Crimson Knight (Crimson Series Book 0)

by K. L. O Johnson

  There at the edge sat Viktor. He looked up at my sudden hesitant approach, as he lounged smoothly at one end of a plush red couch—his legs folded elegantly. He sat in his uniform as it was custom to on school grounds. On Sunday it was a different story but today was Monday. All I could do was stare and he smiled. “What are you doing up?” he asked with a small smile curled at the corner of this thin gracious lips.

  I hesitated, swallowing my fear. “I . . . I couldn’t sleep.” I confessed. His eyes narrowed down on me, not in an angry way but in a different way. That look in his eyes disappeared, immediately replaced, with a form of light in his dark golden brown eyes. Something I could never understand what caused that change but at the same time, I didn’t bother questioning. Especially, when I found myself cordially stumbling towards the man that made my heart race.

  He patted a place beside him and I followed suit. Almost like I was hypnotised. My stomach jumped ten times more with each step. By the time I sat down, my fingers felt cold as they fumbled with the paperback pages of my random novel choice to my surprise was my favourite YA romance novel. “Is that so . . .” I almost didn’t catch what he had said and snapped my attention to him the moment I realised he had spoken. It was difficult but somehow I managed.

  “Pardon?” I questioned, thinking that only made sense. What better way to keep a conversation going when you never heard what your converser actually said? He just laughed, that gentle deep smooth laugh of his always made the hairs on my and arms rise with apprehension. I found myself staring at his thin, pale, silky lips. I was not exactly sure what happened but I thought he had stopped or started talking I was still unsure as I pulled my eyes to meet his, only to see they were silently laughing. They spoke of a joke I never quite caught. “Pardon?” He smiled and leaned in.

  I held my breath.

  His long elegant fingers gently stroked my hair and I stared at him. Lost. As quick as he came he pulled back with a small smile playing at his full soft lips. “You aren’t in the correct headspace are you?” he asked, bemused.

  “No, I wasn’t.” I confessed before asking, “How did you know?”

  “Well for starters, I asked you how you were and you didn’t answer with anything other than “pardon” second, every time I spoke, you stared. Then, I noticed your hair was out of place, indicating you must have recently woken up.” I smiled sheepishly unsure if that was a good thing he noticed those small things or a bad thing. I mean there just doesn’t seem, much about me to notice. “Am I wrong?” he quizzed. I shook my head.

  “Dead on.” He smiled.

  I glanced around and noticed that the reading lounge looked different, darker even. I regarded the thick velvet blood red curtains and saw that they all appeared closed. Blocking out any sunlight. I wanted to reach up and open the blinds but found it odd to do so, instead, I pulled back the cover and began to read. I felt Viktor shift beside me. I peeked through my lashes only to see that he too also began to read.

  The air was still and the only sound that rounded the reading lounge was the turning of our pages. I didn’t know how long it has been but I managed to make it to the middle of my favourite book. I have to admit that, that was a form of accomplishment I never thought I would be capable of. A loud crack occurred and I jumped. The sound of Viktor’s laughter made me whip my head around to glare at him. “Relax . . . it was just a thunder storm. It’ll pass soon,” he eased and I moved over to the window, in a dignified manner. “What are you doing?” he asked, I thought I heard a hint of fear but didn’t receive any insight the moment I peered over my shoulder. He remained impassive, like my father and mother did, when I had first introduced them to Ryan.

  “Checking the sky,” I said and pulled back the curtain slightly and examined the dark-black-clouds. Parts of it lit were here and there in the distance there was a flash of lightening as it zipped across the sky a few times. “Yep, definitely a storm. How did you know?” I wondered and turned back to him. He just smiled at my confused expression plastered across my face.

  “Simple.” he said and put down his book. Unfolding his legs for a moment before crossing them again on the opposite leg. “The air . . . it smells . . . salty.” I stared at him. Oddly enough—he didn’t appear to be lying.

