A TRIP TO A HAUNTED CASTLE

NIGHTMARES

I am running in heels through a dense forest. It is night time, and perhaps today is the new moon. I cannot see well where I am going, the only light available to me is the twinkling stars. It seems like I am running from something or someone. More like, I am running from a chilling voice. The owner of the voice has hung loudspeakers throughout the woods. He threatens me in a menacing voice, " Kitten, you can't run away for me. If you are not with me, you are not allowed to be alive. So, like a good girl, come back to me and I will forgive you. You will stay by my side as my Queen, with me as your King. No one will come between us, I will kill them if you do. You have seen what I can do, isn't it? Come back to me kitten on your own, or I will force you. And believe me, it will not be pleasant. You can't escape me." He ended his speech with an equally menacing laugh. I shuddered at his voice and at the thought of dying.

I do not want to die not at the hands of this monster. Which is why I ran away from him in the first place. It seems like I am running away from him for quite some time. My legs are about to give up, the whole body is in pain and my breathing becomes erratic. Physical exercise is really never my forte. My whole body is covered with lots of cuts and bruises. Although, I dod not care about it much. My clothes are covered in my sweat and blood. Suddenly, my heels broke and stumbled over a large tree trunk on the ground. Great, just what I needed right now. Cursing slightly, I tried to stand up, only to find out that I couldn't. My left ankle is sprained and it hurts like a b***h. Suddenly, I can hear a pair of heavy footsteps and a weird sound. It sounded like he is dragging something heavy and metallic. I know, what it is! It is a big sword, with which he killed my friends. And now, he is out to kill me now. He is here, he is here, he is here. Oh my God, I am going to die, I panicked. My entire life literally flashed before my eyes.

Panicking, I again tried to stand on my feet, only to fail once more. I looked around, to find some place to hide for some time. I found a thick bush and dragged my body behind it. The footsteps are coming closer, and I hide behind the bush, not wanting to make any sound. His eyes are scanning the area, and he is tiptoeing, looking behind every bush. I hold my breath in anticipation and fear. He suddenly started talking, " Kitten, I am really tired of these games. Initially, I was enjoying it but now it is frustrating. I am asking you again nicely, come to me on your own free will and live. Otherwise, I will be forced to hurt you or worse kill you. I don't want to kill you, baby, you know I love you." I mentally cringed at his confession of love for me, but I said nothing in reply. I peeked over the bush to look at his back. He is holding a powerful flashlight in one hand, and the sword in his other hand.

He can easily see my footprints and deduce that I am nearby. Stupid heels. I am scared out of my mind for my life. In my haste, I could not take my purse or cellphone with me. I could not ask anyone for help either, although I doubt I will get any signal here. I am lost, due to my poor directional and navigational skills. I am also hungry, thirsty and beyond tired, I need to rest which I can't. Except for a stone, I do not have any weapon with me either to protect myself. I sighed, mentally calculating my chances of survival. I mentally bid goodbye to my family and friends waiting for me at home. I sent a silent prayer to God as well. I stayed behind the bush, wary for any sudden movements as well. No sound, the whole wood is eerily silent. I know it is a bad omen for me, but I can't stop fighting, not now.

If I have to die now, I will die fighting against him with my remaining strength. My whole body is alert, ready to prevent any attack but it never comes. Puzzled, yet, I still remain crouched in my position. I hear the sound of footsteps going away from here. Maybe, luck is in my favor. He is giving up his search. Slowly and painfully, I come out of my hiding place only to meet with a strong light. I am forced to close my eyes because of the harsh light. I automatically raise my hands to my eyes, to protect them from the light. As a result, I dropped the stone from my hand. Then, I heard his voice, " well, isn't this interesting. Finally, I found you. What did I tell you kitten? You can't escape me in this life. Even in death, you can't escape me. He lowered his flashlight, and I opened my eyes to see his towering body. I can clearly understand even in dark, that he is smirking at me.

"Honey, I just pretended to go away and you fell for my trap. Even, if you are the topper of our class, you are incredibly stupid. I am disappointed in you, you know I love a good chase. But, now I won't say it again, come with me peacefully on your own will. Or else," he made a threatening gesture.

I stand up struggling to do so, "Never Charlie. I would rather die instead of being with you. You are a killer. You killed our friends. You are sick in the head. I do not love you, I hate you."

" Shut up Maxine, I did that for you, to have your love. I will kill again if I have too without any remorse or hesitation. You belong to me, only me. No one else can have you. I want you, all of you. I always have, always will. Now, for the last time come with me."

"No." And with that, I tried to punch his face with all my might. Keyword: tried. He prevented my punch with one easy move, smirking. I still kept struggling, screaming and punching him much to his dismay. After some time, he decided to lift me in his arms. He throws away the sword, but I know he still has some hidden weapon. I still kept screaming profanities at him and punching him in his chest. He just laughed and shook his head. The psycho moron freaking laughed! He laughed at my futile attempts, all of this is just a game for him. We made our way back to the castle, from where it all started. He entered the castle and entered his room. My throat hurts from all the screaming, and I am still in his arms. We crossed the plight of stairs to his room where put me down on the bed. He locked the door from the inside and sat beside me on the bed.

"Now be a good girl and take a shower first. You stink darling. Your new clothes are in the closet. Then came down for dinner downstairs in half an hour. We will discuss your punishment over dinner, sweetheart. Don't worry, you will love it." And then he left the room, closing the door behind him.

I released a breath, which I didn't know I was holding while he was in the room. The first thing I did is to look for any escape routes, but I found none. He placed bars on the windows. Defeatedly, I decided to shower first to wash away the blood and dirt. Also, I needed new clothes and I can look for an escape too. I saw a window without any bars, but it is quite high. After taking the shower, I wrapped a towel around my body, went to the closet and changed into my new clothes. I re-entered the bathroom, opened the tap so that running water can cover any noise. I used the flush tank to reach the window. My entire body weight rests on my good leg, and I have slippers on my feet. I reached the window, but I can my feet slipping.

The punched the glass with my hand, not caring that it is bleeding. I continued to do so until I can crawl out of it. I lifted my one leg, so far so good. But, when I lifted my other leg, I fell down on the floor with a loud thud. He must have heard the noise because he came running into the bathroom. He ran his fingers through his hair and angrily sighed " Stupid girl, you think you can run from me. How many times do I have to tell you that you can't? There. Is. No. Escape. From. Me." He bit out every word with venom and dragged me away with him. He threw me on the bed and said, " I tried to be patient with you, but you had other plans. Very well. Suit yourself." Then he waved a knife in front of my face.

He held it at my throat and said, "Be with me and live your life. Or say goodbye to it." And then he leaned in for a kiss, his lust-filled eyes are on my lips. He crashed his lips on mine and began kissing me hungrily. I did not kiss him back, instead angrily bit his lower lip and tasted his blood. He stopped kissing me and slapped me across my face. The slap is so hard that it stings, my eyes are filled with tears. He pressed the knife further and blood started to ooze out from the cut it made. I screamed and with one slick move, he slashed my throat.