1927: Redemption

Startled

“Scary is a person who has never engaged in their own inner 'Two Wolves' battle, who is one of the unconscious, the modern zombies.”

2021-DECEMBER-FLORIDA

Adeline knew she was scared when those old fears ran through her head when she heard the taunting laughter of years past when she was a skinny kid and the punchline of teenage jokes.

She knew she was scared when these bad memories cut loose their chains and invaded her confidence, eroding the person she had built since those dark days. The fear came most when she was tired and fleas in the nighttime, vanquished by the time she awakened. So when her thoughts tumble into that abyss and the rope ladders burn, before, she used to put down her phone, turn off her computer too, and curl up where it was dark and warm. As her dreams were her helicopter, her dream self was the pilot, and she would wait to take herself out of here the moment she let it all go.

But, not tonight, as after hearing the disturbing noise somewhere from her apartment. She let go of all of her fears and pulled out a thick stick because he ain’t letting go of anybody who wanted to invade her house without her permission, whoever that was.

With the new boost of confidence in her being, she held the stick in an offensive posture, and quietly opened the door of her room.

Sticking to the wall, she slid past the corridor which led her to the drawing-room, where a small lamp was illuminating the room. Roaming her eyes around the whole area, Adeline found nothing.

Her lips twisted sideways, as she raised her eyebrows, thinking, ‘Looks like everything is fine.’

Taking down the thick stick, Adeline sighed, “There’s no-”

“You need a lot more practice than I thought.” Came a rough voice from behind her.

Adeline squeaked, jumping, startled.

“Oh my god, you scared me.” Said Adeline, keeping a hand on the left side of her chest as she tried to control her erratic heartbeat.

“Being scared is normal and natural, an appropriate response to a situation that feels threatening. I'd be more concerned if you weren't.” Said the beast, who was leaning against the wall behind her, the moonlight streamed through the curtains and landed on him, making him look even more handsome, as his arms were crossed on his chest with a new mask on his face, and a flicker of amusement in his gorgeous eyes.

Rolling her eyes, Adeline threw the stick at him which he grabbed with an inhuman speed before it could even touch him while giving her a look, but kept silent as his gaze trained on her face.

Currently, Adeline was feeling more emotions than she thought humanly possible. Most of these emotions revolve around her god-like saviour and not the task on her sleeves.

What was so important about this identity that he could not just tell her? Thought Adeline every time whenever he made his appearance before her.

Was he worried Adeline would be scared?

She had already seen him brutal murdering her attackers, and she was not sure he could get worse than that. And, yet Adeline could not shake the way she felt about him. He was alluring, comforting, and distant all at the same time.

Adeline could not help it though, the minute she chose to acknowledge her feelings for him, it had been jumping on a roller coaster at full speed. It was dangerous and she may not survive it, but she could not get off the ride no matter how much she wanted to.

Her attraction towards the beast was intoxicating, as her eyes flickered down to the glass of amber liquid that sat in the cup on the counter.

Might be his, thought Adeline.

Adeline pursed her lips, thinking for a moment. “Can I have some of that? I have a lot on my mind right now.” She shook her head.

He raised his eyebrows, and she rolled her eyes. She was not sure why, but she had the feeling he thought she could not handle it.

“Oh come on, I’m over the legal age of drinking, and I’m stuck here with you. It's not like I’m going to get drunk and run away.” Adeline looked at him with an exasperated expression.

He shrugged, and before he could reply:

“Wait, how about a friendly drink after a dramatic night? Can you drink?”

What an illogical question Adeline, wow!

Rolling his eyes, he handed her the glass. Against her control, Adeline felt her cheeks heat up at the thought of placing her lips against his glass.

A childish thought, but she couldn't help it.

Lifting the glass to her lips, Adeline let the amber liquid run down her throat. The alcohol part tasted horrible and burned her throat as though she had swallowed a lit match. Once she got past that initial taste, it was actually pleasant. Notes of maple, teak, and honey were prominent.

Gulping the rest of the cup, Adeline met his unwavering gaze. His eyebrow lifted again as if he were asking her what she thought. While she was not sure what he was asking, Adeline felt the need to say something.

Nodding, “It’s good.” Said Adeline, licking the last bit from her lips. “Do you have any more?”

The beast’s mask twitched and she could have sworn he was smirking. He turned his back to her and walked over to the room that was in front of her bedroom.

Furrowing her eyebrows, Adeline looked at him as her breath caught in her throat when he gestured for her to follow, his eyes looked as though he were daring her.

‘You better follow him.’ Scolded Adeline to herself.

Following him, Adeline entered the room which she already checked earlier when she received Dr Carter’s text and it was all the same.

What is in here? Thought Adeline.

Why did the beast bring her to this room?

What was in there?