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Dante
By: Lilith Peterson <penname> If it ever gets published when im done....
Chapter 1
Useless hope
Black and purple clouds rumble and churn above the desolate landscaping. The wind picks up, throwing the fallen leaves into the sky. The wet, icy mud freezes my toes and numbs my feet. Glancing over my shoulder, there isn’t a soul in sight. My lungs are screaming and my throat is burning, my legs and arms aching, threatening to fail me. The branches of the trees and the half dead rose bushes are scratching my face and ripping my nightgown to ribbons. I close my eyes for a mere moment and stumble. My body is numb to the core and I can barely feel the ground beneath my feet.
His ruthless and psychotic laugh rips through the air. Tears well up in my eyes and spill over, terror grips my heart. It’s as though all hope is lost, he has found me again. His sinister laughter abruptly stops. A sudden gust of wind blows past me and there he is. Feeling the heat roll off of his body and his breathing right next my ear, my eyes flicking back and forth between him and the bushes. He matches my every stride effortlessly. Frantically for any means of escape all I see are impenetrable rose bushes alongside the path. He reaches out with a wicked smile to stroke my face. A small whimper forces its way to the surface and I stumble on the roots of the roses. I realize that im being irrational, just blindly running, Seeing a small opening in the bushes, I leap for it.
Suddenly, he rushes ahead of me, forcing me to stop. Panicking, I try to turn around but my feet get tangled in the roots and my nightgown is snagged by the thorns and dead branches. I fall heavily upon the ground, my ankle popping out of the socket. A scream rips through my throat, white flowers dancing in my eyes. He stands over my body with one leg between my own and the other firmly planted on my gown. “There, there dear. I’ll make this as painless as possible. You may even enjoy yourself; I would never intentionally hurt you.” His voice is smooth and silky, his face pale as milk. His cheeks are sunken in with purple and black bruises under his gleaming eyes. His mouth twitches and he pulls his lips back to reveal pointed fangs . His breath is hot and vile, like rotting flesh and blood. I lean back slightly and clench my jaw shut to keep from retching. I’m entranced by his haggard appearance, by the wild look in his glowing eyes. His hands reach forward toward my face, as though to stroke my cheek once more but his blood encrusted hands, lower towards my throat. Instinctively I cringe and scramble towards the opening just ahead, but my foot is wedged between the roots and I can’t get my ankle through. I stare up in horror. I can’t get away.
“Now, now! What do you think you are doing? Or rather, where are you going? What is with these tears you shed? Oh,” he pauses “I see now. Your afraid im going to kill you aren’t you?” He chuckles darkly. “I only killed your delicious looking friend because she resisted me. All I want is someone to love emotionally…”His hands reach out with a blur his fingers interlace in my hair, pulling me to my feet. Ripping my ankle out of the rose roots in the effort to get me up. My scream echoes through the air as he laughs wickedly. He grabs my waist and shoves my body against a tree using his body weight to pin me to it, crushing the air from my lungs. He yanks my head back and nibbles my neck as I scream through gritted teeth. I can barely breathe, and my vision is blurring. His breath hot and burning against my neck he whispers; “And physically too darling, why else would I have summoned you and your little friends to my home?” Snow begins to fall, and an icy wind gusts through the trees. His nails dig into my skin and I bite my tongue to strangle cries of terror. “Oh, my dear this will be most enjoyable. Soft and supple skin, long curling hair to thread my fingers through, but you mustn’t struggle.” His hand brushes my cheek and I bite him as hard as I can. He gets off of my body for an instant and I leap for my last hope, but as I start to run, I trip over my feet. My hands whip out in front of me and I try to jump back up but the pain is unbelievable and my body crumbles to the ground. Unable to scream or move I gasp for the breath that was crushed from my lungs and slip into merciless oblivion.
Chapter 2
Little flower bud
“Oh dear god.” Vivid images fill my mind and my heart begins to hammer in my chest, the panic resurfacing. I open my eyes slightly, and twitch my foot but my ankle no longer hurts. I listen intently, but nothing stirs. I turn over, pretending to be asleep, to scan the remainder of the room for him. There is nothing but a small flickering candle illuminating the bedside table. I am alone. As I sit up, the sound of clinking chains echoes around the room. I gasp and cover my mouth with shaking fingers, attempting to stifle the scream building within my throat. I look down and pick up one of the many rose petals scattered across the bed with shaking fingers. I rub my hand over the spread and close my eyes, the material so familiar and luxurious. “They’re silk my little flower bud.” My heart lurches up into my throat and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on point. His massive frame fills the shadowed doorway. His face as pale as ever and his chest bare, showing what I thought of as scrawny, to be a well built physique. My eyes widen with terror and it seems to amuse him. He slowly walks towards the bed and cracks his knuckles. He runs his hands through his short, disheveled golden brown hair. Stepping into the light, he grins and reaches towards me. I close my eyes only to find that he has reached past me to grab the tiny candle. “You know, everyone’s existence is just like the flame of this candle.” He pauses to examine the wick. “The end is inevitable, but, however unfortunately, can come to an early end.” His eyes burn into mine and I squeeze my eyes shut trying to block out the image. He chuckles lightly.
“You seem to be the exception, although you behavior last night was terrible, I’m quite sure we can find a way for me to forgive you tonight.” He pauses lifting an eyebrow confusion and fear clear upon my face. “Ah, I see, you truly are a virgin, this will be a pleasure my dear.” Realization hits and the tears well up into my eyes. I hug my knees burying my face into them. Images of my cousin fill my mind. “Ah, I remember that last girl I deflowered. She was a little young for me I’ll have to admit. Fourteen is much too young for my tastes. She screamed awfully loud. Obviously she wasn’t kept around here for too long.” His diabolical laughter fills the room. “But as I said before you are an exception, being sixteen you look as though you are a grown woman, simply beautiful. This will be delightful.” He snubs out the candle and chuckles lightly. “I hope you can attempt to enjoy this as much as I will, I’m not one to tolerate screaming. It hurts my ears greatly you see, and I would much rather hear the sweet sounds a woman should make.”
