Moon Of Gold

Chapter 11: Glowing eyes and a heartbeat

The clicking of my steps echoes around me. I occasionally stop for a few seconds and scan the area with the lantern. There was no one. Thankfully, it was only me but I felt like someone was watching me. I'm not quite sure why.
The air is becoming colder. I'm not sure why.
Halting halfway through. I hear running water. I look up to see a fountain of some sort.
The fountain seemed to be stone has the face of a gargoyle in the middle of it. There was some type of liquid pouring out of its mouth. Was it water?
Walking closer to inspect it, I notice the color of the said water. It was blood red.
I stick a finger in it and take it out quickly. Putting my red-stained finger up to my nose, I sniff. Nope! It wasn't red-colored water at all. It was definitely blood. The metallic smell and all. Were there sacrifices here something?
I freeze and hear an echoing grumble than a growl. My eyes widen and I glance around me. I hear the grumble again and this time its a voice,

"Drink itttt. I dare you. I've been watching you. Prince of Blood. There is no shame here. Drink it!"

The voice is slurred and heavily demonic. I couldn't help but keep quiet. My brain was basically screaming for me to run but, I didn't.
I hear loud footsteps then a claw scraping up against a stone wall. I cover my ears and cringe. My eyes follow a pair of white piercing eyes.
I take several steps back and turn around, booking it. I had never ran so fast in my life. Behind I hear the roar of an unhappy beast.

***

I find myself darting out of the exit of the cryptic place and placing my hand on to the book. I pull it and the bookshelf slides back into place. I lean up against it and wipe my forehead. I take a couple of breaths and slide down, sitting on the ground.
I hear the door of the library open and there stands Thando. She smiles at me but then her face shifts to concern. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost?" She asks, raising an eyebrow.
I quickly shake my head "No. No, of course not. I was...reading and you caught me off guard. That's all. I get frightened easily" I respond while laughing nervously.
She eyes me with suspicion and shakes her head. "Well my child, everyone's up now. We're having a special breakfast. You can return later. Now, come one" she chuckles and heads out the door.
I rub my face and sigh in relief. Thank goodness she didn't know. Maybe she did but didn't want to mention it. It doesn't matter now. I just need to see Ophira and maybe show her the note later.
No...I can't put her through danger again. Not here or anywhere. She seems like she's beginning to trust these people. Maybe the note and the body are a joke. I can't decide what to do.

***

I walk into the dining hall to be greeted by everyone. I sit down and fold my hands on my lap. Looking down, I let out a silent cough. I look up to see Cia frowning at me. I look away in embarrassment.
"Julian, where were you earlier? You weren't in your bed. I searched nearly everywhere" Ophira asks, looking at me in concern.
I felt stiff and uncomfortable for a moment. I couldn't tell her everything. Not in front of them. I wasn't even sure if I could trust these women now. Especially the elderly woman, Thando. The note and the beast stalking in the darkness was enough for me to be afraid here now. Only if she knew thisbefore me. Maybe it wouldn't be as stressful.
"Uh...nothing really. I found a library and was too invested in it. Sorry to make anyone worry" I apologize, looking down at my hands again.
Platters of food are placed on the table and the sweet aroma of waffles fills my nose. Oh, what the? This is strange...I don't remember having these in years.
I slowly glimpse up at Ophira, watching her devour the food in front of her. I laugh to myself. Then I blink and turn my head. Did I have feelings for her? It has been only a few weeks but...ever since I actually saw her I felt this odd attraction.
A sudden realization comes over me. I'm in love.