Whispers of The Unseen

Braeking Point

It's been three days since Theo sat with me on the porch, but the restlessness hasn't gone away. If anything, it's worse. Max and Theo have been trying to keep me busy, but their constant hovering is starting to feel like a cage. It's like they're afraid that if they leave me alone for too long, I'll disappear or shatter into a million pieces.

But today, I needed a break. I told them I had errands to run, and while they didn't look thrilled about the idea, they finally gave me some space. I took my car and drove around town for a while, winding through empty streets that felt more like ghost towns than places where people live. The fog is still clinging to the edges of the town, a reminder that the lockdown has left us all in this suspended state of fear.

Now, I'm back at my house, pacing in the living room. I glance at my phone-no messages, no missed calls. It's been quiet, almost too quiet, and that has me on edge. I know I should feel relieved that there haven't been any more attacks, but instead, I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows across the floor, and I catch a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror. There are dark circles under my eyes, my hair a tangled mess from running my hands through it all day. I barely recognize myself anymore.

A noise outside makes me freeze. It's just a small sound, like a branch snapping or maybe the wind picking up, but my mind immediately jumps to the worst-case scenario. I tell myself it's nothing, but my feet are already moving toward the front door, my heartbeat loud in my ears.

I peek through the window, holding my breath. The street is empty, the houses around me dark and quiet. My neighborhood looks like it's holding its breath, just like I am. I let out a shaky sigh, feeling a little foolish for getting so worked up over nothing. I turn back toward the living room, ready to sink into the couch and pretend like everything's fine, but then my phone buzzes on the table.

It's a message-from an unknown number.

My fingers tremble as I swipe open the text.

Unknown: Alone again, Aria?

I swallow hard, my stomach twisting. My hands start to shake as I type back.

Me: Who is this?

The response comes almost instantly.

Unknown: You know who I am. Or have you already forgotten?

The words send a chill down my spine, but at the same time, that familiar heat flares in my chest. It's like he knows exactly how to get under my skin, how to twist my emotions until I don't know whether I should be terrified or excited. I force myself to take a deep breath, to think rationally, but all I can picture is that mask, those dark eyes staring at me like they see something in me that I can't.

Me: What do you want?

I wait, my hands clenched into fists, my breath coming in shallow gasps. But instead of a reply, my phone buzzes again-this time with a picture. I almost drop the phone when I see it.

It's me, standing in my living room, looking out the front window just moments ago. The photo is grainy, like it was taken from a distance, but there's no mistaking the silhouette of my figure, the tense lines of my shoulders as I scanned the street.

I spin around, my eyes darting to every window, every shadowed corner of the house. The curtains are drawn now, but I feel like I'm being watched, like he's right outside, just beyond the glass. My chest tightens, and I can't breathe. He's close. Too close.

Another message comes in.

Unknown: You really shouldn't leave the curtains open, Aria. You never know who's watching.

I slam the phone down on the table, my breath coming in quick, panicked bursts. I stumble back, nearly tripping over my own feet as I make my way to the kitchen. I grab a knife from the drawer, clutching it tight in my hand as I try to steady my breathing. I'm not sure what I plan to do with it, but it's the only thing that makes me feel like I have any control.

I dial Theo's number with my free hand, pressing the phone to my ear. It rings once, twice, three times-too long. Every second that ticks by feels like an eternity. I'm about to hang up and call again when he finally answers.

"Aria? What's going on?" His voice is sharp, alert.

"He's here," I whisper, my voice trembling. "He's watching me, Theo. He just sent me a picture of myself in the living room."

There's a beat of silence on the other end, and I can hear Theo curse under his breath. "Stay inside. Lock the doors and don't move. Max and I are on our way."

I nod, even though he can't see me, clutching the phone so tightly my knuckles ache. "Hurry."

"We'll be there in ten minutes, okay? Just stay calm."

I hang up and shove my phone into my pocket, gripping the knife so hard that my hand starts to cramp. I double-check the locks on the front and back doors, making sure the windows are all sealed shut. But no matter how many times I check, I can't shake the feeling that it won't be enough. That Ghostface is already inside, hiding somewhere in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Ten minutes has never felt so long.

I pace back and forth, keeping my back to the walls, my eyes darting to every dark corner. The sun is almost gone now, the last light fading from the sky, and the shadows in the house seem to grow deeper, more menacing. I try to keep my breathing steady, to remind myself that Theo and Max will be here soon. But my thoughts are a tangled mess, and all I can hear is the blood pounding in my ears.

There's a knock at the door, and I jump, my heart lurching into my throat. I grip the knife tighter, creeping toward the entryway. I peer through the peephole, and relief crashes over me like a wave when I see Theo's face on the other side.

I fumble with the lock, throwing open the door. "Theo-"

Before I can finish, he pulls me into a hug, his arms tight around me. Max is right behind him, his expression grim as he scans the street.

"We're not letting you out of our sight again," Theo mutters, his breath warm against my hair. "I promise."

Max gives me a reassuring smile, but I can see the tension in his jaw, the worry in his eyes. "We're here now, Aria. It's going to be okay."

I nod, swallowing hard, but even as I let them lead me back into the house, a part of me can't shake the feeling that this is just the beginning. That Ghostface is playing a game with me, and I'm not sure if I'm more afraid of him... or of the part of me that wants to play along.