The Cursed Lake

Chapter Two// The Moon Dance

The whole day all the town was talking about was the moon dance tonight. It was a yearly dance that would be held to celebrate the super moon.

Our village loved Folklore and superstitions. It was said that the super moon would cleanse the town from any bad spirits.

I didn't believe it.

It was just as unbelievable as that the lake where we got our water from us cursed, so everyone only fetches their water from the right side.

But it's just an old tale, probably to scare us to not travel too far from town.

I sat in front of my vanity, brushing my wooden brush through my hair. 

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. 

I placed my brush down. 'Come in.' 

I started powdering my nose by the time my mother entered, holding a velvet deep purple dress.

'Do you like it?' She asked me, holding it up with her arm.

I had to admit, it was beautiful. 

'Yes I do.' I said. 'Thankyou, Mother.' I got up from my stool in front of the vanity and allowed her to fit me into my dress.

I hated when she would tie my corset at the back, I tried not to wince, I felt like my ribs were going to c***k. 

'Are these even necessary.' I moaned as she tightened the last knot.

'Yes, if you want to have the figure of a respectable young lady.' 

I bit my lip, fighting the want to protest, it's only make things worse.

I sucked in a bunch of air and picked up my hand woven clutch off my dresser. 

I gave my mother a final look and nod before leaving our house to head for the main courtyard. 

The moon was already up in the young sky, just as usual. 

Everyone crowded the streets, all dressed up, glowing with happiness.

The laughter of children was infectious and I couldn't help but start grinning myself.

I followed the stone path all the way to the court yard where people were dancing around a large fire pit, singing ancient tunes.

The young girls wore flowers in their hair, intertwined with in their braids.

My friend Rosalie came up to me, greeting me by slipping a white flower behind my ear. 

'Aren't I a bit old for one of these?' I asked, pointing at the daisy.

Rosalie giggled, shaking her head. 'I think your mother started getting to your head.'

I nodded. 'Yeah me too.'

I stepped out into the dance circle, my ears were filled with the sound of laughter and cheering. 

I attempted to let my body flow the way everyone else's did almost effortlessly.

Yet my eyes were consumed by him and Pollyanna, a red haired peasant. 

I could feel my face heat up, it was probably as rich as her hair with colour. 

I danced around the fire, waving my hands in the air, pretending as if I didn't care. 

But I did. 

Everytime Peter looked over at me, I looked away. Creating the illusion I was too caught up in the dance to care.

But once again, I did.

Why was he acting this way? 

I plastered a fake smile, but it was too small to be convincing. Grabbing the sides of my dress as I twirled in a circle with Rosalie.

'He clearly wants you and you want him, so go get him.' Blurted out Rosalie, causing me to break my trance.

'It's complicated.'

'Well it shouldn't be, just go to him.' She said as she pushed me to his direction.

I took in a deep breath, I was too close to him now to not go over to him.

I tapped him on the shoulder and he instantly turned around, as if he was expecting me.

'What is it?' He snarled.

I took a step back in shock. 'Can I talk to you alone?'

He clenched his jaw.

'Please.' 

His face softened at my words and he nodded, taking my hand and leading me to behind the town stables.

'What are you doing here with her?' I asked him and he let go of my hand.

Peter shrugged. 'I don't have to.'

I bit my lip, trying to search for the right thing to say.

'Peter. I'm in love with you and I can't live like this-' I began but was cut off by his lips devouring mine. 

Our mouths moved in perfect sync, like we had done this many times. 

I practically jumped up into his arms, our noses bumping as I did so.

He supported me with one hand and used the other to cup my cheek, I wrapped my legs around his waist.

He lifted me up onto the bale of hay, placing me down gently, yet eagerly. 

I looked into his lustful eyes longingly as he undid the strings on my dress, exposing my brassiere.

Peter paused for a moment.

'Don't you want me?' I asked playfully, causing him to smirk.

He bent down, pampering my neck with hot breathy kisses. 

I moaned in pleasure, I had been dreaming of this moment for what seemed like forever.

I listened to the sound of material as he lifted my dress, followed by the rustling of his own clothing. 

I closed my eyes, taking in the moment, appreciating it as much as I could. 

Then it was silent.

I opened my eyes, seeing Peter looking down at me. It was as though he was looking for any sign of cold feet.

'Peter.' I breathed. 'I want this. I want you. Forever.' 

'Are you sure?' He asked.

I nodded. 'Yes.' 

He kissed me hard for a moment and pulled away again. 'Run away with me.' 

My eyes widened. 'What?'

'Run away with me, so we can be together.' He repeated.

I didn't have to think about it.

I knew from the moment I met him, I wanted this. 

'I'll follow you, wherever.' I replied softly and pulled him back into the kiss. 

I knew that nothing would be the same for me after this night.

I now belonged to Peter, giving him my innocence and my heart.

All that glitters is not gold

Hell is empty and all the devils are here.

By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes. Open, locks, Whoever knocks!

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

These violent delights have violent ends...

Brevity is the soul of wit.

Now is the winter of our discontent.

If music be the food of love, play on.

Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.

William Shakespeare