Thread: Shades of Gray

Carolines watery gaze turned wider and wider as the man before her spoke. His words were dark, terrifying. But to go back? No. She couldnt do that. It wasnt an option. Not now when she was so close to leaving it all behind, a distant memory. She could never face her father now nor could she marry Lord Benjamin Longley. Shed rather die than be forced to live such a life. But to live on her own? Oh, she needed someone to care for her. She knew as much. As a lady of station and nobility, she wasnt groomed for such living. No. She needed proper care and attention and Just then, Caroline felt more tears spill from her pale eyes only to roll down her cheeks. Her tears were a stark contrast to her porcelain skin as the harsh moonlight shone down from above and through the trees that acted as a natural canopy. The lighting made her appear ethereal, almost angelic. So ironic given the thoughts that were now running through her frenzied mind given the choices set before her. As Caroline stood there fidgeting, her hands finding her dark tresses and twisting at them nervously, her thoughts began to race wildly. Her icy eyes moved to look at the blade, its edge so sharp as it flashed against the silvery strands of moonlight. Her mind was frantic now. Racing in time with her beating heart. So frightened and unsure, yet knowing what she had to do. Caroline swallowed just then, her slim body shifting from foot to foot as she contemplated what to do. Time was of the essence. But what to do? She looked again at the man, this necromancer, standing before her. His face full of cold expression as he waited for her to do or say something. She then looked at his closed fist recalling the contents within the vial he held. It was a mysterious liquid to be sure, one that could cure, could save. How could that be bad? But he was a murderer! Hed killed several, would kill more. Would he kill her? Caroline blinked several times. No. He wouldnt. Somehow she knew this. The oath would ensure it. Besides, his research, his work. It was for the betterment of many. Was it not a worthy price to pay to lose one soul so as to save several? Biting down on her lip, reddened by the chill in the air, she decided that it was. Caroline averted her eyes just then at the thought that had just crossed her mind. Who was she to cast such judgments? She was a woman, one who knew nothing of the world outside of her home. She was a sheltered and silly girl, a girl longing for a fanciful life that didnt exist. Could never exist. Could it? Again, her thoughts began to drift, to wander. Finally, Caroline took a step forward, her face pleading with the man standing before her. Licking her lips, she knelt down on the cold earth below, her body shivering, looking so small as she adjusted herself. She then picked up the blade, her eyes fixed on the necromancer looming above. He wanted her to kill herself, to take her life, spill her blood. She gulped and then winced at the thought. If she were to die, then how She shook her head in fear, her tears coming faster as she contemplated what she must do. Looking into his eyes, searching for an answer, something, she suddenly realized that he was asking for her trust, not just devotion to keeping his secrets, helping him with his tasks. No. There was a deeper meaning. Caroline raised the blade up a bit, her hands small as she gripped the handle with both of them. Taking a deep breath, she looked down, her breasts heaving as fear and panic began to set in. She had to do it. She had to. It was her only chance, her only hope. Let this be my oath to you, Caroline then whispered, her voice so soft and shaky. At that, Caroline plunged the knife deeply against her chest, just above her breasts, which only slightly peeked out from the neckline of the nightdress she wore. Her blood was so dark, looking black in the light of the moon. It covered her completely, yet she refused to shout out. No. She wouldnt scream. She couldnt. The men at the barn were far away, but a scream would certainly alert them. As she bled, the pain so sharp and strong, she felt her eyes beginning to roll. She tried to focus on the face of the necromancer, but he was becoming blurred, dark, a shadowy memory Just then, Caroline felt her body turn cold and she collapsed against the hard ground of the woods. Giving in to the pain, the chill, everything suddenly went dark.