Dear Journal,
I drink the blood of the living and I move at speeds the eyes cannot see. I can see sweat being secreted from pores and smell a seed before it sprouts. I had been dead for years and now I walk the earth once more. My heart beats but I am not truly alive.... and despite it all, I can still be surprised by the truth of this world.
- 𝓔. 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓮
(1605)
Elias found Emma sitting on his bed once he returned to his chambers.
She shot to her feet as he entered the room, his eyes never leaving hers while he shut the door behind him.
"Elias.." she said as he watched her.
She wore a black velvet gown with a square neckline lined by gold threads. Her hair was limply curled behind her and a braid crown made from her dark brown tresses sat on her head. Her neck was decorated by a silver necklace with a coin for its pendant. She was a pleasant sight to behold in the morning and her jewelry intrigued him even more but Elias was in a terrible mood.
"What is it?" He asked harshly, still standing by the door.
"I-I should have told you" she stammered, lifting her long gown as she dashed over to him. "I should have told you everything, please forgive me. I'm ready to speak now" she said eagerly.
Elias had not a clue to what she was going on about. He was slightly entranced by the fragrance emitting from her skin. She wore scented oils that smelled of wild berries and flowers.
"I'll hear it" Elias said softly as he towered over her small frame, his eyes low as he watched the secretions from her pores break the surface of her skin.
She had gotten nervous under her his gaze which caused her to sweat. It was a normal human reaction but he found it fascinating to see since he could no longer do it.
The prince's words rang in his head once more.
"....do you fancy her?" He had asked.
Elias snared as he stepped away from her, running his hands through his neatly kept hair so it became slightly disheveled. He was confused and conflicted. He had never felt for any woman but Genevieve and he couldn't help but think these feelings that had come to surface was a betrayal onto their union.
It will go away Elias, he told himself. She's just a pretty face, nothing more.
"Forgive me" Emma said apprehensively.
Elias turned to her once more.
"I am the reason you are like this" she said sadly. "I am the reason for your pain" she said as she closed the distance between them.
"If I had stolen from another stall that day, you would still be alive today. You would still have your wife" she said as she searched his face for any sign of anger.
She was expecting it. In fact, she felt as if she deserved it.
"If you had stolen from another stall then a different monster would stand before you now" he told her strongly.
His eyes glanced down to her neck again. He could hear her pulse beating abnormally fast. He could not tell if she was nervous or frightened, or perhaps both.
Curiousity had gotten the best of him and she watched as he extended his hand out to touch her necklace. The silver burned against his fingertips causing him to withdraw his hand swiftly, wincing slightly at the pain. She frowned at him as she tried to make sense of his reaction.
This was another downfall to his new body. He could no longer create let alone touch the very thing that brought him to life and made him joyous. He realized the irony in thought statement as it could also be used in reference to Genevieve.
He frowned at the notion as stepped away from.
"You're right" Emma said as she looked away from him.
"I cannot change the past but I can influence the future, let me help you... please" she said turning back to him.
"You wish to help me even if it means turning against the monarchy? Against your own family? Your own kind?" Elias questioned seriously, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
She had never been forthcoming during their brief time together outside or inside the castle. It was strange to hear her say this now.
"I do not wish to be afraid anymore. These people can be as monstrous as you" she said seriously.
Elias sped over to her in a second.
"Do you wish to see me prove that statement false?"
She was so frightened by his sudden appearance before her that she almost fell back on the bed. He caught her quickly, letting her go once she was firmly on her feet.
"N-no.. Forgive me" she said quickly, dropping her gaze.
"Hmph" Elias sounded as he sped over to the chair by the oak table in his room.
He turned it around so he could face her while he sat and instructed her do to the same on his bed.
"Tell me everything" he said once they were seated.
"I found a...." Emma started to say before the room began to shake.
Bits of stone fell from the ceiling of the castle and crumbled to the floor. Elias flew up from his seat and grabbed Emma, hugging her tightly as he shielded her with his body.
After a moment, the shaking stopped. Slowly, Elias pulled away from her as they stared at each other.
"Thank you" She said looking up at him.
They still had not let each other go. A knock at his door caused them to finally break apart.
"Princess!" A female voice said at the door, startling Elias.
"It is my handmaiden" she said feeding his curiosity and answering his unasked question.
"I must go now but I would like to continue our conversation later. Come to my chambers after the banquet tonight. It is down the hall to left, take the staircase and then turn right, you can't miss it" she told him, worry etched all over her face as she lifted her dress in her hands and turned to leave.
"And Elias..." she said stopping before she opened the door. "If you have to play Baltazaar's game, do it carefully and do not trust him. No matter how wonderful the dreams he tries to sell you...."
She regarded him one last time. A look of fear, adoration and fright all plagued her gorgeous face.
"I'll see you later" she said and with that she left his chambers.
