Crimson Shadows : Embracing The Unseen

Chapter VI : Intricate Revelation

The Marionette

I woke feeling a sharp pain in my shoulders. I warm my self up, suddenly I feel my face flushed as the memories of last night haunts me again. No, it's not right Mila. I get off my bed and walk towards the bathroom, I undress myself when a question pop on my head. Is he watching me right now?

My eyes widened when I see my body at the mirror; Its filled with the memories last night, hickeys on my tummy up to my neck even the mark of his bite at my shoulder. Most of them are at the visible parts, It's like someone devoured me last night— which is what actually happened.

"I can't work like these! " I said frustration obvious in my voice. As I look at myself at the mirror, I noticed a liliy beside my sink and for the first it has a note attached with it saying "Take that as a present Mon chéri, Your Welcome. "

I let myself at the shower hoping it'll help me but it did not, the warmth of the water unable to wash away the lingering sensations from the night before. I felt a strange mixture of vulnerability and empowerment as I stood under the cascading water, the memories etched into my skin like an indelible mark.

The bathroom, once a sanctuary, now felt like a silent witness to the clandestine dance between shadows. The realization that he had left a trace of his presence, not only in my thoughts but also on my body, left me conflicted.

As I stepped out of the shower, the lily on the sink caught my attention once again. The delicate petals seemed incongruent with the intensity of the emotions swirling within me. I hesitated, my fingers tracing the softness of the flower. The note attached held a certain mocking tone, a reminder that I was entangled in a game where I didn't know the rules.

I'm glad that it's cold so I can just hide this curses with my clothes. I dress myself up to go to work, and noticed one hickey is still visible so I just put a band aid.

As I exited my house, the world outside remained unchanged, ignorant to the forbidden contacts that had occurred within the walls of my own home. The regular sounds of the city surrounded me, but an underlying tension remained beneath the surface.

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As the clock struck 11 pm, I found myself navigating the quiet streets on my way home from work. The city had a different vibe at this hour – a subtle blend of tranquility and subdued energy. I approached the familiar intersection, patiently waiting for the traffic light to grant me passage across the deserted street.

As I stood there, the first few droplets of rain began to fall, hinting at an impending downpour. Hastily, I reached into my bag, expecting to find my trusty umbrella. To my dismay, I realized I had left it behind at the bar where I'd spent my evening working. Panic set in as the rain intensified, and I pondered whether I should make a dash for shelter or brave the elements without protection.

The distant rumble of thunder echoed through the quiet streets, urging me to seek refuge sooner rather than later. With a resigned sigh, I decided to press on, my steps quickening as the raindrops transformed into a relentless shower. The glow of distant streetlights reflected off the wet pavement, casting an ethereal sheen on the deserted sidewalks.

As I approached the familiar establishment, its neon sign flickering in the rain-soaked darkness, a mix of relief and apprehension washed over me. Retrieving my umbrella became a necessary detour in my journey home, and the bar's inviting glow seemed like a beacon promising both shelter and a temporary escape from the storm.

Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the comforting hum of conversations and the soft melodies of the bar's playlist. The familiar faces of patrons and colleagues greeted me as I navigated through the dimly lit space to retrieve my abandoned umbrella.The bartender, a friendly face amid the lively ambiance, handed me the forgotten item with a knowing smile.

"I saw it a minute after you left so I grab it thinking you'll come back because of this" He said with a smile, I thank him and says my goodbye once again. I navigated the bustling crowd after retrieving my forgotten umbrella from the bar. Amid the sea of faces and the neon-lit ambiance, my phone buzzed. Struggling to see in the low light, I decided to head toward the fire exit, suspecting it might be an important call.

As I reached the fire exit, the loud noise faded into the background. My anticipation grew, expecting a significant call, but to my surprise, it was just my own alarm. Slightly disappointed, I pocketed my phone and prepared to leave, but a peculiar sound from below the stairs caught my attention.

Intrigued, I cautiously descended, each step echoing like a heartbeat in the dimly lit stairwell. The atmosphere thickened with tension, and a foreboding sense of unease settled in the air. As I reached the bottom, my eyes widened in horror – a murder unfolding before me. Panic gripped my senses, and I felt paralyzed by the gruesome scene playing out.

Suddenly, a commotion from outside shattered the eerie silence. Distinct police commands echoed through the chaos, demanding someone to put their hands up. I hesitated, torn between the instinct to flee and the morbid curiosity that kept me rooted to the spot. The murderer, unaware of my presence, turned his attention toward the approaching police.

