Chapter 3 ~Stuck In Time~

~Vivaldi's POV~

I'M IN BLOODY HEAVEN, drinking up the rich blood like a cat with cream. My tongue's dancing, enjoying every drop like it's the best thing ever. Mr Bean-head goes limp, and I let him fall, his eyes glassy and staring. I close them, 'cause even a monster like me has some respect.

I sigh, happy, and jump onto the bar counter. I look at all the shiny bottles, trying to decide what to drink. I point at a fancy Johnnie Walker bottle, its curvy glass and swirly label catching my eye. I grab it, open it with a pop, and take a long swig.

"Ahh," I sigh, feeling like a queen. "Next time, you won't argue with me when I come here for a drink," I tell the body on the ground. I laugh and walk out of the bar, the taste of blood and Johnnie Walker still in my mouth.

~Casper's POV~

I'VE BEEN STUCK IN THIS DAMN manor for God knows how long. It's like time forgot this place, everything's the same - the furniture, the decor, even the food. It's like some bizarre, perfectly preserved fossil.

I remember taking a bite from an apple and leaving it on the table. Next day, the apple's untouched, like I'd never even bitten into it! I could've sworn I left my teeth marks on it. And that piano, I banged the hell out of it one day, but the next day it's back to its pristine condition, playing like nothing ever happened.

Sometimes, I cut my hair out of frustration, but it just grows back overnight. This place is like a maze, every door or window just leads me back to where I started. It's enough to drive a man mad!

So, as the story goes, some high society witch from Shadowvale cursed me and bound me to this manor. Now, I'm trapped here, wandering the halls, trying to find a way out. But, no matter what I try, I just keep hitting dead ends.

I spend my days gazing out of this fancy window, watching the world go by, with no one even knowing I'm here. People just stroll on by, living their lives, while I'm stuck here, like some forgotten ghost.

I've seen civilizations rise and fall, wars ravage the land, and strange new inventions, all while I'm stuck in this place, untouched by time.

One day, I tried to end it all, I really did. But, the manor's magic dragged me back from the brink. It's like it won't let me go. It's enough to make a man want to scream, it really is!

So, here I am, day after day, looking out the window, hoping for a way out of this damn place. But, so far, it seems like I'm stuck here, like a fly in amber. It's enough to make you wonder, what's the point of it all, you know?

Nevertheless, day after day, I find meself parked in front of this blasted window, clinging to the faintest glimmer of hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, someone will finally spot me, notice the manor's hidden presence, and come to me aid. I know it's a far-fetched notion, but a chap's got to hold onto his dreams, ain't he?

~Winter's POV~

SCARLETT AND I ARE CRUISING along on our bikes. The sun’s out, and the wind’s blowing through our hair. It’s a perfect day. Then, BAM! I spot this hot guy staring out of an old mansion window. Time slows down. I gotta get a better look. I slam the brakes. My bike screeches to a halt. Scarlett, clueless, keeps riding ‘til she notices I’m not with her. She turns her bike around.

“Why’d you stop?” Scarlett asks. I feel my face getting hot.

“What’s going on, Winter?” Scarlett presses. I sneak a peek at the window. The cute guy’s still staring, now focused on Scarlett. He looks amazed by her messy hair, flushed cheeks, and curious eyes. Scarlett looks beautiful.

“That guy over there,” I say, taking a deep breath. “He’s totally checking you out. And honestly, he’s really cute.” Scarlett squints up at the mansion, confused.

“What?” Scarlett says, blocking the sun from her eyes but still not seeing the guy I’m losing my shit over. She looks at me like I’ve gone mad.

“Are you feeling alright, Winter?” she asks skeptically.

“Yeah, why?” I say. Scarlett’s not buying it.

“Because there’s no one there. No mansion, either,” Scarlett says, looking at me like I’ve gone nuts. “You must have lost your mind if you think there’s anything there.” She shakes her head. “Let’s get out of here before people think we’re bloody crazy.”

I grab Scarlett’s hand, feeling like I’m in some weird-ass dream. “Wait,” I say, glancing between her and the mystery mansion. “You can’t see that huge building right there?” Scarlett shrugs.

“Nope, nothing there,” Scarlett says. Now I’m freaking out. She snaps a pic on her phone and shows me. “See for yourself.” The photo shows nothing but empty space. I can’t believe it.

It’s like the mansion vanished into thin air. Scarlett and I share a nervous look. I’m still hung up on the mystery mansion and the hot boy at the window.

“Oh. My. God!” I shout, shivers running down my spine. This massive mansion’s right there between other buildings, but no one else can see it? What the hell?

I look back at the window. The hot boy’s still gazing down at us. Our eyes meet. I feel fear and curiosity. Am I going crazy? Is this mansion and the boy just my imagination running wild?

Just as I'm about to lose it, the boy raises his hand slowly and waves at me. He's waiting for me to wave back, but I'm frozen, heart racing like crazy.

The boy looks hurt, like I've offended him. I feel guilty, even though this whole thing is damn weird. There's something about him that's got me curious.

I watch him turn away, looking sad. Screw it, I think. I wave my arms like a madwoman. “Hey!” I shout.

The boy's face lights up. “Greetings!” he calls back, friendly. “Can you see me?” he asks, pointing to himself.

I hesitate, feeling like an idiot. Scarlett looks at me like I've lost my mind. “Yeah, I see you!” I say. The boy smiles, relieved.

“Thank the heavens!” he exclaims, sounding old-fashioned.

“My dearest lady, I seek thy help in earnest,” he says, all Jane Austen-like. “The doorknob hath failed me. Mayhaps you could try to open it from without. I humbly request thy aid in granting me exit from this dwelling.”

Scarlett looks concerned. “What did he say?” she asks. I tell her about the ghost boy's plea. Scarlett frowns. “Don't even think about it, Winter. You want to end up in danger?” She's got a point. I'm the only one who can see this guy and his mansion. What if it's a trap?

“Come on, let's just leave,” Scarlett says, getting restless. I take a deep breath, and just as I'm about to agree with Scarlett, the boy's voice echoes in my mind again, repeating his plea. “Verily, I beseech thee... ” Oh, for crying out loud, I think, rolling my eyes. Can't this guy just shut up for one second? But his voice continues, “Prithee, I beseech thee... Alas, I am most desperate!” I've had enough of his pestering, so I leave my bike and head straight for the door, Scarlett hot on my heels, calling for me to stop.

But I'm determined to see this through. I push open the creaky door, and the temperature plummets, sending shivers down my spine. Scarlett grabs my arm, her eyes wide with fear. “What the hell are you doing, Winter? This is insane!” she whispers loudly, her voice trembling.

I ignore her, focusing on the ghostly boy trapped somewhere inside this mansion. I'm his only hope, and I'm not about to let him down. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come, and step inside. Scarlett reluctantly follows, her eyes darting around the dimly lit foyer, which suddenly brightens up.

The door slams shut behind us, making us both jump in surprise.