Beneath the shadows
1223 Words
Celine’s fingers trembled as she held the ornate key, its metallic surface cold against her skin. The darkness from the sudden blackout in her room was suffocating, and the whisper she had heard still echoed faintly in her ears: "Don’t trust them."
The key felt heavier than before, and though she wanted to throw it away, something about it seemed to demand her attention. She gripped it tighter as her door creaked open, spilling a soft, golden glow into her room.
“Celine,” a familiar voice called softly.
She turned sharply, her heart racing. Gabriel stood at the doorframe, his silhouette illuminated by the dim hallway light. His eyes, as sharp as they were unreadable, locked onto hers.
“What are you doing in the dark?” he asked, stepping inside with a curious tilt of his head.
Celine stammered, hiding the key behind her back. “The lights went out,” she said quickly. “And I... I was just about to step out.”
Gabriel’s gaze flicked to her hand, the movement so subtle it made her stomach twist with unease. He stepped closer, his presence filling the small space of her room.
“You’re hiding something,” he said smoothly, his voice low but firm. “Aren’t you?”
Her breath hitched. “I’m not—” she began, but his fingers brushed her wrist before she could finish, his touch sending a strange warmth through her.
“Relax,” Gabriel said, his lips quirking into a slight smirk. “I’m not here to interrogate you. But if you’re keeping secrets, I suggest you’re careful. This place… it doesn’t take kindly to secrets.”
He pulled back, his hand lingering on hers for a moment too long before he turned toward the door. “Join us in the study,” he said, his tone lighter now. “We have something to discuss.”
Without another word, he left, leaving her heart pounding and her thoughts spinning.
---
The study was as intimidating as ever, its walls lined with towering bookshelves and ornate furniture. The other men were already gathered when Celine arrived, their eyes turning to her as she entered.
Jack, lounging in one of the armchairs, grinned lazily. “Took you long enough,” he teased, his gaze flicking over her in a way that made her cheeks heat.
“I didn’t realize I was on a schedule,” she replied, her voice sharper than she intended.
Jack chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Feisty tonight, aren’t we?”
Leo, who was leaning against the wall, shot Jack a warning look before turning to Celine. “Sit,” he said simply, gesturing to the chair opposite Gabriel’s.
Celine hesitated but eventually took the seat. The men exchanged brief glances, an unspoken conversation passing between them. Gabriel was the first to break the silence.
“We’ve noticed some… unusual things happening around here,” he began, his tone measured. “And while we don’t expect you to know much about it, we thought it best to warn you.”
“Warn me?” Celine asked, her voice faltering.
“Strange occurrences,” Ethan added, his usual playful demeanor replaced with seriousness. “Things that might make you… uncomfortable.”
Celine frowned. “Like what?”
Gabriel leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk. “Nothing you need to worry about just yet. Just… stay alert. And if you notice anything out of the ordinary, come to one of us.”
His words were vague, frustratingly so, but the weight of his tone made it clear there was more he wasn’t saying. Celine wanted to push, to demand answers, but she held back, unsure of how much she could trust any of them.
The meeting ended as abruptly as it had started. The men filed out one by one, leaving her alone in the study. Or so she thought.
“You’re brave, you know,” a voice said from the shadows.
Celine turned to see Leo still standing near the bookshelf, his arms crossed and his expression unreadable.
“Brave?” she repeated, confused.
Leo stepped closer, his movements deliberate and slow, like a predator stalking its prey. “Most people wouldn’t handle this place as well as you have,” he said, his voice low. “But don’t let that bravery turn into recklessness.”
His proximity was intoxicating, his dark eyes drawing her in despite the warning bells ringing in her mind. “What are you trying to say?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Leo’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Just that you should be careful who you trust.”
Before she could respond, he reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was unexpected, sending a shiver down her spine.
“Goodnight, Celine,” he murmured, his voice softer now, almost tender. Then, without another word, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving her alone with her racing thoughts.
---
Later that night, Celine couldn’t sleep. The key was still in her pocket, its weight a constant reminder of the strange events unfolding around her. She sat on her bed, staring at it, debating whether to confront Gabriel or keep it to herself.
A soft knock at her window startled her.
She froze, her eyes darting to the glass. The curtains billowed slightly in the breeze, but there was no one there. Slowly, she stood and approached the window, her heart hammering in her chest.
“Celine,” a voice called, soft and teasing.
She turned sharply to find Jack leaning against her doorframe, his grin as infuriatingly charming as ever.
“You scared me,” she said, her voice sharp.
Jack held up his hands in mock surrender. “Sorry, didn’t mean to. Just thought you could use some company.”
“Company?” she repeated, narrowing her eyes. “It’s the middle of the night.”
Jack shrugged, his grin widening. “What can I say? I’m a night owl. And you looked like you could use a distraction.”
He crossed the room, stopping just close enough for her to feel the heat radiating off him. “You’re tense,” he observed, his tone dropping to a whisper. “What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing,” she said quickly, stepping back.
Jack tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re a terrible liar.”
Before she could respond, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her wrist. “Relax, Celine,” he said softly. “You’re safe with us. You know that, don’t you?”
His touch was electric, sending a wave of warmth through her. For a moment, she forgot about the key, the whispers, and the looming sense of danger. All she could focus on was the way his gaze seemed to see right through her.
“I…” she started, but the words caught in her throat.
Jack leaned closer, his voice barely audible. “Don’t think too hard. Just… trust me.”
And then he was gone, leaving her standing there, her heart racing and her mind spinning.
As she sat back on her bed, the key still clutched in her hand, she couldn’t help but wonder: who could she really trust in this house?
- Writer
