Chapter 5 - The bloody contract

Aesthetics’ POV:

“ T-to die f-for you? “ I stuttered while asking. The immediate fear grows inside me. There was a sudden feeling that made my heart almost jump out of my lungs after hearing those dark words. As if his every words were true and will really happen in the future.

I gasped for air when I felt that I’m barely able to breath. Seems like my esophagus was being crumpled and twisted, no matter how I took a deep breath, the disgusting taste is still there causing me to feel nauseous. I moved my arms and legs but it’s still helpless.

I cannot find my strength anymore, as if there was someone who’s stopping it. He suddenly stood up and walked towards the huge painting. A confusing art that have too many complicated thoughts. It was like an old generation picture that consist humans death and some weird creatures.

“ If you want to live longer, sign the contract as a symbol of loyalty. “ He stated, approaching the art of abstract. He touches the painting and I was stunned for what I saw. Lying in bed helplessly, I witnessed how the art moved, as if there was a hidden story in it. I can’t believe my own eyes. Was the painting moving? Or was I only imagining things that shouldn’t happen?

“ Oh God! “ I exclaimed when I started to hear some noises. I wanted to put my hands on my ears but I can’t. The scream of pain and the voices of people begging to live was unbearable. I began to struggle myself in bed, hoping that I can break free to avoid this insane emotions.

I felt a strong force slowly tightening on my neck, as if it was choking me to death. My breath becomes hectic and my body felt cold. I tried to stared at him, wanting to ask for his mercy, but the cold look on his face was already enough to know that he didn’t care at all. I was dumbfounded and could not even speak. Is this my time? Is my life going to end like this?

“ Now, choose… “ I forced myself to looked at him once more when I heard him talked. “ You will sign the contact? Or you’ll die pitifully? “ He asked with pure coldness in his tone. Even though I don’t want to do anything with him, I don’t have a choice but to say yes and risk my pride in order for me to live.

I automatically nodded without a single word. Subsequently, I felt my body turned to normal and was relieved that all the pain earlier literally vanished. The chaotic voices disappeared, together with the disgusting taste of blood in my throat.

“ Come here my dear… “ His dimmed eyes before turned soft. The hint of danger is now invisible, and the painting remained unmove. I slowly got up and was shocked when I realized that the chains were already broken. Now, my wrists and legs are all free, but I’m still not.

I swallowed my own saliva and touched my bare foot on the floor. It was cold that causes my system to gone wild, but I tried to composed myself. Looking straightly in his eyes while getting nearer, a familiar setting popped up in my mind. A sakura tree that’s slowly dying, and the leaves were all dried up. Only a single one remains.

“ Closer sweetheart… “ My breath becomes rapid as he captured my fingers on his. He moved aside and let my body face the art of abstract. Staring at it, I felt a warm connection between the art itself and the person at my back. As if it was part of me before, and was being stolen by someone.

“ Look closely, and you will see… “ The hotness of his breath lingers down my spine. I noticed that his body was really close to mine. I wanted to move but I couldn’t, I'm afraid that if I make a mistake once more, he'll definitely kill me without a single doubt. I remained myself calm but I know deep inside of me that I’m not.

“ Can you see the people begging for mercy? “ After what he said, he caressed my hands and guided it to point my fingers on the said image. I felt goosebumps as I saw the picture again, but now, it didn’t move.

I don’t know why but with just a glanced, my mind automatically processed the said hidden meaning of his words. My body froze when he suddenly sniffed my neck again that give shivers inside my nerves. Does he usually act this way to all women? Or like he said, was he addicted to my scent? But why?

“ Now, let me bite you once more, and let this painting witnessed your loyalty to me… “ He murmured with his raspy voice. My body can’t avoid to tremble because of what I experienced earlier after he bit me. The blood and the smell, it makes me want to vomit again.

“ Easy------I'll be gentle this time… “ He whispered under my ear. His right arm chained my small waist while his free hand touches my bare shoulders. He was gently massaging it. He caressed my neck and put away my messy hair out of his way.

I can sensed his breath slowly getting nearer. I wanted to protest but I don’t stand a chance. I only closed my eyes tightly, hoping that he won’t hurt me, but that didn’t happen. Although his fangs are not rough like earlier, but my skin still feels painful.

It was like, my flesh was being torn apart. The pain and the stinky smell of blood occupied this dark room once again. “ Ugh! Be more g-gentle… “ I moaned trying to set aside the pain.

I leaned on his chest when I felt that I would collapse any minute. I felt his both arms wrapping my waist and helping me to maintain my stance in front of the painting. As I was about to lost consciousness, I witnessed how he made my own palm touches my neck and put it on the painting.

Now, my hand that’s written using my own blood is visible on the art of abstract.