Lucas stood alone, his body glistening with sweat from the intense heat on the football pitch. The stifling air seemed to wrap around him, making it difficult to breathe. Beads of perspiration dripped from his forehead, trickling down his face, mingling with the drops that had soaked his wraps on the injured arm. He could feel the dampness seeping through the fabric, clinging to his skin, but he refused to remove the sleeves. The secret he guarded so carefully would be exposed if anyone caught a glimpse of the scars beneath.
His classmates saw him as a loner, someone who preferred solitude over socializing. It was true that he rarely engaged with others, except for Petra and Veil, his friends from another class. Despite his reserved nature, Lucas had always been kind-hearted and willing to help when asked. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that his peers viewed him with a mix of curiosity and indifference.
Salo, one of his classmates, approached him, a look of concern on his face. "Will you be okay running around the pitch in this heat while wearing those sleeves?" Salo asked, his voice laced with genuine worry. "It's sweltering out there, and just looking at your attire makes me feel hot."
Lucas forced a smile, hiding the discomfort that gnawed at him. "Oh, these sleeves are necessary," he replied, his tone casual. "My skin is incredibly sensitive to the sun, and I have to protect it from getting burned. I'll be fine, don't worry."
Salo nodded, his expression filled with understanding. "I didn't know. Take care, man," he said before turning away, leaving Lucas alone with his thoughts.
As the run began, Lucas battled against the oppressive heat, his every step a struggle. Each lap around the pitch felt like a Herculean feat, a test of endurance and willpower. Beads of sweat cascaded down his face, stinging his eyes, as he pushed himself forward. He counted the laps in his mind, clinging to the belief that each one would bring him closer to the finish line and relief from the scorching sun. With every stride, Lucas fought a battle within himself. Doubt and fatigue threatened to overwhelm him, but he refused to give in. The pain in his injured arm intensified, the discomfort exacerbated by the heat, yet he pressed on. He reminded himself of the importance of concealing his secret, of protecting himself from prying eyes and judgment. As the run concluded, Lucas staggered towards the bathroom, seeking solace and respite from the oppressive heat. The cool tiles beneath his feet provided a brief reprieve, a momentary respite from the punishing conditions outside. He gazed at his reflection once more, his eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and determination.
Unbeknownst to Lucas, his struggle had not gone unnoticed. Ethan, observing from a school window, had witnessed his every move on the pitch. Lucas felt his heart pounding in his chest as he hastily pulled his long sleeves back on, the fabric sticking uncomfortably to his sweaty skin. The screeching sound of the bathroom door opening had startled him, and his moment of vulnerability was now at risk of being exposed. Turning around, he found himself face to face with a senior from his high school, who seemed preoccupied with fixing his hair under the running water. Desperately trying to catch his breath and regain his composure, Lucas instinctively moved toward one of the stalls, hoping to find refuge until the senior left. But before he could reach the safety of the stall, the senior spoke up, breaking the tense silence.
"I saw you struggling on the pitch. Those long sleeves must be unbearable in this heat," the senior remarked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Lucas swallowed hard, his mind racing for a suitable response. He repeated the same excuse he had used with Salo, hoping it would be enough to satisfy the senior's curiosity. "Yeah, I have a skin sensitivity, so I have to wear them. There's not much I can do about it."
The senior nodded, seemingly accepting Lucas's explanation. He began to turn away, heading towards the bathroom mirror as if ready to depart. Relief washed over Lucas, but his respite was short-lived. The senior halted in the middle of the room, a smile playing at the corners of his lips as he turned back to face Lucas.
"Shouldn't you be wearing a cap and long pants too if you're sensitive to the sun?" the senior inquired, his voice filled with a calculated skepticism.
Lucas's heart sank, his panic resurfacing with even greater intensity. He had not anticipated the senior's astute observation and pointed question. His mind raced, searching for a plausible response that would deflect suspicion. With an outward calm he did not truly feel, Lucas replied, "I actually forgot to bring my cap today, and as for long pants, I hate them more than the burns on my legs. I'd rather endure a little discomfort than suffocate in the heat."
