The Last Breath

Dusk ceased earlier than usual and a broken lunar disk was poking its head out of a blurry halo. The winds from the northeast gave out a mysteriously rhythmic burble as if it was a choir reciting mystic Latin verses. The mist that it brought sneaked between the zippers of the jacket and gave a chilly tickle.

The sound of trumpets echoed in the valley as the Church band progressed through the streets. The bass of the drum perfectly aligned with the rumbling wind. They sang and danced merrily, holding hands with nature and swirling around her arms.

"Hey Sam, I didn't know you were there for the procession.", said Simon with a charming smile. He was swaying and swirling with the pace of the music, holding a pole with a bright lantern on its far end.

"Well, it was actually spontaneous. And who on earth can resist this.", laughed Samuel.

"I can agree with that statement.", Simon continued his dance moves and handed a mask and a lantern to his friend.

Samuel adjusted his pileus hat and wore the Santa mask that was handed over by Simon.

"So, why are we dancing to the Bungalow first.? It was a weird instruction by the lead.", questioned Sam. "Yeah, we do the same every year. It is kind of a ritual now. We begin there. And we end it there." "But why.? What's so special with this 'Noah Thomson' guy and his Bungalow."

"Well, the first visit is to give him a signal and the second is to collect the 'Christmas Gift'." "Christmas Gift.?" "Yeah, I hope you know about the New Year Auction." "Yes, a bit." "On every New Year's Day, our church hosts an auction for artifacts with aesthetic, antique and divine value. Folks from all over the world arrive to claim their prize, bidding astonishing amounts.", explained Simon. "Yeah, it's one of our prime sources of income." "Yes and do you know who crafts these artifacts and sculptures.?" "The Secret Sculptor.?" "Of course, the Secret Sculptor. Or should I say by the name..." "Noah Thomson.", grinned Sam.

They resumed their dance steps and sang out loud. Sam took out a knife which was concealed in his sock and carefully hid it in the pocket of his jacket. He smiled with joy, as he knew that his prey was the one he admired. His anticipation soared and touched the sky as they were now in front of the Bungalow. The gate welcomed them with its hands held wide open. The band erupted its zestful dynamic and marched forward.

Samuel switched off the lantern and drifted away from the crowd. The rhythmic hysteria of the band made his sneak easier. He crouched down and slowly moved towards the bush until he found a blind spot for himself.

The band had a quick transition and shifted to a slower song. The change was so drastic and probably was the signal of arrival. A bright light illuminated the courtyard as a sign of acknowledgment. The band understood the message and slowly retreated from the premises. They headed towards the village, marching west and dancing with the beat.

A few minutes later, the front door slammed open and a bearded man walked out. He was fit and looked like he was in his early forties. He was carrying a sculpture finished in bronze. An angel, with his arms wide open and eyes gazing downward. His hair was long and was lazily poured down. A strand was carved so perfectly that it looked as if it was suspended freely. The wings were sculpted flawlessly and it irradiated a sense of hope.

After carefully placing the artifact, Noah went inside and closed the door. And a moment later, the light in the courtyard was switched off. Sam walked out of his hiding spot. He scanned the surroundings thoroughly for a way in but was in vain. So, he stepped towards the backyard, hoping for a way in. The backyard stretched longer than he imagined and housed a vineyard. He found a long ladder and an idea popped into his head. The ladder was long enough to reach the roof and access the chimney. He carefully lifted the ladder and placed it gently over the wall, making sure that he hadn't made the slightest vibration in the act. Sam climbed up the ladder and touched the chimney. It looked ancient and a bit hoary. He unfastened the joints of the chimney cap and lifted it open. Even though archaic, the cap still was tough and sturdy. He lit the lantern and peeped into the hole. "Piece of cake.", Sam said to himself.

He slowly crept down the chimney walls and moved down. The lantern lit up his path. Scraps of dirt were dislodged and flew into his eye. However, Sam stayed calm and slowly descended. The lantern slipped from his hand and broke.

Did he hear it.? Whatever…

He slowly crept down the chimney walls and moved down. The lantern lit up his path. Scraps of dirt were dislodged and flew into his eye. However, Sam stayed calm and slowly descended. The lantern slipped from his hand and broke. It was easier than he thought. He walked out of the fireplace and swept out the dirt that was stuck on his body.

