The Manor Part III

If you haven’t already, check out The Manor Part II

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Alden’s eyes fluttered open, revealing a dimly lit space. He squinted at the brick ceiling above him, disoriented and confused. A cold realization set in, fragments of memories began to seep back into his mind. Ice burning its way through his body, an unbearable pain and her…

Lady Anastasia- an icy shiver ran up his spine as crimson red eyes flashed in his mind. Alden scanned his surroundings. The room he found himself in wasn’t the extravagant room he had stayed in previously. It was a fraction of the size and was devoid of any furniture. Alden got to his feet and heard the sharp sound of metal against stone. He glanced down to see his ankle was shackled to the wall. This was no grand room; this was a cell. The entire room was brick from ceiling to floor with the only exception being a heavy wooden door.

He ran to the door and yanked at the handle. The door groaned but didn’t give in the slightest. Alden yanked again, then began pounding on the door, “Let me out of here! Where is my daughter?! What have you done to her?!” he screamed.

As he raised his fist to pound on the door again, he froze.

“Step back from the door Mister Cain,” a familiar voice rang.

His breath hitched in his throat as terror coursed through him, “W-what have you done with my daughter?” he asked breathlessly.

“Step back,” she commanded, and this time he listened, taking several steps back from the door.

The sound of metal gears shifting echoed through the stone room as the heavy wooden door creaked open. Lady Anastasia, dressed in a heavy hooded cloak stepped through the doorway. Her typical elegant garb had been replaced with more practical clothing. Her cloak had mud coating the hem and splatters of dark brown liquid stained the deep green fabric generously.

“What have you done?” Alden spat.

Lady Anastasia sighed, “I am giving you your cure, Mister Cain.”

Alden lurched forward.

“Halt,” Lady Anastasia commanded.

Alden’s body grew suddenly rigid, the only part of himself he was able to move was his eyes. Frantically he looked to hers.

Her eyes grew a deep crimson red as she spoke, “Do not dare lay a finger on me again Mister Cain, or I will ensure you meet your true end.” Then she waved her hand and Alden’s body became his own again.

“W-what have you done to me?” he asked.

“Oh, we are only just beginning,” she warned.

Through gritted teeth he spoke, “I never agreed to this.”  Alden grabbed at his chest as a deep throbbing pain rippled through him. Falling to his knees, he wheezed.  

Lady Anastasia gave him a small smirk, “Do not fret Mister Cain, if surviving to see your daughter is not what you wish, you will have ample opportunity to abandon her.”

Lungs burning, Alden glared up at Lady Anastasia. He did not get the opportunity to respond as his lungs betrayed him. His attention shifted to his own futile attempts to breathe. He tried to inhale between each wet cough, but rather than the air providing him with relief, it felt as though each inhale pushed the fluid inside his chest deeper. Choking on splashes of blood as it made its way into his throat. He hacked hopelessly, the taste of copper filling his mouth as he began spitting mouthfuls of blood onto the floor. His vision grew spotty until finally, his fit ended. He took in a shallow rattling breath and wiped his mouth, sitting back as he attempted to recover.

Lady Anastasia looked down at Alden’s gaunt face then, she pushed aside her heavy cloak and tossed something at him. As the object rolled closer, Alden’s nostrils were assaulted by a putrid scent. He watched the object closely as it came to a stop and a set of eyes met his, empty and devoid of light.  

Alden’s stomach dropped as he stumbled back.

A cold laughter echoed in the small cell, “Oh Mister Cain, you can’t be that skittish.”

His eyes shot to hers, “What is that?” he asked in a hoarse voice.

She raised a brow at him, “Do you not recognize it?”

Alden felt his eyes starting to wander, but he looked back to Lady Anastasia and shook his head.

“Look,” she commanded.

As she spoke Alden’s eyes shifted to the severed head lying on the floor. The urge to retch overwhelmed him but he could not look away.

“This man should be familiar to you,” she said as she took a step forward and put her foot on the severed head, rolling it over so the man’s face was now looking at him.

“T-the trader?”

 “Correct,” she confirmed.

Alden’s eyes moved up to meet hers again, “W-why?”

She gave him a sinister smile, “You have much to learn Mister Cain.” Lady Anastasia removed her foot from the trader’s cheek and stepped towards Alden, who flinched away.

She let out a small laugh then stepped away, turning her back to him as she moved towards the open door. Alden rushed her, but Lady Anastasia whirled around, grasping him by his chin as she pulled his face to hers, forcing him to look her dead in the eyes.

The scent of old blood filled Alden’s nostrils. A cold wetness coated his skin where her gloved fingers held his face. He dared not fight against her.

