SANCTITAS

Sophia stood before the mirror, delicately brushing her hair. Today’s charity party to support the orphanage held immense significance for her. It presented an opportunity to preserve the place that had offered her refuge and, above all, a sense of belonging.

Her thoughts briefly drifted back to the past. Those cherished childhood memories flooded her mind, recalling a time when the orphanage served as their true sanctuary. While others might view such a place as cold and forbidding, Sophia understood differently. It was there that she found her family, her closest companion, Damian. Though older, he became her steadfast protector, a constant presence through both joy and sorrow. Together, they faced life’s trials, their bond— unbreakable.

Reminiscing about their shared adventures brought a wistful smile to Sophia’s lips. The orphanage, nestled in an old and weathered building on the outskirts of town, had been their playground. Whether exploring forgotten corners or gazing at the stars from the rooftop, Sophia knew that Damian’s companionship had transformed those moments into treasures.

His departure had marked a difficult chapter, yet Sophia found solace in his letters, each one a glimpse into his new life. She longed to join him, to share in his adventures, but she understood his need for a brighter future, she was happy for him. And now, as one of the event’s sponsors, Damian’s presence loomed large over the festivities. The room she stepped into was aglow with hundreds of candles, their flickering light mingling with the sparkle of a magnificent historical chandelier. Figures twirled gracefully to the strains of classical music, evoking the grandeur of a Venetian ball. Amidst the masked guests, she searched in vain for Damian, her gaze darting nervously through the crowd.

Standing alone at the edge of the ballroom, she felt an unexpected pang of loneliness despite the lively atmosphere surrounding her. Conversations hummed, and live music filled the air, yet she remained on the periphery, a solitary figure amidst the revelry. As her gaze swept across the ballroom, Sophia’s eyes fell upon the familiar faces of the orphanage staff and residents, mingling with guests of varying backgrounds. Among them were children who had once called the orphanage home, now immersed in the festivities alongside individuals from all walks of life.

Despite her aversion to social gatherings, Sophia couldn’t help but be warmed by the sight of so many joyful smiles. While she often preferred solitude, witnessing the happiness radiating from the assembled guests brought a sense of contentment to her heart.

Suddenly, her eyes locked with those of a tall, white-haired man across the room. Holding a glass of wine, his expression bore a hint of melancholy that stirred something within her. As he approached, his elegant demeanor marked him as one of the orphanage’s sponsors.

"Salve, nemo saltat sobrius," he greeted her in a deep, enigmatic voice, offering a glass of wine.

Gratefully, she accepted the gesture, her shyness palpable in his presence. Sensing her discomfort, he introduced himself with a courteous bow as Esker Thorne, his translucent green eyes holding her gaze.

"Sophia,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. ”Sophia Belladonna Le Clair.”

"I know who you are, even if you might not remember me," he said, observing her with a knowing smile. Sensing her confusion, he chuckled softly. ”Saint Helena Van Dorn, I chose to use the English version of my surname," he added, shedding light on his identity.

In that moment, it became clear to her: he was not merely an ordinary sponsor, but the benefactor of their orphanage. It was through his generosity that they had found solace and security within its walls, transforming it into a place they could call home. As memories flooded back, she realized that she had encountered him before, a figure shrouded in mystery during her childhood days at the orphanage. Despite her apprehension towards him back then, his presence now evoked a sense of familiarity that left her pondering their shared history.

"May I have the honour of a dance?" he asked, extending his hand towards her.

She responded with a subtle nod, her intrigue palpable as she observed him. His sudden touch sent a shiver down her spine, her curiosity deepening as she pondered the contrasting sensations of his icy-cold hands against the comforting warmth they exuded.

Rather than following the bustling throng of guests, they veered away towards the doors leading to a quieter sanctuary.

Beyond the threshold, they emerged onto the terrace, greeted by the ethereal spectacle of the full moon ascending above the darkened horizon. Its radiant beams bathed the surroundings in a soft, luminous glow, casting intricate shadows upon the terrace’s marble floor. The night air was crisp and cool, carrying with it a sense of serenity and enchantment. As the couple stepped onto the vast expanse that once bloomed with the splendour of ancient gardens, they found themselves enveloped in an enchanting embrace. Their hands intertwined, they moved with fluid grace, lost in the rhythm of an elegant dance beneath the celestial canopy.

Above them, the star-studded sky unfolded in all its glory, a tapestry of twinkling lights that seemed to mirror the intricacies of their movements. The soft glow of moonlight bathed the scene, lending an ethereal quality to their union as they swayed in perfect harmony.

