The Mask he Wore: Part Two (complete)

A man moved into our town. This should not have been the news that it was, except for the fact he came with very little notice. He bought the old winemaker’s manor along with its vineyard. The place had been abandoned for years as the previous owners had lost everything during the drought. It would have sold long ago had they not killed themselves inside those walls. The man who moved in did not seem to mind such things.

What alerted us to his arrival was not his entrance into town, in fact that seemed to go unnoticed. No one could recall having seen anyone come through the gates, or up to the manor itself. Instead it was a light in one of the windows. It shone like a star amongst the sky, flickering and glowing brighter the longer it was looked upon. Rumors began spreading as quickly as a fire would. Soon, it was all anyone could talk about.

I heard many ideas and whispers about who could have possibly moved into that old place. Some said it was the ghost of the previous family who reawakened now that the drought had ended. Some said it was drifters who came in and were now squatting on the abandoned property. Many tales came from wagging tongues, yet no one had an answer as to why there was a light in the manor every night.

Several days passed before there was an answer, and it came in the form of a decree looking for staff to fill the manor. It was then we knew someone had moved in and bought the place. His name was written out upon that decree as Edmund Prowd.

“Prowd, isn’t that the name of the family who was there before?” My father asked. “Perhaps it’s a distant relative.”

“Perhaps he’s come to claim his inheritance now that it shows signs of promise and fortune again.” My mother replied with a chipper tone.

“I doubt there is any money there now,” my father scoffed. “There’s too much darkness there. Too much blood on the ground. No one is going to want to buy wine from such a cursed place.”

My mother laughed. “How would you know?”

“You can feel it when you pass by that property, don’t lie to me and tell me that place doesn’t vegive you chills.” My father looked up as I came to the table. He went silent as I sat down.

“What is it?” I asked. “Why go quiet now?”

“It isn’t proper for a young lady to hear,” he grumbled.

My mother rolled her eyes. “There may be  blood in the ground at that place, but tell me what ground hasn’t had blood spilt upon it!”

“The girl!” My father hissed.

“The dead stay dead,” my mother tutted. “There is nothing cursed about that place. Believing in such things is the real curse. The only foul happenings up in that manor are the young folk who sneak up there to fornicate in secret!”

“The girl!” My father shouted.

I believed my mother over my father. For one, I knew she was right when she said the young folk went to the manor. I had gone a few times myself. And while the abandoned manor was creepy, I would not call it cursed.

Despite people like my father and their fear of the manor, there were others who went to Prowd for a position. Although some were going out of sheer curiosity. I had not talked to many who had been to the place, but as always I heard stories through others who had heard tales about it. They said the place was full now, as if Prowd had lived there for years.

I was curious, how could I not be? But I was used to keeping my head down. This place had no effect on me, there was no reason for me to be concerned with it. And yet, the allure of this mysterious man crept into my thoughts. I had known most of the men in this town since I was small, none of them held any intrigue for me. This stranger, with all these rumors surrounding him, was very appealing. I did not know him, nor did I know anything at all about him, so my mind was free to wonder. I could daydream about his complexion, about the feeling of his hands upon me, and the way he spoke to me without being encumbered by reality.

In my mind he remained in shadows, only that single light to illuminate the dark room, its light only falling upon me. From darkness he would reach out, removing my clothes in such haste. Sometimes he had claws and fur on his hands like a beast, other times they were misshapen and long to suit my imagination. But his voice was always the same, deep and rich with a slight hoarse snarl at the back of his throat. It would whisper to me, commanding me, and I loved to obey it. In my head I let him do unspeakable things to me, so long as I never saw him. It created a deep lust within me, one I knew that I couldn’t satisfy alone. I grew wet with the very idea of him slipping a blindfold around my eyes and I would force my mind to quit while it could.

All of this was purely mine, Edmund Prowd was simply an imaginary friend who kept me company in the dark. That was until my father became ill. He had to stop working and was confined to bed with my mother taking care of him. I was the eldest child, and since my family had no male heirs left, it was my responsibility to look for a job. That was when I turned to Prowd.

I was hired right away, given a position as soon as I walked through the door. There was already a small staff there, mostly women who, like me, had no other choice in the matter. Since the staff was so small, I was trained to be prepared for anything and was expected to change on a whim. I was given a room which was meant to be shared, but due to the lack of staff, I had the room alone until more came.

I was given a uniform to wear each day. It was blood red in color while the apron and hat were pitch black. I felt like a garrish drop of blood spilled amongst the halls as I walked through them. Walking with some of the other girls, I likened us to blood pumping through the veins, leading to the heart which was the manor itself.

