As soon as he opened the door, he knew something was wrong. The back of his neck tingled where his amulet was and he felt the urge to get out of the room. He gasped and
Dropped to the floor when he saw the lifeless body on the floor before him.
Several fingers and toes were missing and her face was carved
Into pieces beyond recognition. Blood soaked her clothes and pooled around her body. Grace was dead. And he knew whoever did it, meant it as a message.
His blood boiled in his veins and his breath came in rapid puffs. No one other than Ryan could’ve done this. But this was taking things too far. She didn’t have to die for this. He grabbed the nearest object and threw it against the wall as he screamed in pain and grief.
Ryan would pay.
Two days later, Ryan’s phone rang and he untangled himself from the girl that had managed to wrap herself around him.
“What is it?” He answered gruffly.
“Mickel is dead.”
“What!” He sat up so quickly which nearly sent her crashing to the floor.
“His body was found yesterday. Nobody knows who did it.”
Ryan was silent for a moment and when he spoke, his voice was solemn.
“I have an idea… leave it to me.”
“Okay boss.”
He turned to the girl beside him and threw her a wad of cash from his bedside drawer.
“Get lost.”
She took it without a word of complaint and left the room quietly.
Ryan stared into space as a plan formed in his head.
So, Vicker had the guts to do this because of a woman.
Well, he would get what comes his way.
CAMPUS: Female Hostel
The girls and I had just returned from visiting Stacy at the hospital and we were all in a sober mood. John had already recovered and he was by her side nearly every day but it was difficult for me to find him blameless in this situation.
Alison didn’t bother to hide her irritation when she saw him at the hospital and made it clear that it would’ve been better if he just stayed away from her.
John was solemn throughout and had apologized but it couldn’t change the fact that he was a dreaded cultist whose relationship with Stacy had only put her in danger.
Lisa’s phone rang and she stepped away from us to answer it. When she returned, she announced that it was her cousin that called.
“Charles?” I asked without thinking.
“The one and only.” She rolled her eyes.
“Why do I get the feeling that you don’t like him very much?”
She and Alison exchanged a glance that was full of meaning. There was some history I wasn’t aware of.
“I told you he used to be a student here before, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, he was two years ahead of me but got involved in some stuff and had to leave for his own safety.”
“What do you mean?”
She seemed uncomfortable talking about it and despite my curiosity, I wasn’t sure whether to push for more information or retreat.
“My cousin Charles, was once a cultist. In fact, he
Was the former ex-leader of THE REDs.”
Shock jolted through me like a lightning bolt. It caused me to freeze and my mind went blank.
For some reason, my heart sank in disappointment and I refused to believe that
What Lisa said was true but there was no reason for her to lie.
“How did that happen?”
She sighed and shook her head.
“It’s a long story that I cannot tell. You need to hear it directly from him if he’s willing to tell you.”
“But, I can’t just ask him. I barely know him.”
She raised an eyebrow and the look in her eyes became slightly teasing.
“Somehow, I think he’ll tell you if you ask him.”
I was left wondering what her words were meant to imply.
That weekend, Charles visited again. I didn’t understand why I was a nervous wreck around him but I tried to make myself as scarce as possible. That was until I returned to the hostel in what I thought was stealth mode only to find him sitting in front of the entrance gate.
“Monica, I was waiting for you.” It was the first thing he said. He stood up and smiled as he walked closer to where I stood.
“Hello, Charles.”
“I wanted to see you,” He said. “I hope you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Can we just take a walk?”
I looked around and noticed that many students were around. Girls cast us curious glances and some paid more attention to the guy standing before me. I admit he was a sight to behold.
“Um sure.” I nodded.
We walked towards an old tree and sat down. I waited for him to speak first.
“Why’re you so withdrawn around me?” His voice was low and I nearly strained to hear. “Is there something about me that puts you off?”
“I….” I wasn’t quite sure what to say.
His eyes looked troubled as he waited for my reply.
“I heard you used to be a student here.” I decided to go with a different tactic.
“Oh, news gets around easily.” He chuckled but it was without humour.
“I don’t mean to pry, sorry.”
“No, it’s alright. I’m sure you’ve heard different versions of the story by now.”
“Actually, just one. But I’d like to hear your version if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll tell you all you need to know, just ask.”
I took a deep breath and asked the first question.
“Is it true that you’re a cultist?”
“I was.”
“But can you truly be free from it?”
He was silent.
“I haven’t been back there in a long time and I don’t plan to go back anytime soon,” He said. “I nearly died twice in one day. I realized the value of my life even if I don’t have much to live for. But now I believe I do.”
“What changed?”
.
.
...