Soul Trap

Chapter 1 - A Party to die for

“His fingertips brushed against my cheek and my heart raced like never before. This must be it. This must be the man God designed for me. I parted my lips and he leaned in closer, without a second of hesitation. Our lips…. Seriously Liv?” Jake looked up at me angrily. I couldn’t help but burst out in laughter every time he read one of his ridiculous love stories out loud.

"Could you at least try to appreciate the time I spent writing this?" He shut his notebook angrily and turned away from me.

"I'm sorry!" I giggled, rubbing his back reassuringly. "Your stories are magical and I'm sure there are millions of hormonal teenagers who would wet themselves from excitement while reading them."

He scoffed irritably but I saw his lip curling upwards. Jake was too easy to please.

"I just can't focus on something so sappy right now. I'm too excited!" I grabbed his arm and forced him to face me. "I spent too long putting this fabulous outfit together. Can we just go in now?" I pouted, pointing at the mansion in the distance. We were standing in the corner of Fulham road while dozens of other young people, dressed up in their halloween outfits made their way to what was expected to be “The dopest party of the year.” Nobody knew the mysterious host but who could refuse an invite to an open house with unlimited drinks and one of the best London DJs in charge of the music? The minute I saw a notification on my phone, I knew I had to be there. Jake didn’t share my enthusiasm, but refused to let me go on my own. So here we are. Ready to rock this party.

We walked through the main door, pushing through the crowd of witches, werewolves, ghosts and slutty vampires. I felt many hungry eyes on me from the moment we arrived but it did not surprise me. Jake clung to my side like a lost puppy, looking around with a mixture of excitement and fear.

“You are meant to be a big bad wolf, J.” I whispered into his ear. “You are my main accessory tonight. The red riding hood looks just like a girl in a cape if the scary wolf isn’t there to accompany her.” I rolled my eyes. “don’t disappoint me.”

“Maybe we can find someone you will actually want to ride tonight, right Red?” He laughed and howled loudly, turning everyone’s attention towards us.

“I think we are more likely to find you a little lamb first.” I laughed and grabbed two drinks from the open bar, drinking them both at once.

The party was indeed, dope. It didn’t take long for us to find a group of our schoolmates and lose ourselves in the music. The drinks kept coming and soon, I reached a level of intoxication that simply takes over logic. I jumped on the bar and pulled my red cape off, exposing the tight, lace lingerie I wore underneath. People whistled and clapped, encouraging me to continue but Jake climbed on the bar beside me and before I knew it, we were dancing together with the crowd applauding our synchronized movements. I knew Jake since we were five years old and even under influence, I knew exactly what his next move will be. He was my twin flame and the only reason I survived life at the orphanage.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” The crowd chanted, making us both laugh out loud.

Jake grabbed my waist and lifted me up in the air. I wrapped my arms around his neck and placed the most sloppy kiss possible on the tip of his nose. We turned, twisted and danced until our legs refused to listen. He howled and barked so loud, the DJ had to turn the music up louder. I dropped on a barstool and pulled my compact mirror out of my purse, crossing my legs.

“That was wild!” Jake laughed, sitting next to me with the widest smile. “I’m glad we came!”

“I told you it would be fun!” I grinned, reapplying my red lipstick. “And now everyone has seen what you can do, I’m sure someone out there is hungry for your wolf fangs.”

He finished his drink in one swift movement and jumped off the barstool, running his fingers through his hair.

“I’ll go hunt, wish me luck!” He kissed my cheek and I smacked his bottom in return.

“You don’t need luck, have fun!” I laughed and watched him disappear in the crowd.

As soon as he left my side I was surrounded by men who looked a lot older than me. None of them were worth my interest. You may call me superficial, but I believe that physical appearance can tell me everything I need to know about a person. Especially, seeing how much effort they put into their halloween look. After all, if someone doesn't care enough to dress to impress, why would anyone expect them to care enough to take care of their relationship?

