A Heaven Tainted With Blood

Chapter 1: I Might Be A Hurdle, But Please Stay With Me 

    My body was shivering as his large cold hand was choking my throat and his other one was pointing a pistol onto my head. I tried to shout for my fiancé, who was soaked in sweat and crossing his eyebrows, but my voice refused to reach him since it fainted away after screaming in my cell, when he suddenly shouted at the perpetrator: "I will say this once again! Please return her"..

    "Mister Nouveau riche" barked the perpetrator "I don't think one million dollars would hurt to return your sweet babe" as he pressed the pistol hardly on my head.

   I wasn't able to react as i was freezed from this shock, however my tears never accepted to stop.

    "Jonathan!! We must pay this amount fastly" commented his father, who loved me wholeheartedly "We have to save little Lili"

    "Father! It's the third time she has been used" he replied with a worried yet troubled look "We can't always afford to pay these large amounts"

    "But Jon... It's little Lili we must save.." said the father

  Jonathan clenched his fists and sank in his thoughts. He closed his eyes, knitted his brows, took a deep breath and murmured: "Bring me the money.."

  He payed the perpetrator in change of freeing me, I ran into his side screaming and trembling, he hugged me and whispered that everything will be ok...

  Ever since I was engaged to Jonathan Aveline-the CEO of the largest wine company in Britain and the richest, hottest and sweetest guy you can ever find-I encountered many dangers such as abducting, threatening, abusing, harassing and insulting. But he saved me from all of these troubles even if it costs him money, time, reputation or even own life. Up until now, I've only caused him many pain and obstacles.

    "I'm sorry, Jon" 

    "What is it?" 

    "I'm sorry! I'm a heavy weight to bear.. I've only hurted you.. I'm sorry.." 

  He replied only with a faint smile on his depressed and gloomy face.

  Then, he hugged me, leaned his head on mine and broke the silence by murmuring in my ear: "I'm sorry.. I'm the one who caused you many dangers.. I'm the one who has uncountable enemies"

  I wanted to decline him but I couldn't after niticing his weak voice and teary eyes.

    "I swear to protect you" he cried

    "I will be alright" I replied "Only if you are with me.. " 

 After 10 days of the accident, Jonathan rushed into my apartment at 2:00 am. 

Knock knock!! 

"Who is it??" I shouted

"It's Jo-na-than!" he chuckled

  As I opened the door he lifted me up and spinned around like a princess from a fairytale. His face sparkled as tiny fireflies. 

"Lilian" he claimed "I brought you a teeny tiny lovely gift, go prepare your luggage" 

"Huh?!" 

... 

 I did as he ordered and went straight to his fancy car while people are staring at us. 

    "Where are we going at this hour??" I wondered 

    "Wait and you will know" he answered as he held my hand "Just watch the road, it's romantic at night" 

  I tried to watch the night view as he said, but without noticing, my eyes betrayed me into a deep dream. 

  I woke up when the car was shaking me hardly to notice that it's already dawn. I felt a comfy warmth where i found myself wrapped by his cherubic wings and leaning on his chest. 

    "You woke up, princess?" he bleated

    "I guess I had some comfortable nap" 

    "Really? Then you liked this bed!" 

    "stop! That's embarrassing" 

  As I took a glimpse of the outside, I noticed that we're so far from what's called a "city". It was an eucalyptus wood, covered with golden daffodils.

  I felt a sweet breeze tickling my face, escorted with dandelions' floaties. It's a mystical wood!! 

    "Am I dead?" I wondered "This is probably heaven.. I must have been killed" 

  Jonathan's giggled and said "You like it? Then you'll totally like my surprise, hehe" 

   "Surprise?? Is there even more? Is it your "little gift"?"

  He only smiled and looked into my eyes. The moment we reached to our destination, I found myself in front of a large, shimmering under the sun's threads, mansion. 

    "Wow, Jon!" I reacted "Where are we?" 

    "Did you like it?" he replied "Surprise!!" 

    "Sooo, where's the little gift.. I've been waiting since 2:00 am" 

    "Umm.. Taadaa!" he said and pointed at that mansion 

    "Huh?! The mansion you say? Little you say? Oh yeah" 

  He, then, held my hand to take a round in the rooms and floors of the house. 

  It was magnificent, the doors were decorated with rare jades and rubies, the chandeliers were dangled from the ceiling like glistening stars in the space, many mamuth's heads with their sharp ivory horns were hanging on the walls of the halls, a well made stream hedged the palace and was guarded with large walls that no one can ever pass through. 

  The while seen left me speechless and amazed, however between the heavenly house there landed a lone half-constructed room. 

    "Jonathan" I asked "What's with that room?" 

    "Well.." he said "... I don't really know" 

    "The whole castle is well-built and garnished but this one is left behind. Isn't that weird?" 

    "Ummm.. Maybe the craftsman died before he finished his job, or there wasn't enough money to finish it. But, well, you know, there's always flaws in anything" 

  Curiosity blinded me that I wanted eagerly to know what's going on with that room, no matter what it costs.. 

Chapter 2: Welcome-Goodbye Milady

  Jonathan took me, thereafter, to the living room where four maids and 6 butlers were waiting formally.

   Wearing a long apron and classical suits, holding candlesticks and plates, they all said at once "Welcome my lady.. Welcome master"

   All of them had an id pinned to their costumes showing their name, picture, age and rank. I took a look at them and I saw a gentle old granny named Flori, who's the head of servants. Another one is a sweet young maiden named Christie, who's my own maid. Next, a muscular guy named Hannes, who's my bodyguard. Also, a middle-aged cheerful guy named Zilar who's the cook of this place. And lastly, an old geezer with a horrific looks on his face and a glare that pierced through my spine, named Cobre, who's the gardener and the backyard caretaker. And never forget to mention the five newbies who are plain servants. 

    I tried to introduce myself, but I sluttered while the crack-pot was still looking at me wherever I move. 

       "I.. I'm.. Uhm.." I whispered 

    Jon felt my nervousness and began "Hey everyone, I'm Jonathan Aveline, and I just bought this place lately.." he said "And the pretty princess here is my fiancee, Lilian Charles, your new lady. You must serve, protect, treasure and respect her wholeheartedly and loyaly. Got it?" 

       "It's my pleasure to serve you" chuckled Zilar the cook "I know you're deadly hungry, so please honor me and try my dishes".

   Jonathan escorted me to the dining room. 

   Suddenly! A hand grasped me from behind. I tried to resist since I remembered the many incidents I faced. I called for Jonathan but he didn't notice. 

       "Let go of me!" I cried "leave me alone" 

       "Miss! Are you okay?" a voice whispered feom behind

   I turned around to know that it was only Hannes, my bodyguard. 

       "You're crying?" he gasped "What is it?" 

       "I'm okay.." 

       "How? Your eyes are soaked wet" 

       "I'm really ok" 

       "Miss you must tell me when you sense danger. I'm the only one you can trust. I'll be sure to protect you." 

       "Thanks.. Don't worry" I spluttered however, I felt that many eyes are glaring at me.. Will I really be safe here? 

... 

   On the dining table, I was lost in my puzzling thoughts and was absent-minded for a moment. 

       "Lilian! Hey Lilian!!" shouted Jon

       "What??" I replied 

       "Why aren't you eating? Is the food not your type?" 

       "Uhm.. No.. It's rather delicious" 

       "Then why aren't you eating? Aren't you hungry?" 

       "No, I'm more like tired. I'll search for my room" 

       "Christie. Please follow the lady" 

       "No need, I'll go on my own" 

       "Master, is miss okay?" questioned Cristie "She looks kind of angry or anxious" 

       "Hmm.. I wonder.." 

   I stood behind my window's screen where the garden's sight was the most fabulous there. I gazed at it for moments to ease my soul and relax my worries. 

   Chattering my happiness, the gardener was workimg near my view. The feeling he gave me the moment I entered wasn't of welcoming. 

   I moonstrucked for a wink to wake up by someone approaching my room

       "Who is it?" I declared "Show yourself" 

       "Easy girl! Calm down! It's me" claimed Jonathan "What's up with you?" 

       "Everything is okay. Don't you worry" 

       "But you don't seem so. You're not the lively water Lili" 

       "I am me, just not used to this place yet" I smiled and he smiled back at me

       "You will get used to this place, we'll live here.. Safe and sound" 

       "Sure... Now what brings you here?" 

       "Ummm.. That's my room" 

       "Oh.. Uh.. Shit" 

       "If you like it the bed is for two" 

       "You pervert, we're not married yet. I will find my room" 

    As i was getting out of his room, he caught my hand and grabbed my chest to his, to make our bodies stuck to each others and our eyes meeting one another.

    My heart poundered like a tic-tac clock as my face turned blushy red. 

       "Jonathan! I told you we're not married yet.." I objected "..What happened with you out of blue. We're so close" 

       "Lying is bad, and i hate that.." he remonstrated "Lilian.. I'm your fiancé.. I'm you best friend.. I'm your guardian.. I protect you.. I seek you to be merry.. Why would you hide your worries from me? Don't you trust me??" 

       "Umm honey.. It's not like that.. You just tried to protect me and brought me to a peaceful mansion. I don't want to trouble you again, you're trying hard but I still feel horrified"

      "Let's sit and talk lovely.. Trust me in every problem" 

   We sat together on his bed, I told him about the gardener and how he keeps goosebumping and frightening me. So, he suggested that the gardener is an elderly with a hard job to do and he's tired. 

       "Jon I don't feel safe here" I mentioned "let me stay in your room" 

       "Ohh, you naughty cat" he replied "Isn't that a bit too early" 

       "Stop! That's embarrassing!" 

   This day was too long to bear. I locked myself in Jon's room, where he slept on the sofa, maybe to feel more protected or maybe that I always loved his stuff. 

    I, then, slept the whole night on his laps and charged my battery with his strengthing power and warmth. 

    The only person I trusted after I was left alone in this cruel world, was Jonathan, the one who can never ever hurt me or let anyone do. 

    My dear love.. Wherever I am.. Whenever it is.. I'll feel so safe... Only if you are with me.. 

Chapter 3: A No-Light Tomorrow 

   About a month later, I felt like trusting the servants more and more, and more attached to my dearly fiancé. Our relation became more staunch and sturdy.

   The all-peace I was blessed with was of the efforts he exerted. He gave me safety, stabilty and steadiness. And I loved him even more.

... 

      "Good afternoon, sir" greeted Flori "Lady Lillian is waiting you in her room" 

      "I'll be there in a few minutes" he replied "I won't let her wait alot" 

   Jon has always been working in the mansion's library, he finishes any documents related to the company and take many hours to complete his job. 

