Beneath the Shattered Sky

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

The next day, Maya and Dante decided to look into the building's history. Maya convinced Dante to meet her at the city archives, an old, musty office tucked away in the corner of the town’s municipal building. 

“I didn’t even know this place existed,” Dante muttered, glancing around at the shelves of dusty records. 

“I did a little digging online,” Maya said, pulling him toward the front desk. “This building is old—really old. If there’s anything weird about it, we’ll find it here.” 

The archivist, an elderly man with thick glasses and a grumpy expression, didn’t seem thrilled to see them. “What are you looking for?” he asked curtly. 

“Records about the Sapphire Heights apartment building,” Maya said. “Anything you have—blueprints, construction permits, ownership history.” 

The archivist grumbled under his breath but led them to a set of filing cabinets. “It’s in there. Good luck finding anything useful.” 

---

They spent hours combing through the files, uncovering a strange and troubling history. 

The building had been constructed in the 1950s by a man named Victor Crowe, a reclusive architect known for his unconventional designs. Sapphire Heights was one of his final projects, and it seemed to have been plagued by problems from the start. 

“This says the original contractor quit halfway through construction,” Dante said, holding up a yellowed document. “He claimed the site was cursed.” 

Maya frowned. “Cursed? That’s ridiculous.” 

“Maybe,” Dante said, “but look at this.” He pointed to a list of accidents during construction—workers falling from scaffolding, mysterious equipment failures, and even a disappearance. 

“And it gets worse,” he added, handing her another document. “Crowe went bankrupt shortly after finishing the building, and he died under mysterious circumstances a few years later.” 

Maya’s stomach churned as she read the report. “What happened?” 

“No one knows,” Dante said. “His body was found in his mansion, but there were no signs of foul play. Just... strange symbols carved into the walls.” 

---

As the pieces fell into place, Maya felt a growing sense of dread. The building wasn’t just old; it was steeped in tragedy and mystery. 

They finally found the blueprints in a large, faded folder. As they studied them, Dante pointed to a section near the elevators. 

“There,” he said. “That’s where the door is.” 

Maya leaned closer, her brow furrowing. “But this doesn’t make sense. There’s no room behind it. It’s just... solid wall.” 

They exchanged a glance, both of them realizing the implications. Whatever was behind that door wasn’t part of the original design. 

---

Back at Maya’s apartment, they spread the documents out on the floor, poring over them again. 

“This still doesn’t explain the crack or the noises,” Maya said. “Or the thing I saw.” 

“It’s like the building has secrets,” Dante said, his voice low. “And that door is one of them.” 

Maya nodded, her determination hardening. “We need to find out more. Someone has to know what’s going on.” 

---

That night, Maya couldn’t stop thinking about Victor Crowe and the strange, tragic history of Sapphire Heights. She was determined to uncover the truth, but a part of her was terrified of what she might find. 

She stared out her window at the darkened building across the street, her mind racing. 

Suddenly, she noticed something—movement in one of the upper floors of the unfinished building where Aiden lived. 

Maya squinted, trying to make out the figure. It was Aiden, standing on the balcony, staring out at the city. 

She grabbed her phone and dialed his number. He answered after a few rings. 

“Maya?” His voice was soft, almost hesitant. 

“What are you doing up there?” she asked. 

“Couldn’t sleep,” he said. “It’s quiet up here. Peaceful.” 

Maya hesitated. “Can I come over?” 

There was a long pause before he answered. “Of course.” 

---

When Maya arrived at the building, Aiden met her at the entrance. He looked tired, his usual confidence replaced by a subdued energy. 

“Is everything okay?” she asked as they rode the elevator up to his floor. 

Aiden nodded. “Just... a lot on my mind.” 

When they reached his apartment, Maya was struck by how sparse it was—just a mattress, a desk, and a few personal items. 

“Sorry for the mess,” Aiden said, scratching the back of his neck. 

“It’s fine,” Maya said, sitting down on the edge of the mattress. “I just wanted to check on you. You’ve seemed... different lately.” 

Aiden sighed, sitting beside her. “I’ve just been stressed. There’s a lot going on with the building and my dad. It’s complicated.” 

Maya nodded, sensing that there was more he wasn’t saying. She reached out, placing a hand on his arm. “You can talk to me, Aiden. About anything.” 

He looked at her, his eyes full of emotion. “I know. And I will. Just... not tonight.” 

Maya wanted to press him, but she could see how tired he was. Instead, she leaned her head on his shoulder, letting the silence settle between them. 

As they sat there, the hum from the door echoed in her mind, a chilling reminder that their secrets were only beginning to unravel.