  I stifled a laugh, “it smells salty?” I repeated confused and he only just smiled. I felt a bit at piece knowing he hasn’t taken offense to what I have said. I mean, I would have been offended if someone didn’t believe I had exceptional sense of smell but actually hearing it spoken out loud kind of put me in question.

  “Yes,” he said and I noticed he was on the opposite side of the room. Far from me. I found myself to be confused or hurt by his odd actions that I just hoped wasn’t him trying to avoid me. The light phased down and marked the floor outlining the shadows of the large window.

  “Wh . . . How did you move so fast?” I asked. “I didn’t even hear you get up.” I dropped the curtain and made my way towards him. He didn’t move—instead his eyes lingered dangerously over the red carpeted floor. I followed his gaze and peered over my shoulder. Down he stared, at the light fixed into position, on the deep red carpet. I glanced back at Viktor than back at the light again and asked, “What’s wrong?”

  “I don’t like the sun,” he said.

  “Why?” I asked.

  “In a way I’m . . . allergic.” I stared not exactly sure I heard him correctly. Did he just say “allergic”? I wasn’t sure how to process that but regardless I just brushed it off as a way to not offend my crush and kind of friend. Closing the curtain, I noticed that Viktor relaxed but either way, I could feel a hidden form of fear radiating from him. “We should find some food.” he offered and I nodded, thinking that that was a very good idea after all I hadn’t eaten since dinner last night. I trailed after him, stopping to take, one last look at the blood red velvet curtain that hung motionless hiding the glorious rays of the morning sun.

  I followed after Viktor down the stairs and winding corridors—he continued to ask me questions about what I wanted to eat and I told him I didn’t mind. He said something at one point about a faculty member being up and about. I didn’t deny that, lately every time I was up during the day there was someone who would often tell me that I shouldn’t be up. I really wished the holidays would come quickly as I feared that I may not last much longer. Before I knew it we made our way to the joined dorm kitchen which I was surprised to be completely empty. “That’s a pity,” Viktor said almost penitent.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “There’s no one here.” I would have turned red as a tomato and probably not have spoken because of the nervous reality that now begins to dawn in on me like the summer sunrise. His words eventually sunk in and I find myself in an empty room with just the two of us, I know I should be concerned about the others but I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous and I wasn’t sure if that was because of Viktor or because the kitchen looked completely deserted and creepy.

  FIVE

  CASTLE HAVEN

  The silver steel tables gleamed under the morning light. Something which emanated from the far end of the kitchen, the room glowed in steel fridges, basins, ovens, stoves and white tall cupboards which presented the pantry. The sight of what unfolded before us was odd. “That’s strange,” I muttered, jumping when Viktor spoke from beside me as he graced the steel tables where many silver pots and pans hung, from steel hooks.

  “I agree. Now that you mention it. We didn’t run into anyone on the way down here.”

  I turned to Viktor, surprised. “You come down here often?”

  He shook his head, “Not often, Kristian and David drag me down here when they can’t sleep.” I was surprised by the new information. Something, I didn’t expect to occur so easily as well as the thought of Viktor being dragged around by those younger than him surprised me even more.

  “Kristian and David?”

  “Yeah,” he said with a smile that made my heart race. I forced myself to r
elax even though my face felt hot. No doubt red but Viktor turned away with a smile at the corner of his lips, perfectly glancing out the window realising it was the ideal time to relax. Or if possible, put my mind elsewhere. I mean, after what happened with Ryan, I didn’t think I want to be involved with anyone anytime soon. Or maybe never, I thought feeling slightly depressed, never was a really long time but perhaps durable.

  “So are there often staff down here?” I asked avoiding the depressing thoughts of little to no romance for the rest of my short life.

  “There often are.”

  “How many?”

  “On a normal day like today roughly twenty.” I couldn’t help but stare as he casually spoke. He can’t be serious? “And on days that are eves before an event well, there’s close to fifty if not more.”

  “Why does this school need so many kitchen staff?”