    Although we live under the same roof, but I always miss him badly. I want him to finish his dozens of papers and stay with me to chat and cuddle. I eager for him more than before. 

... 

Knock knock

... 

Knock knock

... 

It must be my knight in a shinning armor knocking to see his princess. 

     "Come in, darling" I chuckled "I've been waiting you for so long" 

  I wore a short hot red dress and styled my golden hair with a touch of makeup. But I was shocked by his special appearance!! 

  He was wearing a white classic suit, smelled like Jugo Boss, his smile was sweeter than tulips' honey and holding a bouquet of roses with a crimson wine bottle. 

      "O' thy faithful knight.." I lured "... What a surprise to see thou so glamoring" 

       "O' thy precious princess.. " he murmured and kissed my hand ".. It was me who's more surprised" 

   I grabbed his necktie and said: "You look amazing tonight. What's the occasion?" 

      "The right of questioning is mine. Why do you look amazing?" 

      "I only wanted a little change" 

      "The aura is of a romantic soiree" 

      "And it must be an all-nighter one" 

  A glimpse after i drank with him, I slept between his soft fingertips. I held his vest as I leaned on his breast, his breathe was tickling my neck, the cordiality of his clothes faded away my coldness and the gusucre' taste of a goodnight's kiss will never leave my lips. 

  But I woke up to discover that it was the last night. Where tomorrow lost it's lights to remain dark as the night he left me. 

   I rushed downstairs to find a trace of him. He must be in the living room waiting me for a cup of coffee. Or probably he's in his messy room searching for a document. But maybe he's reading a book in the library, sightseeing at the garden or even waiting me for a breakfast. 

   But no.. He wasn't anywhere.. I couldn't smell his fragrance nor hear his voice.. 

       "Miss!!" said Christie "Why are you quarelling like this? Is something the matter?" 

       "Jonathan.. Jonathan.." I soughed "Where is he? Where is my fiancé? 

       "Calm down, milady. He must be around" 

       "He's nowhere near. Even his documents are gone" 

       "He has gone" joined Flori "He left this morning since they called them yesterday. It was urgent" 

       "Left? Urgent?" I replied "Why didn't he tell me?" 

       "Don't worry dear miss. He will surely come back soon"

   Auntie Flori hugged me whilst I was crying and moaning. 

       "Miss! You are a mess" interrupted Christie "Let me help you now. We'll chat a bit" 

     Since I live alone in this large mansion with elderly and men, Christie is the same as my age, so she became my best friend and the only one I can trust. I share her my secrets and stories, she lends me a shoulder to cry on and takes care of my health, looks and tideness. 

     We always have conversations while she styles my hair, about guys, love, idols, make-up and fashion. However, at this time I feel a bit vague and lost. 

     Even our usual chats feel poisonous. 

       "Miss" she started "Are you okay?" 

        "I'm good" I replied "Why are you concerned?" 

        "You seem tired. You're not well" 

        "I feel invaded by my worries. The same feeling when I first stepped in the castle." 

        "What worries?" 

        "Like being unsafe or something bad is awaiting me after my guardian left." 

        "Is a specific thing worrying you?" 

        "Well.. Umm.. Uh.. Do you know... Anything about that half constructed room in the garden?"

        "Oh! That one! It's kinda fishy. But you know I was hired earlier by master, so I don't know much about the mansion. However, you can ask the head, the cook and the gardener they work here ever since it was built." 

        "Auntie Flori wouldn't answer no matter what I ask. The other two... I don't trust them yet.. Especially the old geezer" 

       "Oh you're right! Then.. Do you believe in superstitions and superhuman powers?" 

       "Hmm.. Not really" 

       "Well listen out. Some servants said that they heard a woman's whining there, also a butler saw a scarlet will o' wisp around it and lastly a maid heard a series of whispers and screams at night!!"

        "Calm down, Christ. The house can't be haunted" 

        "Why not? I mean we're living in a mansion hidden in eucalyptus wood and distanced from people. The first owner is unknown, there are many hidden rooms, also that isolated room and I noticed something odd!!" 

        "What is it??" 

... 

Knock knock

...

Throb throb

... 

    My heart beated insanely after I heard the door knocks, Christie held my hands and quivered. Our conversation was seized at a sensitive topic by someone on the door. 

... 

Knock knock

... 

       "Co.. Come in" I shouted

       "Miss.." replied the voice behind the door "Breakfast is ready. We're waiting for you" 

       "Ah.. Auntie Flori.. I'm.. I'm coming" 

   Flori was waiting behind the door, and i don't how long was she waiting there or whether she was eavesdropping or not. 

   Even though a smile was drawn on her face, gloomliness scratched the smile...

    Jonathan.. My love.. I feel lonely and scared.. Many negative events are happening only when you're not with me.. 

Chapter 4: Those Who Reside Beyond Us

  After hearing that strange story, I lost my appetite and got distracted for a moment.

   I couldn't focus on eating since all of the Christie's words were storming in my mind. What's with that room? Is it really haunted? Why is Flori being annoyed? 

       "Miss.. Miss.." a voice was calling me but I didn't notice who is it.. 

       "Miss.. Miss.." it was Zilar the cook calling for me "Are you alright? Is something bad with the food? Don't you like it?" 

       "Nope" I answered "It's okay. You're dishes are as delicious as ever." 

       "Then why don't you eat?" joined Flori "Is something troubling you? You look uneasy" 

       "Uhm.. No.." I replied "Not at all" 

   Flori leaned her head to my ears and whispered "Don't bother yourself with stuffs that are none of your business"

   I tucked my lips and clenched my fists upon hearing what she said.. It was more like a threat.. 

       "Just don't pressure yourself, milady" she added "You look a bit of pale. I'm concerned about you" 

   In those words she uttered.. I didn't sense a bit of concerns.. But rather, I felt creeped.. 

... 

   After the breakfast, I took a tour in the garden with my bodyguard, Hannes, who never left my side. I only wanted to get closer to the room. 

     "My lady" he said "What makes my lady anxious in this beautiful calm mansion?" 

     "I can't taste calmness" I murmured "I don't know why.. I only doubt everyone, worry about the tiniest issues and question everything happening here" 

     "Please calm down, miss. I've been here for 5 years and didn't meet a single ghost" 

     "You've been herw for that long? Then tell me about everything in details. The secret room, the ghost stories and.." 

      "Oh please.. Easy.. Take it easy.." 

      "Oh sorry.. I was.. A bit of carried away.." 

      "I served a lady here before, her husband left for a while and she stayed here alone. I was the one to protect her when she had no one siding with her. She used to tell me what's in her mind.. About.. About weird things happening around.. A sudden stinky smell in the garden, a will o' wisp at the nights and most importantly she said "they are following me.. I feel their eyes tracking me.. They want me.. So scared.." but I think she was a bit exaggerating.."

   I was traumatized with what I heard that my eyes widened like a cavern and I grasped my arms together..

      "Oh my god! Miss, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you... Listen out.. I searched every corner of the mansion for several times and ensured her safety, but found totally nothing.. Everything was normal.." 

      "No.. You didn't check the whole mansion.."

      "What do you mean?" 

  I didn't reply to his question, but just turned my face toward "the room".. 

      "What happened next?" I asked

      "Oh yes.. Next..." he answered "She ran away.. And no one knew anything about her.." 

      "No one knew anything about her... Thank you Hannes" 

      "Please don't think deeply about these stuff." 

... 

   The first night without my love fell upon me, to cover me with its darkness and nightmares.

   It was a restless night to bear. I didn't feel his warm big hands patting my head til I close my eyes.

   The sky without him is so dark... 

      "Go away" 

      "Vanish" 

      "Disappear" 

      "Die" 

      "Fade away" 

      "Go" 

  Who is it?? 

   A clutter of sounds and noises invaded my fragile ears.. And a rampus of letters and words clamored in my mind.. 

..... A lot of feelings stormed in my weak heart..... 

  Who would it be at this hour? 

   Yes.. Yes.. It's them.. The ones who followed the lady before me.. Yes.. They are following me too.. 

       "Who is it???!" I screamed loudly, but only the wind's rustling answered my questionnaire.. 

   The next morning I woke up from many door knocks. 

       "Who is it???!" I screamed again

       "Miss, it's me" said Christie

       "Come in, Christie" 

       "You freaked me out. What happened to you?" 

       "Were you here in my room last night?" 

       "Why would I be?" 

       "Then who the hell was it?" 

       "What do you mean?" 

       "Someone was abusing me last night, they told me to disappear and die" 

       "Ahhhh!! Oh my.. Who would it be?" 

       "As if I know. I shouted but no one replied" 

       "Maybe it's a nightmare because mister isn't here... Or.. Maybe.. You think?? Ghosts?!" 

        "Oh come on, it can't be.. It must be a nightmare.. Don't worry!" 

   I wouldn't be that crazy to believe that it was only a dream, so i searched every teeny tiny corner accurately that not even a dust can escape my sight. 

    There was nothing to be considered as strange except... Special signs shown everywhere in the palace.. 

    Four worlds were carved on every single spot here. On the tree trunks, under the chairs, on the tiles, on the bathtub, on the walls and even the most luxurious furnitures here and there. 

    The words were Oro, Argento, Rame and Diamante. Which made me suspecious about this place and it's back story.. 

... 

    I tried calling Jon several times, but he didn't answer my calls. Maybe he's too busy, he will surely call me later on. I can't stay alone like this.. But I can't leave this place before knowing the truth.. 

  My dear love.. Everything will be know, the truth will be shown, we will solve this mystery together... Only if you are with me.. 

Chapter 5: Let Me Tell You A Secret.. Shush 

   At noon, I sat with Flori and Christie for a cup of tea and a chit chat.

       "So, miss" started Flori "How are you feeling now?"

       "Well, I'm great, auntie" I replied  

       "The mansion suddenly became amusing. Teehee"

       "Really? You seem to like it" 

       "Yeah sure. I found some interesting words around" 

       "What words?" 

       "You know what I mean, Flori. What is the meaning of Oro, Argento, Rame and Diamante?" 

       "Woah.. Oh.. I.. I don't know what you're talking about" 

       "Listen cracked pot, don't mess with me. I can't bear this place anymore! You know exactly what I mean!! Now just spit..." for a moment, my throat dried up and I wasn't able to talk anymore. I felt many eyes glaring at me. 

       "What is it miss?" she barked with a mean smile "Are you okay?" 

