The Castle of the Dead

The violent shaking could be felt across the country. Buildings big and small were shaken to their very foundation. It lasted only for a short while before it stopped and what stood in the distance was a castle. A magnificently black cathedral covered in ivy and vines, that appeared as something out of a fairytale. As suddenly as it appeared a wave of blackness headed for the city, and covered it in litter. Crows had delivered flyers; 'Come one and all to the Castle of Death' is what it read.

Was it some kind of event for a new theme park or movie? Some kind of publicity. For weeks the news covered this mystery castle but no one took credit for it's appearance. Finally a decision was made. The castle would be investigated.

J was going to go as a representative of the mayor. It was something his father personally asked him to do and he could not ignore his father's wishes.

"I wish you didnt have to go J, I'll be so worried. I've already lost my little sister, I don't know what I would do if I lost you too. " Dee cried as she clung to J's shirt. J held her in his arms and stroked her cheek. "I wish I didnt have to go as well but I have no choice if my father asked." J knew just how much Dee missed her sister even if they didn't get along well. Dee tried to be kind to her but Gia couldn't help but feeling jealous of her because of the difference in parenthood.

Gia's mother was loose woman who seduced their father and took Gia away when he refused to leave his wife. After her death they took her in but Gia just couldn't get used to life there.

In the end Gia was a victim of a ring of murders that took place 5 years ago. Dee and her family were devastated.

"Dee, I promise I'll come back to you and when I do we can start planning for the wedding." J gave Dee and wry smile and hugged her close.

The next morning J waved goodbye to Dee and headed for the black castle.

It took almost 3 hours to cross the forest to the castle. When the lead investor went to reach for the door it automatically opened and what appeared made J's jaw hit the floor.

Opening the door was, what appeared to be a young maid, her hair tied back in a black bun. She bowed her head to the man in front of her and smiled as she welcomed the man into the castle foyer.

"Please come in. Our master has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

Her smile was genuine and bright. No hint of deception or lies, just a bright, innocent smile.

"GIA?!?!"

The young maids head turned towards the young man who had cried out. All of the men who accompanied them turned to look at the mayor's son whose face said he knew this woman. However, the woman looked as puzzled as the others. She didn't know who he was talking to.

"Gia? Is it really you? Why are you here? Where have you been? Do you have any idea how devastated everyone was? We thought you were dead!"

At this point J had closed the distance between and was violently shaking the young maid. So much that her hair came undone as he cried and demanded answers from the woman, who still looked baffled.

"You took the joke too far Gia, what do you have to say for yourself?!"

When he finally stopped yelling, and allowed the young woman to speak,she gently placed her hand on the J's face and calmly spoke.

"Young sir, I'm afraid you are confused. My name is not Gia"

"CUT THE BULLSHIT! I'd recognize you anywhere?"

"Of course you would, but you are mistaken. My name is Lilia, not Gia. That is the name given to me by master. So you see I'm not Gia."

J released her slowly released the girl and backed away.

'What trick is she playing at?' He thought to himself.

Maybe I've got the wrong girl. No, this is Gia. I know it is, but looking at her face, does she really not recognize me?

For the 3 years before her death Gia was obsessed with J. Always bumping into him and following him. There's no was she could've forgotten even after 5 years.

What's her game?