The Beasts Inside Us

Chapter 15

The ride is quiet after Tavarious' last statement. Neither of us utters a word as we arrive at his castle–a giant, dark and leering building, sitting eerily on top of a hill. Everything about the demon realm is dark and I am getting annoyed at that fact. I'm used to seeing sunlight everyday on my morning and afternoon runs. I live for the moments I can bask in the sun.

The door to the carriage creeks open, seemingly by itself. I glance at Tavarious, silently asking him to get out first. He obliges, stepping out of the carriage gracefully and heading towards the front doors of the castle.

Two dark mists appear, the same shadow-men from before, now opening the castle doors.

I quickly jog to catch up as Tavarious steps inside.

I look around at the spacious home in awe. The difference between Caide's and Tavarious' castles is clearly evident. The interior of this castle is slightly lighter than outside–with torches lighting up the hallways and a large chandelier illuminating the main entrance. The furniture is either dark red or dark brown, reminding me of a stereotypical vampire color scheme. The outside walls are covered in dark, black stone and the 'yard' is dead grass and lighter stone.

While Caide's castle is intimidating, it is more.. homey and welcoming to me. The outside is made of light grey stone with vines crawling up the sides, indicating its old age. The yard in front of it is carefully kept, bright green and freshly watered. The backyard is my favorite, as it has a beautiful garden.

Tavarious clears his throat, bringing my attention back to him.

"Follow me, I will show you where you'll be staying for the time being."

We walk up the large staircase in silence. I am too busy gazing at my surroundings to make small-talk.

I can't help but notice the lack of staff, other than the two guards at the door. I am used to the main part of the castle full of people bustling to get work done.

The ghostly and unsettling halls cause me to walk faster, wanting to get to my new room as fast as possible.

We finally arrive at a set of large, wooden doors. Tavarious takes each handle in his hands and opens both doors at the same time.

Since I am already used to a spacious living space, because of the large room I had back at Caide's castle, I don't have much of a reaction. I calmly walk into the room, examining every corner. I come up with only two escape routes, much to my dismay. In a dire situation, I might just have to stand my ground and fight.

"You may stay here while dinner is prepared. A maid will come and fetch you when it is ready."

I only nod and glide past him, towards the center of the room. Tavarious leaves, seemingly not bothered by my lack of response, closing the doors behind him.

I stand the middle of the room, finally having a chance to be alone with my thoughts. 

The silence rings loudly in my ears, and the feeling of loneliness finally sets in.

Caide sent me away.

The thought breaks my heart all over again. Now that I am alone, I allow a tear to escape my eye. A couple more follow it's lead, until a sob breaks through my lips. I squeeze my eyes shut and fall backwards onto my new bed.

I will never see him again.

Never see Marie again.

Or Ted.

Or anyone else in the castle.

All because of a monster inside me that I cannot control.

Maybe Tavarious could teach me how to tame the beast. Then I would be able to go back to them.