       "Auntie" joined Christie "Could you please answer us accurate? We're all scared to the bones here" 

       "Oh my little children" she replied

       "I didn't want to worry you, but your curiosity might kill you if you didn't know... Before finishing the construction, the first owner lived here with his beloved wife and four angelic kids: Oro, Argento, Rame and Diamante. They were super rich that all human beings greed their wealth... One day, the miss and the master left for a visit leaving these four home alone... So unfortunately, late at night, a robber attacked their home and found the four kids.."

      "Oh my dear kids! What happened after that!?" 

      "In order to hide his identity he killed them and stashed their bodies into the "room". When the parents returned home they searched it upside-down to discover in the end that their lovely kids... Were brutally killed!! The mother grieved her kids until she died on their bodies and the father, then, ceased the construction and buried them all together in that "room".. "

       "So what the hell is the relation between the story and the events here and there?" I interrupted 

       "Yes my lady" replied Flori "They say that the kids are still playing around and staring at people. On the other hand, the mother is still moaning at her poor kids' bodies. While the father is still visiting the place as a will o' wisp" 

        "What the hell is with this shitty story?? You're rambling a story of illogical events, Flori!"  

        "This is a secret my lovely lady.. Shuuush don't tell it to anyone.." 

   I left the hall as soon as I raged angrily.. As Christie was shivering of fear.. 

   An hour later Christie followed me to my room and asked to stay this night together.

       "Miss" she mumbled "Do you think those spirits will haunt us?" 

        "Christie, don't worry" I assured "Nothing will ever happen" 

        "But auntie said.." 

        "Don't let what the granny feigned get into your mind!! She must have Alzhaimer and lost her sanity" 

   Christie and I slept in Jonathan's room as I felt sound and safe there. I can't endure the distance between us, so I spend my days in his room with his clothes and stuff

    His aroma infuses in my nose to reach the bottom of my heart.. The feeling of his vicinity makes me calmer and stronger... 

   All of sudden, the air started whistling with faint voices:

      "leave" 

      "go" 

      "fade" 

      "disappear" 

  It was just like the last night.. The same words.. The same voices... The same aura... 

      "Who.." I was going to shout out when Christie suddenly held my mouth shut. 

      "Miss.." she cried "Please don't annoy the spirits... They will haunt us" 

      "But these are..." 

      "Please, miss" 

   I had no choice but to stay silent in order to keep her cloistered.. I layed her head on my chest and courted her hair til she fell asleep.. My man always did that to me when I was scared.. 

   Tomorrow, I will have to divulge the truth. Otherwise, things will get more dangerous.

....

   On the next day, I wanted to investigate more about these incidents. As I try to dig deeper into the case, Christie tries to forbid me from doing so, saying that bugging with the ghosts makes them angrier and more barbarous. 

    So, I started my search firstly in the room I'm sleeping in, since I wasn't to comply with Christie's words anyway.

    After 3 days and nights of searching hardly, when the same incident never seized, I finally told Christie that it was only the sound of wind wheezing and whispering and because od our fear we imagined some random words.

    I asked her to return into her room to find myself a time to have clear investigations.

       "Okay miss" Christie claimed "I will return now to my room. I'm sorry for bothering you for a couple of nights"

       "It's okay Chris" I replied "Rest assured and sleep well"

       "If you need anything just call me. Its an honor to serve you.

       "Don't worry about me and take care of yourself"

       "Excuse me, madame"

   At 10:30 pm, I got a surprising call from someone.

     Ring.. Ring.. 

     Ring.. Ring..

       "Who might it be at this hour?" I thought "Its Jon!!"

   I miss him so much that I could die to hear his voice, but the fact that he left me out of blue blinded me and banned me from answering his calls.. I felt broken..

...

  The second night to be alone.. I had no one beside me.. Only me and ones hiding through the wind..

   This time i wasn't scared.. But rather waiting my fate.. In fact I was expecting them to come and scare me...

   Maybe the young souls will come to play with me someday.. Souls? Oh yes, what a lie to hide secrets..

   I know I can solve all of these issues.. Only if I have enough of power to do so.. Only if you are with me.. 

Chapter 6: The "Living Within The Wind" 

        This is the second night being lonely.. No one's here with me.. No Jonathan.. No Chris.. Just me and ones hiding through the wind.. The little souls playing within my mind.. 

   However, now I don't feel scared.. More like I wanted to meet these mysterious spirits.. I felt like I must unveil their truth.. So I was expecting them to come at me...

   Souls, you say? what a lie to hide secrets..

    I didn't close my eyes a second, only to get to meet the ones causing all troubles. I want to know the source of the voices, but surely they aren't of a supernatural power.

    I didn't notice that I slept while sinking in my thoughts until I woke up from the sound of steps on the stairs. 

        Step..... 

        Step..... 

        Step..... 

        Step after step..... 

        And the voice is getting closer..... 

   It must be them.. The ghost!! 

       "No.. There are no ghosts!" I thought "Calm down Lilian, it must be some servant passing by. Return to sleep girl" 

   No matter how I tried to avoid the sound I can't neglect it. Its only swallowing up my mind.. 

       Step..... 

       Step.......

       Step........ 

       More and more stepping..

   They are here... Right here.. Standing in front of my door.. Yes.. Here..

   For an instance, I felt someone standing on my door.. It was my instinct that fell danger around..

   Do I fight or fly away?? Both mean death anyway..

   The door knob is rolled and squeaking sounds resulted upon opening the door..

       "Who.." I whispered in very low voice.. I couldn't continue my phrase as I felt my throat dried..

   

    My body was so heavy and I couldn't move a bit, hurted as if it was shot and my face sweated like a fountain..

    Out of blue or even out of courage, my waist was lifted on its own to turn around and look at the one standing at my door.

    Our eyes met for seconds.. My heart throbbes for hours.. My tears never accepted to stop.. It wasn't a romantic juvenile, but a threatening calamity.. 

   It looked through my eyes as if it was intimidating me..

   It was watching me for a while and it vanished away as fast as I looked at it..

   Although the door was slightly opened, the room was dim and dusk, and I couldn't see the full face but I knew who was it.. 

   I knew it only if I had a solid proof to confront it's actions.. 

   Many hours have passed since it's arrival and I couldn't close a lid, I was only gazing at the ceilings. 

   I noticed its was dawn already and the sun rays penetrated into my room and "the room's" shadow was reflected onto the walls.. It was bloody crimson.. The sky also was bloody crimson.. 

   At 9:00 am, the regular time I wake up, I received a message from Jon.

       "I'm sorry, babe" it said "I know I left you all of sudden but it was urgent and I wasn't able to tell you.. I'll be back soon, promise. Call me when you wake up. I love you" 

    His message brought pleasure to my heart, I wanted to call him as soon as possible, to hear his voice, cry until I feel relaxed and tell him about everything happening with me... But I couldn't.. I wasn't able to wake up from this trauma.. I was solidified..

...

Knock... Knock...

The door started to knock, just as yesterday..

...

Knock... Knock...

This time they will totally kill me...

...

Knock... Knock..

      "Miss, please answer me, can i get in?" someone was talking from the other side, I didn't get to know who, I wasn't able to distinguish between the voices.. "I'm coming in!"

    The door was opened just as yesterday.. But this time it was only Christie..

       "Oh, miss" she sighed "You scared the hell of me, why didn't you answer?"

       "Christie.." I murmured "Only Christie"

       "Yes miss, who would it be?"

       "I'm glad you're here"

       "Huh? Miss are you okay??"

       "Yes.. Just a bit of tired.."

       "You look so pale.. Let me help you"

   Christie tried the best of her to ease my anxiety. She massaged my shoulders, brushed my hair and chatted with me for a while..

    She asked me about my past and how I met my fiancé...

       "So.." I commented "You want to hear our love story?"

       "Is it romantic??" she replied "Wanna hear! Wanna hear!"

       "After my parent's death, my uncle took me in and raised me. He was barren and unproductive, so he considered me as a daughter and protected me from all dangers. He enrolled me, then, to high level university, and there I met him."

       "So you had a lovey-dovey time while studying"

       "Well.. No.. I wasn't an outgoing person, and he was a very popular one. He always tried to become nearer to me, but I treated him as a thug"

        "Oh my god! Mister was a thug!?"

        "Well, he always stays out for late and goes out with women.. Uhm.. He kept following me for 3 years, until we fell in love and he proposed to me and we got engaged by uncle's approval"

        "Woah!"

        "After a while, he I lived in his family's home until we get married. But we got caught up in many dilemmas, so, he decided we live in a peaceful, but i guess troubles are attracted to us magnetically.."

        "Oh.. We got attacked by ghosts"

        "No Chris.. These are not ghosts.."

   A phone call, then, interrupted me while sharing her the truth..

  Ring.. Ring...

        "Oh, speak of devil!" she chuckled "It's your thug boy. I'll excuse myself!"

    Finally, I got to talk with you my love. I hope you are with me.. 

Chapter 7: Welcome Back 

         "Hello.." I answered the phone "Hello!"

        "Ekkari zilarrezko ontziak" he uttered some weird words "Han, mesedez"

        "Umm, Jonathan! Who are you talking to? Who's Zilar?"

        "Oh! Honey you're on phone! It's not someone. I'm preparing the silverware for an important dinner"

        "Umm.. So, what's a zilar?"

        "It's silver in Basque"

        "Our cook is named Zilar.."

        "Oh lucky! Means he's silver!"

        "Don't joke about this, I'm serious. Many weird things are happening around. Someone's telling me to die and go away, Flori said there are 6 ghosts around, and ah..." 

   I lost my breathe all again when remembering what happened the las night.. 

         "Yes.. And?" he stated "What happened next?" 

         "And.. Huph.. Last night.." I sobbed "Last night, someone was watching me.. I.. I heard footsteps coming towards me.. They stood at my door.. Opened the knob.. And glared at me for moments.. When I turned around they left fastly.. Uh.." 

         "Oh dear, it might be a servant worried about you or checking on you. Don't worry there are no such as ghosts" 

         "Jon.. What if someone.. A human I mean.. Might hurt me again.. Just like that criminal" 

         "Take it easy.. I won't be late.. We'll get to know everything.. Don't worry" 

         "Jon, I'm worried. Did you hear anything about ghosts here? 

         "Umm.. I bought the mansion frok a friend of mine.. He said many weird things occurred, but I didn't believe in ghosts.. I'm sorry, rather than protecting you I made you face dangers alone.." 

          "Its ok.. I'll be fine.. But I want you to search for something.." 

          "What is it?" 

          "A crime! That happened here long ago, please" 

    My suspicions were roaming in my mind, that I needed to consider anything especially a crime.. 

    Zilar means silver.. So what do the other names mean... 

