Beneath the Veil of Shadows

Chapter 33

Ezra’s eyes lingered on the darkened walls of his temporary refuge, the flickering shadows reflecting the storm raging within him. For five years, he had stayed hidden, carving out a life of quiet isolation, his existence reduced to a series of false names and empty rooms. Now, with Sapphire’s haunting revelation ringing in his ears—She is awake.—his world tilted on its axis.

Sofia, his sister, was alive.

He paced the confines of his small, cramped space, his body restless and his mind fractured. Five long years. Five years of running, hiding, and wondering if this day would ever come. Every nerve in his body urged him to rush to her side, to protect her from the shadows that had hunted their family for so long. But something else—an instinct sharpened by survival—warned him to stay hidden. Stepping back into the light now wasn’t just dangerous. It could be fatal.

Ezra stopped his pacing, his gaze drawn to a faded photograph lying on the nightstand. It was the only personal object he still carried with him. In the picture, he and Sofia stood by the water’s edge, sunlight in their hair, and carefree smiles on their faces. A lifetime ago. He traced his thumb over the edge of the image, feeling the familiar ache of memory.

For years, Sofia had been more than just his sister. She had been his lifeline, the only piece of home he had left. But what if he wasn’t enough to protect her? What if stepping out from the shadows only drew more danger her way?

She needs you. Sapphire’s words had been relentless in his mind since she had spoken them. Needed him. But the world they were caught in wasn’t as simple as that. Did she truly understand the weight of those words, the risk involved? Ezra had no doubt about Sapphire’s resolve. She had poured her heart and soul into Sofia’s case, working relentlessly to uncover the truth. But how much did she really know about the darkness that had consumed their lives?

Ezra’s heart ached with indecision. His breath hitched as doubt clawed at his chest. He had built his existence on lies, taking up false identities, keeping the truth buried deep. But now, with Sofia awake, was it enough to simply keep hiding? Could he really stay away?

The silence in the room was suffocating. He glanced at the photo one last time before tossing it back onto the table. He couldn’t hide forever. Not anymore.

With a deep breath, Ezra reached for his phone. His fingers hovered over Sapphire’s number, hesitation clinging to him like a second skin. The weight of his decision bore down on him, a chill creeping up his spine. Was it his only chance to reclaim the last piece of his shattered family?

Finally, with trembling fingers, he pressed the call button.

It rang once, twice, before Sapphire’s voice broke through the static. “Ezra?” Her tone was a mix of relief and urgency, though she had never expected this call.

“I am coming,” he said simply. His voice was steadier than he felt, but he wasn’t sure what else to say. There was no turning back now.

Sapphire’s pause was brief, but the surprise was evident. “I will reserve a room for you to stay in. Where are you?”

Ezra’s instincts flared up. After years of hiding, he wasn’t about to give away his location so easily. “I will find my way to you,” he replied, keeping his voice neutral.

“Be careful,” Sapphire warned, her voice dropping lower.

Ezra scanned the dim room, every shadow now alive with threat.

“I always am,” he muttered before ending the call.

Once the call was over, Ezra moved quickly. There was no time to waste. Every second spent standing still was a second closer to being caught. He packed his few belongings in silence—a change of clothes, some identification papers, and the black duffel bag he kept ready for emergencies. As always, he left no trace behind. When he slipped out into the night, it was as though he had never been there at all.