I did not see nor even hear speak of Prowd my first few days in the manor. For a moment, I forgot about him completely. But then there came a day when I was by myself in the parlor. That day it was my job to clean the hearths on the ground floor, sweeping away the ashes and carrying them to a wheelbarrow which, once filled, would be used in the vineyard. While the weather was still warm, the hearths needed to be cleaned and prepped, and then the chimneys would be swept and freed of unwanted guests and creosote. All of this is to say I was busy and inattentive of my surroundings.

I stood up from the hearth, balancing myself upon the cool marble as my knees felt shaky from so much kneeling. When I turned myself back into the room, I saw him. I gasped and held it within my chest which I clutched as well. He stood there behind the sofa, his hands upon the back, and his shoulders stooped forward. But it was not his presence that alarmed me. Had he just been a person standing there, I wouldn’t have reacted so. But I believe his appearance would alarm anyone as his head was wrapped in a bright red scarf. The scarf bubbled around his head then coiled and swooped around his neck like a snake.

“Did I frighten you?” He laughed as he stood, stroking his hand around his neck where the scarf wrapped.

“I’m sorry.” I could barely get my voice to rise above a whisper. I bowed my head down. “I did not expect someone to be watching me.”

He walked around the sofa, displaying more grace in his body than I had ever seen from a human. He moved like an animal, not to say in a violent or strange way. More as though he knew where he belonged, he knew how to move without being bothered by the thought of existing.

“What is your name?” Prowd came before me and I pressed my back further into the cold marble. It felt rigid against my spine, and the chill spread through my limbs while my face remained hot.

“Blythe, sir.” I bowed my head to him and his gloved hand reached out to me. His fingers slipped under my chin, propping my head back up to look at him. I could see the shape of his head through the scarf, but there was not much else. His fingers felt strong as he held my chin, and he made me feel so small in comparison.

“I once knew a woman by that name.” He murmured this so low and so gently, I thought perhaps he may have loved her once. “That was a long time ago. Hearing it again…” He drifted off and I was uncertain where he meant to go.

“Sir?”

Prowd’s head tilted to the side and I heard him breathe low. “Don’t be afraid of me, Blythe. I only meant to watch you.” His fingers slipped away then curled around his neck again.

“Look at me.” It was that command that made me stand frozen, but turn my eyes so willingly to him. It was that voice, that slightly hoarse sound that had me obey while a drop of dew formed in my loins. It was just like my imaginary version of him. I held his gaze, at least I assumed I did, and I waited for his next command.

I averted my eyes. “I am sorry, sir.”

“There’s no reason to apologize. What is your job today?”

I swallowed and caught my breath again. “I have to clean the hearths for the chimney sweeps, sir. And I am to take the ash outside so it can be scattered through the vineyard.”

Prowd took a seat and turned his attention back to me. “Just you? There are several hearths on the ground floor alone.”

“There aren’t many of us, sir.” That first stirring in my loins wasn’t going away. All my daydreams and fantasies about this man came to play, ones I thought would vanish as soon as I met him and he became real. But because of the scarf around his head and the fact none of his skin showed, my fantasy remained intact.

“I know. I had hoped to fill this place, bring some life back into it.” He tilted his head to the side as his fingers tightened around his neck. “And yet, my home still feels lonely.”

I looked him up and down, trying to picture him in a way that grounded him in reality. Yet my mind still turned to fantasy, as his mouth held sharp teeth and tusks, his hands were rough and hairy once he removed the gloves. I wanted those vicious teeth upon my skin while his hands found me wet and willing.

“It is a beautiful home.” I instantly regretted my words as they sounded lame upon my tongue. “I did not expect it to be so inviting when I first arrived.” This was partially a lie, I had been frightened arriving, but the staff had been warm and inviting. The home held a dark edge with its decor, but it had softened over the days.

“Thank you, Blythe.” I bit my lip as he said my name with that husky voice.

I started to go back to cleaning but I looked back at Prowd. “Is there anything I can do for you before I get back to work?” I asked hopefully, not to escape my chore, but if only to have him offer me a command. “A drink perhaps?”

A soft moan escaped his lips. “I would hate to disturb you.”

“I work for you,” I breathed. “It will not bother me should you need anything.”

Prowd’s hand slowly came down from his throat and landed upon his thigh. “Come here,” he murmured. “Come close to me.”

I kept my smile small as I approached him. I stood before him and his hand rose as an offering. I took it and he pulled me down to sit upon his lap. He then held me in his strong arms, placing his head upon my shoulder. His embrace tightened and there was not an inch of me that was not touching him. It felt strange at first, unexpected and a touch uncomfortable. But then I put my arms around him, holding him in return. He moaned again and a trill of excitement washed through my body. He felt so strong and warm my imagination was going wild.

Prowd did not hold me as long as I had hoped. He let go of me all too soon and pushed me aside onto the couch. He told me a simple thank you and left. Although this would not be the first of these encounters.