And then I saw him. A man who definitely did not fit in with the crowd. He wore a perfectly fitted suit with diamonds embroidered on the collar of his shirt. He didn't wear a mask or make up, but his face looked like it was carved out of pure marble by a professional sculptor. I had to put my drink down because my hands trembled at the sight of this perfection. He walked through the crowd with grace, not touching a single person. His eyes lingered on me for a brief moment and I couldn't help but part my lips in awe. And then, he turned away. He vanished from my sight just as fast as he had appeared. I sat there, staring. Hypnotized like one of the ridiculous characters from Jake’s stories, stunned at first sight. I wanted to know who he was. I needed to know why he was here. Most of all, I needed to get closer and try to imprint his image into my brain so I could paint him when I will get back to the orphanage.

“Can I get you a drink, love?” I heard some low life tapping on the bar beside me. I turned and looked at his cheaply made vampire fangs in disgust.

“How about you get yourself a glass of charm? You are clearly lacking the required minimum.” I snorted, pulled my cape from the barstool beside me and headed into the crowd. All love stories in which the heroes fall in love at first sight, profess boundless love to each other, get married and live happily ever after were always overrated to me. Yet, here I was. In a complete bind. A trap I would have never imagined to find myself in. I doubted it was love. What is love anyway? Did I want him in my bed? Yes. Did I want him in my life? Also, yes. But did I see myself in a laced white dress beside him? I guess that last question is better left unanswered.

I ran across the room, almost tripping on my stilettos but he was nowhere to be seen. I saw Jake chatting with two younger girls who giggled every time his mouth moved, and waved at him. I needed to make sure he wouldn’t notice me acting this way. It was embarrassing enough that I had to deal with myself right now.

“Good evening, miss.” a velvet like voice rang in my ear. “May I be of assistance? You seem to be searching for something?”

I looked over my shoulder and dropped my cape to the floor. The something or rather, someone I’ve been searching for was standing a few inches behind me. He leaned down and picked my cape off the floor slowly. I could feel his golden eyes tracing across my exposed skin and even though normally I would pose and make sure he gets the best view I could offer, I couldn’t move.

“You dropped your coat, miss.” He said with a ring of amusement in his voice. I cursed quietly and decided to fight this unwelcome intrusion in my heart.

“Thank you.” I said, louder than I had planned to. Our eyes met once more. Up close, he looked even more breathtaking. Every line on his jaw, the shape of his nose, the full lips and eyes almost as gold as the thick amulet he wore around his neck. I knew I would have to paint at least a dozen portraits before I could capture this perfection on canvas.

“My pleasure, dear.” He smiled, clearly aware of my trance. “If you are looking for the bathroom, it’s two doors down this corridor.” He motioned with his hand. “But if you want to avoid the long cue, there is a private room on the second floor. You can tell the house staff that Nicolai allowed you to use it.”

I kept staring at him with eyes open wide. Nicolai must have been his name, and if the house staff listens to his orders, he must have been the host of this party!

“Are you sure it won’t be a problem?” I asked, throwing my cape over my shoulder and looked to the side. Just as I had expected, Jake stood against the wall with that stupid grin on his face. I couldn’t entertain him any longer.

“Of course not." He flashed a charming smile. "Please, be my guest. I'd love to get to know you better once the party dies down."

I nodded my head nervously.

"Sure." I muttered. "Second floor with permission from Nicolai himself."

"Indeed. And may I ask what your name is?" He smirked.

"Olivia, but you can call me Liv if you like." I flipped my hair back out of habit.

"Please, don't take too long, miss Olivia. My throat is rather dry and I believe only a drink with someone as delicious as you can quench my thirst."

I felt my cheeks burning. He wasn't just a pretty boy. He was a man who knew how to talk to women, I had to give him that.

"Thank you." I winked at him. "I will try my best."

And with that I walked past him, flashing a middle finger at Jake howling like a maniac.