My body begins to tremble too terrified to cry out or move. His hand takes a lock of my hair and twirls it as if debating what to do first. His fingers run down the length of my arm and a cold sweat breaks out over my body. My breathing echoes around the room and my heart is pounding violently within my chest. He chuckles as if he can hear it. “Although, there are many other girls” he pauses for a moment “waiting for me to pay them a visit once more. So, my dear I do believe that we have a date tomorrow night.” His hands brush my cheeks and the sound of soft footsteps and the clinking of chains fill the silence. As the door slides shut the candle ignites, bright and flickering madly. Diving under the covers, I muffle my tears and scream into the pillows.
Chapter 3
Blue Eyes
With trembling fingers I feel the smooth and freezing bars in front of the window. Pressing the tips of my fingers against the frosted glass, I trace the frosted patterns. The cold numbs my fingers and I press them to my neck for warmth. The cold bites at my skin and I flinch away from them. I cup them to my face and blow warm air onto them. Peering out of the window, I watch the sun rise over the treetops. The buttery yellows and pale faded pinks streak across the sky and begin to melt the new fallen snow from the night before.
Looking over, towards the courtyard, I see the luster of a black and gold carriage being pulled by two of the largest, strongest horses I have ever seen. Chains instead of leather, connect them to their harnesses, restraining them. I take a deep breath and close my eyes feeling hope spread throughout my mind and body. This could be my means of escape, but I don’t have a clue as to where they would be kept or how to get there. Thinking hard I focus on the few nights I have spent at his estate.
The Ballroom a blinding white marble floors, porcelain columns lining the walls, Mahogany doors with locked polished brass doorknobs. There was The Front Room which was warm with exquisite silk draping the walls, leather couches lining the walls, and golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The rich red materials and gold accessories, made even those who had grown up with privileges like these; feel dull and poor in comparison.
Even the flamboyant stained glass windows expressed his wealth. Their stories depicted the tales from the bible, but only the darkest and most evil of stories were ever seen. The grotesque images of Satan and his minions were everywhere. Pictures of dammed souls, their faces frozen into eternal screams, lined almost every window pane. They were to remind him of the seven deadly sins, or so he had told his guests. The next transcending picture would send shivers of fear crawling like maggots, up their spines.
Rapid taps upon the door shatter my concentration. “Hello? Is anyone in there? If you are please, let me in!” a young woman’s panicked voice whispers through the door. Running to the door I remember that there is a lock on the outside. “I can’t! It’s locked! You have to open it!” My voice is shaking and raspy from fear. The clicks of locks and the clinking of chains respond and the door creaks. I jump backward as the door swings open. The woman was one of the guests from the night before. She swiftly closes the door and falls against it, her face gleaming from sweat and her face scrunched up from pain and fear. She opens her eyes and I gasp. Her eyes are a bright electric blue, glittering like sapphires and overflowing with tears. Her tanned skin is covered with scars and her clothes ripped and torn. “Please! Please I need to hide! He is coming for me!” Images of him flood my mind, his face, his breath hot upon my neck, his nails digging into my skin, I shudder from the memory. I quickly motion for her to crawl under the bed. Hearing footsteps coming, I quickly jump on top of the bed and throw the covers over my body and attempt to appear to be asleep, praying that whoever is coming, will pass by my door. The woman under the bed chokes on a sob and becomes silent.
“Knock, Knock my little flower bud.” He opens the door and chuckles. “Well, well my darling, you have slept in for long enough.” His footsteps near the bed and the covers are yanked off of my body and I turn towards him biting my lips. “Simply beautiful, you look quite attractive this morning.” He walks to the foot of the bed and crawls on top, glaring into my eyes. “I was planning on tonight but you look simply delicious at the moment.” I stifle my screams and watch as he comes closer, staring down upon me. His rough calloused hands shove me down onto the bed and he forces his legs between my thighs. He pins my hands underneath my body and begins to unstring my nightgown. “Please, don’t! Please!” I beg. His laughter echoes around the room and his lips reach my throat. The hairs on his chin scratch my skin and his breath is hot. I try to take my hands from under me but his weight is crushing them underneath my body. He begins to tear at my nightgown and his lips move towards the hollow of my throat. I finally manage to twist my hands out and I try to shove him off of me. His face hardens and he bites my neck. I try not to shout out but I could feel his teeth pierce my skin and I panic. “Oh, please, darling, haven’t I told you about this before? I simply Detest screaming” The woman underneath the bed sobs and his eyes widen. “Oh! So that’s where you are! I was wondering why the door was unlocked.”
He rolls off of me and jumps to the floor. He reaches under the bed and the woman screams, he drags her out effortlessly and shoves her against the wall. He picks her up and starts to leave the room, he pauses for a moment to turn around and throw a dress from behind the door onto my bed. “I will come for you tonight.” He slams and locks the door. I shudder as I listen to the poor woman’s screams fade away.
Chapter 4
The Ring
The sun shines through the window. My feet are being warmed by the suns rays. It’s just another morning, another day to get through. “Just breathe, you have plenty of time.” I whisper to myself. I slide off of the bed and shrug off the rags that were once a nightgown. The nights restless sleep did nothing to improve the condition of the gown. I look around the room, biting my lips, trying to search for anything but the dress to wear, but to no avail. I sigh heavily and reach towards the dress. Wondering why it has to be this particular dress. I run my hands over the top and gasp. It’s silk. Is everything made of silk? I pick it up and the dress is luxurious and smooth. The deep crimson and black satin sash are rich and vibrant. Picking the dress up, a small box falls onto the bed. I reach towards the little box curiously with trembling fingers. Gentle taps at the door startle me. The box slips from my fingers, the lock shakes and the chains clink together. I quickly glance down at my naked body and take the sheets from the floor, attempting to cover myself in time. The door opens slowly and a woman’s face appears from behind the door. I breathe in a sigh of relief. It’s not him. She walks in slowly and closes the door softly. She turns to face me and her beauty startles me. Her face long, her eyes large and the color of golden honey. Her lips full and pulled up at one corner attempting to reassure me of safety. Her skin black as coals, the color enhanced by the long snow white dress that hugged the curves of her body. A blush reaches my cheeks as I continue to stare. Her face breaks out into a full smile, her teeth perfectly straight and pearly white.
