Blood within a Rose that's Fair and Sweet

Chapter 1 The Demonic Phantom of a Shadowed Night

This story is a completed work of fiction. Therefore, in any way possible does it not refer to actual people or organizations towards it. For no relations to the real world are featured or entered in any source of ideology.

A long, long time ago, in the middle ages, demonic creatures who were immortal, and semi-immortal beings that were also known as demons had lived amongst us, humans throughout the centuries. And from the far outskirts of any city towns, or of any countries there lived a village that goes by the name of Nightingale Hollow.

For its name shows standards of how the darken nights are like a dark cloth covering the entire villa. And within this specific village, an unknown spiritual individual has protected it for if not centuries, then eons since the production of their town. A demonic male; neither a man or a monster that walks throughout the shadows of the day and the moonless nights.

A ‘Phantom' the villagers have called him since their prior arrival. Though, after every ten to fifteen years have transferred, the villagers bring forth a 'peace offering' to him.

By pleasing to the Phantom, he in exchange protects the village and its people from future dangers. For you see this significant sacrifice known to them all is called the sacrificial bride.

Though, after three to five years have briefly passed by. For now, it is the year 1922, and barely any women have been born. Or have yet to seemingly developed by the approximate age of regular marriage. Let alone their very own customized demon marriage to the Phantom.

Although, one female was at the appropriate age as a bride for him.

That this woman will be known as the female protagonist of our story and overcome difficulties from the past to withstand her remount future.

But, my fellow readers be wary of this tale, for this story is a pre-telling tale of a romance that partakes in various heartfelt emotional elements converging results of trust, love, deception, and prior lost.

Withholding consequences of this lost towards a new beginning. For throughout time and space segments of a battle for honor and love shall commence towards a devoted ending of hopeful peace.

Jane's Pov;

My name is Jane, Jane Doris Marple. And to this day forward, my life will be owned by a demon.

(Though, a 'Phantom' my people have called him throughout time. For many centuries my village; Nightingale Hollow has made peace with him by bringing forth a bride from our town after the passing of a few years go by.)

With this equivalent exchange regarding an agreement with one another, he protects the village from harm. Though it may seem like the Phantom has betrayed his kind. But, to them, he's their grand ruler regarding power within the strength of a soul, mind, and body. So, with anything he says goes no matter what, by who, for whatever reason possible.

(But as it was decided for me to be announced as his bride my childhood friend; Erik Miller had secretly not come to terms with the villagers' altruistic arrangement.)

Though two weeks have passed since then, and ever since that day, Erik and Jane have not talked with one another as time moved forward.

Until one day; the day before Jane would be presented to the Phantom, Erik said he wanted to talk. So then, in the middle of the forest, late into the night. They spoke and had talked about many things from their time away from one another.

And then, they came to talk about her upcoming departure the next day after, where Erik had concocted a plan to not let Jane be another victim of the Phantom.

"Jane, I want you to run away with me. Let's get away from here, the village, and everyone else to start a new life together, just you and me."

"Erik, I can't, you know as well as I do that I just can't. For if a bride is not presented to the Phantom, there's no telling what could happen to the village."

"I know that Jane, but it isn't fair for you to sacrifice yourself for the sake of the village."

"If that's true then what about all the women who sacrificed themselves for the village, so we could live in peace. Some were even our friends and families from back when we were little Erik. So, should I let their death be in vain while I just hide and run away?!"

"That's not what I meant Jane, and some of those women weren't given a choice in the matter. But I don't care about the village, for all I care about is your safety!"

"They did have a choice. Those women could have run away from this or would have done far worse to escape their fate. But they didn't Erik, for they stood strong, and firm from this cruel destiny that they were made to fulfill. And just what are you saying, that you don't care about the village; my home, your home? Or are you-!"

"The reason why I want to keep you safe is that I love you! I have always loved you since we were kids to now. And I've prayed to God that I've wanted to protect you from this cruel profession! So, Jane, please, please! Say, you'll go away with me."

With his teary sincere statement from Erik minutes passed as if it were turned into hours, then Jane had finally spoken but with utmost sorrow as her answer.

"As much as I am grateful, but I am sorry, Erik. I do not love you. Now, it is late, and I must rest for my departure tomorrow. I bid you goodbye and farewell, my friend."

By stating the fact that Jane had just wanted to be friends with Erik as she said to him. It was only in a matter of social and anti-social reconciliation towards one another as friends when Jane said her goodbyes to him that night.