Chapter Two
The night was warm and muggy, the air hung lifelessly in the room. Even the cold stone floor and walls that usually kept the place cool could offer no respite from the clammy atmosphere. The night was uncomfortable and a peaceful passing until morning evaded those trying to sleep. The candles that burned around the room had long gone out, died hours ago but there was still a very faint smell of the heady smoke in the air. The room was still. There was no movement at all from anything.
Evey had been awake for a good deal of time now. She had no recollection of the current time, but she guessed she had been awake well over an hour. She had lain still and had barely moved an inch since she first opened her eyes. She had been awakened by a sharp pain in her arm; she rubbed it and thought nothing more of it, probably cramp. She shifted her weight occasionally, but only to try and keep cool. The bed sheets were damp and stuck to her back. Beads of sweat nestled on her neck and chest. Her bare breasts harboured the first forming for more beads of sweat. She was just too warm. Even being naked did nothing to cool her. The top sheet she lay under, that covered her modesty from waist down, seemed to wrap around her causing her to perspire further. She felt as if she were Icarus on golden wings and that she was melting as she was just too near to the sun. She brought her delicate hand to her forehead and wiped away the perspiration that had formed above her brow. She ran her little fingers over her head; they felt the short spiky hair that was attempting to grow back. It would be months before her hair was anything like what it used to be, a flock of chestnut curls. How she missed her hair, just touching it or running a brush through it, simple things that evaded her now. And to think that the man that had done this to her was right here in this very underground sanctuary only feet away from her.
Evey realised V was no longer in bed with her as when she had awoke she reached out to touch him, but there was nothing. Just a big empty space where her lover, her idol should be. She had crawled to his side of the bed, not only because it was cool, but she could smell him there. That musky fragrance, a mix of leather, soap and a very faint hint of cologne. She breathed it in as she had done only a few hours before whilst he was on top of her, around her, inside her. That smell that filled her head and reminded her so much of the man she loved. She cast her mind back to only a few hours ago, such sweet memories that would stay with her forever. Hopefully together they could add more in the future.
"I love you so much Miss Evey Hammond." He had said to her as he closed the heavy bedroom door and crossed the room to be by her side.
She remembered how he had gazed at her with such desire and longing through black voids in the mask as he laid her on his magnificent bed. She was able to sense his thoughts, sixth sense like almost. How he had slowly and tenderly undressed her with gloved hands. How he quivered and trembled as she showered him with kisses all over his body. He was so eager, just as she was, so willing to learn, to please. He ran his hands all over her body, caressing her curves, his hands exploring her hips, her derrière (as he so eloquently put it), and her breasts. They became as one, rolling, tumbling, falling. Ensconced with one another, the world did not exist for those few sweet hours. They were the only two people alive, just them, alone in their hedonistic little world. The complications and problems of months ago seemed so distant, so insignificant now. Everything had changed, and for the better. There was so much love and desire that the atmosphere was electric. It was simply amazing, he had made her feel like no man before him had. He was everything she expected and more. She was enamoured with this man, nay this god. He had taken her from her lowly existence and elevated her to the heights of Mount Olympus. She felt like she was being loved by a king.
The way he touched her, stoked her, explored her. And she for him. His body fascinated her. The aesthetic aspect of him fazed her not. She saw no hideous burns; of course they were visible, but they were beautiful and they made him the man she had fallen for. She had expected to be reviled at the sight of this naked villain, but she was dazzled by just how much attraction she felt for him. She ran her fingers over his body and was delighted with the response she was receiving from him. He squirmed and wriggled with delight, letting escape small moans and gasps of pleasure. He even permitted her to view his face in all its glory. Evey smiled as she remembered how he sat nervously just before he remove his mask, then how he had glanced at her like a scolded dog when he was without it. She took him in her arms and told him exactly what she thought. That he was stunning, a work of art and that she loved they way he looked. That she found him more attractive than the Venus De Milo, that she found him more beautiful than the lyrics to Cat Powers 'I Found a Reason' and that she loved him more than real butter. The latter compliment found V emitting an appreciative giggle. She purred to him that the burns did nothing at all to hinder her affection for him. And from then he was reassured. His prowess in the bedroom astounded Evey; she was swept of her feet, quite literally. He did to her all she desired and more. He simply took her breath away. She loved him for all he had done to her in those few hours, and for all the things he would do to her in the time to come. His affection for her and her loyalty for him would go unrivalled throughout the ages. Romeo and Juliet were dead, Oberon and Titania had faded and Anthony and Cleopatra were distant memories. It was now V and Evey.
But V's side of the bed was now just as warm as Evey's side and his fragrance had long faded. Slowly the heat crept back into her thoughts again, and once more it was all she could think of. She was so clammy and sweaty, it disgusted her. Having had enough of being too warm, Evey sat up and reached for the tall glass of water by her bed. It was pitch black, so she fumbled until she found it. She caressed the glass lovingly in her hands as she gulped the cold water. It revitalised her, the cool liquid running down her parched throat, quelling the raging heat within. As she placed the glass back in its place, a strange feeling washed over and sent a tingle down her spine.
She was being watched. She could sense it.
"V." She whispered into the darkness.
No response.
"V?" She said again a little louder.
