章 12: Chapter 11
The next morning, Aurora's mother and father sat on a wooden chair. The sun was out in the sky casting a warm glowing into the living room. While Aurora's mother sat embroidering a dress, her father sat reading the morning paper. The needle moved swiftly through the fabric, creating delicate flowers and leaves.
Aurora's mother, Eleanor, glanced over at her husband, John, with a loving smile. "John, do you remember when we were young, much like Aurora?" she asked, her eyes sparkling as she tried to recall the events that unfolded in the past.
Gone were the days when she would sneak out late at night to meet John by the river. They would sit by the water's edge, their feet dangling over the edge as they shared intimate moments together. The moon cast a surreal glow over the water, making it shimmer like a sea of diamonds.
John looked up from his morning paper, his greying hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window. He folded the paper and set it aside, his eyes meeting Eleanor's. "Of course, my love," he replied with a soft chuckle. "I remember stealing glances at you from across the room, my heart racing every time our eyes met."
Eleanor laughed, the melodious sound filling the room. "You were quite the charmer, and you still are," she said, her gaze filled with affection. "Even after all these years."
Just as they were about to share a tender moment, Aurora entered the room, her steps heavy with the fatigue of a night's restless sleep. She yawned and stretched, her presence pulling her parents' attention away from their reverie.
"Good morning mother, father," Aurora mumbled.her voice still thick with drowsiness.
Eleanor and John exchanged a knowing look, "Good morning, my dear," Eleanor said, setting aside her embroidery. "Did you sleep well?" Her gaze shifting to Aurora examine her from head to toe, she was still in her night dress, her hair tattered flying all over the place and dark circles under her eyes even though it was almost noon.
Aurora rubbed her eyes and nodded. "Yes, Mother, I did. Just had the strangest dream, that's all."
John patted the chair beside him, inviting Aurora to join them. "Tell us about it, my little dawn," he said.
As Aurora settled into the chair she wrapped her hands around John almost as if she were an infant seeking comfort from her father. She yawned again, her eyes half closed and her voice took a somewhat childish tone as she spoke. "I am so tired I could just close my eyes and sleep here forever."
John couldn't help but smile at her remark, but he couldn't resist a teasing tone. He gently ruffled her hair and said, "Well, my dear, you do look a bit like a ghost with those dark circles under your eyes and that nightdress still on."
Aurora playfully pulled away from her father and shot him a mock glare. "Father, you're so mean," she said with an exaggerated pout.
But John couldn't let his daughter stay upset for long. He pulled her back into a warm embrace, placing her head on his chest. "I'm just teasing, my little dawn," he whispered, "You're still the most beautiful sunrise in our lives, no matter how tired you may look."
A grin spread across Aurora's face while Elneanor shook her head as she watched their playful exchange.
"So tell me about this dream you had?" John added gently stroking her hair.
"It was more of a nightmare," she began, her voice hushed as she recalled the unsettling details. "There was a vampire, Father, like the one I saw in the town square. Its red eyes locked onto mine, as if it were calling me. I felt strangely drawn to it, and it came closer, that sinister smile on its face. Luckily, I woke up just as it reached out for me." She shivered at the memory, shaking her head. "Now it feels like I am being watched, to think I witnessed another one yesterday." She muttered burying her head in her father's chest.
John's hand paused in mid-air, his expression growing serious. He exchanged concerned glances with Eleanor, who mirrored his worry.
Eleanor began, her voice gentle but resolute, "Aurora, I think it's best for you to stay indoors for the time being. With these dreams and the unsettling encounter, it's better to be cautious. For your own safety."
"What!" Aurora exclaimed, abruptly pulling away from her father's embrace. She stared at them with disbelief. "You must be joking, right?" She questioned, but the resolute expressions on her parents' faces indicated otherwise. "I'm perfectly fine, really. I'm just tired, that's all," she tried to reassure them, though she knew her mother took her words seriously.