The second floor was empty. The stairs seem to lead to at least two more floors but nobody even thought of walking up. I quickly saw the reason why. Two men with black sunglasses guarded the top of the stairs on each floor. I swallowed, remembering that I was instructed to come here by the house owner. But what if he lied? What if his annoyingly perfect appearance was enough for me to fall for a prank?

"Where do you think you are going?" One of the men guarding the second floor snapped at me as I approached them.

"To Nicolai’s private bathroom. He had allowed me to." I responded with pride.

The men looked at each other before stepping aside to let me walk past.

I hurried down the corridor and saw a gigantic golden door with strange symbols engraved on it's frame. There were no other doors. Even though it seemed strange, I couldn't turn around now.

I pushed the door open and saw the biggest bathroom I have ever seen. The hot tub was as big as the swimming pool in the local gym. The showers looked like fountains and a ten metre wall on my right had dozens of luxurious, cotton towels hanging on it. I needed a minute to calm my excitement. The music from downstairs made the floor tremble under my feet, reminding me that the man who owns this place was waiting for me to have a drink with him. I shut the doors behind me and skipped over to the most beautiful basin. The taps were gold and when I poured the water, it almost reflected my face.

"Wow." I whispered, dipping my long nail in the water. I washed my hands and reapplied my make up, completely taken by the beauty of this place. For a moment, I forgot about Nicolai but he creeped back into my mind when I grabbed the red cape. I began to wonder if I would be foolish enough to tell Jake about this new fascination. I could only imagine the look on his face. "Love at first sight! I knew it would eventually hit you! Karma baby!" I heard his voice shouting in my head. I rolled my eyes.

Suddenly, the music stopped. The floor didn't tremble anymore and complete silence took over the bathroom. It was so quiet I could hear myself breathing. And then - a scream. An awful scream followed by a hundred screams. Cries and pleads so desperate I had to grab onto a towel rail because my body froze in fear. Laughter and bangs followed and within what couldn't have been longer than a few minutes, the silence returned.

I couldn't move. My mind kept playing the screams on repeat, even though I knew it was over. But the question was, what? What was over? It took me another minute or two to let go off the towel rail. I pulled my phone out of the purse but just as I began to dial Jake's number I heard a loud crash coming from downstairs and dropped my phone on the marble floor.

"Damn it." I cursed, picking it up quickly. The screen was completely shattered. Useless. There was only one way of checking if he was okay.

I walked over to the door and grabbed the golden handle tightly, but it didn't turn. The door was shut and I was locked inside this dreamy bathroom.

"Help! Somebody!" I screamed before I could stop myself. Panic took over logic. "I can't get out! Somebody help!"

Nothing but deadly silence.

I tried pulling and twisting the handle. I tried pushing the door with all my strength. It didn't work.

I slid down the wall and hid my face between my knees. Hot tears ran down my burning cheeks. The screams continued to echo in my head and my mind jumped to the worst possible conclusions. Was it a madman with a gun? Did I just save myself by going to the bathroom? Was Jake hurt? Should I call the emergency number?

Of course I should, and I would if my phone wasn't completely smashed!

I heard footsteps approaching and got to my feet instantly. My heart pounded in my throat. I needed a weapon. Something to protect myself with in case the person on the other side of the door decided to attack me. I threw my purse at the mirror, shattering it into small pieces. In any other circumstance I'd probably hate destroying such a beautiful piece of art, but this was now life or death. I grabbed the biggest piece of glass and turned to face the door. I heard the lock click.

"Whoever you are, you should know that I am armed and not afraid of you!" I shouted, taking a step back.

I expected the door to swing open, but instead I heard the same footsteps. It looked like I scared off the potential attacker. I felt a small cut in my palm caused by holding the glass too tight. What was I going to do now? The door was clearly unlocked and whoever unlocked it decided to retreat. I could hear my heart echoing my head now and I saw an image of Jake with a shot wound in his chest.

"Deep breaths Liv, deep breaths." I whispered as I made the decision to open the door.

I held the piece of glass in front of me but to my utter relief, there was nobody on the other side.