A few days later, I had been given the task of dusting in the library. I was alone there, going around and dusting the spines and tops of the books. It was boring, so I had hoped for something to happen to break up the mundanity of this process. First I felt his fingers at the back of my neck, brushing my hair aside as I faced the wall of books.

“Don’t move,” he beckoned. His voice was so close to my ear I could almost feel his breath. I obeyed him happily, biting my lip as I felt his body move behind me.

I placed the book I was dusting back upon the shelf. “Yes, sir.”

“Stand right there,” he breathed. His fingers captured a loose lock of hair that had fallen from the bun tucked under my cap. “I promise, I won’t do anything to you.” I heard an intake of breath, as if he were smelling my hair.

I hated how much I enjoyed it. “I’m fine, sir.”

An arm wrapped around my waist and my back touched his chest. “Put your hands on the shelf,” he commanded. I willfully and happily obeyed. “Good.” His hand squeezed the side of my waist. “Stay like that.” His other arm wrapped around me and I felt his face press against my back.

“Are you alright, sir?” I asked.

“I'm trying to remember.” He spoke against my shoulder. “Just stay still. Don’t look back.”

I bit my lip, tensing at the feeling of pleasure that rippled through my body. Yet I felt cold as well, a chill that bled through the air and tainted the joints of my fingers.

Once he left, I caught my breath and tried to return to work. But after such an experience it was difficult. I was heading back when I caught sight of something in the corner of my eye. I thought I saw a woman in the looking glass above the fireplace. It looked as if a woman in a red gown was right beside me. When I looked directly into the mirror, I only saw myself. But from the corner of my eye, I saw her. She stood beside me, her hand around my waist. I walked quickly from the room as I began to feel her hand even though there was nothing there.

That evening, I was in bed alone. The room was empty and cold, and I began to dream of having Prowd there with me. His warm, heavy body laying on top of mine, his gloved hand sneaking up my clothes. I smiled until I felt something upon my leg. Looking down, I saw a shadow at the foot of the bed. I sat up with a slight smile.

“Is that you?” I asked excitedly.

The hand moved up and the figure came closer.

“What do you want me to do, sir?” I asked eagerly.

The hand wrapped around my throat, forcing me down upon the bed and choking me. I grabbed at the arm, clawing at the flesh. My fingers sunk in far too easily. Fresh, damp earth fell from the arm, and if the hand was not choking me, I would have screamed.

The second hand joined it, coming down upon my throat and shaking me. I choked and wheezed, still clawing at the arm. I then heard the scream of a woman, perhaps it was my soul leaving my body, and the hands left me. I laid there, trying to breathe, crying and wiped the wet earth from my face.

When I woke in the morning I saw muddy footprints coming into my room, but none beyond the door. My voice was hoarse the rest of the day, but I feared speaking aloud my nightmare to anyone else. All I wanted was to see Prowd.

I did not have to wait long, as he found me while I was sweeping the foyer. He pulled me back into the parlor, hugging me tight for longer than before. Each day he held me, embracing me with more passion each time. I imagined that he loved me, that he needed me.

At night, though, I felt as if someone was watching me from the shadows in my room. I could feel their breath in the air, and I would lay awake trying to find them. Sometimes, there was a heavy presence there, as if there was more than one. I tried to convince myself it was all in my mind, that my last nightmare affected me. But no matter how much I talked myself down, there were still those eyes upon me.

I was outside fetching water one afternoon and when I turned, I saw Prowd standing at one of the windows on the third floor. I had never been up to the third floor before, none of us were allowed. Prowd was looking down upon me and I knew he was beckoning me. I followed his silent command, going up the stairs when no one was watching me. At the top, he stood there waiting.

“Is something the matter, sir?” I was breathless not just from the climb, but also from my own anticipation. Prowd silently extended his gloved hand to me and, when I took it, he pulled me close. He held me tightly, cupping the back of my head in his strong hand so my face leaned against his chest. I wrapped my arms around him, squeezing my hand against his back where I felt him shudder.

“I need you to do a favor for me.” Prowd stepped back from me, holding his hands upon my shoulders. “Though I will understand if it frightens you.”

I lifted my chin up and waited for his command.

“Undress for me,” that hoarse growl beckoned. “Take down your hair and stand naked before me.”

I licked my lips, horribly aroused by his words. “Sir,” I breathed.

“I know,” his voice trembled. “It is awfully forward of me. It is...depraved. I will understand if you think I am vile.”

I thought no such thing. In fact, it excited me. I took off my cap and let down my hair. His breath hitched in his throat as he watched me untie the apron then work down the row of buttons on my uniform. He stepped back, almost touching the wall as I removed the dress, letting it drop around my feet. I then pulled the slip up over my head and Prowd’s back fully pressed against the wall.

I could feel my lust dripping down my thigh. I had never been this aroused before. Once I stood naked before him he removed himself from the wall. Prowd stood there, one hand around his throat while the other hovered in the air.

