Beneath Me: Chapter 2

 Chapter 2

One cold evening, as the winds blew the dust and trash across the road, everywhere seemed to be wrapped in the serene stillness that blanketed the streets. Only the occasional hooting of the night owl could be heard (to those who found themselves awake), echoing softly on repeat. The stars twinkled above reflecting  its gentle glow on rooftops, while the moonlight, visible on faraway mountaintops. It was a time where the world seemed to have hit pause, allowing silent beauty to reign. This was the real Ashford Manor. In the centre of  their beloved town (at the time), a house, no- a home quite distinct for all the others, inside and out. Just by peeping through the window, you would see a dream- the birthplace of true happiness: the wall painted in calming shades of pink with artworks reflecting the elegancy of the people living in it. Beside a roaring fireplace, sat a rather dashing looking man , Danny sitting cross-legged in his favourite blue rocking chair. His pregnant wife, Don sat opposite from him in a knee length dress, knitting baby clothes in an armchair. Life was simple, and they believed they couldn't ask for more; happiness appeared to been within their grasp. Yet, beneath all this, an inexplicable darkness lay awake, too subtle for their eyes blinded with content to perceive. In time however, the truth will emerge, revealing the rightful owner of the impending victory...

"So what are going to do with him?" Camille asked while cautiously poking at the man's lifeless body as if to ensure he was actually dead but also keeping a distance just in case it came back to life.

Yet, Emilia hadn't been listening to word she said, as she was writing away in a wooden covered book.

100. John Baker-2nd January, 2001

"What's that you got?" asked Camille, peeping over her shoulder, curiosity etched on her face. Sensing a presence hovering over her, Emilia turned around, scanned the room about three times- making no haste to answer Camille's question- making her way back to facing her book.

"Nothing of interest." Emilia finally said.

"John? Isn't that the guy you just-"

"Yes! Yes it is, well done." She said dismissively in a mocking tone.

"Oh come on, don't be like that!" she pressed, dissatisfaction donning on her face. If only she understood how grave it was for her to pry, just a little bit more and her fate will be sealed.

"It's time." Emilia flatly said, arising from her chair making Camille retreat backwards.

"Already? It's only half past noon." Camille responded

"Exactly." She flashed a sly grin, hinting at the playful mischief in her eyes. "The whole of Ashford is waiting for us." She gestured with her hands, moving them to form a semi circle.

With no further questions asked, Camille quickly turned to carry John's legs while Emilia held his hands, both mentally unprepared to lift him off the ground. 

They lugged him along, his weight a burden on them, their strained grunts and sweat-soaked brows revealed the heavy load they carried. With every bit of strength and determination they forced out, their efforts not in vain, brought them to a running river: it's water sparkled under the sunlight crystal-clear as ever. It flowed gracefully over smooth stones and the sound it made was a lullaby fit for a king. For a dazzling river connecting to contrasting places, the purpose it severed was quite queer. Instead of carrying goods, cargo and other valuable items, Emilia made it her priority to float all her victims down this very river taunting all the townsfolk ensuring unease to reign among them.

Emilia dug her index and middle finger deep into the ground and kept it there for sometime, removing it a while later to reveal a red substance stuck to her finger.

"The good ones go out, like whispers at night, fading away as the darkness ignites." She lectured Camille as she pressed her two fingers on the man's neck and they swung him back and forth a little bit before letting him free to float down the river.

"Bad one like us, like shadows at dawn, forever remembered but never shall be mourned." Emilia put her hand on Camille's shoulder.

"Sure, sure! But next we have to move someone, please let them be under fifty kilograms."