Once Betrayed Never Forgotten

Chapter 10: Whispers in Moonlight

I wake up, the remnants of the nightmare still clinging to my senses. Through the window, the starlight filters in, casting a gentle glow on the room. The eerie blue flames in the fireplace dance with an otherworldly light, their glow casting strange shadows on the walls. My breath comes in shaky exhales, and I can’t shake the lingering unease that has settled in the pit of my stomach. My hand instinctively moves to my chest, feeling the reassuring thud of my heart beneath my palm.

Staring up at the canopy above me, my mind is a whirlwind of emotions. The terror of the dream has left an ache, a phantom fear that grips me even now. The boundaries between reality and nightmare seem to blur in the half–light of the room.

As the minutes tick by, I remain in bed, trying to muster the will to sleep again. The thoughts of Aleksandr’s body pressed against mine, his cold breath on my skin, the haunting beauty of his face, and the sensation of his lips near my ear, his long hard cock pressing into me while he finger

fucks me… the memory sends shivers of desire coursing through me. Fear and longing intermingle, creating a confusing cocktail of emotions that I can’t untangle.

I feel a blush rise to my cheeks as I remember how his big, strong fingers circled my aching clit, before thrusting into me over and over, stopping moments before I could find release. When he said that he came to punish me, he wasn’t joking. I’ve got a bad case of whatever the female version of blue balls is… and I can already tell I’m going to be a bundle of nerves and unresolved. sexual tension until I find a way to relieve myself.

Eventually, my restlessness gets the better of me, and I swing my legs over the side of the bed. My stomach grumbles, a reminder that I haven’t eaten in who knows how long. Seraphina’s offer to call for food echoes in my mind, but instead of indulging in sustenance, I decide to explore the castle. I’m not exactly in the mood for room service right now. The opportunity to move around unnoticed, under the guise of slumber, is too tempting to pass up. Who knows what secrets this place holds? Maybe I’ll find a way to escape, or maybe, just maybe, I’ll find my mother and talk some sense into her.

–

The chill in the room makes me realise that my nightgown isn’t suited for wandering around the castle. I glance down and wince the sheer fabric does little to hide my modesty, and my nipples are clearly visible. My cheeks flush, and I avert my gaze, scanning the room for a solution.

Great, just what I needed a middle–of–the–night fashion crisis.

–

At the far end of the chamber stands a massive wardrobe, its dark wood carved with intricate patterns of thorns and roses. Tiny knights in armour impaled on the carved thorns are a grim reminder of the danger that lurks outside these walls.

Chapter 10: Whispers in Moonlight

With a mixture of curiosity and hope, I swing the wardrobe open. What greets me is beyond anything I could have anticipated. A stunning collection of dresses, each more breathtaking than the last, spans the ages. Silks, furs, intricate lace, precious jewels, and pearls adorn these garments fit for a queen, Cinderella would be proud. There are modern dresses like a slinky black. sequin sheath, alongside dresses that seem plucked from history–elegant gowns, each telling at tale of its own.

My eyes lock onto a particularly magnificent dress, a–mediaeval creation that seems to beckon me. Covered in embroidered red roses, the fabric is a rich crimson, the patterns so intricate it’s as if each petal has been meticulously placed. Ribbons and lace adorn the dress, adding an air of romance and mystery, Gazing at the dress, I can’t help but wonder about its history. How old is it? Who has worn it before? The thought that it might have witnessed centuries of historical events sends a shiver down my spine. While it isn’t practical for my current situation, I am captivated by its beauty and the stories it might hold. Regardless it isn’t practical for the task at hand.

My attention is drawn to the plethora of shoes beneath the dresses, a dazzling array that spans the spectrum of styles and eras. Ballet slippers, dainty heels, and sturdy riding boots line the racks, a testament to the castle’s storied history. It occurs to me that if I manage to escape, I wouldn’t want to do so in my bare feet and nightgown. My gaze locks onto a set of riding boots, and my resolve solidifies, I need something practical and comfortable.

The riding outfit is impeccably tailored, as if it has been made specifically for me. The jodhpurs: flare at the hips, and the leather gloves feel snug as I pull them on. The high–necked shirt and tweed riding jacket complete the ensemble, and I can’t help but marvel at how well it all fits. The thought that the clothes have been prepared for me creeps into my mind, but I push it aside. Now isn’t the time to dwell on the mysteries of this place.

With my new attire in place, I move aside the heavy armoire blocking the door, intent on exploring the castle under the cover of darkness. The flaming torch I take from the wall sconce feels warm against my touch, its blue flames casting a surreal glow on the stone walls. As I walk through the castle’s shadowy corridors, each step feels like a journey into the unknown. Time seems to lose its meaning as I walk, the starry sky outside remaining as dark as ever, black raven’s leather.

“Why the hell isn’t the sky growing any lighter?” I mutter to myself under my breath. Seriously, it’s like they forgot to pay the electric bill for the sun. I’ve been walking for what seems like hours, but there’s no hint of morning twilight, of imminent sunrise.

I wish for a clock, something to gauge the time in this timeless castle. But as I think about it, I realise the absence of mirrors and clocks isn’t a mere coincidence.

The further I wander, the more apparent it becomes that escape is elusive. I find myself climbing

Chapter 10: Whispers in Moonlight.

endless stone stairs, driven by the idea that reaching the battlements or a turret might grant me an exit. Because when in doubt, always aim for the high ground, right? However, my efforts are halted by a haunting melody that drifts through the air. It’s a mournful tune, achingly beautiful, pulling at my heartstrings in a way I can’t explain. At first, I wonder if I’m imagining it, a product of my restless mind. But something in me compels me to follow the melody.

The sound grows louder, more distinct, and a silvery blue light spills from a set of partially open double doors at the end of a grand passage. Shields emblazoned with the crests of ancient noble houses line the walls. The light is entrancing, beckoning me closer with an almost hypnotic pull.

As I creep closer to the doors, I catch a glimpse of the room beyond. Books, hundreds upon hundreds of them, fill the space like towering sentinels. The room itself is a magnificent sight – a circular floor plan with a spiral staircase at its centre, and a gleaming silver ladder propped against one wall. The smell of spices and roses wafts through the air, intoxicating and otherworldly. The enchanting music seems to weave through the scents, creating an atmosphere. of both danger and allure.

A library. It’s absolutely awesome.

A shiver runs down my spine as the music reaches a crescendo, achingly beautiful in its sadness.

Despite the creeping sense of danger, my curiosity gets the better of me. I have to know who this mysterious player is. I crack the door open just a fraction, enough to slip through without making a sound. And then, as if sensing my presence, the music abruptly stops.

Damn it! Damn it damn it damn it! Now I’m screwed.

1 freeze in place, the blood in my veins turning to ice. The anticipation hangs in the air, thick and palpable. And then, before I can react, a voice soft, melodic, and chilling–breaks the silence.

“Going for a ride, Arianna?”

Chapter Comments

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this book is marvelous, so happy to have found it to read, my compliments to the writer. a little sad that the chapters are short…….

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