Bound By Sin

Warned By Ana.

Anastasia paces nervously, her hands wringing together. Nathaniel and Victoria sit on the couch, concern etched on their faces, a low hum of tension filling the room.

"Mom, Dad, I really think something's off with Nicholas."

"Anastasia, we've talked about this. Everyone's on edge with all the murders happening. It's not unusual for people to act differently." Victoria sighs.

"No, listen! Every time he gets called in for questioning, he panics. He's more scared than anyone else in the group." Anastasia stops to face them, her eyes wide.

"Scared doesn't mean guilty, Ana." Nathaniel raises an eyebrow.

"But think about it! He's always been a little intense, and now it's like he's spiraling. He can't even look anyone in the eye when they mention the police!" Anastasia says urgently.

Victoria shifts uneasily in her seat, exchanging a worried glance with Nathaniel.

"It is strange how nervous he gets. But that doesn't automatically make him a suspect. Stress affects people differently." Victoria says hesitantly.

"But it would make sense! Maybe he's panicking because he knows something—like he's scared he'll get caught!" Anastasia says frustrated, her voice rising.

Nathaniel uncrosses his arms, leaning forward slightly, his interest piqued.

"What exactly do you mean by "knows something"? Are you suggesting he's involved?" Nathaniel asks curiously.

" I don't know! I just feel like there's something he's not telling us. I mean, he's always been so close to Genevieve, and now it's like he's... different. He barely even talks to her anymore!" Anastasia insistent, her hands shaking.

Victoria frowns, concern knitting her brow.

"It's natural for people to change under stress, Ana. We've all felt it. Maybe he's just trying to cope." Victoria softens her tone.

"But what if he's not just changing? What if it's something darker? I just can't shake this feeling. You have to understand!" Anastasia says, her voice cracking.

Nathaniel rubs the back of his neck, considering her words. The weight of the situation hangs heavily in the air.

"Let's say for a moment that you're right. What do you think we should do? Confront him?" Nathaniel sighs.

"We should at least talk to Genevieve! She deserves to know what we're thinking. I mean, if there's any chance he could be a threat..." Anastasia says with a determined tone.

"Hold on. We don't want to jump to conclusions. Accusing Nicholas without proof could ruin friendships." Victoria interjects.

"But what if it's too late? What if we find out too late? Look at how the town's changed! No one feels safe." Anastasia says in a pleading tone.

Nathaniel and Victoria exchange glances again, the seeds of doubt now visibly planted in their minds.

"We'll keep an eye on him, okay? But we can't jump to conclusions without evidence." Nathaniel says slowly.

"Right. Just... be careful how you talk about this with Genevieve. She might not take it well." Victoria nods.

Anastasia nods, though her expression remains anxious. She takes a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension.

"I know. But I just feel like something's really wrong. If it is him... I can't let Gen get hurt." Anastasia says softly.

Nathaniel leans back in his seat, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Maybe we could invite Nicholas over, just to gauge how he's been acting. Keep it casual." Nathaniel spoke.

"That could work. We don't want to be confrontational. If he's innocent, then we might ease his tension." Victoria nods.

"But what if he isn't innocent? What if he's just putting on an act?" Anastasia frowns.

The atmosphere hangs heavy with uncertainty. Nathaniel leans forward, speaking earnestly.

"We'll figure it out, Ana. We have to stay level-headed. Accusations can spiral out of control, especially now." Nathaniel says calmly.

Anastasia exhales sharply, frustration mingling with fear.

"I just can't stop thinking about those victims. They were just living their lives, and now..." Anastasia says with a firm tone.

Victoria reaches out, placing a comforting hand on Anastasia's shoulder.

"We'll get through this together. We're a family. Just promise us you won't act on your suspicions without talking to us first." Victoria says softly.

Anastasia nods, but her heart feels heavy, knowing that the truth may be lurking just beneath the surface, and the consequences could be dire. The unease settles in as they sit together, each lost in their own thoughts about the darkness creeping into their town.