I remember accidentally slamming the car door too hard. You came running, Opening the door and towering Over me, Your fist raised high. I thought you were going to hit me, But instead you punched the seat next to my head instead. I thought I was safe. I shouldn’t have. You slapped my cheek, Warning me never to do it again. My breathless sobs echoed in my room that day. I remember You grabbing my brother by the neck. Throwing him into the room next door. Against the wall he slumped. You towered over him Your fist raised high. You slammed the door behind you. I only heard my brother’s pleads for him to stop. I thought you were going to kill him. Both of our breathless sobs echoed in those rooms that day. I remember You locking your fingers around my Five year old brother’s jacket hood. Pulling it tight and choking him. You lifted him into the air. I thought you were going to drop him And watch him break. But instead you threw him onto the couch. All of our breathless sobs echoed in that house that day. I remember My mom trying to stop it. She screamed and cried for him to stop it. When she did that he started throwing things. A remote. A lego building. A toy truck. That you truck hit my mom in the forehead. No breathless sobs echoed in the kitchen that day. My brothers and I were to stunned to speak, Staring at the splatters of blood on the kitchen tile. I remember You being a good father. But only after I dig through the layers of pain, Blood, and breathless sobs. I remember you loving me. But only after I remember the hate in your eyes. I remember a lot of things that no one will know. I remember thousands of times like these, But no one else does. I’m not crazy. But you still deny it. My memories are gone and changed. Warped but I saw it with my own two eyes. I felt it on my own skin. I covered up the bruises with makeup. And I know I’m not crazy. Memories may morph with time, But these never will. Because I know what happened. And I will always Remember.

Casmir Faye, widely known as one of the most beautiful women throughout the kingdom, so it was only natural that she would be chosen as one of the king's many concubines. The fine ruler of Ivyn was called Cassius Hawke and it hadn’t been long since he had risen to the throne. Once he did, he chose to take a total of seven mistresses, one of which would eventually become his wife, and therefore, the queen of Ivyn. Casmir Faye was a woman in her early twenties, with hair ebony black falling over her shoulder like a cascade of coal. Her eyes were a rose color, strands of gold weaving through her iris. Many men had offered marriage proposals to her father, but he had had higher hopes for his daughter. He hadn’t been necessarily aware of the fact that Cas had slept with every one of those men, but never the matter. As far as everyone knew, she had a virgin until the very king himself took it from her. Now, I apologize for taking you far into the fast, dear reader. I understand you want to hear of the current tale, the trials and tribulations our darling Cas was undertaking, and I promise I will take you there. But before we go, there is one thing you must understand. Casmir Faye did not go to the palace on the intent of being Cassius’s lover; she went under the mission of killing him. ✦•·········• •·········•✦ Cas dressed herself in finery, a dusty rose gold gown adorning her beautiful body. Her hair was done in an elegant half-up-half-down twist, jewels strung throughout the strands of her dark hair. She truly was a gorgeous girl, one fit for a king. Cas sat at her vanity until a duo of guards came to lead her to the main reception hall. She joined a line of other women, waiting in excitement for their chance to see the young king. Well, the other six were excited about seeing his handsome face, while Cas was anticipating the chance at ending his life. She fingered the ruby hilted knife tucked into one of the folds of the dress. Of course, now was not the right moment to kill Cassius Hawke, but one should always be prepared. The soft sound of violin bows running across the strings started to echo in the room, and one by one, each woman was introduced and welcomed as a royal concubine. “Quintessa Dayle.” she approached the throne, her long brown hair braided into a whip. Her eyes were large and round, bringing out the freckles peppering her cheeks. She was young, not over the age of eighteen. Cassius kissed her hand, then allowed her to stand by his left side. More women drifted through, but Cas wasn’t really listening. She was playing with the knife in her pocket, twirling it through her thin fingers. She only stopped once she felt a tear in the fabric of the dress, and good that was because it happened to be her time to meet the king. She held her chin high, walking slowly so everyone and anyone could see her in all her glory. She curtsied gracefully in