"It's only for the meantime until we're sure things won't escalate," Eleanor attempted to provide reassurance. "It's not safe when it comes to those creatures," she added.
Aurora quickly countered, "You don't have to worry about that. The king has everything under control. He even saved my life."
"The king?" Eleanor and John exclaimed in unison, their disbelief etched across their faces. They had known the king for a long time, and none of their impressions of him had been favourable. He didn't care about his father; how could he care about a stranger? John couldn't help but think.
"Yes, indeed, there was a vampire assault in our village just yesterday, as Mary and I made our way to the town, and..."
"Aurora." Her mother cut her short. "I think it's for the best if you don't leave the house." These words caused a frown to settle on Aurora's face.
She protested."The Red Moon Festival is on the morrow night; I simply cannot miss it."
The Red Moon Festival held a special place in the town's heart, occurring only thrice a year. The third blood moon, the brightest of them all, marked the grandest celebration. In the middle of the night, townsfolk gathered, bearing food and drink, to sing and dance under the crimson moon's gentle glow. It was believed to bring good fortune, a tradition cherished by Eleanor and her daughter, Aurora.
Seeing the worry etched on Aurora's face, Eleanor added, "I'm sorry, my dear. We'll make it next year." Aurora's eyes beseeched her father, hoping for support, but he remained silent under Eleanor's stern gaze.
He turned back to Aurora, regret in his eyes as he spoke, "Your mother is wise, my dear. This time, you must sit it out." He gently patted Aurora's pale hands and locked eyes with her.
Aurora, still bearing the weight of exhaustion, knew she would miss out on something she cherished. She rose from her wooden chair, lips quivering in disappointment. She took a deep breath and finally replied, "Very well, as you wish, Mother." Her words carried a hint of sorrow, and with a polite bow, she quietly left the room, making her way back to her room.
John swiftly noticed the change in his daughter's demeanor, a shift he found unsettling. He couldn't help but feel a deep affection for her; after all, she was his cherished light in these dark times. He turned to his wife, who had resumed her embroidery work on the dress, and voiced his thoughts. "Do you think that was a bit severe? I'm certain she will manage just for tomorrow night. We should allow her to go. Besides, I've heard Adrian will be there, a fine young man. With some precautions, she'll be fine," he inquired.
Eleanor sighed and turned to face her husband. "You know, John, I desire nothing more than Aurora's happiness. I truly do. But at present, we're entangled in weightier matters. The deadline for our looming debt is fast approaching, and Mr. Norman's generosity is not to be relied upon. We must channel our focus there, or else you're aware of the dire consequences Aurora might face," she responded in a hushed tone. "If it comes to that, I doubt the Red Moon Festival would be a matter of concern to her."
John sat back in his chair, his hand gently touching his forehead as he immersed himself in deep contemplation. His wife's words had struck a chord, and he realized he had been far too complacent, especially as their business was faltering. He was acutely aware of the repercussions of not repaying the debt, but he couldn't bring himself to burden his daughter, their sole solace, with this knowledge, fearing she'd resent them if she ever discovered the truth.
On the other hand, in her room, Aurora angrily slammed the door shut and collapsed onto her bed. She couldn't fathom why her parents were suddenly being so strict. She knew there were reports of vampires on the loose, but even Mary's mother allowed her to go where she pleased. Other girls her age roamed freely. Why was her situation any different?
Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes as frustration and disappointment gnawed at her. She really wanted to attend the Red Moon Festival. It had been a tradition she never missed, and she had no intentions of missing it now. All she could think about at this moment was how much she longed to see Mary. Mary was the only one who could lift her spirits, but even that wasn't possible as she was trapped here in the house.
Aurora's rumbling stomach suddenly disrupted her turmoil of emotions, causing her to place a hand on her belly. The realization struck her that she hadn't eaten anything yet. With a heavy sigh, she knew that, for the time being, she had to set aside her pride and make her way back.
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