“Please, the master will be upset if you are not dressed soon.” Her voice as beautiful as her face, it was reassuring and calming. “Well, I suppose I will need help finding and putting a corset on.” My voice is small and quiet. I lower my eyes as she approaches. She turns me around and picks up the dress, as she loosens the ties, you let the sheet drop to your feet. “Well no wonder the master was interested in you!” She exclaimed with surprise. I turn to ask for her name, but she puts her hands on my shoulders to keep me faced away from her. “Oh, I nearly forgot. Silly me, I actually forgot!” She walks over to one of the walls and opens a hidden door. My gasp makes her laugh and she turns to face me. “You didn’t know about the closet? Well, I guess you did only come in last night to sleep in this chamber. You are very lucky, you know. Most of the other women the Master has brought here have to stay in the lower rooms. You must be well behaved in his presence.” Her indifference to the way He was treating his prisoners surprises me. My face twists and anger flares up in chest. How could she just stand there and not even flinch? She must know what’s going on, maybe it’s just some sick joke. No. He murdered my cousin. Xephie is gone.
“Oh, yes. I do know what’s going on. I’m here to take care of you. Only you. Apparently,” she pauses and pulls out a black corset. She walks back to wrap the corset around my chest. “He’s quite taken with you. Unfortunately he” she pauses once more to tighten the ties, the corset now firmly and tightly bound. “Well, you haven’t seen, um well, he’s been quite upset lately. All the ladies he has so graciously invited to his home have disrespected him in so many ways. One woman actually spit in his face when he asked her to walk around the gardens!” her tone surprised me. Yes, I have seen his gentle side! But, after that one night….I let my thoughts drop off and I stood there not thinking. Just watching the floor and feeling her fingers check the corset ties. She exclaimed something and it broke my reverie. She sounded genuinely shocked and hurt. “I don’t understand though, how can you stick up for him when he, when he-” My voice cracks and the tears threaten to flow down my face. “When he does what? Oh my dear, please” She slips the dress over my head and begins to adjust the sash and ties. “Please understand that this is a very hard time for the master. He, well, he isn’t exactly your average man, he feels more and knows more than most people a-“
“Feels more?! Feels more how exactly? He murdered my cousin with his bare hands! How can a monster like that have any emotions?! And you believe that HE is having a hard time? What about the women he has kept within these walls? What about them?!” My voice is stronger than I had intended for it to be. I turn to face her, my eyes burning from tears and rage. I stare into her eyes and watch her carefully blank face turn to a mixture of fear and anger. “What are you saying? That the Master is a bad man? No, you are mistaken, the Master has never acted this way before and he is only going through some hard times.” Doubt clouded her eyes but her voice was strong. “Please just turn around and let me finish dressing you.”
“Has he always been like this, so forceful and angry?” My approach with soft words unnerved the woman. “Well, no, he hasn’t. He used to be very kind and loving, he was like the rose bushes outside, blooming and handsome, but when you and the other guests came around, they started to wilt. He has become cold like the winds outside. I’m not sure what’s come over him but he’s beginning to, well, I’m not sure how to describe it really. I am a little scared of him now though. That crazed look in his eyes as of late, it makes my skin crawl.” Her voice was filled with pain and fear. All traces of trying to keep him looking like a saint were gone. “Well, you are all done. I’ll escort you to the dining room for breakfast with the other ladies.” As she turns to leave I remember the box. A strange feeling came over me. I felt as though I needed to open that box. My curiosity and need to open the box flares up once more and I open the box. A blood red ruby gleams within the folds of cloth. “Oh. I see.” I turn around and look curiously at the woman. Her face is lowered and she avoids looking into my eyes. “Well, put it on already! We need to go down to the dining room!” Why is she so upset over this ring? Staring at the ring, I see the engraving of a rose carefully etched into its surface. Transfixed, I slide the ring onto my left ring finger and realize its purpose. With wide, frightened eyes I look up and catch her eyes, hatred pouring out from her eyes.
Chapter 5
A New Man
Her crisp footsteps echo around the halls. My feet fall silently across the stone floors. The ring was heavy and wouldn’t come off. I had tried to take it off as I left the room, but it was stuck fast. Turning the corner I see the large double doors to the ballroom. “Were eating in the ballroom?” My voice is soft and burning with curiosity. She didn’t reply. Her attitude towards me was as cold as the breeze coming from under the doors. Music suddenly drowned out the silence and she opens the doors.
Several pairs of eyes stare at me as I approach the table. Their eyes flicker towards the ring on my hand and many emotions flare up around the table; jealousy, fear, anger and hope. But, there was one that was familiar, and her face was filled with hope. She motioned for me to sit next to her at the seat closest to the head of the table. She was the woman I had tried to protect. Her neck covered in bruises and her eyes red from crying, but brimming with hope. The doors open once more and there he stood. Dressed in a black and blood red suit, with a smile upon his face. “Good morning ladies, I trust that you slept well?” He is met with shocked faces and anger. As he glances around, his eyes full of curiosity, He is met with looks of fear and panic. His eyes widen with horror and compassion as they fall upon the woman next to me. “Oh my dear, whatever happened to you?! You neck is bruised and swollen! How did this happen?” Once more we looked at him in disbelief. How on earth could you Not know? You took her from my room and raped her, you b*****d! I could barely contain my anger, tears starting to spill over as I start to shake and bore my eyes into him. When he looks at me he flinches. “Whatever is the matter? Why am I being met with such resentment?” Venom spilling from my lips I practically spit in his face. “Well, for starters, you are holding us prisoners. We’ve been here locked away and you’ve used and abused damn-near every one of us!!” I try not to raise my voice, but I can’t help it, I’m so frustrated and enraged that I shout at him.