front of the king, smirking silently when she saw his eyes widen, taking in her looks. Yes, the other girls had been pretty, but Cas was different. She was the one everyone wanted, the girl people would brag about knowing. She was breathtaking, an intimate sort of beauty people could only dream of. “Casmir Faye.” she smiled softly, and Cassius returned it. “Welcome, Casmir.” ✦•·········• •·········•✦ About two weeks had passed since Cas had come to the castle, and she had determined that while her fellow concubines had seemed sweet at first, they were vicious sharks waiting for the boat to sail away before they attacked. It was clear that Cassius favored Cas above the others, and that fact was not accepted kindly. But that was alright. Everyday, she was inching closer and closer towards her goal. Cassius had not yet kissed her yet, but once he had, then the full plan would be set into motion. She could tell he wanted to. His eyes were full of a hungry desire, a look she had received often back home. She fed that flame, throwing kindling into the fire by visiting him in his bedchambers at night. This was like a match thrown into a field of hay with the other mistresses, though. Vandalization started to occur, and as much as Cas wanted to, she couldn’t fight back. She had to play the part of the sweet, innocent girl who the king was oh so taken with. As the sun sank behind the wooded forest in the distance, Cas padded down the hall to Cassius’s room. She knocked, painting her face to look tired and pure. The king answered the door, smiling and moving aside to let her in. “Hello, Cas.” he turned to clear off the foot of his bed, and when he looked back, his eyes grew larger for Cas had taken off her robe, leaving her in a thin slip made of satin, one that barely went down to her knees. “Your Majesty,” she walked closer towards him, “I apologize if I’m being too forward.” She blinked. “Cas-” Cassius whispered as she was nearly a hair distance from him. “Do you…” Cas met his eyes, “Do you want to kiss me, Your Highness.” She bit her heart shaped lips. It seemed as though Cassius couldn’t bring himself to answer with his voice, so instead he nodded sharply and brought his lips to hers. He pulled her face into his hands, and kissed her deeply, only pulling apart to briefly breath. His tongue pressed against her teeth, and she bit hard on his lip, so hard that she had maybe tasted blood. It seemed Cassius was overcome with desire, turning almost feral as he pulled her onto the bed, attempting to pull her nightgown off. He threw his shirt to the ground, moving to kissing her neck. Cas moaned in compliance as he moved down her body. She twisted her legs around his back, turning them so she was sitting on his chest. She moved in, seemingly going in for another kiss, but instead she pressed the sharp blade of a knife against his throat. “Did you have fun?” she asked with a malicious grin. Cassius seemed dazed, his eyes welling up with fear and confusion. “Wh-what are you doing?” he asked, “Is this supposed to be kinky or something?” Cas laughed without humor. “Oh no, my dear king. Not kinky. Killing.” her eyes narrowed. “What do you want?” Cassius gritted his teeth. “I want to rule. I want my kingdom back.” she hissed, “It was my family’s crown before yours took it.” “Your family was barbaric,” Cassius said, “They had their chance.” “It’s my turn!” Cas screamed, digging the knife into his throat. He gasped for breath as blood poured out of the open wound, staining Cas’s hands and the sheets of the bed. She pulled the royal ring off his finger sliding it onto hers. “Guards!” she yelled, filling her voice with pain and making tears roll down her cheeks. Several men rushed into the room, pulling their swords out of their hilts when they saw the scene before them. “There was a man in all black,” Cas sobbed, “H-He came in and killed him.” She cried heavily, rocking over the body. “Cassius wanted me to marry him,” she whispered, “He gave me his ring. He wanted to marry me.” One of the guards pulled her away from the bed, handing her her robe and consoling her. “Did you see who did this, Your Majesty?” he asked. Cas grinned to herself at the title used. “Y-Your Majesty? I’m not royal.” she stuttered. “His Late Majesty wanted you to be queen, and we will honor that. The coronation will be tomorrow at sundown.” Cas nodded weakly. “The man was in all black. I didn’t even see him come in, but he fled through the window.” The guard nodded, telling someone the information and leading her back down the hall to her chambers. “I’ll stay outside, Your Majesty. It’s going to be alright.” Cas closed the door of her chambers and grinned in exhilaration. “You didn’t think you could get rid of me that easily, did you?” Cassius’s voice echoed, and Cas whipped around just quickly enough to see a dagger fly at her chest, and then she was gone.