Suddenly a flash of light was visible at the side of the bed. She heard a slight fizz the saw a small plume of heady smoke filled the surrounding air and an amber glowed filled the room. Shadows were cast around the room, the darkness creeping away yielding to the light. It was V, he was stood by her only a few feet away, he had lit a candle and was holding it in one hand. It lit up his mask and from the angle of the light, it looked quite menacing. That sinister smile illuminated by candlelight. His black eyes cloaked in the shadow cast by the brim of his hat. He leaned slowly and placed it on the table by the wall.
Evey exhaled heavily, although she was not very frightened, she felt a wave of relief pass over her as she recognised her watcher as her beloved. She blinked several times as her eyes adjusted to the light. A smile crept onto her face as she gazed at her lover. She shifted and leaned forward, extending her arm to him.
"V come back to bed, I can't sleep. There's an empty space where you shoul…..V why are you dressed like that?" Evey furrowed her brow into a displeasing frown. As she glanced at him, she realised he was dressed, fully. Black tunic, shoes, cloak, mask and wig. Immaculately dressed. He does look gorgeous though, she thought.
"Have you been out V? Is that why you got up? Couldn't you sleep?" She asked nervously. How long had he been watching her? How long had he been languishing in the darkness, feasting and gorging himself upon her exposed naked body. She had been awake so long he must have been there the whole time. Slipped into a corner of the room and observed her silently. Evey started to feel slightly uncomfortable.
V gave no answer; he emitted no sound or noise at all. He just stood, as still as a granite statue. It was as if he weren't real, barely even breathing.
"V, what are you doing?" Evey asked again, the discomfort and worry in her voice now becoming quite evident. She tried to gather the bed sheet to her, covering her exposed breasts.
It seemed like an eternity before he replied, but he spoke at last, his voice soft and low in the darkness.
"I've come to give you this Evey." From under his cloak he produced a flower. A perfect Scarlet Carson. Beautifully formed and a stunning deep red. V extended his arm and handed it to the girl in his bed. Tentatively she took it from him and began to finger the velvet petals.
"V it's beautiful, but couldn't this wait till morning? Please come to bed. If you're not tired then I have ways to make you sleep!" She giggled seductively, feeling more at ease.
But V stood still and shook his head lightly. It had to be done, it was done now, no going back he thought silently.
"Is something the matter V? What's happened?" She paused. "What have I done?" Evey asked desperation in her voice.
"It is not what you have done Evey, it is what I have done." V replied, his voice not faltering once.
"What do you mean? I….I…I don't understand."
"Things have happened between us that I should not have allowed Evey. This cannot go any further. I cannot have my mind and attention swayed from the task that is in hand. I have done things that have stayed me from my aim. You are a distraction to me Evey, and one that I cannot afford any longer." V spoke bluntly, callously with venom in his voice.
Evey could scarcely believe what he was saying. Was she hearing him correctly? Was this a joke? Role play even?
"But V, what happened…you were happy…you enjoyed it…you love me V. I'm not a distraction; I'm yours, all yours. V you know you can do with me as you wish but don't do this, V please!" Evey voice quivered, fear crept over her know. What was he saying? What did he mean?
"I am sorry Evey, truly sorry. What is done is done, but it changes nothing. The fact of the matter is that you have been privy to too many things, personal things and I cannot allow you to leave for fear of you discussing this with others. The things you have witnessed could destroy everything I have worked for, and this I cannot allow." V explained calmly, never flinching once.
"So you're letting me go? You want me to leave V? What about all we've shared? All those things you told me? Was it all a lie? A way to con me into bed with you? Into loving you?" Evey had tears in her eyes.
Fear froze her entire body. It washed over her in waves. She felt sick to the very core. How could this be? How could this man she loved so much be casting her aside? They shared so much love and affection, this couldn't be real. It wasn't happening. It couldn't be happening. She had endured so much for him. Torture, starvation, beatings, from his own hands! She had sworn to protect him and his idea; she loved him like no other ever could. He may as well have driven a dagger into her heart and twisted it. She was so in love with this man, she had accepted him so intimately and now he was discarding her? Like some cheap thrill, a seedy one night stand? Another conquest for him to laugh about? The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. That clammy warmth that had engulfed her had been replaced by a frightful chill. Goosebumps formed on her forearms. Her blood was as ice. Tears began to well. The reality of what V was saying hitting her like a brick to the head. How could she have been so wrong about him?
"So what then V? You're going to let me go, set me free to make my own little way in the world above? Try carry on as normal, as if none of this had ever happened? Like you don't exist?" Evey cried, a single tear trickling down her face.
"No Evey, you cannot leave, that I simply cannot allow." V replied, no emotion evident.
Evey laughed nervously and wiped her hand across her face, ridding it of the tear. She threw her hands above her head in exclamation. He was a living contradiction. You must leave but I'm not letting you go? What in god's name did this man want?
"So if I can't leave then what do you do with me V? Kill me!" She cried with a slight laughter in her voice. She seemed jovial, like this was all a joke to her.
V paused and breathed heavily. This was the second time in as many months that he had done this. Handed a woman a death sentence disguised as a Scarlet Carson. He saw Evey's laughing face fade and transform into a look of sheer terror. That pained expression that would haunt him till his grave and beyond. He watched as the stark realisation swept over her and she turned white with fear. Her normally gleaming bright eyes swathed with a veil of grey, losing their shine. Watched as she rubbed the spot on her arm that ached when she woke.
There. There it was. He saw the precise moment when it hit her.
With his free hand, V slowly produced a long, empty syringe; the needle glistening in the soft candlelight.
"I've already killed you Evey, you're already dead."