#on-these-scorched-pages

[on-these-scorched-pages]

Servant of the Night

Hey y'all! This was a short story I entered for a writing contest; requirements were as follows:

1000 Words, setting: train, phrase: open your eyes, object: key.

I enjoyed writing this A LOT and wouldn't mind turning it into a larger project (mostly because I can never write anything short lmao).

That’s what Albert told me this morning before I was sent back to my cabin to prepare for the night shift where I will begin serving the Elysian Class. I smile at the few guests still lingering in the dining compartment before my gaze meets Albert’s.

Servant of The Night

“You’re the only one left that suits their… taste.”

This morning, he seemed annoyed at my promotion.

Now he looks concerned.

“Good evening, Scarlet.” He greets me, hand reaching for the doorknob that leads to the Elysian compartment. “Remember the rules I told you this morning. Their satisfaction is above all else.”

I nod as I wipe my hands on the apron of my uniform, suddenly finding them damp. “Thank you, Albert,” I reply softly, dropping my gaze back down to the cart before me, as if you could call fruit and cheese a meal. Not that the guests would eat it anyway – they’re notorious for not touching any food served to them.

He hesitates for a split second, drawing my gaze back up to him. He opens his mouth to say something, then changes his mind, a strange smile crawling onto his lips instead. “Good luck.” He murmurs, beginning to turn the knob, “While you’re in there, make sure you open your eyes. Serving in Elysian is a privilege, Scarlet. You’ll never see anything the same again.”

I smile at him as I step through the threshold into the dimly lit Elysian compartment, my dinner suddenly feeling like lead in my stomach. As the door clicks shut, conversation in the compartment ceases, and I feel as if I am a lone rabbit suddenly caught in the gaze of a den of silent, waiting wolves.

The carpet feels plush beneath my shoes as I slowly step farther into the compartment, Albert’s rules ring through my mind; “They prefer a more discreet service… speak only when spoken to.”

“Look, Cecilia, there’s a new one for you.” A man's playful voice cuts through the silence, laughter from the other guests accompanying it, causing me to lift my gaze to the guests of the Elysian Class.

Four. There are only four guests in a compartment meant for eight.

A white-haired woman sits closest to the door to the second compartment. Her presence alone is commanding; as if she’s a mother to the other passengers in the compartment. Her deep burgundy velvet dress cascades around her as she sits with her hands clasped in her lap. Her porcelain skin is striking against the dark fabric of her dress, the black lace trim along the neckline of the bodice dances across her skin, framing the antique key that hangs from a delicate silver chain resting at the hollow of her throat.

The key silently calls out to me to touch it.

My eyes flash up to meet the white-haired woman’s piercing emerald gaze and I feel my heart jump to my throat – “Avoid eye contact. They find it intrusive.”

I avert my gaze back to the trays of food in front of me, an apology readying to leave my lips as I set to work spreading the food before the guests.  

“It’s all right, child.” Her soft voice says, the lilt of a French accent dripping on each word, drawing my eyes back to her. A gentle smile is on her lips as her eyes trickle down my body, lingering at the collar of my uniform. Did I spill something? “What’s your name?”

Her voice is barely audible over the sound of my heart drumming in my ears.

“S-Scarlet, ma’am.” My voice shakes.

“Scarlet,” She repeats, my name rolling off her tongue with an almost tangible caress as she reaches up to absently toy with the key around her neck. “What a lovely name.” Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment I feel as though I’m drowning in those piercing emerald eyes.

A sudden, warm chuckle erupts just behind me, sending a jolt of shock through my body. I whirl, eyes widening with surprise to find a chestnut-haired man mere inches from me. A wicked grin is painted across the man's sculptural features, a hint of mischief dancing behind his eyes. “It seems you have captured our dear Lady Cecilia’s interest.” His voice is rich and velvety, dripping with charm.

I glance back to the white-haired woman, Lady Cecilia, to see her smile widen, revealing her teeth – perfectly white and slightly elongated at the canines, sharper than any teeth I’ve seen before. “Indeed, Lucien. Our new server has a certain… charm.”

The man, Lucien, chuckles again, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “It’s all right, Scarlet,” Lucien murmurs, his breath warm against my ear. “We won’t bite… Much.” I can’t tell if he’s joking or if there’s a dangerous truth to his words.

Lady Cecilia’s eyes never leave mine, her fingers still toying with the key at her throat. “You have nothing to fear from us, Scarlet,” she tells me, her voice calm and enticing. “So long as you follow the rules.”

I nod, my throat too dry to speak. I refocus on my task, setting out the fruit and cheese for the group, trying to keep my hands from trembling. I feel Lucien step even closer to me, his presence overwhelming. “Tell me, Scarlet,” He whispers, “have you ever wondered what it’s like to truly live?”

I glance back at Lady Cecilia, her smile never faltering, fingers still wrapped around that antique key. “Remember, serving in the Elysian Class is a privilege. Embrace it, and you may find yourself… transformed.”

Having finished arranging the food, I step back, my heartbeat roaring as I stand there. Surrounded by these sublime beings, I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead. It’s terrifying and exciting; I realize Albert was right – I will never see anything the same again.

[shyjusticewarrior]

Jason overpowering fear toxin

Jason overpowering cheer drops

Jason overpowering his fear failsafe

[birdsong-warriors]

Spoilery request here, but good gracious, I hope I made the foreshadowing in these pages clear enough, given I've been building up to it for ages now.