  Viktor just gave me a blank side glance. “It’s a big school Cecelia and generally we have a very strict requirement within our diet. Something not everyone will appreciate.”

  “Now, what do we do?” I asked as I turned to Viktor who looked both amused and exhausted.

  “I guess we go back to the library. I’m sure the librarian will be able to answer our questions,” Viktor noted, walking towards the door who immediately disappeared into the dark hall.

  Feeling slightly panicked in an empty room all by myself, made me bolt out of the door after him. It wasn’t long until I caught up with him but with it being so dark I never realised that I ran straight into him. Landing hard on the ground, didn’t help ease the pain as I yelped in surprise. “I wished someone would open a curtain or two,” I mumbled as I stroked my already unfortunate sore rear.

  “Cecelia, are you alright?”

  I heard Viktor’s deep smooth voice, dance throughout the darkness and towards me like cradling snowflakes. “I’m sorry, I thought you would have seen me but I saw you didn’t watch where you were going.”

  I felt Viktor kneel down before me but was too caught up in what he had said, to enjoy this moment with him. “How could I not its pitch black in here?”

  I felt Viktor freeze and suddenly that warm gentle voice that made me feel safe and secure was replaced by something cold, sharp and distant, “As in you cannot see?” he quizzed.

  I was surprised by his words. “Yes!” I barked, annoyed.

  There was silence and I felt Viktor stand, slightly feeling more confused. As he stepped away from me. “So you haven’t changed?” he gently muttered. I could just make out his words before I was suddenly pulled to my feet and dragged down the hall. With the pressure of his cold steel grip, chackling my wrist, my mind continued to whirl around what he had said. What’s gotten into him? I thought as I remained silent.

  Neither of us spoke and I could tell, if I did try to thread together a small conversation, Viktor wouldn’t be too keen on reciprocating that desire. I had no landmarks but I knew that familiar wooden staircase we stumbled down. As I attempted to keep up with his quick long strides. We rounded several more corners and zipped down black bare hallways until, Viktor’s long silver fingers knocked three times against a thick wooden door.

  In a moment of awkward silence, it opened and he gently but roughly pulled me in. I felt confused and wanted to ask what was going on but remained quiet as I heard Viktor’s first words since our conversation in the hall. “Explain yourself!” Viktor ordered in a dangerous steel-like-tone. Soon, candles began to light the dark room, bit by bit and without realising it—I noted more people in the room something which caught me by surprise.

  I was stunned at the next words, spoken by Mortem Academy’s Headmaster. His pale blond hair shone under the yellow lamps set around the room, the colour they possessed complemented his pale youthful features and dark piercing eyes. “She’s not like us,” he cogitated with a straight face and I froze, “Well . . . not yet at least.” That smile on his face made my heart race in fear and anxiety. With this sensation burning within me, I couldn’t stop myself from gazing between Viktor and the Headmaster and back again.

  “What?” I had asked and everyone turned to stare at me—an expression in their eyes that involved both hunger and curiosity. The look they delivered, reminded me of what a lion would give to a gazelle, it was the sight of pure pray. I noted Professor Long had given me that same look as he stood beside the Headmaster’s desk. I gulped and found myself inching back away from them, not noticing Viktor’s release of my wrist or his downcast expression, the Headmaster stood up but before I could react I was roughly moved.

  Professor Long jumped and shoved me hard against the wall, there was this dangerous mien in his eyes as I looked up to face him. That was the same moment, I felt my blood run in icy shards.

  Fangs.

  He had two long incisors staring down at me, as he growled like a vicious animal. At the sight of this, I knew I would die by the one person, I respected most.

  Regardless of the fantasy-like-reality I faced, I attempted to free myself and thrashed about—screaming—his grip was like a steel vice. His warm hands stung against my skin, in that same moment, I saw something familiar flash glitteringly through his dark eyes. Very soon after, my arm was released. Without giving it a second thought, I sprinted to where I remembered the door was and yanked it open. Immediately, I dashed as physically quick as my legs could take me, down the hall disregarding the concerned calls of those left behind. Down the external castle stairs and into the courtyard below, I ran. The sun was warm on my skin and I couldn’t help but run. I didn’t care where I went as long as I didn’t end up back there.

