Elysian House: The Bitten Elixir [Remake] (1)

Chapter 6: Perplexity

Chapter 6: Perplexity

"Who are you?" Asked the woman perched up on the balcony as I walk in. I freeze upon hearing her voice. She's older than me. Far older than me, old even. She looked like a witch, with that pointed nose, and those small, beady black eyes. She was crouched, like she couldn't stand any taller than that, lest she wants to break something. I've heard of her before, knew of the stories that she's created. The power she has. 

"I need something from you," I say, without answering her first question. I've searched far a wide for this. Even delaying to answer my wife's pleads. It pained me to do so, but I knew if I spoke with her, she'd figure out exactly what I'm up to. And I can't have that. Not yet, anyway. "I've searched for you for weeks. It's time I finally have a word with you." 

"Ah, a greedy person has come my way," she sounds pleased, and I know that she'll accept my wish, because she's that type of person. But she's also the type of woman that wouldn't give something away without wanting something in return. However, I'm fully prepared to pay whatever price I need to ensure this wish becomes a reality. "And what do you desire, young lady?" 

"I want power," I answer. "I want to be able to protect someone. Someone dear." 

A malicious smile crosses over her witch-like features. It makes my stomach tie up in knots to see it. But I hold my ground, because I don't want to reveal my uneasiness. When I walked here, I had felt it. The strong feeling of evil. A dark magic that seemed to spiral around this castle, this dark palace, that it almost seemed like the magic itself was her own personal army. "Oh? A lover." 

"Yes." 

"Interesting. Well, I may have something. But I want something in return," she says and I don't expect anything less of her. She leans her wrinkly face over the balcony further, golden eyes bouncing in the little light of the palace. "I will create a powerful magic. One that will ensure to keep your beloved safe from harms way. In exchange... I want your name." 

"My name?" I questioned, one eyebrow raised. I hadn't expected that. I've heard stories that she'd asked for more demanding things. Castles, money... lives. But names? Never had I heard of that one before. 

She leans her wrinkled cheek into her equally old hand and continues to smile. "Yes. I would like your name." 

I narrow my eyes, but sigh. If I have to do it for my soon-to-be wife, then I will do it. I look up at her with my eyes set on one thing. I'm certain.

"Rowan." 

---

Right now, I'm sitting underneath the moonlight, with my roommate, Maya, and studying for the upcoming test. Elysian House was no joke. It was a lot harder than Sacred Heart was. In one class, I already have a test coming up. In another class, there was talk about a quiz. I wasn't exactly expecting this, despite me being in a school. I was expecting a longer stretch of time before I actually started to study for tests and quiz's. But here I am, book opened, talking to Maya. 

Maya tosses her book to the side with a huff, running her hands down her face. "God... this sucks." 

"What'd you expect?" I asked, as I flipped the page and inspected the black and white pictures. 

"It's the beginning of the year and we're already learning. Damn..." Maya leans up on her elbows, to look at me. "On the bright side, at least I get to study with you. It'll give me an excuse to hang with you more." 

I smile at my roomie. Glad to have thought she felt that way. I lean back on my hands when I felt my hand touch my phone, which had been lying in the grass. I pick it up to check for any messages. But found none. I sigh with a frown.