I seized the opportunity to retreat, climbing back up the stairs. Just as I reached for the door, a man behind me slammed it shut. A voice filled with demand, reminiscent of my stalker, resonated through the darkness. Fear and recognition surged through me as I slowly turned to face him.

"Show your face," he demanded, and my body, driven by a strange mixture of fear and compulsion, obeyed. As my eyes met his, the shock hit me like a tidal wave, in that moment, the veil of darkness lifted, revealing his features in the minimal light. His hair is tied up showing his sharp jawline chiseled with an edge of danger, and piercing eyes that could render you breathless with a single glance.

Despite the perilous circumstances, it was hard to deny the undeniable allure in his rugged and intense presence. His features, a dangerous combination of mystery and raw masculinity, struck a chord that resonated with a forbidden fascination. In that heartbeat, his face etched an indelible imprint on my memory, a collision of fear and an undeniable acknowledgment of an unsettling attraction.

"Mon chéri?" he uttered, waking me up from mesmerizing his face. "What the heck are you doing here?!" He exclaimed, but before I could utter more words, the door swung open, revealing Police Detective Jones. his stern expression mirrored my own confusion and disbelief.

"I thought you don't have any connection, Ms. Anderson?" he remarked, the weight of the situation sinking in. In the dimly lit stairwell, the struggle intensified between him and Officer Jones. The echoes of fists colliding and grunts of effort reverberated through the confined space. Officer Jones, determined but momentarily caught off guard, tried to regain control.

HE, agile and ruthless, dodged Officer Jones's attempts to subdue him. With a sudden, swift move, he disarmed the officer, sending his weapon clattering to the floor. The uneven rhythm of their footsteps created a chaotic dance, each maneuver charged with tension.

Officer Jones, a seasoned professional, attempted to use his environment to his advantage, leveraging the narrow confines of the stairwell. But HE, displaying an unsettling blend of skill and brutality, managed to reverse the situation.

A precise kick from HE left Officer Jones staggering. Seizing the opportunity, HE executed a series of calculated strikes, leaving the officer incapacitated. As Officer Jones struggled to rise, he stood over him with a malevolent grin, a silent declaration of triumph.

Seizing the opportunity, HE turned his attention back to me and grab my hand, "Come with me" HE said but I refuse, "Why would I come with you?" I retorted, a surge of bravery masking the fear within. HIS response was blunt and forceful, "Because I f*****g said so." Before I could react, HE effortlessly lifted me over HIS shoulder, rendering my protests futile.

"Put me down, you asshole!" I demanded, squirming in HIS grasp. Ignoring my protests, HE carried me with an unsettling ease. Frustration and fear welled up within me as I struggled against HIS hold.Shut your mouth or I'll shut them for you," HE threatened, a sadistic grin evident in his voice. My defiance persisted, "And how would you do that?!" HIS laughter echoed in response, shrouded in an unsettling mystery. Our tumultuous journey continued, with HIM carrying me through the chaotic scene.

Suddenly, HE came to a stop, and a chilling voice disrupted the tension. "Oh, you've got some treasure in your hands, huh?" The unseen speaker taunted. I strained to see, but HE maintained his silence. The ominous revelation followed, sending a chill down my spine. "Long time no see, how's your brother?—oh, I forgot; I just killed him earlier." HIS cruel laughter filled the air, and confusion gripped me.

Suddenly a guy appeared, seemingly aligned with my stalker."Caius! " He called to someone, Who's Caius? "Can you take care of him, Jay? I've got someone to handle with care," HE instructed, referring to me. The request bewildered me, and I wondered about the dynamics between these mysterious individuals.

"The car is waiting outside" The guy named Jay said to HIM as he walk pass us. As Jay engaged with the guy , identified as Dale, in a fierce battle, I seized the opportunity to plead once more for my release. "Put me down! Let me go!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the chaotic scene. However, my pleas fell on deaf ears as they fought, completely indifferent to my distress.

Upon reaching the awaiting car, my stalker finally set me down. Desperation fueled my attempts to escape as I lunged towards the other side of the vehicle. Suddenly, a gunshot pierced the air, and HE groaned in pain. Panic gripped me as I realized the danger escalating around me.

HE fired at Officer Jones, who had been closing in, and swiftly entered the car. As I contemplated another attempt to escape, fear and confusion clouding my thoughts, the car sped away into the night.