She scanned his face slowly, then with an unnaturally strong grip, she turned his head and put her lips to his ear and whispered, “There is no escape now, Mister Cain.”

Then with her other hand she gripped the back of Alden’s scalp, forced his head back and pushed him down to his knees. She flashed her teeth and tore into her own forearm, before forcing the open wound to Alden’s mouth.

“Drink,” she commanded.

As her blood hit his tongue his body relaxed. Then he reached for her arm and pushed it closer to his mouth, devouring what she offered him. His body welled with pleasure. All of his fears, his pain, his horrors faded away as he consumed her.

She leaned in close, bringing her lips to his ear once more and breathing into it softly, “Welcome to eternity.”

A warm shock surged through Alden’s body as Lady Anastasia dug her teeth into the meat of his neck. His body trembled as he pushed her arm harder against his lips and drank deeply. His neck pulsated, tormenting him with an overpowering ecstasy.  

Then just as quickly as it had begun, Lady Anastasia pulled away and yanked her arm from his grip. Short of breath and shocked by his own disgusting actions, Alden looked up at Lady Anastasia.

She smiled down at him with blood stained teeth. Then keeping her eyes locked on his, she dragged her tongue across her bleeding forearm, licking her lips as she finished.   

“The next several hours will be rather painful for you Mister Cain,” she warned.

Alden felt another zap up his spine.

“If you survive it,” she said as she stepped towards the door, “You will have the fortune of watching your little Emily grow up.” Then she stepped through the doorway and closed it behind her.

Alden looked down at his trembling hands as more shocks surged through him. His body seized. Twitching in pain as he convulsed on the floor of the cell. Unable to scream, unable to call for help. He writhed on the floor in unyielding pain, his body contorting as his muscles spasmed. Lady Anastasias last words repeated in his mind as he fought through the unwavering pain.

***

“Papa, where are you? Papa, I can’t find you,” Emilys desperate voice rang.

“Emily, I’m right here,” Alden replied, as he ran down the grand hallway, chasing the echoes of her voice.

“Papa!” Emily screamed.

“Emily!” Alden threw himself forward on his bed, panting in horror as he called out Emily’s name.

“Welcome back, Mister Cain,” an unwelcome voice said from beside him.

Alden’s eyes shot to his right where he found Lady Anastasia sitting in a chair, sipping quietly on a cup of tea. She shifted her eyes from the window to him.

“You survived,” she said plainly.

Alden threw the covers off of himself and jumped to his feet, “What have you done? Where is my daughter?!” he shouted and he charged at her.

Lady Anastasia didn’t flinch as Alden grabbed her by the collar and pulled his face to hers, “Where. Is. My. Daughter,” he demanded.

“My, what a wild beast you’ve become,” she replied.

Alden let out a frustrated huff then released Lady Anastasia. He paced beside his bed as he ran his hands through his hair.

“Mister Cain, if you-“ Lady Anastasia attempted.

“Don’t speak,” he warned as he continued pacing frantically.

“Kneel, Alden Cain,” Lady Anastasia commanded.

Alden’s body listened to her order as he took a knee in front of her. She leaned forward in her chair to meet him at eye level, “Listen to my words very carefully Alden Cain,” she warned.

“You are not in control here, I am,” she began. “This manor is my domain. If you do not get a hold of yourself, I will make you,” she finished, then waved her hand and sat back in her chair.

Alden hung his head as his body became his own again, “What have I done?” he whispered to himself.

“Raise your head Alden Cain and look at me,” Lady Anastasia ordered.

He complied by his own volition; shoulders hung in undesired obedience.

“I know you wish to see your daughter,” she began, watching him closely.

Alden’s eyes lit up as tears surged to his eyes.

“However,” she continued.

“Please,” he begged, shifting closer to her, “Please I need to see her.”

“Mister Cain, you do not under-“

“Lady Anastasia, I beg of you, I need to see my daughter. I need to know she is safe. I-“ he stood then turned towards the bedroom door, “I need to find her.”

Lady Anastasia let out an annoyed sigh, “Bring Emily Cain to his room.” Her voice rang through Alden’s head. His eyes widened as he looked to her. She did not acknowledge his stare as she continued sipping her tea.

Then abruptly, the door to the bedroom creaked open.

“Papa!” Emily yelled as she ran to her father open armed.

Alden’s body almost melted in relief as he fell to his knees to embrace her. However, as Emily drew closer, an insatiable scent followed her, inspiring a deep hunger within him. His mouth watered uncontrollably as she embraced her father in a tight hug. Alden returned her hug and squeezed her tightly, fighting the instinct to tear his teeth into her flesh.

With his arms wrapped around her, he put his finger between his teeth and bit down, resisting the urge to consume.

