\[Elise’s POV\]
I find myself standing in the middle of a large room that smells of blood and death. Laying in the middle of the floor is a pile of dead bodies, and sitting on his throne of death behind them is the one I am certain is responsible for it. And the minute I accidentally touched one of the dead, I saw what happened and how this man was the one who insisted that it happen. He was the one that told them to fight against one another and the reason that they were like this, but despite that, he wore such a smile on his face like he was an angel.
“You’ve returned.” He says to me, his dark eyes glowing with triumph. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away.”
His voice is like a beautiful siren’s call that draws me closer despite what I’m seeing. I want to obey this man and do everything that he wants of me. That’s why, when I reach his feet, I bow and wait until his large hand comes to rest on my head so that he can rub my fur.
The way his fingers brushed along me felt amazing, and I remember wanting nothing more than to continue to receive his praise. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I felt like something was off—something wasn’t right about this whole thing.
However, when the next day came and he gave me a target to find, I did as I was told. I set off in search of the one that he asked me to be rid of.
Little did I know that the closer I got to my target, the more the man’s hold on me would disappear, but the torturous darkness and pain I felt remained until finally I found relief.
Blinking a few times, I bring myself back to the present, where I’m surrounded by people who don’t radiate that darkness. Instead, they radiate a gentle aura, well most.
“Are you back with us?” My light asks, drawing my gaze to her. “You looked like you went somewhere for a bit there.”
“I guess I did.” I admit, trying to shake off the slight bit of unease I am still feeling. “But it’s okay.”
Right. It was okay. I wasn’t going to ever find myself in that place with that man again. I was safe here despite not knowing a single person that was around me. They would protect me, that much I was certain off, especially the man who remains silent beside me.
Feeling something warm begin to bubble in me. I peek at him, taking in his handsome yet aged features and his messy brown hair that surrounds his godlike face.
“Beautiful,” I whisper before I can stop myself.
He doesn’t respond, as I’m certain he understands that I’m talking about him, and that is both exciting and unnerving.
“Who are you?” I continue, wanting to know more about not only this man but everyone around me. “Who are all of you?”
“You’re family.” My light responds gently. “I’m your niece, and my name is Serenity.”
Serenity. I had to admit, the name suited her since that was exactly what she was bringing me. A serenity so beautiful and pure that I just wanted to remain in it for all of eternity.
“And he’s my Uncle William.” She continues, nodding toward the man. “He was…”
She doesn’t finish her words as a look of sorrow flashes in her blue eyes. Instantly, I found myself wanting to know what it was that she was going to tell me. Was there something special about that man? Was it something she couldn’t mention to me?
“And he’s Maverick,” she continues now, nodding to a man with crimson red hair. “And he’s…”
One by one, she names off all those who are with us until she has finished, and when she looks at me expectantly, I know that she is hoping that I remember them too.
“And me?” I ask, unable to give her the response that I’m certain she is wanting. “Do you know who I am?”
“You’re Elise,” she responds, but then looks sad again. “At least, you were Elise, but now you’re Eleanor.”
“What does that mean?” I push in confusion. “How can I be someone and then change to someone else? It isn’t really…”
“It’s a long story.” William says, stopping Serenity from speaking. “And right now it isn’t something you should worry too much about. I’m certain that you’re probably tired and overwhelmed. You’ve been through a lot. Let me show you to your room.”
“Okay.”
The word leaves my lips before I can stop it, and when he reaches out a hand to me, I find myself taking it without a single bit of hesitation.
Where we touch comes alive with a beautiful energy that I find myself getting lost in, and when images start flashing in my mind, I suddenly get dizzy.
“Careful,” he gasps as I stumble. “Are you okay? Should we maybe let you rest here a bit more?”
“N-no,” I rasp, wondering what it was that I was seeing.
From the small glimpses I got, I knew that they were most likely memories of my time with William, but I couldn’t quite be sure because they were so fast. The most I caught from them were small glimpses of his smiling face. His adoration filled eyes. And…
A blush rushes up my cheeks while I try not to think of the body that I saw since I knew that it wouldn’t do me any good.
“I’m okay.” I say now, pushing the images to the back of my mind. “Lead the way.”
Nodding, he gently clasps my hand and starts to lead me away from the group of onlookers. He doesn’t speak as we move through the halls and even when we reach what I can only assume is his room.
“I hope you don’t mind.” He says, opening the door and ushering me in. “But this is the only place I can be certain you will be able to relax in.”
“Okay.”
It’s all I can say as his scent begins to attack my senses and his essence that is all over the place presses against me.
“But where will you go?” I continue, looking around at the simple space. “Or will you stay here with me?”
Growing quiet, I wait as he looks at me as if I’m the most precious thing he has seen. And when desire appears in his eyes, I begin to wonder if I made the right choice in coming here, but something tells me that he wouldn’t do anything.
“You’ll be fine.” He assures me. “Now go and lay down; I’ll go find you something to wear.”
Gasping, I look down and realize that I’m naked.
“Don’t look at me!” I yell, grabbing the blanket from his bed and wrapping it around me. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”