Chapter 01: Anna's Story
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Anna's story is split in two, this section will end with a cliffhanger. The next section of Anna's story will be revealed on the next round. Enjoy!
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The soft crunch of gravel echoed her progress down the alley, the only light the soft flicker of a single candle clutched tightly in her fist.
Wind whipped around her legs, exposed by the ripped fishnets that clung to her like a second skin.
The words from the note replayed themselves in her mind.
Take the alley next to the old bar on Wake St, walk to the end. You'll see the wooden door on your right, knock three times and let yourself in. Bring only yourself and a candle to guide your way.
Aiming the light to the right of the alley, Anna caught the bottom of her lip in concentration.
Finally the wood panelling of a door caught her eye, moving closer she raised her hand and knocked. Once, twice, thrice.
The soft glow of candles lit the room, allowing eerie shadows to close over people faces as they stood in a loose circle in the centre of the room.
Some allowed the light to caress their faces honestly, openly. Others stood beyond the reach of the flames and remained hidden.
Anna jumped as a voice from behind her shattered the silence that had cloaked the room.
"It begins tonight. Tonight is the first night of the year that we will meet in these enclosed walls, the first night that we spill our secrets, that we reveal to each other, what we dare not to those we know."
Anna listened to the mans voice, he seemed to be moving round the room, circling those in attendance.
"For centuries these meetings have been happening in this city, each year a select few are studied from afar, chosen. Chosen to share themselves in a way they have never before done."
"If anyone is unsure about doing this now is the time to leave." The voice stopped as he waited "From this moment forth we must all acknowledge that what is said or done in this room stays in this room. This is your sanctuary from the outside." As the sweat from her palm increased Anna switched the candle to the other hand.
"Now that we have gone through the essentials, I believe it is time to begin" The heavy footsteps of the man's shoes moved around the room. Anna screamed as a firm hand grasped her shoulder.