I remember waking up gasping for air, falling to the cold concrete floor, my vision black, and my memories a blur. I began feeling around to find something that might help me get up, my sides started hurting extremely sending waves of needle like stabs each second. The only thing that I was able to hear was my heart attempting to beat its way out my chest.

I began to panic, questions running through my head, “ why does it hurt so bad?... Where am I?... What’s going on?... Why is it so hard to get up?... I had no idea what to do, I gently touched my face feeling the area around my eyes, until I came upon a cloth blindfold. I attempted to take it off but before I made it close to the knot, a door opened close to me and foot steps followed soon after.

The steps continued to come closer and closer to my fragile body that sat down and leaned up against a hard surface that was too cold to be recognized as a wall. The footsteps came to a stop and soon after a voice I didn’t know spoke, “ hmm, been a while since a female came to visit hehe.” His giggle sending both shivers down my spine, and making my position more uncomfortable, I replied “ you sound better with your mouth shut.”

It was suddenly hard to breathe, a hand had been placed around my throat tightening its grip and dragging me to my feet. The voice talked again, this time with rage, “ you got some mouth for a mere human” not understanding my full potential, or what I really was, my body took over with my inner anger. I grabbed his hand away from my neck hearing the snapping, and feeling his hand dislocate within mine, soothed my soul and made a smirk appear.

He howled in pain and fell to his knees. I opened my mouth but the voice that replied, “ I guess karma’s a bitch” was demonic and deep. I didn’t fully understand the response till memories began to flood in my mind, but these were different from my own… a few seconds passed, I continued to hold his wrist gripping it tighter, his memories I assumed were in my head, I could hear the screams of people he had killed, their necks snapping, branches braking along with each step he took.

I began to cry silently, my tears stung the sides of my cheeks, I could feel the heat rise from my face. I took a deep breath and released his hand, then instantly I took the blindfold off and placed my hand on my abdomen as it bled through the cloth that had been placed on it. There was a door that hung open and next to it was a pile of clothes. I looked down at the guy that laid close to the floor in pain, “ No hard feelings, I’ve just had a rough few years and that attitude of yours pissed me off!.”

He nodded in silence and got to his feet. I looked him in the eye and asked, “So Mr. Attitude where to, or do I need to beat that out of you as well?” Fear swarmed in his eyes, his body began to shake and he mumbled as he quickly went to the door, “ t-this w-way”. I followed him quite pleased with myself and smiled. He took me down a long hallway and stopped at a door, its pain chipped and when it was opened made a loud creaking sound.

Mr. Attitude opened it and pointed to a chair in the middle of it. I went and sat down only to have the door slam shut and a clicking sound from a lock echoed in the room. I wasn’t surprised, but my body was already overwhelmed from the pain from my side. I lifted up my shirt, and removed the cloth only to find nothing in sight, the wound had completely disappeared… What? Was the only question that ran through my mind, I mean I’m rather glad it's not there anymore but h-how? Through all of my confusion and unanswered questions, I could no longer think.

All of my abilities to process went away in mere seconds, as a low growl sent the room in complete silence. My heart became loud, and the pounding of footsteps became more clear. A man appeared from the shadows, my heart became calm and my trembling hands no longer moved. As he got closer his appearance was more visible, in the blinking light.

His eyes reminded me instantly of a calm dessert, its color like honey, his crazy hair perfectly described the outline of his face, he was taller than I expected, but overall very attractive. He now stood in front of me, unexpectedly he spoke, I was too startled to understand his words. His voice was deep but calm, I looked up into his eyes, “ I’m sorry?”

I got a little nervous but felt the need to smile, even though it sends painful memories to my head and makes my heart ache I somehow managed a small smile. He took a deep breath and repeated himself, “ Are you alright?” My smile faded and I dropped my head, thinking through the emotions I have felt but the only thought I really had in mind was. I’ve never truly thought about it… Am I?

I returned my gaze and smiled once more, “ Yes I’m just fine” my voice faded but he responded rather quickly, “ Doesn’t seem like it..” Silence entered the room once again, I started to pick at my fingernails, and closed my eyes. I was unable to respond, I have had a hellish experience and still managed to give a smile, but at the same time when I looked into his eyes, I saw pain as well.

I wanted to ask questions, but my voice decided that its existence was no longer important. I opened my eyes just to feel tears welled up in my eyes and as a result they lightly fell without me knowing, I looked at him once again, only to find him closer than before. He looked sad but with reason he’d rather not discuss without a mere stranger. I looked up at him only to receive a gentle head pat and a response, “ You’re safe now.”

I stood up from the chair and smiled slightly, and walked close to the door I had entered from. There was a window but I was too short to look out of it. I turned around and asked, “ If I may know, what’s your name?” He stood silent for a moment then replied, “ Hraefn.” I thought for a second and looked down, “ Yeah no, Ima call you Raven. I have no idea how to pronounce that.” I thought I heard him giggle under my breath but I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable if I asked.

He walked next to me and knocked on the door twice. The clicking sound from the lock echoed once again in the room, I stepped away from the door as he opened it. He opened the door for me first but I shook my head and stepped back, I couldn’t explain the urge to be alone.. My brain was scrambled with memories I’d rather forget, making my emotions spin out of control.

I started to feel the same way I did at the hospital and suddenly found myself speaking once again in the demonic voice, “ Please get out and lock the door..” My vision became blurry, my hands and knees shaking. I felt myself fall to the floor, and the last sound I remember hearing was the door slamming shut but Raven remained in the room…



© WinterAngel