His eyes fill with pain, and he finally slinks down into his chair. “What do you mean? The party was only last night! I remember it very clearly, I went to the maids dining room and asked Sophia to hand out dresses to all of you ladies as presents and to keep warm for today because I thought it was going to snow.” He pauses and looks at the ground. He takes a deep breath and looks into each of our eyes. “This doesn’t make any sense to me.” He turns to me and looks deep into my eyes. So only I could hear, “What is going on?” I stare at him in disbelief. “The party was a week ago. After the party, when you came back, you had a wild look in your eyes and there was blood on your lips. You started towards my cousin and grabbed her hand. It was cut from a wineglass and you….you started to bring it towards your face. She had to yank it out of your grasp. Then you made a sound like a wild animal and dragged her from the room.” His eyes widen in surprise and disbelief. “I followed you. When you shut her in her room, I rushed back to mine and changed into my nightgown so you wouldn’t suspect me following you. When I came back to my cousin’s room later that night to dress her wound and I opened the door…you were sitting atop of her with blood covering your mouth and hands. The blood was dripping from the cuts all over her body.” Why can’t I stop? He was staring so deeply into my eyes; it was as though he knew what happened. All of a sudden I wanted to confess to what I had witnessed. It was as though if I didn’t, I would never be able to repeat it. At this point, all of the other women were talking amongst themselves, throwing angry glances in my direction. Only the woman I had tried to protect attempted to save my name. But no sooner had I heard them that I lost my focus once more and began my story, my voice dead and flat.
“Then, when I saw her I nearly screamed, she opened her eyes and looked into mine and mouthed that she loved me. Then she said to run. You laughed and jumped off the bed, the look in your eyes was indescribable. I started to run but you moved so fast that I didn’t even have time to blink. You had me pinned to the wall. My cousin screamed at you to leave me alone. You turned around, and you, you killed her. I ran. I didn’t have any direction; I just wanted to get out. I didn’t hear you following me so I ran through the halls to the ballroom to warm everyone but the doors were locked. I went to every door I could but all of them were locked as well, so I ran to my room and crawled out of the window. I slid down the roof to the edge and nearly fell off, but I managed to hang on. I tried to get back on but I slipped and fell onto the next roof underneath me.” He winced, sadness crawling onto his face. His eyes filled with sorrow but I still had the feeling that he wanted to know more. He stood up suddenly and addressed the women chatting at the table. “If you will please excuse us ladies, but I must to talk to this young lady in private. I wish you a good breakfast.”
All conversations ended and they stared open mouthed. He shuffled out of his seat looking awkward and extremely uncomfortable. As we begin to walk away he whispers into my ear, “I’m sorry, I know this is painful to talk about for you, but I need to know and understand what has and is happening here. “ He grabs my hand and gently leads me away.
Chapter 6
“What is your name?”
“Did all of that truly happen?” His voice is quiet, and he is still holding my hand. My voice has begun to shake because I’m so nervous and relieved. I feel my palms start to sweat and he only squeezes my hand tighter, in an apologetic way. “Yes. Yes it did. How do you not know this happened? I-I’m sorry but it’s so hard to trust you now. I watched you murder my cousin, and…” I couldn’t finish my sentence. He stops me and wraps his arms around my shoulders. I remember the last time his arms were wrapped around me in this way and my heart begins to slow and become reassured once more. It was during a slow dance, before anything had happened. Before he had turned into a terrible monster and back again. I open my eyes and cautiously lay my head against his shoulder. “I’m very sorry. I can’t even begin to describe my guilt. I was afraid that this might happen, but I was overconfident and foolish.”
Bewildered, I unwrap my arms and look into his eyes, curious and nervous once more. He puts his hands on mine and a confused look comes over his face. He lifts my hand off of his shoulder and his eyes widen with shock and his mouth falls open. He looks up confused. “What is this?” His voice is soft but no longer mumbling and apologetic. “Well, I-I um. Well, I found it with the dress, it was caught up in the folds and I was curious. I put it on and it fit perfectly.” His face still had the same shocked expression so I was afraid that I had done something wrong. “But, well, I-I mean Itriedtotakeitoffbut-” He put a finger to my lips silencing my rushed words. “It’s quite alright. But, however unfortunately, I do not believe that I am worthy. If what you say is true, then I do not deserve to have your company, or any others for that matter.” A pained look came over his face and it nearly killed me to see him so guilty and hurting.
“Don’t say that. I don’t know why it happened, but I DO know that I want to help you. I may be slipping, especially after everything that has happened, but,” I take a deep breath wondering how he will take this. “Well, I- it makes,” I sigh. “I don’t like seeing you in pain. I don’t know what has come over me, but even though I’ve only known you for 3 weeks and after the…events of the past couple of days, I want to stay. I catch myself rubbing my ring with my thumb and stop, and I look into his eyes. His face was worried.
He takes my hands silently and leads me to a stone bench off the path, near a blooming rose bush and we sit down. Still holding my hands he glances at the ring, closes his eyes and bites his bottom lip with his brows furrowed. He takes a deep breath and looks at me. “Why did you put that ring on when you saw it? What made you put it on? Why did you want to put it on? Especially if all of that truly happened?” His words were dripping with caution and suspicion. Why did I put it on? What made me put it on? I looked down at the ring and smiled. I rather like the way it looks on my finger. It was as though it belonged there. I look up, and see his face twisted with confusion. “Why are you smiling?” His question made me laugh, all my worries and fears fading away. “Well, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure. But when I saw it, every part of me was screaming at me to put it on. It- I don’t- I” “You need not say anymore.” His face held the same expression of worry. “What? How are you not laughing and calling me crazy?” Surprised and confused I look at him curiously wondering what was going on. “My dear, if I may what is your name?” I was surprised. “Rosaline,” He closed his eyes and smiled. “may I inquire as to what your full name is?” The way he said my name was music to my ears. It was as though he was singing it, tasting the way it rolled around in his mouth. “Rosaline Lilith Shireen.” He closed his eyes once more and smiled warmly, then takes my hands to his face and kisses them both. He places them against his lips softly and opens his eyes. “Rosaline Lilith Shireen, would you do me the honor?”
