Mysterious Things - Part 1

Part 1

The moon was full tonight. It was an amazing light leading the way down the maze of a path to the old castle. Nichole wasn't sure how she ended up here, laying beside a tree that stood just outside the entrance of castle Shroudere. Her hair was a mass of curly black silk that seemed to wrap around her waist in the coolness of the night. it protected her from the crisp chilled breeze that swooped in upon her. Carefully leaning against the magnolia tree she pressed against it for support until she could stand alone. The dizziness she felt was confusing. what could make her feel so off balanced? That actually meant nothing right now. The important question had most to do with why she was stranded at this old place where no one dared to enter. Everyone here in this little Texas town knew it was a strange location and Everyone had heard the stories.

She crossed the heavily grassy area of front yard and she thought,one slip and she'd drown in it. Quietly racing to find her way out of this cryptic landscape, Nichole jetted past the gate which was thankfully opened. Her head still spinning she made her way down the tree lined road. For a moment she thought she'd caught a glimpse of something. Nichole rubbed her eyes, still dazed she kept walking anyway. Home was at least twenty minutes from here. She struggled, vision going blurry. Again something or someone flashed before her. Nichole yelled aloud, made one quick move in the wrong direction in fell backwards with a loud thud. is that her? A man whispered in question. well who else are we expecting to sleep walk to our doorstep on a full moon? Just grab her. Nichole saw only a glimpse of dark hair and blue eyes, mysterious blue eyes. She wanted to push them away and run but her body seemed uncooperative. She could only watch them. The blonde guy was leading the way and the blue eyed guy carried her easily back to the castle. Why did they want her? She was no one important. Hurry up Adam and lock the gate a storm's brewing, we need to do this before morning. Do what she thought, as her stomach churned. Moments later they were inside Castle Shroudere. A fireplace was lit and warmth spread across the massive living room area. Lay her down on the sofa. Nichole could feel every movement but for some odd reason she couldn't make herself get up and run like a mad woman. Nichole? Her eyes lifted up in surprise. They know her?

As if he'd foreseen her next question, he answered quickly. You belong with us. I'll explain everything to you but first you need to drink this. The dark haired guy presented her with a blue liquid in a small glass. she would have shaken her head no but her eyes said it all. Tears spilling over. Please don't do this Nic, we are only trying to help you not hurt you. Its so you can move again. Trust me he whispered and for some strange reason, she knew that he was telling the truth. He held her and helped her drink the bitter sweet liquid that taste of blue berries, lemons and the main ingredient might as well have been disgust. There was an undertone of sourness that made her want to vomit but she managed to maintain her composure. In only a matter of seconds Nichole could feel her body normalizing. She opened her mouth to speak. Who are you? He smiled, blue eyes too intoxicating. She thought to look away but did no such thing. I'm Sean and the lurker over there is my brother Adam. What do you want from me? Nichole sat up on the sofa where only a moment ago she'd been laying quite still. What do we want from you? Sean gazed into her brown eyes as if he had some deep secret to tell. I want...I just want to help you Nichole. Help me what? Why'd you bring me here? She jumped off the sofa nearly tripping over the length of her dress. Listen you're confused Nic. He was standing in front of her like she was a child about to fall. I just want to make sure you're okay. We want to make sure you're safe. Safe? she whispered. Why wouldn't I be safe? Why did you bring me here? She was inching her way to the door which seemed miles away in this place. Adam calmly walked toward her now, his voice was quite soothing. Why don't you come back over here and talk with us Nichole. We can explain everything.

Adam could be trusted, she didn't know why she felt this way but she believed him. When a sudden knock on the door came they all jumped into action. The speed of the two men was mind boggling, in seconds she was snatched up over Sean's shoulder and nearly beamed up into some quiet dark space behind a wall upstairs. Keep quiet. If you speak they'll find you and then you'll never speak again. Nichole closed her mouth at the deep stare Sean gave her. You're special Nic. Now, don't leave this room for anything. His black eyebrows were so intense. Who or what was knocking at the door? She curled up in the corner of the small space. Her floral blue dress falling over her white, now grass stained sandals. I should have worn jeans and sneakers, she thought. minutes passed by and still no Sean. She tried to stay awake but couldn't. It wasn't until hours later that the brothers came to get her. It's safe for you to come out Nic. What took you so long? She said rubbing her eyes and yawning. The brother's glanced at each other. Sean held out his hand for her to take, helping her to stand. Her long legs had been uncomfortable in the cramped space but apparently it had kept her very well hidden. Please just take me home. She looked from one brother to the other. It was Adam who spoke up this time with his cryptic verse. Nichole, You are home.