CURSED SHADOWS

4 {UNFAMILIARITY}

Dark green was all I saw. The lighting, the walls possibly. Opening my eyes further, I saw vines draping down all across the forest-green walls, entangled in each other in a beautiful, yet intimidating way; right where the little bit of light seems to perfectly shine on the spikes of thorns. Whipping my head around, I saw I was in a spacious sort of ballroom. The floors were a black marble, accompanied by a single velvety black couch sitting in the center of the room. Two giant, vine-covered pillars stood on the sides, with a large window a little way behind. Taking a few reluctant steps forward, I saw the window was underwater, the dark, deep blue water was the only thing seen, yet gave off that little light the room had.

I pattered my way over the window, draping a hand across the couch to feel its soft touch while passing through.

Where am I?

This room was beautiful, yet haunting. Too empty. Too cold.

"I was like you, in the before," A soft feminine voice whispered, casting chills down my spine. I slowly glanced behind me, getting full view of a beautiful woman. Her skin was pale and clear, with glimmering black eyes hidden behind long eyelashes, high cheekbones casting a slight shadow over her smaller lips, and long, flowing black hair.

"This was my favorite room to go," She continued, walking and standing next to me, staring at the sea in front of us. "Mother hated me being here. She said I was spending too much time alone, that It was unnatural for a girl like me to like dark, empty rooms." She glanced at me, giving an expectant look.

"I have friends! I hate dark rooms!" I scoffed, sidestepping away from her. She shook her head, a slight smile forming on her face. She looked even more stunning.

"But I had that insecurity, that fire, that darkness looming behind you" She replied, looking back at the window once more, "I had that power too."

I froze. That power? Studying her face once more, a panic started to arise within me. No. It can't be.

"Alice," I hoarsely whispered, starting to back away. My back hit the back of the couch, causing a scraping sound that resulted in her turning around. She nodded once, her eyes full of a depth I couldn't decipher.

"Alice Morticia Reid, a beautiful story with a tragic end." She sighed, her eyes turning a deep red at the last sentence. Her expression remained the same, and her eyes seemed to grow even more somber than before.

"Get away from me!" I screamed, placing my hands in front of me, willing my magic. However, that didn't seem to work. I tried harder, begging at it to come forward. Nothing. I tried to swallow the anxiety rising within me.

Not again. Not again. Not again.

"I won't eat you," Alice said, her face expressionless, taking slow, agonizing steps toward me.

"W-what are you?" I whispered, forcing to keep a brave face on. Alice stopped in front of me, giving me a sad smile.

"I became something my magic told me to become. I gave into the temptations, turned to evil. Now look at what I am. I lost all my power, and only gain it purely from others." She shook her head. "This," She pointed to herself, "What you see, is long dead. That beast you saw, was not Alice." Her voice shook, malice lacing her tone, "That isn't me, Elena. I- I don't know what that is."

She suddenly grasped both of my arms. My arms started to painfully burn, and glancing at my arms, I saw the fabric burn away, and right through my skin.

"Don't become what I became, Elena," She murmured frantically, her black eyes dilating. I screamed from the pain, trying to shake her grasp away. "Don't give into the temptations!" The pain was agonizing now, blacking my vision.