A Call to the Shadows
337 Words
Episode 2 – A Call to the Shadows
Rain poured over the city that night — heavy, relentless, and cold. The kind of rain that seemed to wash secrets out of hiding.
Inside the Monteverde mansion, lights glowed warm and golden. Servants moved in quiet urgency, preparing decorations, flowers, and food. It wasn’t just any celebration — it was the 18th birthday of Kiara Monteverde, only daughter of the powerful businessman, Señor Alejandro Monteverde.
To everyone else, he was a respected tycoon.
To those who knew better… he was something far more dangerous.
But Kiara didn’t know that.
Not yet.
The next morning at Crestmont University, Kiara arrived earlier than usual. She noticed something strange — the security guards bowed slightly when she passed. Not the usual polite nod, but a respectful dip of the head, like she was someone important.
It unsettled her.
When she reached her classroom, Lance was already there — leaning casually against the window, headphones in, watching the rain outside.
“Early today,” he said, taking out one earbud.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Kiara replied.
“Too many thoughts?”
She smiled faintly. “Too many people.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, this place is full of noise.”
Before she could answer, her phone vibrated.
A text from her father:
“Sweetheart, I’ve arranged something special for your birthday.
Don’t be late for dinner tonight. Dress beautifully. — Dad 💛”
Kiara smiled, warmth flickering in her chest. Her father was always busy, but when it came to her, he never forgot.
After class, she went to the library to study. When she looked out the window, she saw something that made her pause — a black luxury car parked outside the school gate. Two men in suits stood beside it, talking into earpieces.
They weren’t students.
They weren’t teachers either.
And when her eyes met one of theirs, he nodded slightly — almost like a silent greeting.
Kiara blinked. Weird.
When she looked again, the car was gone.
- Writer