He slides off of the bench and gets down on one knee. “Even though, I’m not sure of what had happened, my heart is still as it was, before. Well, before anything had happened. Rosaline, would you do me the honor of becoming mine? Becoming mine for eternity?” My mind goes blank and I become dizzy. Is this a proposal? After everything that has happened? Do I dare answer him? “Well, May I know of your name before you ask such a question? Isn’t that the proper way?” I blush, attempting to play around with him as I had done a week before. It was as though nothing had ever happened. As though the world was right again. “My name?” he laughs “Why, I haven’t properly introduced myself have I?
My name is Dante Gerodi Sandalio, and I am asking to be with you for eternity.” Eternity? What on earth does he mean by eternity? All the stories I’ve heard… the old women have said they said for life or forever. “What do you mean by eternity?” My curiosity spoke for me, but I couldn’t help it. “Well, if you despise me, and I find men and priests knocking at my door, I will understand but, before I tell you, I must know.” He pauses and stares into my eyes. “Do you care for me? Do you truly cherish my company? Well, when im not, um… ” His face was pained as though he though he already knew what my answer would be. “I cannot give you an answer until I know what you meant by eternity Dante.” I smile, liking the way it sounded and felt when I said his name. “Rosaline, I want you to know that I have never felt so inclined to protect, to keep someone at my side like this. Not even once, for as long as I have lived. I believe that I am in love with you. Although, coming from a vampire that may be hard to believe.”
Chapter7
“Yes, you can trust me, but how can I trust you?”
“What?” I couldn’t stop shaking. It explained everything, but all it did was make new questions arise and bubble from my lips. “Why are you doing this? Vampires don’t exist, they’re only fairy tales.” My voice quivering and my heart is beginning to throb painfully in my chest. “Yes, Rosaline I did. I will understand if you no longer wish to be in my company.” His face struggling for calmness but the pain and despair showed through the frivolous mask he was attempting to hide behind. “I-I um. May I have a moment please?” He let go of my hands but I only held on tighter, tightening my grasp. My mind, screaming at me to run and call the townsmen, but my heart reaching out to kiss him. “I’m sorry, I-I don’t quite understand. If you’re a vampire, why-no how are you able to sit there and-? Why have you chosen me? Wha-How?” Tears begin to flow down my face. Wanting him to hold me but wanting to run in terror. “I’m so very sorry, I’m terribly confused especially after, well after all that’s happened in the past week, why am I not repulsed by your very presence? Why, no how have I looked past all the pain you have caused the women here and to myself? I-I, what am I going to do?” Sobbing I bury my face in my hands. He got up from his knee and sat next to me. His eyes closed. “Rosaline, do you trust me?” “What?” I raise my face, confused. “Do you think that you can trust me? Trust me not to hurt you? I look down at his hands, his fingers interlaced with my own. Could I? A vampire? A man who isn’t supposed to exist? A man whom I care for but I fear? A man who murdered my own kin? “Dante, will you ever change back into the beast I saw yesterday?” I whispered. I didn’t trust myself to speak much louder than the rustling leaves. I was afraid for my life and his answer. “My dearest Rosaline, I hope to high heaven that I do not. I wish I could have a definite answer but I cannot promise you that I won’t. I don’t know what came over me. If I ever find out, then I can give you a more solidified answer. Until then, I cannot say yes or no. But hear me now; I will do everything in my power to protect you from anyone and anything that crosses your path. Even if that means protecting you from me. I swear on my eternal soul that I will live to love and protect you. To cherish and to give selflessly. That I do know I can do. No, I will do.” His voice a mere whisper. “I swear to you.”
“Dante. I will try. I will try my hardest to trust you. I honestly will. It’s just that well, how do I know that you won’t kill me? That your desire for blood won’t overtake you when I’m in your presence?” I open my eyes to see him staring into mine. The moment I looked into his eyes, my worries disappeared. My trust restored. I can’t believe I think I love a vampire. This must be a dream. This is so unbelievable. “Because, I-I’m in love with you Rosaline.” Warmth washes over me and my heart begins to calm. “Then, yes. Yes, I can trust you. How or why I do, it will be a mystery to me, but I do.” I whispered this with my eyes lowered. “Now then, I have a question for you.” He kissed my hands once more. “Yes, you can trust me, but how can I trust you?” “Whatever do you mean?” “Rosaline, can I trust you to keep my secret?” he was so serious I couldn’t take my eyes off of him even if I wanted to. “Yes. You can always trust me. I will never do you wrong.” I can’t believe that I’m in love with a vampire. I guess it’s a good thing I don’t have any family to worry about impressing, a good thing that I have no one to give their approval of him. For the first time in my life, I can be grateful not to have any family. This would never be able to happen if I did! “I look at the ring on my hand, admiring the way it looks and the way our fingers are interlaced. “Rosaline.” I look up smiling a little. Loving the way he said my name. “You still haven’t answered my question.” I looked at him curiously. “Oh!” I laughed at myself for forgetting. Once more he gets down onto one knee, looks into my eyes and smiles. “Rosaline Lilith Shireen, would you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Rosaline Lilith Sandalio? For all of eternity?” The tears spring into my eyes and I open my mouth to answer, but nothing comes out. He raises an eyebrow, gives me a crooked smile and grabs my hands. Before he could say anything I wrap my arms around his neck, but then he unwinds my arms from his neck gently and stares into my eyes and leans in to kiss me. I close my eyes the urge to kiss him overwhelming everything. Our lips meet and the world around us becomes non-existent, feeling weightless. He pulls back. “Well?” I open my eyes and smile. “Yes.” His hands entangle themselves in my hair and he kisses me once more. Our lips part and he chuckles. “This is a strange turn of events is it not?” I smile and I can’t seem to speak, so I nod my head and smile. “I have an idea, Rosaline.” He turns and breaks a blooming rose off of the bush behind the bench and turns to me, his lips hidden by the rose. “I will give you this rose. This will represent our love. You musn’t ever let it die.” I laugh lightly. “How will I keep it alive? All roses die once you pick them.” He smiles and gets up, “Here follow me. Since were going to be together for all of eternity, I might as well come clean of everything. I want to show you my garden.”
Chapter 8
Hidden Desires.
