Secrets Of The Shadows | On Hold

Ch•1

It was the middle of December, a time when many people ventured out to shop and prepare for the Christmas festivities. The world around her buzzed with activity, yet one individual remained detached from the holiday rush. She occupied a seat by the window in the library, her elegant long hair flowed down behind her. Her brown bangs cascading over her forehead, which seemed almost inviting to a kiss.

Her reading glasses rested atop a book titled "10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in This Strange World." This particular book resonated with her on a profound level, as it explored the notion that, in our final moments, our minds recall the significant events and individuals that have shaped our lives.

The gentle patter of rain interrupted her engrossing read. She glanced out the window, realizing that the rain had begun to fall. The droplets that landed on the glass trickled down, eventually vanishing from sight.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She answered the call upon recognizing the caller ID. "Hey, Mom..." she greeted.

"Tae, why haven't you come home yet? Are you stuck somewhere? Are you safe? Why didn't you call or leave a message?" Her mother inquired, her voice laced with concern.

"Calm down, Mom. I'm fine. I'm at the library, and my phone was dead, so I couldn't leave a message," Tae explained, glancing up at the ceiling.

"I was worried, Tae. I'm just relieved to hear you're okay. Please come home safely," her mother replied, her tone softening.

"Understood, Mom. I'll see you at home. Bye." With that, she ended the call and decided to savor the sound of the rain a little longer.

After about an hour, the rain began to lighten, leaving only a few scattered drops. Taeyong gathered her belongings and prepared to leave the library, donning her headphones and pulling her hoodie over her head. As she stepped outside, she inadvertently collided with a hooded figure whose head was bowed low.

Taeyong's attention was drawn to an amulet worn by a man, inscribed with the phrase 'You are my prey' in italics. She found the design somewhat antiquated but dismissed it and exited the location after offering a brief apology. Subsequently, Taeyong returned home without incident.

"Mom, I'm back!" Taeyong announced as she entered the living room. Shortly thereafter, her mother emerged from the kitchen, carrying two plates to set on the dining table. "I'm glad you made it home safely, Tae! Go take a shower; dinner will be ready by the time you finish," she instructed, to which she complied.

After a few minutes, they sat down at the table and turned on the television, which was tuned to a news channel reporting a breaking story about a 'Vampire attack near the library.' The broadcast included CCTV footage of the assailant. Although the image was somewhat unclear, Taeyong recognized the individual. She coughed unexpectedly, prompting her mother to pat his back and offer her a glass of water.

The figure in the footage bore a striking resemblance to the person Taeyong had encountered on her way home. "It can't be... how is that even possible?" She muttered to herself. "Do you happen to know that man?" Her mother inquired, noticing her distress, to which she coughed again. "No, I don't. I was just taken aback by the news of a v... vampire attack!" Taeyong replied.

Her mother regarded her for a moment but chose not to press further. "Well, finish your meal and then head to bed," she said, turning off the television and wishing her good night, to which she responded in kind. After placing her plate in the sink, Taeyong retreated to her room, crawling under her blanket while contemplating the earlier news. Perhaps it was merely a foolish rumor intended to instill belief in such supernatural beings. With that thought, she gradually fell asleep.