I looked around, the silence was definitely alarming. The two men guarding the stairs were nowhere to be seen and the only sound I could hear was the quiet clicking of my stilettos as I tiptoed forward. It took me what felt like an eternity to reach the stairs and when I did, I saw a sight that traumatized me for the rest of my life.

Dozens of people, dead people. Corpses covered in blood laid across the bottom of the stairs. On the floor. On the bar. On the tables and the chairs. Some piled on top of each other. Others, thrown against the walls like empty sacks. The disco lights shone on their lifeless faces, making their empty eyes glow like candles in the dark.

I held onto the stair rail feeling my knees bending. I gagged and swallowed my own vomit, unable to believe what I was seeing. This couldn't be real. This had to be a nightmare! The scent of fresh blood mixed with spilled alcohol was too much to handle. I collapsed on the floor, shaking. And then there was nothing but darkness.

I must have fainted. Wouldn't you? I regained consciousness at some point, hearing voices talking in the distance. Before I opened my eyes, I tried to convince myself that I was safe at the orphanage. In my bunk bed. Under my shaggy, red blanket. And Miss Robert's high pitched voice will come from the speaker, announcing breakfast. Instead, a voice as smooth as velvet spoke to me, and I knew I was still in my nightmare.

"Olivia, please get off the floor. You will ruin your attire."

I opened my eyes involuntarily and saw the eyes that hypnotised me earlier. The golden eyes of the man who offered to let me use his private bathroom. Nicolai stood with his back against the wall, holding a long cigarette and staring at me with a smirk on his face.

"You." I managed to mutter, searching for the piece of glass I carried out of the bathroom.

"Are you looking for this, miss?" He chuckled, presenting my weapon in his hand. I felt my heart drop to my stomach and realized there was nothing I could do to stop him killing me like all the other oblivious people.

"How could you?" I asked, my voice shaking. "You are a monster! All these innocent lives!"

"Nobody is innocent, my dear." He smiled, throwing the piece of glass to me. "They all carry the sins and wrongs of the people who conceived them."

"That doesn't give you the right to kill them!" I got to my feet, still trembling like a feather in the wind. I held the piece of glass tightly in my hand, even though I doubted I would have an opportunity to use it.

"If that is so, please tell me what gives a lion the right to kill a zebra?" He inhaled the smoke from his cigarette and exhaled it directly at my face.

I coughed into my free hand, feeling vomit coming back up my throat. His calmness frustrated me. I noticed that his suit was as clean as before with not a single blood drop on it. What if he wasn't responsible for the s*******r?

"Why?" I asked, tears streaming down my face. He threw his cigarette on the marble floor and stepped on it without breaking our eye contact.

"Why don't we discuss this over a drink? I believe you were meant to accompany me as I take care of this burning thirst, miss." He reached his hand out to me almost as if he was asking me to dance.

I took a step back and realized I stood on the edge of the stairs. He didn't move.

"Be careful there, love. We wouldn't want you to fall down and break your neck now. Would we?" He chuckled.

"Stay away from me!" I yelled and before he could say another word, I turned away and ran down the stairs as fast as I could. I didn't look back. Even if he decided to chase me I wasn't going to make it easy for him.

Avoiding the corpses on the floor was a challenge, I felt myself stepping on multiple hands as I ran but my eyes were squeezed shut. I didn't care where I was running to, as long as it was away from this cold blooded killer. I ran into the front door. It was shut. Of course it was shut! Then, in the peak of my panic I remembered I didn't come here alone.

"Jake." I whispered. "Oh my God! Jake!" I screamed and opened my eyes wide. I turned around and gasped, desperately scanning the bodies for any sign of my best friend. Even though a part of me wanted to break one of the windows and escape, I hoped that maybe by some miracle he survived this bloodbath and needed my help.

"Jake!" I called out, darting back towards the middle of the hall. I tried to remember where I saw him last but nothing looked like it did before I went to that dreadful bathroom! "Jake! Where are you?" I yelled out desperately.

