Villa Nettiea

CHAPTER 18

"Edgar did not answer the call. His secretary said he left this morning and hasn't returned yet." Ailyn said this to Gulf, who was clearly stressed. 

She was worried because nothing was happening with Gulf's plans, and it was getting worse because of Tyronne Alexander, who was always watching his boss. Gulf ignored him and seemed indifferent, but deep down, he was also anxious. He often received flowers and chocolates, but a few days ago, he received a hand covered in blood. There was also a note that said, "Consider it done." Gulf suspected who it might be but didn't want to be complacent, and it seemed impossible for that person to do this. He continued teaching at the university. He was also keeping Thara safe and monitoring Narrine, whom he was worried about because he had become quiet, far from his usual cheerful and smiling self. He was even being secretive with Thara as well.

Narrine's POV:

"We're friends, right?" I looked at Thara, understanding what she meant. Over these past weeks, I feel like a different person. I'm confused. The texts, the letters I've been receiving—I don't know anymore. I don't know who I can trust. I want to see the person behind all this, and congratulations to him because he's succeeded in messing with my head. I can't tell my family; I know Thara's been talking to them, and they've also grown close to Sir Thana after the times I've fainted due to stress, both academic and personal. He said he'd protect me. And that I should stay away from Thara—why? I don't understand. Who am I? Why does everyone feel the need to protect me? Is it related to something from my childhood, something I still can't remember because of my trauma, and that's why my memory hasn't come back even now?

"What are you talking about?" I looked at Sir Thana, who was currently giving a lecture. Even he's always following me around, treating me like his own son. Even though my mom and dad asked him to watch over me because of my illness, there's something different about the way he treats me. Should I say thank you? But as time goes on, I'm starting to feel afraid of them. "Just focus on the discussion. Don't mind me."

"Narrine!" I quickly turned around. It was Mercy, one of the members of Mild's organization.

"I've told you so many times already—we're not going!" Thara snapped, surprising me. Why was he so angry?

"Why are you mad at her? And what are you refusing to join? Is there something I don't know?" Mercy looked hesitantly between Thara and me. "Just say what you came here to say," I urged.

"There's an event in our org," Mercy began nervously, with Thara staring at her seriously. "Mild mentioned you wouldn't be able to join, since we have a tour planned. And with All Souls' Day coming up, we thought it was the perfect chance to visit and communicate with some of the unsettled souls."

"I get it. I'm going."

"Narrine—"

"If you don't want to go, fine. But I'm going," I said firmly. "I'm not a child who needs constant supervision." I turned to Mercy. "When is it?"

"It's on Saturday. And don't worry, we already have transportation and food prepared for the two-day trip."

"Where are you going?" Thara asked.

"To the famous horror house up north, Villa Nettiea."

"V-Villa N-Nettiea," I stammered, looking at Mercy. "That sounds familiar."

"It should! The residents there were pretty well-known. Johnny said it's an old house once owned by an alumni couple—a same-sex couple from this school."

"Are you okay?" Thara asked, concerned. "How are you feeling? Should I take you to the hospital?"

"Don't!" I warned Thara. "Go on," I urged Mercy.