The Crimson Rose (Part 3)

    I hurried outside, happy to get some fresh air. Yet I wasn't greeted by a pretty sight like I'd imagine a flower garden to have. It was in ruins; the remains of dead flower bushes were withered, the cobblestone path that lead through the garden was overrun by weeds and mud, most depressingly was the fountain that sat in the middle of it all. What I assumed to have been a once beautiful fountain with marbled stone and crystal water sprouting from it, was eroded away and had vines consuming it. Cracks in the surface made it appear as though just looking at it would make it crumble.

    "Oh my." I muttered under my breath, although what did I expect to see? The family had long since passed away leaving no one to tend to the garden. I walked along the path heading towards the fountain. I stood before it feeling rather depressed by the ruins, letting out a sigh I glanced back towards the mansion. Ready to head back inside and help Henry out. 
    
    Before I could, a sound found its way to my ears. From the once eerily silent garden came...singing? No that couldn't be right. Henry was not a good vocalist, even just speaking his voice was rough like sand paper. No. That sound, that voice, was enchanting. I was captivated by the sweet sound, although I couldn't quite make out the words. The singing, though beautiful, was...sorrowful. The tone of the voice sounded lonely and desperate for someone to hear it. I was intrigued, drawn to the sound.

    My feet began moving without my command, the voice drawing me in with each note sung. I couldn't pull away, wasn't sure if I wanted to. Something felt wrong though, something was off and I couldn't quite place my finger on it. The singing grew louder but all the more sweeter and enchanting. I made my way around the fountain heading towards the far end of the garden. It was there I came across a figure standing by an old flower bush, my feet quit moving. As if something else was controlling my limbs. Curiously I called over.

    "Hello?" I greeted. The singing faded away, for some reason I felt light headed, my mind fuzzy. The figure turned to face me, taking my breath away. She was beautiful, it blinded me like the sun would. Her hair curly and shiny like silk, a dark, raven black color. Her eyes silver like the moon, skin fair and flawless. An angel stared upon me, a smile crept across her rosy lips. It was then I smelled the sickly sweet smell of roses, so strong that I staggered backwards.

    The girl walked towards me, seeming to glide across the ground, she paused in front of me. I was at a loss for words, taken aback by her beauty. Then she spoke, her words dripped in honey, enchanting even now. 

    "Hello." she greeted, I couldn't speak. No words would come, it was if I had lost the capability to speak. This feeling frightened me, but I was instantly soothed as I looked at her hands. In her delicate hands she grasped a rose.

    A Crimson Rose.