“Papa-“Emily said painfully, “Papa-you’re-squeezing me.“

“Release her now,” Lady Anastasias voice echoed in his head and his body obeyed.

“Little Emily your father is still recovering, he’s still rather…disoriented,” Lady Anastasia said as she glared at Alden.

Alden was holding his breath, trying his hardest not to breathe in the intoxicating scent that engulfed his senses.

“Papa are you feeling better?” Emily asked her father with worried eyes.

“Speak,” Lady Anastasia commanded in his mind.

Alden gave his daughter a tight smile, “Yes my darling girl, I feel much better.”

Emilys eyes lit up as tears filled her eyes, she ran to her father embracing him in another tight hug, “I was so scared papa. They said you were terribly ill and had to stay away. I-I was scared you weren’t coming back,” Emily cried into her father’s shoulder.

“I will not allow you to hurt her,” Lady Anastasias voice echoed, “Do not breathe in her scent. Return her embrace, gently,” the Lady commanded.  

Alden felt his breathing stop, giving him a reprieve from the overwhelming urge to hurt his daughter. He quickly returned his daughters embrace, then said, “Emily, I promise you my darling girl. I will always come back.”

“Emily dear, your father still needs to rest before he is fully recovered, and it is time for you to return to your class,” Miss Emmerson spoke from near the doorway.

Emily pulled back from her father and wiped her tears, “O-okay,” she hiccupped.

Alden put his hand to his daughter’s cheek and wiped away her warm tears, “I’m fine now sweetheart,” he spoke feeling his lungs running out of air.

Emily nodded and then gave her father another quick hug.

“Go on now little Emily,” Lady Anastasia said gently. “I will take care of your father.”

Miss Emmerson walked over to them and grabbed ahold of Emilys hand, leading her to the door.

“I love you Papa, I’ll see you soon,” she called.

“I love you too,” he called back breathlessly as the door shut.

“Relax,” Lady Anastasia commanded.

Alden nearly collapsed as he tried to catch his breath, but the insatiable scent from before filled his nostrils. He heard himself growl as he fought the urge to run after the scent. The call to hunt was so fierce Alden had to bite down on his own forearm and let out a groan.

“I tried to warn you,” Lady Anastasia spoke, “You have much to learn about your new life Mister Cain.”

The bedroom door creaked open again and Alden let out a snarl as he released his bite on his forearm and felt himself prepare to attack. He held back the urge as Ophelia entered the room holding a pot of tea and two cups.

Ophelia, ignoring Alden entirely, curtseyed to Lady Anastasia as she entered the room, “Good afternoon my lady. I have brought what you requested.”

“Thank you, Ophelia, you may set it over here,” Lady Anastasia motioned to the table beside her.

Alden could do nothing but watch as Ophelia set the tea out on the table, then pulled a glass jar from her apron and pulled the cork.

That insatiable scent filled Alden’s nostrils and he felt himself begin to lunge.

Without looking, Lady Anastasia raised her hand, “Halt.”

Alden’s body froze in place.

Lady Anastasia sighed, “Carry on Ophelia.”

Ophelia nodded as she emptied the contents of the glass jar into the teapot. She stirred the tea, then poured two glasses. As she set down the teapot, she backed away and gave a small bow to the Lady.

“Thank you, Ophelia, you may go,” Lady Anastasia said warmly, then turned her attention back to Alden.

“Mister Cain, I am going to release you. But if you continue to behave like a rabid beast, I will treat you like one,” she warned, then waved her hand.

Alden restrained himself, fighting the urge to chase the scent that permeated the room.

“Have a seat,” Lady Anastasia motioned to the green velvet chair that sat beside hers.

Alden took a step towards the chair, biting hard on his bottom lip. As he drew closer to the teapot, he held his breath, taking a stiff seat in the chair.

“Good boy,” Lady Anastasia teased, “Go on now.”

Alden’s hands trembled as he reached for the delicate teacup. Cradling it in both hands he brought the cup to his lips, finishing it in two large gulps. He let out a heavy breath as he pulled the cup from his lips.

“You may finish the teapot Mister Cain, but please, do not make a mess of it,” Lady Anastasia said.

Before Alden even considered his current circumstances, he poured himself another cup of tea, finishing it just as quickly as the last. He continued devouring the tea until not a drop was left.

Lady Anastasia sipped at her own cup of tea as she spoke, “I’d ask if you’re satiated but as I recall, there was nothing that could satisfy me when I first awoke.”

Alden’s stomach felt like an endless void but his mind began to clear as the tea settled in his stomach. He realized his body felt lighter than it had in years. He glanced down at his hands, as if suddenly realizing he was alive he asked, “What was this cure of yours?”

Thanks for reading,

-K.M.