The hall was huge and extremely beautiful. A stairway was laid in the middle and a plethora of furniture was on the floor. He walked towards an edge and focussed on a series of artifacts ahead of him. Miniatures of historical and cultural relics carved out flawlessly on bronze.

"Pieta, Trishula, Mjolnir, Lilith.", he ran his eyes over each of the exhibits. He was engulfed with elation as if he was an explorer who found an ancient treasure. The joy peaked as his eyes locked on the marvel. A relic of a reptile carved out in gold. A tempting work of art. He touched the magnificent exhibit with admiration. "Ouroboros."

* * *

"So, is it really worth it.?", questioned Sam. "Trust me, boy, it is the most beautiful place I've ever visited. A ravishing remnant of colonial architecture. He usually doesn't invite strangers in. But he trusted me and I was given the work for repairing and maintaining his obsolete plumbing. And that's how I entered the Alibaba's cave. You know boy, you have to be in his living. A gigantic hall with all these artifacts lined up. Mostly bronze, silver, and marble. And a few of them finished in gold. You'll love it. Take the stairway and go straight to the first room. It's where he keeps his originals. Exquisite.!", explained Joseph. Sam could see the shine in his eyes as he narrated what he saw. "You seem to be in love with it.", Sam chuckled. "How can I not be.? It was a marvel and he was a nice man. Once he was in a bad temper due to a mistake of mine. I thought he would fire me. But, he tossed a coin into my pocket instead and said I was a lucky man." "That's generous. And now we're robbing him. So how do I get in.?" "Every Christmas Eve, he keeps the gate open during the night. He told me he loved Carol and it brought him his fortune. So that's how you get in. Any ideas.?", asked Joseph. "Hmm, I'll be in touch with the Church band.", grinned Sam. "Very well then. Don't freeze with awe like a kid after seeing the treasure. Make sure you grab the most valuable piece. Something worth a lifetime." "I will, old man. So, what do you want.?" "Glad you asked. In his living room, on the right side, he does have a perfectly sculpted Ouroboros. That's the only thing I want." "Ouroboros.?", doubted Sam. "A snake eating its own tail." "That sounds dumb" "It's tempting and magnificent. Finished in twenty-carat gold." "Now that sounds less dumb. I'll get the golden snake to you.", Sam smiled and Joseph smiled back. "But please don't think about your usual entertainment.", said Joseph. "What.?" "Please don't think about torturing or killing this man. It's freaky as well as dangerous. And on top of all, he is a very influential man." Sam smirked and replied, "I'll think about it."

* * *

Samuel walked past the parade of works, stroking each sculpture with admiration. As he walked across the hall, he could sense someone approaching him from behind. "That looks like a weird cross.", Sam said, pointing his finger towards the Ankh. "Who are you.?", asked Noah. Sam turned towards him and welcomed his prey with a delightful smile. "Unwinding in front of your eyes, the man who chisels the glory of this valley. The legendary secret sculptor.", Sam said dramatically, raising his arms and waving them in the air. He continued, "That was the entry I was waiting for. You are brilliant. I'm a big fan of your work." "What do you want.?", questioned Noah. "That lovely snake in the corner, that mighty hammer, the weird cross, and that deer hung on the wall. And before any of those, I need to taste the blood of a fresh hunt.", Sam said with an evil smirk on his face and took out the knife harbored in his jacket.

"Take anything you want and walk out, man. I won't cause any trouble. Please don't hurt me. I don't want bloodshed.", Noah said with a dreaded voice. "Why.? Is that an expensive rug that you have on the floor.?", laughed Sam. "Please, sir." Samuel gripped his knife and stepped towards Noah. He placed his palm on the sculptor and brushed his face with his knife. A drop of blood flowed through the sharp edge and spilled on the rug. An exhilarating rush charged through his veins. Noah quickly gave him a violent push and ran up the stairway. Sam stood up and kept the knife in his pocket. "It isn't just the hunger in its gut that arouses the predator, Noah. But also the hunger for its thrill. To pounce on his prey and watch its soul slowly departing its body.", said Sam as he walked up the stairway. "The desperation of losing its prey would only fuel the predator's rampage."