“Why the garden? Shouldn’t we go inside? It looks as though it’s about to rain.” I hope it doesn’t rain. I really want to know what is in the garden that’s so important. He turns and flashes a brilliant smile. “Wait till you see the way the sun makes it sparkle. It’s absolutely fantastic! The way it falls on the glass is sweeter than any music composition ever created. Oh, and my dear,” He pauses for a moment his face serious, “You musn’t touch or drink it, just stay next to me, so you don’t get too close.” Why on earth would I need to stay away from it? “Of course, but what is it?” His eyes clouded over for just a moment and he shook his head. “I shall explain once we reach our destination.”
He takes my head gently and kisses the tips of my fingers. He takes a deep breath and smiles softly, his eyes gaze into my own and we say nothing for a few moments. “Let’s go to it before it begins to rain my love. I do believe that you were right about the rain.” Glancing at the dark clouds swirling above our heads, I quicken my pace to match his. As we walk the rose bushes seem fuller and brighter. The path begins to widen and the wind picks up, throwing the scent of the roses into the air. “Dante, how come there are roses growing in the middle of the winter here?” He chuckled and continued to walk, slowing his pace only slightly. “What I am about to show you will explain the roses, and Vanessa as well.” Who is Vanessa? “Dante, I haven’t met anyone named Vanessa during my stay here.”
‘Why, yes you have my love, the woman I sent to escort you to the Ballroom for breakfast. Didn’t she introduce herself to you? Well, I suppose she would be upset…” Upset? Why yes she was! After she saw the ring… “Dante,” “Shh. My love, all of your questions will be answered soon enough.” He squeezed my hand and stopped suddenly. “Were nearly there, but I want to cover your eyes first.” He walks behind me and covers my eyes gently with one hand and holds my other hand, gently guiding my way. “This will be something you will never forget My dearest Rosaline. Do you hear it yet?” The sound of rushing water, distant but distinct reaches my ears. “Why yes, I hear water. It is a fountain is it not?” “My love, it is a fountain but it is no ordinary fountain. This is a very special one. I have kept this a secret for many a year. Keep your eyes closed my love.” He takes his hand off of my eyes and I can hear the twisting of locks and the sliding of a door opening gently. “Rosaline, may I have the rose?” I hold out the rose and feel it rise from my fingertips ever so slowly. He takes my hand once more and we walk a few paces. The sound of trickling water becomes louder and the sound of bubbles tickles my ears. His hands rest gently but firmly on my shoulders, and I slowly sit, holding onto his arm, resisting the urge to open my eyes.
His soft footsteps fade away and the shuffling of a small feet reaches my ears. A cold wet something is pressed against my folded fingers. I reach out and feel warm soft fur between my fingers. “Well, I see you will have no problem with Sophie. She is a very special part of the family. Oh, you may open your eyes now my love.” I take a deep breath and open my eyes slowly. Sophie whimpers softly and I laugh, I look into her big brown dog eyes and kiss her nose. She licks my cheek and stands, tail wagging frantically. “Well, this is an unexpected welcoming.” I look up to see his face inches from my own. His eyes a rich and vibrant green, and his breath sweet like honey. He takes his hand from behind his back, presenting me with the rose once more. I laugh softly and blush, holding my hand out for him to help me up from the bench. “So you really want to see the fountain do you?” I look curiously into his eyes and smile. “Why of course I do, from everything you have been saying it sounds quite special, but where is it?” Sophie whines once more and sticks her tongue out the side of her muzzle and paws at the ground. “Not now Sophie, we will play later.” She turned and began to walk towards a dark walkway and looked over her shoulder as though impatient for us to follow. “Well I see that she is taking the lead today. Although, I have an idea. I wonder… Lets see exactly how much you trust me.” I quickly looked into his eyes, confused and frightened. What on earth could he mean by this? He turns to the dog and motions with his hand to leave. He suddenly grabs my hands and leads me to a shadowed corner of the courtyard. He leans into me, my back against the wall his eyes closed. “Dante what-?” He put a finger to my lips and opened his eyes. “Just kiss me Rosaline.” I close my eyes unsure how to begin. All of a sudden his lips are gently kissing mine, one of his hands in my hair and on my lower back holding me to him. What? What is this? This is- All of a sudden his lips were upon my neck kissing my gently his breath sending chills up and down my spine. My body warms all over, desire clouding my mind. I crush him to my body unable to control myself. He chuckles and his teeth brush against my neck softly, teasing. “What is this? Dante, what is this feeling?” He kisses my lips deeply and my heart races even faster. “You have never experienced this before? Why my dear, you are in for a treat.” His hands begin to travel to my hips and he pauses for just a moment to begin biting my neck once more his breathing quickening. I take one of my arms from his neck and place it on his chest, feeling hard muscles under his shirt. “Oh. I thought I might find you two here.”
I open my eyes and feel my face burning. I look down at my feet. “Vanessa, I told you the garden was off limits for you. I set the rules for a reason.” His voice was tinged with anger. He gently let go of me and turned to face her. “Master, the women are leaving the property.” A curious look crosses over his face. “How are they leaving? I have yet to call for any carriages.” “One of the women ran into town and called for her father. He has taken almost every guest from the premises.” A dark look crosses his face and then fear. “Oh, I have taken care of it.” Her face dark and voice dripping with hatred.
