As the name Ryan 'O'Donnels reverberated in my mind, I found myself processing it repeatedly, trying to unravel the puzzle of familiarity it held. Memories of my classmates failed to connect with this particular name, yet there was an inexplicable tug at my heartstrings, as if I had once crossed paths with someone bearing that name. It sounded so special to me. Ew, that came out cliché. Whatever!
"Hey Sid, assuming none of them is able to recognize your emotions, why can I and that Ryan guy see you?"
Based on his demeanor and appearance, it became evident to me that he shared the very thoughts that were swirling in my mind. So, it's a mystery, then. Or perhaps it's because I am a human, rendering me immune to the curse that seems to afflict beings from their realm only. It would have been a plausible explanation if Mr. Perfect was not in the picture, shattering the plausibility of my hypothesis.
"Just leave it, then. We will think about it later. Can you show me to my room? That is, if I have one."
I asked, casting my gaze outwards towards the vast expanse of the night-time sky, a magnificent tapestry of luminous stars adorning the darkened sky above. The hour was extremely tardy, and the weight of the day's relentless activities began to stealthily encroach upon my weary bones.
"A guest room can be found at the very end of the corridor. I noticed them cleaning it up yesterday, most likely for you."
He casually said, leaving me to ponder if I simply wasn't a random pick from the street. Curiosity flickered within me, knowing that they had pre-handedly arranged a room for my arrival, but the question of why gnawed at my mind. However, the fatigue of the day weighed heavy on my shoulders, dimming my enthusiasm for answers. Turning my back on the man sitting on the bed, I sent a half-hearted wave, deferring my inquisitiveness for another time. They would tell me once the time was right, or I could investigate tomorrow once I had a good night's sleep.
Finding my room wasn't a hard task, and as I swung open the solid wooden door, a sight of astonishment greeted me with open arms. This lavish haven outshone even Sid's extravagant abode effortlessly; its sheer size dwarfed my humble bedroom back home by a staggering five times. But it wasn't just the spaciousness that left me in awe; a walk-in closet beckoned, adorned with an assortment of dreamy dresses and all the essentials a girl could ever yearn for. The vanity table and fancy chair seemed plucked straight from the pages of a fairy-tale castle, while the en suite boasted a capacious bath tub and an abundance of expensive toiletries. What on earth? Not even the richest girl in my class would have seen such costly shampoo bottles.
As I studied the room, a wave of confusion washed over me, making me question if I had entered the wrong place. But when I checked, all the clothing was perfectly tailored to fit my exact measurements. How could they have known? Were they stalking me? Damn, I suddenly don't feel my situation so hard at all. Amidst my perplexity, the sight of a magnificent four-poster queen-sized bed captured my attention. Decorated with numerous pillows and a plush, oversized teddy bear, it invited me with an irresistible allure. Even though I wasn't particularly fond of stuffed animals, the sheer fluffiness of this one was undeniably tempting; it could very well become the perfect companion for a peaceful night's rest. The delicately hued bed sheets and pillow covers exuded a serene ambiance, casting a gentle wave of tranquility over the room. The celestial blue color immediately grabbed my attention, leaving me contemplating whether this carefully chosen shade was mere coincidence or an intentional gesture to appease my personal preferences. Yet rather than provoking unease, a profound gratitude washed over me for the meticulous attention to detail demonstrated by these unseen hands. I should probably consult a psychiatrist if I ever go back.
With complete disregard for the typical evening rituals like bathing, I effortlessly exchanged my day's attire for cozy and comforting pajamas before nestling myself underneath the lustrously smooth blanket. Embracing the warm and comfortable bear plush, a gratifying smile gently kissed the corners of my lips as I surrendered to the enchanting realm of dreams. How I wish there was competition in this field.
