Scarlet Curse

A Familiar Face

The morning sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of my room, warming the floorboards as I stretched awake. I lingered under the quilt, listening to the faint hum of the bustling village below. It was a strange comfort to wake up in a new place—a place where no one knew me.

I slipped out of bed, washed up, and dressed in a simple gray dress. Pulling a comb through my long black hair, I stared at my reflection in the cracked mirror. My hair had always been my pride, cascading past my waist in glossy waves. Nanay Greta’s rituals—bathing me in fresh cow’s milk and insisting I cared for my skin—seemed silly at the time, but now, I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew something I didn’t.

“You’re special, Carmilla,” she’d said countless times, brushing my hair with gentle hands. “Don’t ever forget it.”

I sighed, shaking the memory away. Nanay wouldn’t want me wallowing in the past. Today was a new day, and I had a goal: to find a place to call home.

Stepping outside, I was greeted by the vibrant energy of the village. Merchants lined the streets, their stalls overflowing with colorful goods. Children darted through the crowds, their laughter ringing in the air. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meat made my stomach grumble.

As I wandered, I couldn’t help but notice the lingering stares. People whispered as I passed, their words just loud enough to reach my ears.

“Look at her hair—it’s so long and shiny.”

“Such flawless skin… it’s like she’s glowing.”

“She doesn’t look like she’s from here. Where do you think she’s from?”

I kept my head down, pretending not to hear, but my cheeks burned with embarrassment. I wasn’t used to this kind of attention. Back home, everyone knew me. Here, I was just another stranger—albeit one who seemed to draw more notice than I intended.

Pausing at a small stall selling flowers, I decided to engage with the vendor. Maybe a casual conversation would help me blend in.

“Good morning,” I greeted, offering a polite smile.

The older woman behind the stall beamed at me. “Good morning, dear. What can I get for you? Roses? Lilies?”

“They’re all lovely,” I said, inhaling the floral aroma. “How much for a small bouquet?”

“For someone as beautiful as you?” she said, her smile widening. “First one’s on the house.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t—”

“Nonsense,” she interrupted, handing me a delicate bundle of daisies. “Consider it a welcome gift. You’re not from around here, are you?”

I hesitated, then shook my head. “No, I’m… new. I’m looking for a place to stay permanently.”

The woman’s expression softened. “Thylonos is a good place to start fresh, but be careful. Not everyone here has good intentions.”

Her words sent a small shiver down my spine, but I nodded in thanks. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for these.”

I spent the next few hours exploring the village, stopping at various shops and speaking with locals about housing. Most of the options were either far too expensive or unsuitable, and frustration began to creep in.

By midday, I found myself wandering further from the marketplace, drawn to the quieter, less crowded streets. The air was cooler here, shaded by the towering buildings.

As I turned a corner, I nearly walked straight into someone.

“Careful,” a familiar voice said, calm and steady.

I looked up, and my breath caught. Standing before me was Prince Magnus. He wasn’t wearing the regal attire I’d seen him in last night; instead, he wore a plain dark cloak that helped him blend into the crowd. But those piercing eyes were unmistakable.

“Y-Your Highness,” I stammered, stepping back in surprise.

“Magnus,” he corrected, his expression unreadable.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “Shouldn’t you be… somewhere important?”

His lips twitched, as though he were suppressing a smile. “Do you always ask so many questions?”

I flushed. “I didn’t mean to offend—”

“You didn’t,” he said, cutting me off. He glanced around, his sharp gaze scanning the street. “I prefer to avoid unnecessary attention.”

I studied him, curious. “A prince hiding among his people? That’s… unusual.”

His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of amusement. “And a newcomer wandering alone? That’s equally unusual.”

I crossed my arms, trying to mask my unease. “I’m just trying to find a place to live. The inn is nice, but it’s not home.”

Magnus nodded thoughtfully. “Thylonos is vast. You’ll find something if you’re patient.”

“Easier said than done,” I muttered.

His gaze lingered on me, and I couldn’t tell if he was studying me or trying to decipher something. “Why did you come to Thylonos?”

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I… lost someone important to me. I needed a fresh start.”

His expression softened, though his tone remained neutral. “I see. Loss has a way of shaping us, whether we like it or not.”

I looked at him, surprised by the depth of his words. “Have you… lost someone too?”

Magnus didn’t answer immediately. His jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t respond. Then, he said quietly, “We’ve all lost something. Some losses linger longer than others.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Before I could press further, he straightened, his demeanor shifting back to the calm, composed prince.

“If you’re serious about finding a place, try the northern edge of the village,” he said. “It’s quieter there. You might have better luck.”

“Thank you,” I said, genuinely grateful.

Magnus gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before he turned to leave.

I watched him disappear into the crowd, my mind racing with questions. Who was Prince Magnus, really? Why did he seem so… distant, yet familiar?

Shaking my head, I continued my search, determined to follow his advice.

As I walked toward the northern edge of the village, the streets grew quieter, and the air felt cooler. I passed rows of quaint cottages, some with colorful gardens, others with neatly trimmed hedges.

One cottage, in particular, caught my eye. It was small but charming, with ivy climbing up the stone walls and a wooden fence surrounding the yard. A “For Rent” sign hung on the gate.

I hesitated, then pushed the gate open and approached the door. A middle-aged woman answered my knock, her warm smile immediately putting me at ease.

“Hello, dear. Can I help you?”

“I saw the sign,” I said, gesturing to the gate. “Is the cottage still available?”

“It is,” she said, stepping aside to let me in. “Come, have a look.”

The interior was cozy, with a small kitchen, a sitting area, and a bedroom with a large window that let in plenty of light. It wasn’t grand, but it felt… right.

“I’ll take it,” I said without hesitation.

The woman beamed. “Wonderful! You can move in as soon as you’re ready.”

As I settled the arrangements and made my way back to the inn to collect my belongings, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. For the first time in days, I felt like I was moving forward.

But even as I smiled to myself, the memory of Magnus lingered. There was something about him—something I couldn’t quite explain.

Little did I know, our paths were destined to cross again.