I nervously walked into the enormous school, a binder and several textbooks hugged tightly against my chest.

My fingers itched as I traveled through the halls, looking for the music rooms. With no one else present, I started to tap the rhythm of Spring Waltz by Chopin on the back of one of the textbooks.

There has to be one here, it's a rich kid's school. And it's likely one of those expensive grand ones.

At one point, I found the music rooms. But each one was packed with people, not my desired atmosphere. When I got to the third one, I opened the door, expecting a roar of instruments, but instead found something else.

"Wh-wha-?"

Inside was not a music room. There were several couches, tables, and chairs set out throughout the room. Girls were seated and were talking amongst themselves, and then I noticed the seven young men in the room. Each one was at a different table, entertaining or just talking with the girls, all wearing suits that were apparently not the uniform that was required to be worn by the school. What they wore made the look more like butlers of some sort.

What is this?!

Before I was about to shut the door and leave, I spotted a large mass in another room that reflected the sunlight beautifully.

I crept to the open door of that room, and I sighed of relief when no one else was there.

As quietly as I could, I walked to the large instrument, and pulled out the bench to sit on. I placed the binder just above the keys, and opened to Moonlight Sonata, 3rd movement, in B minor by Beethoven.

Resting my fingers on the black and white keys, I took a deep breath.

It's been so long... my fingers are itching to play, and I can't wait to hear the plucking of the keys when I hit the right notes.

I started with a fury of speed. The song came back to me slowly, but after the first few seconds, I closed my eyes and immersed in my own world. Just me and the piano and the song.

My ears were only listening to the song, and the background noises died out completely. The smooth ivory that pressed against my fingertips was like a whole other limb. That piano became a part of me, as I started to get the dynamics perfect too, and then pound on the keys harder than I should. But who cares, right?

It's so beautiful... I can't believe just how long it's been, but I'm playing perfectly...

Once I hit the reprise of A, I was playing even faster. I carefully listened to make sure I was keeping a steady tempo as I crawled up several octaves, but managed to do so very well.

I love this feeling. Everything is in my control, and everything is done how I want it.

A sudden tap on my shoulder surprised me, and my hands slammed down on the piano, making a horrible sound that would shame the composer if he were there. I turrned around, rather irritated, to see who disturbed me.

"I am sorry to intrude, but I don't recall giving you any permission to be back here. Would you mind telling me your name, miss?"

A boy a foot taller than me with dark hair and glasses peered down at me. His expression told me he was one who would be nice first and threatening next.

"M-Mallory Noir."

It was strange for me to use my voice. Before I even came here, I would simply nod or shake my head or point. Otherwise I was usually too quiet to be heard at all.

But that particular factor didn't favor me in this situation, because the doors into this room were wide open, the sound could carry through to the other where I entered. The other six boys and all the girls were staring at me or whispering quietly.

"Wait-"

Twins with scarlet red hair appeared behind the taller one, and had managed to get in my full sight while speaking in unison.

"are you the new student we've been told about?"

I nodded.

Soon, the rest of the boys were gathering around me, making me feel very nervous. I looked for a gap between them, but I was trapped.

The girls were completely silent or whispering quietly to each other. Some were glaring while others looked surprised.

"She is so rude."

"I can't believe she just ran in there like that."

"How many times do I have to tell you?! That stupid instrument is to not be played in this household! I'll beat it out of you if I have to!"

Throbbing pain, the sound of wood against flesh. Droplets of blood, and my wails echoing throughout the room and hallways. Shredded paper scattered everywhere, and bruises over my arms and back.

I didn't realize a tear had slid down my cheek until the twins looked at me funny, and pointed it out.

"Why're you crying?"

I wiped it away, and rested my hands on my lap. Through a quick glance, I could see my wrists, and unmistakable white lines across them. I quickly pulled up the sleeves before they could notice.

"That last name... your Mallory Noir, the heir of an instrument company, aren't you? Age fifteen, grade nine. Deceased mother, and have attended several private schools. You enrolled here upon recommendation." The tall boy in glasses explained.

H-how did he know? How can anyone here know who I am?

"Your father has dealt business with my family, and has sold some of your instruments to us for our medical uses. I've heard about you, but never met you." He added, though it was not needed at all.

The girls continued to whisper, and all seven boys stared at me, annoyed. I wanted them to just disappear, let me play. The piano was my sanctuary, my escape from reality. It was a place where I could play beautiful music and be happy, and I wouldn't feel any pain. It was a place where I could let out my emotions in the form of music, and let them escape me like the howl of a wolf.

"Remember Mallory, the piano isn't about how loud or fast you play, it's about the heart and soul you put into playing the piece. Now, let's try again, okay?"

The voice echoed in my head.

Not again... please...

"Gentlemen, you may go back to hosting, I'll take care of this."

The twins pouted, and six of the boys walked away without another word.

"Whatever you say boss."

The small group dispersed and left me with a male blonde, who tried to take my hand. His fingers just grazed my own, but I yanked my hand away.

"Leave me alone! I don't need your help!"

I leaped off the wooden bench, grabbed my textbooks, and ran out of the music room. I slammed the door shut behind me as I sprinted down the halls. I didn't bother to pay attention if teachers were present. I just wanted to get to my dorm room.

Once I knew that I was a considerable distance away, I started to walk to my dorm room. What I learned immediately once I started to move into the dorm room was that very few students stayed in them. Most students could go home at the end of every day, while some were too far away. I had a different reason to stay in the dorms though...

I pulled out my key, unlocked the door, and went inside. I tossed my books onto a nearby desk and locked the door.

They can't get in now. I'm safe.

I turned on the lights, and looked around my dorm room. A few boxes were lined along the wall on my right, one already open and half empty. Some of my possessions were scattered about on the floor, and the closet was tightly shut.

Should I? I'm alone, no one would hear.

I took a deep breath, and walked to the closet on my left. I flipped the light switch on the right of the door, and my hands trembled in fear. I didn't want to do it, but I had to. In order for me to get stronger, I had to do this.

The door opened swiftly, and my eyes widened.

Laying on the bare carpet was the wooden leg of a piano, broken off of the instrument. At the splintered end, there was a tint of crimson that could not be washed off.

It's... That.

Weak whimpers escaped my throat as I trembled, staring at the object. I knew that it brought great pain, but I had to try to endure the memories.

Heavy smacks. Cries and screams, but only shouting and more attacks in response. Hopelessness.

Oh no...

I couldn't hold back a small scream, and I slammed the door shut before I gave any severe reactions. I crumpled to the floor, and took deep breaths.

He can't use it... he is not here!! He can't use it! It's okay!

But my heartbeat refused to slow down. The traumatic memories came back to me so suddenly I couldn't control it.

I looked at my hands, and saw the sleeves slowly slide down my arms. Both of my wrists were visible.

And several scars were visible on my wrists. The eternal mark of my desperate wish for salvation.