Claws of Eternity ✔️

Chapter 12: Ad Infinitum

GISELLE

Once again in her lifetime, Giselle woke up to a blinding pain. This pain wasn't in her limbs, or even in her body, it was in her core, in her soul. And it was the most terrifying thing she ever felt. Her body was unknown to her, all things familiar didn't exist. The touch of fabric underneath her fingers felt strange, almost like she wasn't the one touching it.

Breathing in was strange, as well. Her nose was overwhelmed by all the scents in the air and she recognised every single one. Wood, stone, blood and autumn, such deep autumn. How long was she asleep? Or was she dead? She couldn't tell. For the slightest of moments, she thought she might be in heaven, but then she remembered she would've ended up in hell if she was dead. And she doubted hell smelt like autumn.

Giselle opened her eyes and she was blinded by lights, candles, colours. Waiting for her eyes to adjust, Giselle blinked a couple of times. She felt it, the blinking, almost like she moved her entire body, that's how strong the sensation was.

Then she saw outlines of bodies, standing over her and watching. Unable to stop herself, Giselle let out a scream. Firm hands held her down as she tossed around, screaming. The scent hit her straight through the hard, the need to know what it is, the need to feel it, taste it...

Giselle's sight finally cleared and she saw an old woman, dressed like a maid, holding her down. She smelt magnificent.

"Calm down, little girl, you're safe here." A female voice spoke, so soft and gentle, Giselle felt the need to cry. So she did, her eyes watered and tears spilled all over her face, like an unstoppable river.

"Where am I?" Giselle asked desperately, her voice sounded so strange, her tears stung her eyes. The woman sat on the bed and held Giselle's hand.

"You're in Bran Castle, you're safe here. Please, girl, focus on me, open your eyes gently. I know this is tough, but it will pass. You're transitioning." The woman said and Giselle felt compelled to listen.

She opened her eyes as wide as she could, letting the tears fall down. The woman was beautiful, her angelic face looked down at Giselle and a kind smile decorated her lips. Her entirely black hair fell loosely over her shoulders, reaching her waist. The dress she was in was made of beautiful silk, completely white. And somehow, the lines of her face looked familiar.

"Who are you?" Giselle stuttered.

"My darling, I am your aunt, your mother's sister. My name is Alina." The woman, Alina, said and Giselle believed her almost immediately.

"I feel weird." Giselle said, her eyes filling with tears once more. Alina nodded and tightened the grip on Giselle's hand.

"I know, but everything will be alright. You can trust me." Alina said.

"Why am I transitioning?" Giselle could feel her face turn into a frown woven off disgust and fear. Alina smiled again, her face so reassuring Giselle wanted to simply bury her face in this woman's gown and cry.

"I will tell you everything, but first, I need you to promise me you will not scream." Alina said and Giselle nodded slightly, unsure of this promise.

"My darling, you died."

Giselle screamed.

The other woman, the old one, dressed like a maid, held Giselle down again.

"Heksa, please, go get Vlad." Alina said gently and the maid let Giselle go. Alina continued: "Darling, you came back to life. Everything is fine. You are somewhat different but you are alive and that's what matters most."