No, no, no, no, no! I think frantically, tears forming in my eyes. Where the hell am I? What if he finds me? I have to get to Miami! I have to get that plane! I have to run! My breathing quickens and I start to hyperventilate. Calm down! But I can’t. I know he’s probably going to catch the quickest train to wherever I am. How did I even get here? Memories flash through my head. A man in a trench coat offering to buy me tea. Stirring what I initially though was sugar in the warm liquid. Me slowly sipping the drink, it burning the roof of my mouth. The man pulling me on a train, me too weak to protest. I look around nervously. The man has to be here somewhere. My breath quickens again. I can’t have a panic attack right now. I really can’t. “Okay. Okay, calm down, Caileigh. Calm down.” I whispered under my breath. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I saw the man in the trench coat. I lost track of my breathing and ran. I bolted through the crowd of people, knocking over luggage carts and being barked at by dogs. I sprinted through security, and several security guards joined in chasing me. I ran through the street, weaving between the cars now honking at me. I made a turn into an ally and dove in a dumpster. I heard voices, and I peeked through a small crack between of the lid and the dumpster. The man in the trench coat had slunk and the security personnel moved out of the alley and down the street. I waited a second more and then pushed open the lid and climbed out of the disgusting piles of trash. I looked around, hoping for any clue as to where I was. There were none. I stuck around the alley until it got dark, where I climbed back into the dumpster and tried to breath through my mouth to block out the smell. The adrenaline was starting wear off and I starting shaking and sobbing silently. How was the situation I was in any better than the one at home. My boyfriend getting drunk and screaming. Punching me and clawing me. Tears welling in my eyes. Purple bruises and blood rising to the surface of my skin. My boyfriend swearing that if I told anyone or tried to run, he would find me. He would find me and he would kill me. So I stayed silent. In the morning, I blinked my eyes open to see a rat hovering over my face with its scraggly whiskers and big teeth. I shrieked, hitting the lid open with my head and tumbling out of the dumpster. I rubbed my head, feeling for tue bump that I was sure had formed. I pulled the hood of my sweatshirt over my head and walked back to the train station, looking for the next train to Miami. I knew I had missed my flight, but I could book one when I got there. There was a train that was leaving for Miami at 1 o’clock. I hurried up to the desk and purchased a ticket. I shoved it in my purse, and wandered back to the alley I had spent the previous day at. My stomach groaned and I realized I hadn’t eaten since yesterdays lunch. I wandered the streets, sticking to the shadows and pressing up against the brick walls of buildings, only stepping into the sunlight when absolutely necessary. I found a hot dog stand and bought one. My eyes darted around and I spotted the man in the trench coat across the street. He hadn’t seen me, but he was crossing over in my direction. My cheeks paled, and before my hot dog was ready I darted off, running as fast as I could. I started feeling light headed from hunger and leaned against a wall to catch my breath when I felt something cold pressed up against my head. “Good morning, sweetheart,” A slick voice said in my ear. My blood ran cold. “I suggest cooperating. Unless you want a bullet through your pretty little head.” The man said, his voice smooth and dangerous. I cleared my throat and swallowed. “Who are you?” My voice cracked, making the man laugh without humor. “You know. He sent me.” My heart stopped. I should’ve known Miles would make good on his threat. Without warning, I whipped around and kneed the man in the groin, making him double over in pain. I had no idea what to do next, so I ran. Again. I heard the sound of a gun firing, and saw a bullet ping against the sidewalk under me, making me stop in my tracks. Fear had taken over me. My brain screamed at me to run, but my feet wouldn’t move. I heard the shot before I felt it. Overwhelming pain bloomed in my lower back and I fell to the floor. The man walked over and kicked me. “He warned you. He warned you that if you tried to run, you would die.” He smirked and stalked off. My breathing turned labored. God knows how long I lay there, in the alley on the far side of town. No one would find me there. The only I saw before I blacked was a woman in a white gown. I thought she was an angel. I drifted in and out of consciousness for a while. Will she make it? Is she alive. What happened? Who did this to her? I gasped in a breath of air. “W-where am I?” I rasped. “The hospital,” A woman in a white dress stained with with splashes of red said. “Who are you?” I asked. “Alyssa,” She said. “How did you find me?” “I was driving home from my wedding and I saw you curled up in the alley, lying in a pool of your own blood. So I stopped the car and helped you. I wasn’t sure you were going to make it.” “I ruined your dress,” I said guiltily. “Don’t worry. What matters is that you’re alive.” Alyssa smiled. “Why?” “Why what?” “Why did you help?” “Because you’re a person,” “But you don’t know me,” “So?” I pondered this. “I’ve never been treated like that,” I said. “You must never have met a decent person in your life,” Alyssa said. I nodded sadly. “Thank you,” I said softly. Alyssa smiled. She let me rest and I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. I lived in the apartment across from Alyssa and her husband Chris in Los Angeles. I finally called the police on Miles and the man in the trench coat. I never saw either one of them again. When Alyssa and Chris had their son, I was the godmother. I met a man you lived below me named Steve. I married him six years later and we had a daughter a year after. I was happy. Finally, I was happy.