    I had to discover more and more in order to uncover the truth.. The first step I did is collecting all of the evidences in hand.. 

    I went to Jonathan's library, where he used to work their. It's a calm place where you can find whatever information you need. 

    First of all, we have three suspicious people: Zilar the silver, Flori and Cobre. If Zilar is silver in Basque, could the other names mean specific words in Basque. But the fact is that they don't have a meaning.. 

    Second, as I found on the every place of the house, four unusual words: Oro, Argento, Rame and Diamante.. Are they a code? Or some people for real?

    Third, the voices with unknown source.. I mean, I still don't know who's saying these words, in the end it must be someone, but I don't really know who. 

    Fourth, the one who was standing on my door.. Maybe it is the same who cause the sounds.. Who knows? 

    Fifth and the last mystery, is the mystery if "the room". The place where no one is allowed to get near, it is closes and only the servants know what's there. I am the boss here, I should be allowing and denying. I must get near it and discover more. 

    There must be something hidden, and everything happening is to scare me from knowing more. 

    After a long day of working and searching I finally found one more clue, it was a little note inside a book, it said: "I feel unsafe" 

       "Huh?! What does it mean? Who is it from?" I thought "A simple old note won't help me any more" 

    I feel unsafe too, I feel like I'm fastening my end.. Will these actions cause me more troubles?... I can't stop now.. 

.... 

    At 11:33 pm, I went to my bed, I had to sleep earlier, but whatever I do I wouldn't ever be able to sleep.. 

Tic tac.. 

Tic tac.. 

Tic tac.. 

    The clock was tic-tacing all the time, it's voice was louder today.. It became 1:00 am and I couldn't sleep.. 

   My eyes started to feel heavy.. They were dozing off from a while to another.. 

    Until.. A pair of eyes showed from my window.. They were glaring at me.. I was looking at them.. And a large silhouette showed up under the moon light.. It was tall and big, holding an axe with their hands.. 

   They didn't escape this time.. They didn't deviate my eyes from mine.. I wasn't able to move as my heart beatet fastly and my body was mesmerized... 

   I knew it.. My end is so soon.. 

   They knew everything.. They wouldn't allow me to know more.. They will kill me.. This time.. 

       "Why..." I sobbed.. And cried alot... I wasn't able to do anything but cry.. 

   The knob started moving fastly.. It was turning insanely.. And they started pushing the door until they broke in.. 

   The person rushed into my room and pulled me hardly.. They hold me tightly and I resisted while crying.. 

        "Leave me.." I screamed "Uh.. Let go of me.. Leave me alone.." 

   I scratched and pushed the person back, I wanted to fight at my most to survive.. 

        "Leave me alone" I continued "Ahh... Let me go.. Noo" 

        "Calm down" they said "Look at me.. Please calm down.. Relax" 

   The voice wasn't strange to me... As I looked at their face, I noticed it was Jon, my fiance.. 

         "Jon" I cried "Jon.." 

         "Its me" he said "I'm back" 

    I pushed him away and screamed: "What have you done?? Don't you know how frightened I am? What do you mean by rushing into someone's room at this time of the night? Have you lost your mind?" 

    He pulled me into his chest, it was as warm as ever, and murmured in my ear: "calm down princess, I'm sorry" 

    I stayed like this until I calmed myself.. 

         "It's my room" he said

         "Oh.." I replied "Yes.. Um.. It's yours.." 

         "Why are you frightened?" 

         "Jon.. Jon.. Someone was here a second ago.. They were looking at me.. They were holding something.. They wanted to kill me Jon.. Believe me.." 

         "I believe you. We'll return back home. Don't worry.." 

         "Jon.. Welcome back. I really like it, when you are with me..." 

Chapter 8: The "Genius One" 

   Jonathan layed me on his chest and patted my head til I slep as a child.

   In the next morning, I thought everything was only a dream, but I found myself wrapped up in his arms, he was also asleep peacefully like a little angel. I pawed his face to assure that he's right here with me, but I couldn't remove my fingers from his cheeks until I woke him up.. 

       "Oh.. Princess.." he chuckled "Taking advantage of me while I'm asleep?" 

       "I.. I didn't mean to wake you up" I  spoke "Good morning, dear" 

       "Morning.. Let's get our breakfast and prepare the luggage.. We will be back today!" 

   What did I just hear? All the progress I made would be fruitless, I can't go back now.. I have to uncover the secrets hear.. I have to know everything!

       "Don't be late" he whispered "I'm waiting for you downstairs." 

       "Wait!" I exclaimed "We can't be back right now!" 

       "Why?" 

       "I.. I have some business to do.." 

       "What business?" 

       "I need to discover more! I have to know the truth!" 

       "Oh, come on, Lilian.. Be realistic, don't play the detective game. What if something bad was to happen to you!" 

       "I have to, Jon.. Please understand me"

       "I will never ever approve this action!!"

   Shrieked loudly and got wildly out of the room.. I guess I inflamed him. Nevertheless, I will unfold the truth and find the logical answer to these issues. No matter what it costs me..

    After the breakfast, I went to the library to figure out more, as a new clue was enlisted into the others... 

        "It makes the all together... Six clues in hand.." I sussurated all alone "Yet I can't find out the relation between all of them.. I need more.. I need to find the tip of the thread.." 

    Meanwhile, when I was thinking alone in the library, Jonathan was in the living room with the servants.. 

        "Mister!" said Christie "Can you tell us how you met miss?" 

        "You want to know how?" he giggled "Hehe.. Better if you know from her" 

        "She already told me, but I want to know from you, too. She told me that you were a thug! But I see you more like a gentleman" 

        "She said so? How cruel.. Actually, I was a thug.." 

        "Oh.. Why would a handsome young man be so?" 

        "Well.. I was raised in a very rich house, my mother died from by a burglary when I was young. So, my father spoiled me as I was his only child and an orphan.. I grew up to be a reckless and lunatic teen. Then, I registered into a high class university where I met her. We were so different, I was a live, outgoing and extroverted person, I loved to be surrounded by cute girls, I stayed out of my home til late nights, I hid behind the building to smoke tobacco and I skipped many sessions... "

      "Woah, mister, you were so different from now" 

      "Well.. Yes.. Ehem.. On the other hand, she was a very calm young lady, a mysterious one. She used to sit alone in the garden or spend her break in the library.. She was addicted to Sherlock Holmes, that she adopted some of his traits.. She loved to solve cases or read thoroughly about crimes and mysteries. Lilian was an angel, a beauty who resided in the same class as mine, and I lost my mind for her.. I followed her from a place to another, I read about crimes only to share her, I loved Sherlock Holmes to attract her and I became a different person to be her ideal man!"

      "So, you really loved her.. Was she really this special?" 

      "And even more than that.. She was the smartest girl in the class, a nerd! A bookworm! I used to call her these nicknames whenever she tells me she was studying.. She was the genius one, who can achieve whatever goal she seeks for.." 

       "So.." interrupted Flori ".. She was a real genius.." 

       "Yes!" giggled Jonathan "She might have been a great detective.. She can solve any mystery.. She will totally unveil the truth and know all the secrets behind this mansion! I trust her" 

       "Ohhh, dear... So, this girl will solve our deals." 

       "She will! Simply, because, SHE IS THE GENIUS ONE!" 

       "Yes.. Yes.." 

...

   After an hour of working, I finally got more answers and clues.. 

   First of all, the meaning of the words: Oro, Argento, Rame and Diamante was finally revealed thanks to the large dictionary in the library. 

   If we refer to the Italian language we can find that: Oro means Gold, Argento means Silver, Rame means Copper and finally, Diamante means Diamond. 

   A great coincidence shows that Zilar also means Argento, silver. If I think it right, then the other servants names refers to those four words.

   So, if Zilar is a Basque word, might the other names also be Basque? But.. I only have three names no more.. Zilar, Flori and Cobre.. Then who's the fourth one? 

    A second important thing that has been bugging me lately, is the silhouette that appeared yesterday, it had a large body, most like my bodyguard, Hannes. Could it be him? What did he want? To kill me?? 

    The moment I was deep in my questions, I noticed the existence of someone around. I heard a deep breathing in the room.. Exhaling and inhaling the same air as mine..

       "Good afternoon, mademoiselle!" someone said from behind "Stop working and drink with me!"

       "Jon!" I asked "It was only you.."

       "Who were you expecting?"

       "No.. No one.. I just thought someone's here.."

       "I told you to stop thinking about these stuff.. Come on, let's drink!"

       "Jonathan, please take me seriously, I'm busy now.. I'm reading.. I'm thinking.. I don't know!"

       "Oh you little bookworm.. You're always the genius one.. I'll be with you, no matter what you do. Take a break now" 

Chapter 9: I'll Be With You... No Matter What... 

     Jonathan visited me in the library, he asked me to drink a Cabermet Sauvignon.. Jonathan noticed how depressed I was, and promised me to help in my investigations. 

       "So, tell me my princess" he started "How can I help you?"

       "Its something beyond both of us" I replied

       "You're my Holmes and I'm your my Watson, we'll solve this together. Now speak up!" 

    I told him about all the clues I have and how I intended to check "the room". So, he suggested that the other names might have a meaning in other language. As a result, we searched in many languages diction for a long time, to conclude that Flori means gold in Albanian language, which is Oro; Cobre means copper in Portugal language, which is Rame; and finally, Zilar is the silver, which is Argento. 

   All of these words are of Italian origins, however, there's still one unknown word, Diamante, the diamond... 

       "Jon, these are three servants' names, however we have four Italian words in hand" I exclaimed "There must be one another person!!"

       "Yes, that's weird" he replied "If these words refer to the names of the old servants... Then who would be the fourth one??"

   This issue span our minds, so we thought maybe it might be the bodyguard, Hannes. But we didn't reach an accurate result, since his name means totally nothing.

        "Lili!" he called "Do you have any little simple clue?"

        "Ummm.. Like what?" I wondered "What other clue migh I have?"

        "Like.. Something very simple that you might not take into consideration"

        "Ummm... Uhm.. Uhh.. I don't really know.. I mean what might I have?.. Or maybe I do.."

        "What is it??"

        "It's not really worth it.. It's not important"

        "Just spit it out!!" 

        "It was a note.. It said "I feel unsafe", and it was handwritten"

        "Really! Where did you find it!?" 

        "I.. I don't remember.. But.. I guess In this bookcase of the library" 

    After knowing this information, Jonathan and I spent the whole day in searching for the book with the odd note. In the end, we found it in a book called "a private venus" and the surprise was that the book is Italian!! 

