Anastasia's POV
I laugh at the man, delighted that I finally have someone to talk to after two years of silence. I perch at the silver stairs underneath the dial, unsure of if I should trust him with my secret or just stay as the mysterious voice. I pass underneath the gold dial, pacing back and forth, unsure of what to do. I hardly notice as my red and gold dress flutters behind me, my pacing quickening.
"So my small friend, how did you come to be in the pocket watch?" The man inquires, his bright blue eyes staring down at the face of the watch. I stop pacing and look up through the circular hole in the dial, my green eyes meeting his blue ones. I blush and look down shyly before moving from the hole once again.
"It's a long story. How did you come to live under here?" I question back, trying my best to change the subject. He sucks in a deep breath and sighs, his hot breath lightly fogging up the crystal as I wait for him to reply.
"That is also a long story my dear…" He trails off, his face slowly turning to the ground instead of to me.
" Since that is the case for both of us, I think it would better be a conversation left for another time." I smile, unconsciously stepping up on one of the stairs, my legs and feet betraying me. I manage to stop myself before stepping out of the dial, still scared of the man.
" I quite agree my dear. May I at least ask why you were on the gypsy man's body?" He turns back to me, his eyes sparked with curiosity. I smile and memorize his handsome face, the strong cheekbones, square jaw, smiling blue eyes that are still full of pain, and the white mask covering about half his face.
"He was my caretaker and protector. He died protecting me from treasure seekers," I inform him, despair coming back over me as my mind goes into overdrive. What if he is a treasure hunter, what if he already knows my secret and is going to sell me. My heart races as a overwhelming drowning feeling comes over my body, my stomach ties itself in knots as I panic, I break down crying "Please signore! Don't sell me or leave me." I cry out. Heavy and hot tears running down my cheeks and onto my dress. Panic and anxiety from the years finally coming out in one hot rush.
Erik's POV
I hear the heartbreaking plea and the soft sobs emanating from the crystal. I gaze closely at the dial and see a small bit of red in the golden circle. I gently pick the golden pocketwatch off of the piano, cradling it in my hands like a father would cradle a child.
"My dear. I would never dream of doing something as horrible as that, I can assure you that I will never leave you. I will protect you with my life. That I swear to you." I growl out the last part, holding the pocket watch close to my silk covered chest, determined to keep my precious pocket watch safe from all harm. I listen as the sobs slow, I wish I could put a face to the Voice. Or at least a name. I pause a few moments and walk across the cavern, over to the fine red velvet curtains that separate my room from the rest of the house. I smile as the familiar smooth granite walls surround me, my black coffin styled queen sized bed laying in the center of the room, directly next to it is my wardrobe of black walnut. It is a sparsely decorated room but it is sufficient for my needs. I carefully set the watch down on one of the red pillows on the bed before laying down next to it.
"Now my dear, since we have that one issue settled, would it be too much to know your name?" I quietly ponder of the watch, feeling slightly silly once again, realizing I'm talking to a voice in a watch. A soft laugh and sniffle come from the watch.
"Only if you tell me your name, sir." Comes the witty reply, followed by a small giggle. Oh how that giggle tempts me. It makes me want to forget Christine completely, however that is not possible, seeing that I can hold Christine and she can hold me, this is simply just a pocket watch.
"That seems only fair." I smile at the crystal, secretly hoping whatever entity is in it decides to show itself to me, my mind reeling in curiosity at how this is possible. Another beautiful giggle comes from the crystal.
"My name is Anastasia Dandolo. What is your name Signore?" The sweet Voice rings out. Anastasia. The name seems to roll of my tongue. Anastasia. So much more regal than Christine. Anastasia. The name is pure temptation.
"My name is Erik Dessler, it is a pleasure to put a name to the voice, Anastasia." I smile with the name rolling off my tongue, feeling amazing and just….. perfect. The feeling is indescribable. The name fits. My mind begins wandering, Anastasia Dessler. If only I knew what she looked like. I'm sure we would be perfect together. Wait…. what am I thinking? I have Christine. I banish the thought of Anastasia and I ever being together.
"It is nice to meet you Erik. Now if you will excuse me I have a few things to attend to. I will talk to you when they are over with." Anastasia tells me, much to my disappointment. I only nod and close the lid of the pocket watch. I guess even entities have things to attend to. I wonder what all she has to do. I faintly hear the sound of music and singing coming from the pocket watch. I yawn as the soft song lulls me to sleep.
"Come little children,
I'll take thee away….."
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Hey guys! I'm back! thank you all for being so patient. School just got too busy with graduation and I was busy most of my summer. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter! please let me know what all you thought about where I'm taking this. I enjoy hearing your guys's thoughts on it. Thank you!
