Secrets In The Shadows

Chapter 17: Did I Play A Role In This?

Once my uncle and Detective Grey head back to the station, I shadow travel back to my room. This time avoiding the shadowy strands. Once in my room, a wave of fatigue washes over me so strong and fast that I almost fall to my knees.

Instead I collapse onto my bed, on my back. I stare at my white ceiling, unsure of what to focus on first. The shadowy strands or the killer's fascination with me.

Is it even a fascination at this point? Or is it an obsession? And if so for how long?   I shake my head to clear my thoughts.  My Uncle said that I may have done something for the killer to escalate. What did I do? The only thing I did was go the funeral....and sit next to Maddox.  With that new information, I talk to the Unsub. 

You saw me at the funeral, you came their to view your handiwork. You saw me sitting with Maddox and that made you angry for some reason. Maybe you felt like he wasn't worth my time and that I made a mistake by sitting with him. Maybe you got jealous. Maybe both?

I remember the feeling of eyes on me. 

You were definitely at the funeral. You needed a distraction from your on coming anger so you decided then and there that you would kill someone later on. If what my Uncle said about Quesa and Mr. Wilson is true, then you probably saw something at the funeral.

Maybe you always meant to kill them, but not in this order. Is there even an order anymore at this point or will you just continue going off script?

I think of the flowers and the poem I received. 

I've watched and loved you from afar too long

It hurts to be away from you, but I shall stay strong

For I know the love we have is real

And for us to be together I am not afraid to kill

Know that, when I am through

It will just be me and you

Huntress Winters, You And I

Together for eternity

Do or Die?

I don't think there's anyway I can forget the poem, even if the police confiscated it as evidence or a clue. I try to dissect the meaning behind the words. What the first line is, that's obvious. You've planned this for some time, which means you know how this ends. And because of that, you hold the cards. 

The second, third, and fourth lines connect with each other. You've convinced yourself that we're in love and that killing people is the answer for us to be with one another. Why though, I have no idea. The fifth and sixth line though, mirror the seventh and eighth line.

The eighth line....Together for Eternity...Do you plan to kill me when this is over? A murder/ suicide sort of way? I don't think you plan on kidnapping me. As of now, there's no telling what you have planned next.

It was bold of you to personally deliver the gift to me but cowardice to do so in the night. You're not ready to reveal yourself yet. I wonder if I know you...are you a student or a teacher? Or someone else who I don't suspect entirely....

I sigh and close my eyes, letting out a breath of air. Too many questions and all of them have no answers.  Enough about the killer, for now at least. Now its time to focus on those shadowy strands. 

I've never been able to do that. And the last time I was in the Shadow Domain(as I've called it) was when I was 14 and that was when Tress let me in willingly. I never saw those strands. Maybe they were always there and I just never paid any attention to them.

I bring my left hand to my face and slowly move my fingers in up and down motions. I can feel the shadows on the wall obeying my command. I was able to feel people's emotions mixed with their thoughts. Including the killer's. 

I wish Mom was here to help me answer my questions.

I sigh. A yawn erupts out of my mouth. Time for bed. I roll over to my side and go to sleep, with plans to practice my newly discovered abilities more tomorrow in my head.