Mind Games

-Dawn-

His fingers lingered on my chin, and I struggled to catch my breath. He stood so close that his eyes seemed to study every detail of my face while his other cold hand traced along my back. I wanted nothing more than to look away; a voice inside me screamed to turn and run. The situation felt ominous.

"Look into my eyes, Lady Dawn," he said quietly as if I were the only person he intended to hear it. I didn't even realize I had broken our eye contact until it was too late. His grip tightened around my chin every second I hesitated, and I forced myself to meet his gaze once more.

At that moment, when our eyes locked, I understood what he truly was—his lifeless eyes and cold, gray skin revealed his nature. He was one of them—the living dead.

I struggled to catch my breath as if he were pulling the air right from my lungs, and a deep fear for my life gripped me. My heart raced violently against my chest, and each second dragged on, stretching out like an eternity. But his expression remained unchanged. His mouth was slightly open, and his eyes stayed cold and emotionless. Even though he didn't show it, I could tell he was enjoying my struggle and relishing the fear that was gripping my heart.

Was this what he wanted? Did he enjoy frightening me?

What kind of sickness was he dragging me into? Then he finally let go of my chin, and I noticed a twitch in the corner of his mouth as if he was trying not to grin. I gasped for air, finally feeling it fills my lungs. His presence was suffocating like he was draining the life out of my soul.

"Kneel, Lady Dawn!" His tone was commanding, and I lowered my head while panting, sinking to the floor on shaking legs.

I heard his footsteps fade away, and soon after, a door opened and closed. I fainted on the floor.

"Lady Dawn?" the mistress called, but I could not respond. "Miss Olga, get Lady Dawn back to her room now!" the mistress ordered. I soon heard Olga's voice, and her hands were on me, urging me to stand.

"You have to walk, Lady Dawn; lean on me," Olga said quietly, holding my arm around her shoulders.

We left the room, and soon, I was leaning against the wall next to my bed while Olga untied my corset. Once it was off, I sighed with relief. Olga helped me change into a white nightgown, and I sat on the bed.

"Here, you should eat some soup, Lady Dawn," Olga said as she held up a bowl. I took it from her hands and picked up the spoon.

"You'll feel better once you've eaten," Olga reassured me, and I managed a faint smile in response. "Miss Olga, may I ask you something?" I inquired after swallowing a spoonful of the soup.

"Yes, but if your question is about our King, my lady, I won't be able to answer you," she replied as she began folding the clothes I had just worn.

"It isn't about our King directly. But do you know why I am here? What is the meaning of a harem?" I watched Olga place the clothing in a basket, and then she turned to face me. "I can't tell you anything. But you will find out soon enough, Lady Dawn. I suggest you finish your soup and then rest. I will come and wake you when it's time,"

"When it's time for what, miss?" I asked, and Olga grabbed the basket.

"You'll find out soon enough, Lady Dawn; rest well." Olga left the room, and I heard a click from the lock. Of course, she locked me in here.

I finished eating my soup and laid back on the bed, trying to rest. But how could I? I missed my sisters and my father so much. He looked so helpless when they took me away from them, and my sister's cries took hold of me. It was heartbreaking. The tears filled my eyes, and I let them fall down my cheeks. I was so scared, and I felt so alone. His gray face haunted me whenever I closed my eyes, almost like he had invaded my mind and taken control. I tried to replace him with happy memories from the farm, but each time I tried, they were wiped away like a game and replaced with another horror. I inhaled sharp breaths while fighting to make them stop and make it all go away. But the more I fought back, the more painful the images became. Blood, I saw so much blood and lifeless bodies of young women lying before me. "Please, make it stop," I sobbed uncontrollably, and I pulled the blanket over my head, trying to hide from it all.

-Nicolaie-

Mind games—how fun they are when you're in control, invading someone's mind. I made Dawn dread, cry, and fear for her life.

I sat back in my seat, enjoying listening to her cries; feeding on her soul was almost as pleasing as drinking blood.

I took another sip from the glass of whiskey, imagining how her blood would taste, the thin skin on her neck, and that blue vein I had noticed while mirroring her before. I loved reaching into their souls through their eyes, seeking their inner secrets and fears while creating a channel into their minds. It was all part of the games; they would be fighting for their lives one by one. But the last one standing would be the Queen by my side.