Welcome to House Black

Cerys slowly opens her eyes, groggy and disoriented, as she tries to make sense of her surroundings. Her head felt achy, her hair in a mess but she felt refreshed. She yawned a bit, stretching her body as she sat up. With a look around, she realizes that she's in a strange room, one she has never seen before.

The first thing that greets her is the soft glow of candlelight reflecting off of the pristine white walls. The room is painted in a delicate shade of powder blue, with intricately carved moldings and gleaming hardwood floorboards. A plush cream-colored rug adds a cozy touch to the space, and long drapes of silken fabric frame the large windows. A matching armoire and dresser sit against one wall, offering ample storage space for a lady's belongings. A writing desk with a delicate inlaid design provides a quiet space to compose letters or reflect on one's thoughts.

The room is further embellished with elegant touches, such as a vase of freshly cut flowers from the gardens, and a gilded mirror hanging above the dresser. A chaise lounge sits in a cozy nook by the windows, inviting the lady to relax with a good book or simply bask in the beauty of the gardens outside.

The overall atmosphere of the room is one of comfort and sophistication, providing the perfect sanctuary for a lady of refined tastes.

Panic sets in as she tries to recall how she got here. Suddenly, memories of the previous night came flooding back to her. She had been in the forest during a rainstorm which drenched her to the bone. She remembered the man in the dark, her only hope and the big wolf. She must have fainted from exhaustion, because the next thing she remembered was waking up in this room.

The last time she woke up in a strange room she was in another body and now again. She looked at her hands, feeled her face and ran her hand through her hair. Hair colour is still intact…thank God for that. She wasn't ready for another change.

As she sits up, she notices a figure, a handsome stranger is sitting in a comfortable armchair. He has chiseled features, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones, tanned skin that glowed in the candlelight. His eyes are deep-set and piercing, framed by thick eyebrows. They were fixed on her, studying her intently, as if trying to solve a puzzle. His hair is a rich chestnut brown, styled in a messy yet charming way. He has a book in his hand, the pages of which are slightly worn, suggesting it's a well-loved and well-read volume. Despite the intensity of his gaze, his expression is soft and contemplative, giving the impression that he's a deep thinker. He looks the epitome of sophistication, dressed in a well-tailored suit and tie, his posture straight and confident.

"When Morgan told me he brought a girl dressed in night wear home last night I thought maybe she was day dreaming again obviously she wasn't" he said in a cool voice.

Cerys raised an eyebrow, obviously confused. She had no idea who Morgan is.

The man shrugged. "I just wanted to see who you were. My curiosity have been satisfied" he flipped the book close and stood up.

"Wait. Who is he and who are you?"

He gave her a witty look, but didn't respond. "Is he the one who helped me last night? Can I please give him my gratitude for his help?" Cerys asked.

The man looked at her, silently pondering "He would call for you," he eyes her stature on the bed and shook his head. "You aren't exactly in the best attire."

Cerys chuckled nervously looking down at herself. She was still in the same night dress as she was last night. Though she was no longer drenched, she could see the wet map her body had caused on the bed. She could only sigh and feel a bit shy. She raised the duvet to cover her chest.

The man snorted. "Nothing to be shy off. It's not what I haven't seen before" he winked at her. As she felt his gaze upon her, she felt a warm flush spread across her cheeks, tingeing them with a soft pink hue. Her heart began to race as she lowered her gaze, feeling embarrassed in the moment.

"How cute," he said running a hand through his brown hair. He turned to face the door and left without another word.

Cerys sat there in wonderment. She was glad that they were nice to her but the man of yesterday had wanted to cut her neck yesterday but here she was in a lavish room where a certain man had kept her company for a few seconds. She had no idea what their intention was or where exactly she had landed.

She got up from the soft cocoon of the duvet and made her way towards the window, removing the blinds. Expecting to be braised with sunlight, her eyes only met darkness. Strange, she thought it would be morning by now. Maybe she could have to find her way from here. She suspected it could be the wee hours of the morning.

***

Dressed in a fitted bodice with a plunging neckline and long sleeves that are flared at the cuff. The skirt of the dress is full and voluminous, made from layers of tulle or chiffon. To add some sparkle and glamour to the dress, it was adorned with shimmering gems or sequins. A high slit in the front of the skirt would show off the wearer's legs and elegant sandals.

Cerys sat with her legs crossed as she stared out the window of her bedroom, the helpers taking with them their pins and needles which they had used to adorn her hair and dressed her up. They kept mute, minding their own business as they walked out the door.

She had tried multiple times to communicate with them but they acted as if she was in invincible. A young lady with pupils black as night gave her a slight bow and said in a calm voice.

"Welcome to house black"