In the distance, strains of music wafted through the night air, carried on the gentle breeze from the ballroom beyond. The haunting melodies of violin and piano mingled with the symphony of nature, weaving a spellbinding soundtrack to accompany their clandestine rendezvous.

Amidst the tranquil beauty of the night, they danced on, their silhouettes cast against the backdrop of moonlit shadows. Sophia found herself unable to fully capture the complex array of emotions evoked by the mysterious man standing before her.

Was it a twinge of fear that tingled down her spine, or perhaps an insatiable curiosity that tugged at the corners of her mind? Beneath it all simmered a silent longing, a desire to uncover the truths that lay hidden within the depths of this encounter.

Drawing nearer, the man’s movements were gentle as he reached out, delicately tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. His voice, a soft murmur against the backdrop of the night, carried a weighty significance.

"Keep dancing," he urged tenderly, his words imbued with a sense of urgency. ”I’ve come to warn you, dearie."

Pausing briefly, his gaze shifted towards the bustling ballroom, a subtle indication of the gravity of his message. Though Sophia’s eyes brimmed with unspoken inquiries, Esker pressed on.

"You are in danger," he declared solemnly, his tone grave with concern.

A look of bewilderment crossed Sophia’s features, her confusion evident as she struggled to make sense of the dire warning.

"In danger? I... I don’t understand," she faltered, her voice trembling with uncertainty and apprehension.

“I made enemies, Sophie. People who want to hurt me. They know how important you are,” he said, his voice laced with bitterness.

Sophia’s mind whirled with confusion. Just moments ago, she hadn’t even known the man’s name. Why would she, a mere orphan, be in any danger? She struggled to make sense of it all, feeling insignificant and overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps the man had indulged in too much wine, she mused, searching for a rational explanation to dismiss the gravity of his words. After all, why would anyone consider her important enough to pose a threat? ”Look, I can’t tell you more details," Esker’s voice resonated with urgency as he firmly clasped Sophia’s hand, his grip unwavering. ”You must trust me," leaning in close, he whispered urgently, his breath a hushed plea against her ear.

Confusion clouded Sophia’s mind as she halted, her gaze fixed on Esker’s solemn expression. Questions clamoured for attention in her thoughts, each one demanding answers that remained elusive. Despite the sincerity etched on his face, a wave of apprehension swept over her, causing her heart to race and her limbs to tremble with fear.

With a sudden surge of panic, Sophia pulled away from his grasp, her instincts urging her to flee. She dashed towards the exit, the thrum of adrenaline drowning out the chaos of the surrounding ballroom. Esker’s desperate pleas echoed in her ears as she darted through the crowd, determined to escape the danger that seemed to loom ominously over her.

But fate had other plans. In the midst of her frantic flight, Sophia felt a sudden, unexpected grip on her arm. Instinctively recoiling in defence, she braced herself for a confrontation, only to find herself face to face with a familiar figure. Relief flooded her senses as she recognized the newcomer: Damian. ”Did I startle you?” Damian’s voice broke through the moment, his surprise evident as he surveyed Sophia’s reaction.

Glancing towards the garden, Sophia found no trace of Esker, the mysterious man who had left her unsettled. Without hesitation, she threw herself into Damian’s embrace, seeking comfort in the familiar warmth of his presence.

Concern etched across his features, Damian scrutinized her with a gentle intensity. ”Is everything alright?” he inquired, his voice laced with genuine worry. ”You seem as though you’ve seen a ghost," he remarked with a hint of amusement.

Shaking her head, Sophia attempted to dismiss her unease. ”It’s nothing, D," she reassured him, though the memory of Esker’s cryptic words lingered in her mind. ”Just encountered a rather peculiar individual, gave me quite the shivers," she admitted.

A playful smile tugged at Damian’s lips as he responded, ”Was he at least handsome?"

Rolling her eyes in mock exasperation, Sophia couldn’t help but tease him. ”Have you ever seen a handsome ghost?" she quipped, playfully nudging his shoulder.

Chuckling, Damian played along, ”Well, it depends,” he replied with a grin. ”But let’s not dwell on specters. How about some fresh air, my dear friend?” he suggested, gesturing towards the exit. Sophia couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude wash over her in that moment. As they made their way to their favourite spot behind the winter garden, the music abruptly ceased, leaving them enveloped in the quiet serenity of the snow-covered landscape.

Glancing at Damian, she couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes that time had wrought upon him. His once short, tousled hair had grown longer and more neatly styled, and his attire had taken on a touch of sophistication. Yet, it was the shift in his eyes that gave her pause—a faint glimmer of detachment now evident within their depths. She silently hoped that his newfound life had brought him the happiness he deserved.