        "A private venus" he wondered "I actually can't understand what does it mean nor why the note was written nor by whom" 

        "It might be a hard riddle!" I said "But we'll totally reveal it! So soon, if we work together" 

    At 1:05 am, Jonathan fell asleep and I stayed up to know more about this secret. I surfed the web to understand more about the book and asked many bloggers about the content of it..

     A Private Venus is a detective novel by an Italian writer called Giorgio Scerbanenco. It tells the story of how a former doctor was assigned to treat the alcoholic son of a millionaire, and began to unveil the secrets surrounding the death of a young woman in the affluent world of Milan.

      If I'm thinking it right... Then something unpleasant must have happened here.. Just the same of "a private venus"...

...

   This night I didn't encounter any dangers or threats.. I locked myself with Jonathan in the library, where no single fly can move in and out without being noticed..

       "Wake up, honey!"

   I was woken up by a gentle voice in the morning..

       "Let's take a rest and drink a cup of coffee together!" said Jonathan.

       "Oh, dear. What time is it?" I asked "I slept without noticing" 

      "Wanna walk in the garden together?" 

      "Would be my pleasure, my knight!" 

   Jonathan took me for a round in the garden where we chatted together about the case.. 

      "What did my Holmes discover lately?" he asked "Did you find something interesting last night?" 

      "Jonathan, I must tell you something important" I said "But please take it seriously!" 

      "Oh, come on, I'm always serious.. Start" 

      "Last night, I found more about the book, it was about a doctor discovering a crime when he was supposed to cure an alcoholic guy.. The note was found inside this book, maybe to show that the person is killed right now and we, the ones living in this mansion, might discover about his death. He probably put the note beforehand since he knew that he was about to be killed!"

      "Ummm.. If what you say is truth, then some miserable crime has occurred in the place we're living in" 

      "Most likely.. More than that, I think the one who was killed is the same who wrote the names all over the place, since he wrote them in Italian language.. And the book he left the note in is Italian, too." 

      "Then, we might say that the note was left in the Italian book by a person who talked Italian, in order not to be found so someone might discover what happened with him!" 

      "I think so, but I still need to find more about this, just to be assure" 

      "If it was a crime.. Then, Diamante, is the killed one!" 

      "But.. If Diamante was the victim.. Then.. Then one of the other three is the culprit!" 

      "And the attacks you encountered were caused by him.." 

      "Then.. He.. He'll co.. Come.. To kill me, too.." 

      "Lili, don't blabber this nonsense.. I will protect you. That's a promise!" 

      "But, dear, who will protect you? They're gonna hurt you too, because you know these info. You will get hurt because of me.. I shouldn't have evolved you.. I.. I don't what should I do!" 

    Jonathan held me tight into his body and said: "Don't worry.. I'll be alright.." 

    I only want you.. To be with me..

Chapter 10: "Diamante" 

After our long conversation, and a juicy breakfast, I dug again into my investigations and I focused into knowing more aboit the identity of the "Diamante" person.. 

   I checked all of the data that I asked Jon to collect about a crime related to large mansions. I got many information about incidents in people dead or disappeared in mansions surrounded by woods.. 

   But a special title attracted me that, somehow, resembles the events happening around me.. 

The report was titled by "The Eucalyptus-mansion Case", it talked about the disapperance of a young lady. The lady visited some person in a mansion located between eucalyptus trees. It was a lady in her 20s, she hasn't returned to her friends' home for about a month when her friends reported to the police station about the situation.. The policemen, then, searched for her all over the woods and house.. But, didn't find a trace of her. 

   These information aren't enough to tell whether this girl is related to the situation I'm facing here, I might say that the mansion in the news is this one we're living in, but this piece of data isn't enough to proof this.. 

   So, I had to search more about "The Eucalyptus-mansion Case", so I searched within the web and all newspapers until I found more and more datum. 

    A lady named Ruit, who has lived together with her friends in the city, has left to a mansions in the woods, her friends reported her disappearance when she was late for more than three weeks. Thus, the policemen investigated her whereabouts and the locations that were shown on her phone. 

   Until, they reached this place here, they searched it upside-down ro find any clue about her, but unfortunately, there was nothing revealed. The inspector asked all the servants about this girl, they said that no one visited them lately. 

   The case was then closed, and the inspector reported that the missing girl maybe ran away with her boyfriend or so. 

... 

   On the next day, I discussed the matter with what I found on the day before. I told him accurately about that case

       "Ruit must be the other person we're searching for" I discussed "And she has been here for so long" 

       "How could it be?" Jonathan asked "I mean, nothing shows that she has ever came here before!" 

       "Jonathan! Her gps showed that she's been here, but the servants denied it.. If the servants were the same as ours, then they surely lied to the cops, and they have been hiding the truth ever since then!" 

       "But they searched all over the place!" 

       "They must have hidden her pretty well.. The girl probably came here to visit someone, and got caught up in a crime.. To hide their actions they killed her" 

       "Why are you so sure?" 

       "Jon.. The girl is named Ruit.. In Dutch she's our Diamante.. She's the diamond!" 

       "Well.. I didn't notice this.. But could it be?" 

       "For sure! I guarantee.. And the body must be here too... In the room..." 

       "What will you do??!" 

       "I.. I need to.. Ch.. Check it.. Closer" 

       "This is dangerous!" 

       "But I must discover the truth and find the corpse!" 

       "I will be with you!" 

       "Tha.. Thank you.." 

       "What do you think of Diamante?" 

       "This girl lived here for so long, she must had a relative between the three servants, since she had the time to write the four names all over the place.. Also, she knows many languages, such as Italian, Dutch, Albanian, Portogues and Basque since she translated the four names into Italian... And, lastly, she must be a clever one, since she left a note in an Italian book that she can relate with what will happen to her. She chose the Italian one where no one might check or even understand, so that someone can solve the riddle. But.. What had she discovered?"

        "You didn't find the answer yet?" 

        "No! I still don't know why she was killed.. But I will know soon!" 

        "What if she left a clue around?" 

        "I didn't find anything yet, I have to search thoroughly..." 

        "But.. Where? Where will you search??" 

        "Ummm.. Uhh.. I.. I don't know.. Ugh.. Where?" 

        "You seem a bit of tired, let's take a rest." 

        "No!! I can't! I must know everything sooner, otherwise they will get us.. We'll be killed!" 

        "But you can't think in this condition." 

        "My room.." 

        "What's with it?" 

        "My room was totally hers!" 

        "How do you know?" 

        "She totally slept in my room! Because someone knows every corner of my room. They had a spare key to open my door at nights, they stood at my window when it is higher from the ground and finally they enter my room from time to time. All of these indicate that they used to watch this room before..."

         "And there's something hidden there" 

         "... Yes! There must be something hidden there. They watched Diamante for a while.. She sensed danger and left some clues behind her.." 

I rushed into my room as quick as possible with my assistant, Jonathan, in order to get to know further about this case and what's hidden beyond it!

... 

... 

         "The rats are messing around.. Aren't they?" 

         "Yes.. We must fastly finish our job.." 

         "They will be soon seeing the real Diamante!" 

Chapter 11: A Story In The Past

    After getting into these result, I quickly rushed into my room with Jonathan assisting me in whatever I do. I was pretty sure that something's hidden in my room.

   I checked it all over and tried to notice anything weird. If something was hidden there it mustn't be obvious so that anyone could find it, it must be in an unexpected place with a special way of solving.

   Is it a code? A note? A secret message? Maybe a record? Or her cell phone?? What could it be?

...

    At 7:10 pm, I gave up on searching, I found nothing!

   The servants may had stashed any clues that mighy expose their crime..

   I won't find anything like this, I only need a scarce of light to uncloud my mind.. I need to ponder any contraption in the space, and think of all probabilities.. If the girl used ro know many different languages, then the link to our case must be in some special language she knew... However, doing this will be very obvious, she will be revealed if she does so.

I.. I don't really know..

...

   After an hour, I had to eat my supper.. But I didn't feel like to eat and got lost into my thoughts more and more.. I can't focus on anything other than solving this case.. How could a girl with four languages hide a secret code?

   I must know more informations!

   After dinning, I isolated myself into my room again, I surfed the web about Ruit's incidence and disappearance, until I reached to contact one of her closest friends.

       "Hello.. It's Lillian!" I called "Are you a friend of Ruit's?"

       "Umm.. Hi" She replied "Who is it?"

       "I'm investigating about Ruit's disappearance!" 

       "Ruit is kidnapped! I'm pretty sure!! She didn't escape with anyone!" 

        "How can you be so sure?" 

        "She told us she was going to a mansion in eucalyptus wood, she had a relative there.." 

        "What kind of relative?" 

        "Ummm.. I don't really know.. Ruit had no family around her. Her father ran away with her mother when they were young and got married, none of their families accepted this marriage, so they abandoned them. Her father was shot by her grandfather long ago, and her mother died three years before she disappeared, she got very sick!"

       "What happened after this?"

       "After this, she got a message of someone, she was very very happy!" 

       "Who was this someone?" 

       "Ummm.. I don't really know.. She said she was going to visit a relative of hers who resides in that mansion.. She talked with us for a while, after that she suddenly stopped contacting us and then we reported her disappearance!" 

       "Was she acting oddly when you talked to her?" 

       "Hmmm.. I don't really know... I don't remember.. Maybe.. Oh! Yes! She used to say that she's ok and doing well alot, she also said she can't come back soon and talked about an art she was drawing!" 

        "Huh! I didn't get it! Umm why would she talk about an art she was drawing??" 

         "Well.. She used to draw anything she sees around! Special things that attracts her, but she had never told about her arts, since she's so secretive about her works.." 

         "Then, she wanted you to know about the drawing she was focused on, it might mean that this art had a special meaning she wanted you to notice.. Did she tell you about the theme of the art?" 

         "Umm.. No.. Not really.." 

         "Nor where it's located?" 

         "No.. I'm sorry.." 

         "Okay, I have one more question. Why did she say she can't go back soon? Was something banning her from? Did she give you hints about it?" 

         "Well.. She said she can't, because she had some business to do there, but she didn't mention.." 

         "Ok, miss. I got all the information I need. Thank you" 

         "Detective! Please find the truth! My friend is involved in crazy things, please save her!" 

         "I will try my best. However, can I find another person close of her to contact?" 

         "Yes! I will send you their number. Please find our girl! Thank you, detective!" 

    The call lasted for so long, I noticed it was 11:27 already, I felt sad about this girl, since I'm pretty sure that Ruit is already dead, she can't be alive anymore. After all, it has been five years since she vanished from this world.. She can't be here anymore! 

