Chapter 39
Chapter Thirty-Nine
T he days all blended into one. I would wake, eat, read, sleep. There was no variety. After Maaier’s latest departure, Grandmother had taken it upon herself to watch over me. A cautious gaze always fixed as if I were to flee at any moment to follow him. Where did she expect me to go? I couldn’t go anywhere, I didn't even know where Maaier went. I wasn’t even allowed to see Dorian’s father in the town. Whose concerned letters were arriving at least three times a day. I responded each time. Letting the messenger escort the reply back instantly.
Letting him know that everything was okay and not being held imprisoned against our will. Each letter brought a smile to my face. He wouldn’t venture here. The manor was too dark for his unending light. Like a shadow creeping over the most beautiful garden.
Victor also took his place by my side most days he wasn't working and throughout the majority of his free time. Spending hours researching all he could about sight and not being able to see colour. It was truly admirable that he was trying to help something he had no knowledge on.
But my mind constantly wandered to Maaier. Always wondering where he was or what he was doing. Or whether his heart felt like it was being torn in two without me. Much like mine was. It was as if I was missing a limb.
Father had locked himself in the library most days. Writing out his notes on herbology and his findings, avoiding my wrath. Arthur chose to work to avoid the same.
“Do you think Lord Maaier will return?” Mary had asked quietly when preparing me for bed. Tearing me from my thoughts.
“I hope so.” I offered smally. She smiled.
“Things that are lost always have a way of coming back to us.” Her voice sang cheerfully. I smiled back. Hoping to God she was right. Rosemary’s gentle hands wove through my hair. Untangling the lengths with ease. Her company was a welcome attribute to my days.
“Your grandmother was speaking about holding a party of some sort. To celebrate your upcoming birthday.” She bubbled quietly. Almost squeaking with excitement. “She was most excited for you to play the piano for all of her guests. She was planning a dinner in three nights to arrange for it all.”
“Is this all wise, my friend?'' The incredulousness of the story was incredible. What was the old woman thinking? The attacker was still at large and not yet caught. That and Maaier was not here to protect me any longer.
I wondered if he knew I would be safe. I was curious as to whether he would show up if I was in danger. I liked to believe he would but I wasn't sure in myself. I barely knew him but it felt like somewhere deep inside me knew him better than the back of my own grey hand. Mary lowered herself to me, hands freezing in my hair. Looking around sheepishly before uttering the words that sent a chill straight to my bone.
“She seems to think it will draw out the attacker once and for all.”
Mary watched for my reaction in the mirror. My skin paled as a cold breeze crept through the room. Were they serious? They were going to lure the crazy man back here! Like hell they would succeed. Mary apologised softly before braiding my hair. I waved her away. Assuring her she did no wrong.
After my hair was braided and tied back. I sent for Victor. Needing the comfort of a friend more than anything. My skin felt like the ice slowly creeping in. I watched my hands as I flexed them. Remembering how bright the blood coloured that night. My eyes drifted up to the glass reflecting my exhausted self.
Looking into the mirror, I stared at a patch of fog forming by the window. Like smoke rising. Spinning to face it, my heart leapt into my chest. Nothing remained. No smoke. No fog. Exhaling deeply, I turned to the mirror cursing myself.
The image reflected, causing a screech to shred from my throat. Hovering behind me stood my mother. Her ghostly hand resting on my shoulder. Her pale skin unmarked. Her same soft smile. Just as I remembered her.
I leapt up from my seat. Turning to face the empty room. Tears rolling down my face as sobs racked my body. My behind hit the dressing table, the knuckles on my hands grew white with my grip
The door burst open to a bewildered Victor. He hurried to where I was. Pulling me into a tight embrace. My stare still trained on the spot where she stood. Victor’s hands rubbed small circles on my back. Grandmother’s voice sounded from beside me. Her hand petting my hair. Sweet words whispered to the otherwise silent room. I shifted closer to Victor, clenching my eyes closed. All I could see was mothers hauntingly beautiful smile.
“Arthur. Send for Dorian!” Grandmother ordered. Footsteps sounded down the hall.
I was no doubt losing my mind.
Dorian arrived in a flurry of silk and weeds. Tiny shreds of her small garden tangled in her tattered skirt. I waited for her in the hall. Her boney arms wrapped around my neck. Only pulling back to pull my head back and forth. Searching for anything she could.
“Who?” She uttered. The word falling from her cracked lips.
“Mother.” I croaked.
“Shit.” Dorian cursed before pulling me to the front garden outside.
The snow fell around us, like a blanket of plush fur on the hard ground beneath.
“This is wrong. You feel wrong.” She wrinkled her nose. Disgust evident as she stepped back from me. I stepped toward her, the snow crunching under my feet. Harsh cold nibbling its way into my skin.
“Dori. You’re having an episode. I’m the exact same as I was this morning when you cuddled up to me in bed,” I said with an exasperated sigh. I could feel their eyes on me from the window, staring down to where Dorian clutched my shoulders with her sharp nails. After seeing my mother and now dealing with another episode from Dorian, I wasn’t sure how much more I could take.
“Death knows your name.” Her eyes widened. She whispered her words so softly I had to strain to hear them.
“Death knows everyone’s name. It’s not something to fear.” I assured her. Keeping my voice level despite my terror inside. I hadn’t fully told Dorian about Maaier but no doubt she knew.
“No, but you are.” She sneered, her eyes glazing over. A vision coming over her.
I leapt forward, catching her before she hit the ground before her.
I pulled her back into the manor. Collapsing back on the wall with her in my arms. Dorian curled into me. Just as she had many times before.
“A broken portrait will signal retribution. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry, Vessie.” She shook in my arms yet her voice remained steady.
I hushed her gently. Petting her hair as she regained control. She pulled back suddenly.
“Vespera. When did I get here? How did I get her? Why am I here?” She scurried back in horror. Her eyes widening at the sight behind me.
The doors to the manor swung open.
Dorian’s screech rang in my ears. The sound startled me more than the door flying open. Her sharp nails dug into my shoulders. Frantic eyes searching the hallway.
Like the flick of a switch, Dorian’s terror cleared. She stood suddenly. Leaving me on the floor to look up at her as her fists opened and closed. Fingers splaying in between each beat. Her focus was solely on the room now radiating ice cold. My skin prickled beneath my sleeves. Dorian stormed into the room, slamming the doors behind her.
Her voice muffled behind the thick wood. I pressed my ear against the door, knowing better than disrupting her during an outburst. The words “leave” “hurt her” and “killed” were the only ones I could make out. But her next ones made my blood run cold.
“The reaper… brings her harm.” Who was she talking to? There was surely no one in there with her. Not that I could hear anyway.
I stepped back from the door. My heart sank into my stomach. He wouldn’t hurt me. Would he? Surely not. But Dorian was not wrong. Not ever. The frigid air weaving its way into my veins. My head spun and the world became fuzzy. Blood rushed in my ears. The feeling of the floor was frigid as I tumbled forward. Letting the darkness consume me.