GUEST OF HONOR
Somehow the Carnival grew to be even more lively than before.
In your hiding you observed the shopkeepers, vendors and townspeople all hurrying about; all anxious for something. The rides were thoroughly cleaned and renovated. The shops were furnished their exteriors with more elaborate and enticing ornaments and decoration all about the Carnival and town alike. Soon, this whole world seemed so preoccupied with this unperceived event - so much so that several vampires had paid you little mind, even in plain sight. Your curiosity welled up inside of you. Whenever you could, you would attempt to eavesdrop upon gossip of the townsfolk.
"I wonder what they look like!" Giggled one.
"Forget them. I'm more interested in seeing this 'premium prey' with my own eyes." Snickered another.
"Oh stop that, you know she's more important than that." One scolded.
"Ey, do you think we'd be able to get a little taste?" Said another, eyes a light with dark mischief.
"I heard this girl's blood is exceptionally delicious."
All this talk became too much. You simply had to know. Who could be such important guests that this entire world would halt and reform itself just to revolve around them? Even so, this girl they speak of...could she be so special that they'd lose interest in you? You had a looming suspicion that this was the primary cause of the decline of attacks you've had to fend off. If these beasts are beginning to lose interest in you, does that mean he will to? You shivered at the thought. Who knows what that man is capable of once he grows bored of his new toy. Despite all your fears, you held onto your resolve. That night, when he came to you, you held your breath. Clenching your fists, you attempt to build resolve to ask him up front.
As per routine, he you laid you down upon your huge, regal bed. As per routine for you, you avoided his gaze for the entirety of the interaction. He commanded you to hold out your arm. You complied, and he began his inspection. You'd sustained less injury than usual due to all of the commotion, so he soon concluded. Rather than his gentle smile of approval, you were met with a slight frown. He abruptly dropped you and stood. Folding his arms, he paused in thought. You finally look up to him sheepishly. 'Now's my chance…'
You sit up proper to face him. Your heart skips a beat when you see he'd been staring you down yet again with that grin.
Interrupting the piercing silence, he spoke up. "Very good indeed"
He spoke with a sense of finality, which shook you to the core. He can't be done with you already..can he? You tensed. How could you even think like that? Nonetheless you couldn't seem to push past the feeling that this girl rumored with exceptional blood was essentially…
Your replacement.
"You've fared well. I see you've grown accustomed to the ways of my Carnival." He said, countenance beaming with a strange sort of pride. You frowned. All you felt was that you were some sort of lowly rat; forced to scurry about for master's amusement. Even so, he looked upon you as if you were his beloved child; his creation. "I believe now is time for you to reap the rewards for your persistent diligence my dear."
"Diligence?"
You spat out with little thought. He laughed softly and continued on.
"I shall allow you the privilege of securing one of my honored guest's hand. Whomever lays claim to you first shall be the one to take you back home."
Your eyes widen. 'Take their hand? Return home?' What the hell is going on?
"What do you mean..?" You spoke, now in a small, shaky voice.
He soon overcame you with his fierce gaze. It caused you to slowly draw your lips shut.
"It's important you pay heed my dear. Any disobedience will be dealt with swiftly, should you attempt to flee. I wouldn't wish upon you such a fate - not so soon." He said thoughtfully, head raised with such a dramatic flair you couldn't help but scoff.
In a flash he'd caught you. Gripping your hair in his powerful hand, he looked down upon you emotionless. His golden eyes drilling holes into your skull. You yell out in protest when he roughly pulls your face towards him.
"Do you understand? Let me hear it. Come now." He said, eyes fixated upon you pained form.
You hesitated. How can you agree to something like that? You'd taken too much time to response: big mistake. He yanked back harder on your head and repeated himself in a paradoxical calm tone. "Do you understand?" Grinding your teeth you mumbled. "I understand"
Dissatisfied, he tightened his grip, digging his nails into your scalp. You let out another yelp of pain before finally repeating yourself; audibly this time "Yes my lord...I understand."
And just like that he releases you. His grip, just moments before hard, dissolved into gentle strokes upon your disheveled hair. "Good girl." He cooed.
As he lifted himself from you, a shudder ran through your body. 'Take me back home?'
Even with these words you felt no comfort. At this point, though you'd hate to admit it, would you even be able to return? Knowing this man, he would scoop you up like a proud groom, escorting you back to familiar surroundings. With his elegant and regal attire flowing behind as he paraded you back home in his arms. You imagined the look of utter shock melt into tearful rejoice when your mother runs to hold you. You see your captor giving them that same humble smile whilst waving away the onslaught of gratitude poured upon him.
Happily you would live at home reunited by your family's side until...his return.
All will be well until he decides to come back for you. His kindness dissolving into bitter cruelty as he rips you from your screaming mother's arms. What's worse is in the event of a hail of curses being spat upon him, you wouldn't put it past this beast to slay them all on the spot. With all of this plaguing your mind you couldn't possibly even desire to learn which one of those accursed guests will be taking your hand. Each and everyone is most likely as cruel as he. You were going to be thrown out to the first who sets eyes on you.
"They'll be here soon my dear." His reverberating voice shattered your thoughts, bringing you to back to the equally bleak reality. "Come, we must have you dressed properly. They must find something appealing enough about you."
You had to bite your tongue to stop yourself from lashing out. Clenched fist and disheveled hair, you simply comply and take his hand. He held you arm in arm as you strode down the long, dark candlelit hall. You head downcast, the walk feels like an eternity. A sense of nausea begins to overtake you, eyes hazy and unfocused…
Diabolik Lovers, the setting nor characters belong to me. I'm simply crafting a story based upon such.
Nor do I own the title, I have MEJIBRAY to thank for that.