Purple Blood

Cinderella

Walking down quiet halls that were lit up by the dim candle lights, I was lead to a flight of spiral stairs which I decide to head downstairs to explore further since the second floor is mostly filled with bedrooms and I didn't want to risk waking anyone up.

The stairs lead me to a big circular open space with a huge fire pit in the middle. I assumed the tunnel to my right is the entrance which gave me some light and hope until I realized it was guarded by two tough looking guards with an assault rifle each, guards that will not hesitate to put a bullet in your head.

Slightly disappointed, I let out a sigh and continue exploring. I walked pass the common room, then the dining room and the library, which was all heavily decorated in a Victorian style that would surely fascinate me if I weren't stuck in my current situation.

Before the nuclear explosion, I used to be the nerd that every school has, even though I don't really "look" like one with my thick, wavy brown hair that flows pass my shoulders, natural bushy brows above my honey-coloured eyes that used to look so bright, and a body one can say, a model's but is now covered with bruises and wounds.

I was the nerd who loves history classes, museums, arts. I would often spend my time in the library with my nose in books about different cultures, evolution of mankind and other "boring" stuffs like that. Despite always feeling lonely and not being understood, I was happy.

But now, everything I know was gone, replaced by dust and debris.

Earth's surface was taken over by the nuclear winter, everything is blurry and foggy just like the current state of my mind. Being too focused on my thoughts, I didn't realize I was picking up my pace and nearly walked into the huge door that was in front of me which was left ajar.

I was just about to push the door open to reveal what was behind it when I hear voices coming from the other side.

"Strangely satisfying isn't it? Dispensing punishment? That stupid 'can't believe this is happening to me' look they get. I'm not embarrassed to say, it gives me a tingle"

"I wonder what The Cooperative will say about this. Making up our own rules, terrorizing the guests."

"Forget the cooperative, it's only us."

"Hmm. Anyways, how's Cinderella coming along?"

"Well, she's a gentle one, obedient. Punishing her gives me the satisfaction that is way better than the tingles I get from punishing the others."

"There's a question that I have been wanting to ask you, why blue?"

Still eavesdropping, I held my breath, waiting for my question to be answered.

"Well, as you already know, my favorite color is purple." She pauses for a short while before speaking again.

"And seeing dark, red blood soaking through the blue fabric, forming purple patches after torturing her every time...hmm...just boosts the feeling of satisfaction. Like a cherry on top if you will."

My body turns cold as my stomach starts twisting, threatening to throw up upon hearing her answer. This woman is a fucking sadist. How can one possibly be so sick and twisted??

Horrified and sick, I pressed one hand against my mouth tightly and silently make my way back to my room as fast as I could.

While I was too focused in sneaking myself back into my room, a man in a full-on black latex suit stood silently in the dark shadows down the hall, watching.