No one had informed Elias of this banquet. Baltazaar had just seen him and he had not said anything about an event taking place. Elias had seen servants and squires running around in a frenzy on his way to his room but his mind was so busy with thoughts he did not stop to ask what the matter was.
Another knock at his door shook him from his thoughts. As he opened the door he was greeted by a young lady in a worn out brown frock.
"S-sorry to disturb you mi lord, P-prince Baltazaar sent me to check on you and to also give you these"
She held expensive looking garments in her hands as she bowed her head to avoid his gaze. She stretched her hands for Elias to take the habiliments. Once she was relieved of the clothing she spoke again.
"There is a banquet tonight and he has invited you to take part"
"What is the occasion for this banquet?" He asked.
"It is Princess Emma's birthday" the young girl said.
"Her birthday? She never told me" Elias muttered to himself.
He dismissed the girl and closed his door to lay the clothing on his bed. It was a black jacquard jacket along with a dark shirt made of silk paired with new black hose. It was exactly Elias's style and looked to be his size as well.
Night came quickly as Elias began dressing for the banquet. He could hear the arrivals of the guests from his chambers. Their horses whinnied as they pulled the carriages transporting the wealthy nobles, lords and ladies.
He couldn't help but wonder what the night would bring for he had never been to such an event. The most entertainment he had gotten in Marewood was when Edmund took him to a tavern and they drank ale until they did not remember their own names.
He hated to admit it but he was a little excited. He tried to calm himself but he had barely gotten a start in the world before his life was snuffed out so he never truly got to live.
Once he left his chambers, he followed the chatting patrons to the great hall. Upon entering the room, he was blown away by its grandness. The great hall was decorated magnificently as it came alive with color and people. The usual tapestries that hung on the walls were taken down and replaced by ones that were newly sewn with golden threads and quality material. These were accompanied by heraldic flags used to proclaim the importance of the most eminent of the assembled guests.
The grand fireplace at right side of the room provided the warmth the night could not offer whilst the minstrels gallery accommodated several musicians who sang and played sweet, melodic tunes to set the ambiance of the night.
As the privileged and wealthy stood well dressed with elegance and grandeur, the servants sashayed around them as they replenished their goblets with fine wine.
The trestle tables were placed to the sides of the room making the great hall appear even larger as it left space for dancing. The main table that rested on the dais was covered by a damask with a sanap on top of it for protection. It was reserved for royalty and persons of higher ranks and it was filled with an assortment of delicacies. It was decorated by an ornately gilded pheasant that was raised up high on a special wooden plinth.
Another long table stood infront of the dais but on lower ground. This was for persons of lower rankings such as knights and merchants. An assortment of meats, vegetables, breads and fruits waited on its surface for human devourment.
These foods sat on top of the castle's finest silver and gold platters. He had to be careful with what he touched, especially the goblets since they too were made of fine silver. He was eager to dine on the castle's wine since he would need to curb his bloodlust as crowds of people made him famished.
"Eli!" He heard Baltazaar call as he was walking through the crowd.
He was accompanied by a man as tall as Elias. He wore a jewel encrusted crown on his head much like the king's and he was dressed similarly to Baltazaar in a blue velvet tunic with gold sewn heraldry, hose and black boots.
"This is my father, King Koren of Asphal. Father this Eli of Grangewell" Baltazaar introduced.
The king of Asphal stared at Elias in wonder. He had been getting both dirty and adoring looks the moment he entered the great hall so he was not surprised by this. Out of courtesy, Elias extended his hand for the king to shake but King Koren only held it, inspecting his palms and fingernails like a gem he had found in a river.
"Father" Baltazaar said as he cleared his throat.
"My apologies, it's just that I have never seen anyone so...so... imperial" the King adulated as he finally shook Elias's hand.
"Says the King" Elias retorted causing both men to laugh.
Elias's eye caught the back of Emma's head behind the two men as she spoke to her father.
"Calm yourself Father, do not frighten him" he heard Baltazaar whisper to the king.
"Excuse me, your majesties" Elias interrupted. "I'm off to greet someone" he finished as he excused himself from their presence.
She was wearing green silk tonight and he could only imagine how beautiful her face looked. As he arrived in their vicinity, he greeted the King first and then the lady.
"King Evans" Elias bowed politely. "Princess..." he said trailing off once he realized that is was not Emma but a splitting image of her. Much like Baltazaar himself...minus the arrogance.
"Alice" the girl said as she finished the sentence for him. She extended her hand to him while she admired his face. She too, like everyone else was entranced by Elias. He was unsure of what to do with her hand but he had seen someone kiss a lady's hand on his way here so he did the same.
"Alice, this is Eli of Grangewell, he found Emma when she was...lost again. Eli this is my youngest daughter, Princess Alice" the King introduced them.
"I thought you were..." Elias started to say but she finished his sentence.
"My sister? I get that alot actually" she said still staring into his eyes.
The king excused himself as King Koren asked to speak with him.
"It's not fair" Alice said as soon as her father was gone.