   Ruit's friend sent me, then, a number, and I must call them tomorrow, because it was late night and I can't annoy people at this time. 

   After this call, Jonathan entered my room, or it was Ruit's room, the crime scene.. I told him about her friend and what she told me, and we tried to find a logical conclusion to what she told me. 

    I spitted everything I knew, and argued about the art that Ruit has drawn, I thought that this art might hold the answer to our questions and the secrets beyond our boundaries and that I will talk to another person the day after. 

    Our conversation lasted til 3:00 am, but we didn't get to any accurate solution. Then, he slept on my laps as I kept up thinking about what Ruit's friend said. I closed the curtains, locked the door and kept the key in the lock, so that nobody can bug with my thoughts nor get the truth before us. 

    I know they are watching us, but I must keep my investigations as stowed as I could. 

    As I was gazing in the room with a dim light to see, I noticed something that I didn't before! 

    It was different from the others, special and weird! 

   Now, I know it! I know Diamante's code now! 

   How didn't I notice? It was so obvious! 

Chapter 12: The Meaning Behind 

The next day, I woke up hastily towards the spot I noticed last night.. I rushed into my closet, or Ruit's closet, where a magnificent art was painted with oil colors on its doors..

   The art was themed about three goblins holding three different swords, attacking a pond and killing its two mermaids. 

         "Morning, princess" greeted Jonathan "What wakes you up this early?"

         "Its.. This art" I replied "Look at it!"

         "What's up with it? Did you like it?"

         "No, idiot. Just come and check it closely"

    I touched the art with my finger tips, I felt it was hand made, I felt the fear she felt and how she saw these monsters.

         "So.. I didn't get it." he wondered "What's with this closet?"

         "Oh man!" I said "It is not the closet, its the painting on it. It was painted to show the crime's details"

         "So.... How can some art like this be a proof to our case?" 

         "I think.. That these three goblins are the servants that killed the mermaids.. The goblins are holding three different swords, probably they are copper, silver and golden sword.." 

         "Which means there are two corpses hidden and most likely in that room!" 

         "They're actually three! I guess Ruit's corpse is also there" 

         "Is she also dead?" 

         "I don't think a girl bore in an old racket for so long.. We'll discover soon." 

    As I was drowning in the closet art in front of me, I noticed the presence of someone behind the door.. They were eavesdropping on our conversation and heard everything I said.. 

          "Who is it?" I screamed but nobody answered.. 

          "What is it, Lili?" Jonathan stunned "Why did you shout out of sudden??" 

          "I sensed them around.. They are watching us, Jon.. They knew that we unveiled the truth and they're going to come after us.. They will kill us, Jon!" 

         "Calm down, my Holmes! Your Watson will protect you with his life, don't worry." 

         "Jonathan, we're not in a police film or story, so don't act so bravely.. I don't want you to lose your life... I want you with me.." 

    Jonathan hugged me tightly and promised to get out of this sooner and then marry. I only hope we could live happily for a moment. 

... 

   We didn't eat any food as we were scared it might be poisoned. Then, Jonathan took me out to the eucalyptus wood, and I called the number that Ruit's friend gave me yesterday. 

        "Hello.." I called "Please, answer!" 

        "Hello.." a guy answered "Who is it?" 

        "I got your number from a friend of Ruit's..." 

        "Oh.. That girl told me.. Listen I don't want to get involved anymore, I'm not ready to answer any of your questions detective! I'm out of this!" 

        "Wait! It's about your precious friend.." 

   He hang up before I finished my sentence, he doesn't want to help at all. Who might he be? 

   I told Jonathan about this and he asked me to try again to get in contact with him. 

Ring... Ring.. 

Ring... Ring.. 

Nobody answered.. 

Ring... Ring.. 

Ring... Ring.. 

    I tried many times but got no answer.. 

    I gave up after the fruitless tries and then returned home with my fiancé. 

    This man is so arrogant and haughty, I can't believe he didn't allow me to speak a word.. 

... 

    It was 3:00 pm, my eyes were mesmerized on that "room", I imagined many corpses their, and thought about the poor oppressed souls landing in that hell. 

    I was called, then, by Flori for dinner, but I refused no matter how she asks for.. Her eyes gazed at me as if she's menacing me. 

    I stayed in my room with Jon, we didn't part from each other a second. No one can expect what might happen. 

...

    At midnight I got a call from an unknown number. When I answered it was the same guy from morning, he said he was sorry and tried to describe what happened with Ruit and that he was her boyfriend. 

       "After many investigations," he said "the inspector said that she may had ran away with a man or someone, however, she can't do this!" 

       "Why are you so sure?" I interrupted

       "I mean.. I'm her boyfriend.. She can't escape with someone other than me!" 

       "Ok, I got this. However, what do you think about her visiting a weird mansion?" 

       "It must be weird that a relative of hers missed her out of blue, I mean they always abandoned her family and treated them inferiorly! I mean what if, just what if her relative wanted to eliminate any trace of her family, so they asked to see her and then kill her!"

       "Well, for now I can't guarantee that.." 

       "Ruit is already dead, isn't she?" 

       "..." 

       "You can't answer me.. You know the truth.." 

       "Sir, please calm down, we can't know until we find out. For now, I need your help. Did she tell you about some art she's drawing?" 

       "I don't remember, it's been five years since then, I don't know.. But.. She always had drawn many types of arts. She paints and sketches anything she sees, and every art has a special meaning that no one understands. She drew me once as a fairy and another time as a monster, she also drew her friends as flowers!"

      "Why did she do so?" 

      "She said that she loved to save memories and moments in a special and unique way. So, whenever she draws an event she looks at her art and remember every moment she faced."

      "As her boyfriend, can you understand what her paints mean?" 

      "Ummm.. Maybe.." 

      "Three goblins.. Three metals... Two mermaids.." 

      "What do you mean?" 

      "I found an art she drew, it contains three goblins holding copper, silver and golden swords. They were attacking a lake with two mermaids. What do you think?" 

      "Well.. I can't tell.. Maybe.. I guess the goblins are bad people attacking some people's house." 

      "Ok, thank you sir, I'll try my best" 

      "Miss, I have no hopes for finding her alive, please just return her body" 

      "If I didn't contact you, tell the police station that we're dead, we're two!" 

      "If you die, no one will know the truth!"

      "Yes, goodbye!"

Chapter 13: A Step Towards The Light 

   After collecting all of these data, I needed to analyze then all together. I pretty sure that the two first owners were killed here, then Ruit has discovered their dead and the criminals had to kill her to hide their doings. However, this is only a theory, I can't guarantee until I see everything with my eyes. 

        "Jonathan" I whispered "Listen to me, but don't get mad." 

        "What is it, honey?" he chuckled "I can't be angry with you" 

        "Tomorrow, go search for the closest police station" 

        "Are you sure you want so?" 

        "If you don't do so I'll be killed too" 

        "Ok, let's go together tomorrow" 

        "No!! No, I won't, I'm staying here, I must watch them and solve some problems" 

        "Lilian, you're kidding, you can't stay alone here!" 

        "Jonathan, I must I can't leave!" 

        "Lili stop it right now! You're not a detective so stop acting so! You're coming with me no matter what you have.." 

        "You're not my father! You can't stop me, stop it Jon, I'm a grown up, I can do whatever I want!" 

        "Lillian.. I'm worried about you, you know how many dangers you faced, what if they pointed a pistol at your head, then you felt frightened and cried. I can't be with you... Do whatever you want, none of my business" 

   He, then, left my room and shut the furiously. He left me alone for the first time. 

   The room was cold, I locked the door and windows, closed the curtains and turned on my air conditioner. 

   I didn't rest at ease a moment, it felt risky to stay unalerted here, so I stayed up for the whole night, holding a long rod. 

... 

    The next morning, I prepared the equipments i need to start this risky mission, this part of my investigation will determine whether I'll find the truth or even DIE! 

    I packed up a pair of kitchen knives that I might need, a shovel, a cellphone, a light and a lock-picking. 

   Afterwards, Jonathan entered my room and apologized for getting angry last night, he told me that he will help me with my plan and do whatever i ask for. 

        "Listen honey..." he spoke "... I know you need my help to discover the truth about this mansion, I'm gonna help.. I will inform the closest police station. But please don't do anything dangerous." 

       "I'll try" I whispered 

       "Tell me now.. What is going in your mind?" 

       "It's not worth mentioning.. Nothing important" 

       "Just tell me what you will do, I can at least rest at ease"

       "I.. I'm going to enter there.." 

       "You don't say it! You will enter the room??!" 

       "I must!" 

       "Oh, Lili. They will find you and kill you.." 

       "Ummm.. I know.. Thats why you must hurry.." 

       "No no no no.. Just no, you can't do it" 

       "Jon.. Dear.. I can do it, don't worry, just trust me and hurry find policemen. If you are late, you can't save me.. So hurry up.." 

       "When will you move?" 

       "At dim light" 

       "I'll be here before.. Be well and safe" 

    Jon hugged me before he went out of the house to search for the station as soon as possible. It felt like its our last hug.. I can't believe that the scaredy cat will act as the hero now.. 

    This night will be a crucial night.. My mission to enter the room just begun.. And I have to be canny and wary.. My heart is throbbing fastly.. As if this will be the last day in my life.. 

Something bad is surely to happen..

... 

   At 8:05 pm, there was slightly a light, I had to wait a bit so that no one can notice my movements.. I know that they are watching me thoroughly and won't allow me to uncover the truth then continue living on.. They will do anything to keep the case and the bodies lost and hidden.. 

   The time is stalling and lengthening, the minutes feel like hours, and the light is vanishing and the clocks chimes feel so noisy. 

   Tic.. Tac.. The voice is getting louder

   Tic.. Tac.. The seconds are growing longer.. 

   Tic.. Tac.. I feel nervous as the time passes.. 

Tic.. Tac.. 

Tic.. Tac.. 

Tic.. Tac.. 

   I can't bear to wait for the suitable time for going on and digging into the barbaric crime. I feel that I must move now... I feel that I shouldn't move at all and stay safe... 

... 

   At 9:00 pm, finally the light disappeared and the clouds covered the moon.. It was a total darkness.. 

    The eucalyptus swished and rustled furiously by the wind's enormous power, the weather was as cold as a corpse, the owls screamed vexatiously and the black hole of the room swallowed me and drew me nearer.. 

    I walked quietly and silently towards it, it was dark and moisty. Just as expected, half constructed, closed by a rusty metallic door and secured by a new lock and chain.

   I knew it, they are changing the lock from a while to while. 

I picked up my lock-picking and inserted it into the lock to open it. Upon moving around, the door and chains formed an outrageous lurid noise.. I felt that I'm already a dead body and I'll get caught at the same moment. 

