Trapped In Desire

C H A P T E R : 1 - C O R A

Fate has a dark sense of humor.

When I think I've escaped from the ghosts of my dark past, fate always targets the perfect moment to remind me that my life is just a small pawn in its twisted plans.

One fateful mistake.

I did in the past.

One wrong decision.

I'm going to make it in the present.

This time, my life will be over for good.

My eyes lingered on the text message. The message is sent by an unknown sender, with no indication of who might have written it. All I knew I couldn't ignore it.

Unknown number: Your past is waiting to be illuminated. If you don't want the threads to unravel, come to The Secret Den.

I reread my texts for the last time, which I sent him a few days ago.

Me: Who's this? If it's some kind of joke, I'm gonna tear your fucking balls.

Me: Stop this, and tell me who you are?

Unknown Number: Ah, Cora Everly. You're quite the interesting one as I thought. Your past is colorful, to say the least. Let's just say, it's safe with me, but they could be my trump card if needed.

I could feel the mock through the text and I didn't like it.

Wait!

My heart began to race with anticipation, when I noticed the unknown sender mentioned my name, making it clear that someone had known about my ugly past and if I didn't comply, whoever he would expose me.

My mind raced with questions. Who was this keeper of my secrets? I felt like I'd stepped into a SpyxBetrayer novel, where my past mistakes and regrets would come back to haunt me in the presence of a charismatic spy. And, of course, he'd chase me and fall in love with me. Ugh, what was I thinking? This was real life, not some romantic thriller novel. Snap out of it, bitch! Get a grip!

Who knows, maybe he's just messing with me. Everyone has a past, after all. Perhaps he's just tossing stones into a wide river, trying to get a reaction. I'm overthinking this. Nobody knows my past.

Me: I'm gonna block you right now.

The reply was instant before I could block the number.

Unknown Number: You think you're so perfect, but I know the truth.

Unknown number: You left them to burn. Now it's your turn to feel the heat.

Me: What are you saying?

Unknown number: Don't pretend to be innocent, we both know the truth. You smiled while they suffered that night. If you want me to keep quiet, do what I say.

Cold sweats beaded on my forehead. The text made my heart race with fear.

It's pointless arguing whether it's a joke or not. He's aware of something that nobody else knows. I don't even dare think about it, fearing someone will read my mind. But he knows. How?

I started getting paranoid. How did that person find out? What does he know? What will he do with my secret?

I came to get straight to it.

Me: What do you want?

Unknown: Choose your words wisely. 'Want' is a powerful weapon. I might desire your life. Will you give it to me?

Me: Are you out of your fucking mind?

Unknown number: Let's get to the point: I'd like to inform you that you've been chosen to join 'The Secret Den'. Don't worry, there's nothing to be afraid of. I want you to be a part of it.