A COLD GRIP ON HER NECK

Awakening People to the steady patter of rain upon the windows, droplets yet to scatter the nascent rays of the rising sun. It was bringing calmness to everyone's minds with a soothing melody, a natural lullaby. With her eyes still at rest was Vilian yet to be woken up. It was a day off for the servants and the workers of the Frost Mansion. Most of them have left the Mansion earlier in the night. Lily was in a hurry to get dressed, and off to the charity home, where she once lived before she was hired as a maid at the Frost Mansion.

The Charity home for children wasn't any Far from Oxshade but is situated in the next city. Lily used to take a visit to the home once a month as the workers in the mansion are given a day off once a week on a Monday or a Tuesday. She was eagerly waiting for this day to come as there was a lot to give to the children. Vilian had given her a lot of new toys and some of her dresses, so Lily was more than happy to give all to them and witness the children smile out of joy and happiness. She thought it was a heavenly blessing to see them like that.

"Mi'lady, wake up. It's dawn already. You should be awake, Mi'lady. There won't be anyone in the Mansion during the daytime. Jhonny will be leaving to his family by nine."

"Hmm... Lily... What time is it?" asked Vilian, sitting upright on the bed and suppressing her yawn.

"It's half-past eight, Mi'lady. Would you want me to prepare a cup of coffee or a glass of milk before I leave, Mi'lady? Uh... I think it is better than I'd be beside you. I feel like something's not right today. I'll call the Governess and give her my reasons, and besides, you're all alone."

"Woah...Woah... Hold on to your reins Lily. Not this morning. Stop being a mother hen, you need not worry about me. I feel a bit tired and I'm fine on my own. You need not prepare anything or bother about me. You get it?" she asked. Lily nodded her head half-heartedly and unwillingly.

"Mi'lady? Why do you look a little pale? Are you perhaps not well? Do you want me to contact a physician, or shall I escort you to a doctor?"

"Oh, don't fret for such a silly thing, my dear. I just saw a dream... Wait.. wha... What are you doing?" asked Vilian when Lily neared her, placing her palm on Vilian's forehead.

"Let me check your body heat, Mi'lady."

"That's not necessary. Out you go, get dressed. You're getting late already. I'll rest a little more. After all, it's a day off for me too. Have a nice day, Lily, and take care of yourself." swatting her hands away Vilian said.

"But..."

"There's no buts or ifs. Just leave... Shoo... Shoo..." Shooing her out of her room didn't dare to leave her bed. She felt like a part of her energy had been sucked and drained off her body. Even though she felt sleepy she could not sleep, so she thought of what she was dreaming of earlier, and sleep engulfed her. Seconds passed minutes, and minutes passed hours, but the girl showed no signs of waking up but curled up like a ball into her blanket.

Driving the car all alone in a deadly silence to reach his office, Astrel remembered that he had to give a file to Demus which was regarding their contract which he prepared according to what they spoke earlier. He turned his car to Oxshade street and stopped the car in front of the Frost Mansion.

The gate was closed. He pressed his car horn, waiting for the gatekeeper to open the gate anytime soon, but there was no sign of any gatekeeper, servants, or even maids. Not even near the entrance which made Astrel irk. He pressed his horn twice again looking at his wristwatch. It was almost half-past ten in the morning.

'For a Mansion to be this quiet and deserted it looks kinda strange', thought Astrel. He took out his phone and dialed Demus' phone, but there wasn't any sign of the person answering the phone call. It went on, 'Sorry the number you dialed is currently busy. Please try again later.' Astrel was losing his patience.

Astrel passed through the gate and ringed the Mansion bell using his supernatural power. He waited for someone to open the door while observing the surroundings. He felt like something off by the look of the surroundings than the last time he took a visit to the Frost Mansion. It was kind of deadly. Dialing Marcus' phone he waited for him to pick up the phone call. After it ringed thrice the call was answered by Marcus.

"Marc, find where about is Demus and let me know."

[Marcus: Sure, sir.]

"Also let me know if there's anyone in the mansion. I find it eerily silent and stran..."

"Aghhh!!!" suddenly before Astrel could finish up what he was to say a shrill scream was heard which made him snap his head towards the direction of the source.

[ Marcus: Sir? Are you alright, sir? Hello..."]

"I'll call you right back. Just do as I said you so," said Astrel immediately.

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( Five minutes earlier )

Up in Vilian's room, the sleeping figure on the bed suddenly gasped, sweating profusely and breathlessly. She felt something steely and cold gripped tightly around her neck. Her face was turned pale white, hair spread all around the pillow and on her face. One of her hand holding onto a white pillow which was beside her tightly while the other hand was holding onto the cold and steely thing that was strangling and choking her to death. She felt like her breath was shortening every passing second, but her eyes were still closed and her face was wrinkled

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Author's Note: Hey MLI Buddies... Hope you guys doing good? What do you say of the cliffhanger? Is it the girl dreaming or is it for real? Who do you think might be the person strangling Vilian? Any guesses?

Leave your thoughts below in the comment box.

much love,

o_s_m_1015