The Ritual

VIVIAN

I sat on the edge of the bed, sobbing uncontrollably, my tears soaking the pillow I clutched tightly against my chest.

My face was swollen, my eyes red and puffy from hours of crying. I felt so utterly helpless, trapped in a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from. I really wish I could.

I couldn’t think straight as Mrs. Anderson words kept echoing in my mind- I was bought. Not adopted. Forced to live as Lily.

I just wanted to disappear, to fade away and escape this madness.

A knock on the door startled me from my thoughts, but I didn’t move. I couldn't face anyone right now, but the knock came again, more louder this time.

Taking a shaky breath, I wiped my teary face with trembling hands and then forced myself to stand and walk to the door.

My legs felt like they could give out at any moment, but I managed to reach the door and opened it to find a maid standing there, holding a neatly folded dress.

“It’s time for the ritual,” she said softly. “ Put this on.”

Numbly, I took the dress from her and shut the door. I stared at it for a moment, feeling the smooth fabric beneath my trembling fingers.

I hesitated for a moment, then slowly began to change into the long silky green dress.

Oh, how I hated putting on green-coloured clothes but now I don't think I have a choice.

This was my life now, whether I liked it or not. I wiped my face one last time, took a deep breath, and set my mind prepared for whatever was to come.

The maid was waiting for me when I opened the door again. Without a word, she led me down the hallway till we finally got to the heavy wooden door to the room.

“You can go in,” she said with a bow and then left.

I hesitated for a moment, my hand hovering over the handle. With a deep breath, I pushed open the door.

The room was lit with several candlelights, casting long shadows on the walls.

Mr and Mrs Anderson were already seated at a long wooden table in the center of the room. They both turned to look at me the moment I entered.

Mrs. Anderson’s lips curled into a smile. “Ah, there you are, my beautiful Lily,” she said, standing and gesturing for me to come closer. “Come in, come in. You look perfect in that dress.”

My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to walk further into the room.

Lily. That name again…it sent chills down my spine every time she said it.

The chair creaked softly beneath me as I sat on it. The table was set with fine crystal glasses, but there was no food.

Mr. Anderson leaned forward slightly, his dark eyes boring into mine. “Welcome to our home, Lily,”

“Feel free to enjoy your stay as long as you adhere to the rules we’ve set for you.”

My breath caught in my throat, the moment he spoke. The rules.

I didn’t need to ask what they were…..I already knew. I was to be Lily, in every way possible.

I was to erase myself and become the ghost of their dead daughter.

“Yes, sir,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The words tasted bitter on my tongue, but I had no choice. This was my reality now, and I had to survive it somehow.

Mrs. Anderson’s smile faded as her gaze shifted to the door. Her fingers drummed continuously on the table.

I lowered my head, tapping my fingers on my lap as I stayed silent, the unease in my chest growing with each passing second.

After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open, and Jack strolled in, dressed casually in shorts, with no shirt.

“The maid said you were waiting for me,” Jack muttered as he leaned against the doorframe, with his arms crossed over his bare chest.

“What’s this about? Why did you call me?”

“Jack, show some respect,” Mr.Anderson snapped, his voice coming out with anger.

“We’ve been waiting for you and then you come in here dressed like that.”

Jack rolled his eyes, pushing off the door frame with a sigh. “What’s the big deal? It’s just another one of your creepy rituals.”

Mr. Anderson’s expression darkened as he wanted to stand up, but his wife placed her hand on his shoulder, gesturing to sit down back and remain calm.

“Just take your seat, Jack. We’ll discuss your attitude later,” she said.

Jack shook his head, “No, I’m not staying,” he declared.

Without waiting for a response, he walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Mrs. Anderson didn’t flinch. Instead, she let out a low chuckle. “Ignore him,” she said calmly, turning to her husband.

“He’ll come around. Soon enough, he’ll get used to being around his sister again.”

Her eyes lingered on the door for a moment, but then she smiled again.

“We don’t need him for this,” she murmured. “The ritual can proceed without him. All we need is the family blood…and hers.”

I felt my breath catch in my throat at her words.

My blood.

My mind was spinning, trying to grasp the full horror of what was happening.

My hands trembled uncontrollably in my lap, and I quickly folded them together to hide them.

Mr. Anderson hesitated, glancing toward the door as if considering going after Jack, but then he sighed, nodding in agreement. “You’re right, let’s get this over with.”

Without delay, Mrs. Anderson walked over to a large cabinet against the wall and pulled out a small silver knife and a wooden bowl.

She handed the knife to her husband, “ You know what to do.”

“Now you, hold out your hand,” she instructed.

I hesitated, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure they could hear it. But the look in her eyes told me there was no room for refusal.

Slowly, I extended my hand, my fingers trembling uncontrollably.

Mr. Anderson stepped forward, taking my hand in his. His touch was surprisingly soft and gentle.

He smiled at me, “ Don’t worry darling, it won't hurt. It’ll only be a small cut,” he murmured.

“Please” I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it. But neither of them seemed to hear me, or maybe they just didn't care.

I closed my eyes, bracing myself as the cold metal touched my skin. The sharp sting of the blade slicing into my palm made me gasp, but I bit my lip to keep from crying out.

The pain was sharp, but it was nothing compared to the terror coursing through my veins.

Mrs. Anderson held the bowl beneath my hand, catching each drop of blood as it fell.

The thick, dark liquid pooled at the bottom, and I felt a wave of nausea wash over me.

“Now, you,” she said, turning calmly to her husband.

Without hesitation, Mr. Anderson made a similar cut on his own palm and then did the same cut on his wife.

“This seals it,” she said, as she leaned in to kiss my forehead.

“You are now one of us, Lily. From this moment on, you are my daughter”

I felt a tear slip down my cheek, but I didn’t move to wipe it away. I was trapped in this nightmare, and there was no way out.

Mrs. Anderson turned to me, her smile widening as she saw the tear. “Don’t worry, my dear,” she said softly.

“In time, you’ll see that this is what you were meant to be. You’ll grow to love this life, just as Lily did.”