Chapter 1: Unfortunate Awakening
Tentatively, I opened one eye, only to be greeted by piercing darkness. Instantly, my drowsiness evaporated, panic blooming throughout my aching body. Where am I? That was the only thought I could muster as I tried to take in my surroundings, but it was too dark to see anything. Hesitantly, I lifted myself off of the dirt floor, and then sat down again when my head began to throb. The shadows in the dark room began to swirl and dance, hungrily surrounding my trembling form. Terror slowly entered my confused mind as I watched the scene.
"W-what's happening…?" I mumbled, gripping my russet hair tightly as the headache worsened. It soon grew unbearable, the throbbing turning into stabbing pain. In pure horror, I jumped to my feet and began hunting for some source of light. It was hard to search when you couldn't see anything. I tripped a couple of times, walked in circles, and hit the wall by the time the room lit up slightly. I stopped my search abruptly.
"W-who's there?" I called out, voice noticeably shaking. No answer came, causing dread to rise in my mind. Someone obviously lit a candle, but whom? I made my way cautiously toward the room that was now lit. I paused at the door, deciding whether to open it or not. Taking a deep breath, I shoved open the entrance.
The room was fairly large. Boxes and barrels were strewn all over the floor, making the rather big area seem cluttered and tiny. There were shelves with all sorts of bottles and glasses lining them, most broken. But what disturbed me the most was the fresh blood splattered across the walls and floor. Fresh blood. I wanted to leave immediately, for I was afraid that I wasn't the only presence in the room. But when my emerald gaze landed on the lit candle, all thoughts of retreat dissolved from my mind. Uncertainly, I crept over the boxes, wincing when my leg bumped against the wood. When I reached my precious source of light, I grasped the metal handle firmly. You're coming with me. I stated mentally. This candle was the only way I was going to see in the thick darkness. Briskly, I circled back towards the door and made my way over the scattered boxes. An ominous feeling gradually slithered into my mind as I left the diminutive room. I could almost feel some other being in my presence. Gritting my teeth, I held up the candle to view the rest of the main room.
It was a sad sight. There were three other doors, not counting the one I had just left, and a rotting staircase that led to a top floor. Now that I could see, the place seemed less inauspicious. With one brief glance, I realized that my best way out would be to go upstairs. Diffidently, I tip-toed over to the fragile staircase but stopped when I reached the first step. I could feel the eyes that glowered into my back. There was something looking at me, I knew it. But what exactly? I didn't want to turn around, afraid that it might provoke the other being. Uncertain, I blew out the candle and leisurely made my way up the staircase, wincing at every creak. That was a mistake.
My movements must've caught the other's attention, for I suddenly heard a rush of footfalls. My first instinct was to bolt, and I did.
The staircase groaned and creaked as I dashed upstairs, desperate to reach the door that could lead to my escape. Whatever the thing was, it was still pursuing, causing adrenaline to flow throughout my veins. When I reached the metal door, I frantically fumbled for the doorknob, sweat pouring off of my face. Finally, it flung open, sending me flying out into a stone corridor. I didn't pause to take in my new surroundings, but hastily climbed to my feet and continued my dash. From what I could tell, my new environment looked like some kind of main room. There were giant stone columns, most collapsed. I could see a massive wooden door to my right, probably leading out of this strange place. I would've liked to stop and admire the architecture but I had some more serious issues.
I risked a glance back only to see my pursuer was gone. Uncertain and bewildered, I stopped my hectic dash and decided to catch my breath.
"That's odd…" I said aloud, wiping the sweat off of my forehead. With a shrug, I began to walk to one of the large stone staircases. There was one door on the bottom level but I figured I'd explore it later. The upstairs seemed more promising.
My heart was pounding, my arms and legs shaking. Everything in my body told me to disappear incase my pursuer was still lurking about, but I wanted to see what was up there. In fact, I wanted to explore this whole place, which I assumed was a castle.
Without further hesitation, I began to climb the stone stairs, curiosity growing with each step. But as I neared the top, the air seemed to chill. The same feeling from earlier came flowing back, and I knew my enemy had returned. But this time, I was out in the open. The monster must've seen me right away for I could hear it stomping up the staircase at a remarkably swift rate. I willed my legs to move, to try and run, but for some odd reason, I was glued to the spot. It was as if my whole body had shut down in terror.
The next thing I knew, cold, long claws ripped down my back, tearing my clothes and leaving a long, but shallow wound. I let out a yell of distress before collapsing onto the frigid, stone ground. Horror gripped my mind as I desperately tried to stand up before a fatal blow arrived.
I shoved myself upward, frantically scrambling for balance as I bolted up the stairs. The beast must've been caught off guard at my sudden movements, for I never heard it pursuing. That or it chose to let me go.
I had found a simple room to hide in. It had a small bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. I had hidden in the wardrobe, afraid that my enemy would come looking for me. But I knew that if it wanted to find me, it would've come by now. Instead, I had something else to worry about. The wound it left on my back stung horribly and the rest of my body ached from the previous events. With a long sigh, I laid my head against the back of the wardrobe and closed my eyes. I tried to recall any memory that would tell me how I had ended up in this atrocious place, but my mind was blank. Anxiety began to work its way into my thoughts as I realized I couldn't remember anything. It was as if my memories had been erased. Terrified, I gripped my knees and pulled them close.
"I just want to go home…" I whispered, voice shaking. I closed my eyes tighter, trying to block out everything in this strange place. But I could still hear the sounds of footsteps, the occasional gust of wind, and the hissing cockroaches. But then the footsteps grew louder.
I held my breath, afraid that whoever was coming could hear me. My heart was pounding riotously and I mutely cursed it. The footfalls grew louder and louder until they stopped right outside the door. I could hear the door swing open and I almost screamed in fright. Then a voice broke the silence.
"The blood trail ends here." The voice sounded female.
"Wait," This time it was a male, "There's some on the wardrobe." My eyes grew wide and I frantically searched for some sort of weapon. But I realized there was nothing. With quiet dread, I waited for the two strangers to find me.
