Once Upon a Nightmare

PROLOGUE

I was too young to feel unloved. A nine year old me doesn't deserve to be treated like nothing. I am their child, but maybe I was just really a trash.

Living without my parents' guidance made me hard-headed. I was the bully in school and a prankster in our mansion. Our maids resigned because they can't bare with my attitude.

My parents ordered me to stay with my grandma. It's far from the city so I disagree. They should stop acting like they know what's the best for me if they can't act like my parents in the first place. They only care for me during my birthdays.

"I've got enough of you, Arabella. You're really stubborn and you're getting into my nerves." Mom is about to errupt like a volcano and I don't even care. "You're a Savedra then act like one. You're such a disgrace for being called in the guidance for countless of times. You need to stop." I think they are the ones who have to stop. Stop acting like they care.

"I don't know what to do to you, young lady. Whether you like it or not you're staying at your grandma's. Pack your things then leave." After dad said those hurtful words, he turned his attention to his phone like nothing happened.

Maybe staying away from them is a pretty good idea after all. I quickly ran to my room then packed my clothes. I need to get away from these monsters. From now on, they don't have a child to raise.

Someone knocked on my door and it was our driver. "Miss Arabella, are you all good? Sir Immanuel told me to take you a ride all the way to Madam Crisella." I just nodded.

We already left the mansion. I didn't even received a farewell from them. Tsk. What do I expect. Maybe they're jumping in glee after I left.

Couple of hours, we already arrived to our destination. It's an old-fashioned mansion yet it's still pleasing to the eyes. Our driver helped me with my bags then bid his farewell.

I'm still observing the place. The cold breeze welcomed me same with the scent of the white roses. I was fascinated when fireflies flied to different directions. It was my first time to see them that's why I tried to catch one.

It was harder than I thought but I successfully caught one. While the firefly is trapped in my palms, I wished to be happy. I kissed my knuckles then I let go of the admiring creature.

"Welcome, my dear Arabella." I was shocked when someone spoke behind me. When I turned my back, I saw Grandma Crisella smiling at me so I smiled back.

"Come on, dear. Its cold here. Come inside." I'm starting to feel nervous for an unknown reason yet here I am, picking my bags then came inside the mansion.

The mansion was huge and grandma's living here alone. I'm uncomfortable here. I got terrified when I heard voices.

"Dear, follow me." I suddenly stood up straight then followed her. As I take the stairs, the voices are getting louder.

We entered a room. The walls are white then picture frames are hanged above the fireplace. Gramdma took a little white box. She sat on her rocking chair then looked at me.

"Sit, dear. I will tell you an interesting story." I followed her command. I sat on the floor facing her. We're meters away from the fireplace.

She pointed a picture frame which holds a picture of a beautiful lady. It has blonde hair and wears a white flowy dress that reaches the floor. She looks sweet and innocent.

"She's pretty." Grandma agrees with me. "Of course she is."

Grandma cleared her throat. "She's Lux. Ruler of Orbis Luminis, the World of Light. She has wings of an angel and she guides the lives that were created. Her people love her because of her pure heart and beauty."

I pointed the picture frame near Lux. "Then who's that guy, Grandma Crisella?"

"He's Death. The heartless ruler of Animabus Pereunt, the Lost Souls. The poor souls in his world are locked behind the bars. He wants to spread darkness and destroy Orbis Luminis."

I once again observed Death. He's emotionless and wearing all black. He's sitting on his throne that is made of skulls.

"You know what's exciting in this story, Arabella?" I shook my head as an answer.

"These two ruler are rivals but Lux fell in love with Death. It was forbidden since her love will be a bait for her world's destruction."

"Why did she fell in love with Death? That guy is evil." Grandma laughed. "Beats me."

"For her peoples' sake. She kept her feelings for herself. Death once again attacked Orbis Luminis. His eager to rule two worlds but Lux blocked his way. Lux is torn between her world's sake and her love for Death. Well, priorities come first so she attacked Death with a heavy heart. At the end, Death loses the battle. Lux won but she doesn't feel happy. She may won but she hurt the person she loves."

I suddenly envy Death. He may be bad but Lux still accepts his imperfections and loves him with whole heart. I hope my parents did the same as Lux. I haven't received even a drop of their love.

"Do you still want me to continue?" My thoughts were suddenly cut off. "It seems that you're not okay." I faked my smile. "I'm fine." Liar. I will never be fine.

"Death is just like you, dear. He's alone, broken and hatred consumed his heart. I laughed bitterly. "Just by seeing him, Lux felt the urge of comforting him. She fell deeply. She wanted to made him feel that there's someone who loves him and will take care of him.

Yeah. Death and I have the same plot of life but he's still luckier therefore there's someone who truly loves him.

I pointed another frame. It's a girl with long brown hair and designed with lots of flowers. She's also pretty.

"How about her?" Grandma looked at the frame that I pointed.

"She's Flos, goddess of spring."

"goddess of spring?" I asked confused.

"You heard me right, dear. Lux is also the goddess of life while Death is the god of darkness." What? They are Gods and Goddesses?

"Flos is Lux's bestfriend. To be honest, she's also in love with Death. She's insecure of Lux. Yes, she also has an undeniably beauty but she don't have the power to rule a world. The people doesn't love her as the way they loved Lux. She wanted to replace her. She want her gone." I pouted. People shouldn't treat their friends like that.

"She decided to tell Death about Lux's feelings. The plan is already set in her mind. She knows that Death would took advantage of her bestfriend's feelings then finally kills her. She thought trust is enough for Death to fall for her." That is not an enough reason to love. Death is heartless, how could he fall in love to someone?

"Death caressed Flos' cheeks. The Goddess of Spring's hope heightened but suddenly Death grabbed her neck. Flos can't breathe since Death grabbed her so tight that she couldn't reach the floor. Her soul was taken and now caged with the other souls. Her plan is not that successful and now she's dead." I started to have goosebumps. Flos was dead?!

"Death acted like she really fell in love with Lux. She fell for the trap because this is the moment she'd been waiting for. They spend their days together as if it was a perfect moment. She fell deeper and it's time for Death to destroy her. It was a chaos. The homes are ruined even her kingdom. A lot of souls are taken and bodies are lifeless. Lux is at the edge of the cliff, weeping her heart out. Everything is destroyed same as her heart. Death is walking towards her then realization slapped her. She couldn't believe that everything was a lie. She was ready to defend herself but she was shocked when Death hugged her. Tears fell and then she knew she was hugging him back. She really love him...but love is poisonous. Death stabbed her stomach while they are hugging. She slowly fell down but she never cut her eye contact with Death. He was only staring at her while she was gasping for air. She's dying but he did nothing. Before she blew her last breath, she saw Death smirking at her and there's no glint of regret in his eyes. The lifeless body of Lux turned into feathers which flew to different directions."