Sam saw Noah quickly running into a room, probably to call for help or trying to defend himself with a weapon hidden inside. He was used to it. And it was exactly what he wanted. He entered the room and closed it. It was pitch dark inside and the only sound to be heard was of his breath. "Seems like someone fell right into the predator's trap.", said Sam, breaking the silence. "Yeah, someone really did." It was the secret sculptor. But his voice wasn't clearly in a desperation to escape. Sam faced towards the direction of the voice. A lighter was lit and it revealed Noah's face. It wasn't pleading for mercy, instead, it wore a demonly grin and his eyes displayed something Sam was familiar with. A lust for blood. He doused the lighter and darkness prevailed. An unknown fear sprouted in Sam's mind. He could hear ascending footsteps, but couldn't move or react. He could feel the weight of a leather ring on his shoulder. He lit the lighter again, standing too close to his face. Sam was wearing a big leather ring on his shoulders, carved in the shape of ouroboros.

"What is it.?", questioned Sam. "What you wanted.", answered Noah. Noah turned a screw on the ring and it was clicked open. A snake popped its head out of the ring and slithered upon Sam. It wound itself on his neck and majestically raised its head, staring right in front of his face. It unveiled its pointy fangs and hissed violently. "Don't dare to move. The slightest movement and he'll get the best shot.", warned Noah. The flame was out again. Sam stood absolutely still to make sure that the fangs wouldn't dig into his skin. His heart was pounding faster. He could feel the grip of the snake tightening around his neck. The lighter blazed again and this time, the sculptor lit a candle. "Do you know how the Gods punish Prometheus for stealing fire from Mount Olympus.?", asked Noah. "No." "His hands were chained to a mountain and an eagle was sent to eat his immortal liver. Regenerating tissues. Eternal pain."

Sam had a quick glance at the sculptor's hand and the sight of a hammer gave a chill down his spine. Noah pushed him towards the wall and forcibly untangled his fingers, leaving his palm vulnerable. He placed the pointed end of a nail on his palm and hammered the other end. It pierced through his flesh and the wall. He was in agonizing pain and screamed in vain. His hand was stuck and blood was splattered all over the floor. He took out another nail and hammered the other palm. Sam begged for help. But his voice never left the room. Noah brought the leather ring and the serpent slithered back in. He kept it on the table. "Unwinding in front of your eyes, the man who chisels the glory of this valley. The legendary secret sculptor.", Noah said dramatically, raising his arms in the air. "That was the entry you wanted. Right.?" "Please, sir. Stop this.", pleaded Sam. "So you know how to plead. To be on the other side."

Sam had no words for the sculptor. He was lost in an abyss of terror. Noah grabbed a fire urn, which was kept under the table. It resembled the urn that carried the Zoroastrian eternal flame. He filled it with pellets of wood and set it ablaze. He grasped a metallic rod in his hand and showed it over the flame.

"Please let me go, sir. I beg you.", cried Sam. "It's your Pandora's box. There is no going back. You've already freed the evil.", said Noah. The metal was red hot and Noah strolled towards Sam, casually swinging the rod in the air. He sat on his knee and asked, "How did you break in.?" "The chimney.", Sam said with a broken voice. "Wow, you are supposed to be my Christmas papa. So, Mr Santa Claus, where the fuck is my gift.", asked Noah in a curious tone. "Let me go."

"Okay, I'll give you a chance.", said Noah, after taking out a gold coin from his pocket. "Heads or tails.?", he asked. Sam was silent, but his heart was racing as he had no idea about the cruel ploy that his predator was devising. "You are fond of Ouroboros. So tail it is.", Noah flipped the coin and revealed the outcome. It was head. "You don't seem like a lucky man.", the secret sculptor tossed the coin into Noah's pocket and tore his jacket and shirt. Noah used the hot rod and drew a red line on Sam's bare abdomen. He yelled in the torment. "The smell of flesh is euphoric.", said Noah. "Do you want me to draw a deer or let the rod eat your liver.?" Silence followed and Noah made up his mind to combine his plans. He walked back to reheat the rod, In the meantime, Sam mustered his strength and courage, and ripped both of his hands from the nails. Blood gushed out of his palms and raw flesh was evident. He let out a wail. Noah saw it and he came charging. But Sam snatched the rod from his hand and gave a powerful knock on his head. The predator fell on the floor and the prey ran out of the room to save himself.

