A shadow in the night
592 Words
Chapter 10
A Shadow in the Night
Monday passed quietly.
Too quietly.
Nadia spent most of the day attending lectures, taking notes, and discussing their semester project with Ethan. It felt like an ordinary day, and for once, she was grateful for it.
She needed ordinary.
Because ordinary never asked questions.
"Let's stop here," Nadia said as she closed her notebook.
The university library was beginning to empty as students prepared to head home.
Ethan glanced at the time on his laptop.
"We've been here for almost four hours."
"No wonder my back hurts."
He laughed.
"I thought you never complained."
"I don't."
"You just did."
"That doesn't count."
"It definitely counts."
Nadia rolled her eyes, trying not to smile.
As they packed their books, Ethan hesitated.
"Can I ask you something?"
She looked up.
"What is it?"
"What do you usually do after school?"
The question caught her off guard.
"Why?"
"I'm just curious."
She zipped her backpack slowly.
"I go home."
"Every day?"
"Most days."
"And weekends?"
"I spend them with my family."
Ethan nodded.
"That's nice."
He wasn't convinced.
There was something about Nadia that intrigued him.
She was always kind, always calm...
Yet it felt as though an invisible wall surrounded her.
No matter how friendly she became, she never let anyone get too close.
Outside the library, the evening sky had turned a deep shade of orange.
"I'll walk you to the bus stop," Ethan offered.
"You don't have to."
"I know."
"But I'd like to."
The two walked side by side through the campus.
Students passed them in groups, laughing and taking photos.
Convocation was only a few months away.
Soon, all of this would become memories.
"I've been thinking," Ethan said.
"That's dangerous."
He laughed.
"Very funny."
"I try."
"I was thinking we should celebrate after we submit our project."
"Celebrate what?"
"Surviving final year."
Nadia smiled.
"We haven't survived it yet."
"Then let's celebrate when we do."
"I'll think about it."
"I'll take that as progress."
She shook her head.
"You really don't give up."
"Not easily."
When they reached the bus stop, Nadia turned to him.
"Thanks for today."
"You've thanked me again."
"I know."
"I don't mind."
The bus pulled up.
Nadia stepped onto the first stair before looking back.
"Goodnight, Ethan."
"Goodnight, Nadia."
He watched until the bus disappeared into traffic.
Only then did he turn and walk away.
Across the city...
Night settled over the towering skyline.
Inside an exclusive private club, a group of influential men laughed over expensive drinks.
To everyone around them, they were respected businessmen.
Successful.
Powerful.
Untouchable.
One of them checked his watch.
"I should get going."
As he stepped outside, a cold breeze swept across the empty parking lot.
He paused.
Something felt... wrong.
His phone vibrated.
He frowned.
Unknown Number
A single message appeared.
Your time is up.
His face turned pale.
He looked around frantically.
The parking lot was empty.
"Who's there?"
Only silence answered him.
A black card drifted across the ground, carried by the wind.
It stopped at his polished shoes.
The silver raven gleamed beneath the streetlight.
The man stumbled backward.
"No..."
His voice trembled.
"Please..."
A shadow moved between the parked cars.
Too fast to recognize.
Too quiet to follow.
The man's breathing became uneven as he backed away.
Then...
The parking lot lights suddenly went out.
Darkness swallowed everything.
From somewhere within the shadows...
Footsteps echoed.
Slow.
Steady.
Unavoidable.
The city would wake to another headline before sunrise.
But tonight...
Only the darkness knew what had happened.
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