Sensing the girl’s concern, Damian offered her a reassuring smile, his warmth dispelling the lingering shadows of doubt that clouded her thoughts.

"Don’t worry, Bell," he reassured her, his tone laced with determination. ”He won’t bother you again, not while I’m around," he vowed, his words a comforting shield against Sophia’s anxieties.

With a shake of head, she pushed aside the nagging doubts that threatened to tarnish this moment of tranquillity. She refused to let these insecurities overshadow the precious moments they shared. Instead, she nodded in agreement. They lingered in the park for a while, the wintry night unfolding around them as they engaged in conversation and shared moments and memories. There was a sense of ease in this reunion, yet beneath the surface, an unspoken tension lingered, casting a shadow over Sohpia’s mind. Damien appeared slightly on edge, his demeanour betraying a hint of nervousness as he hesitated mid-sentence.

*Crack

*Crack...

The sound of footsteps crunching through the snow interrupted the stillness of the night, sending a shiver down Sophie’s spine.

"Damian,” she spoke quietly and nervously. ”Something isn’t quite right. I feel like we’re not alone.”

Damian looked in the distance, but there was no one around.

“Well maybe someone sneaked out as well, or maybe it’s just an animal,” he said with a reassuring voice.

And yet his gaze was vigilant, as if he could sense the dread too.

*Crack

*Crack … the noise was getting closer.

He grabbed her hand.

"Screw it, you’re right, Sofi. I feel it too. Something definitely isn’t right," he said and nervously surveyed the surroundings.

The air was filled with tension, and she sensed an unknown threat slowly approaching.

— Did she make a mistake?

— Should she have trusted him?

Her thoughts flowed like a relentless river, racing through her mind as the sound of multiple footsteps grew louder, echoing ominously from all sides. Trapped in the encroaching darkness, she felt a surge of panic threatening to overwhelm her. The instinct to flee back to the safety of the ballroom tugged at her, but her legs refused to obey, weighed down by an unseen force.

Shapeless figures, devoid of faces, emerged from the shadows, their silent advance sending a shiver down her spine. Beside her, Damian stood resolute, his grip on her hand firm and unwavering, a silent vow to protect her at all costs.

“Who are you?!” she demanded, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance. But the figures remained silent, their movements fluid and unnatural, like specters drifting through the night, inexorably drawing closer to their prey.

Determined to defend herself and Damian, she seized a nearby branch, her fingers closing around it in a desperate bid for protection. In the face of the encroaching darkness, it felt like a feeble gesture, but she refused to yield to despair. With trembling hands, she held her makeshift weapon aloft, ready to confront whatever horrors lurked in the shadows.

The shadow phantoms moved with frightening speed, their razor-sharp claws tearing through flesh with a sickening ease. She watched in horror as Damian fell beside her, his form crumpling to the ground.

A dull, throbbing pain seared through her chest, and with the last vestiges of her strength, she summoned the will to protect her friend. Through the haze of agony and confusion, she fought against the encroaching darkness, her mind a whirlwind of fear and desperation.

Memories blurred and faded as a sense of overwhelming powerlessness engulfed her. The world around her dimmed, and she teetered on the precipice of unconsciousness, struggling to maintain a tenuous grip on reality.

... And so, after a while, darkness overcame her. The world faded away into oblivion, leaving only the haunting echo of Damian’s presence beside her, submerged in a sea of crimson. His lifeless gaze bore into her soul, a silent testament to the brutality of fate.

No trace remained of the creatures that had unleashed such unfathomable horror upon them. It was as if they had materialized solely to claim their lives, devoid of any shred of remorse or mercy.

She struggled to grasp the passage of time as they lay there, teetering on the precipice of death. In fleeting moments of consciousness, she caught glimpses of a shadowy figure illuminated by the faint glow of the moonlight. His form was cloaked in blood-soaked garments, his hands stained with the evidence of his gruesome deeds.

Approaching her with a chilling calmness, he knelt beside her defenceless body, his touch gentle against her skin. His gaze held a flicker of sorrow, as if he bore the weight of extinguishing a flame he had once sought to protect with desperate fervour.

"I am so sorry, dearest one," he whispered with a voice heavy with sorrow.

"You need to know that I tried.”

— I tried to..." His voice faltered, words catching in his throat. ”I... I never wanted this to happen."

His heartfelt confession dissolved into the chill of the wind, lost amidst the desolation of the forest. With a trembling breath, he bit his lower lip, anguish etched across his features.

Drawing closer to her, he leaned in, his dark red lips meeting hers in a bittersweet embrace. As their lips touched, she tasted the metallic tang of his blood-soaked kiss.

Then the rustle of the forest vanished, and darkness engulfed her world.