Beneath the Hidden Price

CHAPTER 01: Shadow of Suspicion

It was late at night, and the soft glow from Alora’s study lamp filled her room. She sat hunched over her desk, scribbling notes and flipping through her textbook. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but her determination to push through was stronger. The silence of the house was interrupted by a soft knock on her door.

Jade peeked inside Alora's room, noticing the dim light spilling from her sister’s desk lamp. “Alora, it’s late,” she said gently. “You’ve been at it for hours. Why don’t you take a break? Maybe we can go out this weekend—grab dinner, see a movie?”

Alora barely glanced up, her pen still gliding across the page. “I can’t, Jade. I need to finish this. I want you to be proud of me.”

Jade walked in and perched on the edge of the bed, concern etched across her face. “Alora, I’m already proud of you. You don’t have to work yourself to the bone for that. You’ve been doing so well. It’s okay to take a breather.”

A soft smile appeared on Alora’s lips, yet it didn’t reach her eyes, which were burdened by unspoken thoughts. She wanted to say more, to open up about the weight she felt, but decided against it. “I just need to finish this one chapter. I’ll rest after that.”

Before Jade could respond, Alora’s phone buzzed on her desk, breaking the moment. She hesitated, brow furrowing as she picked it up and read the message.

An unknown number flashed on the screen: "You don’t know the truth, do you? About your family’s secrets? Meet me if you want to find out."

Alora’s heart raced, a chill creeping up her spine as she stared at the ominous words. Jade noticed her sister’s sudden tension, her concern deepening.

“Who was that?” Jade asked, her tone cautious.

Quickly, Alora locked her phone and forced a casual smile. “Oh, it’s nothing. Probably just a scammer trying to freak me out.”

Jade frowned but chose not to press further. She stood up, giving Alora’s shoulder a comforting pat. “Well, don’t let it get to you. Just... take a break soon, okay?”

Alora nodded, trying to quell the unease settling in her chest. “Yeah, I will.”

As Jade left the room, offering a reassuring smile over her shoulder, Alora's hand instinctively reached for her phone again. She unlocked it, fingers trembling slightly as she re-read the chilling message that seemed to echo in her mind.

Alora whispered to herself, “Who could this be?” The unsettling message lingered in her mind, igniting a mix of fear and curiosity that she couldn’t shake off. Her fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before she typed back, her desire for answers overpowering her caution.

“Who are you? What do you know?” she sent, holding her breath as she hit send.

A moment later, her phone buzzed again, the vibration sending a jolt through her. She quickly glanced at the screen.

Unknown Number: "I can’t explain it here. Meet me at the old street near the café, 11 PM. I’ll tell you everything."

Alora’s heart raced, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. The request felt both thrilling and dangerous, and she couldn't help but wonder what secrets awaited her at that late hour.

Alora sat there for a moment, her thoughts racing. Should she trust this person? What if it was a trap? But the mention of "family secrets" gnawed at her. Jade had been keeping something from her—she could sense it. There were hushed conversations and late nights where Jade would come home looking worn out, like the weight of the world was on her shoulders.