SHADOW CODE

Uncovering the truth

I stepped onto the rooftop, the city lights blinding me like a thousand tiny knives. The wind whipped my hair into a frenzy, but I stood frozen, sensing eyes on me.

And then, I felt him.

A presence that made my skin crawl, yet drew me in like a moth to flame. I spun around, but saw no one.

"Who's there?" I demanded, my voice shaking slightly.

No answer.

Suddenly, a hand grasped my wrist, spinning me back around. I collided with a chest that seemed carved from granite. My heart raced as I gazed up into eyes that burned like dark stars.

"Who are you?" I whispered, trying to wriggle free.

His grip tightened, his eyes flashing with intensity. "You shouldn't be here," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

I struggled to break free, but he held me fast. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, as if searching for secrets I didn't know I kept.

And then, he vanished.

Leaving me shaken, wondering if I'd imagined the whole encounter.

But the memory of his eyes lingered, haunting me.

I stood there, frozen, as the darkness seemed to swallow him whole. My heart still racing, I tried to process what had just happened. Who was that? And why did I feel like I'd been touched by a stranger, yet somehow, he knew me?

I shook my head, trying to clear the fog. This was ridiculous. I didn't know him, and he didn't know me. It was just a weird encounter. Yet...

Yet, his eyes lingered in my mind, haunting me. Dark, piercing, and intense. I felt like he'd seen right through me, into the depths of my soul.

I took a deep breath and turned to leave, but my feet felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot. The city lights blurred around me, and for a moment, I thought I saw him standing in the shadows, watching me.

No, I told myself firmly. I'm just spooked.

But the feeling persisted.

As I finally turned to leave, I stumbled upon a small piece of paper on the ground. A note, scribbled in hasty handwriting:

"We'll meet again, Vynessa. Soon."

My heart skipped a beat.

How did he know my name?

I felt a chill run down my spine as I read the note again. How did he know my name? And what did he mean by "we'll meet again"? I tried to shake off the feeling of unease, telling myself it was just a prank. But the words lingered in my mind, echoing with an unsettling intensity.

I crumpled the note in my hand, determined to forget the whole encounter. But as I turned to leave, I saw him again. Standing in the shadows, watching me.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I ran.

Down the stairs, out of the building, and onto the streets. I didn't stop until I reached my apartment, gasping for breath.

But even as I locked the door behind me, I knew I couldn't escape.

He was out there, watching me. Waiting for me.

And I had a feeling that our encounter was only the beginning.

I tried to distract myself with work, but my mind kept drifting back to him. Who was he? And what did he want from me?

As the night wore on, I found myself checking the locks for what felt like the hundredth time. I knew it was irrational, but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was out there, waiting for me.