chapter 10: Pulled into the Dark.
1686 Words
– Pulled Into the Dark
Bella exhaled sharply. “Okay, so what now? You’re just… living with a demon now? Is that safe?”
Emma sighed. “It’s complicated.”
Bella crossed her arms. “Make it uncomplicated.”
Emma hesitated. She had told Bella everything… except for one thing.
The part where she wasn’t sure if she wanted to leave.
Before she could answer, the air shifted.
A chilling breeze swept over them. The streetlights flickered.
Bella shivered. “What the hell?”
Emma froze. She knew this feeling.
She had felt it that night.
Before the attack.
The shadows moved.
Bella saw it too. “Emma…”
And then—a snarl.
Dark figures emerged from the alley across the street.
Three. No, four.
Eyes glowing red. Teeth bared.
Bella staggered back. “What—”
“Run!” Emma grabbed her wrist, yanking her toward the house.
But the demons were fast.
Too fast.
One lunged.
Emma braced for impact—
And then—a blur of black.
A powerful force slammed into the demon, sending it crashing against the pavement.
Emma’s heart leapt. Adrian.
His eyes blazed crimson, his dark coat billowing as he stood between them and the creatures.
“You dare touch what’s mine?” His voice was cold. Dangerous.
The demons hesitated.
And then—they attacked.
Adrian moved like a shadow, too fast for Emma’s eyes to follow. One by one, the demons fell—some vanished into nothing, others dissolved into black mist.
Bella stared in shock. “Holy. Shit.”
Within seconds, the battle was over.
Adrian turned to them, his gaze dark. “Inside. Now.”
Emma didn’t argue.
She pulled Bella into the house.
---
Inside – The Truth is No Longer a Secret.
The moment they stepped in, Bella spun toward Emma.
“WHAT. THE. HELL?!”
Emma flinched. “Bella, I—”
Bella pointed at Adrian. “You—You just—” She made wild gestures. “What ARE you?!”
Adrian’s eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. “The one keeping her alive.”
Bella stared at Emma. “You were serious. You were actually serious.”
Emma nodded weakly.
Bella ran a hand through her hair. Then… to Emma’s surprise, she grinned.
“This is insane.”
Emma blinked. “You’re… not freaking out?”
Bella laughed. “Oh, I’m freaking out. But I also kind of love it.”
Adrian raised a brow. “She’s enjoying this?”
Bella shrugged. “I mean, I just saw my best friend’s mysterious ‘fiancé’ take down demons like an action movie. Of course, I’m enjoying it.”
Emma sighed. Of course Bella would react like this.
Bella folded her arms. “So, what now? I know too much? Are you gonna erase my memory or something?”
Adrian smirked. “Tempting.”
Bella smirked right back. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Adrian chuckled, but there was something dark in his gaze. “You’re in this now, whether you like it or not.”
Bella tilted her head. “Good.”
Emma gaped. “Wait—Bella, what are you saying?”
Bella’s eyes shone with excitement. “I’m saying… if you’re dealing with demons, you’re gonna need someone watching your back. And since I’m already here—” She threw an arm around Emma.
“I’m in.”
Emma’s heart thudded.
Adrian watched Bella carefully. Then, slowly, he smirked.
“Interesting.”
---
A New Ally, A New Danger.
With Bella now fully involved, things would only get more complicated.
Because Emma knew one thing for sure—
The demons wouldn’t stop coming.
And this time, she wasn’t the only one in danger.
Bella was now a target too.
-----
A Night of Secrets.
The tension lingered as Emma, Bella, and Adrian returned inside.
Liam and Emma’s mother were still awake, completely unaware of what had just happened outside.
“You two were out for a while,” her mother said, glancing between Emma and Bella. “Everything okay?”
Emma forced a smile. “Yeah. Just catching up.”
Bella, to Emma’s relief, played along perfectly. “Yeah, Mrs. Hayes! Just some girl talk.” She winked.
Her mother smiled. “I’m glad. Bella, you know you’re always welcome here.”
Bella grinned. “That’s why I never leave.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately.”
Emma almost laughed. Despite the chaos of the night, being home felt… normal.
It was a dangerous illusion.
Because she knew—nothing was normal anymore.
---
Sleeping Arrangements.
“You’re staying?” Adrian asked in a low voice as Emma led him toward the guest room.
Emma nodded. “For tonight, yes.”
Adrian’s eyes darkened slightly. “You think it’s safe?”
Emma hesitated. Then, she whispered, “No. But I want one more night here.”
Adrian studied her. Then, slowly, he nodded.
“I’ll be nearby,” he murmured before disappearing into the shadows.
Emma sighed. She knew he wouldn’t go far.
