Frozen

Risks and Departure

Notes - My longest chapter yet. Thanks to everyone that is following this story; your interest and feedback inspires me greatly. I'm actually debating writing the next chapter from Hayl's POV; let me know whether you think I should or not - and of course what you think of this chapter. Enjoy.

Lilith's POV

Risks and Departure

After hesitantly twisting the tarnished brass handle I struggled to push the heavy oak door open, when it was slightly a jar, I timidly slipped through the tiny gap I'd made; being careful not to ruin my new dress against the jagged splinters of wood that adorned the rotting frame.

It had surprised me immensely that the door had opened; I had guessed that Hayl would have wanted to keep me confined to that one room - funnily enough the idea of being trapped inside that lovely old-fashioned suite wasn't so bad, in fact is was a rather comforting thought.

After spending what felt like eternity trapped within an icy tomb, the idea of imprisonment with in a luxurious vintage suite didn't seem so bad; I actually debated returning to the suite but my fear of Salisa's return and my yearning for Sameal urged me forward.

Gazing nervously around the poorly lit corridor I couldn't help but wonder if Hayl would be unhappy with Salisa for not bolting my door shut; I kind of hoped he would be - it seemed only fair after how wickedly unkind she had been to me.

Putting my worries of Salisa aside I coyly strolled down the corridor in the direction of the light, coming from a dusty bulb hanging before the ceiling. I cringed as I heard the eerie sound of moth wings bat furiously around the bulb; childishly tiptoeing quickly beneath it with my hands held protectively over my head shielding myself from the winged insects that I so hated, hoping they wouldn't fly close enough to me for their dusty wings to touch my cold skin. Luckily enough they didn't seem to notice me and instead continued to hover around the grubby old bulb as if worshiping the light that shone from it.

I forced my attention away from the moth's simplistic behaviour and instead let my eyes observe the corridor walls that surrounded me; noticing the faded yellow paper walls that were torn and aging in every sense possible. The interior of the corridor was such a contrast from the luxurious vintage suite I'd left behind that it was almost hard to believe that I was actually still in the same building as before.

However the fancy oval frames made of integrate patterns and vines of black roses reminded me much of the mirror I had recently stood before, but these frames were as dusty as they were elegant; I reached my hand towards the nearest frame timidly wiping away the thick blanket of dust that obscured the view of picture inside. I stared for a long moment at the black and white Victorian portrait of a young girl that appeared to be sleeping inside an arrangement of lovely flourishing blossoms. The picture was as peaceful looking as it was sinister and I felt a single tear trail silently down my cheek as I uncovered the remaining portraits of the young deceased Victorians. Each picture was as fascinating and eerie as the one before and as I stood before them I couldn't help but mourn over their innocence.

Gently wiping the tear from my cheek with my fingertip I tore my eyes away from the portraits and set off again down the cold corridor; in the distance I could see the opening of two double doors and hear raised voices coming from inside. Curiosity increased my pace but I was careful to keep my footsteps silent. Soon I arrived at the large double doors, resting my hand hesitantly on the smooth wooden surface as I viewed the scene before me with horror.

For Hayl's hands clutched Salisa's head dangerously as he stared down at her with seer menace. Even though my dislike and fear of Salisa ran thick through my veins I couldn't allow Hayl to commit such a brutal act upon her and I couldn't help but feel immense pity as I saw her sprawled undignified across the floor as if she had been thrown there.

"Let her go." I commanded in a whisper and was both shocked and relived when Hayl released her and backed away, peculiarly holding his hands up defencelessly.

I noted the faint cold tingle in my fingertips as I watched Salisa uneasily pass me and flee quickly and nosily down the corridor. All the while Hayl seemed to assess me with an expression of what seemed like fear; surely I was mistaken though - why on earth would Hayl fear me!

However my attention instantly left Hayl when I became aware of Sameal's presence somewhat behind Hayl; as I slowly moved towards him he smirked hugely and his eyes seemed to almost sparkle with tiny flecks of pale blue before they focused on my bruises and his expression became clouded with worry.

Not wanting to discuss Salisa's wickedness and believing she had been punished enough, I shrugged casually turning my attention back to Hayl who still held the same peculiar expression as before, I asked curiously the question that was nagging me "where are we leaving to?"

He exhaled heavily as if to calm himself before answering "I'm not certain where we're headed yet, I just don't want to risk staying here any longer."

"What's the risk?" I asked instantly alarmed by his answer; barely aware of Sameal's large hand that wrapped protectively around my own.

"There were others that were looking for you, others that knew where you were, Ardiel has already discovered that you are no longer in the depths of the inferno, it won't be long before she and others begin to look for you; at the moment it seems she is playing it safe - trying not to draw attention to herself but soon she will come."

Tears suddenly glistened against my eyelashes at the mention of Ardiel, I didn't know why I feared her but I knew I was right too, the tears obscured my sight as I questioned "Who's Ardiel, why will she come for me and who are the others, why were they looking for me." My voice broke with the volume of fear and concern that washed through my veins.

"You need not worry about those answers right now young Lilith." Hayl's words were strangely reassuringly and tender as he stroked my arm gently making me feel not safe - but protected.

I watched inquisitively as he stalked out of the room, calling over his shoulder "I'll fetch your suitcase and then we're leaving." There was something very strange about Hayl; everything about him screamed danger and menace yet he seemed very protective of me - which I hoped was a good thing.

My worries seemed to evaporate as Sameal's cold fingertip lightly stroked away my tears while he stared at me intently; the flecks of pale blue sparkling once again in his eyes as he sadly released my hand. Disheartened I focused my eyes upon the floor, air escaping my lips as he swiftly pulled my body against his, caressing the small of my back as he spoke softly into my hair "Don't worry Lilith, we'll keep you safe." I wrapped my arms around him melting against his chest as his hand affectionately stroked my hair.

I could have stayed locked in his embrace forever but unfortunately we were forced to break away from one another when Hayl returned with a throaty announcement carrying not one but three suitcases along with him.

Sameal took my hand back in his before guiding me towards yet another oak door; only this one opened up to a dark night illuminated only by the glowing moon that hung high in the midnight sky. Reluctantly I mimicked Sameal's footsteps down the steep grey steps while he led me into a black car that seemed oddly familiar. Unconsciously flinching as I heard the thud of the suitcases hit the surface of the boot and as two car door slammed shut, I was increasingly thankful when I felt Sameal slide in the seat beside me.

Hayl powered the car to life, making the wheels screech against the tarmac as he sped away into the night, gripping the stirring wheel tight.