Chapter 9
The secret of the Fountain
“We will not have this in our house!” His voice loud and vicious. I quickly looked at her to judge her reaction, but her face was still cold and filled with anger. “If you don’t mind Master”, she spit the word at him as though wishing she could slap his face. “I would greatly appreciate it if you would let me roam the gardens once more. I don’t see the need to keep me away from the Fountain any longer, there is no longer any “danger” to me. I have already suffered from its waters.” She rolled her eyes at the word danger as though laughing at him, mocking him. “I WILL NOT HAVE THIS! LEAVE! PROCEED TO YOUR QUARTERS IMMEDIATELY!” I cringe at the sound of his voice, it was not because it was loud, rather because I could hear the snarls rumbling in his chest. She looks towards the ground as though ashamed. “I am only asking for this one small thin of you Master. It is all I’ve ever wanted. Well, other than you. You know I drank the water for you. It was all for you, you said that you would never turn me, but you loved me. You said that you loved me too much too hurt me, but leaving me like this is killing me. I cannot die and this is what I wanted. But I always thought that I would be spending my days with you rather than barricaded inside of your castle to protect your secret!” As I listened I grew horrified. So this is why she was so upset, why Dante was so hard to talk to at first. His servant is in love with him but he won’t release her, but why can’t she be released? “I SAID ENOUGH! I WILL NOT HAVE THIS IN MY HOUSE!” He took a deep breath his entire body shaking. He looks up, “Vanessa, It has been over 300 years. I do believe that we have argued this more than enough. You are released. I will have your things packed and a carriage ready by the end of the evening.” His body shudders and a slight growl floats over the garden. Glancing between them both I see her face change from anger to fear. “D-Dante? Master what has happened to you? Please don’t stare at me so. NO! PLEASE!” I shrink back into the shadows and flatten my body against the wall. I gasp and he turns slowly to face me. My heart is thudding in my chest, fearing the worst. “Why, good evening my little flower bud. You look rather…delicious .” Tears spring into my eyes. My love is gone once more. Why must this happen? “Dante, don’t you dare kill her.” I cringe at that. Kill? “Why Vanessa! Are you volunteering? Oh my sweets, I will take either of you at the moment but…” He starts towards me but Vanessa runs and jumps onto his back and attempts to throw him to the ground. “VANESSA DON’T!” I begin to run towards her but Dante’s laugh echoes around the courtyard wickedly. “Run, run, run my little flower bud. I just love a good chase.” He smiles wickedly and flips both Vanessa and himself over. “Run you fool! Just run!” Vanessa screams. Her voice is panicked and frantic. I turn and run. Why? Why must this happen? As I run it begins to pour. The rain came like a wall of solid water, instantly soaking my entire body. Looking around I run through the maze of a garden only to hear on the other side of a hedge Vanessa’s scream cut short. An eerie silence follows. “Oh my sweet, I can smell you, You are ever so close.” I turn and flee. I turn to the left, a dead end; the right branched off in three different directions and seemed to continue on and on all directions. Hearing his laughter not far behind I choose the right and sprint to another opening. It’s the way out! Hope burning throughout my body, I burst through the opening and glance around my breath coming in white clouds and my body growing colder. A fog is settling and as I run towards the main gate, I can hear him casually splashing through the puddles. “Are we going to have another episode of cat and mouse my dear? It was so much fun the last time. Ahh, your scent is mouthwatering even in this rain. I can already hear your screams of pleasure”
Chapter 10
The end of me
“I also want to get this acrid taste off of my tongue, her blood wasn’t nearly as sweet as I had though it would be. I’m quite sure yours will be delectable.” “Please just wake up! Dante, Please!” I beg, hoping this will help him to remember. “Oh my dear, that is so enticing in another way altogether.” I turn to escape, stopping suddenly because of the thick walls of fog, but even as I begin to turn, I feel his breath upon my neck. His hands clasp my shoulders and he spins me around. His face buries in my neck and begins to kiss my throat and his teeth scrape my skin. I beat at his chest but he only laughs and throws me over his shoulder. The force of the cold air is painful, like tiny needles pricking my skin all over. He was running at a startling speed, forcing me to catch my breath rather than attempt to escape effectively. “Oh stop squirming. You will enjoy my plans immensely my darling. I will have you moaning until day break.” Fear stabs at my heart. Oh no, please not again! I started to kick and punch him, but he wraps his arms around me and I am unable to move. His grip crushing my lungs and I can barely breathe. “Here we are,” he reaches out into the mist and pulls open an unseen door. “This will be so much more pleasant now. I will be able to see your face more clearly in here. Your face will be so sweet as I take you, your eyes rolling to the back of your head, oh your back arching! Listening to your moans of pleasure.” Flames are flickering in a large stone fireplace and large bed occupies a large portion of the room, setting the scene almost immediately. “Dante, please.” I beg loudly hoping that he will snap out of his blood lust. “Oh Rosaline you have no idea how enticing that is. I must have you. Now.” He drops me onto the bed and falls on top of me. He drags me to the center and begins to suck at my neck. “Dante, Im begging you! Please!” My voice is frantic and I’m trying to get away, but he only shoves me back down onto the bed and starts to unlace my dress. I shove him off of me but he only growls and bites my shoulder. I cry out and he chuckles. “So is this the way it’s going to be? On the poles for the corners of the beds, chords hold the thick curtains back. He rips off them off, the curtains obscuring a portion of the room from view and he begins to tie one of my hands to the posts. As his arm comes across my face I bite him as hard as I can and don’t let go. “Rosaline, you’re beginning to make this more difficult than need be.” He twists out of my mouth. Maybe this will work. Oh god I hope this will work. I lay still and he chuckles darkly. “Well, well, I see you have come to your senses my little flower bud. But, I must say I love the idea of tying you up.” I open my mouth to protest but he jams his against mine to silence me and I force myself to try and go along with it my stomach lurching from the taste of blood and the smell of it filling my lungs. “Well now, was that so hard? Now just sit still while I tie up your other hand.” His smile was one of triumph and his hands worked quickly to untie the cord from the other post. I focused my attention to my other hand as he busied himself with untying the cords. I began to slowly edge to the edge of the bed and wriggling out of the first hastily tied knot. “Oh my dear It will be such a pain for you to wear this dress. I mean, what good will it do either of us in this situation?” He turns to finish unstringing my gown, but I jump up and run towards the door. “Oh what’s this? You sneaky little- Come here. After all there is no place to run. The door is locked from