* * *

Sam locked himself in a room and took a deep breath. His effort to break the front door was futile. His gut drove him inside this room, hoping for a way out. The windows were too strong to break. But as he walked across the room, he felt something odd under the rug. He flipped it and saw a doorway, possibly leading to a tunnel or a dungeon.

Sam opened the door and it led to the sculptor's basement. He descended the stairs. It was dark and silent. He could smell damp wood and metal. Blood was dripping from his arms and it left a trial as he walked forward. Sam tore his shirt and bandaged the wound. His eyes searched everywhere for a source of light that could illuminate the basement. But he wasn't lucky at all.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of chains coming from a corner. He took out his knife and slowly stepped forward. His heart raced anxiously as he moved closer to the epicenter of the sound. He saw a shadow, tied to a pole. It said,

"The switch for the light is to your right."

Sam switched it on and the basement lit up. He turned his gaze towards the one tied to the pole. It was a lady, probably in her late thirties. She was chained to a pole. Her legs looked distorted, and her hair was dry and dusty. Several abrasions were seen on her weary face.

"Did you come to rescue me.?", she asked.

"No.", replied Sam.

"Maybe one of his.?"

"No."

"Then, who are you.?"

"I'm trapped in here."

"So, just like me."

"What happened to you.?"

"I thought he loved me. It was like my fairytale. Being saved by the all-good prince. He was caring and trustworthy. Or at least he acted so. But once I moved in, I saw who he was."

"What happened then.?". asked Sam.

"He told me I was imperfect. He wanted to alter me to something he believed to be the perfect ratio for his perfect bride. So, he amputated my limbs and replaced it with this abomination.", she said, displaying her deformed legs and continued,

"Now he is altering everything within me. Injecting me with... I don't know. I'm his fancy science project. Or a dreadful monster."

Sam tried to digest her words. They both had a common foe and he was sure about the fact that working together was their best shot.

"I think the only chance for our survival would be by staying side-by-side.", he said.

Sam searched the room for a sharp object to break the shackles. He found a sharp blade under a slab and used it to free the lady. She looked at him with gratitude. Suddenly, they heard a thud on the wooden stairs. And footsteps slowly descended them.

"Hey, Santa. Stop the hide and seek and pass me my gift. Your last breath.", laughed Noah.

He stepped down the stairs, wearing a demonic smile and erupting joyous laughter. He held the leather pouch that contained the serpent on his left hand and the hammer on his right. His forehead was burnt by the knock with the rod. Sam stepped forward, shielding the girl. He took out his knife and was awaiting an attack. His bandages were soaked in blood. The sculptor walked down and faced the duo. But his smile faded seeing the broken shackles and he asked,

"What have you done, Santa.?"

"We're going to try our way out.", said Sam.

"You would have never freed her if you wanted to escape."

Sam's heart froze in fear. Did I do something wrong.? He turned back. The lady was no longer displaying a face of gratitude or fright. Her eyes were fixed on Sam and Noah. It craved annihilation. Metal claws emerged out of her synthetic fingers and toes. She was indeed a monster.

"Calm down, lovely lily.", said the sculptor.

But his words failed to do anything good. She charged towards them with fury. Sam gave a tight punch to her face. But she didn't move or even flinch. She shoved him with her foot and ran towards Noah. He tried to beat her with his hammer. But she scratched his chest with her claw, leaving a brutal cut, and kicked away the serpent's pouch. Noah groaned but he bounced back by hitting her with a hammer. Sam stood up and stormed towards Noah, but ended up being hit by the hammer. 

The trio sat down for a brief moment in pain. They were a considerable distance apart, being at the sharp ends of a hidden triquetra. They slowly stood up, tightening their grip on their respective weapons, and looked at each other in rage. Sam's eyes locked a wooden doorway at a far corner. It displayed an exit sign. He knew it was his way out. But, retreating now would only make him vulnerable. He stood focused, eyes hovering over his foes.

Lily let out a violent scream and lashed out towards her rivals. Sam rushed towards her with his knife and swung it at her, giving a cut above her left eyebrow. She yelled with fury and broke his knife with her bare hand. And she stamped Sam on the floor, holding him by his neck. Noah stormed towards her, hitting her limb with the hammer. She gripped him by his leg and banged him against the wall, breaking his nose.