"I believe I already told you. My name is Nicolai, dear." The velvet voice approached me from behind and made me jump. I turned around and looked him straight in the eyes.

"My friend was here." I hissed out with a mixture of pain and anger in my voice. "A tall, dark male dressed as a werewolf. Please tell me he isn't among the ones you slaughtered."

Nicolai smirked, his eyes narrowed.

"I'm afraid I wasn't present when the party died. As much as I enjoy the sight of a job well done, I am no fan of the way that it is done."

I turned away from him and skipped over bodies like a child playing hopscotch. I couldn't see much because my eyes filled with tears, but I was determined to prove myself that Jake managed to escape. Nicolai’s calmness was slowly adding logs to the fire inside of me, but I knew if I tried to attack him I would join the unfortunate souls on the floor.

Suddenly, every nerve in my body cracked. I felt my heart drop so low, I could have sworn it fell out. My eyes widened but my lips pursed. There he was. Laying under a blonde girl dressed as a slutty barbie. My friend, my brother, my everything. Dead.

"No!" I screamed so loud, my vocal cords vibrated in pain. "No! Jake! Wake up! Wake up!"

I pushed the girl off him quickly and knelt to check for his pulse. "You can't be dead. No. You can not be dead. Wake up Jake! Damn it, wake up!" I started to press his ribcage rhythmically. I blew into his mouth and continued screaming at the top of my lungs.

Nicolai cleared his throat, suddenly he was standing by my side.

"I'm sorry, when we met earlier I assumed you were here by your lonesome." He knelt on the other side of Jake’s body. "Such a handsome specimen. Truly a shame." He sighed.

"Get away from him!" I yelled. "Don't touch him!"

He looked at me for a brief second, but completely ignored my words. Before I could react, his teeth sunk into Jake's bleeding neck. I gasped, choking on my own breath. Was he really that cruel? Did he want me to die from a panic attack? Did he really decide to dine on my dead best friend right in front of me?

"Get. Off. Him." I cried, pushing him off as hard as I could. He didn't move. It felt like trying to move a brick wall! I raised my hand in an attempt to slap his face away but just as my hand reached his ear, I felt a tight grip on my wrist. He pulled his lips away, slowly. I saw his eyes glowing with a deep, red colour.

"You will thank me for this." He hissed angrily. I felt a shiver of fear run down my spine. This was it. This is how my miserable life ends. Considering my heart just died along with Jake, did I even want to continue living? I spat in his face.

"You are the most disgusting human I have ever encountered!" I yelled, trying to pull my wrist out of his grasp. "What are you going to do when you kill me? Hail Satan?" I laughed hysterically.

He wiped my saliva and the remains of Jake's blood off his face with a red handkerchief from the front pocket of his jacket. I opened my mouth to try and spit more insults but before I could say another word, he slammed my back against a wall. He grabbed both my wrists and held them above my head with one hand. I started to kick, pull, squirm and yell even louder than before. Somehow the idea of dying was more manageable when it wasn't happening.

"Please! Please! You don't have to do this!" I begged.

"I know I don't have to, stupid girl." He hissed directly into my ear. His free hand grabbed the back of my head, keeping me still. "It doesn't mean that I don't want to." He added, licking my earlobe with the tip of his tongue.

I felt my body getting numb. The best way to describe the way it felt would be to say I felt like I was at a dental office, except the numbness wasn't only in my face. I felt pressure on my neck and suddenly every inch of my body climaxed. The feeling that took over was ecstatic and even caused multiple loud moans to escape my mouth. My vision blurred, the room began to spin. I closed my eyes and gave in to this unexpected euphoric feeling. Then suddenly, it stopped. The numbness faded and I could feel my pained body once more.

"A witch." Nicolai muttered with a hint of disbelief in his voice. "It can't be."

I opened my eyes and saw his face. He looked horrified but the corner of his blood drenched lip curled upwards. I parted my lips, trying to laugh at his failure in killing me, but before I could speak, I felt a hard blow to my head and darkness took over.