In the city of Ashbourne, Darcy Blaze warned her best friend, paranormal investigator Silas Ember, about a dangerous case,
Ignoring Darcy, Silas delved deeper. The same night, Silas was found dead.
As dark secrets surface, Darcy confronts the malev...
The following artworks are not mine; credit goes to the original artists. I'm using them solely as examples.
"You seem off today, what are you thinking about?"
I snap out of my thoughts at Mitchell's sudden question. She's right. I have been off today, last night's memories replaying over and over: Ava's wounds, the goggles, the woods, the black figure. I didn't know what happened after I left, as Ava said she needed sleep. I wonder what their parents' reaction was to her wound on the left wrist. I might visit them tonight.
"Where do I keep this book?" I dodge her question, and she doesn't seem to mind.
"Keep it on the shelf according to its genre," she replies. Of course, I know this. I nod and check the book's genre. Horror. I start walking to the horror section. For some reason, I feel like someone's watching me, and I'm sure as hell it isn't that old creep. Ignoring the gaze, I reach the section and carefully place the book on the shelf. As I do, something falls with a low thud. I turn around after setting the book in its place. There's no one between the shelves except me. I tilt my head to the left and spot a book on the floor. Did it fall by itself, or did someone push it on purpose? I sigh, pick it up, and put it back in its place.
As I head out of the section, I take my phone out of my pocket and see three missed calls from Si. I had kept my phone on silent because librarians aren't supposed to use it while at work—only in case of an emergency. I open the messages app and send her a text.
Me: Hey, sorry. You know I can't use my phone at work, right? I'll call you once my shift is over.
After sending the text, I slide my phone back into my pocket. I walk to the sitting area and scan the room. There are about seven people quietly reading, each absorbed in their own world. My gaze stops on an empty table with four empty seats, except for a book on the table. The table is in a secluded corner behind some shelves, perfect for couples or anyone wanting to be alone. It's my favorite spot, where I sit whenever I have free time or small breaks.
As I reach the table and take a seat, an unknown smile forms on my face. Ah, it's so comfortable here, away from everyone else's presence. I spread my hands on the table and pick up the book.
I read the title: Famous arts by Keith Wolfe The fonts are white, ornate, and slightly Gothic. The cover is black. The book is thin, with about 25 pages. I open it. The first page reads "KEITH WOLFE" in bold, metallic letters. I flip to the index page, listing ten arts with their respective page numbers. The next page is empty and white. I flip again.
My jaw drops when I see the first painting. The title is The Watcher. It is creepy and dark. I drink in the details of the art.
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I flip to the next page. Another painting, equally unsettling.
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The artwork is clear and vivid, considering how creepy it is. I continue flipping through the pages, admiring each piece until I reach the final page.
"NOT FOR SALE" is written in big capital letters. Realization hits me. Although this library has some artworks by various artists, there has never been a book like this here. People often bring books from outside to read in the library for its peaceful ambiance, but something about this book feels unsettling. I close the book and take it with me, hurrying to the counter and ignoring Mitchell's curious look. I slide the book into my bag.
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After my shift ended, around 7:30 pm (it ends at 8 pm), I say bye to Mitchell. Halfway outside, after climbing down the stairs, I take my phone out and check my socials. I see that Si has replied to my text.
Si: Come over soon.
That's all it said.
Obviously, I start heading to her place. I get on a bus, where two empty seats are available. I take the window seat. As the bus starts moving, I feel someone sit beside me. I don't really care until they speak up.
"Blaze?"
I turn to look and, to my surprise, it's Harrison Stone. It's been years since I've seen him. He's a doctor. I used to get treatment from him whenever I fell sick. My mom introduced me to him when I was 18. Now he looks like he's around 35. But I stopped visiting him a year later because of some issue.
"Oh, it's surprising to see you after a long time, Mr. Harrison," I say, forcing a smile.
"Oh, please, call me Harry. Just Harry." He smiles.
I nod. "If you insist," I say.
I speak again. "I stopped visiting your hospital because—" I start, but he cuts me off, shaking his head.
"No, don't be. It's fine. I heard what happened, and I'm so sorry you had to go through that," he says understandingly.
"Thank you."
"You know, you can start visiting me again if you're concerned about your health. I don't mind treating you for free," he says. Why in the world is he offering me such a thing?
"I appreciate your offer, but I am making some money now," I say.
"Sure, you're a big girl now."
That sounded so bad, I swear.
Silence fills the air for a while. Once my stop arrives, I stand up to get off the bus. Harry, the lorry bastard, doesn't give me space to walk out, so I have to squeeze through, my ass brushing against his hand. Ew.
"See you soon, Blaze," he says.
☆ ○ ☆
Now at Silas's place, the power is out, so we're sitting on the porch and talking.
"They what?" I ask.
"Her parents took her last night as soon as they figured out what had happened, even though we both pleaded," Si says.
"She wasn't supposed to leave. She was supposed to be under our watch. What the hell?" I say.
"I know. I don't know if her parents will allow us to—" Before she can finish her sentence, her phone rings. She takes the call, her eyes widening a bit as she sees the contact name. She answers the call after a deep breath, putting it on speaker so I can hear.
"Hello?" I hear a voice of panic from the other end. It must be Ava's mom.
"Yes, Aunty?" Si asks, her voice slightly cracking. We both hear loud screams in the background. It's Ava's voice. It's hers.
"I don't know wh-what's happening to Ava! Sh-she isn't allowing us close to her. She's screaming. We-we don't know what to do! Please come!" she cries.
