Chapter 3 - The Beast

Daniel twisted the knob and pushed the door open, it produced a creaky sound. Considering how old this mansion looked, I'm not even surprised if all doors here create sounds like this one. It's as if I'm in one of those horror films.  

 

“It's not that grand but I hope it'll make you as comfortable.” Daniel smiled  

I shook my head, "It's perfect."  

 

Daniel scratched his head, “There's a bathroom just across your room if you wish to clean up. Feel free to use the clothes in the closet for the meantime.”  

 

I smiled, “Thank you, Daniel.”  

 

“If you need anything else, I'm just at the end of the hall.” His lips twisted into a boyish smile before leaving the room.  

 

My eyes scanned the room. It's not that dusty. It has that smell of old books. I think they've already cleaned this room while I was asleep. The walls were painted of light beige. There's a queen sized bed at the center and a bedside table. There's also a closet beside the door.  

 

I burst open the window and I was caressed by cold air. My red strands were all over my face and shoulder. A small smile appeared on my lips but it didn't reach my eyes. I should be grateful to finally have a shelter even after everything. Suddenly, I feel lonely and just as lost as those flying dandelions. They never know where they'll land. They just flew with the wind to find themselves lost in the field.  

 

The sky is in its brightest blue. Clouds float like the softest cotton. In front of me is the view of the grassland. On the far east is the forest, covered with the tallest trees. Below the window, I saw a garden. The fountain by the gazebo is half empty with green water. Moss sticking on the marble; It looks like it has been like that for years. The area is almost empty and dirty, it doesn't even look like a garden anymore. The flowers have dried up like they haven't been watered for years. The ground now piled with dead leaves. As a person who enjoys a good view of nature, it's a disheartening sight to see.  

 

“I should go clean up.” I mumble to myself as I reach for the closet. Picking an oversize black tee and shorts, I head straight to the bathroom across the room.  

 

Inside the bathroom is a sink, a toilet, a shower area and a bathtub. Yes, their bathroom is quite huge. I'm not surprised because the mansion itself is massive too. From the long, carpeted halls, glass chandeliers to the old paintings pinned to the walls by the staircase. There's something about the mansion that's just enticing.  

 

I stared at myself at the mirror. The reflection was blurry because the mirror was foggy and dirty. I turned the faucet and splash water towards the mirror. I grab a tissue on my right and wipe the mirror. Now that is much better than before. These gentlemen must be very busy to not even take a second to clean a freaking mirror.  

 

Untying the robe off of me, I put it on a rack. Taking a glance at my body, a shaky breath escaped my parted lips. It's all pale and bruised. I have a long scar on my right rib. Dark bruises on my legs and ankle. My thighs grew thin and the bruises were just ugly. Pity and hatred filled my heart. What the fuck happened to me?  

 

After a refreshing bath, my feet lead me outside the house. My hair flew again with the wind as soon I shut the huge, oak door behind me.  

 

Boy, it wasn't just a mansion. It was a castle; Old fashioned and mossy on the exterior. The proud, mossy stone walls outside were almost ancient. Vines and flowers bloomed inside the cracks of its wall; it’s enchanting. Where in the world am I, really?  

 

With a huge grin on my face, I stood before a huge field of dead grass. On the sides were enormous, dead trees that added to the eerie ambiance of the place. Everything here looked dead. Perhaps, the soil is not healthy for keeping plants.  

 

Noticing that it was almost at dawn, the castle looked a bit more dark and abandoned. I don't know but I find this place beautiful. Surely it will be more pleasing to see the place with the morning sun.  

 

Not minding the cool wind, I decided to take a quick stroll around the castle. The castle was surrounded by forest. It looks as if the people here clearly didn't want anyone disturbing them seeing they picked the right place to live. I'm wondering if there's a marketplace here or somewhere with more people because this place is unearthly quiet.  

 

I hummed and kept walking along a trail towards the back of the castle. I went past the garden and I came across a metal, rusty gate that seemed to be locked. It is the way to the forest. I shrugged since I'm not planning on continuing my tour there.  

 

I sensed a movement on the bushes in the dark forest. Out of nowhere, an angry growl erupted. Flocks of cross fled away from the forest. Fear rushed through me and there I saw it. The pair of glowing eyes, almost the color of blood red, is sinister.  

The beast lunged in my direction but it hit the gate instead. The old gate flew open after the second thrust. I was frozen in my place, like my feet were rooted deep on the ground. I could feel my insides churning. Is this how I'm going to die?  

 

The hideous creature slowly ascends towards me, ready to pounce any seconds now. And it did. Its sharp set of teeth dug into my skin, a piercing pain hit me.  

 

“Ah!” I yelped in pain, gripping my thigh. The agonizing pain kept going until my throat strained.  

 

The black wolf did not stop dragging me along the fence. It is leading me towards the forest. I shut my eyes, biting my shaking lips. The excruciating torture did not stop. It kept dragging me whilst I used my other leg to kick it in the head. Finally I hit him in the nose. It pulled back its pointy teeth from my flesh and stumbled backwards. My kick was strong but it wasn't strong enough to knock the beast cold.  

 

How I wish someone will save me but I know it won't come to that because my body couldn't take it any longer. Slowly, I fell into darkness. My heart beating was frightfully deafening but still I heard it. The loud, distress growl echoed in my ears.