  Luckily, there was no one at the gates. Believing I was home free I ran around the corner and without thinking bumped into something or rather someone this time it was Veronika. I regarded her with fear, “Cecelia sweetheart what’s wrong?” she asked scared and concerned. Her voice was so gentle and so soothing it sounded almost human. It was an expression that masked potentially my own. Certain, the only difference was, I was on the verge of tears. I shoved her away—slipping out of her arms and ran down the road without looking back.

  The smell of summer was strong in the air and suddenly the idea of being out in the sun made me feel safe made me feel at peace. All I knew was that I wanted to go home and above all I was scared, scared that I would never be able to make it home. All of those times, I spoke to Professor Long all of those times he helped me. I never realised what he really was, I never even considered the possibility of . . . vampieres.

  All I could think of were those fangs. My face felt cool and damp and before I knew it I managed to run all the way to the town below, not that I cared. I needed to get a phone. I needed to get out of here and above all I needed to leave and never come back. Eventually, I stopped my muscles burned through my legs as my lungs were singed by the long-distant sprint.

  Luckily, survival was my biggest priority at the time and didn’t realise I ran downhill through a forest. I must have covered a good five kilometres of winding road that led to the top of the small mountain where Mortem Academy stood. I turned over my shoulder and regarded the school. Now looking at it with a different set of eyes, there was a rather ominous look to it as dark clouds surrounded the school so much so, it explained why it was pitch black inside.

  Turning my heel, I sprinted towards the small town in search of an escape. As I ran, I knew that there was more to it than I previously anticipated. All the signs were there I just didn’t pick up on it. I was certain that their sensitivity to light mattered but only by a little.

  I didn’t know how long it had been. However, I was aware it has been sometime and surprised to find, no one had come after me. Maybe I should take that as a gift from God and head back to Moscow. The problem was, the phones around here didn’t work and the buses never came. It seemed, the only way to get out of this small dull town was to either a: hitch hike or b: hire a driver. Either of which, I really didn’t want to do. Especially after what I just witnessed. For the past three hour
s my mind kept whirling through the possibility of this town as a town for vampieres. That thought alone made my anxiety levels jump tenfold. On top of which, the idea of being alone with monsters that looked human was very, very scary. I wasn’t sure if they were like Dracula or Twilight.

  In a way, I didn’t want to wait around to find out. Using the key card my mother had given me, I rented a room and exhausted the phone I had available to me in the motel called, “Crescent Fangs”. The sound of it was vampierish enough for me to consider staying awake all night and slowly migrate through the town. But considering people today that would have been the worst decision I ever could make. I was certain that if this town was full of vampieres, then a citizen who just may enjoy attacking a helpless human girl. Dialling the number, my mother drilled at me to remember, the landline began to buzz with life as it rung numerous times before the sound of my father’s voice broke through. “Dad, it’s me Cecelia.”

  “Cecelia honey, how are you? What’s the time now . . .” I heard him mutter and shift through the phone, “five-thirty in the afternoon? Doesn’t that make it what five over there? What are you doing up I was sure class doesn’t start—?”

  “Dad!” I called, feeling guilty for cutting him off. “I’m scared I want to go home.” I pleaded, instantly, he was silent but only for a moment before sighing.

  “I understand, your mother and I will be there soon but until we get there I want you to go this address: 55 Maple Avenue, it’s on the east side of Luzcar. You think you’ll be able to do that?”

  “Yes, there’s a directory app on my phone.” I said as I whipped out my mobile that housed my cards and cash in the phone’s cover’s little pocket. Something I never seemed to need to use at the school but always had on standby just in case. “But why do you want me to go there?”