The Collector, Page 2

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  The halls were dark as everyone in the house was sound asleep. I received confirmation of this fact when I heard the soft purring of their unconscious breath through their bedchamber doors. Sneaking about the castle, I found myself standing barefoot before the circular staircase which led to the upper levels... the forbidden levels. Torches lined the walls with their flickering, orange flame, allowing me to view each step without straining.

  With some trepidation, I glanced about before returning my gaze to the staircase. Confident that I was not being watched, I started to ascend, gasping as my warm foot made contact with the first cold stone step. Hoping that I hadn’t made enough noise to stir the others from their slumber, I ran up the stairs quickly, bouncing on the tips of my toes to prevent my feet from freezing.

  Once I reached the top, I grabbed the nearest torch, removing it from its iron holder and using it to light the passageway. Walking down the dark corridor, I ignored the first chamber and headed for the second. When I reached my destination, I looked back once more. Seeing nothing out of order, I tested the door, but it did not open. It was locked as it had been many times before.

  Feeling my heart palpitating in my chest like a drum, I knocked softly. “Is anyone in there?” I asked in a whisper, cautiously looking over my shoulder.

  Silence.

  Shifting my weight nervously, I put my ear to the wooden door, trying to hear the slightest noise. There was nothing but a deafening silence that chilled me to the bone. “If there is anyone there, I am coming in,” I forewarned, trying to be as quiet as possible.

  I reached into the pocket of my robe, pulling out an antique key attached to a silver chain. Fearing what I would find on the other side of the door, I held my breath as I pushed the key into the keyhole and turned it, hearing the metal fixings click. Leaving the key in the door, I reached for the knob and pushed the door open...