Images flashed in and out of my vision. Flashing lights blinded me. A headache threatened to split my skull. My heart skipped random beats. My blood slowed. The images that appeared in front of my eyes came and went too fast for me to see what they were. All but one. One image lingered in my brain for several minutes. A small, rickety house, with rusted metal walls and chains scattered around the property. The house sat alone in the middle of a dark forest with scraggly trees casting shadows that looked like demons and ghosts. I gasped and sat up. Looking around, I saw a hunched over woman in the corner of the room. The air was heavy with sadness and pain. “Ah so your awake!” The woman turned and I swallowed back a scream. Her face was absent of skin. Literally. Her body was a mess of burns and bones. Her hair was scraggly and fell in strand like straw. I looked at my surroundings and saw chains. Chains and metal walls. There was an eerie green glow in the room, but I noticed there were no lights. “Wh-where am I? W-who are you?” I asked, but my tongue felt like led. My entire body felt sluggish and stretched out, and I could barely think. When I looked down, I realized I was stretched out. My hand and feet were chained to a table and I started to thrash. “Stop!” The skeleton woman rushed over and held me down, “You’ll catch their attention.” She glanced around fearfully. “W-who?” I asked. “The demons who live in the woods,” She said, “They shelter us until we do something worth noticing. We’re mere bugs until we do something they don’t like.” I didn’t say anything to that. “D-did they do this to you?” I nodded my head toward the skeleton woman’s unnatural appearance. “Every time I save someone, I’m punished. Today I was burned.” My eyes widened. “How-how did I get here?” I asked slowly. “I saw you walking through the woods as if you were in a trance. Smoke was curling around your body. I’ve seen people transform before. The demons were making you one of them.” The woman said. “So you saved me? Even though you have no idea who I am?” The woman nodded. “Even though you knew you would be punished?” “I’ve found people when it’s too late. I’ve seen what they become. I’ve seen their souls wander the trees, crying out for someone to save them, but it’s too late. I vowed a long time ago never to let that happen again.” The woman looked sadly at a picture of a beautiful girl with long raven black hair and green eyes. Her face was fair, sprinkled with freckles. “Who’s that?” I asked without thinking. The woman flinched. “I’m sorry,” I said. “No, it’s fine. Her name was Sadie. She gone now. I saw her soul once. Wandering in the forest. She was crying out for me. But when I ran to her, she had disappeared.” A tear rolled down my cheek. The sadness in this shelter was to powerful. But at least it was a shelter. I shuddered at the thought of becoming one of the souls wandering in the forest. A sharp scratching sound rang out in the room. The sound of nails on metal. “Close your eyes and don’t move,” The skeleton woman warned me, her eye sockets wide. I obliged, and I heard the opening of a door. “Hello, Demônio,” A bunch of whirs and clicks followed. “Scheletro,” 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬. So that was her name. Scheletro. Made sense. Skeleton in Italian. Demônio was Demon in Portuguese. “Where is the girl?” Demônio asked. It seemed every sentence ended with whirs and clicks. “Here. Dead.” I tried to slow my breathing when Scheletro said I was dead. “You know we watch you,” Demônio said, “We know she’s not dead. We have eyes everywhere.” Scheletro sucked in a breath. “I’ll take her now,” Demônio said. “Unless you want the same thing that happened to Sadie to happen to you.” Scheletro said nothing. I felt myself rise, but I could do nothing to fight it. My mind wasn’t controlling my body anymore. My eyes shot open. I could feel my soul leave my body, and I started to wail as I watched my body which was no longer mine change. Antennae sprouted from my skull. My skin became soft like peach fuzz and gray wings with swirls and patterns grew from my back. “Welcome, Mariposa.” Demônio said. I guess my shelter didn’t last forever.