I woke up in the middle of the night as I felt the gentle stroke of a hand against my cheek. Instinctively, I sprang out of bed, flicking on the table lamp in a frenzy, desperately searching for any sign of an intruder. However, the room stood silent and deserted, occupied solely by the inanimate furniture and myself. Doubts crept into my mind. Could this be a simple figment of my imagination? Yet the warmth that lingered on my cheek, contrasting with the chilly atmosphere, assured me that it was undeniably real. Whatever this hallucination is, it's giving me peculiar feelings, feelings that I can't exactly communicate. Sparks, tingles, or, I don't know...
After meticulously ensuring every door and window of my room were securely locked, I eagerly retreated to the comforting presence of my best friend: Sleep. With a tranquil assurance enveloping me, I welcomed the gentle embrace of duvet and pillows, savoring the solace that awaited me in the world of dreams.
Wake up, someone's knocking...
Wake up, Atty...
Wake up...
Stupid inner voice. With frustration fueling my actions, I propelled myself out of the sanctuary of my bed and unceremoniously flung open the door.
"Why the hell are you hammering on my door at this time?"
I had my eyes squinted as the luminosity emitted by the elegantly suspended LED chandelier in the corridor impeded my ability to discern the person who awaited me on the opposite side. Whoever it was, he continued to stand in the same position, not even slightly offended by my unpleasant outburst.
"Hello? I asked you a question. Are you dumb?"
Despite my repeated attempts to elicit a response, the lack of reaction from the individual made me question whether they actually possessed the ability to hear. In an attempt to regain my view, I diverted my gaze momentarily towards the floor, blinking my eyes to adjust to the unfamiliar illumination. As my vision gradually cleared, I found my attention drawn to their attire, beginning with the immaculate shine of their polished leather shoes, followed by their stylishly loose-fitting beige denim and a sleek black round-neck t-shirt that accentuated their well-toned physique. Yet it was the piercing jet-black eyes that ultimately captured my focus; they fixed on me with unwavering intensity.
I wonder whether a witch has also cast a spell on him. That ought to explain why he had a frown on his face at all times.
"Why are you looking at me like that, again?"
I asked, attempting to hide my feeling of unease at his presence. He analyzed me briefly, trailed by his smooth voice.
"Because I can see you're drooling at me. Again."
I stayed there like a child who had been caught misbehaving.
"What do you want?"
With embarrassment in my voice, I asked, and he grinned. I repeat, folks, he grinned. This proved that he was not exactly cursed, or else I am able to witness his original personality as well. I favor the first scenario.
"I am here to take you."
"Yeah right. I'm here considering you guys already took me." I said. I used a tone of "duh," which displeased him, as his grin transformed into his signature scowl. He doesn't realize how skilled I am at irritating people.
"I am here to take you to meet my family."
He sounds bored, especially with me. Oh no, not so fast.
"Why do I need to meet your family? Do you offer this leniency for all of your victims?"
As soon as the words escaped my lips, my heart pounded furiously in my chest, anticipating his reaction. Without the slightest hesitation, he took purposeful strides, closing in on me with an intimidating confidence. Though I desperately attempted to retreat, my feet seemed glued to the ground, rendering me immobile and vulnerable. Panic surged through my veins as my mind screamed, 'MISSION ABORT! MISSION ABORT!', a cacophony of fear and regret echoing within, realizing the magnitude of the situation at hand. But unfortunately, my legs appear to be tied, tied by his gaze.
He bent forward until his minty breath fanned my ear, which sent a shudder down to my spinal cord. I couldn't help but wonder why my reaction was so intense. It's as if my body had a mind of its own, responding to his proximity with a mix of curiosity and excitement. Perhaps it's the allure of the unknown or the thrill of being taken out of my comfort zone. Or maybe it's the power he exudes, captivating me with his every breath. I impatiently braced for him to do something, anything, but all he did was whisper,
"You're coming with me without any further questions. You got me?
He expected me to respond with a yes as he strongly gazed at me.
"No."
With that, I hammered the door shut. The finality of the sound reverberated through my bones, leaving me breathless. Time stood still as I stared at the closed door, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and exhilaration. God, what did I just do? I was pacing back and forth, my mind wailing an emergency siren. But deep down, I knew I had done what needed to be done. I had made a choice to protect myself and reclaim my authority. I was my own person. Where did I get so much courage from? How did I...
