Chapter 5

SCARLETT'S P.O.V

I hummed softly to the lyrics of 'Always Been You by Chris Grey' which blasted from my earpods, blocking out external sounds. Not like there were any noises, in fact it was so peaceful it felt like I was the only one in the manor. Also things had progressed normally in the manor, I couldn't help but find myself thinking back to Savannah's words; it played like a broken record in my head. 'Be grateful for the bliss of ignorance, because it may very well be the one thing that keeps you safe and alive'. I knew it was a warning, but it sounded so much more than that, felt so much more than that. Savannah knew thing, that much I knew. But what exactly did she know? How much did she know? And most importantly, how dangerous was it? A large part of me felt whatever reason she had issued her warning had a connection to the mystery locked in the east wing. That damned east wing, after Savannah's warning I had decided to steer clear of it even though a tiny part of me remained curious as to what could be hidden there. I had conjured so many scenarios; what if there was a wanted criminal hiding up there and then one day the police would barge in and lock the lot of us up? I mean, I wouldn't put it far from me seeing as I had such shitty luck. Or perhaps, what if there was a beast up there? Much like the one Rosa had so fearfully explained, a beast which fed on humans? 

Shivering unconsciously, I shook away the thoughts. Rosa's plethora of crazy was slowly but surely rubbing off on me. But even as she spoke about Master De Luca, I had detected a subtle hint of fear and some sort of warning in her words. Breathing in deeply, I shut off the thoughts which were slowly creeping in while I pack away the supplies, a yawn escaping me. It was fifteen minutes past nine, which left me with exactly fifteen minutes to myself before I retired for the night. Making sure everything was in its proper place, I began walking down the familiar pathway which led to my quarters, wrapping my arms around myself, a shiver running down my spine as I felt the cold air hit my exposed skin.

Shutting the door behind me, I leaned against it while breathing out a sigh of relief at the thought of being back in the confines of my bed. Without wasting any time, I stripped out of my clothes before heading into the shower for a quick bath. I felt my nerves relax, the aching tension in my sore muscles reliving me as the water trailed down my skin. Soon enough, I finished my bath, stepping out of the shower wrapped in my towel before heading towards the mini fridge in my kitchen, pulling out a tub of yogurt and then heading back to my room. 

Fully dressed, I settled under the covers comfortably and watched a movie while snacking on the cold sugary goodness.

*******

I could hear it, the sound. It sounded so animal-like, a growl. Tossing and turning in bed, I pulled the covers over my head partly because I was scared; the cold sweat breaking out on my back being enough proof, but also to block out the noise. At first, I has thought I was dreaming, but then it sounded so real...so close. After a few minutes, the animalistic sound grew louder and louder, almost as if whatever creature making that sound was in the room with me. 

Summoning up the courage, I nervously peeked out of the covers, squinting slightly so my vision could adjust to the darkness. I felt around for my phone, the brightness of the screen nearly blinding as I took a glance at the time, three a.m. I let out a yawn before turning on the flashlight. Feeling a bit bolder, I flung the cover off me, placing my feet on the cold floor when a sound startled me, causing me to jump in fright. I let out a huff, realizing it was only the tub of yogurt which I must have carelessly dropped on the floor before I fell asleep. 

But then, i'm reminded of the reason why I woke up when I hear the sound once again. A part of me pleaded to return back to the safe confines of my cover, but then the more daring part of me wanted to know whatever this was? What if it was the beast Rosa talked about? I faltered in my movements just as I reached for the door knob. What would I do if I came face to face with it? Fucking hell, I was going mad. The daring part of me won the internal toussle as I unlocked the door, stepping into the chilly night. Using my flashlight as a guide, I followed the sound which surprisingly led into the manor. Now my interest was piqued, I had never come across such strange beast which would make such sounds. Matter of fact, I had never come across an animal in the manor. And so, I continued down the path which led up the stairs.

My heart pounded in my chest as it soon became clear that this sound was leading me towards the forbidden wing, the east wing. A million thoughts filled my head as I debated whether or not to carry on. This was my chance to discover the secret of the east wing, Savannah wasn't here. There was nothing stopping me, and this was most likely going to be my only chance. Deciding to take the risk, I continued forward.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Scarlett?" I froze in my steps before I spun on my heels, coming face to face with Savannah who frowned at me.

"Yes?"

"I...I..., I...was.."

"Snooping, poking your nose where it doesn't belong?" I squirmed at her tone.

Standing in front of me, she grabbed me by my arm, a hint of fear in them; "What do you think you're doing, Scarlett? I warned you never to near this wing; for your own safety, and still you dared to disobey me?"

Shaking my head, I tried explaining myself, "Not that isn't it, I swear. I heard..."

She raised a hand, shushing me "Save it, go to your room. I'll see you in the morning." Letting out a defeated sigh, I began my journey back to my room, feeling her eyes on me. But, with every step I took, I could see the fear in her eyes as I recounted her words; 'for your own safety'. What did she mean by that?

 ****

Meanwhile, within the confines of his spelled entrapment, Luciano's soul stirred. He has sensed something, someone. A longing in him awakened, and for the first time in a long time, Luciano felt something other than pain.