Beneath Me: Chapter 1

 

Chapter 1


Who knew striking fear into the hearts of people could cause such a colossal calm in the end?

Ask anyone among the youth today about the events of their beloved town Ashford Manor from 12th June 2001 and if fate smiles upon you, you might receive a polite shrug. The incident slowly fading away with the tranquility of townsfolk not far behind but that's just how the townsfolk liked it peaceful and predictable.

A woman sat in a well lit room in creaky rocking chair. her skin like crumpled parchment, each lined telling a story of the many years she had lived. Her frail hands trembled slightly as she held a book that looked as old as her. she passed her palm along the pattern of the wooden cover. Although her eyes were clouded with age, sprinkled with a hint of wisdom and warmth, the texture alone brought back memories. Memories the town could erase but she found more difficult. The gentle sway of the rocking chair accompanied by the glare of the scorching Sun and the soft whispers from the wind outside made it seem as though she could drift away at any moment, leaving behind the memories of a hurtful past.

Who knows maybe she will finally be at peace, but to uncover the whole truth we have to visit where the problem began.

Just on the outskirts of town, a forest called Eldridge Harbor popularly know for the doing of a notorious being. Good things go in and bad things come out.

Sunlight struggled to pierce through the thick canopy of the forest, casting long shadows that danced across the moss covered ground. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and the distant sounds of rustling leaves hinted at the presence of unseen creatures lurking out of sight. Stood between all this was a matchstick house cloaked in dark moss and creeping vines. Its broken roof and windows gave it an abandoned look, while the door slightly ajar invited unease. By stepping a foot inside, you will first be greeted by the shadows that dance along the walls, cast by the flickering light that filtered through the tiny window and roof cracks. The flickering candle which sat on a rickety table casted more shadows than it dispelled.

The silence was heavy, broken only by the occasional creak of floorboards made by the constant back and forth movement made by the owner of this hell of a home, Emilia Cartwright. A sinister smirk plastered on her face. Her eyes, gleaming with a mix of amusement and malice remain fixed on a middle-aged man securely bound to a chair. 

"What do you want from me?" The man said hopelessly gripping on the chair to calm his nerves.

Emilia's pacing got to a halt as she stopped right Infront of him taken aback by his obvious question. She gestured to Camille Fletcher her apprentice and understudy who was in the corner of the room leaning against the wall, arms relaxed by her side swaying as the wind blows. Her face held a serene composure, with a relaxed jaw and a subtle tilt of her head.

"What do we want from him?" Emilia questioned.

"You're the boss." Camille shrugged.

"Hello I'd like to know what I'm doing he-"

"Quiet! Just lemme finish the job." she explained "You see, with you gone it means I've reach point hundred"

"What does that even mean?"

"Don't worry you won't stick around long enough to find out." she smirked revealing the gun she had in her hand.

"Why are you doing this?" his voice trembling as he struggled against his restraints.

Emilia Laughed maniacally, her eyes gleaming with toxic excitement. "Because it's fun! You see, the world is filled with boring people but luckily I'm here. You should be grateful!"

"Grateful? You're insane!"

Emilia stepped closer maintaining eye contact with the gun aimed at his head, "Insanity is just a state of mind, darling. And right now I'm the only person truly alive! You'll understand this soon enough."

"You don't have to do this!"

"Oh but I do and I will."

"Just think about this!"

"Think? I already thought" Her finger hovering over the trigger.

"Please, don't pull the trigger!" He said, his voice breaking.

"Too late for that!"

"Just one more chance, I can help you!"

"Help? You're just a game to me."

"Please!"

"Goodbye!"

And in that instant everything changed...



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