Sam rose and stiffened his bandage. He caught Lily by her neck and tried to choke her. She used her claws to scratch his face. Noah stood up and ran towards a tank. He pulled a lever and lifted its lid.

"Bring her to me. I'll use the tranquilizer.", said Noah.

Sam was in extreme pain with a new bleeding on his face. Still, he forced her towards the tank. She used her serrated claw to rip off his earlobe and stab his stomach. She lifted Sam and threw him into the tank. She pushed his head deeper into the liquid and tried to drown him in it. 

Sam felt helpless. He fought for his breath. But he ended up sucking in the liquid. Noah pushed her away and Sam popped his head out of the blue liquid, gasping for breath. He felt numb and it was too difficult for him to breathe. He stepped out of the tank and tried to walk. But he felt weak and his vision was constantly blurred. Threats were raining upon him, one after the other, like a snake eating its own tail.

Lily stuck her claws on Noah's face and he groaned in pain. Sam wobbled towards her and caught her by her waist. Then pulled her away from him. But, she crashed on Sam instead. She faced him with anger and started to hit brutally on his eyes. Sam tried his best to push her away but her grip was too strong. His senses were gradually deprived, and death was almost at the door.

Noah took the hammer and stormed towards them. He hit her legs, precisely at the failsafe points and it got separated from her body. She fell on the ground and Noah threw her legs away from her. She roared in anger and disappointment. Her eyes were red. She pounced behind Noah and plugged her claws in between his rib bones. She pushed it deeper, almost touching his lungs and blood gushed out. He found it difficult to breathe. She twisted her finger and broke a rib of his. He cried out in enormous pain and tried to wince. But her grasp was too tight and deadly.

Sam stood up and took the hammer. He advanced toward the legless monster and hit her on her elbow. The hit loosened her limb and Noah ripped her right forearm apart. He threw her away and sat on the ground, gasping for air. He saw that the monster was still trying to move and approach them, but Noah was too weak to react.

"Santa... Ouroboros.", he shouted.

Sam took out the serpent's pouch and turned the screw. As the pouch opened, he threw it towards Lily. The snake slipped out and wound on her body. She tried to behead it with her claw. But it bit her shoulder and injected its venom. She felt annoyed and crushed the head of the snake with her remaining arm. And then she collapsed on the floor.

Sam sat on the floor and tried to regain his senses. His body was reacting against the huge gulps of the blue liquid. He tried to vomit it out but failed. The numbness was spreading throughout his body. Meanwhile, Noah was dipped in a pool of blood and was spitting out more.

Please don't think about your usual entertainment. 

Please don't hurt me, I don't want bloodshed.

The voices of the old man and the sculptor echoed inside Sam's mind. Regret and guilt were the only feelings that his numb body could sense at the moment.

Sam saw Noah staring him. His hand slowly grasped the hammer and held it tight. His bloody face revealed his dangerous smile. Sam knew what he was up to. Son of a bitch.

Sam stood up and ran towards Noah with the last drop of live force left in him. He punched his jaw with a heavy swing. Then, he lifted the sculptor and threw him inside the tank. Sam quickly grabbed the lid of the tank and closed it. He sat on the lid and tried to lock it with the lever. But Noah pushed out his finger, blocking the lock.

Sam grabbed Lily's limb and used it to chop the sculptor's fingers. He pulled the lever and the tank was locked. Noah slammed the lid in anger and despair. Sam ran towards the exit with his numb and wobbly legs. He used the sharp claws to break its lock and opened the door. A fresh breeze brushed his face and he let out a sigh of relief. He has finally crossed the thin wire and was brought to freedom.

Sam couldn't stand anymore and fell to the ground. His eyes were completely foggy, and his body was soaking in blood and the blue fluid. He crawled towards the courtyard. He approached the statue and bound his hands across its pedestal. 

Make sure you grab the most valuable piece. Something worth a lifetime. Sam recollected the old man's words.

Yes, I did. The most valuable piece. My last breath.

A wave of cool mist was ushered to his face by the wind. The angel's body shone bright in the moonlight and it gazed its eyes upon him. Sam's vision was almost blank and he rested his head on the pedestal. The wind whispered a tale of hope and he could hear the faint sound of Carol approaching the Bungalow.

* * *