"What?" Elias asked confused.
"Emma always gets the handsome ones but you... you sir could make your own reflection swoon" Alice flirted boldly.
Elias was unsure if he could blush again since he had not done it in years but if he could, that was what he was doing now.
"I guarantee you, I cannot" he smiled at her.
"Wow" she said as she stared at his fangs.
The music changed to something slower and majestic as the people in the great hall turned their heads to the entrance.
He and Alice turned to see what had gotten everyone's attention as well.
Elias was beguiled at the woman that had entered the room.
Emma stood proud in her long sleeved red velvet gown. Her hair was in a high bun decorated by small gold pins and her crown dazzled the eyes of the crowd as the diamonds greeted the great hall with their glimmer.
The most intriguing thing however, was her necklace. It was a silver rivière of rubies that Elias was sure he had created himself. The necklace undoubtedly belonged to Genevieve for it was the first piece of jewelry he had fashioned for her.
"She's beautiful is she not?" He heard someone say next to him.
Baltazaar watched as Elias stood enchanted by Emma's allure. He did fancy her, he was certain of it. He had not thought the monster could love but he was proven wrong tonight. He was eager to see how else Elias would prove him wrong.
Emma caught sight of Elias and Baltazaar and strolled over to them. She lifted her dress as she walked while it trailed behind her. Her hand maiden assisted with the holding of its tail.
"My prince, Alice, Elia- Eli" she said catching herself before she said his real name.
"You look stunning" Baltazaar said kissing her cheeks.
She tensed as he touched her, causing Elias to frown at her reaction.
"Doesn't she look stunning Eli?" Baltazaar asked him.
"Y-yes. She does" he said stuttering. He was annoyed with himself for getting flustered infront of them.
"Sister, you look gorgeous" Alice said as she hugged Emma.
"Where did you find this god of a man?" Elias heard her whisper in her Emma's ear.
Emma's jaws clenched as her pulse rate sped up from her sister's words. Alice smirked at her reaction before calling a servant for more wine.
"Wine Eli?" She asked him, offering the silver goblet.
Elias stared at the cup in her hand before glancing at the faces that watched him while he hesitated in taking it. Baltazaar squinted as he cocked his head to the side, curious at the cause of his nervousness.
Emma remembered his reaction to touching her necklace earlier. She also remembered the reaction to the dagger she had use to stab him in the eye. Perhaps he did not like silver like he did not like the sun, she thought. She saved him from the gesture as she answered Alice.
"Eli does not drink" she said to Alice.
"Really?" Alice questioned. "That's odd for a man. More for me then" she said as turned the goblet to her head.
"Did you feel the tremor today Emma? I could never understand why the earth shakes every year on your birthday. You must be cursed" Alice said.
"May I speak with you?" Elias asked Emma, frowning at her Alice's words.
She looked at Baltazaar as if to ask permission.
"No, go ahead" he said immediately. "I'll be here for our dance once you are finished"
Soon after, Elias and Emma sauntered off to the corner of the room away from prying ears.
"Where did you get that necklace?" He asked immediately.
"This?" She said touching one of the rubies. "The duchess of Pretvar gave it to me as a gift just now. Why? Do you like it?" She said smiling as she perked up at him.
"Duchess? What duchess? This belonged to Genevieve" Elias told her seriously.
"Genevieve? You mean your wife? Wha-how- I don't understand" Emma frowned as she began to get flustered.
"Where is this duchess?" Elias asked angrily before catching the scent of a familiar and pungent odor.
"What is that smell?" He frowned.
Before she could answer, Elias's ears became alert as a cacophonous growl sounded from outside of the castle.
"Did you hear that?" He asked Emma as he looked around.
"Hear what?" She questioned.
Elias heard it again, this time it was followed by a scream.
This caused Emma to frown as well. The great hall became quiet as the screams and shouts grew louder.
"Oh no" Emma said as if she understood what was happening.
"What? What is it?" Elias asked her.
The people of the banquet began to grow afraid as the screams and shouts grew even louder before it ceased.
Emma glanced over at Baltazaar causing Elias to look at him as well.
He frowned as he too looked as if he was puzzled.
"We need to leave!" Emma said to Elias. "Run everyone! Please!" She shouted at everyone in the great hall.
The creature did not give them time to move after her warning as it dashed through the great hall biting off the heads of several people in the process before it came to a halt.
A 8 foot tall beast stood in the centre of the great hall. The pungent odor of the sweat in its fur invaded Elias's nostrils as blood dripped from its snout. It dropped the heads of the knights that guarded the gates from its pawed hands causing them roll across the room.
Elias caught sight of someone walking away from the entrance of the great hall as everyone began to scream.
The woman turned around as she winked at him, giving him a sinister smile before she turned into mist, blown away by the air just as she had been in the cemetery.
Frozen at the sight of her, Elias barely heard the beast roar once more before it began destroying the great hall.
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