The senior's smile wavered ever so slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studied Lucas. It was clear that he was not convinced by Lucas's explanation. A heavy tension hung in the air as Lucas's mind raced with worry. Could this senior be onto him? Was he somehow connected to the events of that fateful night?
Lucas maintained a facade of composure, despite the rising fear within him. He met the senior's gaze, holding his breath as he awaited the senior's response. The silence stretched on, each passing second feeling like an eternity.
"Yeah..." the senior finally responded, his voice dripping with skepticism. It was a single word, but it conveyed volumes of doubt and suspicion.
Lucas's heart sank even further, the weight of the senior's disbelief pressing down on him. He knew that his secret was in jeopardy, that the senior's presence in the bathroom was no mere coincidence. The web of uncertainty and potential danger seemed to tighten around him, leaving him to wonder how he would protect himself and keep his true identity hidden. As the senior turned away and exited the bathroom, Lucas was left with a lingering sense of unease. He couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter was far from innocent, and that he would need to be even more vigilant in guarding his secret. The game of deception had intensified, and Lucas knew that he had to tread carefully if he wanted to protect himself and those he cared about from the looming threats that surrounded him.
Ethan walked briskly back to his class, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. The exhilaration of his discovery coursed through his veins, fueling his determination to confirm what he believed to be true. He knew that with every step he took towards unveiling Lucas as his mystery man, he was edging closer to claiming his place of prominence within their vampire society. No longer would he be seen as a mere errand boy under Valeria's shadow; this was his chance to rise above and carve out his own path. As he navigated the bustling school corridors, Ethan's mind churned with a mix of excitement and calculation. This was not merely a casual pursuit; it was a pivotal moment in his life. He saw it as a transformative event, a metamorphosis that would propel him to the attention and recognition he believed he deserved. By unmasking Lucas as the mystery man, Ethan would prove himself as a formidable force, a hunter of unparalleled skill and ambition. Thoughts of his vampire heritage danced through Ethan's mind, fueling his conviction. He saw himself as a superior being, one destined for greatness. It was his duty to elevate his family's status, to ensure they commanded the respect and influence they rightfully deserved. This was not just about personal gain; it was about asserting the power and authority of vampires, solidifying their place at the top of the hierarchy.
Ethan's confidence surged as he envisioned the outcome of his actions. Once Lucas was exposed, once the truth was laid bare, there would be no denying Ethan's prowess and resourcefulness. He would become a catalyst for change, an agent of transformation within their vampire realm. The ripple effects of his success would reverberate through their society, reshaping their power dynamics and positioning his family at the forefront. But amidst his ambitious thoughts, a thread of caution tugged at Ethan's consciousness. He knew he had to tread carefully, for his suspicions alone were not enough. He needed irrefutable evidence to solidify his case against Lucas. He would have to be meticulous, observing Lucas's every move, gathering information, and connecting the dots until the truth was crystal clear. Ethan's mind raced with plans and strategies, plotting the most effective way to confront Lucas and expose him for who he truly was. It was a delicate dance of deception and revelation, a high-stakes game that could either elevate Ethan to new heights or leave him vulnerable to unforeseen consequences. He was well aware of the risks involved, but he was willing to take them all for the sake of his family's reputation and his own ascent. As he approached his classroom, Ethan's smile widened. He was on the cusp of a breakthrough, a defining moment that would reshape his destiny. With each passing second, his resolve grew stronger, his determination unyielding. The confirmation of his suspicions was within reach, and Ethan was ready to seize it with unwavering confidence.
With a final breath, Ethan stepped into the classroom, ready to embark on the next phase of his hunt, ready to confront Lucas and claim his rightful place in the vampire hierarchy. The game was afoot, and Ethan was determined to emerge victorious.
YOU ARE READING
Macabre: Story Of Lucas
TerrorWe follow high school student named Lucas into his path of discovering what are his darkest corners of his soul and path of death that he leaves behind. New parts out every week.
