The sound of the heavy doors closing behind me reverberate around the room. I turn back feeling my way over the dark carvings, searching for the handles. My hands finally touch the twisted metal. I wrap my fingers tightly round them and draw them down, trying to pull the doors open. Beyond the thick wood I hear muffled laughter, and the doors refuse to yield. I bang my fists against the doors, yelling to be let out. My efforts are in vain as the laughing disappears. Resting my head against the warm wood, I breathe deeply, fighting the fear that is welling up inside of me. The silence that surrounds me is so oppressive that I have to do something, anything, to distract myself.
I step away from the door and wrap the red cloak around me. The material is so soft it offers me no comfort as I walk forward, my naked feet making no noise upon the floor, one hand reaching out in front of me, trying to feel my way through the darkness.
Each step is hesitant, but nothing obstructs my way. I continue onwards, some force pushing me, in the hope I may find an exit out of this nightmare. I hear a soft click behind me. I stop walking; my ears fight against the sound of my own heart beat, trying to distinguish where the noise had come from. My fingers curl in the soft sheer material, as I hesitatingly call out.
'Hello?' Silence replies. 'Is anyone there?'
I hold my breath, hoping for reply. Nothing. My only company is the darkness.
I continue onwards humming to myself softly under my breath to fill the aching hole. I had never liked silence, being happier in the bedlam of noise. I wonder to myself why I have been put in here. There is nothing barring me from moving forward so I must arrive at a door soon. This room couldn't be endless, could it? I spin on my heels as I hear another click this time so much closer.
'Hello?'
Another click. I squint my eyes, trying to see where the noise is coming from and who is making it, but the darkness is too heavy. I step back as the clicking begins again, drawing closer. With each click I step back, trying to keep my distance. One click... two clicks.... My heart desperately pounds against my chest. I gasp, as my feet step upon cold stone. The clicking quickens, my feet following suit, until they stop; the silence resumes. I take one more step and then stop myself; I am breaking out into a cold sweat. 'Please show yourself?'
'She's here, she's here, she's here,' a hushed whisper begins, surrounding me; the voices join as one.
I spin around and around trying to pinpoint where they are. Their voices grow louder and laughter intermingles.
'Stop it! Stop it!' I cry out, unable to take anymore as I collapse down onto the hard stone floor and cover my ears. My body shakes involuntarily. I sob. 'Stop it, stop it, please,' I whimper, rocking back and forth, wrapping my arms tightly around myself.
A warm hand rests upon my shoulders, making me yelp in shock. I scramble to stand up. The hand takes my elbow and draws me up. My Master's voice is like a beacon of saving light. 'It's alright Sally.' I grasp, and take hold of his hand.
'Master is it really you?' My hands seek his solid form blindly, and I breath a sigh of relief as he gathers me into his arms. 'I'm so sorry, truly I am.'
His hand gently strokes my cheek. I look up towards his face but am met only by a mask. I draw a shaking hand up to pull away the mask to see and to know that it is him behind the mask. His face is so pale; his blue eyes glazed, as he mindlessly strokes my cheek.
'Master?' I grab his shoulders shaking him. His face shows no flicker of emotion. 'Master what's wrong with you?' Suddenly, a spotlight shines down upon us, and I see how pale my Master his. His skin is cold to the touch. I wrap my arms around him, pressing my body against his, and try to warm him. 'Oh Andrew what have you done?' I cry into his stone like chest.
A single clap breaks the silence that had surrounded my Master and I. Henri stepping into the circle of light. No longer wearing his butler uniform, he is dressed in a black suit with a red shirt which shines brightly in the light. His face is a picture of smug satisfaction. As he stands, just at the edge of the circle, I shake Master, desperately trying to rouse him from his hypnotic state.
'It's no use Sally,' Henri purrs, his voice laced with impatience. 'He's beyond your reach now.'
He turns his gaze over to my Master. 'Kneel Andrew!'
Master breaks away from my arms and slips down onto his knees and his eyes connect with Henri. I pull at my Master's arm, trying to get him to rise. I cry out desperately. 'Master, please, you kneel for no man!'
Henri laughs in glee. 'Such an innocent child. Sally, you know nothing!'
I release my Master's arm and it flops loosely down to his side. I turn and walk towards him as anger burns deep inside of me. I don't care that the cloak floats behind me displaying my strapped body. The light makes my skin so pale, and the red rouge Savannah had placed upon me glimmers. Henri's smug face angered me so much that rational thought flies out of the window. I am propelled into some form of action. I lash out as I draw close, my hand impacting with Henri's cheek. His head is pushed to the side. My breath is heavy as I stare at him.
Stepping closer to my Master. I scream out: 'Let Andrew go!'
Henri rubs his jaw as he turns his face, back to me. Grinning sardonically he moves towards me with slow, steady steps. I stand my ground, my fists clenched ready to hit him again and again if necessary.
'Such a wild cat Sally, but do you really think you can resist me?' His confidence unnerves me, but I gather myself.
'Master owes you nothing!'
Henri stops and glares at me. 'That is where you are wrong Sally,' he roars. 'He owes me everything! YOU are the price I am willing to take!'
My confidence grows as I see how I have angered him. I crouch down beside Andrew and stroke his face. 'You cannot take what isn't yours!' I spit back.
Henri's head falls back and a loud dragging groan escapes his throat. I shake Andrew again, needing his support, but still I get no response. Henri shrugs his shoulders, straightens his jacket and lifts his head.
