Flicker AE: Shadows Of Leronzo

Chapter 4 | Seclusion, Your Dying Heartbeat A Harmonic Melody

Elizabeth's body was discovered on the balcony, her leg bound to a rope as her lifeless form hung over the railing.

The tape covering her mouth seemed to scream of desperation and agony, a haunting testament to the horrors that had unfolded in their midst. Her waist was sliced open, seemingly with a knife, fresh blood still pouring rapidly out of it.

"Oh my God," Jo whispered, her face going pale. "How the hell did this happen?"

Lukey's eyes widened with a mix of anger and fear. "Someone here did this. One of you men, no doubt. Only a coward would resort to something so despicable."

The accusation hung heavy in the air, the tension between the group members escalating. Qasim's face darkened, his usual pessimism now tinged with a palpable sense of dread.

"We can't just start turning on each other," Haneen said firmly, her voice the only anchor in the chaos. "But we do need to find out who did this."

Reza nodded, his expression grim. "We need to figure out who had the opportunity and the means. This wasn't random; it was calculated."

Mike, who had been silent until now, spoke up cryptically. "The shadows hide many truths. One must peer beyond the veil to see the puppet strings."

"Can you please speak like a normal person?" Mason snapped, frustration creeping into his voice. "We're dealing with a goddamn murder here."

Sabrina and Charlie, both timid and frightened, clung to each other. "W-what do we do now?" Sabrina asked, her voice trembling.

"Let's figure this out," Reza said, taking charge. "Stay together, again. Splitting up will only make us more vulnerable."

The group huddled closer, their initial relief at surviving the night now overshadowed by the grim reality of their situation.

They had survived the darkness, but the real threat had revealed itself in the harsh light of dawn.

As the group stood in shock and disbelief, Qasim's pessimism took a sharp turn into suspicion. He turned his gaze towards Lukey, his expression darkening with accusation.

"Hold on a minute," Qasim's voice cut through the tense air. "Lukey, why were you at the balcony before dawn? And why were you the first to find Elizabeth's body?"

Lukey's eyes narrowed, a defensive edge creeping into his tone. "I... I was just... I couldn't... I was restless, okay?! So, I went out for some air. That's all," he replied, his words lacking conviction.

Haneen, ever the voice of reason, intervened before the situation could escalate further. "Not yet, everyone," she urged, her voice calm but firm. "We need evidence before accusing anyone."

Reza, ever pragmatic, nodded in agreement. "As much as I hate to say it, she's right. Accusations without proof would only drive us away from the truth."

Jo, her eyes still wide with shock, added, "Everyone, you must think logically. Not emotionally. It was a common practice during my time in B-Komachi."

Mason, unable to contain his frustration, muttered under his breath, "This is absolutely ridiculous. We're all suspects until proven innocent?"

... ... ...

Qasim discretely took out his iPronzo, ensuring no one else noticed, and checked the notification he had received.

Elizabeth was visited by Lukey.
Bailey was visited by Joshua.

He pocketed the device quickly, not wanting to draw any attention.