The Lunas Curse The Twisted Bargain

Chapter 1

Carmilla

.

.

.

"Run, Carmilla" Her voice desperate, filled with fear.

I looked at my mom ,still holding her hands. My heart was pounding but I couldn't see her face clearly. Everywhere was red-she was covered in blood.I was still reluctant to let go of her hands and then she smiled at me with tears in her eyes.She removed the silver necklace she was wearing and gave it to me.

"Always keep this necklace with you,don't lose it."She said.

My feet moved before I could think. The ground beneath me was wet and sticky. The smell of smoke burnt my nose ,mixing with something else- something metallic.

Blood

I ran.

I had no destination in mind but all I knew was that I had to keep on moving. Branches scratched against my skin while I pushed through the trees as I grasped for air .My mother's voice echoed behind me but it was distant now ,swallowed by forest noises.

"Don't stop- keep running!"

I wanted to scream but I couldn't. My throat felt light ,like something was holding it back.

But then I saw them.

Figures lurking in the darkness, a deep growl filled the air.My legs froze.

The shadow moved closer.I could hear my heartbeat thrashing in my ear as I tried to move backwards but I couldn't.

A sharp pain exploded in my chest. I gasped for air as I fell down to my knees. The trees around me blurred ,the voices fading.

And then, everything went blank.

My eyes snapped open , my chest rising and falling due to rapid breaths. My skin damp from sweat, trembling hands clutching over my thin blanket.

That dream again.

The memory was still fresh even after years had passed on. I wasn't a helpless child anymore but some wounds just never healed.

I turned to my side ,staring at my ceiling.

After that night, I was taken in by my father's sister ,Aunt Freya.I initially believed she took me in as an act of kindness. But Freya didn't do kindness- She did control.

I was given a room and it was nothing more than a glorified prison.I wasn't allowed to leave the estate or ask questions related to my mother's death. And whenever I did her answer was the same. "You are lucky I took you in. Don't forget that."

But deep down I knew I wasn't kept hidden out of love.

I was either protected or being silenced.

From what ? I still didn't know.

I exhaled shakily , running my hands through my tangled hair as I stood up to style my hair at the dressing table.

I sat down on the chair and picked up my grey hairbrush as I looked into the mirror to brush my hair. I stared at myself and my eyes went to the necklace my mother had given me years ago.I could still remember those words she said to me that day. My smile wavered as I touched her necklace.

The sound of the door creaking open snapped me out of my thoughts. I stiffened, my hands dropping to my lap.

Footsteps. Soft, measured.

Aunt Freya.

She stepped inside, her sharp amber eyes sweeping over me. "You're awake."

I didn't answer. I just watched her.I wondered what she wanted to tell me this time.I noticed the tray she was holding and each time she brought me food herself , it was either because she wanted to say something important or she needed my help with an important task.

She sighed and walked further in, with the small tray in her hands. A plate of food. "Eat."