First | Previous | Next (May 3rd)

Part 1: Friend and Family

See up to thirty pages ahead, with timelapses, on Patreon!

Backgrounds, brushes, timelapses, and other assets for sale on my Ko-Fi!

[bloodycowboyclub]

I am in the Owen, and I am going to WIN the Owen.

[buckyslostarm]

Am I the only one whose brain can't compute with the fact that Dylan O'Brien played both Stiles and Thomas?

Like I'll see videos from Teen Wolf and The Maze Runner all over my fyp and I can't really believe they're both played by the same person.

I think one of the reasons is because the characters are both so different. Dylan is so talented and his acting range is so wide that I can't make sense of him playing hyperactive Stiles and traumatised Thomas.

He is truly amazing

[ferrarifan4ever]

[hacksawboy]

playing casual solo without my friends for the first time for 6 hours straight has taught me that spy mains are some of the most devious people on the planet

[i-hear-a-sound]

how to cause mass hysteria to an entire fandom in a single photo

[c-swizzle-c]

read / written so much canon divergence when i see a newt pg250 edit i relive the trauma and grief

[spawn-universe]

McFarlane Toys Spawn Page Punchers

She Spawn / Curse 3”

Jessica Priest was an Elite Operative in the employ of Jason Wynn at the same time as Al Simmons. When Jessica discovered the murdered body of her friend Nyx, a mystical backup plan was set in motion that transformed Jessica into She-Spawn.

Born Philip Krahn, Curse believed that he was destined to lead the armies of Heaven against the forces of darkness. Curse would combine technology and demonic energy to enhance himself and increase his powers. Eventually, creating the Sin Devourers. The ultimate hunters. Able to analyze and destroy any non-human threats.

Product Features:

Packed with two pocket sized heros or villains at a 3” scale based on the Spawn Universe

6 points of articulation to Punch and Kick

She-Spawn and Curse are based on their iconic comic book looks

Comes packaged in a blister pack with an English only reprint of your favorite comics that the figures are based on

[shyjusticewarrior]

My Damian on Tim's boat au is extra funny with the context of these panels

Tim Drake Robin vol 1

Harley Quinn (2021) #23

[birdsong-warriors]

Fun fact: my late sister used to call him Tigertail all the time as a condescending insult, so I had to sneak that in there somewhere. Also, SURPRISE THAT'S NOT REALLY A SURPRISE.

Also also: we're back to once weekly uploads every Friday. Sorry, guys!

First | Previous | Next

Part 1: Friend and Family

See up to thirty pages ahead, with timelapses, on Patreon!

Backgrounds, brushes, timelapses, and other assets for sale on my Ko-Fi!

[slugghee]

"I am Youssef, an 18-year-old young man, and my dreams and hopes vanished in an instant. My family’s house in Khan Yunis was destroyed, and I found myself and my family living in a displacement camp in Deir al-Balah, under the scorching sun, inside a tent swaying in the wind. I wake up every morning to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore, but they no longer mean anything to me—they only remind me of the freedom we lost and the life we once had..."

Hello everyone! As of writing this, Youssef is at $3,877 out of his EXTREMELY ACHIEVABLE $15,000 goal. He has only gotten eight don@tions in the past day. Youssef is asking for $15,000 to support himself and his family, mainly for medicine, shelter, and food, which are hellishly scarce as a manifestation of Israel's genocide. He is only 18 and he is responsible for his family's SURVIVAL. Please take the time to read Youssef's own words on his GFM page, as well as on his tumblr account, @yousefjehad3 . Read them, stare at them, process them. Let them truly sink in. Then, go to his fundr@iser and DON@TE. Every single coin you can spare counts, because everyone's small contributions will snowball into a massive one. None of these fundr@isers reached their goal because of one loaded don0r. It was always a group effort.

And, whether or not you're able to d0nate - SHARE, with your family, your friends, your groupchats, your tumblr followers, so that someone who can will have the chance to see it! If you are on Tumblr, you are able to reblog.

Don't ever think your contributions are useless. They provide material help and are expressions of care during impossibly dire times. Palestinians quantifiably cannot afford your apathy.

Youssef's GFM is vetted. He is shown on line 255 on the Vetted Gaza Evacuation Fundr@iser List by @/el-shab-hussein and @/nabulsi.

(btw, I've heard that it's not a good idea to tag posts like this with terms such as correctly-spelled 'don@tions,' which is why I'm spelling things as such. I encourage you to refrain from tagging your reblogs with these terms just in case..)

[eatingfireflies]

I'm getting 0 notifs from torasan I think it just gave up 😂 You're on your own, son.

[roesolo]

Scorch, Hedgehog of DOOM, is fierce (and cute)!

Scorch: Hedgehog of Doom, by Cate Berry/Illustrated by Margherita Grasso, (July 2024, Page Street Kids), $18.99, ISBN: 9781645678670 Ages 4-7 An adorable class pet wants everyone to think she is ferocious, but Class 402 just thinks she’s so darn cute! No matter what she does: sink her fangs into a mango; wields an apple slice like a sword; or storm her little cliff to squeak at her observers, it…

[whitecliff-by-the-sea]

MJF and Hangman since their return