hues of purple in the sky and becomes slightly lighter, creating the morning blue.

"Something magnificent," I grin.

With that fleeting thought I turn to place the hairbrush on the vanity table. But when I do, I catch something in its reflection.

The permanently etched smile on my face drops. I hurriedly move my hair behind my back and angle my neck sideways. When I perceive the two gaping holes pierced into my neck everything rushes back to me.

I gasp in disbelief as I recall Levi biting into my skin. I remember being forcefully held against the wall as he stared longingly at my neck, and finally punctured into it, despite my nervous pleas.

I pace across the room as a wave of negative thoughts attack me.

The happy disposition that I woke up with is gone. I feel confused, angry, and most of all betrayed.

Why did he do that to me? I ponder silently. Is this some sick method of punishing me for my disobedience, for having an opinion?

It's frightening to think that he'd hurt me for something as minuscule as being opinionated. I can't fathom the thought and attempt to conjure up another reasonable explanation for his bizarre behavior. 

I don't notice that I'm resting my hand across my bite mark until I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. I slowly lower my hand to my side, surreptitiously relishing in the tranquil feel it evokes. 

"No," I shake my head. "What he did is wrong," I mutter staring at my reflection.

I continue to stare at my image, trying to come up with a plausible explanation but shake my head angrily none come to mind. 

A knock is resounds against the the door, taking me by surprise and breaking me away from my tumultuous thoughts. Before the person can enter, I hurriedly position my hair to cover my bite mark.

"Princess, its time to wake-"

"Oh," Diana mutters, staring at me surprisingly.

"Since when are you awake at this hour?" She asks checking her watch. "I usually have to pry you out of bed," she laughs jokingly.