    I put myself together and gathered up what was left of my courage to continue my work. After unlocking the door, it started squeaking while opening it.. It was just a narrow opening that can barely allow me to enter. 

  And I did what was waited! 

Chapter 14: The Truth

   I entered through the door cleavage and a loud squeak occured. I tried to stay muted as I sneak in there, since I'm pretty sure that the criminals are watching me. 

   The room was wider than I expected, drown with ruins and debris, covered with weeds, moisty as an old graveyard and stinky as if much of innocent blood was shed in. It had many walls and corners, it was like a labyrinth that can male you lost, and more likely I think the bodies are probably burried or maybe hidden away. 

   I started my search for the bodies, when I awaited to find three. I searched the area brick by brick and stone by stone but found in the end nothing... 

... 

   At 10:21 pm, the room got more moisty and the oxygen in the room has diminished. I started losing my breathe and got choked for a moment. I felt my head getting light and fell onto the ground. 

   As I opened my eyes, I caught the glimpse of a crimson flower splitted its way through the bricks and debris. It was like a descended light from even, that will illuminate my path. 

   Why did this flower grow up within this heap? How did it live without light and water? What is it feeding on? 

   I, quickly, grabbed my shovel and dug in the flower area as deep as I could. Until I felt my shovel hit a rough object. I swept the dirt from it to find out that it was an old bone underneath, so mopped all of soil and wreckage covering the whole body. 

   The body was old and tenuous, with fragile weak bones and covered by ragged and tattered clothes. I couldn't distinguish whether it was of a male or a female. I touched its bones and looked thoroughly to notice that the pelvis is wide and broad, and I was sure that this is a female's body. 

But who's body is this?! 

   Since it was one body, I guess it is Ruit's body. Because the others might be buried together. 

       "So.. You were able to discover so far.." somwome said "And you had the courage to enter this room alone!" 

   I couldn't turn around as I was mesmerized by fear; the voice sounded like it was Flori's. 

   I took a deep breathe, relaxed my spastic body and replied to her words

       "So, you really were the ones who killed this poor girl?" 

      "We will show you how we did it now!" 

      "Where did you hide the other two bodies?" 

      "You also knew about them! I mustn't have underestimated you." 

      "I guess there are two girls bodies, and they must be buried around here.. You killed Ruit because she discovered your crime. She knew that you will kill her afterwards, so she left many clues hoping that someone might unveil your secrets. The girl carved your names all over the mansion to show that there were four living here, she wrote them in Italian so you won't notice and remove them. After this, she left a note in an Italian book, that she expected you won't read or approach, that talked about a crime in a mansion like ours. Then, she drew an art with oil colors on her old closet, that looks a normal old art and no one would expect its a clue to the crime."

        "Woah, you surprised me! You're smarts as hell.. But you had a little mistake my dear" 

        "What kind of mistake?" 

        "They are actually bodies of a man and a woman we buried here. The young couple who lived here brought their death by their own hands. Seven years ago, the first master was building this large mansion for his lovely wife, he was so rich, that we needed his money for living a decent life. The two servants and I decided to steal a little amount of his money, since you know losing a bit of his large numbers wouldn't hurt. The lady witnessed our robbery, so we had no choice but to kill her, unfortunately our miss was pregnant in her second trimester, so she was killed with her little baby"

       "How cruel!! You killed the mother and her unborn child!! You barbarians.. Inhumane.."

       "The master grieved his child and wife before we killed him too.. And the other is just as you said, Ruit came here and found their bodies" 

       "Why did she come here? Who asked her to come? She told her friends that she's visiting someone!!" 

       "I did.. Ruit.. My sister's daughter.. She had no family in this life, then she knew that I'm her aunt.. She asked to see me, so I accepted her request. She liked living here and loved all of us, so she used to carve our names as a memoir.. Because of her movements in the castle, she knew about the crime, and saw the bodies in her own eyes. I saw her going out of this room, so she shut herself in her room and left many clues that we didn't notice. Afterwards, she asked me to stay in her room, and trusted me as her lovely aunt, she told me what she saw.. And I took her life as a payment.. I took my niece's life with my own hands.. I didn't want anyone to hurt her so I killed her.. I killed her!! AND I DON'T CARE ABOUT KILLING ANY OTHER PEOPLE!!"

        "Where are the other bodies...." 

        "You're in a risky situation and asking about the other bodies?" 

        "Its not the first.." 

        "I will show you where they are..." 

Chapter 15: The Fragile Broken Bones

     Jonathan and I rushed out to the dark eucalyptus woods, his breathe was fainting as he was holding me and running, his body was getting weaker by the time we were quickening and his wound was worsening than before.. 

       "Jonathan! Please stop here" I interrupted "You're tired, my love. Please stop here" 

       "What do you mean?!" he replied "They are going to catch up with us.. We'll get killed" 

       "I will hold you and continue running" 

       "Lilian! What the hell are you talking?" 

       "Just lean your body on my back and I'll walk with you" 

       "But you can't.. Your leg is..." 

       "Jon please.. You can't bear anymore.. You're injured.. Please!" 

  He gave no attention to my words and continued to walk.. 

.... 

....

  At 12:00 am, it started raining cats and dogs... The ground turned muddy and sluggish... It got so cold.. And my fiancé was more and more tired.. 

   His face turned pale and yellowish after he shed many blood.. I felt his hands on my body, they were freezing cold and wet... Then, he suddenly collapsed and fell on the ground.. 

        "Jonathan!! Jonathan!" I cried "Talk to me darling. Please don't go.. Please.. JONATHAN!!" 

   Jonathan lost all of his power to hang on.. I had to carry him and find a shelter.. 

   I put him up on my shoulders.. He was so heavy, breathing insanely, cold as dead and unconscious.. His state compassionated my heart and soul.. The powerful, lofty man of Great Britain being this weak and frail... 

   I suddenly started hearing them getting closer.. Many water ponds are splashing around and many footsteps were running randomly.. They are searching for us!! 

   I had to find a shelter that we can hide in.. I must walk slowly and haltly because of my painful leg.. THEY ARE GETTING CLOSER TO ME!! 

   Finally, I found a misty cavern to hide in.. It was damp and clammy but I had to stash us in.. 

   As soon as I got in.. I lost my body balance to bump on the rocky floor.. I was so nervous... So anxious.. But I had to survive! 

   After that, I spread my jacket on the cave's soil, laid him on it, positioned his head on my thighs, tended his wound with a part of my clothes and sleeked his hair.. 

   He was so handsome.. His cherry plumpy lips.. His masculine jaw bones.. His rosy cheeks.. And his lovely eyelashes.. Everything was so pretty and handsome.. Why should this happen to us? 

   Suddenly, my eyes turned dank and soggy and my tears never accepted to seize.. They fall like rain drops on his soft face.. I could do nothing but moan... 

   I remembered the first time I met him, it was rainy just as today, I was rushing back home when I met him in the university backyard.. He was caught up in a fight with the university bad guys, they were three against him, he was all alone and head-to-toe injured.. He was full with red and purple tans, bloody incisions and wounds.. 

   I worried that he might get fataly hurt, but he showed a courageous and dauntless actions.. He punched all of the thugs and designated many martial art movements.. After he finished his quarrel, I drew near him and covered him with my umbrella. 

Then, he glared at me, his eyes were dazzling yet scary. 

      "You're covered with wounds" I told him "Let me cure them" 

   He smiled at me and said:"You're worried about me?" 

   After this, we went together to the university infirmary, I treated his lesions and told him not to get in any tiff again, so he laughed and promised me.. And then, he got attached to me, stayed near to me, protected me and got into many fights again.. 

   He was reckless but sexier than now.. I guess hehehe.. 

   I wish we're still the same as before.. 

... 

... 

   It became 1:42 am, the police didn't appear yet and the criminals didn't find us yet. Jon needed to get into a hospital as rapid as possible.. Otherwise.. Otherwise I might lose him.. 

   The storm kept getting tougher, the roads were slick and slippery and the way to the woods is dangerous.. Maybe that's why the police didn't show up yet.. 

   Out of nowhere, I heard-between the rain bangs-many rushing steps coming towards us.. 

       "Ahh.. Ahhh.. Ah.. They found.. Us" I thought "What.. Should I do?" 

   As the thunder erupted and the whole area lighted up, I saw a dark shadow in front of the cave's entry.. I widened my eyes and hugged on Jon.. 

      "Finally, I found you, little rats" 

It was Cobre's voice, in the end he caught us.. 

      "Don't worry" he said "It won't hurt.. It will be fast and easy..." 

   He approached me.. Closer.. Closer.. Closer... Closer.... And closer.....

   For an instant, I saw a tall guy hiding beside me.... It was the end.. HaHaHaHaHa... 

   I give up.. I can't live any more.. I can't endure this.. I can't accept this suffering.. I can't die now.. I can't give up... I want to live.. I want to have kids and a lovely family.. I won't give up!! 

I suddenly remembered the martial art moves that Jon taught me..

   Approach him, hit his sensitive parts, punch his nostrils and hit his nape... It's easier to imagine than to apply..

   Calm down girl and rush!!

      "Haaaaaaaa" I screamed loudly and bursted towards him, however I tripped with my broken leg and got into his side..

   He hanged my neck and chocked me harshly..

       "What do you think you're doing?" he laughed "Do you think you're batman? I'm sorry but that didn't save you.. We 're not in a fairytale.."

  What should I do?! 

Chapter 17: To Survive Or Perish For You

   The gardener was chocking on my throat harshly, I tried to struggle and scratch his hands off me, but it was fruitless.. After long time of resistance, I finally lost my power, I couldn't breath anymore, my muscles relaxed and I closed my eyes slowly..

   He hit me to the floor as he expected that I'm already dead, however I stood again on my legs and rammed his face with the top of my head as violent as I can. He, then, lost his control and fell to the floor, so I carried my man and ran fastly out of the cave..

   On the other side, Flori was waiting for us.. She was raging with anger and seemed really murderous.. And she held a pistol in her hand.. 

      "Why didn't you kill them yet?" she shouted "Do you think we're playing, Cobre??" 

      "I can't believe you dare to punch me, girl" Said Cobre "Now.. Its a game-over.." 

   At this instant time, a patrol of police officers have arrived to our location, they found us after a long time of searching..

      "No one moves a centemeter!" they yelled "You're under arrest"

   Quickly, Flori held Jon's weak body and pointed a pistol at his head.. It was just the same as I faced before.. But this time I'm going to save him!

