The Rose Murderer

Nicolette hummed her favorite song as she threaded the silk ribbons of a beaded corset. Finally, the laces reached their end, and she tied them off in a perfect bow. Tears sprung to her eyes when the beautiful girl faced the mirror and smiled, her perfect features glowing with the happiness that every bride has on her wedding day. The bride's golden hair was tucked up in the back, with a few loose strands cascading to her dainty shoulders.

"You look beautiful, Lydia."

Lydia's smile widened, and she turned to hug her maid of honor.

"Thanks Nicky, you're the best."

Nicolette nodded, turning away to check her own reflection. Her heart fell as she looked between her friend and herself. Nicolette's hair was a dull brown, her eyes didn't sparkle like Lydia's did, and her body was far from perfect. The door creaked open, interrupting Nicolette's thoughts.

"Lydia, it's time."

Lydia giggled like a school girl on her first date, and followed her father out the door. Nicolette's heart jolted like it was ripped out of her chest as she stood in front of her friend preparing herself for the walk down the aisle.

"Don't fall, Nicolette. My wedding has to be perfect."

Lydia's stern voice sent a wave of anger through Nicolette's veins, but she disguised it with a smile and a nod. The doors opened, and Nicolette's heart jumped. There he was. Standing in all his perfect glory at the end of the aisle was Adam, her best friend and one true love. He smiled at Nicolette as she walked down the isle, and for a moment, she got lost in his eyes and forgot she was not the bride. She could see herself in a simple white gown with a long veil, she could imagine Adam's face when the doors swung open to reveal her hidden beauty.

Suddenly, the flash of a camera brought reality crashing back down on her shoulders, and she stopped in the middle of the aisle. The bouquet of flowers fell from her hands, the caged tears finally breaking free. Adam's face fell into a look of concern, and he ran to catch Nicolette as she collapsed.

"Nicolette? Nicolette, can you hear me?"

"I can't do this, Adam."

"Can't do what?"

"I can't pretend that I don't love you anymore."

n - - z - - n

"Verushka! Verushka Rusu."

The deep voice echoed all around me. My demon was calling me.

"Go Away!"

My scream was lost in the dark, sucked up by the midnight abyss all around me. My name was whispered again, and my head whipped around to face the sound. There was nothing, only endless dark. I could see no floor beneath my feet, no walls to keep me in, and yet I was trapped. The smell of smoke filled my nostrils, poisoning my lungs and stinging my eyes.

"Verushka," he called, "Verushka, my love, look at me."

I turned slowly, my racing heart rising to my throat. He was there. His crystal blue eyes were sparkling with a dark power, and his pale blonde hair was combed back, much like a business man. His white suit was a stark contrast with the blackness around me, like a gleaming piece of hope in everlasting night. Still, he was a demon, disguised like a man as irresistible as a white rose in a bed of thorns.

"Verushka, a woman should not drool."

I blushed, immediately looking away to hide an amused smile. "Nor should a man use his power to invade a woman's dreams."

The demon scowled, then disappeared with spin and a flash of light. An image grew from the shadows, playing moving pictures like a tv screen. I watched as a friendship grew between a young man and woman, blossoming into a beautiful relationship. Then, I could see the woman's feelings begin to change. She fell in love. The man remained oblivious to her change in behavior, as he was falling for someone else. The image changed then, to reveal the young woman holding a dagger, formed of jealousy and rage. The young woman crept up on the girl in white, raising the knife high above her head. The bride's wedding dress was stained red as jealousy pierced her heart and rage sliced her throat. My heart stopped. I tried to look away from the screen as the bride's life left her eyes, but an invisible force held my gaze to the image.