(BANG)
My chain of thoughts came to an abrupt halt as I turned to face the origin of that sound. Instead of my wooden door, I found a vacant space and an angry yet quiet-looking Mr. Perfect. Did he just? No, he didn't. He couldn't. I blinked, thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me. But no, there he stood, his arms crossed tightly against his chest, and an intense, dissatisfied gaze fixed upon me.
OH MY GOD, HE REALLY DID!
Who the heck is he to invade my personal space? I was about to scream at him when I noticed him approaching me with deliberate steps, so I held back. Tell me I am screwed without actually telling me I am screwed. I shouted, hollered, and ran, however, just inside my mind. According to him, I was standing straight, dumbstruck. You are going to face the consequences of your recklessness, Atty.
He was walking like a hunter, going to kill his prey, and unfortunately, I was his prey. My pulse banged against my skin in fear as I watched his determined stride. Despite the overwhelming pressure, my gaze couldn't help but wander toward him. The moonlight played on his chiseled features, enhancing his rugged charm. His shirt clung to his well-defined muscles, accentuating his body. The raw power exuding from him was both captivating and intimidating. Every move he made seemed calculated, heightening the anticipation of what would happen next. It was impossible not to notice how attractive he looked, even in the midst of this dangerous encounter.
God, he's making me insane.
Focus, Atty. Focus.
He was inches away from my face and leaned further, intensifying the exhilaration running through my veins. The proximity of his presence ignited a breath-taking display of emotions within me, as if setting off a spectacular fireworks show. In that moment, time seemed to freeze as he barricaded my escape, gently but firmly securing me against the wall with both hands. A rush of anticipation flooded my senses, causing my poor heart to beat with an intensity that felt explosive, as if ready to detonate. The intoxicating thrill of his nearness encapsulated my being, leaving every inch of me captivated in a symphony of desire and anticipation.
"I said, come with me."
He growled against my ear. I blinked my eyes once or twice; he was no longer there.
"Was it a dream?"
I wondered out loud, no longer comprehending what was happening around me. But I jumped a little when I received an answer.
"I don't have the entire day."
How can it be a dream when my life itself is a nightmare? Standing before me in all his glory is, of course, Mr. Perfect, haunting my doorless room. The challenge lies not only in tolerating his presence but also in bracing myself for the impending arrival of his entire family. Will this never-ending torment ever cease?
He gave me exactly five minutes to change, and this time, I sprinted towards the bathroom, frantically pulling on a fresh shirt and slipping into comfortable jeans, all while praying I wouldn't be late. I was cursing at him nonstop while I was inside and came out still fuming with my hair hastily thrown up in a messy ponytail. I trailed behind him stealthily, my expression filled with resentment and brooding discontent. He might have won for now, but not for long. As we climbed down the stairs, a profound stillness enveloped the surroundings, surpassing mere silence. I could feel the thumping of my heart echoing in my ears, as if it too were startled. And judging by his smirking face, I knew he was aware of it too.
We strolled along a long passageway and finally stopped before an enormous door. Its sheer size bespoke grandeur and magnificence, silently hinting at the significance of the room that lay behind it. Anything that's on the other side is definitely not going to be beneficial for me. Either they are going to eat me alive, drain me, or do everything that I thought would happen when I was kidnapped in the first place.
"Be at your best, even though I know it's hard for you."
I was about to correct him, but the gigantic door moved apart, and I accompanied him inside, only to gasp audibly. The sight that unraveled was nothing short of breath-taking. This place is AMAZING. The whole room is a dazzling spectacle of glass, where the line between indoors and outdoors is magically blurred. Enchanting colors burst through the transparent floor, harmoniously intertwining with a vibrant garden of flowers, plants, and majestic trees. It's an awe-inspiring masterpiece, a testament to the boundless creativity of its designer. And the perfect spot for me to rest in peace.
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