      "Cooperate and no one will get hurt" she called "If you consider this prince's life you must do what I want!"

    I had to think and act fastly before I lose him, I could do nothing but steal an officer's pistol stealthily and point it at Flori..

      "I will ask you only once" I bursted "Let him down!"

    I don't know whether I can shoot her or miss it.. I don't know whether I can save him or lose him.. But.. If I didn't try, I can't know.. I can't win if I don't fight!!

    Shoot!!

   The bullet didn't hit Flori but rather distracted her to make time for the policemen to catch her.. Then, Flori and Cobre were caught and arrested, however, Zilar, the cook, stole the jewels and escaped the mansion; Jonathan and I were transmitted to a hospital, I only had to splint my broket leg, however, my other half was struggling between life and death...

...

   Jonathan was in a risky state, he lost a lot of blood and got hit on his spinal cord, not to forget that he exerted too much power on his injured body.. He needed an urgent surgery and care..

  Uncle, Jon's father, was there with us, but rather much more nervous.. We shared our worries and tried to ease the stress. Two hours later, we received a message from the operation room, the surgeon told us that Jon's surgery was a success and that he'll need alot of rest, care and medications, however, he was paralyzed in his legs. 

   He lasted in a coma for a week later, we were all waiting him to get up well and safe. I was holding his hand, that was connected to an intravenous medication, while looking at his vital sings monitor.. His heart rate calmed than before, his respiration steadied and his blood pressure settled to normal. I guess he passed the dangerous stage and now he'll need sometime to wake up.. 

...

   The doctor came to check on hos well being later on.. He did many tests and diagnosis. 

      "I guess Mr. Aveline is getting better" claimed the doctor "He surely needed some rest, many blood packages and oxygen transferring." 

      "Umm.. Doctor!" I said "When do you assume that he'll wake up?!" 

      "It might take few several days more, however if he doesn't wake up we will have to take some urgent steps" 

      "What do you mean?? What will you do?" 

      "Calm down, miss. Its alright, don't worry" 

      "Can we do something about his paralysis? Like any kind of treatment!" 

      "I suggest a physical therapy for now, when he wakes up I'll be able to make a decision" 

      "Thank you" 

  I'll wait for his return and stay with him in his treatment.. May God heal you, my lovely man.. 

...

...

  Another week later, Jonathan is still in the same position, still connected to several medical devices, still being diagnosed and tested, still suffering in pain and struggling between life and death.. The oxygen ventilator, the oximeter, the intravenous medicine, the vital signs monitor and the nasogastric tube.. All the scene breaks my heart day after day and tears my soul in sorrow..

      "Jonathan.. Just wake up, honey" I murmur while leaning my head on his body "Wake up.. You're my last family.. Don't grieve my hurt"

   I slept on his chest while laying my head.. It was as warm as ever... It was my whole world.. My whole happiness.. It is the joyful memories together..

   I felt a gentle pat on my hair, many fingers combing my golden locks and a weak hand refining my tangles.. So I raised my head and opened my eyes, I saw a blurry picture from a long dream I had.. It was an angel from a mythical book.. It was Eros from a Roman Tale and I was Psyche.. It was my favorite face to see.. 

      "Good morning, princess" he chuckled

  I dashed onto his neck, held him tight, threaded my fingers in his hair and hugged him wholeheartedly...

      "Ah.. Ouch" he agonized so I let him off and seemed disappointed

      "I'm sorry" I mumbled

  He smiled at me and whirled at me to return my hug.. He held me so tight as if he's clinging something he can't afford to lose anymore... Then, kissed me on my neck and smelled it for a moment.. We cuddled for about 10 minutes and I cried alot.. I cried for many reasons.. Pain, happiness, sorrow, sympathy and relief..  I wanted to hold him more and more.. 

Chapter 18: Just Like A Fairy tale

      "You've been in a coma for two weeks" I said "I was sick worried about you" 

      "It's been two weeks since the mansion incident?!" he replied 

      "Yes Jonathan" 

      "You were here with me for that long"

      "I couldn't bear to leave you a second" 

      "I'm sorry.." 

      "No!! I'm so sorry.. I'm the one who bugged in this case.. It was none of my business, but I interfered it and I tagged you along... So I... So I caused you harm.. I'm sorry.." 

       "Your matter also matters me.. I'll be with you in every step you take.." 

       "I.. I love you.." 

       "I love you more" 

  Uncle Aveline interrupted our sweet talk to check on his son.. He's been desperate ever since Jon was transferred here.. He even skipped many meals and had scary nightmares.. 

      "Jonathan! My child!!" he called "What happened to my only child? Are you hurt? Are you in pain?! Doctor please give him pain killers!!"

      "Father!!" yelled Jon "Calm down please! I'm fine.. I'm ok" 

      "You were hurted, they said you're in a risky state! I thought I might have lost you..." 

      "Dad... Don't worry" 

      "How are you feeling?" 

      "A little bit tired, my head aches and a bit dizzy.. And kind of nauseated.. But don't worry that's nothing serious.." 

      "Jon.. My lovely child.. They said you can't walk anymore.." 

      "Huh?! What? Why??!" 

      "Some of your nerves, that are connected to your legs, are mutated, because the strike you got was a bit of violent.." 

      "So.. I won't be able to.. Use my legs.." 

      "Don't worry, darling!" I interrupted "U talked to the doctor.. He will diagnose your situation and prescribe the best treatment.. Probably you will have a physical therapy.. And we will try our best to cure you.. Trust me" 

   Later on, the doctor checked up on him and examined his whole body.. He asked for many blood tests that I didn't understand, a full body screening and anti-inflammatory medicines for the wound. 

   An hour later, someone knocked on Jonathan's door..

   Knock.. Knock..

   Knock.. Knock..

  It was a new face we haven't seen before.. A girl with fair looks holding a bouquet of daffodils.. Just like the ones in our mansion..

      "Umm.. Excuse me.." she spoke "Is this Jonathan Aveline's room?"

      "Uhm.. Yes.." I replied "How can I help you? I'm his fiancé!"

      "Are you the young detective, Lilian?" 

      "Uhh.. Um.. Yes.. Kind of" 

      "Thank you! For rescuing Ruit in her after life!" 

      "Eh?! Could it be.. You're Ruit's best friend?" 

      "Yes.. I am.." 

      "I'm sorry.. I console you" 

      "I knew she surely must have died.. But.. But I didn't want to believe.." 

      "I'm sorry" 

      "Thank you, detective! I really admire you.. I will never forget your favor.. Thank you!"

  Ruit's friend thanked me and appreciated my job.. She considered me a hero.. Although I felt bitter and sorry.. But I feel proud of my action.. Our action.. 

... 

... 

  A while later, the doctor gave Jon a permission to leave and start a physical therapy to restore his strength.. Uncle searched for the most experienced physician in the whole country.. He was ready to pay his own soul to save his son.. And I promised Jonathan to get married when he completely heals.. 

   Days after days, his condition improved.. I stayed with him on every session, helped him to walk with me, massaged his legs daily, gave him his prescribed medication and provided him with love and encouragement.. 

  He was just like a little baby learning how to walk, he stumbles for a time and trips for another, he falls for a while and collapse for another, however, he runs for a moment and jumps for another.. And I'll be the mama of this child, who holds him tightly when he falls.. 

... 

... 

   After a year, and after many hard work, Jonathan finally had the ability to walk on this own legs again, he was a new bird pleased to fly into the wide sky, to be able to spread his wings and rise into the glorious world.

  Then, Jon and I got married, it was an Autumn wedding in the late afternoon. The area faced the breathtaking blushy sunset.  At the end of each seated aisle, jasmine scented candles hung from naked tree branches. Spread down the aisle was white leaves, as far as the eyes could see, slightly moist so they wouldn’t crack when people step on them.  We had have a small group of close family and friends dressed in red attire. On either side of the aisle, they sat in white chairs set up for them on the daffodil area.

      "Okay, okay Lili, you need to breath… Can you do that for me??" Christie, my lovely maid, asked.

  Only five minutes remained before my wedding begins; I was nervous just like the first time I went on a date with him.

      "I can breathe," I said to her, "I just need my mother’s necklace to calm down." 

      "Look! Everyone’s here looking at you. It’s about to start. I saw Jon waiting at the end of the aisle and he’s just as nervous as you."

  I shook my head.

   Finally, the priest came out and asked every to stand.

   It was, then, my turn! All eyes would soon be on me.  The flower girls lined the path with pinkish rose petals as the music started. 

  I only took two steps out before I was greeted by my uncle to escort me down the aisle, which seemed longer than before. He became my strength; without him I would have fainted. The guests looked at me, taking pictures of my dress, waving at me, smiling- one thing was for sure, though.... Up ahead I saw him, Jonathan. My future husband, the love of my life, my everything. He stood taller, his shoulders back and his eyes on me. If I wasn’t mistaken I could have sworn tears filled his eyes.

   At the end, my uncle hugged me and said "I'm proud of you as my daughter" and then presented me to my groom. He placed my hand in Jon's and smiled. As a couple, Jonathan and I stood in front of the priest.

 

Before my uncle walked away, he patted Jon on the shoulder as if he's asking him to protect me. 

  Standing next to my love felt overwhelming.

  Was this really happening? Will I soon be Mrs. Aveline? 

  The minister, then, said to the guests to be seated and they all followed his request.

      "Dearly beloved," he began, "we are gathered here this evening to witness this man and woman join together in holy matrimony." 

   He said the speech and afterward we exchanged vows, tears filling both our eyes.

    The ring bearer came forward and presented the rings. I placed Jon’s ring on first, then he placed on mine.

   The priest nodded and asked:"If anyone objects the marriage speak now or forever hold your peace".

  As assumed, no one said a word.  "With the power invested in me by the State of London I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." 

  Jon leaned in and kissed me, softly like he’s never done it before.

  Everyone cheered for us, however I barely noticed; my full attention rested on him. 

   Soon after we did the whole candle symbolizing, and we left the stage I was beyond hungry, so we destined to Pizza house. 

... 

... 

... 

  Later on, Flori and Cobre were sentenced to death, and Ruit's friend grieved for a long while. Zilar escaped Britain and traveled to another country, he stole a large amount money and jewels. The mansion was deserted, because no one could ever live in a beautiful castle stained with innocents' blood. Christie lived with us as my personal maid and the other servants found their own jobs... 

  And I.. I had a baby girl, a daughter of both Lillian and Jonathan Aveline, I named her Ruit, a diamond in a cruel but beautiful world.. She will be just a strong as Ruit.. 

  She was the ending  to a love story, in a gorgeous heaven tainted with oppressed blood

The End