the outside.” I slam into the door and the handle won’t budge. Stifling a sob I turn to see him walking slowing towards me. “What are you going to do to me? Please Dante there are many other women that would be more than willing-” I’m cut short by his mouth on mine and his body crushing me to the door. He draws back his eyes boring into mine his breathing heavy and hot. “Oh my little flower bud, but it is you that I want. I have waited for many a year to smell blood as sweet as yours, and now that I have it, I want to cherish it while it is still warm. “Oh Dante please! Please, I-I, Why do you need to kill me? Please, Dante!” His breathing deepens and his hands begin to work them selves into the back of my gown. I place my hands upon his chest attempting to push him off but he only rips my dress and it falls to the floor my body bare except for the corset. “Oh my dear if you had an eternity to spend with me I would take the time to admire you like this but I simply must have you.” He breathes this into my ear sending unwanted chills down my spine. “Oh, so you really do want me? You play rough Rosaline.” He rips the drawstrings out and throws the corset to the ground. “Dante! Please! No! Dante! I’m begging you! Stop!” He picks me up and throws me onto the bed once more and immediately begins to tie my hands to the head board, no longer risking my escape. “Oh, Rosaline. I wish you would be clearer on what you want. All I want is to please you, but how can I enjoy it as well if you keep running away?” His voice gruff and his hands slowly roaming my body. I tug at the cords that bind my hands. They can barely move. “Oh, I have waited so long for this moment, for this pleasure. I can’t wait to make you mine. Well, I’m not sure how long your going to last, with your blood so hot and so close, so let us not take too long to get started shall we?” He slips off his clothing and forces his legs between my thighs. “Dante please, just stop!” I try to move up out of his grasp but he suddenly grabs my waist and sucks at my neck attempting to arouse me once more. “Dante, if you are going to kill me just do it now! Please at least leave me with my honor!” He pauses for a moment and grins wickedly. “I’ve never had a woman beg for death before. How about this, I do it all at once so at least I can enjoy myself?” I gasp and realize what he meant. “You want to change me?” I began to wrestle with him and tried to tug at the bindings but he only held me down and started to softly bite at my neck. He stops holding me so tightly and his hands move to my waist once more. Why is this happening? Why can’t I control this? I don’t want him! He is going to kill me! My body reacts without my willful consent; my blood begins to grow hot, a flush rising to my cheeks and my legs shaking with my effort to keep them from accepting him. I close my eyes remembering the garden and that stolen kiss the night I met him. “Oh, why fight it?” My eyes snap open. His breath is hot and his lips tickling the nape of my neck. “Dante, please don’t. I don’t want you.” He chuckles lightly. “Then why have you stopped struggling? If you didn’t want me then why is your heart racing and your body growing hotter?” He stares into my eyes heavily. “Dante, please listen, I don’t want you. I want the other you.” He laughs quietly shaking the bed. “
Well, there is another me huh?” His fingertips travel down to my thighs and lightly tickles them, my body trembling with desire. “Who is this other me? Is he charming and handsome? Well, I’ve heard this story a million times over and it never changes. To be honest with you it’s a mood killer and I can’t stand that.” I take in an involuntary gasp as he turns towards my inner thigh and he chuckles. “Although I must say that you look to be enjoying what little I am doing at the moment. I think I’ll just play around with you a little longer, to see if you change your mind.” I attempt to concentrate, and quickly shake my head and he smiles darkly. “You don’t seem to realize how much practice I’ve had my little flower bud,” he laughs softly. “Well, you are no flower bud anymore I see. You are in full bloom just waiting to be plucked. I do believe that I am the vampire for the job.” I manage to stare angrily at him. I hope this will keep him talking so I can come up with a plan to talk my way out of this situation. “Oh no my dear, many have tried this as well. Keep me talking, stalling me. But I do learn from my mistakes.” If I’m going to die, I might as well go with my honor still intact. I take in a deep breath and close my eyes, turning my head to the side, exposing my neck.
“Dante, won’t you just bite me now? Please?” I try to sound as though this is what I truly want, hoping that my hammering heart won’t give me away. “Oh no you don’t. I know what you’re doing.” He paused as if uncertain what to do. “Oh Dante, Please?” I attempt to lure him into it by breathing heavily and trying my fist attempt at a moan. He growls softly. “Rosaline, we will both enjoy this all the more if you would just lie down and spread your goddamn legs! Just- Oh I want you so badly, but your blood!” He pulls my legs down and once more shoves his way in between my thighs. “I will make you want me Rosaline.” His body hot and his hands begin traveling up my inner thigh slowly, as though caressing my skin. “Please Dante; if you do then I will let you do whatever you want to me. You can do anything. Just please, this first.” He growls again, his hand pausing. “Well, we will have eternity of this, although you won’t smell the same.” He pauses and smiles. “Although…” I gasp as he begins to nibble on my neck and his fingers begin to stroke me gently. I moan softly and spread my legs willingly. My body goes limp and I lose the will to fight him off, wanting more. My back arches as he presses himself against me with the original intent. He chuckles, refocusing my thoughts and anger bubbling to my lips. “Dante, just bite me dammit!” My breathing is heavy and my concentration is beginning to slip.
I want him to stop, but I want to let him keep going. What is wrong with me?! I-want more. I want him not to be this demon, but-I. “I will have you my dear, I will not lose control.” His hand reaches down once more and continues stroking me. His hand move towards my chest groping. My body burning and screaming for more, my eyes close and I moan loudly, all of my focus lost in my desire. His breathing begins to grow heavy, I open my eyes and look up into his, when he suddenly growls. “I cannot stand the wait any longer!” He lifts me up so my neck can be fully exposed and he bites down hard. I scream in pain feeling the blood being sucked from my body through my neck. His hands hold me in place so I cannot escape. I scratch at his arms screaming in agony and my arms begin to feel weak and limp. My vision is blurring and I can barely keep my eyes open. “Dante, I love you. I only wish you could hear me.” I feel a sudden release and a horrified gasp. “Rosaline! Rosaline! Oh God what have I done?!” I try to reach out to him but my arms won’t move. I lay paralyzed and a loud buzzing drowns out Dante’s voice. Fire begins to burn throughout my veins, waves of pain rippling over my flesh, radiating from my bones. I can feel my blood oozing out of every pore on my body, like a thick sheen of sweat and I am unable to scream out. I thought there was no pain in death…
PLEASE COMMENT!!!! I NEED FEEDBACK!!!
 DragonFly-Tattoo · Wed May 27, 2009 @ 08:31pm · 0 Comments |
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