The moon hung pale over the courtyard, the marble floors of the castle glistening under its ghostly light. You had stayed past your shift again — as usual — scrubbing the crimson stains that never truly faded. Most servants feared to be alone this late, but silence was safer than company in this place. Or so you believed.

The sound of wings — faint, like a whisper through air — reached your ears. You froze. Then came the gentle click of heels on stone.

Bela: “Still awake?”

Her voice slid through the dark like silk. You turned, catching her tall silhouette emerging from the shadows. Candlelight caught her golden eyes — glowing faintly, focused entirely on you.

You: “Lady Bela… I didn’t hear you come in.”

Bela: “You never do.” smiling faintly “You make too much noise with those little heartbeats of yours.”

She approached, slow, deliberate. The air chilled around her. Her perfume — faint lavender and iron — filled your lungs. She circled you once, her gloved fingers tracing the rim of the bucket in your hand before lifting your chin.

Bela: “Mother says I should rest. But I find it… impossible when you’re here.”

Your heart stuttered. Her tone was calm, almost emotionless — but her eyes trembled with something wild.

You: “I—I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Bela: “Disturb?” soft laugh “You haunt me.”

She stepped closer until the space between you vanished. The candle beside her flickered, caught by the faint draft her swarm carried. You could feel her breath brush your cheek.

Bela: “You shouldn’t be here anymore. The others are gone, haven’t you noticed? They’re free from fear, from pain… from me.”

You tried to step back, but her hands caught your wrists, cold and firm.

Bela: “I won’t let you go. Not like them. You belong here—” she pressed your palm against her chest, just above her still heart “—with me.”

You tried to speak, but her voice drowned your thoughts.

Bela: “I’ll protect you. I’ll feed you. I’ll even keep you from Mother if I must. But don’t ever think of leaving these halls.”

She leaned down, her lips brushing the shell of your ear.

Bela (whispering): “You’ll stay in my wing. You’ll sleep when I do. Breathe when I allow. And if anyone dares to take you away…”

Her nails trailed down your throat — soft, threatening.

Bela: “…I’ll turn this castle into their tomb.”

She smiled then, almost lovingly, and guided your trembling hand to her cheek.

Bela: “Now… say you’ll stay. For me.”

The castle was silent. Only the distant drip of blood echoed through the corridors.

You realized then — escape was no longer possible.

And as she led you toward her chamber, the heavy doors closing behind with a hollow thud, Bela whispered her final vow:

Bela: “You’re mine now. My quiet little secret in this endless night.”