A Killer's Obsession

Chapter 22

Aera Pov:

I awoke lying on a wooden floor with a throbbing headache pounding in my skull. Beside me were an unconscious Kyujin, Lily, and Haewon, all three being chained to the wall. When I at last realized where I was, I nearly fainted from shock. I was in Seventeen's manor, specifically in 'my' room. I checked my ankle, and discovered that I wasn't tied up. Struggling to my feet I began to plan an escape. Well, since I wasn't restrained the first order of business would be unlocking the door. I gently pulled on the handle and gasped as it swung open. Unlocked?

Now being able to observe my surroundings, I noticed how deathly quiet the house was. The members weren't here. I slowly breathed a sigh of relief before tensing up again. Jun. Where was he?

"Jun?" I called out to the empty air.

Feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, I checked on the girls before searching all the other rooms in the mansion. Nothing. There was only one place left. . . the basement. I harshly gulped back nausea that had crept up my throat. This was the place Mingyu had sawed off my arm and leg. What if the members were waiting secretly down there? What would they do?

"Probably torture me." I muttered answering my own thoughts.

Steeling my nerves, I quickly descended downstairs. The scent of blood immediately hit my nostrils as I arrived in the dank room. I couldn't help but notice a bloody scalpel that was lying on a table. It appeared to have been used recently.

"Ow!" I yelped as I suddenly fell onto my ass.

The object that I had slipped on was approximately 3 inches in length, rubbery, and had small bumps decorating its surface. Blood coated around one end which appeared to have been cut off roughly. I recoiled when I understood what the item was.

"Fuck! It's a human tongue!"

Kicking the body part as far away from me as I could I resumed my search of the basement. I soon stumbled upon 3 large wooden coffins, a glowing cube, metal box, and an Ipad. Displayed on the screen was a voice recording and a video. I pressed play on the first and felt my heart sink when I realized the two voices: Jaemin and Chris.

*Voice Recording

Jaemin - Goddam this place is grand. So these guys are not only cold blooded killers, but rich assholes as well?

. . .

Chris - You're rich too, Jaemin.

. . .

Jaemin - I'm not an asshole.

. . .

Chris - Fair enough. Where are you right now?

. . .

Jaemin - Living room of some sorts. There's a connected kitchen in front of me and two hallways to my left and right. Which way do I go?

. . .

Chris - Head left and  down the first door on your right side. That should be the basement. Aera said that's most likely where good old Felix is being held.

. . .

Jaemin - Gotcha.

. . .

Jaemin - Oh my god, I've found him Chris. He's in rough shape. There's cuts and bruises all over his body, and blood dripping from his mouth. He's awake but he's not talking. I'm going to untie him and then bring him up, get the car started, okay?

. . .

Jaemin - Chris? Did you hear me?

. . .

Chris - DOn't c-ome uP! th-ey're Her-

. . .

??? - Hello Na Jaemin. I'm sorry we had to meet like this but unfortunately you, Felix, and Chris will be going on a little field trip to the Rift. How does that sound?

. . .

Jaemin - The Rift? Aera said that's where she was trapped in! Wait a sec-

The recording abruptly cut and I nearly collapsed onto my knees. Just the worst outcome. Jaemin. Chris. Felix. All had been taken to the Rift. The place I had spent so many years trying to escape had now become the next prison for three of my friends. I couldn't give up. With shaking hands I pressed play on the second recording. The video burst to life and suddenly a solemn S.Coups appeared on screen. With disappointed eyes the male began to speak,

"Aera. By the time this video reaches you the members and I will be far away in the Rift. Just as you wished we are no longer near your side. Of course I'm sure you've noticed the conspicuous absence of some of your friends. There is always a price to pay, Aera. For your freedom the three boys will take your place. However, I am willing to make a trade. If you want Felix, Chris, and Jaemin back you will need to do three things: 1. Remove your metallic limbs and place them in the box that we left for you. You will have no need for them when you are with us. 2. Seal Haewon, Kyujin, and Lily into the 3 coffins. They will die but you will no longer be with them anyway, and they must pay for being a bad influence on your mind. 3. Use the Transport cube and send yourself back to the Rift. Aera I know we sound harsh at the moment but the members and I really do care about you. I assure you that when you join your rightful place back at our side, we will convince the Entity to not force you to be a Survivor. You will live in a lap of luxury with us to fulfill your every wish. All you need to do is be by our side and let us take care of you. You're meant to be with us, can't you see? I know you're a smart girl. Make the decision soon. Goodbye."

The video cut out, and I sat in stunned silence. Who did these motherfuckers think they were? Kill my friends? Hell no. I was going to get all of them back alive. Just as I stood up, another message came through. I opened it to see a horrifying photo. There were four figures strung on giant meat hooks, the metal hook being impaled through their left shoulder. I nearly cried out when I recognized the faces. Chris. Felix. Jaemin. And Jun. Agony was written over three of the victim's faces, but Jun's seemed to be more of guilt. Almost like he believed he deserved to be hung.

"No. . ." I whispered.

Then the text arrived. Make your choice, dear. Don't try to CHEAT your way out of this. -Mingyu.

Without another thought I smashed the Ipad onto the stone floor. He thought I was cheating on him with Jun? After what he had done to me? The bastard had gone crazy! I dashed up the stairs and burst into the room I had awakened in to find that all three girls were now all conscious.

"Aera? What's going on?" Kyujin gasped.

I quickly retold what had happened and the trio were horrified.

"He wanted you to bury us alive?" Lily screeched.

"They have Jaemin hanging from a meat hook?" Haewon screamed.

"Are you going back to them?" Kyujin finished.

I shook my head.

"Not quite guys. Remember I told you about the games the Entity would make us play? 4 survivors vs 1 killer? Well I was thinking. . ."

"You want us to play a game." Haewon cut in.

I nodded.

"Exactly."