“Is this what you wanted, sir?” I stroked my hand down my chest to my belly.

“Yes, Blythe.” He took a step closer. “This is exactly what I wanted.” His gloved hand reached out and petted my cheek.

I bit back a smile of pride. “Is there anything else?” Coldness floated around me, it touched my skin, almost dripping down along my flesh. I shuddered and waited for him to touch me, to make me warm again. My teeth began to chatter and the cold started to feel like fingers upon me.

Prowd’s breath shuddered. His hand slid down the side of my neck and quickly moved to grasp my shoulder. He squeezed tightly then moved to my arm. He guided my hand and placed it upon his neck. He made the other hand do the same and he held them there in his grasp. Out of impulse I wrapped my fingers around his neck and squeezed. He wheezed and moaned, keeping my hands firmly in place. I choked him and he seemed pleased by it.

“Sir?” I breathed and he finally let go. I slid my hands down his chest and stepped closer to him.

“Very good, Blythe,” he coughed. “This will do.”

“I can do more!” I was practically begging.

Prowd let out a low breath. “You are a strange woman, Blythe. I cannot tell how you think. It frightens me to a degree.” He placed his hand upon my arm. “But it is that which calls out to me. You need not do anything more for me, but I will reward you.”

“I don’t mind if you tell me what to do.” I was still very much pleading. “It’s alright, sir.” I placed my hands back upon his waist. “It does not bother me at all.”

“I am learning that.” He then slipped his fingers under my chin. “Is that what you desire?”

I nodded silently.

“Then from now on, you shall be my attendant. You will be given the room beside mine, but under no reason are you allowed into my room. You are forbidden from entering any room beside your own on this floor. And you are only to go into rooms on the second under my order. Do you understand, Blythe?”

I nodded with excitement. “Yes! Perfectly, sir.”

Edmund put his arm around me and led me to what would be my new room. The room wasn’t much bigger than the one I had now, but there was a window and a wardrobe for my things, as well as a bigger bed. He sat me down upon the bed then stood away from me. It felt like there were cold hands upon my shoulders, but I ignored the sensation.

“As I said before, all but your room is off limits on the third floor. The second floor you can only go where I tell you. At night you are not allowed near me unless the room is completely dark and the windows shuttered. You are never to see my face, and should I come to you in the dark you are not allowed to touch me.”

“When does that start?” I asked eagerly. The cold squeezed tight around me and I thought I heard a laugh upon the breeze outside.

Edmund chuckled. “You really are a strange girl, Blythe.” He went to the window and pulled the curtains closed. He turned back to me. “I need you to bring in some more staff. Do you think you can accomplish that?”

I nodded. “It should not be too hard.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Prowd stood before me. “Once there are souls in this manor again, I will give you a reward.”

I was given clothes to wear when I went into town. They were still the same blood red as my old uniform, but they were much more elegant and refined. I went out, searching for young and eligible people to come and work at the manor. It took time, but eventually they started to come. The staff filled out, and word spread of the good money that Prowd offered.

At night, I sometimes heard knocking from the floor below me. I was able to ignore it, but some nights the knocking became a pounding, a beating. It struck hard against the floor, even though I knew there was no one below me.

The more staff I brought into the manor, the more I felt a presence about me. Much like the eyes had watched me in my room, I felt as if my shadow had taken on a pulse and breath. Something followed me in the manor, breathing against my ear and holding my hand.

“You’ve worked very hard, Blythe.” Prowd complimented me.

“Once more people came, it was not hard,” I told him. “We will have a full staff soon.” I smiled up at him, placing my hand about his neck.

Prowd captured my hand and rubbed his thumb into the center. “You’ll receive your reward tonight as promised.”

I held my breath from excitement. “My room will be dark for you.”

That evening I waited for him. I lay naked on the covers, touching myself from the excitement. I heard footsteps in the hall and I moved my hands to the headboard and held the iron bars there. As I waited, I heard the footsteps continue, but they stopped. I heard murmurs from Prowd’s room, which was strange. I heard a thumping and the sound of something falling over. It was quiet and I stood, going over to the wall and pressing my ear to it. Inside there was weeping and then a quick muffled scream that became silenced in a moment.

I waited, but I heard nothing else. My door opened and I quickly sat down upon the bed. Prowd approached, slipping his fingers under my chin. “You’re so good, Blythe.”

“Sir, I thought I heard something,” I murmured.

Prowd’s hand moved down my naked body. “Just the wind, I assure you.”

A hand cupped around my breast, but it did not feel like Prowd’s. It felt soft and silky, the fingers felt long and thin. “Lay down now, Blythe.” Something about his voice sounded strange.

My desire won out over my concern. I laid back and followed his commands. I thought I heard a whisper in the darkness, a woman’s voice saying: “She’s perfect.”

I turned and saw her grinning down upon me.