The girl began to moan, louder and louder, until the moans were screams that woke her from her nightmare. With a gasp, she sat up from the damp, tangled sheets and let out a shuddering sigh. A lump formed in her throat. The urge to cry was unbearable, but she was out of tears. After months of restless nights and horrific dreams, she was simply unable to weep.
The same dream. Over and over, a never-ending film reel. A nightly torture, unmerciful and cruel.
She slid her legs from underneath the bedclothes and hugged herself.
Months ago, she would have prayed for help and strength.
In the round, gilded cathedral of St. Appian's, bathed in a painted ray of sun. Safe.
The walls of love and faith that she had surrounded herself with were gone now. They had cracked and crumbled away the first time she'd seen him.
The man with pins in his head.
And every single night since then, he came to her, tormenting her, peering into her soul with his obsidian eyes. Sometimes, as he approached her in slow, elegant strides, those eyes sparkled blue. A deep, stormy blue that made her second-guess everything she thought she knew about him.
She shuddered, turning her attention to the bedroom window; the distinct, murky light of an Autumn dawn was beginning to shine through the curtains.
There was no use in trying to sleep. Soon, the house would be filled with activity.
A 'Fall Dinner Affair', her mother had called the upcoming house party. One of many spontaneous celebrations she'd hosted in the last six months.
Again, she felt phantom tears begging to be released. She loved her mother and father dearly, but their excessive, lavish lifestyle was not meant for her.
The convent was where she belonged. It was home. Simple and quiet. Beautiful.
"Inna? Are you awake?" A soft voice called from the hallway.