Red: Lay Down Your Hearts.

Sanctioned

Here we walk down a twisting path in the crypt. It's long since forgotten trails have moisture collecting on the stones. My feet often slip as I step down further into the unknown. Hanir's hands are locked on my right hand as I make the way for us.

There are constant little eyes beaming down at us. Bats, I thought, how iconic. I press a foot onto a platform and help Hanir to it. In this area the walls are cut out from dirt, it's compacted tightly however moist. I whisper reassurance to Hanir then I climb up into the tunnel, I hold my hands to my chest.

There's a strange feeling pressing inside my chest and being relieved moments later. I wait a moment after the pressure subsides before I help Hanir. My heart still seems to beat but only faintly. Every once in a while I'll feel a push inside my chest. The earthy scent of the tunnel reaches my nose. By the narrow tunnels a soft whisper of air brushed past my face. On each wisp breeze I can just slightly hear the voices of hundred beings from within talking.

I step through the tunnel anticipating the arrival of Arren. His gentle smile accompanying his harsh words. I don't want to be this. I never wanted this. My left foot sinks a little, I look down and see mud. "Watch for the mud." I advise as I lift my foot from the mud. Hanir has been quite during this whole while we ventured into the underground coven.

"Hanir, what are you thinking?" I ask as I find myself walking forward again. This time a small well polished door stands before us in a small hall way. My hand on his tightens and as it does does he fixes his hold by pressing his fingers in between the spaces of my fingers. "I don't want to be alone during this life. To live alone with no one." He speaks solemnly. I tilt my head, wisps of hair falling into my vision.

I turn on my heal and glance at him. His face is turned down and his eyes glaze over. Like there is more to this than I know. "Be brave, Hanir. I promise I shall remain by your side until the light shines down onto me." I stand and hold his hand firmly "Please, do not think of yourself alone." My voice radiates in the tunnel.

He nods to himself then we begin walking again.

Stone bricks take the spot of the compacted dirt. And as the bricks are formed along down the halls a door is stationed at the end where a vampire stands with a torch in hand. Hanirs grip tightens slightly. I know the vampire at the end is female. Her blonde hair is hidden inside a hood. She tilts her head back to look at us. She is pretty small. Maybe an early teen.. Barely old enough to know what puberty was, yet I don't fool myself. I know she is well over the age she looks.

Her little voice sounds as she works a key into the lock of the door. "Welcome to Sanctuary, you will find your Sire in the Great Hall." Her voice is so small yet it holds much certainty and reflects maturity. She twists the knob and pushes the door forward. It opens with no sound being made, not a creak or grown. Just the sound of a breeze being allowed enterance into the hidden area.

I am simply amazed by how the once seemingly dank and musky environment could be transformed into such an exquisite sight to behold. The floor is replaced with marble and the walls have engravings of polished stone flecked with gold. It's shimmering walls twinkling from the torches held by vampiric guards but somewhere I smell the sweet stench of blood. My mouth waters at the mere thought.

We pass through the door and end up in the entrance hallway where many doors line the hall. Nothing has a name over the doors I guess when you've come to live here for so long placing name on a destination becomes decor rather than a reminder of where you are. Things just become engraved into memory.

Me and Hanir stand in front of the large doors which blocked us off from the Great Hall. Winding staircases ascend indicating more than one floor. Our hands are locked together, not even the mightiest of swords could pry our grips apart. I take a breath and push the elegantly engraved doors open.