Them and I

Sometimes we learn about secrets, hidden knowledge, or just simple truths about people without being aware of it. It is probably how our instinct works, instantaneously to warn us of impending dangers, but the conscious side of our brain — or mind — fails to catch up with the realization. The human mind is wonderfully intricate. It can see what is under the surface, it can feel what is hidden in plain sight, and it can sense what is supposed to be nonexistent. 

Like right now, in front of the five very mysterious yet attractive-looking men, I can grasp a lot many things. Facts about my family, to be precise.

Fact one, these are not regular men. They hold power, whatever kind it is, and this power is probably unimaginable to people like us. 

Fact two, Aunt Josette is somehow indebted, or bound to this power. She is strange, but I have never doubted that her eeriness comes from a different source. I have always imagined her as a femme fatale who controls my family. Maybe, it is time for me to rethink and reconsider. 

Fact three, the women who come to this mansion are supposed to do something. This new probability makes me nervous. Were they sent to these men for some kind of business deal? A negotiation, that strengthened my family? I know of the various deals made in the past because I spied on my father, brothers, and uncles. I have seen daughters of my family being married off to other families, in order to secure alliances. I have seen daughters of other families being married to men of my family too, for more or less the same purpose. This seems to be different. 

Were they sacrificed? Am I meant to be a sacrificial lamb, who will later bring fortune to the family?

And then I look at Felix and Art, who are observing me from a distance. They have been watching me at school. Their friendship, or whatever it was, had a purpose. They decided to stand by the staircase, leaning over the banister lazily. Somehow, that makes them look more ominous. For the first time, I see them in a different light. They both have very sharp features, their skin glows as if they have put on a lot of make-up, their eyes are a rare shade of grey, and their hair is like a special brand of silk. Were they born this way, or did they get special treatment? 

"She is not scared. It makes my heart flutter," Alp says suddenly. He has been watching me too, and he has probably noticed how I am pondering about the situation. 

I am scared, but it doesn't seem to be the right thing to say at this moment. Rather, I choose to stay quiet. 

"She may have not fallen for us, but she is most certainly taken by us." 

The man I have not been introduced to yet hisses, "Don't make any mistake. She comes from the same bloodline as Josette." 

"That means she is going to be as lovely and sweet as Josette has been to us," says a new voice. I spin around to see a new face. This man is shorter than the group, with a warmth in his personality. He walks towards me with wonder in his eyes. "Is it possible, though?"

I finally manage to show courage and speak. "What is possible?" 

"That you will bring us what we crave for," he says. He bows his head and takes my hand, to place a gentle kiss on the back of my palm. I am Rayo. I will be your guide tonight." 

"Are we going somewhere?" 

The only man I don't know the name of, snorts. I would give him a nasty look, but my eyes are focused on Rayo's. They are changing colors. They are going, from a sweet shade of brown to a more volatile green, then grey, and it halted at a steady ocean blue.

"It's time," Art says behind me. I feel their presence. They are all closing in around me. The air in the room starts changing. Or is it just me, who thinks all the oxygen from the room has been sucked out? Why am I sweating so much?

Something happens inside me. 

I need help.

And then, I see it.

The shadow grows larger and larger behind them, taking a definite form, slowly but steadily, until there stands a woman. A woman stands behind them. Her dark eyes see nothing, look nowhere in particular, but a voice inside my head tells me, she knows. She knows what si going to happen, and she knows how to prevent it. 

That same voice whispers in my head. Say it, just one word, and I will save you. Say it. Say it, Francesca. 

I don't have any other option left, do I?

I mumble, "Help." 

A huge crash follows my plea. In front of my eyes, I see the six men flying in the air. Power crackles in the air like electricity. The woman takes a step forward. Looking at her black, bottomless eyes, I tremble in fear. 

For the first time in the night, I feel it. Pure, unadulterated fear. 

Whom have I pleaded to?