---
Emma & Bella – A Night of Confessions.
Emma collapsed onto her bed, exhaustion settling in.
Bella flopped beside her, staring at the ceiling. “So. You’re engaged to a demon.”
Emma groaned. “Bella, please—”
“A hot demon.”
Emma grabbed a pillow and smacked her.
Bella laughed.
Then… silence.
Emma stared at the ceiling, her mind racing. “Bella… Are you scared?”
Bella turned her head. “Of what?”
Emma bit her lip. “Of being around me now.”
Bella sat up, her expression unreadable. “Emma. You’re my best friend.”
Emma looked at her.
Bella nudged her playfully. “You think some demons are gonna change that?”
Emma felt her chest tighten.
Then Bella smirked. “Besides, you need me. Someone has to make sure you don’t get seduced by your dark, brooding demon fiancé.”
Emma laughed.
For the first time in a while… she actually felt safe.
She didn’t know what the next day would bring, but tonight—she had her best friend.
And for now, that was enough.
---
Morning – The Departure.
The sun rose too quickly.
Emma sat on the porch, drinking coffee. Adrian stood nearby, watching the streets carefully.
Bella joined them, yawning. “So, what’s the plan?”
Adrian’s gaze flickered. “We leave.”
Emma nodded. “Yeah. It’s time.”
She turned toward the house, her heart aching a little.
Her mother. Liam. They were safe for now.
But Emma knew—this was only the beginning.
And soon, the shadows would come knocking again.
-----
Into the Unknown.
The car ride was silent.
Emma sat beside Adrian, Bella in the back, her fingers tapping against her lap. She could still feel the weight of her mother’s hug, the warmth of her brother’s teasing smile. Leaving them behind felt… wrong.
But she knew staying would be worse.
“Where are we going?” Bella finally asked.
Adrian’s hands tightened on the wheel. “Somewhere safe. For now.”
Emma frowned. “Not the mansion?”
Adrian’s jaw clenched. “No. Not yet.”
That answer made Emma uneasy. If not the mansion… then where?
---
A Hidden Refuge.
The road stretched endlessly until they finally pulled into a secluded driveway, leading to a large, abandoned-looking estate hidden deep in the woods.
Emma shivered. The place had a haunting beauty—tall iron gates, ivy creeping over old stone walls, and an eerie silence that made the air feel thick.
Bella whistled. “Creepy.”
Emma nudged Adrian. “Are we supposed to feel safe here?”
Adrian smirked, stepping out of the car. “Would you prefer the alternative?”
Emma sighed. Fair point.
But then—the wind shifted.
And a presence filled the air.
They weren’t alone.
---
Victor – The Shadow in the Dark.
Before Emma could react, a figure emerged from the mist.
Tall. Dark. Dangerous.
A man in a long coat, his silver hair catching the dim light. Piercing red eyes locked onto Adrian.
Bella gasped. “Who the hell is that?”
Adrian exhaled sharply. “Victor.”
Emma stiffened. She had heard that name before.
Victor. Adrian’s right-hand man. His enforcer. His shadow.
And from the way he stood, he wasn’t here for a friendly visit.
“You’re late,” Victor said, his voice like ice.
Adrian’s expression darkened. “I had… complications.”
Victor’s gaze flicked to Emma. Then Bella. His eyes narrowed slightly.
“And I assume these are the complications?”
Emma bristled. “Excuse me?”
Victor ignored her. His gaze stayed on Adrian. “The Council is asking questions. They’re not happy.”
Emma’s heart skipped. Council?
Adrian’s expression was unreadable. “They can wait.”
Victor took a step closer. “Can they?”
A silent battle passed between them.
Then, Victor sighed and ran a hand through his silver hair. “Fine. But they won’t wait forever.”
He turned toward Emma. His gaze was sharp, calculating. “So, you’re the girl who’s causing all this trouble.”
Emma’s eyes narrowed. “And you are?”
Victor smirked. “The one who cleans up Adrian’s messes.”
Bella raised a brow. “Oh, great. Another brooding demon.”
Victor chuckled. “Charming friend you have.”
Bella grinned. “I know.”
Adrian sighed. “Enough. We’re staying here tonight. No one knows about this place.”
Victor’s expression remained unreadable. Then, he simply nodded.
“Fine. But don’t get comfortable.”
His gaze lingered on Emma for a second longer—as if he knew something she didn’t.
Then, he disappeared into the shadows.
Emma released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Something about Victor unsettled her.
Bella leaned in and whispered, “Is it just me, or does he give off serious villain vibes?”
Emma couldn’t disagree.
But one thing was clear—this safe house wasn’t as safe as she thought.
And whatever secrets Adrian was keeping… Victor knew them all.
- Writer
