The Bell House

Mind control

Avery POV

My eyes began to flutter open as a heavy cold breeze ran through and past my body, causing me to shiver against the floor. I leaned up on both elbows, trying to gather myself. I looked around the room and noticed the sun setting through the back grand window. The house was starting to cast it's own darkness and when everything started coming back to me, I jumped up off the floor and tried hiding within the shadows.

The front door now stood wide open, letting small leaves blow across the entryway and to where I stood. I felt like I was being watched but my mind raced as I tried to think of my next move. Do I run? Do I hide? I heard a creaking within the floor boards just above me and a soft laugh emanated within the hall. My breath caught in my throat as I began hearing someone walking towards the stairs.

"Avery..." A familiar voice called out.

I stayed hidden in place, hoping I could come up with an escape plan fast. A scent caught my nose, making me remember exactly where I remembered it from. Zak. I stepped out from the shadows and almost on cue, hit something with force. I looked up, seeing his face and almost fell to my knees.

"Zak? Wha- What are you doing here, it's not safe."

"I wanted to make sure you were okay." He said in a soft voice as he reached for me.

"You left me... how could you do that after everything?" I asked stepping back.

"I came back because I love you, don't you see that? I've missed your touch." He pulled me in close and I wrapped my arms hesitantly around him.

"That's a good girl." He said in a chillingly, deep tone.

I noticed his body temperature started to fall rapidly and his embrace became tighter, making me very uncomfortable.

"Zak, your hurting me." I said trying to squirm away.

His ice cold hands glided up the back of my shirt, making my skin scream at his touch. He almost felt like he had been for a swim in this moment. His clothes started to moisten and dirty water pooled at his feet. I went to look up at him but he pushed me into his chest, caressing my hair. Something wasn't right.

I relaxed for a second, making him release his tight grip on me and with that, I got away from him. I looked at his face which was blue in color and water glided down his face from his hairline. His eyes had lost all color and he had mud caked underneath his fingernails. The clothes that hung loosely on his body had small tears throughout and I noticed a large tear on his side, exposing his veiny skin. Blood was visible on the exposed area, looking almost black. He looked dead.

"Zak, why are you all wet? What happened?" I pointed to his wound.

"Just a scratch love. Come with me." He held out his hand, making me take it slowly.

A million thoughts ran through my mind but I couldn't help but go with him. I felt like I was under some kind of spell and even though I couldn't shake the bad feeling I had off, I did as he asked. As I followed him out of the house, he led me to the lake where the waves were now forcefully pushing up against the bank. I noticed a chunk of his hair was missing as I stood right behind him, letting the cold wind hit my face.

In a swift motion, he jumped down into the water, motioning me to come in after him. Hesitating, I took a step back. His eyes shot to me, digging into my very soul and I felt myself jump in with him. Not understanding what I was doing, my body continued to follow his lead. The water was frigid and when it started to hit me against my knees, I looked up at him, pulling back.