Chapter 3: The Crimson Pact
The air inside the mansion was thick, almost suffocating. The scent of aged wood and something metallic—blood?—clung to the walls. The dim chandelier flickered, casting long, dancing shadows across the grand hallway.
Aarav's steps echoed as he followed the twin girls deeper into the house. His pulse was erratic, his mind racing with questions.
"Start talking," he demanded, his voice firmer than he felt. "Who exactly are you?"
The twins exchanged a knowing glance before one of them spoke. "I am Seraphina."
"And I am Selene," the other continued. "We are bound to this house… and now, so are you."
Aarav scoffed. "Bound? What does that even mean?"
Selene stepped closer, her crimson eyes burning into his. "You think it was coincidence that your uncle left you this mansion? That you arrived here, alone, on the night of the Blood Moon?"
Seraphina's lips curled into a smile. "Nothing is coincidence, Aarav."
His fingers curled into fists. "What do you want from me?"
Selene reached out, her cold fingers grazing his wrist. The moment they touched, his veins burned—like fire surging through him. Images flashed through his mind: shadows dancing under the moon, crimson-stained lips, a pact written in blood.
Aarav stumbled back, gasping. "What… was that?"
Seraphina's voice was barely a whisper. "A glimpse of your past… and your future."
Selene took a step forward. "You're one of us, Aarav. You always have been. And tonight, you must choose—embrace your destiny or fight against it."
Aarav's breath came in ragged gasps. His body still tingled from whatever they had just done to him.
Was this a nightmare? Or was this the truth buried deep within him?
The chandelier flickered violently. The mansion itself seemed to be holding its breath.
And in that suffocating silence, Aarav realized one thing—
He was no longer in control of his fate.
To be continued…