Belladonna

Was it ludicrous to think that I was the only one in the room who thought she was beautiful? Through the pounding music and flashing neon she seemed to shine with an ephemeral quality that cut through the stupid artificial fog as though she had a spotlight fixed only on her. And yet even as I slowly pushed my way through the sweaty throng it seemed as though I was the only one who saw her, with her straight black hair and glossy opalescent lips and her lacy white dress that fluttered ever so slightly with each bob of her leg. Blissfully unaware of the world around her, she leaned with her back to the counter, lips barely touching a small liquor glass.

She looked up as I stepped forwards, the only one to approach within a couple of meters of her; her stare is icy, regal in spite of the caustic and gritty environment we found ourselves in. The glass is set down on the counter with a dull *clink* and her cold blue eyes bore down on me locking me in place. I can see disinterest and boredom swirling slowly in those azure irises, but in spite of that I find myself drawn to her as I step up closer, lost in...some indescribable quality to her which sucks me in.

"Can I help you?" Her voice is as frigid as her composure, stifling the words in my throat.

"I...was wondering if I could have your name?" It had sounded much less ridiculous in my head.

It was as though the world came crashing to a halt as an amused smile slowly crept up the sides of her face, a dazzling white grin joining a pair of dangerous eyes. Time ebbed at agonizingly slow pace as her fingers tapped lightly against the table to a beat only she could hear, until a flash goes across her face and she is suddenly looming over me, the empress pressing down on me in all her glory.

"And why would you need to know that?"

Around us I was aware that people had stopped to look at what was going on, through all the pounding music and neon somehow this simple spectacle of myself walking up to this woman seemed to have somehow caught the attention of the floor as a whole. It was odd really, surely a guy walking up to girl in a place like this was a common sight?

"Well, there's no harm in giving out your name is there?" My confidence seemed to have evaporated and I struggled to keep my voice from shaking.

"Names, can be powerful things." Her gaze never quite seemed to meet mine, as if she was looking at something that wasn't there.

It was suddenly quite cold; I could feel a chill crawl up my spine even as I drank down the view of her brilliant irises.

"Well, how about you give me an answer then?""You'll know the answer in the morning."

"Wake up Ethan, you're going to be late!" the voice shattered through the darkness as light crept in through the cracks of my eyelids.

Her face was oh so familiar, and yet I couldn't place a name to it; my head throbbed and even as I winced and pulled my arm over my face to block out the light, I was filled with a deep sense of apprehension that something wasn't right. I was sitting up now, my back pressed against the wooden backboard, muscles protesting with each move I made. I blinked my tired eyes, pulling the scene before me into focus; the beautiful raven haired girl was standing by the window sill faintly lit by the dappled morning sunshine entering the room from the right. The room was a masterpiece of woodwork, rich mahogany and maple paired with creamy leather upholstery, and above all, I had no idea what I was doing here.

"Where am I?"

"What do you mean? You're exactly where you should be."

The world seemed to swirl leaving me with the faint sensation of nausea as I stood, taking note of the platter on the nightstand.

"What's this?" The plastic tray was covered with faint lavender bell shaped flowers and broad green leaves accompanied by black berries.

"Your answer, silly."

"What?" I suddenly felt my legs weaken and I struggled to keep my balance.She laughed, a trill which rang loud and clear in spite of my dizziness.

"Don't worry darling, it'll all be alright." She stooped to plant a kiss on my forehead. "I'll take care of everything from now on."

"I don't understand, what ar-"

"Shhh," she pressed a finger to her lips. "You're all mine now Ethan."

"Wha? At least tell me what I'm going to be late for." I stammered.

Another laugh, "Your next life of course, what else?"

And with that, there was the faint scent of crushed leaves, and then there was nothing.