Marked By Darkness

Chapter 50- The Tension Builds

The morning light seemed almost mocking, bathing the room in a soft glow that contrasted with the darkness lingering in my mind. Last night's events replayed over and over, each moment seared into my memory. Ruhan's sudden disappearance weighed heavily on me, but there was something else gnawing at me thoughts-the voice I'd heard in the garden. It had sounded like my mom.

I grabbed my phone, my hands trembling as I dialed mom's number. My heart pounded in my chest, a sickening anxiety rising within me. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before mom picked up.

"Ruhi!" mom's voice chirped, calm and cheerful as always.

"Mom?" I voice cracked, and she tried to steady herself.

Ruhi- Are you okay? Where are you right now?

Mom seemed surprised by the urgency in my voice.

Mom- I'm fine, sweetie. I'm still at your aunt's house. I need to stay here for a few more days, you know, to help her out.

I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me. But the feeling was fleeting. If mom was still away... then who or what had spoken to me last night?

Ruhi- Okay, mom. Just... stay safe, alright?

I murmured, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

Mom- Of course, I will. Take care of yourself too, Ruhi.

Mom replied with a note of concern before hanging up.

After some hours suddenly I stared at the phone in my hand, my thoughts racing. Alone in the house, the weight of isolation pressed down on me. Desperation clawed at my chest, and I quickly dialed Anshi, my fingers tapping anxiously against the side of the phone.

Anshi- Hey, Ruhi! Everything okay?"

Anshi's voice sounded warm but distant.

Ruhi- Anshi, I... I don't know. I'm alone at home, and I don't feel safe.

I admitted, my voice shaky. I needed to tell someone about the unsettling fear crawling under my skin.

Anshi's tone softened.

Anshi- I wish I could come over, but I'm out of town for a job interview. Don't worry, though. You're strong, Ruhi. You'll be okay.

We talked for a little while longer, but the pit in my stomach didn't ease. After hanging up, my gaze drifted toward the pendant lying on the table. It seemed to almost pulsate under the dim light, mocking me with its presence. Everything had started the moment I found it the nightmares, the strange voices, the car incident.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind battling between reason and instinct. Slowly, I picked up the pendant, feeling its cold weight in my hand. Why is this happening? The thought lingered as the familiar chill crept up my spine.

My phone rang again, making me jump. It was Ruhan.

"Ruhi!" Ruhan's voice was urgent, almost panicked.

Ruhan- Listen to me. You need to leave the house-right now. And stay away from that pendant. Something's not right.

My heart raced as I looked down at the pendant in my hand.

Ruhi- What do you mean? I just... I don't understand.

Ruhan- Ruhi, trust me! That pendant-

Ruhan's voice cut through the phone, but before he could finish, a searing pain shot through my hand. I gasped, dropping the pendant as it burned my skin. My hand throbbed, the pain unbearable, and I stumbled back, staring at the pendant on the floor.

Ruhi- Ruhan, it just burned me!

I whispered, my voice trembling in shock.

Ruhan- Ruhi? Ruhi! Get out of there, now!

Ruhan's voice was filled with worry on the other end of the call.

But before I could move, the main door slammed shut with a deafening thud, causing me to freeze in place. My breath caught in my throat, my heart pounding against my ribs. I tried to move, but it was like the house itself was trapping me.

Ruhi- Oh no...

Ruhan- Ruhi! What happened?

Ruhan's voice crackled through the phone.

I pressed the phone against my ear, trying to control my panic.

Ruhi- Ruhan... the door-it just closed on its own. I think... something's about to happen.

Then the line went dead.

---

Ruhan's POV...

My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I sped through the narrow streets, my mind racing. The moment the call disconnected, a pit of dread had settled in my chest. I had warned her. I knew something was wrong, but it was worse than I had feared.

My phone remained gripped tightly in my hand, my knuckles white as I tried to call her again. The phone rang once, twice, and then silence. No answer.

Ruhan- Come on, Ruhi, pick up.

I muttered under my breath, my pulse quickening with each passing second. Every fiber of me being screamed that she was in danger, that I needed to get to her before it was too late.

The streets blurred past as I accelerated, my thoughts only on Ruhi. I could only hope that when I arrived, I wouldn't be too late.

As the house came into view, my stomach dropped. The ominous energy surrounding the place was palpable, and the air felt thick with something dark, something ancient. I pulled the car to a sharp stop and jumped out, rushing toward the door.

I had to save her.